After the intensity and joy of the High Holy Days, the month of Mar Cheshvan brings us into a quieter time. With no major holidays on the calendar, we have the gift of time to pause, to reflect, and to carry what those holidays meant into the rhythms of our everyday lives.
This is when the work of JFCS feels most important. While the world around us slows, we continue showing up for families facing uncertainty, for individuals seeking connection, for neighbors navigating loss. And we do this because of community – because people like you choose, again and again, to be present with compassion and purpose.
This month, we have the privilege of celebrating those who embody that commitment. On Wednesday evening, October 28, the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey and its family of agencies will gather for our first system-wide Annual Meeting – when we install new leadership and honor those whose dedication strengthens Jewish life throughout our region.
We are especially proud to celebrate Scott Levine as JFCS Volunteer of the Year. Since joining JFCS in 2020 through our Bite Size holiday meal delivery program, Scott has shown an extraordinary dedication to helping others. He expanded his involvement in 2021 by joining the Betsy & Peter Fischer Food Pantry volunteer team, where he has become truly indispensable. In addition to delivering pantry groceries at least three times each week and assisting with High Holiday food drives, Scott balances a demanding full-time career as an attorney. He regularly travels throughout Burlington County, reaching areas that are often difficult for volunteers to serve. His compassion, reliability, and generosity make a meaningful difference every day.
We are honored to recognize Cherry Hill Township as our Community Partner of the Year, a partnership that reflects the impact of working together to strengthen our community. Through the multi-year Cherry Hill RISE grant, the Township has provided critical funding for Project SARAH, SAIL, SAIL Jr., the Faye Manger Counseling Department, the Rhona Fischer Family Assistance Program, and the Betsy & Peter Fischer Food Pantry. In addition, Cherry Hill Township generously supports our annual Thanksgiving food drives and collaborates with JFCS and the Cherry Hill Public Library to create meaningful Pride Month programs. We are grateful for the Township’s partnership and its lasting impact on those we support.
We’ll also thank our outgoing president, Margo Orlin, for two years of extraordinary leadership and warmly welcome Cori Cherkas as our new JFCS Board President. The evening will honor remarkable community leaders — Adam Kaminer, Lauren Butler Rosner, Eric Baelen, David Bross, and the memory of David Butler, z”l — whose contributions have made a lasting impact.
On October 27, our staff will gather for our annual retreat – a full day dedicated to connection, reflection, and renewal. At the retreat, Peter Fischer will join us to share his story. For decades, Peter has shown what it means to believe in JFCS’s mission – through his volunteer service, his generous support, and his unwavering commitment. His presence reminds our staff why this work matters and the impact it has on people’s lives.
Mar Cheshvan teaches us that sustainable work requires rest and recharging. It’s about finding balance – between serving others and taking care of ourselves, between action and reflection. As we move forward, we’re committed to carrying the connection and compassion of the holidays into everything we do. Thank you for being our partners in this work.
Warmly,
Melanie and Jill
