Rabbi Knopf's Blog

Dear Friends,

We hope this email finds you well and staying safe and healthy. It has been such a pleasure to be with you virtually for our Zoom worship over the course of Shabbat. 

This Shabbat we had Birkat HaChodesh, the blessing for the new month, which helps us mark the time we are in. As we pray for the upcoming month of Iyyar, we wanted to share this video with you. 

Click Here for the Video by Cantor Rosenblatt (2 minutes) ​​​​​​​

Also, as mentioned during Shabbat services, we have had an affordable housing crisis in Richmond. This is not news. What *is* news is that evictions are forecast to explode as a result of the pandemic. *The crisis has become an emergency.* Our neighbors are suffering, and bold action is needed. Temple Beth-El with RISC (Richmonders Involved in Strengthening Our Communities) are taking action around this issue. See below for directions to help this important cause. 

We are calling on our city council to:
• Allocate $2.9 million to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (as is currently being proposed). 
• Urge them to pass a resolution saying that as an additional $600k becomes available in 2021, such funds will be allocated to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (as was originally proposed).
• Allocate what was originally proposed for the Eviction Diversion Program ($686,000)
• Staff the Department of Housing & Community Development – for purposes of administering the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. 

Please join us in this effort by writing or calling your councilor. Click this link for details.

Thank you for your support and help in this effort. 

Wishing you all a Shavua tov, a good, healthy, and safe week.

Warmly,
 
Rabbi Knopf and Cantor Rosenblatt