Greetings!
I recently read the following quote, “Wisdom isn’t a quick fix, achieved by Googling or asking Siri for the answer. Wisdom comes through life experience and the sharing of those experiences through the stories we tell.” I’d attribute these thoughtful words to its author except I don’t know who it is. The comment is a part of a collection of thoughts about mentoring and the value of being listened to and guided. On many levels, these words struck me as profound, related to the ending of another year, and another decade.

If you do more, we can do more (Tip: watch to the end for the best part!)
We stay busy over here at JFCS – and that’s the way we like it. Every year we provide programs, services and support to thousands of people of all backgrounds and all ages, from newborns to older adults. But that doesn’t mean we can’t do more – in fact, we’d love to do more. And we can – with your support.

Please consider JFCS in your end-of-year giving plans and help us build stronger families and stronger communities.


JFCS awarded 2019 Adult Service Partner of the Year
JFCS is honored to have been presented with the 2019 Adult Service Partner of the Year award by the Minneapolis Workforce Development Board and the City of Minneapolis Employment and Training this month at City Hall!

JFCS was chosen for this award for its work with MSP TechHire, an initiative of the city of Minneapolis whose mission is to close the workforce skills gap in the high-tech economy by building a path for diverse workers to access training, support and tech jobs across the greater Minneapolis region. MSP TechHire partners with JFCS’ IT Pathways Career Training program, which connects individuals with the needed resources to prepare for success in IT jobs.

Is it really the most wonderful time of the year?
By Leah Persky • Family Life Education Manager

So many of us begin planning for and thinking about the busy winter holiday season many months before it officially begins. We see the holiday decorations up in stores beginning the day after Halloween, then we have more than two months of actual holiday-time. There is a lot of anticipation and expectation about how we should feel this time of year and what we should be doing to celebrate. We may feel the holiday pressure building before the first snowflake even flies.


Looking back at a career in healing: A fond farewell to Judy Marcus
Though Judaism is thousands of years old, the modern-day concept of Jewish Healing Centers doesn’t go back that far. The National Center for Jewish Healing (NCJH) was established in 1994 in response to a national upsurge of interest in reclaiming ancient Jewish spiritual wisdom and resources that could help people deal with the everyday challenges of living with illness, facing end-of-life, or dealing with loss. These Jewish individuals turned to Judaism to find wholeness, hope, comfort and connection in the face of illness and loss.

Together we can do more
Every year JFCS provides programs, services and support to thousands of people of all backgrounds and all ages. We are proud of how much support we provide and grateful for each and every one of our donors who give their time and treasure to support our community. We know that together we can do more, and you make it possible for JFCS to be Here for All. Always. Thank you!

A heartfelt thanks to all who came to the 31st Annual
Laugh on Their Behalf Benefit
Thank you to all who attended and supported JFCS at our 31st Annual “Laugh on their Behalf” Benefit on Dec. 7. A big thank you to event Co-Chairs Shari and Ronald Barry and all the event volunteers. Congratulations to 2019 JFCS Friends of Family Award recipients Nancy and Kevin Rhein. Another big thank you to comedian Jon Fisch.

More events in our community: Please join us
Be The Light! A Community Hanukkah Celebration of Giving
Sunday, Dec. 22 @ 1- 3:30 p.m.
St. Paul JCC
1375 St. Paul Ave., St. Paul

Shalom Baby Circle Time
Sunday, Dec. 29 @ 3:30-5 p.m.
JFCS
5905 Golden Valley Rd., Golden Valley

PJ Library Challah Bake at
Knollwood Place
Sunday, Jan. 5 @ 3-4:30 p.m.
Knollwood Place Apartments
3630 Phillips Pkwy, Mpls.

PJ Library Traveling Havdalah
Saturday, Jan. 11 @ 5:45-7 p.m.
Beth EL Synagogue
5225 W. Barry St., St. Louis Park
Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis | www.jfcsmpls.org