At Passover, we relive the story of the Exodus from enslavement in mitzrayim – the narrow place, which in our story, is Egypt. The retelling of the Passover story is often used to explore other journeys toward liberation from other narrow places, including the African-American journey from slavery. We are living during a tremendous groundswell…
Refugee Children Become American Students
The Al-Shammari family was welcomed to the U.S. by the JFS resettlement team on January 26, 2016. Shortly after arriving,14-year-old Ali and 15-year-old Maryam, enrolled in the Kent School District. These refugee children were beginning their careers as American students. The Al-Shammaris, a family of five, were forced to flee Iraq in 2014. As a…
Suddenly a Caregiver
Learn more from Older Adult Services. My mom’s health had been a concern for quite some time. She suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, depression and a number of joint problems. She missed a lot of work, had depleted her sick leave and, at 67, thought she probably should retire soon. Both family…
What Is Domestic Abuse?
Have you ever worried about a loved one’s relationship? You don’t want to overstep or make assumptions, yet the way you see her being treated makes you wonder if everything is okay? Even if it is okay for the time being, you may worry that the relationship will turn into domestic abuse over time. It…
Care Kits for People Who Are Homeless
Throughout our region, one can’t help but notice the scale of need on city streets, at exit ramps, in make-shift shelters and along highway underpasses. Each and every day, thousands of vulnerable people are struggling without permanent safe shelter. People experience homelessness for varied reasons. It may be the result of untreated mental illness or…
Purim and the Hidden Things
“Poor Purim. It has become the Jewish mardi gras, a day of revelry, drinking, and masquerades. But it is much more than this. Purim is the holiday in hiding. One has to probe beneath the surface to find the spiritual dimension that lies underneath.” Purim: The Holiday in Hiding “The characters in the Purim story are…
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