Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.
Psalms 133
Showing Up for Each Other
March 2025: Many in our community are dealing with increased stress and concern connected to changing employment and financial situations. Ohr Kodesh is here to support you and your families during this time of uncertainty and heightened anxiety.
Pastoral Care: Our clergy, Rabbi Helfand, Cantor Labovitz, and Rabbi Glazer, are available to connect with individuals one-on-one to listen and offer support. Please reach out, so we can connect.
Community Employment Resources: We are keeping an eye on community resources made available by Montgomery County. For a complete list of resources, please click here, and you can also check out Work Source Montgomery. We will keep you posted as additional information becomes available. If you come across additional details, please share them with OKC Clergy or Monica Saff, and we will make sure that our website resource page is updated.
Financial Resources: Jewish Community and OKC Connections
- Grants are being made available by the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington for anyone experiencing hardship. To apply, please contact Rabbi Helfand.
- The Hebrew Free Loan Association of Greater Washington offers interest-free loans up to $20,000.
- Rabbi Helfand and Cantor Labovitz have additional discretionary funds to support those in a time of need. Please reach out to them directly for support.
- We remain committed to creating a community where all are welcome and where no financial barriers prevent individuals or families from fully participating. If you have a concern about job loss or an overall change to your financial picture that impacts your available contribution for Ohr Kodesh, please contact Monica Saff, our Executive Director.
Additional Resources & Support
OKC Helping Hands: Designated shopping for seniors and those at risk. Need assistance getting groceries or a prescription? Need a ride to a doctor's appointment? If you need assistance with errands, we can help. Please contact Joan Levy or Gilda Zimmet, if you could use some support or if you are available to help.
OKC Chesed Committee: Ohr Kodesh offers a number of support programs to our members. Details on activities and connections HERE.
Jewish Organizations
Jewish Federation of Greater Washington: Serving the Jewish organizations throughout the greater Washington area, helping to create a more vibrant Jewish community and to foster and strengthen our connection with Jews in Israel and around the world. (Jewish Federation is a financial supporter of Ohr Kodesh Congregation).
Anti-Defamation League: ADL fights all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all.
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Incident Reporting: In the event of an incident, please report it to us directly.
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Empowering Young People in the Aftermath of Hate: An “evergreen” resource for when issues of bias or hate occur. There is suggested language for families and educators based on grade level of the child.
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Helping Students Make Sense of News Stories About Bias and Injustice: General guidance for educators when current events about bias and injustice happen. Suggestions for how to approach and frame the conversation.
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Antisemitism Today: This Table Talk is designed for families to discuss current information about the state of antisemitism in the U.S. today.
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Six Facts About Threats to the Jewish Community: Article from ADL’s Center on Extremism detailing threats to the Jewish community. Please note that this resource is best suited for adults.
Kosher Food in the Washington, DC Area
- Kosher Bakeries: list HERE.
- Kosher Caterers: list HERE.
- Moti’s Market: Delivers to OKC. Order online at www.motismarket.com.
- Shalom Kosher: Kosher Grocery www.shalomkosher.com
- Norman’s Farm Market: (Seasonal from May - November) Weekly pick up of fresh produce at OKC Parking Lot. Details HERE.
- Shouk: Vegan, Israeli street food style. Delivers to OKC. Order online at www.shouk.com.
- Souper Girl: Delivers to OKC. Menu changes weekly. Menu HERE.
Keeping a Safe and Inclusive Community*: During OKC's Shabbat Kiddush, there are several menus on display disclosing common allergen information for the day. We also send out weekly emails to families with allergies providing the information for the upcoming Shabbat Kiddush. If you would like to be added to these weekly emails, please contact Hagit Leibowitz. *While we are doing our best to minimize allergens, we cannot guarantee that all food is completely free from cross-contamination. If you or your child have a severe allergy, please continue to take all necessary precautions and have any required medications on hand.
