October 31, 2003
We just returned from Michigan (David's 50th High School Reunion) and Texas (My maid of honor's son's wedding)
What a week this has been..The whole firestorm seems unreal until you see the destruction..the loss of lives..
The air is clear today.but the fires are still raging in the mountainsHowie Fram heard on the radio that Camps Marston, Raintree and Cuyamaca are still standing.Julian is safe at the moment.
Many of our Madrichim live in Scripps Ranch, Poway and Terra Santa.Everyone is safe but I heard that Ritchie Savitich's home was destroyed.Also..Do you remember Russ and Andrea Gold? Andrea designed and sewed all of our SHOW BIS costumesCelia and Seth were in Mad..Their home burned to the ground..They are neighbors of Louie and Tammy Vener. The Veners' home is smokey but otherwise ok.
Did you know that Stacey Coleman's husband Mike is a firefighter? Stacey is due in November.
AlsoRemember Scottie Morrison? He also is a firefighter..and so is Tammy Vener's brother.They certainly are our heroes!
Here is a letter from the Temple suggesting some donation opportunities:
Dear Friends:
Tragedy has struck in and around San Diego due to the firestorms, some of which are still burning. Many of you are asking what you can do to help. We would like to ask you to help in the following ways:
1. Bring the following items to Congregation Beth Israel (boxes will be in the school and main lobby areas) that will be distributed to the Crest community:
- Coolers
- Non-perishable food
- Towels
- Bedding: Pillows, Sheets, Blankets
- Toiletries
- Batteries
- Flashlights
- First Aid kits
- Target and Wal-Mart gift cards
2. Volunteer to take the items collected out to Crest. Contact Lori Roth at 619-225-8121 if you can help.
3. Volunteer to help coordinate or serve dinner at Crest Elementary School on Wednesday, Nov. 5th. CBI will be providing dinner for 300 that evening. Contact Judy Fisher via email (jfisher@san.rr.com) or call 858-578-7699 if you are interested.
4. Come to the special "Friday Night Chai" Shabbat service at 6:00 p.m. at CBI on Friday, October 31 (Tonight) . The service will include appropriate prayers of gratitude and caring.
5. Donate to the Jewish Community Foundation to help fire victims. If you would like to send a contribution, their address is:
Jewish Community Foundation
4950 Murphy Canyon Road
San Diego, CA 92123
Please forward this email to others who may be interested in helping.
B'shalom,
Rabbi Ben Kamin, Rabbi Sheila Goloboy and Cantor Arlene Bernstein
and
Judy Fisher and Anita Hosenpud (April Hosenpud's Mom)
Co-Chairs, CBI Tikkun Olam/Social Action Committee
(Crest is east of El Cajon a very poor community)
Also, the Jewish Family Service has set up a fund for a Beth Israel family with 2 kids.. They were renting in Scripps Ranch..They lost everything and have no resources.
Rabbi Phil Nadel called to check in. All is well in MilwaukeeHe added Russ's email to our list Barbara Schrift put us in touch with Franny and Amy.. Also I heard from Jeff KaneHe is living in San Francisco and is now on our list
Abby Greenspan's son is becoming a Bar Mitzvah in November.
Sean and Alissa Hecker's father passed away this week.
I hope all is well with all of you and your families..
Keep in touch!
Love,
Eemah
Here is A wonderful Message by George Carlin (His wife recently died...)
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings
but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend
more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and
smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees
but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet
more problems,
more medicine, but less wellness.
> >
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too
little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired,
read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied
our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too
seldom, and hate too often.
> >
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added
years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back,
but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered
outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better
things.
> >
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the
atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more,
but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build
more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but
we communicate less and less.
> >
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and
small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the
days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality,
one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer,
to
quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom
window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this
letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or
to just hit delete.
> >
Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not
going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who
looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave
your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because
that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't
cost a cent.
> >
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones,
but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it
comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment
for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time
to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
> >
Life is not measured by the
number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.
-George Carlin
