Shabbat Shalom -
Words are powerful. This week's torah portion, Matot-Masay, focuses on the fulfillment of vows, both written and oral. Through this week's reading we are reminded of our obligations to act on the vows that we make, whether they are towards objects or people.
I know all of us have things nagging at us that we know we vowed we would do, but we have not. Because of one reason or another, we just have not done what we said we would do, whether it was something personal for ourselves or for others. I even venture to say that we have all vowed to do something knowing that we would not meet the obligation. For example, I know personally, on more occasions than I would like to admit, I have promised (or vowed) something to my children, not because I had the intention of fulfilling the vow, but with another motivation - maybe quieting them down or ending a conversation?
We are human and I think we all make vows that we don't keep, even with the best of intentions to keep them. But, we hurt feelings, people, community and ourselves when we do not keep our vows.
The vow that Federation makes to our community is to support the needs of the Jewish world through our fundraising efforts - locally and around the globe. At Federation's Board of trustees meeting in late May the board passed a recommendation to participate with Jewish Family Service and the Jewish Community Center in an effort to raise $200,000 for Urgent Local Needs as a direct result of the economic downturn. These dollars are needed now as there are many members of our Jewish community who are suffering from our contracted economy. Unfortunately, the Jewish community is not immune from the economics of our time.
Just a few examples of what we have been seeing and hearing on the ground:
1. In the month of June alone, JFS had a 30% increase in intakes and requests for help.
2. Our rabbis report a significant increase in calls and visits from congregants seeking support because of economic stress caused by job loss, loss of benefits, fear of the future or simply from shame in having difficulty maintaining a family during these trying times.
3. There are Jews in our community who have needed the basic necessities of life - food, clothing and shelter.
4. There has been a tremendous increase in requests for scholarship from the Jewish community for school and camp.
These are just a few examples - there are many others.
Unfortunately, this is only the tip of the iceberg.
The dollars that are raised in this campaign will offer services to those in need including counseling, career training and guidance, referral to appropriate agencies for coverage of benefits, and even direct cash assistance, over the next two years.
This effort, as I wrote earlier is an innovative combined model of our fabulous local institutions. We are offering the expertise of our local agencies, JFS and the JCC, to meet these important urgent needs, while Federation is supporting the fundraising efforts.
In order to meet the vow that we have made to the community, we need to raise funds to meet the difficult needs of our community right now. To this end, I ask of you to consider making a contribution to this Urgent Needs Campaign, if you have not already done so.
There are many ways you can do this: Send a check payable to the Jewish Federation of Western MA, 1160 Dickinson St, 01108, indicating payment for the Urgent Needs Campaign; use your credit card by calling Bea or Mary at 737-4313 (the information needed: your credit card number, the expiration date, and amount to charge. We now accept American Express, Discover, Master Card, and VISA); make a payment online through our website www.jewishwesternmass.org and click on the "Donate now" button, transfer stock to Federation (call Julie or Michele at 737-4313 for information and instructions to make a transfer) or make a recommendation from your donor advised fund.
Thank you so much for your consideration.
In moving to this community I made a very important vow to myself and to this community. That vow is to do the best job possible, as I know how, as the Executive Director of this Jewish Federation. As we care for the needs of the Jewish world, we together will be fulfilling that vow. It is my honor to be in this position.
Let's remember how important our words and our vows are to each other and to ourselves and with that I wish you a...
Shabbat Shalom -
Meredith
P.S. Follow this link for a wonderfully inspiring story sent to me by my Mom. I think you will enjoy reading it - I did! http://www.aish.com/sp/so/50204167.html
