Page 40 - Jewish News_December 2021

4B December 2021 COMMUNITY FOCUS

Jews helping Jews

By Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz | This program is sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee
esponsibility for one’s breth- the door with her husband and care- Financial Assistance Coordinator “I am so grateful for all the assis-
ren is a value long enshrined giver (made possible through survivor utilizes funding available through tance and attention you gave me.
Rin Jewish ethos. The Talmud reparations facilitated by JHP) trailing FEMA, Season of Sharing, the Fed- The sense of elation I feel knowing I
dictum “Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh, behind her. Without missing a beat, she eration and the Yonover Fund at JFCS have stability in my housing can’t be
All of Israel are responsible for each took the challah from the case manag- to enable eligible clients to meet rent described. Please know that this as-
other,” echoes through the generations. er’s outstretched hand and began sing- obligations and prevent evictions. sistance is making an enormous differ-
Sponsored by The Jewish Feder- ing and dancing to “Hava Nagila.” The The coordinator’s contacts with area ence in my life circumstances, and I am
ation of Sarasota-Manatee, the mis- case manager joined her in celebrating property managers, apartment manag- profoundly thankful. I hope you can
sion of the Jewish Healing Program a wonderful holiday moment. ers and colleagues help clients secure help your next client even more than
(JHP) at JFCS of the Suncoast is to As they age, local survivors can housing opportunities. JHP assists cli- you helped me.”
fulfill this heightened sense of respon- confront medical-related issues not ents with car and other repairs, and If you are in need of assistance,
sibility. Read below to appreciate how covered by government programs or supplies referrals for a range of needs please contact me at JFCS of the
this obligation is realized. the Claims Conference, the internation- including legal help. Suncoast at jkatz@jfcs-cares.org or
When one of JHP’s Holocaust sur- al entity that is the primary distributor Clients often express thanks for the 941.366.2224 x166.
vivor case managers recently delivered of survivor compensation. Upon re- assistance and the respect and caring Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz serves as the
a Shabbat meal to a client, she observed quest by JHP, the Federation provides extended to them by JHP staff. Here is Community Chaplain and Director of
his sadness from the recent passing of funds to cover the cost of needed den- a sampling: the JFCS Jewish Healing Program. His
his beloved wife. He said, “God keeps tal work and other health-related needs “The past several months have position is underwritten by The Jewish
me on earth even though I am tired of that local survivors cannot afford. been extremely hard for me financially. Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.
living.” The case manager sat down When an individual died tragical- I kept having things break with my car
and comforted him. When she empha- ly from Covid-19 earlier this fall, his and it was a small fortune to fix. I spent Jewish Healing Program
sized how much his family loves him, family did not possess the means to all my savings and then some. When I opportunities
he retrieved his GrandPad, a tablet-like provide an appropriate Jewish funeral. realized I wouldn’t be able to pay rent During much of the Covid-19 pandem-
device provided by JHP whose large JHP worked with Chabad of Venice & last month, I decided to contact JFCS. ic, Friendly Visitors volunteers, under
buttons easily enable him to video chat North Port and the Federation to cover I want to let you know how grateful I the auspices of JFCS of the Suncoast’s
with family members and friends with- the costs of the funeral. am. The rental assistance has helped Jewish Healing Program (JHP) who
out challenging connectivity issues. He This fall, two low-income cou- me tremendously and kept me from be- regularly visit isolated seniors in our
asked her to stay while he called his ples dealing with spouses in hospice coming homeless. I don’t know what I area, were unable to do so in person.
brother in Israel. As soon as he saw his at home as well as their own serious would have done without it. Thank you Now, with an easing of the situation,
brother come up on the screen, a broad health issues, requested help with and God bless you!” they are once again meeting with cli-
smile broke out on the survivor’s face. house cleaning. JHP appealed to the “I reached out last week to request ents in their homes. UROLOGY TREATMENT CENTER
When his brother learned he was with Federation to make it possible. The financial assistance when I found my- Those aware of lonely, socially re-
his case manager, he indicated how families were quite pleased to have self in truly dire circumstances. I am moved seniors who would appreciate • BARZELL • GREEN • AKARY •
fortunate he was to have “people who their homes transformed into much overwhelmed not only by the assis- engagement with a Friendly Visitor
care about you.” more pleasant spaces in which to live. tance I received but by the speed with are requested to contact JHP Director WINSTON E. BARZELL, MD, FACS, FRCS
At Rosh Hashanah, JHP provid- During the Covid-19 pandemic, which your staff worked and the com- Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz at jkatz@jfcs- Diplomate of the American Board of Urology
ed challahs to area survivors. When a JHP’s Jewish Financial Assistance passion I was shown throughout the cares.org or 941.366.2224 x166. Addi- JOSHUA T. GREEN, MD, FACS
case manager brought a challah to the department has received numerous re- process. The knowledge that I will be tionally, those interested in becoming Diplomate of the American Board of Urology
home of one couple, the wife came to quests associated with housing. JHP’s able to stay in my current housing un- Friendly Visitors should also be in EIHAB AKARY, MD
til I can begin a teaching position next touch with him. Urologist
year fills me with indescribable relief. While worship experiences during CASIE WODZIEN, MSN, APRN, ANP-BC
I have never worked with anyone as Covid-19 were conducted via Zoom
kind or understanding as my case man- for senior facilities resident, the return 3325 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 200 6310 Health Parkway, Suite 210 4351 Cortez Road, Suite 201
ager. I cannot express enough thanks to to facilitating them in person is now Sarasota, FL 34239 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 Bradenton, FL 34210
her, JFCS, the Jewish Federation and happening. Please contact Rabbi Katz PHONE: 941.917.8488 Urologytreatmentcenter.com
all the donors who make assistance if you would like to assist with these FAX: 941.917.8475 a Division of 21 Century Oncology
possible.” worship opportunities.
Thank Y
ou
Thank You

a
Imp
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for your Impact

,
230
0
$170,230
$
17
was donated in 2020-21 to the Keep Us Safe fund by 204
generous donors to help keep our community safe and secure

If you would like to help more,
please visit JFEDSRQ.ORG/donate