Dear Colleagues,
We have spoken about the need to, in one way or another, address the issue of poverty in our state. We have also spoken about how good it would be if we could find a way to address this issue as one united Jewish community of RI.
In talks with Maxine Richman, co-chair of the RI Interfaith Coalition to Fight Poverty, and our Board of Rabbis President, Amy Levin, we realized that one of the most basic pieces of action we can take is to educate our communities.
Toward that end, at Temple Habonim we have begun to include a piece at the beginning of each weekly e-blast that uses a quote from Jewish tradition and one piece of poverty education/awareness.
After Amy looked at it, she suggested that I not only send it out to all of our colleagues as a Word document, but also as jpgs that you can each drop into your own weekly e-blasts (that are probably in a Constant Contact format).
I am attaching a Word document that includes what we’ve done/will do with the dates and also a series of jpg formats in case you want to use them that way.
If you want to see an example of how we’ve been using this, you can either go to our website <www.templehabonim.org> and go to the drop down on the right that says “This week’s calendar” (which obviously changes each week) or go to the following link to see the most recent weekly e-blast.
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/This-week-at-THB.html?soid=1102242866270&aid=5qGuREbp3mU
I hope that this is something that you find useful and helpful. Obviously, the quotes and “Did you know…” pieces can be changed and combined in any way you please. Also – this is just a beginning. Many of you may have suggestions that will increase poverty awareness in different ways; please share them with this group. Hopefully we’ll be able to talk more about this at an upcoming meeting. My hope is that some sort of unified message from all of our communities will deliver a powerful statement to the Jewish community of RI and get more people to be present at the State House on Jan 8 and nudge our elected officials in the weeks and months ahead.
Kol Tuv and thanks for considering involving your community in this.
Andy Klein
[email protected]
We have spoken about the need to, in one way or another, address the issue of poverty in our state. We have also spoken about how good it would be if we could find a way to address this issue as one united Jewish community of RI.
In talks with Maxine Richman, co-chair of the RI Interfaith Coalition to Fight Poverty, and our Board of Rabbis President, Amy Levin, we realized that one of the most basic pieces of action we can take is to educate our communities.
Toward that end, at Temple Habonim we have begun to include a piece at the beginning of each weekly e-blast that uses a quote from Jewish tradition and one piece of poverty education/awareness.
After Amy looked at it, she suggested that I not only send it out to all of our colleagues as a Word document, but also as jpgs that you can each drop into your own weekly e-blasts (that are probably in a Constant Contact format).
I am attaching a Word document that includes what we’ve done/will do with the dates and also a series of jpg formats in case you want to use them that way.
If you want to see an example of how we’ve been using this, you can either go to our website <www.templehabonim.org> and go to the drop down on the right that says “This week’s calendar” (which obviously changes each week) or go to the following link to see the most recent weekly e-blast.
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/This-week-at-THB.html?soid=1102242866270&aid=5qGuREbp3mU
I hope that this is something that you find useful and helpful. Obviously, the quotes and “Did you know…” pieces can be changed and combined in any way you please. Also – this is just a beginning. Many of you may have suggestions that will increase poverty awareness in different ways; please share them with this group. Hopefully we’ll be able to talk more about this at an upcoming meeting. My hope is that some sort of unified message from all of our communities will deliver a powerful statement to the Jewish community of RI and get more people to be present at the State House on Jan 8 and nudge our elected officials in the weeks and months ahead.
Kol Tuv and thanks for considering involving your community in this.
Andy Klein
[email protected]
Poverty Texts/Realia Bytes from Andy Klein
Poverty Text #1
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Plain Text
“When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the way to the edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You shall not pick your vineyard bare or gather the fallen fruit of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger; I am Adonai your God.”
Leviticus 19:9-10
Did you know that …
One out of every five children in Rhode Island is living in poverty
On behalf of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island
http://www.rabbisofgreaterrhodeisland.org/
Please contact Rabbi Andrew Klein at [email protected] for more information or to be part of the effort to find ways to end poverty in Rhode Island.
Leviticus 19:9-10
Did you know that …
One out of every five children in Rhode Island is living in poverty
On behalf of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island
http://www.rabbisofgreaterrhodeisland.org/
Please contact Rabbi Andrew Klein at [email protected] for more information or to be part of the effort to find ways to end poverty in Rhode Island.
Poverty Text #2
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Plain Text
“There will never cease to be needy ones in your land; therefore I command you: open your hand to the poor and needy kin in your land.”
Deuteronomy 15:11
Did you know that …
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, in October, 2013, the unemployment rate in Rhode Island was 9.2%, the 2nd highest in the nation (following only Nevada at 9.3&). This rate was down from the high point of 11.9% in February, 2010, but still much higher than the pre-recession rate of 5.2% in November, 2007.
http://www.ncsl.org/research/labor-and-employment/state-unemployment-update.aspx
On behalf of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island
http://www.rabbisofgreaterrhodeisland.org
Please contact Rabbi Andrew Klein at [email protected] for more information or to be part of the effort to find ways to end poverty in Rhode Island.
Deuteronomy 15:11
Did you know that …
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, in October, 2013, the unemployment rate in Rhode Island was 9.2%, the 2nd highest in the nation (following only Nevada at 9.3&). This rate was down from the high point of 11.9% in February, 2010, but still much higher than the pre-recession rate of 5.2% in November, 2007.
http://www.ncsl.org/research/labor-and-employment/state-unemployment-update.aspx
On behalf of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island
http://www.rabbisofgreaterrhodeisland.org
Please contact Rabbi Andrew Klein at [email protected] for more information or to be part of the effort to find ways to end poverty in Rhode Island.
Poverty Text #3
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Plain Text
A commentary on the Torah portion, Vayigash:
“We can see Joseph’s desire to see his impact beyond his own success, ‘to see God’s hand in his ascent, and to understand his success as being invested with the commandment to repair the world.’
As Egypt faced a massive famine, Joseph understood his role as one who could improve the lives of others. Like today’s MAZON and Hunger No More, Joseph is the ‘quintessential diaspora Jew engaged with the well-being of the Jewish world and non-Jewish world.’”
Rabbi Andrew Bachman, Commentary on Parashat Vayigash,
www.myjewishlearning.com
Did you know that …
The recession caused by the financial crisis of 2008 dramatically swelled the numbers of people needing SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps).
In response to this crisis, the US Congress temporarily expanded SNAP benefits, increasing the amount that individuals and families received while the number of people receiving benefits also increased.
Until Nov. 1, 2013, SNAP cost the US government $80 billion per year and provided food aid to 14 percent of all U.S. households — some 47 million people – approximately $133.00 per individual per month.
As of Nov 1, 2013, Congress cut nutrition benefits by $5 billion dollars, and more cuts are scheduled. The House has proposed an additional $40 billion cut over the next 10 years, while the Senate proposes a smaller reduction of $4 billion.
Now that the 2008 increase has been allowed to expire, recipients will have to make do with less. The Agriculture Department estimates that a family of four would lose around $36 a month. The cuts will not only affect recipients; grocery stores and other food retailers are bracing for a hit.
Forcing sacrifice from those who have the least among us, at a time when unemployment is still high, is not fair, especially when noting that Congress’s focus on cutting the budget hasn’t extended to other programs on the ledger - farm subsidies, for instance.
In Rhode Island, 180,000 people are receiving assistance; roughly 38 percent of them children. Many families already struggle to supplement what they receive, through food pantries and other charities. A wealthy nation such as the United States should not let its people go hungry.
Let your elected officials know what you think about this.
excerpted from Resist More SNAP Cuts
Providence Journal, November 22, 2013
http://www.providencejournal.com/opinion/editorials/20131122-resist-more-snap-cuts.ece
On behalf of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island
http://www.rabbisofgreaterrhodeisland.org/
Please contact Rabbi Andrew Klein at [email protected] for more information or to be part of the effort to find ways to end poverty in Rhode Island.
“We can see Joseph’s desire to see his impact beyond his own success, ‘to see God’s hand in his ascent, and to understand his success as being invested with the commandment to repair the world.’
As Egypt faced a massive famine, Joseph understood his role as one who could improve the lives of others. Like today’s MAZON and Hunger No More, Joseph is the ‘quintessential diaspora Jew engaged with the well-being of the Jewish world and non-Jewish world.’”
Rabbi Andrew Bachman, Commentary on Parashat Vayigash,
www.myjewishlearning.com
Did you know that …
The recession caused by the financial crisis of 2008 dramatically swelled the numbers of people needing SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps).
In response to this crisis, the US Congress temporarily expanded SNAP benefits, increasing the amount that individuals and families received while the number of people receiving benefits also increased.
Until Nov. 1, 2013, SNAP cost the US government $80 billion per year and provided food aid to 14 percent of all U.S. households — some 47 million people – approximately $133.00 per individual per month.
As of Nov 1, 2013, Congress cut nutrition benefits by $5 billion dollars, and more cuts are scheduled. The House has proposed an additional $40 billion cut over the next 10 years, while the Senate proposes a smaller reduction of $4 billion.
Now that the 2008 increase has been allowed to expire, recipients will have to make do with less. The Agriculture Department estimates that a family of four would lose around $36 a month. The cuts will not only affect recipients; grocery stores and other food retailers are bracing for a hit.
Forcing sacrifice from those who have the least among us, at a time when unemployment is still high, is not fair, especially when noting that Congress’s focus on cutting the budget hasn’t extended to other programs on the ledger - farm subsidies, for instance.
In Rhode Island, 180,000 people are receiving assistance; roughly 38 percent of them children. Many families already struggle to supplement what they receive, through food pantries and other charities. A wealthy nation such as the United States should not let its people go hungry.
Let your elected officials know what you think about this.
excerpted from Resist More SNAP Cuts
Providence Journal, November 22, 2013
http://www.providencejournal.com/opinion/editorials/20131122-resist-more-snap-cuts.ece
On behalf of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island
http://www.rabbisofgreaterrhodeisland.org/
Please contact Rabbi Andrew Klein at [email protected] for more information or to be part of the effort to find ways to end poverty in Rhode Island.
Poverty Text #4
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Plain Text
“Share your bread with the hungry, and take the wretched poor into your home. When you see the naked, clothe him, and do not ignore your own kin.”
Isaiah 58:7
Did you know that …
a substantial portion of Jewish households in the communities served by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode island face economic difficulty.
2% of Jewish households fall below the federal poverty guidelines (FPG)
18% of Jewish households live in near poverty, which is defined as income higher than the FPG but at or lower than 200% FPG. One of the unfortunate hallmarks of near poverty is that these households struggle to make ends meet, but earn too much to be eligible for most forms of public assistance.
30% of Jewish households are economically vulnerable, which refers to households who earn more than 200% FPG and less than the median income.
http://www.brandeis.edu/ssri/pdfs/RICommStudy.pdf
On behalf of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island
http://www.rabbisofgreaterrhodeisland.org/
Please contact Rabbi Andrew Klein at [email protected] for more information or to be part of the effort to find ways to end poverty in Rhode Island.
Isaiah 58:7
Did you know that …
a substantial portion of Jewish households in the communities served by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode island face economic difficulty.
2% of Jewish households fall below the federal poverty guidelines (FPG)
18% of Jewish households live in near poverty, which is defined as income higher than the FPG but at or lower than 200% FPG. One of the unfortunate hallmarks of near poverty is that these households struggle to make ends meet, but earn too much to be eligible for most forms of public assistance.
30% of Jewish households are economically vulnerable, which refers to households who earn more than 200% FPG and less than the median income.
http://www.brandeis.edu/ssri/pdfs/RICommStudy.pdf
On behalf of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island
http://www.rabbisofgreaterrhodeisland.org/
Please contact Rabbi Andrew Klein at [email protected] for more information or to be part of the effort to find ways to end poverty in Rhode Island.
Poverty Text #5
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Plain Text
“If your neighbor becomes poor and his means fail him with you, then you shall strengthen him, be he a stranger or a settler, he shall live with you.”
Leviticus 25:35
Did you know that …
26% of the people experiencing homelessness in Rhode Island in 2012 were children and more than half (52%) of these children were under the age of 6.
On behalf of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island
http://www.rabbisofgreaterrhodeisland.org/
Please contact Rabbi Andrew Klein at [email protected] for more information or to be part of the effort to find ways to end poverty in Rhode Island.
Leviticus 25:35
Did you know that …
26% of the people experiencing homelessness in Rhode Island in 2012 were children and more than half (52%) of these children were under the age of 6.
On behalf of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island
http://www.rabbisofgreaterrhodeisland.org/
Please contact Rabbi Andrew Klein at [email protected] for more information or to be part of the effort to find ways to end poverty in Rhode Island.
Poverty Text #6
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Plain Text
“If there is a needy person among you, … do not harden your heart and shut your hand against your needy kinsmen. Rather, open your hand and lend them sufficient for their needs, whatever they may be.”
Deuteronomy 15: 7-8
Did you know that …
The picture that emerges from the current analyses is that economic insecurity is a reality for upwards of half of the Jewish households in the communities served by the Alliance. The economic stability of these households can change month to month and even modest unexpected expenses or loss of hours at work can catapult a family earning the median income into hardship and the need for external assistance.
On behalf of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island
http://www.rabbisofgreaterrhodeisland.org/
Please contact Rabbi Andrew Klein at [email protected] for more information or to be part of the effort to find ways to end poverty in Rhode Island.
Deuteronomy 15: 7-8
Did you know that …
The picture that emerges from the current analyses is that economic insecurity is a reality for upwards of half of the Jewish households in the communities served by the Alliance. The economic stability of these households can change month to month and even modest unexpected expenses or loss of hours at work can catapult a family earning the median income into hardship and the need for external assistance.
On behalf of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island
http://www.rabbisofgreaterrhodeisland.org/
Please contact Rabbi Andrew Klein at [email protected] for more information or to be part of the effort to find ways to end poverty in Rhode Island.
Poverty Text #7
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Plain Text
“There is nothing in the world more grievous than poverty—the most terrible of sufferings. Our teachers said: All the troubles of the world are assembled on one side and poverty is on the other.”
Midrash Rabbah Exodus 31:12
Did you know that …
The Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition to Fight Poverty With Faith
Is holding The Sixth Annual One Voice Interfaith Vigil
On Wednesday, January 8th 2014 at 3pm
At The Rhode Island State House Rotunda
Please join us as we:
On behalf of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island
http://www.rabbisofgreaterrhodeisland.org/
Please contact Rabbi Andrew Klein at [email protected] for more information or to be part of the effort to find ways to end poverty in Rhode Island.
Midrash Rabbah Exodus 31:12
Did you know that …
The Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition to Fight Poverty With Faith
Is holding The Sixth Annual One Voice Interfaith Vigil
On Wednesday, January 8th 2014 at 3pm
At The Rhode Island State House Rotunda
Please join us as we:
- Ask our elected officials to govern with wisdom and compassion
- State our commitment that everyone in Rhode Island must have their basic needs met
- Offer the support of the Interfaith Community
- Read the names of all members of the General Assembly and other elected officials
On behalf of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island
http://www.rabbisofgreaterrhodeisland.org/
Please contact Rabbi Andrew Klein at [email protected] for more information or to be part of the effort to find ways to end poverty in Rhode Island.
Brandeis Study on Need in the Jewish Community - final (will be released on October 24th...)
| living_on_the_edge.final_report_10_22_13.pdf |
Resources for Sermons on Poverty
The Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island Comes Together to Fight Poverty
Hopefully we can learn a lot from the model that was used last year for the successful passage of marriage equality in Rhode Island. Years of introducing the legislation had minimal results until some well organized grass roots organizing was done that impacted legislators directly. Some of the organizing was done by outsiders who came in to help, and some was supported by local efforts. The combination proved highly effective. Legialtion was passed that is already benefitting people's lives.
We are hoping to use that model to join in the fight against poverty and hunger in Rhode Island, and we would love for the Board of Rabbis and the broader Jewish community to take a united leading position in this effort. Toward that end, you will find some information and articles attached that might be helpful. Whether you decided to address the issue of poverty directly from the bima over the High Holy Days (for example, speaking about hunger and poverty during the fast of Yom Kippur could be powerful) or in some other manner, we are hoping that everyone will speak to this issue, wake up our congregants, and motivate Jews to do our part in helping those who need our help.
This year the 50th anniversary of LBJ's War Against Poverty will be mentioned a lot. How far have we come (or not), and how far do we have to go?
If you are interested in helping to organize this effort, please contact Andy Klein at [email protected]. After the holidays we'll get ourselves organized to see what we can do to impact the legislature as they meet in January. Hopefully we'll discuss this at our meeting in Amy's Sukkah in East Greenwich on Sept 24.
L'Shana Tovah,
Andy Klein
Hopefully we can learn a lot from the model that was used last year for the successful passage of marriage equality in Rhode Island. Years of introducing the legislation had minimal results until some well organized grass roots organizing was done that impacted legislators directly. Some of the organizing was done by outsiders who came in to help, and some was supported by local efforts. The combination proved highly effective. Legialtion was passed that is already benefitting people's lives.
We are hoping to use that model to join in the fight against poverty and hunger in Rhode Island, and we would love for the Board of Rabbis and the broader Jewish community to take a united leading position in this effort. Toward that end, you will find some information and articles attached that might be helpful. Whether you decided to address the issue of poverty directly from the bima over the High Holy Days (for example, speaking about hunger and poverty during the fast of Yom Kippur could be powerful) or in some other manner, we are hoping that everyone will speak to this issue, wake up our congregants, and motivate Jews to do our part in helping those who need our help.
This year the 50th anniversary of LBJ's War Against Poverty will be mentioned a lot. How far have we come (or not), and how far do we have to go?
If you are interested in helping to organize this effort, please contact Andy Klein at [email protected]. After the holidays we'll get ourselves organized to see what we can do to impact the legislature as they meet in January. Hopefully we'll discuss this at our meeting in Amy's Sukkah in East Greenwich on Sept 24.
L'Shana Tovah,
Andy Klein
Update on RI from Economic Progress Institute
| economic_progress_institute_update.docx |
Transcript of President Obama's "March on Washington" Speech
| obama_mlk_transcript.docx |
Compiled by jewishinseattle.org
| 12_ways_to_fight_poverty_in_your_community.docx |
Downloaded from URJ website
| 5765_-_poverty_texts.doc |
Preliminary results of Brandeis Poverty Study commissioned by the Jewish Alliance
| brandeis_stand_alone_executive_summary_7_18_13_sent.docx |
Downloaded from Huffington Post
| documentary_on_jewish_poverty.docx |
By Jill Jacobs from myjewishlearning.com
| fighting_poverty_in_judaism.docx |
From The Reconstructionist magazine, 2003
| tikkun_olam-liebling.pdf |