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My Dear Friends,
As you’ve probably already heard, we had a bit of an unfortunate incident Friday morning. The truck delivering ice for Silverman Preschool’s annual “Snow Day” backed into a fire hydrant in cul-de-sac by the school, knocking it off its mount and causing significant flooding in the building.
That’s the bad news. But there is so much to be thankful for. First of all, I can’t help but think about the size and height of a fire hydrant compared to something far more dear - our children who are often in the same area as they come to and from school. Carpets and furniture can be replaced. But there is nothing so precious as a child.
I also couldn’t be prouder of our community and staff. Without hesitation and without a single word of complaint or condemnation everyone sprang into action. This demonstrated some of the highest ideals of a sacred and caring community. So much in life is beyond our control, and things sometimes just happen. But what always remains in our control is the manner in which we respond and pull together in the face of crisis. The “minyanaires” grabbed brooms, squeegees, mops, and bags to help keep the water moving. Our administrative staff Linda, Birdie, and Leslie immediately ensured that all electronic devices where unplugged and moved from the floor to safety. Michelle, Jen, Noa, and our teachers made sure the children who had already arrived were safe and dry. Families returned to pick up their children from preschool with understanding and compassion. Jerry calmly and promptly brought a flood recovery company in, even before the water was stopped, and did an incredible job as executive director through the crisis. The City of San Diego Fire Department and Public Works were on the scene in minutes and worked diligently to shut the water as quickly as they were able. Thinking outside the box, Beth reached out to our neighboring church and Masonic Lodge to ensure we had alternate spaces lined up for the Bat Mitzvah that was to be Friday evening and Saturday morning. The Kiddush Caterers nimbly pivoted to make sure that food was ready no matter where we eventually wound up. And our maintenance staff went over and above. Jesus came in immediately, and together with Nubia, the two of them put in a 15 hour day to ensure that the building was safe, and everything was taken care of for the Bat Mitzvah evening and morning festivities.
A tremendous Yasher Koach to all!!!
In the midst of all this, was the incredibly good cheer of the Bat Mitzvah family who showed up for rehearsal and pictures at the height of the chaos. My hat (kippah) off to the Isaaks for remaining so calm, flexible, and positive in the face of uncertainty.
In the end, the Bat Mitzvah went off magnificently, and Hazel used the incident and her Torah portion to teach us all a lesson about keeping a positive attitude and outlook as we all celebrated our good fortune together.
So where do we go from here?
First of all, we must keep in mind that this was an accident. No one is to blame and no one wished for this to happen. That is the very definition of an accident. Thankfully no one was hurt, all parties are insured, and everything will be set right as soon as possible.
The near future use of our space does remain a bit uncertain. As things dry out, we will be assessing the extent of the damage. Carpets will likely need to be replaced, as well as furniture, built-ins, and areas of dry wall to ensure everything dries out completely and not conducive to mold growth.
Our office space will be off limits for several days, but we will continue to take care of the day to day operations from our homes. Please be patient with communications and try to use email rather than phone calls.
I am also asking everyone to remain flexible and open to using our building in different ways as we put things back together. We may be moving from room to room for a while. But Tifereth Israel is not the sanctuary or the social hall, the brick or the mortar. Our sacred Jewish community rests upon the souls of all who come together in fellowship, understanding, love of community, Torah, and God.
Finally, I’ve decided that my place is with my community as we navigate through this crisis. As such, I will be postponing my time off until a later date. I will be available, not only to help oversee the clean-up and figure out how we’re going to pivot in our space to continue to meet the needs of the congregation, but as always, to teach, daven, respond to pastoral needs, or just to talk. Together with our President, Lisa Hernandez, our Board of Directors, and our staff, we will get through this.
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