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. At around 10:30 in the morning, as I sat at my desk, my cell phone rang. I didn’t recognize the number and didn’t answer. The number left a message, which I clicked on.  

The caller identified himself as a detective from Cherry Hill. He left a number to call back. I closed my door and called back. In the next few seconds, nothing about my life would ever be the same. Suddenly, my son Joel – my smart, loving, funny, handsome son – was gone.  

The next minutes, hours, and days were a blur. I counted the days, weeks, and months in disbelief. I found no one understood, even as kind as they were. I felt alone, as if I were in a glass box where I could see everyone, and they could see me, but we couldn’t touch. Spring came, renewal. I went to Yizkor and asked Rabbi Frenkel if she knew of a Jewish support group. I knew I needed help. She said she didn’t but she would let me know if she had heard about one, and she did.  

There was a group soon starting through JFCS. I called immediately. The day came, and I nervously walked into the conference room. There were seven other mothers, probably as nervous as I was, and each grieving the daughter of a daughter or a son, different ages, different causes. It didn’t matter. Soon, the stories started to spill out. In that first meeting, we quickly understood that we had found a safe place – a place of comfort, belonging, and understanding. We could take a breath. Our facilitator was gentle and skilled, and as the weeks passed, we comforted each other.  

At the end of the eight weeks, we realized that others in our position wouldn’t be provided the same gift. Together with two other moms, Eve and Carole, and support from JFCS, we were able to create a foundation we called “Sharing and Healing While Mourning our Children.” This group continues to help the healing process for those parents in our community who are suffering such a devastating loss.  

We are ever grateful for the kindness, support, and understanding JFCS continues to provide. It is a gift.