As I left my home for Chicago O'Hare airport last Thursday, a friend of mine said to me over the phone, "You sure like to go into danger zones, don't you!" It took me a moment to realize what she meant. Just 14 months ago I boarded a flight to Israel with 9 amazing colleagues for a mission of service just weeks into Israel's war. Now, I boarded a plane to LA with wildfires raging all across the area.
The truth is, I was flying out to help my parents for a week and it just happened that the hills were ablaze. I boarded the plane and my mind went to the same place it did on the flight to Tel Aviv just over a year ago: I'm going home, and I can't be certain what awaits me. During the 7 hours of travel (I had a connection - thanks, Delta!), a lot could change very quickly with the fires. And it did, to be certain.
I recalled the 1996 Malibu/Calabasas fires that came within less than a mile from our home. I was in middle school at the time, and in the middle of the day I remember being told over the loudspeaker to line up and prepare for evacuation. The fire had made it to the bottom of the mountain just across the street from the school. Only 4 lanes of traffic separated our campus from a roaring inferno. We went calmly to the buses, breathing through makeshift filters (read: wet paper towels), and were taken to safety at the high school of a neighboring town.
The view from Encino on January 11
This time was different, however. The number of people evacuated, the speed at which the fire spread, the number of wildfires that put unprecedented tolls on the first responders and even on the water system - LA has never seen anything like this. And while I wish I could say, "...and it never will again," I am fairly certain that's just not the case.
We have seen the images of Kehillat Israel, a Reconstructionist synagogue in Pacific Palisades - synagogue to the stars, and one of the most vibrant and musical communities on the west coast. Over 500 member families lost their homes. All three of their rabbis lost their homes. And yet somehow, amidst the destruction and devastation, the synagogue remained virtually unscathed. The congregation was embraced by Sinai Temple and held Friday night worship there on January 10th. This is the power of community.
For thousands of years the Jewish community has learned how to respond to tragedy. We know how to activate in a matter of minutes. We are taught from a young age to always have homes stocked with food and to always be ready to open our doors to the needy. These are our values. This is who we are as a people.
What lessons can be learned, then, from our millenia-old traditions that can help us prepare today for the unimaginable? Whether you deal with fires, mudslides, and earthquakes in California; hurricanes in Florida; blizzards in the midwest; or tornadoes in the Great Plains, here are some of my ideas:
- Walk Like an Egyptian (rather, an Israelite preparing to leave Egypt): The Israelites fled Egypt in haste, taking only what they could carry. Prepare a "go bag" with essentials like clothing, medications, important documents, snacks, and a family photo to help in case of sudden evacuation.
- Heyeh Nachon Laboker (always be prepared for what's coming): Just as saving a life takes precedence over other obligations, securing your family’s financial safety is paramount. Regularly review your homeowners, renters, and life insurance policies to ensure they provide adequate protection. Make it part of your practice to call your insurance agent every fall to review your coverages. Remember - it's not about the value of your home; it's about the cost to rebuild your home. Do you have matching materials coverage? Do you have additional coverage should costs go up in the interim? Are you with an A or A+ rated carrier? Can you afford your deductible? What exclusions are there on your policy?
- Create a Family Emergency Plan: Jewish tradition teaches that everyone is responsible for one another. Have a plan that includes meeting points, communication strategies, and designated responsibilities for each family member.
- Hachnasat Orchim(be prepared to help those in need): The mitzvah of hospitality reminds us to keep a stocked pantry. Maintain at least three days’ worth of non-perishable food, water, and supplies to care for both your family and anyone who might need refuge.
- Backup Important Documents: Jewish history is rich with the importance of preserving records and memories. Digitize important documents (birth certificates, insurance policies, deeds) and store them on a cloud drive and a waterproof, fireproof safe. Make copies of passports and credit cards.
- Build an Emergency Fund: Just as the sabbatical year teaches the importance of planning for the future, aim to save 3-6 months’ worth of expenses in an emergency fund to cover unforeseen costs during a disaster. If you're able, save a little bit extra - even if you are not in need, it's nice to have the ability to give when disasters occur to help those in need.
- Create a Home Inventory: Document your possessions, taking photos or videos for insurance claims. This mirrors the discipline of counting during the Omer, teaching mindfulness and preparation.
My heart goes out to all who were affected - many friends, and so many more strangers. But prayers only go so far. The two most important things we can do now are: (a) support those in need by giving, and by disseminating helpful information to those who need it; and (b) by working on our own preparedness plans and learning from the lessons of these horribly destructive wildfires. May God send blessing and protection to all of the frontline workers, community leaders, and volunteers who are doing everything they can to help this community; to the clergy and others who are providing spiritual and tangible care during this very difficult time; and to the victims of these merciless fires.
Let's help build stronger community together. What steps are you and your family taking to be more prepared for future disaster? Leave your comments below.
------
Looking to give in ways that directly help the victims of the fires rebuild? Visit www.jewishla.org today!