Rabbi’s Corner – Be Prepared Edition

Dear Friends,
Two of the big stories this week in New York are weather related. This past Tuesday a 5.8 earthquake hit Virginia which was felt through Washington DC and even in New York City (though not everyone noticed it). And this coming weekend, New York is bracing for the torrential rain and winds of hurricane Irene.

When such events occur it is not uncommon to hear reports of how one ought to prepare in case of unexpected severe weather, let alone predicted. But there are two ways one can be prepared. The first is obvious; procuring necessities in advance, prearranging for backups, and reviewed basic safety precautions.

But as our media tends to do, it is also surprisingly easy to sensationalize natural phenomenon, no matter how non-threatening they may be. What ought to be helpful warnings turn into alarmism, which far from being a service, can in fact create panic – ironically resulting in additional and unnecessary causalities. Thus the second preparation we can do is ensure we are in a mental state to execute our contingency plans and to paraphrase Rudyard Kipling, to keep our heads when others are losing theirs.

This shabbat I encourage everyone to include all such contingencies so that we may continue to merit preparing for many more Shabbatot in the future.

Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Josh Yuter