Yeshiva University Mobilizes to Provide Funds and Resources to Victims of Hurricane Katrina
Sep 6, 2005 By: yunews
Sep 6, 2005 -- Yeshiva University’s Center for the Jewish Future (CJF), in partnership with the Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) and the Orthodox Union (OU), is implementing a multi-pronged response to assist the Jewish communities in the states ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.
These efforts are in response to an emotional appeal broadcast to the entire YU student body by Rabbi Yisroel Shiff, rabbi of Beth Israel Congregation in New Orleans and in consultation with individuals from the affected areas. “Our sages teach us that when tragedy strikes, we must mobilize via prayer and action,” said CJF dean Rabbi Kenneth Brander. “In this season of reflection, we must pray and act for those in need.”
Those wishing to donate money may make contributions to the joint fund sponsored by YU/Center for the Jewish Future, the OU and the RCA by visiting www.ou.org. Clothing, hygiene products, and any other useful materials will be collected at the CJF student-launch from September 12-14 on the undergraduate campuses: Wilf Campus, Danziger Quadrangle, 2525 Amsterdam Avenue (185th St.) and the Beren Campus in the Levy Lobby, 215 Lexington Avenue (33rd Street). An array of student organizations, in cooperation with CJF, is coordinating a toiletry drive on both campuses.
The CJF is sending YU’s Dr. David Pelcovitz, professor of education and psychology at YU’s Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration, to Memphis, TN where some members of the New Orleans community have relocated. Dr. Pelcovitz is a trauma specialist and will meet with hurricane victims, as well as the teachers and rabbis of the Memphis community.
QUEST, a leadership training initiative under the auspices of CJF, is committing its resources by training field relief team leaders in skills designed to enable them to deal with the issues they will confront in the stricken areas in Atlanta, Houston, Memphis, and perhaps New Orleans.
Student volunteers and professional staff will fly at a moment’s notice to Memphis and Houston to assist the schools by providing formal and/or informal education, help facilitate a spiritual Shabbat, provide respite for rabbis, professionals and lay leaders, or any other necessary services. The CJF will be guided by the Jewish leadership in Houston and Memphis in defining the priorities and needs of the communities.
YU’s Association of Modern Orthodox Day Schools (AMODS) has also assembled emergency educational teams including teachers, youth leaders, and counselors to travel to all affected areas including Houston and Memphis to aid new students from New Orleans and perhaps other hard-hit communities.
The Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law of YU is lending a hand to Tulane Law School by admitting second and third year students as visitors for one semester. Thus far, Cardozo received some 40 inquiries from Tulane students, primarily from the New York metropolitan area.
Students of Wurzweiler School of Social Work are organizing a blood drive, collecting books to donate to victims, and raising funds. More information will be released as soon as details are in place.