NOLA Jewish Community

[Sgent]

As many here may (or may not) know, NOLA had one of the largest Jewish communities in the south, with at least a half dozen shuls. At least a few are currently under water.

My prayers go to them, and they are remembered every time we have a minion. Although my family was fortunately able to get clear, I imagine there are those who couldn't.

Keep them in mind this Shabbos.

[leftynyc]

1. I have a cousin from NO who we didn't hear from for 5 days

She evacuated with her husband and they are in their other home in Covington. We're trying to figure out how to get a generator to her. It may come down to getting someone to drive it down from NY. She asked us to do all we could for the people in the convention center and are now in the Astrodome. Those are the most desperate.

[Behind the Aegis]

2. Some places to help...

Here are links to Jewish groups helping with the disaster in the South.

http://urj.org/relief/index.cfm?">Union for Reform Judaism
and
http://www.mazon.org/What_You_Should_Know/Hurricane_Katrina.asp">MAZON, a Jewish Response to Hunger

Don't forget, it is a huge mitzvah to aid and comfort those who can never repay us...animals.
https://secure.hsus.org/01/katrina_relief">The Humane Society

[leftynyc]

3. Thanks for those links

My company is matching donations to the Red Cross but the neighborhood I live in is pulling a cloth drive together and want to do that more locally like to synagogues or churches.

[Behind the Aegis]

4. You are welcome!

We have already donated some. My partner's company, which had its NOLA offices destroyed, is doing a fundraiser and will match our donations. Although I am unemployed, we have been blessed with a bonus for my partner's tireless work. Therefore, our windfall, will be come their's! We will donate to the comapny so that our money goes twice as far. However, we are also donating again to the Human Society because they are setting up animal shelters and we have our own little zoo, so animals are important to us. Think I am kidding? See our zoo...and that isn't even all of them! :)

We have no synagogues here, the closest is 70 miles from us. However, we touch base with my kind (he's a goy :)) via the internet! Gots to love technology!

[leftynyc]

8. You're doing a real mitzvah

I'm glad that people are also helping the animals...looks like you're doing your part for animals all on your own (with Tony!!). Very cute critters.

[DemFromMem]

5. Memphis is giving NOLA Jewish community a helping hand

I live in Memphis and we've got between 300 and 500 people from the New Orleans community here. Our community has swung into action to line up housing, financial help, job seeking assistance and more. 25 kids have enrolled in our two Jewish day schools this past week.

The community has also just started an emergency fundraising campaign to assist these evacuees.

Houston is absorbing most, however, because a lot of people have family there. In some cases, it just depends randomly on which direction they picked to evacuate.

If any of you want to contribute to the Memphis Jewish community's fund to aid these families, I can point you in the right direction. We'll need the help.

[bliss_eternal]

6. Anyone still checking on this thread...

Hi, I've never posted to this board before...just wanted to say thank you to all of those that have posted support for NOLA here. Much of my family migrated from NOLA to California many years ago. So to see the area so ravaged--oddly feels very personal...

My family has always said they were, or we are part Jewish. This confused me, as I've thought of this as a faith more than an ethnicity. (?????)

Anyway, just wanted to say thank you!

[Debbi801]

7. In addition to links already posted....

Our Rabbi mentioned this camp: Henry S Jacobs Camp. It is a Jewish camp that is being used for aid workers and evacuees.

Here is the link: www.hsjacobscamp.org