10/16/2026
Hot take: the most powerful part of this week wasn't the storm!
Just one week ago, we were preparing for what turned out to be one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit our city in years.
Last Friday night, as Shabbat began, Hurricane Isaias came roaring through Pensacola, bringing tremendous winds, knocking down trees, damaging homes, and leaving much of our community without electricity.
It certainly made for a Shabbat unlike any other, without electricity or air conditioning, and with the sounds of the storm raging outside.
Then came the aftermath.
As we began seeing the destruction, the fallen trees, damaged homes, and thousands of families left without power, we knew it was time to roll up our sleeves and do whatever we could to help.
Throughout the week, the doors at Chabad were open, with the barbecue fired up, serving delicious freshly cooked hot meals to anyone who needed them.
Over 100 people came through Chabad this week, enjoying hot barbecue meals, a place to relax, a cup of coffee, and some much-needed friendship.
We had the opportunity to reconnect with many old friends and meet wonderful new friends from all across town. It was beautiful to see people coming together, checking on one another, and offering whatever help they could.
In the middle of all this, I couldn't help but think about this week's Torah portion.
This Shabbat, we read the story of Noah.
The Torah tells us about the great flood that destroyed nearly everything in its path. When the waters finally receded, Noah emerged from the ark into a world that had been completely changed.
Imagine what Noah must have felt, stepping outside and seeing the destruction around him, knowing that the world would have to be rebuilt.
G-d then placed a rainbow in the sky, a sign of His everlasting covenant, promising never again to destroy the entire world through a flood.
G-d also gave humanity a mission through the Seven Noahide Laws, seven universal commandments that form the foundation of a moral and civilized society.
These seven laws are the basic moral responsibilities that G-d gave to all humanity. They include believing in one G-d, respecting His name, protecting human life, respecting the property of others, maintaining the sanctity of marriage and family, treating animals with compassion, and establishing courts of justice to ensure a fair and peaceful society.
Unlike the 613 commandments given specifically to the Jewish people, these seven laws are meant for every human being, regardless of religion, nationality, or background. They remind us that every person is created in G-d's image and has a responsibility to contribute to a world of goodness, kindness, and justice.
The Rebbe often emphasized that the Jewish people have a special responsibility to share these universal values with the entire world. Our mission is to inspire others to recognize their own connection with G-d and the tremendous power each person has to make the world a better place.
When Noah stepped out of the ark, G-d gave him the responsibility to help rebuild the world.
That's exactly what we've been witnessing all across our town this week.
Neighbors helping neighbors. Strangers becoming friends. People clearing fallen trees, sharing food, opening their homes, and checking on those who need help.
Nobody was asking what religion or background someone belonged to or where they came from. They saw another human being who needed help.
Sometimes, when the lights go out and our normal routines are turned upside down, we discover just how much light exists within people.
As we continue recovering from this hurricane, we need to carry that spirit forward, long after the electricity is restored and life returns to normal.
Because a better world is built one good deed, one act of kindness, and one person at a time.
May this Shabbat bring comfort and strength to everyone dealing with the aftermath of the storm, and may we see only goodness and beautiful blessings ahead.
Shabbat Shalom!
Warmly,
Rabbi Mendel & Nechama Danow
Directors at Chabad of Pensacola
PS
If you would consider doing a big mitzvah and contributing to the Hurricane Isaias relief fund, please click here:
https://www.chabadpensacola.com/relief
Shabbat Noach
Light your 🕯️🕯️ at 5:58 PM in Pensacola
Shabbat ends at 6:51 PM
