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Another beautiful email

Mon, 5 Nov 2012 3:32:00 PM

"This hasn't been the easiest week. Still no power and it's freezing. Kids (of all ages) going stir crazy. Memories of 1973 ever-present...we leave the house in search of gas....more to get out of the cold house and into a warm car.

After five days...Shabbos was approaching and I began daydreaming of warmth. Warm challah. And chicken soup. And, well, a working furnace.

I reached out to Rabbi G to inquire, hopefully, about First Shabbos... Was he going to hold the community event as usual...(likened after First Friday wine-in-hand, gallery crawls in artsy towns). A quick text came back to me...Yes!

Ok... Something to look forward to other than getting power back on!

I went to my in laws house and told them we would be picking then up at 5 pm to take them with us. They hesitated. No power there either, but inertia can be far more powerful a force than darkness and cold.

I don't take no for an answer.

We loaded up the cars and headed to Toms River. Needed two cars..ugh, the drain on already-rationed gas. No matter, we were on our way.

We arrived to many hellos and a welcome fragrant reminder that our low-hanging-fruit dream, (namely a shiver-less evening) was about to be fulfilled.

And it was. We prayed! We drank and ate! We laughed and sang! We connected with old friends and new.

We were warm at last. And it had nothing to do with chicken soup.

We were home."

From our Inbox:

Mon, 5 Nov 2012 1:17:00 AM

From our inbox:

"Sorry, we can't make it to Shabbat dinner tonight, but I would like to make a deal with you. Can I buy 12 vats of that chicken soup...? That is some chicken soup, it's fantastic even on a regular day, let alone in the cold... and those Matza balls, that was our dinner. We can't thank you enough."

"This past Friday evening, close to 50 people joined the family of Rabbi Moshe and Chanie Gourarie, at Chabad of Toms River, to celebrate Shabbos, with a beautiful Kabbalas Shabbos service and, then, with a delicious hot Shabbos meal. For some, it was their first hot meal of the week. For others, it was their first chance of the week to sit in a well-lit, heated room. B"H, the Chabad House had electricity that night, but, I am convinced that, even if the the power had failed, it would still have been a bright, warm, and comfortable Shabbos. There was too much caring and love to allow the darkness to enter..."

"Shabbos dinner 11-2-12 was very special. So many of us are still experiencing hardship without electricity and heat. Rabbi and Rebbetzin Gourarie, you had a major outreach to the Jewish community in Ocean County. The dinner was a true Shabbos experience in bringing light, warmth, and smiles, and joy to all who attended. Everyone was able to forget the hardships of the past week. You and Chanie showed your own kindness by opening your home and Chabad center to the Jewish community. This was the largest Shabbat dinner with so many new people present..."

"Rabbi and Chanie, wow... everything was so delicious, and we can't believe you drove all the way out here to see us. It warmed our hearts and our hands. ____ was holding the pan in her hands to warm up. Some of our neighbors got their electric back today, that has us hoping we're next..."

Update - Sunday

Sun, 4 Nov 2012 4:14:00 PM

"Teffilin Club" this morning offered bagels and lox and Chanie's home-made hot cheese blintzes. Delicious and warm.

This afternoon I continued to meet and talk with people affected by the storm. We're providing those who need with flashlights, batteries, sweaters, etc. and hot meals. While some have it better than others, each family is struggling with their own story. We continue to pray for everyone affected.

If you, or someone you know, needs a hot Kosher meal, please let us know. We have hot home-made dinners for tonight.

What a Shabbos!

Sat, 3 Nov 2012 7:11:00 PM

What a beautiful Shabbos. Over 50 people joined for a hot delicious Shabbos dinner, plus a beautiful minyan and hot kiddush today.

It's going to drop into the 30s tonight. If you want a warm place to sleep, we have room, please don't hesitate.

Tomorrow morning we have Teffilin Club at 9:30am followed by a hot breakfast. Enjoy the warmth, electricity, and whatever else you want or need.

Update 5

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 3:36:00 PM

Got some calls last night and this morning from other states, with people looking for their loved ones. Went to their homes with some hot food and challa, water and extra flashlights, for shabbos. Miraclously my cellphone worked, so they were able to speak to each other for the first time since Monday.

There are so many people I still want to call/visit, but Shabbos is coming, so we're going to have to spread the warmth and light from within the Chabad House.

There are still people in the cold and dark. Think of anyone you know who might need something, let us know!

Keep in mind, Chabad is open all hours, if you need a shower, do laundry, charge your phone, hang out, or whatever, our doors are open.

Friday:
5:35 candle lighting
5:45 Shabbat service
6:30 delicious hot Shabbat buffet dinner, open to all

Shabbat
9:30 Morning Service
12:00 full Kiddush lunch, open to all

A Thought for Shabbat from South Africa

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 10:13:00 AM

By Rabbi Asher Deren
The Shul of Tableview, Capetown, South Africa

Rabbi Moshe Gourarie was one of the pre-eminent teachers of Chabad Chassidus in Israel of the 1940’s and 50’s. His great-grandson that carries his name was my first Chassidus partner in Yeshiva (where his father was my mentor for the better part of 10 years), and did his namesake proud in his remarkable achievements of Torah study including, among many others, memorizing hundreds of pages comprising numerous tractates of Talmud almost verbatim.
So what on earth was this young progeny of Talmud and Chassidus masters doing on Wednesday morning bringing Chocolate Chip Cookies to the Toms River Fire Station on New Jersey’s Shore while helping his community recover and rebuild from Sandy?
I guess he was following the family model in studying, and living, the Torah of the day – Monday’s portion to be exact.
“And Hashem said to Avraham, the cries of (all who suffer from the evil and murderous ways of) Sodom has come to me, I will see if this is what they have done, and I will destroy it”
“And Avraham approached G-d and said will you even destroy the good with the wicked?”
Approached? How do you approach someone in middle of a conversation? Isn’t that a bit “in your face?” Avraham was known as a man of etiquette and kindness? Why would he “approach” Hashem in middle of their discussion?
Rashi explains that he “engaged” Hashem and the biblical linguistic implication of his “approach” reflect the three angles with which he engaged Hashem in his hope to save the cities of Sodom; 1. confrontational demand (literally “war”), 2. a soothing tone, and 3. Soulful prayer.
Ok, so we can see Avraham, the master of kindness approaching G-d with a soothing tone, and of course in soulful prayer – but confrontational demands – huh?
Yes, when lives are at stake Avraham was ready to speak a tone of war with G-d, if this is what is necessary to save the life of another – a critical component of his service of G-d. Yes, he was ready to speak a tone of war with G-d, as much as that was against his nature, because that is what G-d wanted him to do – to save the life of another.
In 1969 the Rebbe spoke about this (explanation of Rashi on) the example of Avraham and explained how each one of us, when faced with the physical or spiritual wellbeing of another person, must drop our inherent nature, whatever it may be, and do everything in our power to assist them.
The Rebbe, a model of Avraham in our times, set about inspiring a generation of young Avraham’s and Sarah’s who, numbering today 8,000 in total, are there to serve the needs of Hashem’s children wherever they may be, and for whatever they might need.
Yes, they speak a “soothing tone” and I know how much the community in Toms River enjoys Moshe’s Torah classes as he, like his thousands of his colleagues, teach a Torah whose “ways are pleasant and its paths are peace.”
His “soulful prayer” like Avraham is one that elevates people to a stronger and more spiritual relationship with Hashem – and with themselves.
But he can speak a “language of war” as good any U.S. Army officer in the New Jersey National Guard can, in rebuilding communities and repairing broken hearts, in the wake of Hurricane Sandy- just like his family before him.
Like Avraham who did everything to Save Sodom, let’s make sure we can be there for Moshe, and all the soldiers of the Rebbe’s Army, Surviving Sandy and rebuilding the northeastern USA.
- Many thanks to Moshe’s father, Rabbi Yosef Gourarie who taught me this explanation of Rashi, 20 years ago, today.
Wishing you a Shabbat of Surviving and Thriving,
Rabbi Oshy Deren

Today's Email - Community Shabbat Dinner

Thu, 1 Nov 2012 11:32:00 AM

I would like to begin with a prayer for all those who have been affected, in whatever way, by the hurricane.

We have spent the last few days, reaching out to community people and friends, trying to make sure that everyone is safe, and have what they need. We have not yet reached everyone, and many still don't have power. Think of all the people you know, if you haven't heard from someone, or if you know someone who needs something please let us know, we will go out to make sure they are fine.
Click here to see some of what we've been doing.

"First Friday" & Community Shabbat Dinner
This is a time for all of us to be together. We are organizing a hot Shabbat dinner at Chabad for the entire community, whether you have power or not. We'll join together to strengthen one another, support each other, and enjoy a few minutes of respite and peace from this horrific week. No Charge.
Since many don't have access to the internet, please share this with whomever you know.
Please let us know if you're coming, so we know how much to prepare.
Schedule:
5:35pm Candle Lighting;
5:45pm Kabbalat Shabbat services;
6:30pm Buffet Dinner

Children's Program
Chanie will be running a program for children today, Thursday 11/01 from 2-4.
Enjoy fun exciting games and crafts, learn something, and give the home a few minutes of peace and quiet...

Chabad Center is open 24/7 for whatever you might need. We have power, heat, food, etc. Make yourself at home.

Please donate to our relief efforts. 100% of your donation will go directly to the people affected by the hurricane.

Photo Gallery

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:33:00 PM

I posted a few pictures in this photo gallery.

Update 3

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 10:06:00 PM

Update:
What a day!
We had some kids (and adults) over today to enjoy the electricity, and have some fun (and keep our kids from going crazy).
I visited with many families, whom we hadn't heard from. Many have no electricity, some don't have heat or running water, but they are alive and safe.
Chanie sent me with containers of chicken soup. For some it was the first hot food in 3 days.
I visited the Pine Belt Arena, which is a Red Cross Shelter. Some of the people have lost everything. It is important to keep them in our thoughts and prayers, and do all we can to help them.
I brought Chicken soup for the RNs, EMTs and Red Cross Workers. These people are working tirelessly, and they deserve our thanks!

If there is someone you haven't heard from, or think they might need a visit, we will be back out tomorrow, please let us know what we can do.

We are open!

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 12:53:00 PM

We have water and hot soup. If you would like a volunteer to come visit you, or if you need anything else please contact us at 732-349-4199 we will do what we can to help you.

We would like to invite you to an informal get together over at Chabad. We are fully stocked with hot coffee, refreshments, power for you to charge your electronics, and hot water if you want a shower. We will be running a children's program from 2 - 4pm.

The Details:
Today, Wednesday, October 31st - Open all day
Children's Program from 2 - 4pm.

Hurrican Relief Webpage

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 9:24:00 AM

We've just posted a page on our website for volunteers to offer, or for those who need to request our help.

Chabad Toms River Hurricane Relief

Please share this with others who need, let us be there for each other!

Update 2

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 7:24:00 AM

Update: I was out last night visiting people, making sure they were okay, since their families had not heard from them. They were without power but they were okay.
It was very scary, driving in the absolute blackness, no lights from the homes, no street lights, no traffic lights.
If you haven't heard from a friend or relative, and you're concerned, message us or call us 732-349-4199, we will go out to make sure they're fine.

Update

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 5:30:00 PM

Update: I spent some time at the Silverton Fire Station, they are constantly bringing evacuees from the Silverton area which is totally under water. Some of these people have lost everything.
I brought a lot of used clothing, and water, and

Mushka and Rochie just brought warm home-baked chocolate chip cookies which they made.
I also spent some time at the Pine Belt arena, talking with many of the people who are staying there, as they wait for news about their homes.
There arena is being run on generators, so there is minimal light and no heat.
Our prayers go out to all those who have been affected.

Thinking of you, now and later 2

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 9:15:00 AM

We have been very fortunate, we are all safe and sound, we still have our power, and no damage to Chabad House, Baruch Hashem.

If you or someone you know is trapped, or in need of any help, please let us know, and we will do whatever we can to help.

If you would like to stop in for heat, coffee & refreshments, wifi, etc. our doors are open. (But please make sure that it is safe for you to travel).

Thanks to everyone who responded yesterday with willingness to help. We may call on you shortly.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are in need, may everthing be restored to normal very quickly.

Thinking of you, now and later

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 9:00:00 AM

As we sit here waiting for the storm to hit, we just wanted to let you all know that we are here at Chabad in Toms River, we have our water, flashlights, batteries, etc. At this point we still we have our power, and we are thinking about all of our friends and community members, and we are praying that everyone stays safe, no one gets hurt or suffers any damage.

Our doors remain open, and as the storm passes, we will make ourselves available, to the best of our ability, to help those who may need relief efforts.

If you would like to volunteer to help us with this effort, please email your cell phone number so I can be in touch with you. If you need any help, or know someene else who does, please call us at 732-349-4199 and we will do whatever we can to help. You can also follow our updates on www.facebook.com/jewishtomsriver.