Programs to assist congregants facing economic hardships continue to pop up at synagogues around the Bay Area, with the latest one coming out of Congregation Kol Shofar in Tiburon.
Following a request by Rabbi Lavey Derby during the High Holy Days, congregants mobilized to form the Kol Shofar Help Line, a database of services offered free to those hit hardest by the financial crisis.
Information is sent via e-mail twice a week to the entire congregation. Included in the e-mail are the names and numbers of people who can help by providing financial, mortgage or job-related advice, including leads on jobs for the unemployed.
“I am overwhelmed by the immediate and gracious response to my Yom Kippur request for help in taking care of our neediest members facing difficulties during these very hard economic times,” Derby said in an e-mail to congregants. “Your kindness, compassion and willingness to be of service move me greatly.”
Other services that have been offered include emergency eye care, psychological counseling for individuals, couples or families, assistance in writing and editing resumes and cover letters, interview preparation and advice for starting a home business.
Derby plans to gather a small group from the Conservative congregation to develop a strategic plan to further help members who may be struggling. Leaders from Marin’s Jewish institutions also gathered last month to discuss a coordinated effort to help anyone in need.
For more information, call (415) 388-1818 or visit www.kolshofar.org.