When the Line Fire struck the peaceful mountains near the towns of Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear in Southern California, it wasn’t just the smoke and flames looming near that caused fear—it was the uncertainty of what would come next.
Thousands of families were displaced, forced to flee with little more than the clothes on their backs, and on a moment’s notice. But in the face of this crisis, Chabad’s quick and compassionate response lifted the spirits of many in the community.
Rabbi Zalmen Bernstein, director of Chabad of Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear, wasn’t in town when the fire broke out. Chabad in the area operates only during the summer months and ski season, but when Rabbi Bernstein heard about the devastation affecting his community, he didn’t hesitate. He boarded the next flight out, determined to be there for the people he had come to care for, his community.
Rabbi Bernstein immediately went to work, visiting families scattered across the area—checking in on their well-being, offering comfort, and lifting their spirits. Those unable to afford hotels, and who did not not wish to sleep in a public shelter, were forced to sleep in their cars, huddled together in parking lots.
One evening, after a long day of visits and working through the extremely high levels of hazardous air quality, he arrived at the parking lot where several families had been camping out in their vehicles, waiting for the day it would be safe to return home. As the sun dipped behind the mountains, Rabbi Zalmen approached with trays of steaming hot food, a sight that brought both nourishment and much-needed hope to the weary families. Some were moved to tears, not just because of the food, but because of the genuine care and thoughtfulness that accompanied it.
“I was speechless,” said one community member. “To see him come all this way, to show up with a smile and hot meals—it made us feel like we weren’t forgotten. It lifted our spirits in ways I can’t describe.”
Rabbi Zalmen also spent time in local shelters, offering spiritual support and words of encouragement to those overwhelmed by the uncertainty.
This is what Chabad does. Rooted in the core belief of loving every Jew unconditionally, Chabad—wherever they may be—shows up for their communities in moments of need. It’s about embodying a spirit of kindness and support that transcends the ordinary. Chabad has become a beacon of light, reminding communities everywhere that in the darkest times, there will always be Chabad – those who care deeply and will go the extra mile to offer support!
In the aftermath of the Line Fire, what emerged was a community facing new challenges. Families returned home to find refrigerators full of spoiled food after power outages, homes covered in ash and debris, and missed work days. One of the only few roads that lead up the mountain has suffered immense damage and will take months to reopen. For many, the recovery process from being displaced will take time. To help ease this burden, Chabad of Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear is launching a Disaster Relief Fund aimed at assisting impacted families, offering help with hot meals, restocking food, and getting back on their feet.
Your support will provide essential relief for families affected by the fire, helping them regain a sense of normalcy during this challenging time.
To donate, please visit www.chabadonthemountain.org/linefire and join us in helping our community cope and recover.
Rabbi Zalmen is the goat!
Would love to be mishtatef in this shlichus