That will be the key message during annual appeals in Leeds' shuls on Yom Kippur

Increased costs over the past year include a 40 per cent hike to provide the Meals on Wheels service in addition to 30 per cent increases in fuel costs.

Services are being provided but continued financial support is paramount.

Fundraising chairman Jonathan Ross said: "Recent headlines have highlighted serious concerns of charities who are suffering grave financial effects from the credit crunch sweeping the country.

"At the annual appeal it's essential people don't think what they can afford to give but rather what you can't afford not to give."

He added: "We don't have the luxury of being able to cut back in hard times. We are proud that in spite of all the challenges we are always there to help our community but the Welfare Board cannot do this alone.

"We have to rely on the community to help plug the gap so we can continue to make a difference to the lives of hundreds of members of our community."

UJIA will make its annual appeal on Kol Nidre for support of Israel and life-changing programmes in the UK.

Regional director Howard Foreman said: "UJIA wants its endeavours to contribute to the formation of positive and strong identities in young people and place them in a position to contribute in a meaningful way to communities and society at large."

Locally, UJIA, in addition to numerous youth and adult education schemes, has invested in a second leadership course.

Howard said: "Our UK work means a strong focus on Jewish identity, knowledge, values and a responsibility toward the wider world.

"These are transmitted through education structures including Israel experience programmes, Jewish Day Schools, Jewish youth movements and support of institutions whose work impacts on young people and Jewish identity.

"UJIA is at the heart of Jewish life in Leeds providing opportunities for young people to explore and learn about Judaism and connecting to the State of Israel."

UJIA support in Israel is essential.

Howard said: "UJIA has a long-term commitment to supporting the regeneration of the Galil region and its diverse communities.

"The Galil is an area of beauty and history, lying in the shadow of an unstable geo-political reality.

"UJIA efforts improve local infrastructures that serve young people and their education."