Ellen Faust

In December 2006, 34 volunteers came from across the country to help rebuild homes and lives in New Orleans. My husband, Howard, and I were a part of the group. Under the Union for Reform Judaism’s Tzevet Mitzvot program, the group worked with Touro Synagogue, Temple Shalom in Succasunna, N.J., Volunteers of America and True Vine Baptist Church. From Dec. 24-30, under the leadership of Rabbi Joel Soffin, we were able to insulate, dry wall, install doors and electrical wiring to two homes in the upper Ninth Ward.

Our group was diverse in age, occupation and skills. Whole families, college students on break, a retired physician, educators, housewives, lawyers and blessedly, a skilled professional carpenter and electrician, gathered to aid the stricken city. While we worked hard shlepping wallboard, spackling, sanding and repainting wrought iron railings, it was gratifying. The reception we received from the entire community was so heartwarming that we often felt embarrassed to be feted for what we could accomplish.

Destruction is widespread. There are miles of bare fields where houses once stood and more houses seemingly occupied are empty and unlivable. The breaks in the canal levies spared no one, neither the upscale homes of Lakeview and the upper Garden District nor the shotgun homes in the lower Ninth Ward. Black and white, middle class and poor have suffered, emotionally and financially.

Government on every level has failed to meet the needs of this unique American city caused by Katrina’s wake. It has been faith-based groups of volunteers like Tzevet Mitzvot that have brought hope to this city. Police Captain Brian Weiss, a member of the destroyed Orthodox synagogue, led us in a caravan to see the extent of the damage. He lost his grandmother, who died as she was being evacuated by bus from New Orleans to Houston. His home was severely damaged but his great concern was for the media to get the story of his city right. Headlines stated that the police force deserted the city. In fact, 53 of 1,700 officers did not report. Some were caught in the flooding, some were sitting on their roofs and there was no communication. No media source has corrected that story.

The recovery of New Orleans will be long and complex. There are no easy answers. Should the Ninth Ward be rebuilt? It is on higher ground than the more exclusive Lakeview area. Or should neither be rebuilt? The levies have been repaired but only where they were broken. Could the same thing happen again? It is not unlikely. But what is important now is to go see the city. The extent of the damage cannot be imagined unless you see it. To quote one of our hostesses: “We are lonely! Come visit!” Amid the destruction are areas that were not flooded; the French Quarter and Garden District are still full of history, beauty, music and great food.

Katrina hit in August 2005. Tzevet Mitzvot led its first trip in December 2005. On the first visit, homes of Jewish families were helped. One home filled up with 8 feet of water when the 17th St. Canal broke five miles away. Ann and Stan Levy are survivors: Ann from the Holocaust and both from Katrina and its aftermath. This year, all 34 of our group were invited to their beautiful home for dinner. A documentary of the first trip was made by Aaron Soffin, a young filmmaker and participant last year and this year. You may view it at www.soffinfilms.com/neworleans.html .

This trip made tikun olam, repairing the world, come alive as never before. Not everyone can go to New Orleans but everyone can help by contacting their elected representatives to see New Orleans if they have not yet been there. Urge the federal bureaucracy to cut the red tape to expedite loans to individuals and businesses to rebuild. And yes, if you can go, don’t hesitate.

Ellen Faust, a member of Temple Israel, has served as chair of the Dayton Jewish Community Relations Council and was the first chair of The Dayton Jewish Observer Policy Committee.

© 2007 Ellen Faust