By Rabbi Will Berkovitz, CEO Ten years ago, I started as CEO of Jewish Family Service. When I think back on the past decade I think primarily of people. What better way to measure time than through relationships? Their ebb and flow seemingly pulled by the gravity of some unseen celestial object orbiting our lives….
The New JFS B’nai Mitzvah Guide Helps Youth Turn Values to Action
By Rebecca Mather, Volunteer Services Coordinator One of my favorite things about JFS Community Connections is our focus on multigenerational education, community building, and volunteering. It is in the spirit of this multigenerational connection that we launch our new B’nai Mitzvah Guide. A young person’s B’nai Mitzvah symbolizes autonomy and responsibility for their Jewish identity…
Each of Us Has a Name
By Rabbi Will Berkovitz, CEO “Each of us has a name given by God and given by our parents. Each of us has a name given by our stature and our smile…Each of us has a name given by the sea and given by our death.” – Zelda Michael* died at the end of December…
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
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
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…
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