Rabbi Zushe Winner, Chabad Rabbi of West Brighton Beach, N.Y., knows that despite the darkness enveloping his community right now, there is light amidst the devastation.

An affluent community—many who had spent time building up their homes—now faces devastation, with roofs wrecked and basements flooded. Many of the elderly are stuck in their homes, fearful to venture beyond their comfort zone.

Rabbi Zushe Winner gathered a group of people to join Sheva Tauby, co-director of iVolunteer in packing and distributing food. Equipped with flashlights, the volunteers visited buildings that house the elderly who are without food. “They’re scared to leave; they are without electricity. They have been turning on their gas ovens to heat up their homes,” said the rabbi.

“The Chabad house was severely damaged and flooded as well,” he continued. “The sefer Torahs were somehow saved, and we were able to clean up in time for Shabbat. Makeshift lights enabled us to see, and small heaters kept us warm.”

Though blanketed in darkness, the rabbi said that what's most important during a time like this, is the power to connect, with G‑d and with others: “Most streets don’t have electricity or traffic lights, yet people want to connect and want to pray.”