Rabbi Engel heads to Ukraine

Rabbi Steven Engel of Congregration of Reform Judaism joined a group of Reform Rabbis to explore how they could help the situation in Ukraine. They contacted the JCC Director in Krakow Poland, Jonathan Ornstein, and asked what the needs are and what could be done.

He shared with the CRJ congregation via email the plans of this trip.

Rabbi Engle stated, "without hesitation, [Ornstein] said "as Rabbis you need to come to Poland to counsel and comfort refugees, to let Ukranian Jews know that American Jews are there for them, and to bring some things they urgently need."

He continued, "I am answering that call and along with my colleagues I will be going to Poland April 9-14, for myself and for you. We will assist Jewish refugees in Krakow and travel to the Ukrainian border to welcome refugees and serve as sacred witnesses to this horrific conflict."

Rabbi Engel will keep his congregation informed in real time from Poland when able.

"I am committed to using this experience to lift up the voices of those that I meet and to bring back ways we can directly connect to them and help them," he shared in the email to CRJ's congregants.

Each rabbi is bringing different items and Rabbi Engel decided to bring desper-ately needed medications, because "Pikuach Nefesh" the saving of health and life is the highest Jewish value.

Those who wish to donate items can do so by dropping off items at the Temple office by April 7th. All items will go directly to Ukranian Refugees thru the JCC in Krakow. Please use your contacts with doctors, nurses, hospitals and drug reps to help me fill six duffle bags with medications.

The requested medications are:

Wide spectrum antibiotics

Medicine for stomach pains and anti-diarrhea

Anti-inflammatory for adults and children

Anxiety pills/medications

Vitamins D and C for children

In addition, Rabbi Engel is collecting funds through the CRJ Rabbi's Discretionary Fund where 100 percent will go directly to the refugees through the JCC in Krakow. As of a few days ago they are spending more than $10,000 a day for refugee housing, food, children's education and medical needs.