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27 March 2025
As the impact of recent and looming federal layoffs ripple through our community, the Federation is stepping up to ensure that no one must navigate this hardship alone. Through the network of local rabbis and community leaders, individuals affected by these layoffs can now access direct financial support to help meet urgent needs.
A Lifeline in Times of Crisis
After 25 years of loyal service, a long-time community member suddenly found themselves out of a job due to the federal layoffs. With no severance and mounting bills, the weight of uncertainty began to feel overwhelming. Amid this crisis, they reached out to their rabbi for support.
His words were simple, but they felt like a lifeline: “You are not alone.”
With the help of the Jewish Federation, they received not just practical resources to manage immediate needs, but also emotional encouragement that helped them regain their footing.
“It’s not just about surviving tough times—it’s about knowing that we have people who will show up for us when we need it most.”
Facing Impossible Choices: A Mother’s Journey
For many years, a local mother balanced her career and care for her son with special needs thanks to the flexibility her government job offered—working from home, a privilege she had long before the pandemic made remote work common. She consistently received top reviews and accolades for her work, demonstrating her commitment and dedication. But when a new policy required her to commute long hours each day, leaving her son behind, she was faced with an impossible choice: stay in her job or lose the flexibility that allowed her to care for him.
With no safety net and an immediate financial burden, she turned to her rabbi for guidance.
“You are not alone,” he assured her.
The support she received from the Jewish Federation wasn’t just about meeting immediate needs—it was about offering hope for what lies ahead. With a focus on the future, they provided resources that helped her explore new career opportunities.
The Power of Community
These examples serve as powerful reminders of the importance of community support, especially during the hardest of times. In response to current challenges facing our community, the Jewish Federation has allocated $180,000 as part of the Federation’s Individuals and Families in Need initiative (IFN), $100,000 to create a new Rabbinic Emergency Fund to help rabbis meet the increasing needs of their congregations, and $80,000 to our current human service agency partners.
This initiative underscores the Federation’s commitment to supporting all community members who are facing financial uncertainty due to the layoffs. The funds are distributed across rabbis and agencies, ensuring that those impacted by the layoffs receive the immediate support they need.
The Jewish Federation, and its network, is ensuring that no one in our community faces challenges alone. Whether it’s offering financial resources or providing crucial emotional support, the Federation is there for our community in times of need.
As a local rabbi reminds us: “Abraham, our forefather, fed his hungry guests before speaking with them about G-d. Our community’s first responsibility is to care for each other in times of need, just as Abraham did. We are grateful to the Jewish Federation for leading the way in this important work.”
In moments when everything else feels uncertain, it is the strength of our Jewish community—and the unwavering support of the Jewish Federation—that provides the foundation we need to rebuild.
For more information on how you can access and offer support, visit our resource page here.