Wise in the Community: Rabbi Josh Knobel speaks at charity golf event for LAFD widows, orphans, and disabled firefighters

On Monday, Oct. 24, Stephen Wise Temple Rabbi Josh Knobel delivered the opening invocation at the Los Angeles Fire Department Widows, Orphans, & Disabled Firefighters Fundraiser at Woodland Hills Country Club.

His full remarks:

As we prepare to hit the links, Jews throughout the world are preparing to read from the tale of Noah. Before he receives his sacred task to safeguard creation from an otherworldly storm, we learn that Noah is righteous, that he possesses a sterling moral character, and that he “walks with God.” And just what does it mean to, “walk with God?”

According to the sages, Noah “walks with God” by taking personal responsibility for the welfare of God’s creations. In his age, it was Noah who took upon the work needed to safeguard all life from the flood. And in our age, does anyone accept this responsibility – as well as its inherent risks – more readily than our firefighters, who pledge life and limb to protect our lives, our homes, and our lands?

This morning, we pray for safety, we pray for camaraderie, and we pray for hope. But more than anything, we pray for Your blessing upon those men and women of valor who have taken up the mantle of Noah, those who walk with You … and for those who have taken their last step, we pray, just as they walked with You on earth, so, too, may they walk with You in eternal embrace.

And together we say, Amen.

You can listen to Rabbi Knobel’s appearance on Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback’s “Search for Meaning” podcast HERE.

About the Widows, Orphans, & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund: The LAFD Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity, founded in 1906, dedicated to helping the families of firefighters injured or killed in the line of duty or facing other crisis. Its mission is to assist firefighter families with financial, emotional, and other much-needed support, including covering the costs of rent, mortgage, food, clothing, utilities, and other basic needs and necessities; paying for health insurance premiums; and assisting with funerals and burials.