by Arthur J. Bloberger

Whether directly or peripherally, I think it’s safe to say that each and every one of us, Jewish and non-Jewish, has been impacted by the economic crisis. From loss of jobs to home foreclosures and every financial hurdle in between, the numbers of those in some kind of jeopardy, be it ourselves or our loved ones, are way up. So are the numbers for those seeking help from our local synagogues and Jewish agencies – such as the Jewish Federation – which stands on the front lines and remains among the first responders during these tough times. As you’ve probably heard, through a $250,000 Federation grant, Project Ezra is deftly underway at the Jewish Family Service Agency, targeting those profiled above to receive financial aid, employment assistance, and a variety of counseling services.

But that’s not all we do. Far from it.

            We are here to see to it that the elderly receive hot meals and personal care and attention from our Las Vegas Senior Lifeline program.

            We make sure Jewish students at UNLV Hillel can connect with each other and explore their Jewish identities.

            We enable hundreds of Jewish children that would otherwise be unable to get a solid Jewish education or receive a scholarship to attend a Jewish summer camp.

            We stand in solidarity with Israel, especially in her times of need, as we did during the Gaza War and with our emergency grant of $120,000 for the endangered citizens and children of missile-struck Sderot.

            We even provide nourishing meals for homebound seniors in the Former Soviet Union. Through the Joint Distribution Committee, the Federation’s arm is truly a far-reaching one.

            Internally, we have worked hard to responsibly cut costs and become a more efficient Federation, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars. Just recently, we reduced our budget by more than $50,000 through negotiations and streamlined procedures. And we’re still looking to do more of the same. We take our fiduciary responsibilities very seriously and carefully steward your every generous and precious gift.

            Sometimes we even get to celebrate a little. As always, we are helping to sponsor the annual observances for Holocaust Memorial Day, Israel Memorial Day and Israel Independence Day.

            Please don’t get me wrong. This is not horn-blowing. The point I’m trying to make here is that many, from Las Vegas to Israel and beyond, depend on the Federation to simply survive. And this responsibility began long before the current economic crisis, which has multiplied our duty to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) many times over. Unfortunately, things have grown worse even as we have worked so hard to make them better. The needs that once were have not diminished; they have mushroomed.

            And not just for the Jewish Federation. From our local Jewish day schools to the Jewish Community Center’s day camp scholarships and the JFSA’s life-saving Food Pantry, the call to step up and increase assistance has clearly been heard by all. In turn, all who are able must redouble their efforts.

            That’s where you can help. And this is where I’m going to ask for your help. There’s no one else to which to turn. Jews have always answered that call – and we always will – but sometimes a little noodging helps.

            Please let me encourage you to make a gift to the 2009 Jewish Federation Campaign by calling 732-0556 or visiting www.jewishlasvegas.com. Every gift, every contribution, can make the difference between hunger and health, between despair and hope, even between life and death. I wish I didn’t have to use such terms. It pains me to express a sense of desperation, but we need your help now more than ever.

            So please, consider yourself noodged. And then thanked, from the bottoms of our hearts.