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 [...]
Author Archives: Rachael Ovitz
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 [...]
10
Jun
Jun
As June arrives and Pride Month lights up communities across the country, we take a moment not only to celebrate history, but to reaffirm something deeply important: Everyone deserves to feel seen, supported, and genuinely at home–here at JFCS and beyond. Pride Month traces back to June 1969, when a police raid at the Stonewall [...]
03
Jun
Jun
In celebration of Pride Month, the South Jersey community is invited to a special evening of film, conversation, and connection at the Cherry Hill Public Library. Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS), in partnership with the Cherry Hill Public Library and Cherry Hill Township, will host a screening of No Straight Lines, a compelling documentary [...]
03
Jun
Jun
Meet Rachel Ulriksen, Soups & Sweets Caterer! How long have you been working at JFCS? I just celebrated my one year anniversary in April! Tell us about your role. My title is caterer but, more importantly, I am a member of the Soups & Sweets team. That means we work together to teach our future [...]
27
May
May
Pictured (left to right) are: Margo Orlin, JFCS Board President; Melanie Stoopler, JFCS Associate Executive Director; Ann Miller; Cori Cherkas, JFCS President-Elect; Jill Hammel, JFCS Associate Executive Director. Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) is proud to congratulate Ann Miller, recipient of The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies’ Lay Leadership Award of Excellence. This [...]