Rabbis Offer 2010 Resolutions

Chabad Shluchim in the U.S. and Canada have been sending out last-minute appeals urging local supporters to send in 2009 contributions.

Many have oknowledged the fact that “there is virtually no one who is not affected by the (economic) downturn that has taken place over these last two years.”

But they asked for “an investment that promises real dividends and rock solid returns.”

Shluchim noted many cutbacks such as reduced salaries, and some have retained a large reputable CPA firm to establish tighter financial controls and issue regular formal reviews.

Several rabbis, academics and counselors noted that Americans — Jewish and otherwise — are simply hoping that 2010 will present a more positive economic outlook for themselves and the country at large.

Rabbi Menachem Schmidt, Director of the Chabad in Center City, Philadelphia who also oversees Lubavitch activities at the University of Pennsylvania, said that “people are still kind of reeling from what’s been happening this last year-and-a-half.”

But on a brighter note, he told the Jewish Exponent, in the midst of economic crisis, many people have placed a higher priority on family, community and religious life.

Asked to suggest a New Year’s resolution for readers of the Bellingham Herald, Rabbi Levy Zirkind said you can choose to love others as yourself.

“You honor others with the dignity that you want reciprocated,” said the Director of Chabad of Fresno, California.

“Through positive actions, we can and will change the world, making it a godly place of peace and harmony.”