(JTA) – Two weeks after announcing the cancelation of its summer programs in the United States and Israel, the Union for Reform Judaism announced staff layoffs Wednesday.

In an email to staff, board members, and community leaders, the organization’s president pinned the layoffs on the coronavirus pandemic, which has induced a sweeping financial crisis.

“The impact of COVID-19 on all of our revenue streams has been crushing, and we anticipate it will take several years to recover,” Rabbi Rick Jacobs wrote. “Consequently, our organization must get smaller.”

The email did not indicate how many people would lose jobs but said the layoffs would go into effect June 30. Jacobs said the organization would also be furloughing additional employees. The furloughs, in which employees are not paid and do not work but are expected to return, would last from June 1 to Aug 31, he said.

The Union for Reform Judaism is the umbrella organization for the Reform movement in North America. The organization provides program support and leadership development to synagogues and oversees the movement’s summer camps, youth groups, and social justice work.

The Jewish Telegraphic Agency wants to record those layoffs and furloughs. If you have information about layoffs or furloughs imposed at a Jewish nonprofit organization, please fill out the form below.

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