Update 2 - Post Storm

Dear Friends, It has been a mixed day: tragic and gut-wrenching but also inspiring and hopeful. We've now emerged from the storm and fully grasp the enormity of Hurricane Milton's impact on our community. In Hillsborough County, 75% percent of people are without electricity. That translates to roughly 600,000 people! Major flooding in South Tampa and around rivers or lakes has caused significant water damage in people's homes, including ours, where water soaked our precious family room. Wind gusts of 100 - 120 MPH have brought 50ft trees down and littered our homes and streets with branches. Some community members have lost their homes due to trees falling or wind ripping away roofs. These are each on their own devastating, but put together it can be paralyzing. Yet, the hundreds of messages I've received over the last 24 hours reveal the beauty of the human spirit, and the true definition of "Am Yisroel", one nation one family. Each person has put their own challenges aside and is concerned only for how to help others. It its truly remarkable how connected we are. This inner strength and reservoir of resilience will empower us to support each other and ourselves as we rise and shine once again, here in beautiful Tampa. Thanks to your support we have begun distributing hot meals, cold drinks, generators, and lots of hugs. When the storm began we coordinated efforts with volunteer EMS service Hatzolah from Miami, and Chavivim Search & Rescue units from Brooklyn. Now our efforts transition to relief. We have secured a group of volunteers coming up this Sunday to help clean & salvage homes. Many of you have been asking about plans for Yom Kippur. Currently, we don't have a definitive answer. Our Chabad Center still needs power and is leaking soiled water into the main room. Our home has water damage and requires mold removal. We hope to be able to host our own services, but if we can't, we will invite everyone to join us in North Tampa at Chabad of Tampa Bay. We are so appreciative of the many people who have contributed so far to our relief efforts, both in time and in contributions. We know the Torah encourages us to give extra charity before Yom Kippur to seal and secure a great year ahead. As we stand 12 hours before this holiest of days, please consider making a generous gift to our Relief efforts, and may you and your family be blessed with good health, happiness, and success in all you do. Please follow this link to make a one-time donation to help us in our need. www.chabadchaicenter.com/hurricane May each of you be sealed in the Book of Life for a life of peace, love, and joy, and may we always be there to support and hold each other because that's what family does. Rabbi Mendy & Dina Dubrowski 813.943.6864