These last weeks have been very difficult for our county. Battered by some of the harshest forces of nature, many of us have friends who have lost their homes. As the fires are slowly reaching full containment, here are some thoughts:
Devastation surrounding us. Petaluma spared. Reminds me of Noah surrounded by the raging floods. Safe in the ark. The Hebrew word for ark is Teivah. Teivah also means words. One way of finding solace and security is to enter into words. Words of Prayer, words of Torah (we started anew season of Torah Studies), words of Kindness.
Noach's name means comfort. Petaluma and the region turned out in force to support and comfort. (Shabbat Dinner of Unity & Comfort tonight in Santa Rosa). Let's continue to be there for each other every day. Let's keep the kindness and love for our neighbors even once the smoke clears.
When Noach left the ark, he found the world in shambles. No home, no landscape, nothing. Yet, he found the inner strength to rebuild. 
To start a new world. To look towards the future. We are that future. Thank you, Noach! After the Holocaust, (Nov 9, we are hosting a Holocaust survivor as a guest speaker) our relatives bravely made a similar decision - rebuild. While our past colors us, our future defines us. Thank you to my grandparents! Here in Sonoma County, we too will rebuild.
As evacuations are lifted and the smoke begins to thin, I stopped by to show gratitude to the brave heroes who continue to fight these wildfires on the ground and by air.
Wishing you a Shabbat of Comfort, Peace, and Unity!
ב"ה