As we welcome the month of Shevat, we reflect on the powerful lessons our Jewish tradition offers about growth and legacy. Even as winter lingers here in South Jersey, this month marks a quiet turning point. In Israel, trees are beginning their hidden work – sending roots deeper into the earth while slowly stretching their [...]
Author Archives: Rachael Ovitz
12
Jan
Jan
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a National Day of Service—a time to turn a day off into a “day on” by giving back to our community. In that spirit, JFCS invites you to support our annual MLK Day Food Drive to help stock the Betsy & Peter Fischer Food Pantry during the winter months. [...]
07
Jan
Jan
For someone experiencing domestic abuse, knowing where to turn can feel overwhelming. Abuse thrives on secrecy and isolation—but no one should face it alone. That’s why Jewish Family & Children's Service offers SARAH Supports, a safe, confidential, virtual support group for women of all faiths and backgrounds navigating or healing from abuse. Through this ten-week [...]
07
Jan
Jan
Join JFCS in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through service to our community. On Monday, January 19, 2026, from 10:00am to 1:00pm, we will host our annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Food Drive to support the Betsy & Peter Fischer Food Pantry. Donations of kosher, non-perishable food and essential household [...]
24
Dec
Dec
In Jewish tradition, we understand that true compassion means meeting people exactly where they are, honoring their lived experiences, and responding with dignity and person-centered care. This isn’t abstract philosophy—it’s the foundation of meaningful service. At Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS), this principle guides everything we do. Whether through counseling, food support, disability services, [...]
19
Dec
Dec
As we enter the Hebrew month of Tevet, we find ourselves in winter’s quieter days – a season that invites us to reflect inward and reach outward with compassion. The very root of Tevet is tov, meaning “goodness,” reminding us that even in darker times, goodness can be discovered and expanded through our actions. Jewish tradition connects Tevet with the Hebrew [...]
17
Dec
Dec
Did you know that Jewish Family & Children’s Service offers personalized in-home assessments to help older adults (age 55+) age in place safely with confidence and dignity? Conducted by Master’s level social workers, these proactive visits are designed to provide a thoughtful “getting to know you” baseline—so we can truly understand each individual’s needs, preferences, [...]
09
Dec
Dec
This Chanukah, let’s do more than light the menorah and eat latkes—we can light the way for South Jersey neighbors in need. As we celebrate hope, resilience, and the miracle of the Maccabees, JFCS invites you to join our first-ever Chanukah Hunger Challenge on the fifth night, December 18. While many families enjoy abundance, thousands [...]
02
Dec
Dec
The holiday season often brings to mind warm memories—family gatherings, beloved traditions, and foods that evoke generations of celebration. Yet when someone we love is no longer with us, even the most festive moments can feel incomplete. For many, that “empty chair” at the table is a poignant reminder of loss. To support community members [...]
01
Dec
Dec
By Douglas Keller, MSW, LSW - JFCS Geriatric Social Worker Becoming a family caregiver is rarely a role someone expects to step into. It can happen suddenly, such as when a parent receives a diagnosis, a spouse has an accident, or a family member’s needs change unexpectedly. In other cases, a caregiver’s responsibilities grow gradually [...]