A mitzvah is needed today!

The recession is causing financial problems for people in our community.

A mitzvah is needed from our community. Today!

With our nation in a recession, Samost Jewish Family & Children's Services needs your aid more than ever. This is the time for all of us to give to JFCS and make sure that those struggling in these difficult times are helped—especially during the upcoming holidays.

There is not one reason to refuse, not one excuse. The only question asked should be : "How do I make my donation?"

Our South Jersey Jewish community has over 50,000 residents. If every person from the age of one to 100 gave a minimum of just $ 5, there would be $ 250,000 raised to help the needy. Imagine how many people could be helped by JFCS with this amount of money! This is the time for kids, parents, grandparents, cousins, friends, and the community to join in.

The economy has slowed down, the stock market has fallen the most in years. This is hurting virtually all of us, but everything has always rebounded. Those of us who have assets put aside for a time like this can help the elderly living on social security, the unemployed who can't pay their rent or utility bills, or others that must choose between buying shoes for their kids, filling a prescription or having food for a holiday dinner.

I can't tell those in need that I cannot help because I have to take a vacation, go to the casino, buy a new car or clothing, go to an restaurant or other normal activities, I and my family are used to. Can you?

Doing a mitzvah especially now, helping those in need is a our responsibility. It is not only the right thing to do. What better feeling is there, than to know you helped put a smile on the face of someone you don't even know?

During the Israel Lebanon war in 2006, our community supported the Israel Emergency Campaign to help Israelis in need. I led that campaign with a donation. Today, our friends and neighbors are in need. And in honor of the late Dick Dollinger, who was devoted to alleviating suffering and meeting needs in our community, I am supporting the JFCS with a donation of $ 10,000.

Please join me with a Holiday of Mitzvah for others.

Thank you. Steve Beilowitz Cherry Hill