JFS On the Road--our mobile Food Pantry service--has been busy delivering food and help to the community. On December 1st, JFS On the Road joined the Central Jersey Diaper Bank at Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple. Despite the cold, many families showed up for diapers as well as other assistance. JFS staff distributed 80 food bags to families in need. Additionally, on December 13th, JFS On the Road visited Acelero Learning to bring food and other assistance to 15 local families in need. 



Outreach events help JFS serve more families in need and ensure that we are reaching the most vulnerable in our community. Year to date, JFS Kosher Food Pantries have distributed more than 4,000 bags of food to 3,000 individuals, and we’re not done. Your support helps us reach even more families in need every month. To donate food to our Kosher Food Pantries, please call 732-777-1940 or email office@jfsmiddlesex.org to schedule a drop-off time. Donate online to keep our pantry shelves stocked: www.jfsmiddlesex.org/donate.

On December 6th, JFS staff led a Hanukkah presentation at the Greenway Family Success Center in Fords. Families of all backgrounds learned the story of Hanukkah and participated in traditions of the holiday. Sara U., JFS Kosher Meals on Wheels Coordinator, shared some Hanukkah fun and traditions such as the lighting of the menorah, the dreidel game, songs and dances, and read The Hanukkah Bear for the families in attendance.

Guests also tasted delicious latkes (potato pancakes) with applesauce and sour cream, and received gift bags filled with dreidels, Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins), Hanukkah jelly beans, and Sara’s family recipe for homemade latkes. Hanukkah celebrates the triumph of the Maccabees in reclaiming their temple after it was desecrated, and reminds us of a time of rededication for the Jewish community. This beloved holiday is a time for family, love and sharing Jewish values across our community.

This year, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Sunday, December 18th and ends on Monday, December 26th. On behalf of our JFS family, we wish you and your family a very Happy Hanukkah!

Also known as the Festival of Lights, the story of Hanukkah begins over 2,000 years ago, as Judaism was threatened by Syrians who did not tolerate other religions. The Syrians outlawed Judaism in Israel, and while some converted and worshiped the Syrian gods, others were brave enough to defend their faith and their home. Although they were vastly outnumbered, the Jewish army defeated the Syrians and took back the Temple of Jerusalem.

When they reclaimed the temple, they found a menorah and only a tiny bit of oil that would light the lamp for, at most, one day. However, a miracle happened – instead of lasting only one day, the lamp stayed on for eight days and nights. This miracle showed the Jewish people that G-d was on their side through all their troubles and worries, and they would not be abandoned.

Enjoy the eight days and nights of Hanukkah with friends and family!