Last Monday night, as the wind howled and my family slept inside our blacked-out home, I wanted a closer glimpse of the storm.   Stepping out on to the deck, I was overwhelmed: the wind fully roared; massive trees whipped to and fro.  I shot back inside unsettled.

Though it’s been a full week now without power, we know we are the lucky ones.  We’re all healthy.  There was minimal property damage.  The kids are having fun  shining flashlights and spooking each other.  Extraordinary individuals in our community raised money to purchase and import scarce generators from Baltimore.  They sought out those most in need (our newborn put us toward the top).  They connected the generator to our heating system, gave us gas (more precious than gold), and got us going.

Our Sages say that one way to learn lessons from world events is to notice our response to them.  When a response to the event is shared by many, it points to an intention, as if G-d programmed the event with a result in mind.  I noticed a couple of recurring responses.

I had dozens of conversations that went like this:

“So, do you have power?”

“No. Do you have power?”

“No.”

Over and over, my words were forcing me to absorb a message I was loathe to admit: I’m not in control.

Then I noticed another response: offers for help.  We’ve been offered lodging by at least 8 people.  Families with and without power have done carpool for our kids, have cooked meals for us, or have brought us gas for the generator.

To reiterate, we are fully provided for, Thank G-d.  And we are grateful for the glimpse we’ve had in to the power and effect of Hurricane Sandy.

Sincere regards,

Henry Harris

PS: Aish is open for business this Monday night.  And, tix are available for next Tuesday’s Gala event!