Tikun Olam
No One Left Behind | Jesus Aguero
A message from Jewish Federation of San Diego Board Chair, Brian Tauber and President and CEO, Michael Jeser
Regarding the California Wildfires
The past week has been a difficult one up and down our State. Communities in Northern and Southern California are literally burning and need our help. Three major fires have devastated entire communities, leaving people displaced and homeless.
Our sister Federation in Sacramento is 90 miles south of the Butte County Camp Fire, the most destructive fire in California history. As of today, 29 individuals have lost their lives and the homes of 6,500 families have burned to the ground. The Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region, of which Butte County is a part, is collecting material goods for the victims and is also asking for donations to help recovery efforts.
Closer to home, as in the north, the Los Angeles wildfires have been burning for days. Thousands of individuals and families have been evacuated and displaced, and a number of Jewish institutions have been destroyed or damaged. The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles has opened an LA Wildfire Relief Fund – 100% of all funds raised will go to individuals and institutions affected by the fires.
No One Left Behind
In this month of Thanksgiving, let’s remember our blessings and be proactive to support those in need. More details about both projects are at our website.
No One Left Behind To-Do List for November:
- Thank a veteran.
- Kiss the cook who roasted the turkey and baked the pie.
- Pay it forward: ensure toilet paper and diapers for those who supported our troops.
Do you take the last items for granted? This veteran-run non-profit assists Iraqi and Afghan combat interpreters and supports personnel in resettling in the United States. These allies served alongside American military and are directly responsible for saving the lives U.S. troops. In their home countries, they are targeted by insurgency groups as a result of their service.
Needed are items that can’t be purchased with food stamps. Please thank them by purchasing a few extra rolls of toilet paper and/or a pack of diapers and dropping them off at TIS.
Supporting One of Our Own
As you may be aware, Jesus Aguero, one of our TIS maintenance team members, was recently hit by a car. In mid-October, Jesus underwent a second surgery. While we anticipate a full recovery, he suffered serious injuries and will need to take a leave of absence from work.
Jesus has been there for Tifereth Israel since he began working here several years ago, and now it is our turn to be there for him. As we have done in the past for members of our congregational family who suffer unexpected and life-altering medical challenges that cause serious family and financial hardships, Tifereth Israel Synagogue is coming together to take care of one of our own. As part of that effort, we have set up a fund to aid Jesus’s family, and we will gratefully accept contributions to assist them as they face serious financial and medical challenges.
We ask that you not contact the family directly. You may mail or drop cards off at the synagogue office, and we will gladly deliver them.
Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we are unable to share further details at this time. We appreciate your understanding. Meanwhile, we will do our best to update you on Jesus’s recovery in our weekly electronic newsletter.
Jesus and his wife Julia have six children:
- Ismelda (20)
- Lupe (17)
- Jesus Jr. (14)
- Awna (9)
- Krystal (8)
- Nik (4)
How can you help?
Our TIS Kehillah (community) has already begun pulling together to help meet the needs of this family. Here are some ways that we can all help:
- Donations to support the family. Please note, we do not want Jesus and Julia spending time or energy sending thank you notes. Therefore, all donations will be anonymous.
- As we move forward, assistance with rides to and from physical therapy and other doctor’s appointments. If you are able to assist, email Lori Kurtz or call her at 619 697-6001, ext. 106.
Being part of a community means coming together to help each other in times of need.
* TIS is embracing the Aguero family for the holidays. Click here to find out how you can help make their Christmas special.
Thank you for your support.