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Or Ami Reaches Out During the Lost Hills/Malibu Canyon Fire
Congregation Or Ami moved quickly to connect with our congregants in threatened areas, even as the synagogue closed early, evacuating the Torah scrolls and important documents.
A brush fire raged near the edge of Malibu Creek State Park, scorching more than 75 acres today (Tuesday), sending thick plumes of smoke over the area and briefly threatening some Calabasas and Agoura Hills neighborhoods, as well as the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Lost Hills Station.
Upon learning how closely the fires were to the synagogue (less than 4 miles), our community jumped into action:
* President Susan Gould and Rabbi Paul Kipnes decided to close the office early, move sacred objects and vital documents out of the building, and let our staff return home. Given the quick response of the firefighters and their ability to contain the fire, the synagogue will open, as usual, on Wednesday morning.
* Office Staff Kathy Haggerty and Carla Vine, and B'nai Mitzvah Teacher Diane Townsend immediately made plans to remove the Sifrei Torah (scrolls), tallitot and Shabbat ritual objects. With the help of congregant Holly Hollander and her sons, the computers and financial information were moved to safe locations offsite.
* Board Member Helayne Sharon and Susan Gould, extending the hand of our Henaynu Caring Community Committee, called congregants in the affected areas to ensure that they were safe (and, if needed, to offer a place for evacuation). Rabbi Kipnes and Cantor Cotler followed up with calls to those who were having particularly difficult times during this period.
We thank them all for their caring and concern.
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Prayers, Reflections, Resources for our Safety and our Souls
Spiritual Resources:
Click here if you or your loved ones need a call from Rabbi Kipnes.
A Prayer for Fire Filled Days
By Rabbi Paul J. Kipnes, Calabasas, CA © 2003
Eloheinu velohei avoteinu v’imoteinu, Our God and God of our fathers and mothers,
As the flames burn, wreaking havoc upon our forests, our homes,
our fire fighters, our sense of security,
We turn to You for comfort and support.
Help us to differentiate between flames of destruction and light that shows us Your way.
Read more.
Emergency Resources:
City of Calabasas' Emergency Response Program and Local Fire Services
Reflections from the Fires of 2005:
Lessons about Life Learned While Packing for Evacuation on the Eve of Rosh Hashanah
Rabbi Kipnes' Rosh Hashanah sermon collects stories and lessons from the Topanga fires.
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Congregation Or Ami
"Light of My People"
26115 Mureau Road, Ste. B
Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 880-4880
http://www.orami.org
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