By Rabbi Danielle Upbin
After the Wreckage:
Streets transformed into rivers.
Midnight rescues from rooftops,
trapped in homes and cars, as waters raged.
“Could this be happening?” some wondered too late.
Our protecting Mound shrugged.
The world watched as Helene unraveled our homes and businesses,
with water reaching windows, streets engulfed by the Gulf.
In the wake of the surge, cars filled with sand, boats stranded miles from docks.
First floors flooded, property lost—countless losses,
a post-Apocalypse wake-up call.
As we survey the wreckage,
we turn to each other—helping, sorting, preserving.
Ice runs for those without power;
we salvage what we can.
We know the drill: we rebuild, we move forward,
recognizing that “the way it’s always been” is gone.
We only have what comes next.
On the eve of Renewal, a sliver of new moon above,
the Psalmist fills the void:
“The ocean sounds, O LORD, the ocean sounds its thunder… more majestic than the breakers of the seas, the LORD, majestic on high.” (Psalm 93).
What can we learn beyond preparedness? We are called to be kinder, to acknowledge that actions have reactions, to honor Earth and our connection to it. We must resolve to be better co-creators.
A Prayer:
El Elohei HaRuchot L'chol Basar (God of the Winds and of All Flesh!), we turn to You for help in our resolve to tread gently on this planet. Re-source us with Your sheltering care. Illuminate the darkness of this new era, guiding us to build a world that reflects Your majesty.
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