After the fires, the community of Los Angeles is still standing—together. In this powerful episode, you’ll hear the emotional highs and lows of post-fire life, welcoming Rabbi Amy Bernstein, Senior Rabbi of Kehillat Israel Congregation who leads a congregation of 900 families in the Pacific Palisades region. Rabbi Amy discusses resilience, faith, and the strength found in community. Having lost her home and all her family keepsakes in the flames reflects on what it means to hold onto hope even when all tangible connections to the past have burned away. Through stories of kindness, the unwavering support of neighbors and friends, and even lessons from the biblical burning bush, she reminds us that while fire may consume, it does not have to destroy. Later, we explore the healing power of contrast bathing post wildfire trauma with wellness experts and learn from sustainable building leader Jennifer Berthelot-Jelovic on how Los Angeles can rebuild in a way that is fire-resistant, sustainable, and prepared for the future. This is about more than recovery—this is about rising from the ashes. Join us in standing together.

Resources:

• Kehillat Israel Congregation – Rabbi Amy Bernstein’s synagogue in Pacific Palisades:⁠⁠ ourki.org⁠⁠
• After the Fire – A disaster recovery organization:⁠⁠ afterthefireusa.org⁠⁠
• Sauna Aid – A global initiative bringing mobile saunas to disaster areas:⁠⁠sauna-aid.com⁠⁠
• ASAP Consulting - Sustainable rebuilding and toxin mitigation: ⁠sustainpro.org⁠
• Global Wave Integration - If you’ve been affected by the LA wildfires and need solutions for indoor air quality, air purification, or filtration, visit ⁠globalwaveintegration.com

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Donate to The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health

Interested in being a sponsor? 20% of all funding goes to The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health, a non-profit supporting the mental health of children impacted by these fires.

Questions? Feedback? Email ⁠⁠hello@larisingpodcast.com⁠⁠

Produced by ⁠NOVA