The weeks leading up to the High Holidays were among the most difficult in recent memory, as our country seemed to be going through an economic meltdown. What began as a crisis in the housing and financial markets quickly spread to other quarters. The stock market has been extremely volatile, while business has suffered, first from high fuel costs and now from sharply decreased demand. Today (I am writing this in mid-October) the news media announced what many had already feared (and assumed) – the economy is now in recession. Many economists fear that this recession will be more severe and longer in duration than any that we have experienced in decades.
The economic crisis has affected all of us. Many of us have seen our retirement funds shrink to a fraction of what they were just a few months ago. Members of our community have lost their jobs, or are in danger of losing their jobs. Everyone is on edge, for even the extraordinary measures taken by the government have not yet borne fruit. We can only hope that the more dire forecasts will not come to pass, and that the economy will soon begin to improve.
I would, however, like to make you aware of resources that may be of help to you or to others whom you know are facing difficult times. The Jewish Family Service of Bergen County (201-837-9090) provides career counseling, help with resume preparation, and job placement and support; offers individual and family counseling, which can help people deal with stress, provides emergency assistance, and provides kosher meals on wheels for homebound seniors.
Project Ezrah (201-569-9047) provides a variety of services for those who are unemployed, including personalized job search assistance, financial support, tuition assistance, and help with financial management.
The Center for Food Action (201-569-1804) provides food packages, including kosher food packages, for people going through a difficult time. Tomchei Shabbos of Bergen County is an organization dedicated to providing Shabbat meals to any needy Jewish family in Bergen County. It has been in existence since 1990 and, over that period of time, over one hundred fifty thousand meals have been distributed to members of our community. Every family receives a package on a weekly basis. This package provides hallah, wine, chicken and other basic essentials that enable the family to enjoy two Shabbat meals per week. A more extensive package is distributed on holidays.
It is also important that all of us make an extra effort to be of support both to those institutions and agencies which are central to our lives as Jews and to those which provide help to those in need. All of them are hurting; all of them need our help and support. You support may include financial contributions, donations of food packages, or the contribution of your time, skills, and energy. Among those whom I would urge you to support in this difficult economic environment are Beth Sholom, our Day Schools, the Masorti Foundation, UJA Federation (which in turn supports a host of vital programs and agencies), The Center for Food Action, the Interreligious Fellowship for Homeless Families (IRF), Project Ezrah, and Tomchei Shabbos.
May these difficult times pass quickly, and may we continue to hope and work for a better, more secure future.
