EDITORIAL

Dear Readers, 

We are living in a new, altered state of life.

Just days ago, life was normal. The economy was amazing, and unemployment was at its lowest level. Then the Covid-19 virus wreaked its havoc. In just a matter of days, the city slowly shut down, amid a flood of emails from schools, city, state, and federal agencies outlining new guidelines. Conference calls were held at the White House concerning how to protect our communities. People were running to stock up on food and seniors were scared for their lives. As I write this editorial, the JCC is starting to deal with the second phase- the cause and effect of all this chaos. Families have been reaching out for Project Machal for assistance as they are being told that they will be let go from work within three to five days as their employers lose 50 to 70% of their revenue and sales. We are trying to prioritize which families can be placed temporarily on Project Machal as we try to raise funds to keep up with the demand. We are, of course, working on helping 200-plus families with food and gift cards for Pesach at the same time, and that list is growing as well. Because of the fear of drastic economic turndown, some people are refraining from donating, which is making matters even worse.

We need to keep perspective. I know that we will, b’ezras Hashem, overcome this difficulty, as we have gotten through many more difficult scenarios in our past with Hashem’s help. Even when it hurts, think big picture and know that this too shall pass.

Stay safe and daven for all those who are sick, losing work, stuck in faraway places, and hopefully we will meet in shul again soon. 

I would like to take the opportunity to wish all of you a kosher and wonderful Pesach. I pray that by the time you read this, the chaos and fear of today will be things of the past, and that we will  merit to hold our Sedarim in Yerushalayim.

Warm Regards,
Shea