Temple Responds: Government Shutdown

“Tzedakah exalts a nation.” These timeless words from Proverbs are especially resonant as our community grapples with the prolonged government shutdown. Temple is here to help, through a variety of resources available in our pastoral support program, as well as opportunities for direct action.

No Barriers
Temple’s No Barriers program provides financial support, including dues relief and youth scholarships. Contact Meredith Pryzant, MSW, Director of Pastoral Support.

Referrals
Temple offers referrals for mental health and career counseling to furloughed government employees, along with connections to food pantries for families experiencing food insecurity. Contact Meredith Pryzant, MSW, Director of Pastoral Support.

Donations
Your dollars provide direct assistance to those who depend on SNAP benefits or are without a paycheck during the shutdown. Temple invites you to donate to our Disaster Relief Fund. All donations received will be directed to our partners and local food resources at North Texas Food Bank, Now Forward, Vickery Meadow Food Pantry, VNA Meals on Wheels and Jewish Family Service.

Advocacy
MAZON, Jewish Response to Hunger, is actively advocating for the federal government to release SNAP funds. Message your representatives here. 

Volunteer
Jewish Family Services: With increased demand for services, hands-on support from volunteers is even more important to ensuring that families in need receive support. Learn about available opportunities and sign up to volunteer here.

Jill Stone Community Garden: The community garden at Temple grows and donates thousands of pounds of fresh, organic produce to local food pantries each year. Get your hands in the dirt and join our dedicated volunteers and master gardeners on Sunday and Wednesday mornings at 8:30 a.m. Questions? Contact Erica Matsil, Director of Social Justice and Family Engagement.

A Prayer
Prayer for Food Security, by Emma Aaronson and Shayna Dollinger, offered by the national office of Women of Reform Judaism

Eloheinu v’Elohei imoteinu v’avoteinu—
God of Sara and Abraham, Rebecca and Isaac, Leah, Rachel and Jacob,
Who provided our ancestors with manna in the desert
Grant us the strength to continue the work of Your hand
And the compassion to leave the corners of our fields for the hungry in our land
Even when the hands of our leaders close into fists
Help us to open our own
Poteach et yadeinu
So that everyone may have their fill
U’masbiya l’chol chai ratzon
May it be Your will that we act in Your stead
Recognizing that each person is divinely created in Your image
Give us the image to understand the sanctity of life
For we know that one who feeds the hungry enters Your gates (Midrash T’hilim 118:17)
Baruch atah Adonai, hazan et hakol
Blessed are you, who feeds us all. Amen.