Dear Friends:
I write this letter knowing that many of you are still suffering with lack of power, food, heat, internet, and the basic necessities that we have all come to take for granted. Our friends in Hoboken, parts of Jersey City, and Bayonne are still without power, and some are stuck in their houses, unable to leave due to flooding, fallen trees, downed power lines, and/or lack of resources such as gasoline. I have been in touch with several of our spiritual leaders, and can assure you that they are doing everything possible to reach out to all of their congregants and confirm that they are okay and have what they need to get through the rest of this ordeal. Hoboken and Bayonne have opened food banks, charging stations for cell phones and laptops, are providing ice and supplies, and have shelters in various locations throughout these cities for those who cannot remain in their homes. Pharmacies are now open and can fill your prescriptions if you bring in your empty pill bottle.
As a community, we must come together and stay together during this incredibly unusual time of hardship. This is the type of event that will show the world the type of Jewish community that we are in Hudson County and beyond, and is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and help one another. PLEASE, check on your neighbors to the left, and those to the right. Knock on a door, ring a bell, and ask if they are alright, and if they need anything. If you become aware of anyone who is having difficulty in any of our areas, please refer them to email or call their local Rabbi or spiritual leader, as they can help them find resources and assistance. For those of you who may have already gone back to "normal", please think about donating food to a food bank, volunteering at a local shelter, or supplying blankets, clothing, or other items that may be needed in your individual area.
Now is the time to come together and show what we are made of!
We will rebuild better and stronger than before, and become a closer community as a result of getting through this ordeal.
Sincerely,
Michelle Levine, Chairperson
Hudson Jewish Community Forum, A New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation having 501(c)(3) status
"HudsonJewish: Connecting Our Community"
Most synagogue events are cancelled or postponed for Friday, November 2nd and Saturday November 3rd. United Synagogue of Hoboken (USH) plans to hold services (by candlelight) tomorrow Friday, November 2nd at 7pm for those that can safely attend.
So far, we have been notified of the following postponements and/or cancellations;
Temple Beth-El of Jersey City's First Friday program is cancelled for tomorrow, November 2nd, and Cong. B'nai Jacob's special speaker program tomorrow November 2nd is postponed as well. The Bayonne JCC's Sustaining Dinner, scheduled for Saturday night, November 3rd is postponed.
If you have questions regarding other programs, please check the specific synagogue website and/or facebook page for updates. |
