Welcoming the Stranger this Refugee Shabbat: Alima’s Story

Welcoming the Stranger this Refugee Shabbat: Alima’s Story

Each year, JFS joins with communities across the US and the world to observe Refugee Shabbat. The global initiative, spearheaded by the international Jewish humanitarian organization HIAS, encourages synagogues, other community organizations, and individuals to dedicate a Shabbat experience to reaffirming support for refugees. “Shabbat is a day of rest, but Refugee Shabbat is a…

HIAS National Refugee Shabbat

HIAS National Refugee Shabbat

Refugee Shabbat 2023 takes place on February 3-4 and offers congregations, organizations, and individuals in the United States and around the world the chance to dedicate a Shabbat experience to refugees and asylum seekers.   JFS is honored to contribute to the global effort to help refugees and immigrants who are fleeing violence and conflict…

Turning values into action and challenges into opportunities

Turning values into action and challenges into opportunities

The end of year gives us the chance to take a breath, reflect on all we have accomplished, and look ahead with a renewed commitment to creating the world we want to see. This past year has been a challenge, particularly for those affected by the difficult economy, domestic violence, isolation, and global instability—people who…

Help A Family Stay Warm This Winter: Join Our Coat Drive!

Help A Family Stay Warm This Winter: Join Our Coat Drive!

Our Refugee & Immigrant Services program supports newly arrived individuals and families from 23 countries throughout the world, including Afghanistan and Ukraine, and helps them make a successful transition to self-sufficiency in the United States.  You can help by purchasing and donating new winter coats – an expensive necessity that many do not already have…

Writing Love Letters to Our Kids and Learning to Let Go

Writing Love Letters to Our Kids and Learning to Let Go

By Rabbi Will Berkovitz, CEO Our oldest son, Nativ, left for college last weekend. The house is quieter, somehow a bit bigger now. As a friend once shared, “The nights are long, but the years are short.” I feel that acutely today. I remember the day Nativ was born. The first words I said to…

JFS 2022 Board President: On Mental Health, Youth, and Parenting

JFS 2022 Board President: On Mental Health, Youth, and Parenting

We are thrilled to introduce our community to Karyn Barer, newly elected President of the JFS Board of Directors. By Karyn Barer My first encounter with JFS was attending a “Bringing Baby Home” class with my husband. We sat around a table with several other young couples (one of whom still sits with us at…

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