In light of recent events in Houston, Rabbi Segal sent the following email to the Shalhevet community on August 28:

Dear Shalhevet Community,

The first day of school is just around the corner, and with it comes an unmistakable mood of excitement spurred by new beginnings and new possibilities. Concurrently, our brothers and sisters in Houston, Texas, caught in the thicket of Hurricane Harvey, are enduring the struggle of a lifetime. As a former resident of that city and having lived through a number of hurricanes and floods, I can tell you that these natural disasters are nothing new to the incredible people of Houston – but the devastation and destruction wrought by this relentless storm and its aftermath is, according to many of my friends and colleagues, unprecedented.

Throughout the ordeal, Atara and I have texted with our friends in Houston, seeking opportunities to help in any way possible. We have discussed sending care packages, student volunteers to assist in the cleanup, and other possibilities. I will update you on whether there’s a need for that (for now they are waiting for the storm to pass so they can assess the full scope of the damage), and I know that we as a community will step up to the plate.

One particular need, however, is for certain: money. Although the extent of the damage is as of yet undetermined, the bill will undoubtedly extend into the billions and take several years to fully recover. Most families in Houston do have flood insurance, but in many cases, it’s not nearly enough to get them back on their feet and, unfortunately, a number of families did not have flood insurance. They need money to cover the basic necessities and to get them back on their feet.

So today I am sharing with you several links to donate:

This is a link to the Jewish Federation of Houston donation page. I know many of the incredible people who work at the Federation and I feel confident that every dollar given to this organization will be used wisely to help those in need

This is a link to the United Orthodox Synagogue donation page. Rabbi Barry Gelman is a dear friend and his shul and community has been decimated. Donations to his discretionary fund will be used to help families with the most basic of needs.

This is the OU’s donation page.

In addition, it is important as a community of faith that we support our brothers and sisters both financially and spiritually. As such, the Orthodox Union has arrange for Tehillim to be said and messages of hope to be sent. Click here to sign up.

It is precisely in these moments when we must underscore for our children that acheinu kol beis Yisrael is more than a nice kumzits song – it’s a central value, a way of life, a sacred responsibility to help people in their time of need.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Ari Segal,

Head of School, Shalhevet High School