Dear Editor,

The following is an open letter to Jews in Jamaica.

As Hurricane Beryl approaches, it is important that we come together to prepare both practically and spiritually. At Chabad of Jamaica we are committed to assisting you in any way possible during this time. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for support, guidance, or any other needs.

In addition to physical preparations, let us also fortify our spirits. We encourage you to engage in prayer and acts of charity, which are powerful tools for invoking divine protection and fostering unity.

Psalm 93 reminds us of the power and protection of Hashem over the mighty waters:

“The rivers have lifted up, O Lord, the rivers have lifted up their voice; the rivers will lift up their depths. More than the voices of great waters and more than the mightiest breakers of the sea, is the Lord mighty on high.”

We also recommend reciting Psalm 121 and Psalm 20 for additional strength and protection during this time:

Psalm 121:

“I lift my eyes to the mountains — from where will my help come? My help will come from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to falter; your Guardian will not slumber. Behold, the Guardian of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your Guardian; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will guard you from all evil; He will guard your soul. The Lord will guard your going and coming from now and for all time.”

Psalm 20:

“May the Lord answer you on the day of distress; may the name of the God of Jacob fortify you. May He send your help from the sanctuary, and support you from Zion. May He remember all your offerings, and always accept favourably your sacrifices. May He grant you your heart’s desire, and fulfil your entire plan. We will rejoice in your deliverance, and raise our banners in the name of our God; may the Lord fulfil all your wishes. Now I know that the Lord has delivered His anointed one, answering him from His holy heavens with the mighty saving power of His right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will invoke the name of the Lord our God. They bend and fall, but we rise and stand firm. Lord, deliver us; may the King answer us on the day we call.”

Please send us your names (preferably Hebrew) and your mothers’ names so I can have you in mind in our daily prayers.

Remember, we are here for you 24/7. Please contact us at any time for assistance.

Stay safe and may we all be protected.

Rabbi Yaakov Raskin

info@jewishjamaica.com