As the COVID-19 crisis rapidly evolves, we are inspired by the generosity and responsiveness of our caring Jewish community. The accelerating scale of COVID-19 calls for a coordinated, streamlined response to support those who are most vulnerable and impacted in Greater Hartford's Jewish community.

That's why the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford have joined forces to establish the Jewish Hartford Rapid Relief and Recovery Fund ("the Fund").

With the help of local synagogues and our agency partners, we are gathering information about community needs and will immediately grant funds, based on flexible and relevant protocols being developed by the Fund's Grants Committee, co-chaired by David Rosenthal and Sid Ulreich.

We know that, as the crisis unfolds, community needs will change. Initially, the Fund will provide financial and human resources to help our community partners address emergency humanitarian needs, such as:

• Delivering kosher meals to the hungry and homebound

• Providing behavioral health counseling for our neighbors in crisis

• Supplying financial assistance for basic needs and vital social services to individuals and families affected by COVID-19

• Alleviating social isolation by ensuring that seniors receive regular phone calls, support and the services they require

The Foundation and Federation have seeded the Fund with an initial contribution of $150,000 from existing resources, and the Fund has received an additional $100,000 in private donations so far. Our joint Fund Development Cabinet, co-chaired by Bruce Fischman and Dana Keller, is working with community donors like you to add substantial resources to this effort. 

We will regularly report to Fund donors and the entire community about emerging needs and how contributions are being spent. The Foundation holds the Fund, and 100% of your contribution will be used to help those affected by COVID-19 in Greater Hartford's Jewish community.

Above and beyond the generous support you already provide to so many of our local Jewish organizations and synagogues, we hope you will consider an additional gift to the Fund to support these urgent needs.

We are at our strongest when we come together as a community. Together we can ensure that seniors, struggling families, and other vulnerable people receive the help they urgently need. Thank you for your chesed, loving kindness, and commitment to carrying on the Jewish tradition of helping those in need.

 Click here to donate by credit or debit card.

To contribute via check, mail your gift to:

Attn: Jewish Hartford Rapid Relief and Recovery Fund

Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford

Zachs Campus, 333 Bloomfield Avenue, Suite C
West Hartford, CT 06117

Wishing you good health,

Carolyn Gitlin Chair, Board of Directors Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford	David Waren President and CEO Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford
Leigh A. Newman Chair, Board of Trustees Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford	Jacob Schreiber President and CEO Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford