As wildfires continue to devastate the Palisades and Greater Los Angeles area in California, Chai Lifeline has been tirelessly responding to the needs of families and individuals affected by the crisis. From evacuations to the heartbreaking loss of homes, Chai Lifeline is providing support, guidance, and resources to bring relief during this challenging time.
“Chai Lifeline’s crisis intervention team has received an outpouring of calls from families, friends, and concerned community members seeking assistance for loved ones who have been forced to evacuate or lost their homes entirely,” says Randi Grossman, Chai Lifeline West Coast Director. “The scope of the devastation is immense, with many children rushed from their homes as the fires spread rapidly, leaving behind uncertainty and fear.”
In collaboration with the Chabad of Palisades, Chai Lifeline addressed the emotional toll on the community by hosting an emergency Zoom session with Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox, Director of Chai Lifeline Crisis Services, to help families cope with the fear of unknown outcomes, the stress of evacuations, and the grief of loss.
“The emotional trauma extends far beyond physical destruction,” says Dr. Fox. “We are working to provide a safe space where individuals can express their fears, receive guidance, and begin the process of healing.”
Chai Lifeline encourages anyone in need of support to contact its 24-hour helpline at 855-3-CRISIS or email crisis@chailifeline.org. Learn more about Chai Lifeline Crisis Services at www.chailifeline.org/crisis.
To support Chai Lifeline’s Wildfire Crisis Response, click here.
Hello,
I am a recent & temporary transplant to Los Angeles (10/24 – 5/2025) from New Jersey. I have some physical handicaps due to a spinal condition; however, I have been an integrative energy practitioner for over 15 years and would like to offer my services for those affected by the wildfires.
I heard about Chai Foundation/Chai Lifeline from my sister, Elissa Cagan Gordon – she is friendly with Jill Witf, and in following her GoFundMe page, I learned about some of your programs.
I have donated money. It is difficult to donate my time in that I cannot sort items, carry them, drive around for long periods of time delivering items, spend more than a few minutes standing, etc. What I can offer is relaxation and stress relief to try and take some of the edge off of what is horrible, frightening, and real-time loss.
My skillset: I am a Reiki Master, Jin Shin Jyutsu (JSJ) Practitioner, and provide impact reflexology, use Kabbalistic Healing Approaches, as well as guided imagery, Progressive Relaxation. & Relaxation Breathing techniques. In addition, I also teach self-directed JSJ techniques that can be of great assistance in reducing fear, worry, anger, sadness, etc. None of what I do solves any problems or minimize the seriousness of our current crisis; what it can do is offer a healing outlet to lessen the effects of suffering. I am also an end-of-life doula.
I’ve worked for hospice programs and have provided services in partnership with grief and bereavement counselors. I also was employed for over ten years with the Atlantic Health System Integrative Medicine Program (hospital system in central NJ), working with patients, caregivers & staff from birth to end-of-life. I am happy to provide a resume and referrals for your review.
Please note that I am volunteering my time. I am fully aware that this is likely the last concern on anyone’s list; however, if it can offer space for a modicum of reprieve and an environment to minimize stress for even a short period of time, it could offer some much-needed relief and break the cycle of emotional vigilance so many are experiencing.
Thank you for your consideration – All of LA are in my daily misheberach, and I will continue to support the general and Jewish community in any way I can.
Hayley Kamis, MA, RM/T
908-625-8161
Located in Woodland Hills, willing to drive to service sites