This week, our hearts go out to those affected by the devastating fires in Los Angeles. The path of destruction left by these raging fires is unimaginable, leaving many in a time of deep uncertainty and pain.
For starters, let’s make it a priority to reach out to anyone we know who might be affected or who has family in the area. A simple check-in can provide tremendous comfort and strength. Sometimes, just knowing someone cares is all they need to forge ahead.
Secondly, a number of my colleagues and their Chabad centers and/or communities have been directly affected and are in need of immediate support. Please consider sending relief assistance by clicking here.
In addition, let us engage in heartfelt prayer that these fires come to an end and that those impacted are granted safety, strength, and peace.
At Rochel’s Bat Mitzvah this past Wednesday, I shared a remarkable story of resilience, faith and which speaks of the power of prayer.
Sapir Cohen, one of the hostages taken during the October 7th attacks, was freed after 55 harrowing days. In a twist of divine providence, six months before the attack, Sapir felt a sense of unease. She sought medical advice but came up with nothing substantive. She stumbled upon an Instagram post encouraging the recitation of Psalm 27 daily for 30 days for health and blessings.
Though it would be her first time ever praying, she committed to the practice and concluded her 30 days on October 7th, having memorized the chapter. To her surprise, Psalm 27 didn’t speak about health but instead about salvation from war. She wondered about its relevance to her, until the 30th day when she was unfortunately taken hostage.
During her captivity, Sapir continued to recite Psalm 27 daily, which opens with the words “G-d in my light and my salvation”. It gave her the strength to endure and inspired her to find purpose in the darkness. She cared for younger hostages, ensuring they had food, and even the captors recognized her light, saying, “You are my enemy, but you are light.”
This story reminds us of the power of prayer, a tool used by Jewish people in circumstances of joy or sorrow, that transcends time and space. We too can utilize this incredible gift to pray for our brothers and sisters facing hardship in Los Angeles. Let us pray for an end to the raging fires, for the safety of the people, and that they find the strength to rebuild in due time.
Let us also continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Israel and the courageous soldiers of the IDF, that they be blessed with an immediate and miraculous victory, bringing an end to the bloodshed. Let us pray that they are shielded from harm and granted strength, courage, and lasting peace. Amen.