Dear CRC Community,
We are devastated, along with you, at the level of destruction caused by Friday’s tornado. We mourn the loss of life and the loss of livelihood experienced by so many in our community. As you know, areas with many CRC households—Clayton, University City, and the Central West End— suffered serious damage, as did CRC’s neighboring community, North St. Louis.
Even as we assess damage and begin recovery efforts, we wanted to reach out to share an update about our Sukkat Shalom, and most importantly, to coordinate support for those who need it.
While our synagogue building is thankfully largely intact, we did experience some property damage on our grounds and the house that we own next door. Power is also still out at CRC, and so our offices are currently closed for this week.
Our immediate and primary focus, however, is on supporting the members of our community directly impacted by the storm. We know that many in our community face urgent challenges, from families suddenly displaced from their homes to individuals who have lost essential belongings and require immediate assistance with housing, food, and financial support.
Jewish tradition calls us to respond to those in need, whether through tzedakah, financial support, or gemilut chassadim, concrete acts of loving kindness. Guided by these values, here’s how we are coming together as a community and how you can find or offer support:
Seek Support: If the tornado has impacted you or someone you know within our CRC family, please let us know how we can help by completing our confidential form:
Volunteer Your Time: We need people who can potentially offer temporary housing, provide meals, help with cleanup, assist with insurance claims, provide transportation, and more. To let us know how you want to volunteer your time, please fill out this form:
Make a Donation: We are accepting donations to be able to assist members and staff who were affected by the storms. If you would like to help, you can make a donation marked for Tornado Relief* to the Rabbis Karen & Daniel Bogard Discretionary Fund via our online donations form.*
*Please note “for Tornado Relief” in the comments field.
Community means being there for each other, in ways both small and significant. Together, we will navigate this, offering support and strength. Whatever you need, whatever you can offer – it all matters and is deeply appreciated as we work together to heal and rebuild.
We are sending love to everyone affected by the tornado.
B’shalom,
CRC Rabbis and Staff
Community Links Coordinating Help:
Disaster-related Volunteering: United Way Disaster-Related Volunteer Form
Donate:
City of St. Louis: City of St. Louis Tornado Response Fund
United Way and Jewish Federation: United Way STL Area Severe Storm/Tornado Relief Fund
Together STL: https://www.togetherstl.com/
Restore STL: https://www.habitatstl.org/restore/
Love the Lou: https://www.lovethelou.com/