Parashat Noach 5784

by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields

Originally when I outlined what I would write for my WWOT, Weekly Words of Torah for Parashat Noach, in connection to the verse Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh (All the people of Israel are responsible for one another), and the concept of Arevut, responsibility, I thought I would write about animals, and how Noah saved the animals on his Ark, and it is now our responsibility to take care of animals, and how in many families, our pets are family members as well. However, Parashat Noach literally uses the word hamas, destruction. Although many from afar, but also many within the State of Israel, are living through the war in Israel, and experiencing first-hand this flood of violence, we must remember it is our responsibility in any way possible to help those living through the flood that began on October 7, 2023. There are many organizations that we can contribute to, to aid our brothers and sisters in the State of Israel. Here are some links to just a few: 

The Masorti Movement: masorti.org 

Magen David Adom: mdais.org 

ZAKA: give.zakaworld.org  

Friends of the IDF: support.fidf.org 

Prayer for Israel by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields