This week we were hit with another ‘unprecedented’ event. Most of us in Houston were severely impacted by a once-in-a-lifetime storm and freezing weather. Millions were left without power and water. If you or someone you know remains in need, please reach out to me and we will do our best to assist.
Like so many others, we lost power in our home for about 45 hours. We spent three cold nights under piles of blankets, while our days were in sweaters, coats or with friends to warm up. As of late Wednesday evening, power and some water pressure have returned, though the 'boil water' advisory remains in effect for now.
This was yet another stark reminder that essentials should never be taken for granted. Even heat and water that we so rely on in the cold of winter, can be taken away from us in an instant.
In our ‘Grace after Meal’ we recite a total of four blessings. Do you know when the fourth one, a prayer of Thanksgiving, was instituted?
It was composed after the Roman conquest of Israel, as a prayer of thanksgiving to G-d, for the Romans finally allowing the Jews to bury the myriad of corpses, more than a decade after they were brutally murdered. Can you believe that? Even in the aftermath of such a horrible tragedy, when there are rays of light or comfort we ought to offer thanks to G-d for them.