www.chabadasheville.org | Blogs | Updates

HURRICANE UPDATE: PHASE ONE, COMPLETE ✅

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 12:23:00 PM

After two weeks of Chabad’s search and rescue efforts in the WNC region, we officially mark ourselves as safe on Facebook. We proudly share that every single person on our mailing list, and every intake form asking for help searching for a loved one, has been responded to.

Thank you to the 40 volunteer search and rescue callers, and 7 professional Jewish search and rescue teams from out of state, Phase #1 — accounting for every member, is now complete, and no one is left behind.

The first question in the Torah asked of the first human being Adam, was - “Ayekah” — “Where are you?”

Not who/what/how/why/when, but “where” are you? We didn’t sign up for this hurricane. Who could have predicted this in Asheville?! But it is not time for questions.

Our response to the hurricane is that which our ancestors have given throughout the generations. “Hineni- “here I am.” All hands on deck, show up as your best selves. Those are the current marching orders for us all.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe taught us that we are not complete without one another, and in order to mark ourselves as safe, there can be no one who is left behind. We pause for a moment to thank the Rebbe for this monumental teaching, thank Hashem for being able to do so, and thank each of you for your unique part in this mission.

We are now looking at a very long road ahead, in Phase #2. Lots of local individuals and businesses needing relief, needing help rebuilding; lots of elderly folks needing calls and visits, and lots of families needing support of every kind. In short, more than one million Mitzvahs are waiting to be done. We look toward this next phase with hope, strength, and resolve, and pray for success on this next part of the journey.

To all who celebrate Yom Kippur, we wish you an easy and meaningful fast, a Gmar Chatima Tova, and a Shabbat Shalom. To everyone else, may God bless you and protect you; thank you for being a part of our Chabad family.

We will see you back here next week!

Sincerely,

Rabbi Susskind
Chabad-Lubavitch, WNC

Hurricane Site:
Volunteer/Request Help/Donate
www.chabadasheville.org/helene
phone: 828-505-0746

Photo credits: Laurie Johnson Photography

🌏💫 Kind People Make the World Go Round 🌏💫

Tue, 8 Oct 2024 12:23:00 PM

“It was absolutely our pleasure! It took a team; it was not just me. I loved that we could all make a difference to help you and your family, as well all the people affected by the hurricane. These are the community partners who participated alongside us to make a difference: UniFirst Corporation, Wayne's market, Queen City Metal Recycling & Salvage, DilworthDermatology, Reenergize, and my prayer group. I hope our donation helped many people, and if there’s anything else we can do, you let me know please.” — Michelle

What a mensch! What a gift! Thank you, Michelle!

🚨❤️ Matzil has arrived at Chabad ❤️🚨

Tue, 8 Oct 2024 12:14:00 PM

Matzil has arrived at Chabad

They are a highly trained emergency response team from up North, who address wilderness and urban emergencies. They belong to a Jewish organization whose Hebrew name reflects their mission in one simple word: RESCUE!

They brought WiFi to the area, their Command Center is set up, the area is mapped out, and these guys know what needs to be done!

Welcoming Emergency Culinary Solutions of South Florida, to Asheville!

Sun, 6 Oct 2024 12:22:00 PM

ECS is a specialized post disaster food relief company who are cooking 1,000 meals a day for three weeks, for our city.

Upon arrival, founder Chef Daniel brings his team to Chabad first. He mobilized them to volunteer for a couple of hours to help us get ready for the holiday.

Meet a special mensch who is filled with Mitzvahs!

Good morning and welcome to WNC, Team #5 from Rockland County, NY!

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 12:22:00 PM

Their first language, their mammeh lashon, is Yiddish. They also speak English. But their primary language is LOVE.

Nothing will stop these guys. Where neighborhood signs say *Stay Out-Danger*, that’s the clue for them to go in. Because they know that a several mile hike through thick mud, past that sign — is someone stranded in their home, who cannot get out. And that’s what they’re there for.

They’re leaving their families for the upcoming 3-day holiday of Rosh Hashanah to be at Chabad, on call for whomever in this community needs help.

We’ll be feeding them Hungarian Yom Tov food like their Bubbie’s make, to give them the familiar taste they’re so used to. They already had a taste of, and approved our Kasha Varnishkes, Apricot Chicken, Stuffed Cabbage, and soft honey cookies!

Thank you, Adank, to these amazing humans!!

Ok. Meet Team #4: the organization Chaverim!

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 12:21:00 PM

Chaverim in Hebrew means FRIENDS. They drove down 12 hours from Central Jersey, and arrived early afternoon to support our community with friendship.

They got out of their car, got started immediately, and just got back now. They went door to door to 31 homes to check on folks and offer support and friendship. They’re continuing this tomorrow.

If we had to summarize their unique mission here, it would be: כל ישרא-ל ערבים, עם ישרא-ל חברים

Thank you, Chaverim, thank you, FRIENDS!

INTRODUCING THE 3rd VOLUNTEER TEAM

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 12:19:00 PM

to go through very tough terrain, to visit ONE elderly woman we haven’t heard from since Friday, in Leicester, NC.

The Torah teaches us that every single person is an entire world! We thank you for your service and for your commitment to this foundational teaching.

Meet the rescue team!

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 12:04:00 AM

The organization Achiezer has just arrived at Chabad. They are a crisis response team here to survey the scene, assess the needs on the ground, and mobilize to help. I am currently taking them on a tour to show them the magnitude of the situation.

Achiezer means “my brother, my helper.” Meet this incredible Jewish team from Far Rockaway, who are here for one reason: they see us as their family.

God bless these selfless and amazing brothers.

Search and rescue operation underway!

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 10:30:00 PM

We are actively coordinating a search and rescue operation to reach those affected by the hurricane. An out-of-town emergency assistance team has arrived and is now working closely with us to locate and assist anyone reported through our relief website.

In addition, a second trip of essential supplies from Charlotte is scheduled to arrive tomorrow morning to support local relief efforts.

Please continue to submit any requests for assistance, and thank you for your ongoing support. Together, we are making a difference.

Relief Efforts Underway: Food and Water Distribution in Progress

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 10:27:00 PM

Chabad is actively distributing food and clean water to those affected by Hurricane Helene. If you know of anyone who is trapped or in need of assistance, please notify us right away so we can reach them as soon as possible.

We are also seeking volunteers and financial support to continue these efforts. Your help is essential in ensuring that everyone in our community receives the supplies they need during this critical time.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

First delivery of relief supplies arrives!

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 6:24:00 PM

We’re thankful to share that Rabbi Bentzion Groner has arrived in Asheville from Charlotte with a van full of much-needed supplies, bringing hope and support to the devastated community. The response so far has been incredible, and the community is deeply grateful.

However, the need is still urgent as Hurricane Helene has left many without power, food, and basic necessities. Thank you to everyone who donated so quickly! 🙏 If you'd still like to help, please consider donating here.