A Message to our Federal Employees, Contracted Federal Workers and the HHS Community
Dear Friends,
We are in uncertain times. I am grateful for the warmth and peace that I find within our Congregation Har HaShem community. Our sacred space, our fellowship, our caring community – all of these bring comfort to me when the world around us seems out of control. And it is with that sense of community that I reach out to our congregants to check in with those of you who are Federal Government employees and are currently furloughed or contracted workers at Federal offices.
Rabbi Elezar ben Azaria once taught:
Ein kemach ein Torah—Without bread there is no Torah.” (Avot 3:17)
The Mishnah above clearly illustrates that our sages knew that financial pressures (the lack of bread; the lack of sustenance) could have a negative impact on the most important, even sacred, aspects of our lives. Without financial security and stability, how can we possibly engage in Torah? How can we see the best and most beautiful things in our world? Surely, we can, but it is far from easy. That is where our tradition and our values come in….
If you are a member of our congregation and this furlough has put you in a difficult financial position, or if you need help, please contact me directly. If you, our congregants, are facing a financial emergency, please know that we will be glad to try to help. While we don’t have the resources to solve every problem, we want to provide whatever support we can. This is one of the main reasons so many make acts of tzedakah to our Discretionary Funds .
I am sending this letter to all of our congregants to remind you that our clergy, our lay leadership, and our staff are here for you and your families, as best as we can be. Whether you are new members or have been here from the beginning, you who support the Jewish community with your gifts – be it financial or volunteer – ought to know that we are here for you, too.
Here are a few other resources to keep in mind:
- Jewish Family Services of Colorado provides emergency support services for those facing a financial crisis.
- The Jewish Interest Free Loans of Colorado assists individuals who meet eligibility requirements.
- Don’t forget about our sanctuary as a refuge and as a source of inspiration. Our sanctuary is open and available to you for meditation and for our communal observances of Shabbat. Don’t feel inhibited. Come and join us.
- Your clergy are available for pastoral counseling – conversations with us to explore Jewish ideas and teachings to help you find strength, hope, and resilience to face any challenges ahead.
I know we tend to keep our financial circumstances private. None of us likes to speak of our personal hardships. As mutual partners in our covenant with God, with our people, and with this sacred community, we will continue to support each other.
If you want to contact your clergy confidentially, we will offer guidance accordingly, with deep respect for your privacy. The most important thing we can offer you is non-judgmental and confidential support. We may not know exactly how, but we will surely try. Please reach out if you are feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable.
Rabbi Fred Greene, fg@harhashem.org , 303-499-7077 x123
Holli Berman, Cantorial Soloist, hb@harhashem.org , 303-499-7077 x117
Rabbi Ruthie Gelfarb, Adjunct Rabbi, rg@harhashem.org , 303-499-7077 x125
If you need to make an adjustment or need assistance to manage your support of our synagogue through your brit tzedakah commitment, you can have a confidential conversation with our Executive Director, Alan Halpern, ah@harhashem.org , 303-499-7077 x110.
We pray for the strength and wisdom to respond helpfully and appropriately to one another in this time of need and uncertainty.
With thoughts for us all during this challenging time,
Rabbi Fred Greene
