March 2020 Letter from the JCS President

On behalf of Jewish Community Services, we hope that you are doing well and weathering these difficult and challenging times. We want to assure you that JCS continues to support those in need in the Jewish community. Our service provider, Jodie Gerson, continues to be in regular contact (remote if possible) with our clients. For many of them, they are isolated and rely on JCS as their only support system. She is working hard to make sure their needs, financial and emotional, are being met. Since the beginning of the year, she has worked with more than 60 clients, more than half of whom are elderly. Many of them are disabled and some are unfortunately homeless. There are veterans and a Holocaust survivor in the group. What JCS provides is truly a lifeline.

 

We have had considerable discussion regarding our annual seder appeal-the virtual seder. This is the first of three times we ask for support focused around the holidays. The needs of Hawaii's Jewish community, because of the loss of jobs and a possible recession, will most likely result in increased demands for our services and financial assistance, so we have decided to go ahead and mail out the appeal.

 

We understand that everyone's situation is different and very much appreciate your contributions which will be put to very good use.

 

Please contact Jodie if you are aware of a fellow Jew who may be struggling and can use our help. She can be reached at (808) 258-7121 or jcs.jodie@gmail.com.

 

Thank you for your support and stay safe.

 

With aloha,

Steve Guttman,

President