As Hurricane Helene swept across the Southeastern United States just days before Rosh Hashanah this year, Jewish communities in North and South Carolina found themselves facing an unprecedented challenge. Washed-out roads, power outages, and communication breakdowns wreaked havoc on their holiday preparations and plans. This disaster serves as a stark reminder that preparedness, resilience, and community collaboration are vital for navigating such crises. It also offers valuable lessons for other Jewish communities and organizations that could face similar threats.
The Immediate Impact: Struggles and Displacement
In Greenville, South Carolina, home to a Jewish population of approximately 4,500, the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah are typically filled with anticipation. Residents scramble to place orders for kosher foods from suppliers in distant cities like Charlotte, N.C., and Atlanta. They partake in an annual trip to orchards in Hendersonville, North Carolina, to pick apples for dipping in honey—a sweet symbol of the new year.
This year, however, the scene was dramatically different. “Deliveries have been put on hold, which anyone keeping kosher has been impacted by,” said Courtney Tessler, CEO of the Greenville Jewish Federation. Services at local congregations were also canceled, with no power in sight and estimates for restoration uncertain. The hurricane left many in limbo, disconnected from their family and community as Rosh Hashanah approached.
The situation in Greenville, though serious, paled in comparison to the devastation in nearby Asheville, N.C., where Congregation Beth Israel was forced to close its doors for the High Holy Days. With power and water outages, and communication virtually cut off, the congregation’s executive director, Rochelle Reich, informed members that reopening plans remained uncertain. “Currently none of the synagogue staff have any power, water, or Internet, which makes communication next to impossible,” she noted in a message to the community.
Inter-Community Collaboration: A Beacon of Hope
Despite the challenges, acts of resilience and mutual aid emerged as a source of hope. Jewish communities that were less affected by the storm quickly mobilized to support their neighbors. In Charlotte, Temple Beth El not only opened its doors to displaced residents from Asheville, but its members also offered their homes to those who needed a place to observe the holiday.
“We’re not only opening our doors but learning what specifically they need,” said Rabbi Asher Knight of Temple Beth El, reflecting the deep sense of responsibility that Jewish communities feel toward one another in times of crisis. His congregation worked with interfaith partners to deliver much-needed water to Asheville, where supplies were running low. Rabbi Yossi Groner of Chabad of Charlotte took similar action, delivering supplies and gasoline to Asheville—a three-hour journey each way. These efforts underscore the power of community collaboration in navigating disasters.
Lessons in Preparedness: What We Can Learn
Hurricane Helene offers critical lessons in preparedness and resilience, especially for small and geographically isolated communities like those in the Southeast. While immediate relief and recovery are crucial, the disaster underscores the need for long-term planning and preparedness.
1. Strengthening Local Supply Chains
The heavy reliance on distant kosher suppliers exposed the vulnerability of Greenville’s Jewish community. In times of crisis, deliveries can be disrupted, leaving communities without essential items. A key lesson is the importance of establishing more localized supply chains. Whether by working with regional suppliers or creating communal emergency stockpiles, Jewish communities should aim to reduce their dependence on far-off resources.
2. Developing Robust Communication Networks
The widespread loss of power and internet rendered communication almost impossible for communities like Asheville. This highlights the need for redundant communication systems. Jewish organizations and synagogues should invest in alternative communication tools, such as satellite phones or two-way radios, to maintain contact during emergencies. Pre-established communication protocols with clear points of contact can also help ensure that information flows smoothly even when infrastructure fails.
3. Inter-Community Collaboration as a Lifeline
The outpouring of support from neighboring communities like Charlotte demonstrates the critical role that collaboration plays in disaster resilience. Rabbi Knight’s efforts to house displaced Asheville residents and deliver supplies underscore the value of strong inter-community networks. Establishing partnerships with nearby congregations and faith-based organizations, and participating in mutual aid networks, can ensure that help is available when needed.
4. Preparing for Displacement During Holidays
The timing of Hurricane Helene, just before the High Holy Days, disrupted important religious and cultural traditions, including Rosh Hashanah services and family gatherings. Communities should develop contingency plans for religious observances in the event of natural disasters. This could include identifying alternative locations for services, planning remote or virtual gatherings, or coordinating with nearby communities to offer refuge.
5. Building Long-Term Resilience
While immediate relief efforts are necessary, recovery from a disaster like Hurricane Helene is a lengthy process. Jewish communities must build long-term resilience by conducting regular disaster preparedness drills, creating documented disaster plans, and educating members about individual preparedness. Resilience is not just about surviving the immediate aftermath; it’s about ensuring that communities can rebuild and recover for the future.
Conclusion: A Call for Preparedness and Solidarity
As Rabbi Knight poignantly observed, “With everything going on in the world, this is just another thing. But it’s both heartbreaking and also shows resilience and hope.” This statement captures the duality of the situation: while Hurricane Helene brought destruction and disruption, it also revealed the strength and compassion of Jewish communities.
The Jewish value of Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Bazeh (all Jews are responsible for one another) was evident in the way neighboring communities stepped up to support those hit hardest by the storm. But as natural disasters become more frequent and severe, preparedness and resilience must become core components of how Jewish communities plan for the future.
By learning from the experiences of Greenville, Asheville, and Charlotte, Jewish communities across the country can better prepare for future disasters—ensuring that, no matter the challenge, they remain strong, united, and resilient. JEPP is here to help. Reach out today to schedule an introductory meeting.
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