Guest post by Rabbi Yossi Serebryanski, Chabad South Denver.
It is with sadness and horror that we witnessed the tragedy in Haiti.
There is a desperate effort to bring clean water and food to the country with mass starvation a real possibility.
Please take a moment and read the first paragraph of Birchat Hamozon.
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who, in His goodness, provides sustenance for the entire world with grace, with kindness, and with mercy. He gives food to all flesh, for His kindness is everlasting. Through His great goodness to us continuously we do not lack [food], and may we never lack food, for the sake of His great Name. For He, benevolent G-d, provides nourishment and sustenance for all, does good to all, and prepares food for all His creatures whom He has created, as it is said: You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. Blessed are You, L-rd, who provides food for all.
How can we say this blessing when millions will go hungry this very evening?
My friends this is where Hashem gives us a chance to partner with him in creation.
There is enough food in this world for every human to be fed, the way Hashem sets up creation is such, that there is an imbalance of wealth.
The rabbis explain that this imbalance forces people to engage in commerce and industry, and gives the wealthy a chance to give tzedaka, which will lead to Tikkun Olam a healed and integrated world.
I have no doubt that in the next few days we will see the biggest airlift of food since the Berlin siege. Case in point, one of our alumni (of University of Denver, where Rabbi Serebryanski is the local Chabad rabbi) serving in the US Army is already on the ground in Haiti helping to coordinate the American response.
Now YOU have a unique opportunity to partner with Hashem in bringing food to the hungry.
Please click on this link to find an agency to support, or click here to see the relief efforts of the local Chabad representatives.
May the merit of the mercy you show, be repaid by Hashem's mercy to you.
Mida Kneged Mida- measure for measure.