House fire in Woodmere

Though a house fire in Woodmere destroyed the physical remembrances of the family's memories they said they will create new ones.

The house of Rabbi Yitzie Ross and his family at 1031 Dartmouth Lane was severely damaged by a fire on April 5.

Hewlett Fire Department responded to the fire that began at 4:40 p.m. Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department also responded to the scene.

Rabbi Ross, a Rebbe with Yeshiva of South Shore in Hewlett, his wife, who is expected to give birth very soon, and their six children are being helped by their family and friends.

"Words cannot possibly express how much the outpouring of caring and love has meant to us and our family," the rabbi wrote in an email to clarify some inaccuracies that were reported. "Thanks to our wonderful friends and family, we were never homeless. We have a healthy family and we will create new memories."

He also noted that his family doesn't need linens, pots, pans, clothing, furniture or mattresses. However, he suggested that should people want to aid families in crisis they could donate money to Chai Lifeline (www.chailifeline.org).

"All we ask now is that you join us in thanking G-d for letting us stay healthy, and that you please, please make sure that you have smoke detectors in your bedrooms!," Rabbi Ross noted.

The day after the fire, officials at The Five Towns Community Chest approved a $500 allocation to aid the family. The check was hand delivered as early as Wednesday afternoon and an arrangement was made with Steve Silverman, owner of Morton’s, for his store to match the first $250 spent at Morton’s with an additional donation of $250 in clothing for the Ross family.

"It is our hope that this small gesture will help the family recover from this recent loss of property and we are happy to help one of our neighbors," said Bob Block of Community Chest. "The 'Neighbors helping Neighbors'program at the Five Towns Community Chest is our way of helping individuals in their time of need."