I don't know why hurricanes happen.
I will not attempt to explain it to you scientifically, as my understanding of it is very limited.
I certainly cannot explain or understand theologically: Why does G-d allow such tragedy and loss to occur. Nor will I accept an explanation from anyone that professes to understand, for it is not in the capacity of the human mind to comprehend the mysteries of G-d's ways.
But I believe I do know why human beings respond the way they do to the chaos, destruction and tragedy that hurricane Harvey blew our way this past week.
What motivates a first responder to literally sacrifice their own life in their attempt to rescue a total stranger?
What drives people to wait in line for hours, in order to be dispatched on a volunteer mission?
What compels an individual living in Connecticut to give up his vacation days and drive a truck loaded with relief supplies, for the 30 hour trip down to Houston?
The answer is simple. The depth and capacity of the soul. It is far deeper then it appears. We are more loving then we ordinarily think we are. And we are much more righteous than we claim to be.
It is why in the opening verse of this week's Torah portion "Ki Teitzei", we read: "When you go out to battle on you enemies...". The Chasidic masters understand this to refer also to our daily battle and struggle called life. The hardships and distractions are our enemies. But the battlefield isn't even, for we are not equal forces - the good against the negative. We don't battle "against our enemies" but "On and above our enemies". We carry a piece of the Divine within us, the battle is rigged, and we have a lopsided advantage over the negative force.
What happened in Houston is heartbreaking, how ordinary people responded to it is heartwarming.
After the storm water in Houston recedes, and we busy ourselves with our personal lives, and get ready to take on a new year, we must remember how noble and virtuous we truly are, and translate that into our personal relationships with our families, neighbors and friends.
P.S. Follow the extraordinary work being coordinated by Chabad of Houston and support their efforts at http://www.chabadhouston.com/relief