The recent LA fires have scarred the city, turning once-familiar landscapes into unrecognizable scenes. Families lost their homes, businesses, and, heartbreakingly, loved ones. The tragedy feels overwhelming—a stark reminder of life’s fragility. In these moments, we ask: How do we process such loss? How do we rebuild? What guidance does Jewish tradition offer for facing tragedy?
Judaism encourages us to confront difficult moments head-on. It teaches us to hold our pain, search for meaning, and move forward with hope and purpose. These reflections on Jewish teachings offer guidance as we navigate the devastation caused by the fires.
Mourning What Was Lost
Judaism deeply understands and compassionately embraces grief. The process of avelut (mourning) guides us to sit with sadness, cry, and fully feel the weight of our losses. “There is a time to weep and a time to laugh” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Right now, it’s time to weep for what has been destroyed—the homes that held years of memories, the natural beauty that soothed our souls, and, most tragically, the lives cut short.
But even as we grieve, Jewish tradition teaches us that mourning is not a permanent state. Shiva, shloshim, and the year of mourning create space for pain while gradually guiding us back to life. It’s a reminder that healing is a process—one that we don’t have to rush but also one that allows room for renewal.
Seeing the Sparks of Kindness
Judaism inspires us to find light even in the darkest moments. The fires revealed incredible acts of kindness: neighbors opened their doors to evacuees, firefighters risked their lives to protect others, and communities rallied to provide food, clothing, and support. This is chesed (loving-kindness) in action—a powerful reminder that human goodness shines through even when tragedy strikes.
Jewish mysticism teaches that sparks of holiness hide within the world, waiting for us to reveal them. While it’s hard to see holiness in destruction, these moments of kindness remind us that there is potential for connection and hope, even in the ashes. As Rabbi Nachman of Breslov said, “The whole world is a very narrow bridge, and the most important thing is not to be afraid.” Kindness helps steady us on that bridge.
Repairing and Rebuilding
In Judaism, action is a cornerstone of faith. When tragedy strikes, we are called to step up and help repair the world—Tikkun Olam. There are countless ways to take action. Whether donating to relief efforts, volunteering to help rebuild, or simply offering a listening ear to someone struggling.
The fires prompt us to examine our relationship with the earth. Judaism has always emphasized the importance of caring for the environment, from the laws of bal tashchit (not wasting) to the sabbatical year (Shmita), which teaches us to let the land rest. As we rebuild, there’s an opportunity to do so in a way that aligns with these values—to think about sustainability, conservation, and how we can better protect our planet moving forward.
Finding Meaning in the Flames
One of the most challenging questions we face during tragedy is, “Why?” In Jewish tradition, there is no simple answer to why suffering exists. Instead, we’re invited to wrestle with the question, just as Jacob wrestled with the angel in Genesis. The struggle itself can bring growth.
Rabbi Harold Kushner, in his book When Bad Things Happen to Good People, suggests that instead of asking “Why did this happen?” we should ask, “What can I do now?” It’s a shift from despair to empowerment. While we can’t always control what happens to us, we can control how we respond—with compassion, resilience, and a commitment to building a better future.
Holding On to Hope
The Hebrew word for hope, tikvah, is deeply embedded in Jewish tradition. Even in the face of destruction, we’re taught to look forward—to believe in the possibility of renewal. The prophet Isaiah speaks of beauty rising from ashes, a powerful image for those grappling with loss today.
The fires devastated our city but failed to extinguish our spirit. Together, we can rebuild—not just homes and landscapes, but also the community bonds that make us strong. We can honor those we’ve lost by living with greater intention, kindness, and connection.
Moving Forward Together
As we process the impact of the LA fires, let’s lean on each other. Let’s cry together, work together, and, eventually, heal together. Whether through acts of kindness, environmental stewardship, or simply holding space for one another’s pain, we can find ways to turn tragedy into an opportunity for growth and connection.
The journey from tears to joy may be long, but with hope and community, it is possible. Together, we can bring light to the darkness and rebuild what was lost and something even stronger.
Photo credit: Canva
