Jewish communities bordering the Pacific Ocean emerged largely unscathed after one of the largest earthquakes on record sent buildings and bridges crashing down to their foundations throughout the South American country of Chile.
As word spread of the devastation Saturday night – after the close of the holy day of Shabbat – Jewish residents in the Chilean capital of Santiago and half a world away in Hawaii celebrated their deliverance from harm while they took part in Purim festivities. They also turned their attention to how they could help those who weren’t so lucky.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the victims of this horrible tragedy,” said Chaya Perman, co-director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Chile, who since 1981, has run a network of programs for the country’s estimated 16,000 Jewish community members, most of them centered in Santiago.
“Thank G-d, the Jewish community is okay.”
Perman reported that there was some light damage to the Chabad House, but that plans for the Purim holiday went ahead as scheduled.
On Saturday night, the community gathered for a reading of the megillah by Rabbi Menashe Perman, and took part in the customary feast on Sunday.
On Sunday, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, which supported missions from Chabad-Lubavitch of the Dominican Republic and other relief efforts in Haiti following that country’s devastating earthquake last month, announced its intention to collect funds for Chile’s victims.
di rebbes a shliach
channnnnna the purim party looked like it was soooooo fun!!! great job!
HaShem works in wondrous ways.
boruch hashem all are o.k.