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 [...]
Author Archives: Rachael Ovitz
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 [...]
15
May
May
The month of Sivan arrives after a meaningful journey – seven weeks of counting the Omer, marking each day from Passover to Shavuot. Day by day, we mark the passage of time, recognizing that profound change unfolds gradually. This practice reminds us that healing and growth happen the same way — one small step at [...]
13
May
May
This May brings together three observances that, at first glance, might seem distinct: Older Americans Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, and Memorial Day. Yet they share a common thread–they all remind us that the strength of our community lies in how we care for one another, not only in times of crisis but in the [...]
Susan Weiner I’m happy to be here tonight to share my experience on the difference that Jewish Federation and JFCS made in my life and in the lives of others like me. On November 26, 2012, the Monday after Thanksgiving weekend, I went to work as I had on so many Mondays before this week. [...]
06
May
May
On April 30, Jewish Family & Children’s Service proudly held its first in-person Love Café Europa Program of 2026 at the Katz JCC—bringing together Holocaust Survivors, students, educators, and volunteers for a powerful morning of connection and learning. The program opened with an intergenerational gathering featuring students and teachers from Moorestown High School. Guest speakers [...]