Dear Temple Beth El Members,

 

We write to report upon the Temple membership's tremendous participation in our drive to collect supplies for the survivors of the devastating Haitian earthquake that occurred last month.

 

Our congregation responded swiftly to this crisis by generously donating an entire 14 foot U-Haul truck's worth of desperately needed materials, including clothing, blankets and medical supplies.  We were able to transport these materials to AFYA, a charitable organization with a depot in Westchester that is supported by the New York Board of Rabbis.  AFYA then arranged for these materials to be flown to Haiti on an airplane used by President Clinton for his charitable efforts. 

 

We commend the spirit with which our congregation responded to the events in Haiti.  It wholly comports with the Torah's teaching to engage in acts of tzedakah and tikkun olam (repair of the world).

 

The humanitarian crisis in Haiti will not be solved by our efforts.  But our efforts, even if they are small when compared to the overall global response to this crisis, will help bring the people of Haiti a little bit closer to being assured of sustenance, dignity, and peace. 

We will continue to monitor the Haiti situation closely and may, in the future, again call upon the membership to help us assist the people of Haiti.

 

All the best,

 

The Temple Beth El Tikkun Olam Council

 

Please contact Brenda Haas (brendaphaas@yahoo.com),
Sheila Schneiderman (sheilasyogi@aol.com),
or Matthew Cantor (cantorjm2@aol.com)
to become more involved.