At Jewish Family & Children's Service (JFCS), we believe no one should have to navigate grief alone. While loss is a natural part of life, the death of a spouse or partner can be especially life-changing, often bringing feelings of isolation and uncertainty about the future. To help individuals find support and connection during this [...]
Author Archives: Rachael Ovitz
14
Aug
Aug
The month of Elul arrives quietly, inviting us to pause and reflect. The shofar’s call begins this month – not with the urgency of the High Holy Days, but as a gentle invitation to ask ourselves important questions: How will I show up differently in the year ahead? Where will I direct my generosity? How [...]
05
Aug
Aug
As summer winds down and the first day of school approaches, families across South Jersey are in motion: Checking off supply lists, filling out forms, and squeezing in one last beach day. It’s a season filled with anticipation and, for many parents, a hope that this year will be a good one for their child. [...]
05
Aug
Aug
Living with vision loss can be a challenging and often isolating experience. Conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye diseases can affect an individual's ability to drive, read, manage daily tasks, and maintain their independence - often leading to frustration, anxiety, and social isolation. To help South Jersey's older adults (55+) navigate [...]
15
Jul
Jul
This week, we welcome the Jewish month of Av – a time that holds both sorrow and the possibility of renewal. In Hebrew, Av means “father,” and we often add the name Menachem, meaning “comforter.” This tradition reminds us that even in our darkest moments, solace is possible. Av includes some of the most difficult days in Jewish [...]
08
Jul
Jul
Something significant is happening across South Jersey this summer, and it’s affecting far more families than many people realize. As the cost of living continues to rise, households are being pushed to the brink. Groceries cost more. Rent costs more. Utilities cost more. And at the same time, thousands are losing access to critical food [...]
07
Jul
Jul
Stefanie was raised in Cherry Hill and currently resides in Mount Laurel with her family and her dog, Ahava. Stefanie previously worked in our Disability Services Department's SAIL program and helped deliver groceries for the Betsy & Peter Fischer Food Pantry. In 2026, Stefanie returned to JFCS to provide volunteer medical rides for older adult [...]
30
Jun
Jun
Caring for a loved one can be one of life's most rewarding experiences, but it can also be overwhelming. Many caregivers juggle emotional, physical, and financial responsibilities while putting their own needs aside. To help local caregivers find support and connection, Jewish Family & Children's Service is offering a new session of its Caregivers Support [...]
24
Jun
Jun
It's often said that Holocaust Survivors are our teachers—but the responsibility of carrying forth their stories belongs to all of us. Each June, communities around the world come together to celebrate Holocaust Survivor Day, a time dedicated not only to remembrance, but to honoring the lives, resilience, and enduring contributions of those who survived. While [...]
16
Jun
Jun
As we welcome the month of Tammuz, we enter a season of reflection – one that holds both sorrow and the promise of renewal. Jewish tradition teaches that the weeks between now and Tisha B’Av invite us to face the world’s pain honestly, while also calling us to become agents of healing. Even in moments [...]