This year of remarkable change at Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) has strengthened our appreciation for what truly matters: Our community. As new associate executive directors, we have witnessed firsthand the myriad ways this community comes together in good times and bad, to support one another and to draw strength from one another. We are so proud that, despite this year’s challenges, JFCS has expanded and enhanced the life-affirming social services we offer to our South Jersey community.
Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, now is the perfect time to reflect on the important role that gratitude plays in our lives. According to reports by the Mayo Clinic Health System, practicing gratitude has powerful effects on both mental and physical health. It boosts mood by increasing feel-good chemicals in the brain, while reducing stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Gratitude can enhance sleep quality, strengthen the immune system, and even benefit heart health by helping to lower blood pressure. It’s also linked to less chronic pain and greater motivation for healthy behaviors like self-care and exercise. By fostering a positive mindset, gratitude enhances resilience and deepens relationships (Logan, 2022).
While science confirms gratitude’s profound impact on our well-being, our Jewish tradition has long recognized its transformative power through the concept of Hakarat HaTov, or “recognizing the good.” It involves appreciating life’s blessings, as well as expressing appreciation to others, to nature, and to G-d. At its core, Hakarat HaTov emphasizes being mindful and aware of the good things we often take for granted, such as our relationships, our health, and our daily sustenance. It serves as a reminder to acknowledge kindness, to show appreciation, and to nurture a sense of connection. In that vein, we’d like to share our own Hakarat HaTov with you.
We are grateful to the JFCS staff. From social workers to job coaches to case managers, our staff goes above and beyond to make sure that every client receives the support they need. This year, our Faye Manger Counseling Department increased its mental health counseling sessions by a staggering 72%. Our Disability Services Department reimagined many of its offerings as it prepared to return to its permanent home in the Jonathan Sinay Building. Our Holocaust Survivor Services team added two Russian speaking staff members to address the unique needs of Survivors from the former
Soviet Union. These are just a few examples, and we can’t wait to share more exciting updates with you in the coming months.
We are grateful to our clients and their families, who entrust us as we strive to help them achieve transformative and life-affirming change. Our clients truly are a blessing–the reason we exist in the first place.
We are grateful to our agency sponsors. Their generosity provides critical financial support, enabling us to carry out our mission and to help thousands of clients feel and be their best selves.
We are grateful to our volunteers, the unsung heroes who devote their time, skills, and energy to our clients. When others step back, our volunteers step forward: Delivering groceries and holiday meals, accompanying clients to medical appointments, providing handyman or technical support, and offering much-needed companionship.
We are grateful to our Board of Directors. Under the capable leadership of President Margo Orlin, their collective knowledge, professional expertise, and commitment enable us to bring the JFCS mission and vision to life.
We are grateful to our Advisory Council, led by Rhona Cohen. This group of accomplished community leaders shares a deep connection to our agency, serving as ardent advocates for our mission. Whenever we seek their wisdom, the Advisory
Council answers our call.
We are grateful to the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, with Jennifer Dubrow Weiss at the helm, and we are proud to count JFCS as one of its many vibrant agencies.
We are grateful to our local synagogues and day schools for their ongoing support and engagement throughout the year.
We are grateful to our local government for their continued friendship and support.
We are grateful for the land of Israel. We pray for the safe return of the hostages and for lasting peace and security for our brothers and sisters who live in our homeland.
Finally, we are grateful to all of you–our South Jersey Jewish community! Whether you attended an event, joined a support group, donated food during our annual High Holiday or Thanksgiving food drives, or participated in one of our “bitesize” volunteer opportunities, your involvement means so much to us and our clients.
Gratitude is like a muscle: The more you practice it, the stronger it becomes. As we approach the busy holiday season of Thanksgiving, Chanukah, and the secular New Year, let’s all do our best to express Hakarat HaTov for the many blessings in our lives.