Floodwaters can't hold back Sukkot mitzvah

A request went out on social media - "Does anyone have a boat, raft, canoe that I can use?" asked Rabbi Yanky Majesky of Chabad of North Orlando. With just a few hours left for the Sukkot holiday, Rabbi Majesky had that much needed canoe to row to the home of a family stuck on the second floor of their home because of the flooding caused by Hurricane Ian on the St. John's River. He came to them to perform the mitzvah of waving the lulav and etrog on Sukkot.

Jon and Mary Lou Klein, their son Joe and cousin Harold were stuck in the apartment over their garage for the duration of the rising waters. They were surprised to see the rabbi arrive with lulav and etrog in hand.

Rabbi Majesky said the blessings, and each member of the family waved the lulav and etrog, also reciting prayers. Then they all danced and laughed, enjoying this time together.