In Theory:

A church-related unemployment support group in Massachusetts offers participants tips on writing resumes, developing new contacts and making ends meet. The group also prays, in an effort to “refine and strengthen their faith along the way.” How important do you see faith as a tool for motivation to seek employment? Do you teach members of your flock to use prayer or the Bible as a motivator when going out into the job pool?

I believe faith can and should serve as a strong motivational force for those seeking employment. Religious teachings stress the importance of leading a wholesome life, a key ingredient of which is having a job and being a productive member of society. Jewish teachings frequently laud the positive effects, both physical and spiritual, of employment and extol the benefits of an honest day’s work.

Faith can be a real source of strength in challenging times, and searching for work in today’s climate is no easy task. Our country — and indeed the entire world — is experiencing a severe economic contraction, resulting in millions of lost jobs.

Month after month of gloomy statistics announce additional layoffs. These facts make it very difficult to find work and can lead some among us to despair.

I feel that it is a sacred obligation of religious organizations and clergy members to provide encouragement for those who find themselves struggling. Prayer and communication with God — who is the source of all sustenance — should become a central part of this support process.

I also recommend that while we are waiting for job prospects, we should utilize our newfound free time to do some good by helping others and making the world a better place.

This is a unique opportunity to volunteer at a local food bank, homeless shelter or school for the underprivileged — or to offer your help to those who need job training.

I advise people to use this time to take a deep breath and re-evaluate their priorities in life. Spend quality time with your spouse, children, family and friends. Empower yourself to turn what may otherwise have been a negative event into a positive, life-changing experience.

RABBI SIMCHA BACKMAN

Chabad of Glendale and the Foothills

God didn’t cause you to lose (or keep) your job. In this economic crisis, God’s role is not the Employment Puppeteer, manipulating who works where, and who gets benched. But that doesn’t mean that God has nothing to say on the matter.