A weekly e-newsletter from JFS of Middlesex County

JFS is a non-profit social services agency serving all members of the community from all backgrounds. Your generous support enables us to provide crucial programs for those in need.

Celebrating 20 Years at JFS:

Serving with Purpose

This month, JFS congratulated Sara Ullman, who celebrated 20 years of dedicated service as the Coordinator of JFS' Kosher Meals on Wheels (KMOW) program. Her journey began by responding to a simple newspaper ad and has since evolved into a legacy of compassionate service that has touched the lives of countless homebound seniors in our community. Under her leadership, KMOW continues to be the largest volunteer-driven program at JFS. In 2022, over 100 volunteers delivered 36,508 kosher meals to 186 homebound seniors. We caught up with Sara to learn more about her experience and what keeps her motivated.

Sara's approach to retaining volunteers comes naturally, “treating people with respect.” Countless KMOW volunteers have faithfully served for decades, delivering meals every week, come rain or shine. Such unwavering commitment is fueled by a common purpose above all else. She states, “...part of Judaism is extending yourself to other people. It's a fundamental value to protect the vulnerable, to welcome the stranger; these are basic values of Judaism that motivate me every day...[recently] the Rabbi said something that stayed with me, he said, 'compassion is the superpower of the soul,' which made me think of the silent devotion (Amidah) 'may my soul be humble and forgiving to all'...I am very motivated by this concept of being part of a community, being obligated to be the best person I can be, being obligated to fulfill the ideals of Judaism Judaism that have sustained the Jewish community for over 5,000 years in the face of so many odds and persecution." Read more of our interview with Sara>>

We thank Sara for her incredible service – please join us on October 26 at our Volunteer Appreciation luncheon to recognize all of our amazing KMOW staff and volunteers as well as all of our incredible JFS volunteers.

You're Invited!

Join us on October 26th to celebrate JFS' dedicated volunteers and their incredible impact. It's a day of gratitude and recognition you won't want to miss. RSVP by October 10th by calling 732-777-1940, emailing office@jfsmiddlesex.org, or registering online!

This is a free event and open to all.

RSVP Today

Hazak's New Season: Connecting Seniors

The new season of Hazak is underway, offering exciting programs for adults aged 55 and above. The monthly events are a collaboration between JFS' Senior Services which provide the nutritious kosher meals and the East Brunswick Jewish Center, which hosts the meetings, supported by the Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ.

Running from September through June, Hazak offers entertaining and thought-provoking programs, fostering community among local seniors. The next luncheon is set for October 12^th with Larry Wolfert of Borscht Belt Comedians; registration is required.

Join Hazak for a season filled with entertainment, connection, and community. To register, call 732-777-1940 or email office@jfsmiddlesex.org. To help our local seniors in need, visit our donation page online. Thank you for your support!

Community Cares:

Reaching The Most Vulnerable

This month, JFS Kosher Food Pantries held a special distribution event in Highland Park, aimed at reaching low-income adults, age 62 and over. Each of the grocery bags distributed was prepared by JFS pantry staff and volunteers who helped feed local seniors in need.

Also this month, we are deeply grateful to food donations from Replenish as well as the following groups:

· Congregation Beth Ohr of Old Bridge

· Torah Links Learning Center of East Brunswick

· Congregation Ohav Emeth of Highland Park

· Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple of New Brunswick

· Congregation Etz Chaim of Monroe Township

These invaluable food pantry donations enable us to continue supplying groceries to local families visiting our food pantries while also reaching the most vulnerable members of our community in different locations. We appreciate every donation and kindly request continued food donations to ensure we can feed our community as the need grows and funds are exhausted.

If you or your organization would like to help, call 732-777-1940 to arrange a food drive or delivery, or donate online at www.jfsmiddlesex.org/donate. Thank you for your help in feeding our neighbors in need.

JFS Happenings

JFS' Kosher Food Pantries are facing a critical need for support. Please help today by donating online or arranging a donation of nonperishable food items. For more information on organizing a Food Drive, contact us at 732-777-1940 or office@jfsmiddlesex.org. Thank you for your support!

Next Group Meeting: Thursday, October 19, 2023

Location: 219C Blackhorse Lane, North Brunswick, NJ 08902

2023 One Community Journal

Jewish Social Service Committee

The Jewish Social Service Committee is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting Jewish residents in Middlesex County. The Committee provides financial assistance for a wide variety of issues. In service for over 100 years, they have no paid staff and all funds are committed to providing service. If you or someone you know is in need of financial assistance, contact us at office@jfsmiddlesex.org or 732.777.1940. JFS is proud to partner with JSS to benefit our mutual clients.