BJH: Shlomo, thank you for joining us today. Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your background?
Shlomo Bergmann: Thank you for having me. My journey has been deeply rooted in Torah study, with nine years at Chaim Berlin followed by eight years in kollel at Ner Israel. Alongside my Torah studies, I pursued a Master’s degree in Finance and obtained Level 1 CFA certification. Currently, I work as an accountant at GSG. I’ve been involved in several community initiatives, which has exposed me to the financial challenges faced by such a large percentage of our community. Witnessing these struggles firsthand ignited a desire within me to take action and address these pressing issues. My background in finance further fueled my determination to make a meaningful impact in alleviating financial hardships within our community.
BJH: That’s impressive, Shlomo. What inspired you to delve into the financial challenges facing frum families?
SB: My involvement in the community, coupled with my background in finance, led me to recognize the pressing need for support in navigating financial hardships. After witnessing firsthand the struggles that many families face, I felt compelled to take action and utilize my skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact. My passion for helping the community stems from this deep sense of responsibility and commitment to ensuring the well-being of every member.
BJH: Can you tell us about the recent survey you conducted within the Baltimore Orthodox Jewish community?
SB: Certainly. The survey aimed to uncover the root causes of financial distress among frum families. Surprisingly, one key finding was that parents under 40 faced the most significant challenges, particularly in relation to rising household sizes and tuition expenses.
BJH: That’s interesting. What other insights did the survey reveal?
SB: Another significant finding was the reluctance of individuals facing financial distress to seek help, with almost 60% expressing a preference to go into deep debt rather than reach out to community organizations. This highlights the importance of conducting support programs with dignity and anonymity, respecting individuals’ privacy and sense of self-worth.
BJH: How do you believe these insights can inform efforts to address financial challenges within the community?
SB: Understanding the causes and impacts of financial distress is crucial in developing effective solutions. For example, the survey revealed that tuition costs are a major source of financial strain for families, especially those with parents under 40. By finding ways to reduce tuition expenses within the community, we can alleviate the burden for many families.
BJH: Tell us more about your organization, Ahavas Chinam Tamid (ACT), and the program you’re developing to address these challenges.
SB: Ahavas Chinam Tamid (ACT) is dedicated to researching, analyzing, and developing programs aimed at restoring shalom bayis and financial stability to our community. Our mission is to ensure that no family pays more than 20% of their income towards tuition. We’re committed to principles of transparency, accountability, and daas Torah in all our endeavors.
BJH: Thank you for sharing your insights, Shlomo. Is there anything else you’d like to add before we conclude?
SB: I want to emphasize the importance of community support in addressing these challenges. Together, we can create a better and more affordable future for all frum families. I encourage everyone to get involved and contribute to our collective efforts. Join us at Shomrei Emunah on June 18th at 7pm. This is your chance to show that this is important to you and that you care about your community. If you want to help, you can reach me at shlomo.bergmann@ahavashinam.org or text me at 347-893-6758.
