As we celebrate the holiday of Hanukkah, our thoughts turn to hope, inspiration and dedication. Hanukkah teaches us that candle by candle, mitzvah by mitzvah, we can help overcome darkness and create more goodness in the world - themes that truly resonate with the incredible work we do at Goodman JFS.
I am delighted to have joined such a warm and caring organization that provides enormous hope to so many in need. As the pandemic continues to decline in
numbers, we must collectively embrace brighter days and come together as a Jewish community to provide empathy, sensitivity and support to others. There are thousands of Broward County residents who rely on us for food, clothing, essential needs, financial support, emotional support and so much more—we must continue the significant strides we have made.
I am in awe of the genuine dedication of our staff to ensure we fulfill our mission of serving others based on our Jewish values. And I am grateful to our community supporters and donors for such unwavering commitment that allows us to provide for the most vulnerable in our community. I look forward to providing more light to those who truly need it most.
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On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of Goodman JFS, I send our very best to you and your families this Hanukkah and holiday season.
May it be filled with renewed hope, love and light.
With warm regards,
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Randy Colman
President & CEO
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2021-2022 Campaign to Feed the Need
In the tri-county area, Broward County has the highest rate of food insecurity—and that rate continues to grow in the wake of the pandemic.
Our 2021-2022 Campaign to Feed The Need is underway, and our community needs your support.
By donating to The Dorit & Ben J. Genet Cupboard of Goodman JFS, you can make a difference for individuals and families, like Mark. Listen as he shares his emotional story of how The Cupboard helped him get back on his feet.
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Make your donation today online at and make a difference today so neighbors like Mark don’t have to decide between rent, mortgage or medicine and feeding their families or themselves.
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The Cupboard currently feeds 600+ families, including 171 Holocaust survivors every month. Here's how you donation can help:
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$54 Feeds one family for a week
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$108 Feeds two families for a week
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$180 Provides after-school snacks for one family for a year
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$360 Provides fresh produce for 70 families for one month
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$540 Provides 25 families with Shabbat dinner for one month
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$1,000 Provides eggs for all of our families for one month
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$1,500 Provides milk 600 families for one month
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$2,500 Feeds one family for an entire year
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$5,000 Provides kosher chicken for all of our families for one month
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"Playing It Forward"
When it came time to plan his upcoming bar-mitzvah project, 13-year-old Cooper City resident Avi Diamond knew exactly what to do: take his passion for board games and “play” it forward so that other kids in need could receive Hanukkah presents this year. For the past several months, Avi and his family have been collecting, sorting, and organizing almost 300 games, and while some went to Joe DiMaggio's Children's Hospital, JAFCO and Dec My Room, the majority went to support the families of The Dorit & Ben J. Genet Cupboard of Goodman Jewish Family Services.
Volunteers at The Cupboard distributed hundreds of board games to families in need in time for the Hanukkah holiday. The Cupboard also provided $25 Target gift cards to each family along with handmade cards created by local teens.
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Bringing Traditions Home
Nothing says holidays quite like food. The Cupboard’s whole-person approach is dedicated to providing nutritious, kosher food with dignity, especially during the holidays. In celebration of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah, Goodman JFS clients recently received holiday favorites including whole turkeys, mashed potato mix, cranberry sauce and pumpkin puree - along with special Hanukkah treats including potato pancake mix, applesauce, oil, chocolate coins and candles.
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Hanukkah Toy Drive
For many families in need, the bright lights of Hanukkah can feel depressing and dim, however due to the RAK PAK’s partnership with Temple Beth Torah Sha'aray Tzedek (Tamarac), Temple Beth Am (Margate) and PJ Library, the holidays will be a bit brighter for many children across Broward. Thank you to the generous synagogue and community members who donated hundreds of new toys, games and gift cards for children of all ages.
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The RAK PAK (Random Acts of Kindness) also provides an array of new and gently used clothing and hygiene products to families of limited income to help build their self-respect and self-esteem.
For more information or to donate gently used clothing, please call
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In Good Health Stress Less This Holiday Season
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After more than a year of separation and isolation, many families will finally reunite this holiday season. And while the holidays are pivotal times to celebrate and connect with our loved ones, they can also lead to anxiety, stress and depression for many.
According to Jessica Ruiz, Chief Psychologist and Director of Behavioral Health Associates of Broward, Counseling Centers of Goodman JFS (BHAB), tense family dynamics, political differences, recent losses of loved ones and loneliness will be common threads of concern this time of year. Being equipped with the right tools can alleviate triggers that lead to a disappointing holiday season.
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If your or someone you know is interested in talking with one of our licensed clinical experts, please call 954-909-0888 or email
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When asked about their fierce dedication to eradicating hunger among Broward’s Jewish community, philanthropists Dorit and Ben J. Genet have a simple response: it’s their life’s mission.
Check them out in the November issue of Lifestyle Magazine, the first of our donor spotlight series.
We thank them for their unwavering commitment.
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Holiday Survival Workshop
Join trained therapists for a virtual workshop series as they provide tips and techniques to help you navigate holiday stressors.
Thursdays, December 2 - 16, 2021
6 p.m., Free
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Bloomin' for Good
Fight hunger with every purchase of the Bloomin' 4 Good Bouquet at Winn-Dixie! During the month of December, each time you purchase a $12.99 Bloomin' 4 Good Bouquet with the red circle sticker at the Winn-Dixie located at 11290 State Road 84 in Davie, $1 will be donated to the Dorit and Ben J. Genet Cupboard.
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BOOST Spring Session
BOOST is an individualized strength-based goals program offering in-home and community-based activities for neurodivergent adults.
January 10 - May 12, 2022, Free
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“Underwearness” Drive January 2022
New and unused underwear are among the top items needed, yet least donated. Get behind the RAK PAK and support their "Underwearness" Drive by donating new underwear, socks and diapers in a variety of sizes. The goal is to collect 2022 undergarments over the year-long drive.
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Make a Difference. Make a Gift Today.
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Goodman JFS is dedicated to empowering individuals
and providing exceptional social service.
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Goodman JFS of Broward (GJFS) is a non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, providing programs and services to those in need in Broward County since 1963. A copy of the official registration SC-00196 and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling 800-435-7352 within the State or visiting www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the State.
Goodman JFS is funded by The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany; Leslie L. Alexander Foundation Inc.; United Way of Broward County; Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida; Jewish Federation of Broward County; Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA); Dorit & Ben J. Genet; Feeding South Florida; Prince Distributors; Community Foundation of Broward; Kavod-Shef Foundation; Toyota of North Miami; Parkland Cares; Sam Berman Charitable Foundation; The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation; Gateway Community Outreach; The Jim Moran Foundation; Holman Community Foundation; The Batchelor Foundation; Publix Super Markets Charities; The Harry Kramer Memorial Fund; The Lawrence Horowitz Charitable Family Foundation; BankUnited; The Paul Palank Memorial Foundation; Health Foundation of South Florida; The Dennis Schuman Charitable Foundation; The Colin Brown Foundation; BBX Capital; O’Connell & Goldberg Public Relations; Corporate Insurance Advisors; Consolidated Credit; Debt.com; Louis Kuriansky Foundation; Florida Department of Financial Services; Jewish Family Home Care; Jewish Federations of North America Center for Advancing Holocaust Survivor Care; The Ilse Helfeld Charitable Foundation; foundations and corporate and private funding.
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