As we reflect on our first year as Associate Executive Directors of JFCS, we find ourselves filled with gratitude for your support, encouragement, and the countless moments of connection we’ve shared. Last week’s Annual Celebration, where more than 300 people gathered to honor our agency’s accomplishments, left us smiling and deeply moved. The evening reminded us that while reflection matters, there’s still so much meaningful work ahead as we enter 5786.
Tomorrow brings both Rosh Chodesh Tishrei and the beginning of our Jewish New Year – Rosh Hashanah. As the first shofar blast pierces the autumn air and the sweetness of apples and honey graces our tables, we’re called to renew our spirits, strengthen our relationships, and embrace compassion wherever it is needed. This sacred time coincides with the fall equinox, that perfect moment of balance between light and darkness, inviting us to seek harmony in our own lives as well.
The High Holy Days awaken all our senses, deepening our connection to tradition, community, and each other. The taste of challah dipped in honey carries promises of sweetness ahead. The sight of families gathering around holiday tables reflects the beauty of belonging. The sound of prayers and conversation fills homes with warmth. The fragrance of simmering soup and fresh flowers welcomes both tradition and renewal. The touch of embraces – long-awaited hugs and gentle hands – reminds us that we’re never truly alone.
At JFCS, we’ve witnessed how these sensory experiences of connection and care happen year-round, not just during holidays. In our kitchens, clients in our Soups & Sweets culinary training program carefully measure ingredients, creating not just delicious meals but confidence and community. Speaking of sweetness, we’re delighted to share one of their most beloved creations—our Soups & Sweets Apple Cake recipe – so you can bring a taste of JFCS to your holiday table.
The beauty we create together extends beyond food. Just last week, the floral arrangements crafted by our TOPS Disability Services clients transformed our Annual Celebration space. The vibrant colors and fresh fragrances didn’t just decorate tables – they filled the room with joy and reminded everyone present how creativity and purpose bloom when given the chance. We are grateful to Jamie Rothstein Distinctive Floral Design for generously donating the beautiful flowers for this purpose.
Throughout the year, we’ve learned that listening creates its own form of nourishment. Last week’s “Empty Chair at Our Holiday Dinner” workshop, facilitated by Geriatric Case Manager and Community Educator Reva Farenback-Brateman and JFCS Board member Rabbi Richard Address, gave grieving community members space to be truly heard and supported. Every day, our counselors and case managers use the gift of active listening to build trust and empower clients. Sometimes the most important thing we can offer is the sound of understanding – a voice that says, “Your story matters, and you’re not alone.”
Our new agency video, which premiered at the Annual Celebration, captures these moments of connection in ways that words alone cannot. We invite you to watch and see firsthand how your support creates ripples of hope throughout our community.
Perhaps most powerfully, we’ve seen how the simple act of reaching out – whether through a warm embrace during our Rosh Hashanah meal deliveries, a helping hand in times of crisis, or the gentle presence of a volunteer – touches lives in ways that extend far beyond the moment itself.
The High Holy Days remind us that renewal isn’t just about marking time – it’s about creating moments of meaning that engage our whole selves and connect us to something larger. In 5786, we carry forward this commitment to being present with all our senses, to creating experiences of belonging and support that nourish both body and soul.
From our JFCS family to yours, we wish you Shanah Tovah u’Metukah – a happy, healthy, and sweet New Year.
