Who Will Speak?
Who Will Speak?
In recent days there has been a rise in articles in various outlets that speak to the gradual, but seemingly intentional, stripping away of safety nets for the more vulnerable of our society. This may include the number of Jewish people who live at the margins of economic security. A recent piece in the Washington Post (July 18) noted that the administration is seeking to restructure, maybe dismantle, something called the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. This is an independent advisory group that evaluates scientific evidence where preventive medicine can make a difference to people. The members are volunteers. There is a concern that the HHS will do the same to this advisory group that was done to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Another report in the back pages of the newspapers noted that proposed cuts to the NIH would reduce the number of drugs that could make their way to consumers. These cuts would impact funds for clinical trials and other drug availability. At the same time, a New York Times report noted that he immigration crackdown is now impacting workers at senior care facilities. The article quoted experts in the health care field noting that foreign born workers are critical in the care delivery industry and that they make up “about 28% of the work force providing care” (NY Times. July 20, 2025. P. 24). Many of these care workers establish vital long-term relationships with the people they are caring for and there is concern over what may happen to that person when their care worker suddenly is not present.
These issues, just a few among many, begin to add up to a disturbing trend that has the potential to increasingly marginalize many of our most vulnerable citizens. As we have written in this space many times, the health care issues that are now here represent, for our generation, and our children’s, a major social justice issue. The caregiving crises is not coming, it is here, and how many of the people who will read this rely on those caregivers for support and needed personal care of people we love.
Jewish tradition and texts remind us consistently of the need to be responsible for those who lack basic needs. The Prophetic mandates to care for the widow, the poor and the like have helped sustain a Jewish social justice mood for centuries. SO, it is fitting to ask now, in the face of this growing need, who shall speak for those who may not be able to speak for themselves. Is the social justice committee in your congregation discussing the avenues for action and the Jewish texts that support health care?
Shalom,
Rabbi Richard F. Address