Robin Dermer News Today

In devastated southwest of the state, synagogues adapt their services -- sometimes drastically; 'People are shattered and in need both of resources and supplies, but also of hope'

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Throughout southwest Florida, Jews planned to hold worship services for Yom Kippur, although many were doing so with plans drastically modified by the devastating storm.

Throughout a southwest Florida devastated by Hurricane Ian, Jews plan to hold worship services for Yom Kippur starting Tuesday night. Many were doing so with plans drastically modified by the storm. Some congregations were skipping in-person attendance for the all-important Kol Nidre service Tuesday night out of concern it would be too dangerous to drive at night with debris piled up on roads and traffic lights out. Others were holding it online. Yom Kippur is the holiest day on the Jewish calen...

Even though a destructive hurricane tore through his community just days earlier, nothing was going to stop Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz from holding prayer services Tuesday night for the start of the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.