Dear Members of the 118th Congress,

The Talmud (Shavuot 39a) teaches that we are all responsible for one another. As such, Jewish tradition emphasizes the importance of honoring every person’s dignity and caring for our communal and social well-being. Our past and present experiences as Jews further underscores our obligation to ensure that all people have what they need to thrive, in solidarity with others. 

This means that our nation’s programs and services must meet the needs of women, children, and families — ensuring they have food to eat, places to call home, safe places to learn, jobs with equal pay and paid sick leave, the ability to love who they want, and health care that is affordable and accessible. But funding for these vital programs and services are being held up in Congress, where some lawmakers are threatening to shut the government down over anti-abortion, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-diversity, education and inclusion amendments. The inclusion of these amendments–and attempts to shut down the government over them–would have disastrous consequences, as these bills must be passed by midnight on September 30.

Funding bills are moral documents; they are opportunities for our nation to show how we treat those that are most vulnerable. Together, we call on Congress to pass bills to fund vital government programs and services that support and enrich our communities rather than harm them.

Respectfully,