Preparing for Yom Kippur In Hurricane-Smashed Southwest Florida

by Tzemach Feller – Lubavitch.com

Less than 48 hours before Yom Kippur, Jewish communities in the path of Hurricane Milton are scrambling to pull themselves up from the damage so they can prepare for the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Millions are without power, running water, and cell phone service across southwest Florida, but are grateful that the once-category-5 hurricane swept through with minimal loss of life.

“We are thankful that the community members are safe, but the property damage is enormous,” Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz, who directs Chabad of Sarasota, told Lubavitch.com. At Chabad Lubavitch of Sarasota & Manatee Counties, the hurricane tore down fences and outdoor structures, but the building itself remained largely intact. As power was slowly restored in the city, Steinmetz reached out to the office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. “I explained that Yom Kippur is the most important day of the year for us; more Jews than ever will attend synagogue services—and restoring power must be a priority.”

The Governor’s office responded quickly, sending a priority request to FPL—the local utility—which will try to restore power before the holiday. If that doesn’t work, Steinmetz is working on securing a diesel generator to power the synagogue for Yom Kippur—and if that doesn’t work, they’ll pray with battery-powered lanterns illuminating the Chabad house. 

“We will make changes to accommodate the current situation, but we must continue,” Steinmetz said. “I believe we are the only ones in Sarasota that will have services—for the stubborn Jews who are still there, Chabad will be the place to go.”

Chabad of Sarasota is expecting a smaller crowd, as 60-80% of the city’s residents evacuated, but for those who remain, Chabad will ensure they are taken care of, both materially and spiritually. “For the people who attend, it will be a memorable experience,” Steinmetz said.

Please consider supporting the relief efforts:

Chabad Of Sarasota: www.sarasotachabad.com/hurricanerelief
Chabad of Venice & North Port: www.Chabadofvenice.com/relief
Chabad of Brandon: Jewishbrandon.com/donate
Chabad of Charlotte County: Chabadofcharlottecounty.com/donate
Chabad of Downtown Sarasota: Jewishsarasota.com/donate
Chabad Chai – South Tampa: Chabadchaicenter.com/hurricane
Chabad of Bradenton: Chabadofbradenton.com/milton
Chabad St Petersburg: Chabadsp.com/milton
Chabad at USF: Usfchabad.com/donate
Chabad Of Southwest Florida – Fort Myers: Hurricanemiltonrelieffund.com