As I sit in my breakfast nook (i.e. my new “office”) looking out at my backyard, I’m struck by the onset of autumn. Like everyone else, I wonder what the new season will bring. Each day the news of the world, country – and our neighborhoods – changes.
We live in a strange combination of monotony and change – and we at JFS SV are here as always to help you navigate these tough times.
…And we’ve planned a FREE special event for you that we think you’ll love. Read on below…
All the best,
Mindy
Mindy Berkowitz
Executive Director
Rabbi Eilberg was the first woman ordained as a Conservative rabbi by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. Nationally known for her work, she lectures and writes on issues of spiritual direction, spiritual practice, and the pursuit of peace and justice.
You can DOUBLE your impact to help our refugee clients and support their most basic needs - housing, food, and access to technology. The Shatz Family Foundation will match all donations to the Emergency Fund for Refugees up to $10,000.
Welcome our New Associate Executive Director, Susan Frazer
We’re thrilled to have Susan Frazer, LCSW, as JFS SV’s first Associate Executive Director. Susan brings more than 30 years of experience creating new programs and partnerships throughout Santa Clara County.
Bonnie, a single mom, recently lost her job and called JFS seeking assistance during a very rough time. She began to meet with our Project NOAH Social Worker, Sandra, who is helping her in multiple ways.
Sandra gave her daughter, Elisheva. a tablet from our Equipped to Learn Back to School Drive to help her begin third grade. Bonnie and Elisheva were so happy to also receive a Rosh Hashana food package, which helped their holidays become much sweeter.
Bonnie has also begun to meet with our Career Counselor, Nellie, for help in finding a new job. Bonnie is very appreciative and told Sandra, “You’ve brought light to my darkest days. I’m forever grateful.”
Knitzvah Awards
14th Anniversary Celebration
left: Barbara Berlant presents Renee Jones with the Lilyan Stavis Golden Needle Award
Knitzvah members are as prolific as they are creative and caring. Renee Jones won the Lilyan Stavis Golden Needle Award for her dedication and hard work for Knitzvah. Renee was an early key contributor on the Knitzvah mask project, particularly at Valley Medical Center at the beginning of the pandemic. Renee Jones expressed her gratitude, saying, “Knitzvah is wonderful. I'll keep coming back!"
Lynn Ann Levi won the Golden NeedleAward for a second time because of her resolute leadership on Knitzvah projects. Most recently Lynn Ann has been keeping Knitzvah supplied and organized for deliveries during the pandemic.
Shoshana Soho won the Heart of Knitzvah Award for tirelessly making hundreds of masks since the pandemic started.
JFS SV Chaplain Aides
Caring for Isolated Seniors
Right: Chaplain Aide Ken Abrams recently led Zoom High Holiday Services at The Terraces
Our dedicated Chaplain Aides have found ways to stay in touch with seniors living in retirement facilities, by leading Zoom Shabbat services and High Holiday services and staying in touch by phone regularly with their older friends.
Special thanks to our Chaplain Aides Ken Abrams (pictured over), Harry Cornbleet, Joanne Cornbleet, Kristin Gustavson, Judy Holtzman, Sheila Monheit and Marc Siedband; as well as to our shofar blowers Fred Berkowitz, Robert Bergman and Bill Menkin. We thank all of them for bringing companionship and celebration to isolated seniors.
Interested in volunteering as a Chaplain Aide or any of our other volunteer opportunities? Go to our Volunteer webpage.
Help JFS SV maintain essential services for our community during the COVID-19 pandemic
Once you click DONATE on the JFS website, and you do not see a fund listed you would like to donate to; you can select "Other", and write your preference in the comment section.
JFS SV HomeCare
JFS SV HomeCare Services offer a range of non-medical care for older or disabled adults in Santa Clara County, including: personal care, domestic duties, medication assistance, transportation, companionship and mobility support.
Have an old car taking up space in your driveway? We accept all types of vehicles, running or not.
Cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RV's, motorcycles, off road vehicles, heavy equipment and most other motorized vehicles; and you get a tax deduction based on the sale value of the vehicle.
so that we can continue to assist and protect our clients who are impacted by this pandemic. We have strengthened and increased our services addressing financial instability, access to food, mental health, and isolation.
JFS SV is proud to offer social services on-site at Chai House. These services are open to everyone at Chai House, and include case management, resource referral, counseling and support groups.
