in response to Hurricane Gustav

These are the days when we should hear loud and clear the prophetic call for justice.

Hurricane Gustav has worked through Louisiana. Before Gustav arrived, New Orleans residents departed in an organized fashion, refusing to re-live the tragic, chaotic days of Hurricane Katrina. Hundreds of thousands of refugees have now arrived in such cities as Dallas; Houston; Jackson, Mississippi; Memphis, Tennessee; and our own Oklahoma City. Nearly 2,000 people have received shelter through the American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma, dwelling in the old Lucent Technologies building at W. Reno Ave. and N. Council Road.

Currently, the Red Cross is meeting their basic needs, but donations are always welcome. Now is our time to step up and take care of our fellow citizens in need. This is part of our social contract, part of fulfilling our unique and holy brit, or covenant, part of what it means to be an Oklahoman. Fulfilling our responsibility to care for one another transcends religion, race or ethnicity.

Hurricane season is in full swing. Our reacting to Hurricane Gustav is just the beginning. Hurricane Hanna will soon bear down on the east coast, inflicting winds, rain and a storm surge upon cities that have not experienced a hurricane for decades. One can only imagine the potential loss of life and property. In addition, we are tracking Tropical Storm Ike.

In response to the prophetic call for justice, we can donate to a variety of organizations. For options, we can begin by visiting the local Red Cross Web site. Here’s a list of other relief agencies in Oklahoma.

In addition, we can give to the Union for Reform Judaism. The URJ is uniquely equipped to donate to agencies who react most efficiently to disasters, such as hurricanes. According to the URJ Web site, “the Union will forward the entire amount of (our) donation, less any fee charged to us by (our) credit card company.”

I am trying to learn more about the needs of Reform congregations in the greater New Orleans area. I will update my blog as I learn more.

A true test of our moral code and our nation’s welfare is how well we react during times of tragedy. May our country remain strong, and may we continue to be a light unto the nations.