The House Colander
June 25, 2008
Social Action
(1 comments)
 By dcc
My dad is a science guy and likes to explain things like floods, earthquakes and mega-storms in terms that none of us can understand. But last week, at the height of the Midwest flooding, he handed me his copy of the LA Times and said, "That bridge is a house colander."
He was referring to the picture of houses that had been swept off their foundations and flowed downriver until they were jammed against a steel-beamed bridge. Now, this engineering marvel, which usually towers over the river below, was reduced to stopping homes from continuing their trip down river. This is no time for explanations - it is time for action.
For years the Union has been know for its relief funds. Individuals, congregations and other groups know that if a check is sent to the Union's relief funds, 100% of the money will find its way into the hands of those who need it most. From natural to man-made disasters and everything in between, the Union sends funds to areas in need in record time. These Midwestern floods are no different. And some very interesting people are taking note of the Union's services.
Melissa J, a Barack Obama blogger, is calling supporters to donate to our relief efforts and has thanked the Union for Reform Judaism for its leadership on the issue.
While the Union and all other organizations affiliated with RJ.org do not and will not endorse any candidates for any office in the United States, I am happy to see that a prominent social activist has recognized the Union for its relief work. I for one am proud to be working here.
But Melissa J, who lives in the middle of some of the worst flooding (and is a member of Temple Judea in Cedar Rapids), said it best: "Now that the floodwaters are receding, the difficult and dangerous work of clean-up and rebuilding has begun."
So our work has just begun; please give generously.
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Thanks so much for linking to my blog!
The Temple Judah community in my hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, will always be a part of my extended family -- and it is just devastating to see such complete destruction from this natural disaster.
That's why I have been working so hard to publicize the good work of the URJ, who has responded to this tragedy with a relief effort.
My synagogue community in my new Virginia home, Temple Rodef Shalom, and our local Community Jewish Day School, Gesher JDS, have also advertised the URJ's relief effort in weekly email newsletters. And the people of Northern Virginia have responded with donations and messages of support to the Temple Judah community.
I only hope that by advertising and blogging about the URJ's Relief Fund others will also be inspired to give. The US Midwest sure needs some Tikkun Olam right now. Together, we can repair this small part of our world. Yes we can.
B'Shalom,
Melissa