“In every generation, one must see oneself as if they personally had gone out from Egypt.”
This timeless instruction from our Passover Haggadah reminds us that the Exodus narrative is not simply historical, but deeply personal. It calls us to experience liberation not as a distant memory, but as a living reality that unfolds within each of us. The story teaches that freedom is never fully achieved but continually sought–a journey rather than a destination.
At its core, Passover invites us to reflect on our collective Jewish history while examining our own personal journeys. As we retell the story of our liberation from slavery, we recognize that the Exodus represents an ongoing process of striving for freedom, renewal, and redemption in our lives and in the world around us.
We cannot truly experience freedom unless we acknowledge the mental and emotional chains that bind us. These hidden bonds–whether they are fears, doubts, or past traumas–can prevent us from fully embracing the liberation that each new day offers. This Passover presents us with the opportunity to break free from those limitations and take courageous steps toward growth, purpose, and deeper connection.
At Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS), our work embodies the Passover themes of liberation and renewal. We are committed to empowering individuals and families to overcome their challenges, reclaim their dignity, and build fulfilling lives.
Here’s how we help:
Our Faye Manger Counseling Department provides emotional and mental tools to help clients break free from trauma and isolation, guiding them toward healing and self-awareness.
Through our Disability Services Department, we support individuals to live independently and fully engage as community members, removing barriers that limit their potential.
The Rhona Fischer Family Assistance Program alleviates food insecurity and financial stress, enabling families to focus beyond mere survival toward stability and opportunity.
Our Holocaust Survivor Services offer local Survivors the dignity they deserve, providing security while honoring their stories and resilience. Recently, we’ve enhanced our outreach to Survivors from the Former Soviet Union with Russian-speaking staff members. During one memorable visit, a Survivor who had been withdrawn for years became animated upon hearing his native language. His face lit up with joy as he joined the conversation, connecting with both his longtime case manager and our new Russian-speaking staff. This moment of genuine connection–of being truly seen and heard in one’s native language represents a profound form of freedom that resonates deeply with Passover’s message.
For adults over 60, our Older Adult Services create opportunities to remain active and engaged, combating isolation and fostering continued growth and purpose.
Project SARAH (Stop Abusive Relationships At Home) helps survivors of domestic abuse escape dangerous situations, regain control, and rebuild their lives with newfound freedom and confidence.
Our Volunteer Department creates meaningful connections that nurture purpose and growth for both volunteers and clients alike.
Through Addiction Awareness and Prevention, we offer young people practical tools to break free from dependency, helping them build lives of genuine freedom.
Each of these programs represents a crucial step toward liberation whether from hardship, isolation, or dependency–and enables individuals to rise above adversity, embodying our mission to help Jewish families and the broader community navigate life’s challenges.
True freedom requires more than personal transformation; it calls for collective responsibility and action. As we celebrate Passover, we are proud to be part of South Jersey’s ongoing efforts to remove barriers and create spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
When we dipped the karpas into salt water at our Seder table, remembering both tears and renewal, we recognized that true liberation happens when communities come together to support one another’s journeys. At JFCS, we’re honored to be part of that sacred work every day- -not just during Passover, but throughout the year.
