The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington allocated an additional $180,000 to aid community members facing financial uncertainty due to the looming federal layoffs in the region, according to a March 27 press release.
The funds, part of the Federation’s Individuals and Families in Need initiative, aim to ensure that these community members have direct financial support to help meet their urgent needs, the press release said.
$100,000 of the funds will be used to create a Rabbinic Emergency Fund to help rabbis meet the additional needs of their congregations and $80,000 will be allocated to the Federation’s human service agency partners.
“Federation is stepping up to ensure that no one in our community has to navigate this hardship alone,” Federation CEO Gil Preuss said in the press release. “Through this network of local rabbis and community leaders, we have already made an immediate impact to help alleviate the financial pressures facing our community.”
The press release gave real examples of community members who found solace in talking to their local rabbis.
A longtime community member who worked in a federal role for 25 years was suddenly laid off from the job. With the rising cost of living, the uncertainty “began to feel overwhelming,” the press release said.
“‘You are not alone,’” the community member’s rabbi had said.
Another community member, a local mother who had balanced her career with raising her disabled son, was recently required to commute long hours each day in accordance with a January policy. Forced to choose to stay at her job or lose the flexibility to care for her son, she came to her rabbi for guidance.
“‘You are not alone,’” the community member’s rabbi said to her.
These two community members received both financial support from the Federation and emotional support from their rabbis, according to the press release, fulfilling the Federation’s goal.
“In moments of uncertainty, we must depend on the strength of our Jewish community to provide the foundation we need to rebuild,” Preuss said.
