Posted on November 5, 2025 by Rabbi Noah Diamondstein
Dear Temple Beth-El,
We were already in a moral crisis in the United States around hunger–the wealthiest country in the history of the world should not be struggling to feed its most vulnerable populations. That moral crisis, however, has been worsened into an immediate and existential crisis–not because of acts out of anyone’s control, but due to action taken by our nation’s Chief Executive in defiance of the highest court in the land.
President Trump threatened on Tuesday to deny food stamp payments for 42 million Americans until the end of the government shutdown, even though a federal court last week ordered the administration to continue funding the program. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as SNAP, is a source of funding for a food insecure population in our country that amounts to almost one sixth of Americans. Even if some payments are made, the simple act of threatening to pull that funding is unconscionable. Hungry, poor American families are not a political football, nor should they ever be treated like one.
Abby J. Leibman, President and CEO of MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, published a statement in response to the President that I would amplify here:
“Today’s announcement from President Trump is horrifying. Two courts were explicitly clear that SNAP benefits must start flowing immediately, not after the shutdown. Not after more political games. Not after millions of Americans face the terrifying prospect of hunger without end. When someone only knows how to punch down and knows they don’t have a winning argument, this is what you get. This is a pattern of dangerous recklessness, lawlessness, and disregard for innocent families who are being trampled underfoot by the Trump administration, and it must stop. This cannot stand one minute longer.”
Our congregation is mobilizing in response to these threats. We are raising funds for the Food Bank Network of Somerset County, who are in desperate need of dollars to combat this terrible problem that will only get worse the longer the government shutdown lasts. I have already pledged $1000 from my rabbinic discretionary fund toward these efforts, and will match the first $800 dollars we raise with still more of my discretionary funds. Donate directly to the Food Bank here. Please give generously and inform the temple of your donation when you have given.
The Prophet Isaiah’s words should be ringing in our ears: “This is the fast I desire: to unlock fetters of wickedness, and untie the cords of the yoke to let the oppressed go free, to break off every yoke. It is to share your bread with the hungry, and to take the wretched poor into your home, when you see the naked, to clothe them, and do not ignore your own flesh. Then shall your light burst through like the dawn and your healing spring up quickly…” (Isaiah 58:6-8)
Please give generously, so that we can help feed our neighbors and live up to the ideals of our tradition and our nation.
B’chavod, with respect and honor,
Rabbi Noah Diamondstein
