The IKAR medical task force recently convened and unanimously agreed that the best way to keep our community safe and reduce the risk of serious illness from Covid is for everyone who comes to IKAR for services or events is fully immunized according to the latest CDC guidelines. That said, starting this Shabbat, we will no longer check vaccination status and will assume those who are joining us are adhering to this policy. The task force members continue to strongly recommend that folks wear high-quality masks when indoors and singing, as this is the best way to reduce transmission of Covid.

And of course, if you are at all unwell or have even mild symptoms of illness, please stay home and join us virtually. And don’t forget your flu shot.

With gratitude to our Medical Task Force, who continues to advise and guide us through these ever-changing times, and to all of you for your partnership as we work together to keep our community safe.

If you or anyone you know is struggling, please let our clergy know, and look below for a number of ways to get and give support:

Sharing is Caring

If you own gently used baby clothing or supplies (cribs, bottles, etc.) or home medical equipment (commodes, walkers, shower chairs, etc.) and would like to lend or give them to a fellow IKARite please register them here.

Prayers for Healing

There are many among us, both near and far, who are fighting illness — community members, family members, and loved ones. We are collecting the names of those in need of healing so that we can include them in our prayers. If there is someone in your life in need of healing of body or spirit please share their name and your relationship with them here. You may indicate whether you wish to share the names with IKAR clergy only, or with the whole community. We wish a speedy and complete recovery to all who are struggling with illness.

THE NEEDS OF OUR TEENS:

Teen Talk – Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles created the Teen Talk mobile app to provide social and emotional support to teens. Now more than ever, we see Teen Talk as a critical lifeline for teens in Los Angeles and around the world.

DONATE TO AND/OR VOLUNTEER AT A FOOD SHELTER OR FOOD BANK – During this time organizations are running low on food items, help them stay well-stocked for those in need. Food banks are in great need of volunteers to help pack and sort food. They are taking precautions to prioritize volunteer safety. Visit California Association of Food Banks here.

DONATE BLOOD – Healthy, eligible donors are urged to come out and give to ensure there’s lifesaving blood on the shelves for those who need it most. Visit the American Red Cross.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT & MORE

Social Services

The Jewish Federation’s Community Call line is open 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Thursday and 8:30 am to 3:30 pm on Fridays. Those needing access to social services or financial assistance can call (323) 761-8305. See the Federation Website for resources for community members in need, volunteer and learning opportunities. If you or someone you know needs access to social services including financial assistance, please call The Jewish Federation’s Community Call Line at (323) 761-8305.

Ezra Network Wraparound Services

The Federation’s Ezra Network provides wraparound social services to those in need in our Jewish community, including government benefits applications, short-term counseling, legal services, job search readiness training, and screening for financial assistance via Federation’s Max Factor Family Foundation Financial Assistance Network. By calling Federation’s Community Call Line at (323) 761-8305, any Jewish community member in need will be connected to the Ezra Network to begin to navigate these FREE services. Learn more here.

Employment Opportunities

JVS SoCal helps people prepare for and find employment opportunities through a variety of services including employment readiness, no cost job skills training, mentoring, career counseling, Veterans’ services, and job fairs. Thanks to The Jewish Federation, JVS SoCal has special programs designed for the Jewish community including comprehensive career counseling, individualized work with a job search coach through the Ezra

FOOD SUPPORT & MORE   

Jewish Family Service (JFS) SOVA – Community Food & Resource Program is now providing prepackaged bags of food to help minimize the risk to both clients and volunteers. The JFS senior nutrition program is now providing all food via delivery. To receive these services, please call JFS Central Access at (877) 275-4537. Network, and an academic scholarship program for students. For more information, contact JVS SoCal at (323) 761-8888 or see the website.

Food Security Support Guide.

MAZON: Jewish Response to Hunger

LGBQT+ Support – The Equality California COVID-19 Help Center has launched a help center, phone line and email to help anyone who needs to get tested, file for unemployment or a loan, find a foodbank, or talk to a mental health professional.

HELP YOURSELF

Mutual aid networks that may be useful.

Ezra Network – visit here to learn about various community resources including free access to a social worker, job counselor and more.

Relief Resources – reliefhelp.org, a completely free mental health care referral organization for frum Jews, connecting them with frum/frum friendly therapists in the area

Group Therapy LA – Offers telemedicine COVID-19 Support group, couples groups and individual therapy. Read more here. (310) 893-0096

National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-SAFE

For a list of Los Angeles County Psychological Association therapists who are offering free or low fee therapy during this pandemic, please go here. (Please note, in providing this list, IKAR is not making official referrals, but instead sharing this generous resource)

This comprehensive guide identifies common abuse types, gives tips on emergency planning, tech safety, and lists support programs for housing, immigration, and financial independence.

Addiction and Recovery Support Groups

Resources for Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence

Futures without Violence – resource for survivors of abuse.

Regaining Independence After Experiencing Domestic Violence

Mental Health Lifelines

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 9-8-8 and 800-273-8255

California Youth Crisis Line: 800-843-5200

Teen Line: 310-855-4673 and 800-852-8336

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ): 866-488-7386