Friends,

This Shabbat we will read how God calls to Abraham: “Lech lecha, Go forth from your land, from your birthplace, and from your father’s house, to the land that I will show you.” Abraham steps into the unknown, leaving behind the security of home and stability, guided only by faith and trust that his needs will be met along the way.

Today, too many in our community are being asked - without choice - to walk into uncertainty. As government employees remain furloughed and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits expire, families who rely on this vital support are facing real hardship: empty pantries, difficult choices between food and bills, and the anxiety of not knowing what tomorrow will bring.

But in that moment of uncertainty, God offers Abraham a promise: “I will bless those who bless you.”

One interpretation of this verse understands this blessing as a blessing of the people by the Levite priests, who are in turn blessed by God.  When Abraham receives God’s promise, he is not meant to be a passive recipient. Rather, he is called to become a blessing to others.

This is the essence of community. We are not here merely to receive blessings, but to share them, to lift one another up, to offer strength, dignity, and compassion wherever it is needed most.

At the J, we are committed to ensuring that no one in our community walks alone during this time. We’ve set up a collection table in our lobby for nonperishable food donations to help keep the JFS pantry and our partner food banks fully stocked. Your contributions, no matter how small, help fill both shelves and hearts.  Learn more about what is needed most.

I also encourage you to contact your representatives to advocate for strong safety nets and continued food assistance for those who depend on it. 

And if you or your family are experiencing financial hardship due to furloughs or the government shutdown, please know: you are not alone. Asking for support is not a sign of weakness, it is an expression of trust in community. Supporting one another through challenging times is at the very heart of who we are and what we believe.

Shabbat Shalom,
Eric Maurer
CEO
emaurer@jewishpeninsula.org