I felt out of place.
On Wednesday night, just a few miles from the collapsed building in Surfside, I joined dozens of Hatzalah volunteers gathered for refreshments and words of inspiration and support. For some first responders, this was the first real break they had taken all week.
The private event took place at the Edmund J. Safra Synagogue led by Rabbi Yosef Galmidi and was arranged by Agudath Israel of Florida director Rabbi Moshe Matz and the other rabbis who serve on the rabbinic board of Hatzalah of South Florida (see Rabbi Matz’s statement).
I had come to express Agudah’s support, but words were inadequate. I was humbled to be in the presence of such selfless dedicated heroes and I felt out of place.
Then Rabbi Kalman Baumann spoke about the secret of survival of the giant Redwood trees.
While their roots remain relatively shallow, they extend up to 100 feet and intertwine with the roots of other Redwood trees. This is how they withstand winds and other threats. That, he said is how we survive as a community. When the winds below and we face challenges we overcome them by intertwining with others for support.
During this difficult time, our hearts are with the families of the victims and missing in Surfside. But we are strengthened by joining together in prayer, by offering financial support or even words of encouragement.
The very name “Agudah” signifies banding together. Whether it’s tragedies like Surfside, a stabbing in Boston, or legislative victories like in Ohio, we are stronger when we join together and support each other. While we pray that we will not face any more tragedies, I thank you for being part of our Agudah.