As we prepare for Shabbat, let our hearts, minds and tzedakah be turned to the peoples of South East Asia whose lives, families, homes and entire communities have been ripped apart. It has long been part of our tradition to give tzedakah just before Shabbat begins.

Where to give? There are many places where you can do it online and with ease:

Tsunami Help Blog lists specific requests and agencies who will recieve a package. (It is also a wonderful site for information.)

Union for Reform Judaism Asia Disaster Relief Fund

The Reform movement also has a beautiful prayer for the victims of the tsunami. The prayer includes,

…As we gather this Shabbat, we remember the loss of tens of thousands of God’s children killed this week in the Asian Tsunamis. We pray that the survivors find strength and comfort. We pray that those who search for missing loved ones be sustained with courage and hope. We pray that those who have lost so much have the fortitude to rebuild their lives. Loving and gracious God, who created the earth in all its fullness, grant them comfort, healing and peace. Be their help, in this, their time of need….May we be the voice that brings comfort and hope in the midst of the storm.

The Reform movement also has some resources on handling natural disaster.

The Conservative movement recommends giving through the American Joint Distribution Committee

May our prayers, hearts and resources send comfort, hope and help.