Growing up as an American kid with one Jewish and one non-Jewish parent, I never thought much about having a Jewish identity. It was much more important to be mainstream American, and aside from lighting Hanukkah candles, heading up to my grandparents' for Passover, and occasional conversations about the situation in Israel, we weren't observant or involved in Jewish life. I didn't really feel very Jewish either -- everyone around who was Jewish was more Jewish than me.  ——That started to change when I went to China and quickly went from one of the least to one of the most Jewish people around, relatively.

As Hurricane Harvey continues to ravage parts of Texas and surrounding areas, many of us are eager to help the thousands of people who have been displaced and a region that has been devastated. When natural disasters strike, it can be hard to know where to start and the full scale of impact is often not known until the crisis has passed. Many incredible organizations are doing important work on the ground to provide immediate support to those affected by a still-ongoing situation. Here we share ideas and tips for getting involved.

Over the past two days, many people have shared the powerful words of the late Elie Wiesel, who said: “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” 

As Founder of At The Well, Sarah Waxman is dedicated to bringing women together at the intersection of wellness and Jewish spirituality. The ROI Community member and REALITY participant has a deep understanding of the power of supportive community, and is working to create that for others. BONUS: Explore At The Well's oh-so-timely modern Tisha B'Av guide.