SYNERGY Newsletter Online
Web-Based Synagogue Community Building
Helping Congregants Affected by the Economic Downturn
Accessing the Right Services for All in Need
Helping Congregants Affected by the Economic Downturn Synagogues and UJA-Federation of New York’s Connect to Care
These difficult economic times have touched all of us, including those who have never before experienced financial hardship or setbacks in a career. Many find themselves adrift, unsure of where to turn for help and assistance, and perhaps reluctant to ask. Our community’s response to this devastating crisis is critical. Many synagogues are reaching out to their congregants in an effort to embrace those in need and impart valuable information about available resources. UJA-Federation of New York’s Connect to Care is one such service that is free and provides coordinated employment, legal, financial, and counseling services through local agency-based Connect to Care centers to newly affected Jews and Jewish families.
Here are some of the ways New York synagogues are getting the word out about UJA-Federation’s Connect to Care and their own chesed initiatives.
Kenneth Heitner, president of Central Synagogue in New York City, included information in his monthly letter to the congregation. (Note the communications focus as well!)
Temple Shaaray Tefila in New York placed Connect to Care on the main page of its website. The Hebrew Institute of White Plains announced Connect to Care in its weekly bulletin.
Pelham Jewish Center, in Pelham, New York, sent an e-blast about a potentially life-changing program, and Rabbi David Schuck spoke from the bimah and on his blog about his visit to the Westchester Connect to Care center.
Rabbi Stephen Karol of Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook shared with his congregants insights from a Connect to Care orientation and information about services.
Other synagogues are creating special initiatives and programs that can have an impact long into the future. Bet Am Sholom in White Plains recently launched BAS CARES, which places emphasis on Connect to Care, and Huntington Jewish Center initiated an Economic Response and Assistance Committee.