Smoke-Filled Skies

On Tuesday, June 6, our community, city, and surrounding states began to be engulfed by the smoke from Canadian wildfires. Today, our vibrant skyline has been overtaken by the eerie scene of the entire sky hazy with smoke and the smell of wildfire. As your clergy, we are thinking of you and hoping that you are staying as safe as possible inside your homes.

As the air quality climbs into more and more unhealthy territory, we urge you to stay indoors if you can and take appropriate measures to stay healthy.

Steps to Stay Safe

• If you can, stay home and close all windows.
• Create a “clean air room” like a closet or extra bathroom which you keep closed unless you are in need of a respite from the air in your home.
• Use an N95 or KN95 mask when outside.
• Use mass transit, instead of driving.
• Avoid all outdoor activities while the AQI (Air Quality Index) is Very Unhealthy or Hazardous. Track the Air Quality Index here.
• Turn on air filtration devices you may have in your home.

To Keep your Spirits Healthy

• Listen to the CBST Chorus singing Frank Tichelli’s “Earthsong.”
• Remember to check in on each other. We are truly standing in the midst of a burning world, and the only way through is together. Call/text/email your friends, neighbors, and family.
• Hashkiveynu Hashem Eloheinu – Help us lie down Adonai, Our God, in peace. Let us rise up again to life. Spread over us your shelter of your peace. Enfold us in the wings of your protection. Shield us from evil, disease, famine, and sorrow. Guard our going forth each day for life and peace, now and always. Spread over us your shelter of your peace. Blessed are you, Adonai, who spreads your canopy of peace over all your people Israel, over the whole world, and over Jerusalem.

May these smoke filled skies clear soon, may the fires cease, and may the earth be healed.

Photo via ABC7 New York