Nepal Earthquake: Our Jewish hearts also compel us to act, to help out, to bring healing in the ways that we are able.
When people are suffering, no matter where in the world, our Jewish hearts break. Our Jewish hearts also compel us to act, to help out, to bring healing in the ways that we are able. Many of us are thinking about the devastating earthquake in Nepal and asking: “What can I do?” There are many important Jewish organizations that are on the ground in Nepal that are adding to the relief efforts including the Israeli government. Please support these organizations as a way of Jewishly giving to rebuild Nepal.
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Learn more and donate…
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- From the URJ: Where to Donate to Nepalese Earthquake Relief Efforts
- UJA of Greater Toronto: Nepal Emergency Relief Fund
- IsraAid: Responds to the Nepal Earthquake
- VeAhavta: Make a Donation to the Nepal Crisis Fund
- American Jewish World Service: Crisis in Nepal – Help Earthquake Survivors
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Here are two prayers written by contemporary liturgist Alden Solovy:
In Devastation (Prayer for the People of Nepal)
God beyond my understanding,
The earth has turned violent,
Sweeping our brothers and sisters off their feet,
Crushing homes and lives,
Upending dreams,
Toppling the foundations of hope and sustenance.
A shallow breath beneath the rubble
And wailing in the streets.
The injured and the dead.
The new widow,
The new orphan,
The newly bereft turn to You
Divine Source of abundance and grace.
God of justice and mercy,
We pray for the people of Nepal,
And the victims of any disaster,
Any violence, suffering or despair.
Grant them shelter and solace,
Comfort and consolation,
Blessing and renewal.
May a world of justice, righteousness and mercy
Come swiftly to their aid.
Grant them endurance to survive,
Strength to rebuild,
Faith to mourn,
Courage to heal,
And devotion to each other.
Heavenly Guide,
Hand of love and shelter,
Grant the people of Nepal Your protection,
Your radiance,
And Your peace.
Prayer For First Responders to the Earthquake in Nepal
Crisis and chaos,
Confusion and loss,
A scene of sweeping destruction,
The first responders arrive
Among the breathless and dazed,
The frenzied, driven wild with fear and grief,
The incapacitated, the dead,
The weary, the lost, the injured,
And survivors forcing themselves
Beyond their limits
To fight devastation.
God whose ways are secret,
Bless these first responders with endurance
To be of maximum service in this moment of immeasurable need.
Bless their limbs with strength,
Their eyes with courage,
Their hands with gentleness,
So that they become a source of hope and love.
Give them the tools they need in the days and hours ahead.
Protect them from physical harm,
Shield them from emotional pain,
And guard them from taking this trauma into themselves.
God of justice and mercy,
We pray for the people of Nepal.
Let the world rally on their behalf.
May the deeds of the first responders
Find favor in Heaven
And bring healing on earth.
