As we welcome the month of Shevat, we're reminded of one of Judaism's most beautiful teachings about legacy and growth. While the ground may be cold here in South Jersey, in Israel, this is when the trees begin their hidden work – their roots reaching deeper for sustenance even as their branches stretch toward the [...]
Author Archives: Rachael Ovitz
29
Jan
Jan
JFCS relies upon the support of hundreds of volunteers to carry out our life-affirming mission. At this time, we are urgently seeking new volunteer drivers to deliver groceries to clients of our Rhona Fischer Family Assistance Program throughout Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester counties. Volunteers must be available Monday through Thursday, and must be able to commit [...]
29
Jan
Jan
Meet Melissa Firstenberg (she/her)! Tell us about yourself. I grew up in central Jersey (which does exist) and came to Philadelphia to study Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, and Mathematics at the University of Pennsylvania, moving to Marlton, NJ in the late 1990s after school. As a trusted industrial cybersecurity professional, I participate actively in industry [...]
22
Jan
Jan
As we are beginning 2025, and it’s just days after commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy of service, we are reminded of a profound partnership that exemplified the universal power of working toward justice and healing. Dr. King and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, one of the most influential Jewish theologians of the 20th century, [...]
07
Jan
Jan
This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, let's honor Dr. King's legacy of service by coming together to support those in need. We are thrilled to announce our annual food drive benefiting the Betsy & Peter Fischer Food Pantry on Monday, January 20 from 10am to 1pm, and we need your help to keep the shelves [...]
07
Jan
Jan
The death of a spouse or life partner is one of the most painful things most people will ever endure. While each one of us experiences grief, mourning, and adjustment in our own unique way, no one should have to go through the process on their own. As part of our commitment to support community [...]
06
Jan
Jan
Meet Mort Mekler! Born in Israel, Mort moved to New York after the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. He was the Senior Director of Service Delivery at Broadridge Financial Services, Inc. and retired after devoting 38 years to the company. He currently lives in Cherry Hill and has been happily married to Judy Griffin for five years. [...]
News, Older Adult Services
A Joyous Chanukah Celebration Honoring Holocaust Survivors and a Special Birthday Milestone
02
Jan
Jan
On Thursday, December 19, 2024, JFCS had the pleasure of hosting our annual Love Café Europa Program's Chanukah celebration. The Katz JCC social hall was packed with Holocaust Survivors, family members, staff, volunteers, and students and teachers from Politz Day School of Cherry Hill. Everyone enjoyed a delicious dairy lunch, replete with latkes and jelly [...]
31
Dec
Dec
As we enter Tevet, a month that teaches us about resilience in the face of challenges, we find special meaning in its convergence with the secular New Year. Both calendar events invite us to reflect on renewal and perseverance - qualities that have shone brightly through JFCS's work these past weeks. In fiscal year 2024, our Faye Manger Counseling [...]
24
Dec
Dec
“Who is wise? He who learns from every person…Who is strong? He who controls his passions…Who is rich? He who is happy with his lot…Who is honored? He who honors others.” Ben Zoma, Pirkei Avot (Ethics of our Fathers) 4:1. These words, written more than 18 centuries ago in one of our foundational Jewish texts, [...]