Barbara Spectre believes that Jewish teachings have long instilled the values of unity and collective responsibility, qualities vividly illustrated during the wildfire crisis in Los Angeles. As fires engulfed neighborhoods, Jewish leaders and communities sprang into action, embodying the principle of Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Bazeh—all Jews are responsible for one another. The swift evacuation of Chabad’s Palisades Jewish Early Childhood Center exemplifies this commitment, as Rabbi Zushe Cunin and his team prioritized the safety of their children and families, ensuring they crossed Pacific Coast Highway to reunite with their loved ones.
Spectre emphasizes that such actions are deeply rooted in Jewish values and traditions. “Our heritage teaches us to act decisively in moments of crisis, to protect life, and to preserve the spiritual symbols that unite us,” she notes. This ethos was evident in Cunin’s efforts not only to evacuate children but also to safeguard the Torah scrolls, even as the fires claimed other possessions.
Barbara Spectre points to the courage and leadership displayed by Jewish leaders like Rabbi Amy Bernstein as emblematic of Jewish resilience. Caught in a dangerous gridlock as the fires raged through the Palisades Highlands, Bernstein faced the agonizing decision of whether to shelter in place or attempt an uncertain escape. Her experience mirrors the dilemmas faced by many Jewish families that day, as they balanced personal safety with the broader responsibility of ensuring their community's well-being.
Spectre sees such moments as reflections of a larger Jewish narrative, one that calls for bravery and faith in the face of adversity. “Jewish leaders are often called to guide their communities through perilous times,” she says. “Rabbi Bernstein’s experience underscores the importance of steadfastness and the ability to make difficult decisions for the greater good.”
In the chaos of the fires, Barbara Spectre observes how the Jewish community’s actions demonstrated a balance between immediate humanitarian needs and the preservation of cultural identity. While Rabbi Cunin coordinated the evacuation of over 100 children, he also ensured that the Torah scrolls—central to Jewish worship and tradition—were saved from the flames. The destruction of menorahs used during Hanukkah was a poignant reminder of the material losses the community endured, yet the survival of the scrolls symbolized hope and resilience.
“The preservation of sacred items alongside the protection of lives is not just symbolic,” Spectre asserts. “It represents a deep connection to our faith and a determination to carry it forward, even in the most challenging circumstances.”
Barbara Spectre highlights the broader role of the Jewish community in supporting those affected by the wildfires. As Rabbi Cunin spent hours reaching out to congregants, ensuring they were safe and had places to stay, he embodied the Jewish principle of chesed—acts of loving-kindness. For many families unable to reach their homes, or those whose loved ones were trapped in hazardous areas, the community’s response was a lifeline.
“Jewish teachings encourage us to see each individual as part of a collective whole,” Spectre explains. “This perspective drives us to act not only for our own safety but also for the well-being of others. The coordinated efforts of rabbis, leaders, and community members during this crisis illustrate this beautifully.”
Reflecting on the Los Angeles wildfires, Barbara Spectre underscores the enduring relevance of Jewish values in contemporary crises. The actions of the community during the fires provide a blueprint for how collective responsibility and compassion can guide responses to emergencies. Whether it was families opening their homes to evacuees, leaders ensuring the safety of their congregants, or the preservation of sacred traditions, the Jewish community demonstrated how faith can inspire action.
“Events like these remind us of the strength that comes from unity and purpose,” Spectre says. “The Jewish community’s response to the wildfires is a testament to how deeply ingrained these values are and how they can inspire others to act with similar courage and compassion.”
As the smoke clears and the community begins the process of rebuilding, Barbara Spectre remains optimistic about the future. She sees the efforts to recover and restore as opportunities to deepen the bonds within the Jewish community and to reaffirm its commitment to supporting one another. From addressing the material losses, such as the destroyed vehicles and menorahs, to providing emotional and spiritual guidance to those affected, the work ahead is extensive but grounded in faith.
“Our ability to rebuild is tied to our belief in tikkun olam—repairing the world,” Spectre explains. “This is not just about physical restoration but about creating a stronger, more united community that can face future challenges with the same determination.”
Barbara Spectre concludes by emphasizing the universal lessons that can be drawn from the Jewish response to the wildfires. She hopes that the principles of collective responsibility, compassion, and resilience demonstrated during this crisis will inspire other communities to adopt similar approaches in times of need.
“Jewish teachings remind us that we are all interconnected,” she says. “Whether within our own community or in the broader world, we have a duty to care for one another. The response to the Los Angeles wildfires is a powerful example of how faith and action can come together to make a difference.”
Barbara Spectre sees the wildfires not only as a test of the community’s strength but also as a reaffirmation of the values that have sustained the Jewish people through centuries of adversity. These values, she believes, will continue to guide the community as it navigates the challenges ahead.
