The news out of Ukraine is tragic. The senseless acts of violence perpetrated by a power-hungry dictator is ripping apart the lives of millions of people. The images we see of families and children and elderly people fleeing with their pets and luggage in tow is heartbreaking. The separation of families and uncertainty about the future looms large.

It is hard to make sense of this – and hard to talk to children about it all. This is especially true for the many people with family connections to the region and those who are worried about the safety of loved ones. Parents are in a powerful position to help their children understand and navigate this important world event. It is hard and necessary work!

“The Passover story is the Jewish people’s original story of becoming strangers in a strange land. It is the story that reminds us that we, too, have stood in the shoes of refugees and asylum seekers in search of safety and liberty. As we lift our voices in song and prayer, we call out together with those who long to be free. This year, there are still many who struggle towards liberation; next year, may we all be free.” —Mark Hetfield, President & CEO, HIAS

The JFCS Annual GIVE Campaign raises funds to be used where needed most, benefiting thousands in our community each year. GIVE helps support Caring Connections, which provides opportunities for Jewish adults with developmental disabilities to take part in social and educational events and learn about Jewish holidays and traditions.

National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 and is an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges, to build stronger communities and be a force that transforms the world.

At JFCS, we are so appreciative of the 780 new and returning volunteers who engaged with us through 100 volunteer opportunities in 2021. Out of the 780 individual unduplicated volunteers, 360 people volunteered more than once. Thank you to all our volunteers! Click here to view the full 2021 volunteer list.

Save the date! JFCS' Volunteer Appreciation event will be held Thursday, April 21, from 4-6 p.m. at JFCS (5905 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley). More info to come!

Eva Neubeck is a volunteer Garber Transportation driver. Read more about Eva and her interesting story.

I am a first generation American born to parents who fled Nazi Germany in 1939. Beautifully resilient people, their parenting style included nurturing meaningful friendships, creating supportive community and teaching sensitivity and civility. My mother was an artist and my father was a university professor and therapist. I became a social worker.

Contact Dana Shapiro, Community & Volunteer Engagement Manager, at dshapiro@jfcsmpls.org or 952-417-2112 for more information about volunteer services. Click here to learn about volunteer opportunities and stay informed about volunteering at JFCS through our quarterly volunteer e-newsletter. Let Dana know if you want to be added to the list to receive future editions or have questions about volunteering.

Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis (JFCS) and The Jewish Recovery Network (JRN) invite you to the annual VIRTUAL Freedom Seder: Celebrating our Freedom from Addiction and our Exodus from Slavery.

Pre-program Recitation of Names: Unto Every Person There is a Name

7 p.m. Community-wide Commemoration Service

Please pre-register at www.templeisrael.com/yomhashoah for in-person participation. Zoom link and streaming information will be available at this page closer to the program date.