Why Our Stories Matter: Standing Up for Refugees and Immigrants This Refugee Shabbat

Why Our Stories Matter: Standing Up for Refugees and Immigrants This Refugee Shabbat

By Rabbi Ronit Tsadok, Director of Project Kavod This year, participating in HIAS Refugee Shabbat from February 28 to March 1 feels more important than ever. This is a critical moment for us to reaffirm and redouble our support for refugees, asylum seekers, and the forcibly displaced. If you want to participate in Refugee Shabbat,…

From Uncertainty to Hope: Araceli’s Journey

From Uncertainty to Hope: Araceli’s Journey

When Araceli* arrived in the U.S. from Honduras with her young children, she brought a cautious hope for a new life, but also a deep fear of an uncertain future. She had no English skills, no financial security, and no community ties. Back in her home country, Araceli had struggled alone. Her husband had left…

When Fear Turns to Focus

When Fear Turns to Focus

By Rabbi Will Berkovitz, Schocken Family CEO I have a broken oar mounted on my wall at JFS. Beneath the oar, a small plaque reads: When Fear Turns to Focus. It was a gift from my family. I shattered it against a massive boulder while rowing through the Grand Canyon several years ago. I had…

Standing Together to Support Refugees and Immigrants

Standing Together to Support Refugees and Immigrants

We are in a pivotal moment for refugees and immigrants who have been waiting for their chance to resettle and rebuild their lives in the United States, as well as for those who have newly arrived, including children. In the last week, a flurry of harmful executive actions on immigration have been carried out that…

From Strangers to Neighbors: Building Dignity Through the JFS Winter Warmth Drive

From Strangers to Neighbors: Building Dignity Through the JFS Winter Warmth Drive

By Rabbi Ronit Tsadok, Director of Project Kavod As a recent transplant to Seattle, I have been anticipating this weather shift with curiosity and a bit of trepidation. Many people have offered advice as my family adjusts from sunny Los Angeles. The number one thing I have heard: you need the right gear. A good…

With Love from Bellingham: The Big Heart of a Small Jewish Community

With Love from Bellingham: The Big Heart of a Small Jewish Community

At the start of 2023, thanks to Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) in Bellingham, WA, we were privileged to receive an in-kind donation of needed household items to help set up incoming refugees for success in their new homes, in their new country. We are so grateful for the support we receive from congregations like Beth…

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