Today, just 6 days post-Sandy, New York City feels like a city of helpers. Volunteers are doing whatever they can to help. Driving, cooking, lifting, donating dry goods, warm clothing and blankets. Concern and loving kindness is flowing in the direction of those in need.

Out here in Park Slope, an area the storm largely missed, there has been an enormous volunteer effort for Red Hook, Coney Island, Gowanus and the Rockaways.

The rabbi at Congregation Beth Elohim put up the above picture on Facebook and worte: “Another way to pray.” Indeed, it’s a mitzvah to help others and people around here are taking that very, very seriously. And there are so many ways to do it. A journalist friend writes on her Facebook page:

“Many housing project buildings are still dark – from Park Slope you can walk to the Gowanus Community Center, 420 Baltic near Hoyt where they are accepting donations of diapers, canned food, formula, powdered milk, formula, etc. Signing off from the 3rd world country formerly known as New York City…”

There have been non-stop call-outs on Twitter and Facebook for drivers, for heavy lifters, for cooks, for people willing to put in long shifts at shelters, for social workers and those with medical expertise. There are ways to contribute big and small.

I hope this spirit of generosity lasts for a very long time. On the eve of a very divisive election, it is inspiring that people are feeling such a pull towards others, such a sense of concern, a real desire to help.

It’s really quite beautiful.