Churches have an important role in troubled times

Local churches for months now have reported a precipitous increase in the number of congregants seeking help. Now, with state budget cuts expected to have a significant impact on family health and social services, the burden may become greater. Where to do you see the role of your church in picking up the slack left by depleted government agencies?

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Even in the best of times — when our economy is in robust health and our citizens can get stable, well-paying jobs — government agencies cannot meet all the needs of our communities. It is only natural that houses of worship offering spiritual support and direction become the first place people turn to when they are faced with life’s material hardships. Local synagogues, churches, and mosques often receive the first call for help from those in distress, and we strive to help the less fortunate by offering assistance at the grassroots level.

In this dire economic climate, I feel that the role of religious organizations is to serve as an emergency first responder. We have a responsibility to assist others by first and foremost providing words of inspiration and support, offering a soft shoulder to lean on and assurance that nobody is alone in this difficult situation. We must demonstrate that we are caring people who will help our communities through these (hopefully temporary) difficulties.

Although religious organizations have been terribly affected by the economic downturn and the subsequent drop in charitable contributions, we must find the essential funds to provide the needy with the basic necessities of food and shelter. We should help those in need with at least a partial rent payment and enough money to put food on the table for a few days. Even with California’s recent budget cuts and the impending additional ones, we are blessed to live in a country that offers a wide range of assistance for those in dire straits. We should direct people toward appropriate government agencies and other public programs that can provide longer-term help until they are financially stable.

I believe that by offering spiritual guidance and comfort, emergency aid for food and shelter, and referrals to other resources, we can give those in need the necessary fortitude to endure these difficult challenges until they’re back on their feet again.

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?Rabbi Simcha Backman is spiritual leader of Chabad of Glendale and the Foothill Communities. Reach him at (818) 240-2750.

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