News

Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York (JFS) will honor 31 outstanding community members at its 4th Annual Mensches & Mimosas Celebration on Thursday, June 1st, at 7 p.m. The virtual event recognizes community volunteers and professionals – Mensches – and their selfless work for JFS and its partner agencies. The program will also highlight the critical responsibilities and work JFS is responsible for in the community. Kicking off the virtual celebration, Marvin A. Freedman will be presented with the Anschel Weiss Community Builders Award for his lifetime of serving humanity with humility.

“A native Albanian, Freedman is the epitome of a community builder, supporter and champion. JFS is proud to honor Marvin for his lifetime of service and dedication,” said JFS President & CEO Jane Ginsburg.

Freedman has enjoyed a long and rewarding professional career in the insurance industry. He received his undergraduate degree from Siena College in 1952, and after attending Albany Law School for a year, his father passed away and he took over his father’s insurance business.  In 1960, along with three other partners, Freedman created Anchor Agency, building the business into a preeminent regional insurance brokerage. Eventually, Freedman’s son David joined the firm and became a partner until his untimely passing at age 32. Over time, the partners retired, with Freedman retaining ownership. In 2016, Anchor Agency was sold to Pioneer Bank (now Pioneer). After the sale, he remained as a consultant for four years until his retirement.

Freedman has been active in both the Albany Jewish, national and greater local communities. He was president of Jewish Federation of Northeastern NY; became the first person from the Capital District to serve on the National Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds as well as the first to serve on the National Young Leadership Cabinet of the United Jewish Appeal. He was Chairman of the Board of the Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors and served on the board of St. Peter’s Hospital where he was also Board Chairman for three years. Freedman was the founding board member of Capital Bank & Trust Company; President of the Board of Congregation Beth Emeth. He served on the national board of the Union for Reform Judaism and he was the founding member & chairman of the Community Foundation for the Capital Region.

Robyn Polansky Morrison, Chair of the 2023 Mensches & Mimosas celebration noted, “I am inspired by Marvin and honored to bestow this very deserving award to him and highlight the 30 Mensches who, like Marvin, are dedicated to ensuring the continuity of our community, as well as helping to raise money needed to operate JFS’ critical community programs.”

Marvin and Sherry have been married for 43 years. He is the father of Lisa & David (of blessed memory), Carol, Lynne & Marcy. Grandfather to Alejandro, Daniela, Anna, David, Mya, Jeffrey, and Leo.

Past recipients of the Anschel Weiss Community Builders award include Alan Iselin (z”l), Herman Ungerman, David Alan Miller, Jean Becker, Amy Klein, Fred Erlich, Mara Ginsberg, Chanie Simon, Rabbi Beverly Magidson, The Golub Family, Jerry and Ilene Sykes, Michael Castellana, Steve Lobel, Morris (z”l) and Esther (z”l) Massry, Dr. Mark Sullivan and Representative Michael McNulty.

MENSCH HONOREES

From Maimonides Hebrew Day School is Moshe Kudan, who assists with PR, marketing and fundraising for the school. He is a dear Maimonides alumni and friend to so many in the community.

The Colonie Chabad Chai Jewish Center recognizes Marilyn Tanner as a true inspiration for all, going out of her way to help others in the community and at its organization and always with a smile.

Layne Zagorski is the honorable mensch from Clifton Park Chabad, recognized for being the ambassador of light — sharing positivity and doing acts of kindness at every opportunity.

The Hebrew Academy of the Capital District sings the praises of Carolyn Robbins Levine for her energy, wisdom, and kindness that is evident in everything she does. She can inspire others to take action, always looks optimistically to the future, and is a role model of derech eretz.

The students and staff of the Hillel at University at Albany appreciate the wisdom, growth, and humor that Benjamin Michaels brings to their organization and recognizes his devotion to building a vibrant Jewish community on campus.

Congregation Berith Sholom is proud to recognize Amy Lovett, who brings her menschlickeit to the operations and very soul of the congregation. Amy’s uncanny savvy, insight, diligence, and compassion drives her leadership roles as the Secretary of the Board of Trustees and synagogue communications chair.

Jewish Family Services treasures Margo Singer and the pride she takes in volunteering to deliver kosher meals, as well as how she cares for fellow volunteers and meal recipients who adore seeing her and catching up each week.

Arnon Adler has been a prime faculty member with Mifgash Jewish Community High School Program since its inception, encouraging the students to share their thoughts, be respectful while debating ideas, and learn critical thinking as they delve deep into discussion on sensitive, important and difficult subjects.

From the B’yachad Collaborative Religious School, Fred Rheingold is revered as a Jewish educator for over a decade, whose lessons are always creative, informative and relevant and who works to support students with special learning needs.

Amarit Rosin & Seth Rosenblum have been long steadfast supporters and leaders of Congregation Beth Abraham Jacob, dedicating so much of their time and energy to its congregation and who have given so much to the community.

The Congregation Ohav Shalom family has a stalwart leader and supporter in Deborah Sturm Rausch whose thoughtfulness and good common sense make a huge difference in how members of the congregation work together to achieve common goals.

Rabbis Linda Motzkin & Jonathan Rubenstein are revered community figureheads at Temple Sinai and in the Saratoga Springs community for over 36 years, leading countless community programs and working at or volunteering at Skidmore College, Four Winds and Saratoga Hospital.

Congregation Beth Emeth honors Cynthia Frommer Freedman & Carol Gingold Rosenthal, both lifelong congregants who combine their love of Beth Emeth to preserve its past as archivists. Together, they share congregation traditions in a beautiful lobby display case — Cynthia holding the tape and directing with Carol arranging.

Temple Israel feels fortunate to have Sharon Mosden as part of its community, calling her a “volunteer extraordinaire,” as she enthusiastically goes above and beyond helping with Mitzvah projects, kiddushes, youth programming and more.

Congregation Agudat Achim is grateful to Hillary Fink for working tirelessly to connect with congregants, to run various committees and to support the functioning of the synagogue. Her love of honoring other members of the congregation makes it fitting that she receives this honor.

Through their involvement in services, social and cultural events, serving on the board, hosting Rosh Hashanah luncheons and much more, Martie & Phil Teumim stand out as unsung heroes, volunteers and leaders at B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation.

The mensch from Congregation Gates of Heaven is Gay Griffith, a constant presence at the synagogue for over 20 years, who is a volunteer, teacher, greeter and leader, as well as a strong advocate for Israel and building a better community locally.

For decades, Ann Zonderman has been a continuously active member of Jewish Federation of Northeastern NY and the Jewish community and is noted for her passionate desire to make our community better.

Chevra Kadisha of the Capital District describes their Senior Mataher, Yehoshua Maddali as the quintessential “Gomlei Chasadim,” a loving and caring person who has the capacity to go above and beyond to help another person.

President of B’nos Israel Mikvah Sarah Maddali is appreciated for being a caregiver to many in the Albany community, a teacher at Maimonides Hebrew Day School, a mentor to youth and a member of the community Bikkur Cholim.

Vadd Hakashruth of the Capital District value BJ & Peter Rosenfeld for their commitment to community and JFS. BJ is an officer and invested member of the Vaad for 25 years, representing Congregation Beth Shalom, and Peter has been a great community partner, visionary and leader.

The embodiment of the values of Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors (DOS) is found in Barbara Wachs, president of their Auxiliary, who was moved to volunteer after witnessing the expertise and compassionate care her aunt received at DOS.

Sandy Rubin, a “warm and delightful person” is Congregation Beth Shalom’s Sisterhood & Men’s Club co-president and assumes this roll and any synagogue responsibility cheerfully and willingly.

The Shalom Food Pantry relies on the reassuring presence of volunteers like Caryn Halle who goes above and beyond connecting with the recipients to whom she delivers groceries and essentials.

The Albany Jewish Community Center sees Jeffrey A. Cohen as an indispensable leader, serving on the board for eight years and lending expertise particularly in the finance and audit committees.

Finally, the Schenectady Jewish Community Center is grateful for the thoughtful analysis and sound counsel that Richard Toll brings to the building and grounds and finance and endowment committees, along with being the board treasurer.

Keeping our event virtual helps ensure that the funds raised go to the many critical and free services provided to the community as we focus on the growing community needs.
Support your mensch at JFS online HERE or print the sponsorship form HERE

 

Amid a longstanding youth mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, JFSNENY is offering a new way to support children and teens with mental health concerns — by providing their parents with the tools to do so.

Individual therapy is widely assumed to be the standard of care for mental health challenges, yet it is often not available to young people due to the constraints of their school schedules and a national shortage of clinicians trained to work with them. To address these challenges, JFSNENY is offering the SPACE intervention model.

What is SPACE?

SPACE is Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions and was developed by Dr. Eli Lebowitz at the Yale Child Study Center. It has been tested and found to be efficacious in randomized controlled clinical trials.

When is SPACE appropriate?

SPACE treatment is appropriate when parents have concerns about:

  • Separation anxiety
  • Social anxiety
  • Generalized anxiety
  • Fears and phobias
  • Panic
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder

When SPACE treatment is successful children feel less anxious and function better following treatment, especially for some of these most common anxiety issues that children face.

What happens in SPACE treatment?

The SPACE program addresses challenges by working directly with parents who want to help their children be less anxious but don’t know how.

Parents will learn skills and tools to help their child overcome anxiety, OCD or related problems by focusing on changes that parents can make to their own behavior.

The two main changes that parents learn to make in SPACE treatment are to:

  1. respond more supportively to their anxious child and
  2. reduce the accommodations they have been making to the child symptoms.

The treatment is an active process with opportunities to practice and role play the skills being taught so parents can feel empowered to make meaningful and lasting changes.

Appointment Information & Scheduling at JFS

The SPACE program lasts approximately 12, 55-minute sessions (weekly or bi-weekly) with the parent(s) of the children and are covered by most major insurances. Click here to see accepted insurance plans.

To participate in this unique program, please request a free consult with any of our JFS clinicians:

Additional Information: Pediatric Anxiety Deserves Effective Treatment

Why do we need more treatment options for pediatric anxiety? Anxiety is the most common mental health concern for children. Approximately 30% of children will suffer from clinical levels of anxiety sometime throughout their childhood and, depending on the study cited, between 5% and 15% of children suffer from anxiety at any given moment. 

Why to be concerned?

4 million children and adolescents in this country suffer from a serious psychiatric issues that causes significant functional impairments at home, at school, and with peers

  • Anxiety disorders affect one in eight children. Anxiety disorders also often co-occur with other disorders such as depression, eating disorders, and ADHD
  • Anxiety disorders are highlytreatable, yet only about one-third of those suffering receive treatment
  • Untreated children with anxiety disorders are at higher risk to perform poorly in school, miss out on important social experiences, and engage in substance abuse.
  • Untreated Anxiety in the 1stgrade has been shown to predict anxiety and low academic achievement in reading and math in the 5th grade (Ialongo et al, 1995)
  • Anxiety or depression (untreated) in adolescence predicts a 2-3x increase risk of anxiety or depression in adulthood (Pine et al, 1998)
  • There are many different types of anxiety disorders, including separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, selective mutism, OCD, phobias, panic disorder, trichotillomania/dermatillomania, health anxiety, PTSD

Source: NAMI, NIMH, CDC and the ADAA

It’s Back – The 4th Annual Mensches & Mimosas! 

We are incredibly excited to bring our community together again to honor and celebrate our unsung.

This year’s virtual event will go live on June 1, 2023 at 7:00 pm ET.  

M&M (as we affectionately call it) is JFS’s premiere event to highlight:

  1. the extraordinary work of our community’s most passionate and dedicated lay leaders and professionals; and
  2. the critical role JFS plays as our community’s safety net to be there for those in need.

As part of this celebration, we will present the JFS Anschel Weiss Community Builders Award to Marvin A Freedman, an outstanding community member for his  commitment to serving humanity with humility.

We are grateful to the continued partnership of our community organizations and we invite you join us in celebrating the outstanding honorable menschen who embody our mission of compassionate and collaborative service.

Since 2020, we have recognized over 75 honorable menschen. See them all here.

If you have any questions, please call Monica Tan at 518-516-1104 or email mtan@jfsneny.org.
Robyn Polansky Morrison                                  
Event Chair
Jane B. Ginsburg
JFS President & CEO

Meet Our Event Committee (In formation)
Joy Davidoff
Marcy DeBiccari
Rob Dorkin
Lisa Finkle
Denise Gonick
Eileen Handelman
Elana Kamenir
Kerryn Kent
Eli Rabinowitz
Jane Sanders
Rachael Schertzer
Henry Skoburn
Deborah Sokoler
Monica Tan

Thanks to the generosity of legacy donors, Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York was able to award five scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students to help with college-related expenses. To be considered for a scholarship, applicants were asked to write a brief essay on their understanding of Jewish Family Services’ impact on the community and suggest innovative ways for college-aged people to support JFS’s mission of serving those in need.

The 2022-23 Awardees:

SARAH BEARDEN was awarded $2,000 from the Hessberg Trust. She is a sophomore at Columbia University studying Civil Engineering.

AVITAL DAVDA received $1,000 from the JFS Combined Scholarship Fund*. She is a graduate student at Pace University studying Environmental Science & Policy, and Biology and Health Science.

DAVID BERIN was awarded $1,000 from the David and Rose Udelson Bray Scholarship Fund. Hailing from Bethlehem, he is currently a sophomore at UCLA studying Psychobiology on a pre med track.

DALIA LEVY received $1,000 from the David and Rose Udelson Bray Scholarship Fund. She is a freshman at Northeastern University studying to be a nurse.

ETHAN ROSENBLUM  received $1,000 from the JFS Combined Scholarship Fund*. He is a freshman at the University of Albany majoring in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity and minoring in Hebrew.

“Leaving a legacy can be done in many ways. It is particularly special to leave a portion of a person’s estate to a charitable organization for the good use of the organization and related uses, said Jane Ginsburg, president & CEO at JFS. “We are honored to steward planned gifts from donors who established scholarships in their Wills for the organization to distribute.”

For more information on establishing a planned gift in your estate to benefit the important services JFS provides, please contact Jane Ginsburg at 518-516-1101 or jginsburg@jfsneny.org.

Since 1854, Jewish Family Services has continuously provided a range of support, services and resources to individuals, families, and seniors throughout the Greater Capital Region. Services include kosher home-delivered meals; groceries and essentials delivery; private transportation for Jewish seniors; telehealth counseling sessions and virtual discussion and support groups for all ages; occupational therapy for life enrichment; aging in place support and programs; and long-term care guidance. The mission of JFS NENY is to enrich the lives of individuals, families, and the community by providing compassionate, collaborative human services, guided by Jewish values.

 

*This fund is currently made up of the following funds: Frederick DeBeer Scholarship, Jewish Family Services Scholarship, Beatrice B. Levy Scholarship, George M. Simon Scholarship (restricted to a resident of Albany) and the Eli Werlin Scholarship.

Every Tuesday in November, JFS will host one-hour virtual workshops to help participants prepare for the phase of life when they are aging and inevitably aging solo. Preparation Age: Prepare for the Expected and Unexpected will feature guest speakers with expertise in aging, estate law, occupational therapy, gerontology, palliative and hospice  care, funeral services and more.
The idea to host this series came from the community. “We are getting more and more calls from individuals and families, particularly as they face tough aging decisions or even crisis, asking, “What happens now?,” said Jane Ginsburg, JFS president and CEO. As the program manager of the JFS Senior Resource Network, Lynda Shrager knows all too well about helping families through a crisis. “So many people are dealing with aging-related issues and many are trying to navigate alone said Shrager. “There are many obstacles but these workshops will teach people how to plan, thus alleviating some of the stress.  The topics were chosen to impart information from living safely at home through preparing for end of life.

HERE is the series flyer.

Prepare to Age Smart & Live Safely in Your Home – Nov. 1, 2022 – 7-8 p.m.
The introduction to the series begins with a  personal account of someone thrust intro solo aging through  the sudden death of a spouse.  Then discover the best home modifications including organizing to live safely at home. Facilitated by Carol Bloom and Lynda Shrager, OTR, MSW, CAPS, JFS Senior Resource Network, Program Manager. Author of: Age in Place: A Guide to Modifying, Organizing and Decluttering Mom and Dad’s Home.

Prepare to Stay Connected – Nov. 8, 2022 – 7-8 p.m.
Learn resources for driving assessments and alternative sources for getting around. Hear about age-friendly communities — utilizing community agencies and resources and building connections. Facilitated by Peggy Osborne, Town of Bethlehem, Seniors Services Coordinator and Jennifer Plouffe, LMSW, JFS NNORC, Program Director.

Prepare for Financial & Legal Matters – Nov. 15, 2022 – 7-8 p.m.
A discussion about the fundamentals of estate planning, powers of attorney and advance directives. Get guidance on important documents and where to store them.
Facilitated by Myles Fischer, Esq., Harris Beach, PLLC, Partner

Prepare to Maintain Health & Wellness – Nov. 22, 2022 – 7-8 p.m.
Learn about age-related health concerns including managing a chronic illness, basic exercise, diet and wellness. Understand various health offerings for 65+ including Medicare and insurance sign-up assistance. Facilitated by Michael L. Wolff, MD, FACP, Community Care Physicians, Internist/ Geriatrician and Jane Sanders, LMSW, Bethlehem Senior Services, Former Executive Director.

Prepare for End of Life – Nov. 29, 2022 – 7-8 p.m.
Hear about palliative care and hospice services offerings.. Get a checklist for what needs to be in place when someone dies, as well as advance funeral preparation and paperwork. Facilitated by Caitlin St. George, The Community Hospice, St. Peter’s Health Partners, Provider Relations Supervisor and Mark Levine, Levine Memorial Chapel, Inc., Owner/Director.

Preparation Age takes place virtually, via Zoom, though people can call in. The series is free, but JFS requests a suggested donation of $10 per session here.

There are three ways to register:

We are grateful to our program sponsors: 

 

JFS scholarships of $500-$1,000 are now available to support Jewish students with college-related expenses. Scholarships are made possible by:

  • The David and Rose Udelson Bray Scholarship Fund
  • The Hessberg Trust
  • Axelrod – Lichenstein Scholarship Award
  • DeBeer Scholarship Fund
  • Levi Fund
  • Charles and Anne K. Lieberman Scholarship Fund
  • Ludwig Fund
  • Harriet I. Nathan and Murray R. Nathan Scholarship Fund
  • National Council of Jewish Women Scholarship Fund
  • George and Marcia Simon Scholarship Fund
  • Eli Werlin Fund
  • The JFS Scholarship Fund*

Eligibility requirements vary per scholarship. Students must be residents of Albany, the surrounding area, or attend college or graduate school locally. Applicants must be at least 17 years old and be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university for the 2022-2023 academic year.

To be considered for a 2022-23 JFS scholarship, applicants must complete a brief online form , which includes writing a brief essay on

  1. Their understanding of Jewish Family Services’ impact on and for the community, and
  2. Suggest innovative ideas on how college students can support the mission of JFS and serve those in need.

Preference will be given to applicants who express interest in volunteering with JFS.

The deadline is Thursday, October 20, 2022.

The recipients will be selected from submissions and will be awarded their scholarship in late October. Please note we may choose to use the winning entry in JFS publicity and marketing communications.

* This fund is currently made up of the following funds: Frederick DeBeer Scholarship, Jewish Family Services Scholarship, Beatrice B. Levy Scholarship, George M. Simon Scholarship (restricted to a resident of Albany) and the Eli Werlin Scholarship.

Apply online here.

 

Hugging is back!

Now you can send a holiday hug to your favorite people. Just complete THIS FORM and we will send a handwritten postcard to the people of your choice…from YOU!

JFS hugs our community in so many ways:

  • Delivering kosher meals
  • Providing counseling and support
  • Offering resources to families to help with aging parents
  • Shopping and delivering groceries
  • Drive seniors to medical appointments
  • And so much more.

Sending holiday hugs supports our vital services and spreads joy in the new year.

Want to call in your hugs order instead? Contact Christina Murray at 518-516-1102 and she will take care of it for you!

 

Volunteer Application Part 1

Name(Required)
Nickname
Please indicate your preferred pronouns:(Required)
Address(Required)
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Preferred Method of Communication
Best time(s) to contact:

When is your availability to volunteer? (Please check timeslots that apply.)

Please note: we typically do not ask for volunteer services on Federal and Jewish Holidays.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
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Which volunteer opportunities interest you?(Required)

Thank you for taking the time to time complete this application. We are committed to provide training, resources, and support to ensure your experience is fulfilling and we value your commitment.

Please Note: All Program Volunteers are required to authorize Jewish Family Services to complete a criminal background check. If there is anything you’d like to discuss privately, please contact Rachel Gershon Rourke.

Volunteers who will be driving clients are required to submit copies of these documents: a valid driver’s license, current automobile registration, declaration page(s) from your automobile insurance, and Department of Motor Vehicle Records Research Authorization. A background check will be obtained of your driving record. You will need to include a witness signature for the permission for the Department of Motor Vehicle check.

Release and Waiver

Name
MM slash DD slash YYYY

Our Community Volunteer Coordinator will review your application and contact you within one week of your submission.

Please complete this initial registration to be a JFS volunteer. We are so excited to meet you!

Feel free to reach out to our Community Volunteer Coordinator, Rachel Gershon Rourke:
518-722-4980, Ext. 1003 or email Rachel.

Your Name(Required)
Best time(s) to contact you:
Address(Required)

 

Despite seasonally chilly Northeast weather and a few showers, over 30 dedicated JFS volunteers gathered at the outdoor pavilion at the Albany JCC for the JFS volunteer appreciation lunch.  They were acknowledged for being JFS unsung heroes – shopping and delivering groceries, driving seniors to medical appointments and errands, delivering kosher meals and contributing their expertise on the JFS board and committees.

A banner displayed several quotes from the volunteers who were asked, “What is the best part about volunteering at JFS?” One individual said, “I enjoy providing immediate comfort to someone, while connecting to my local Jewish community.” For many, it’s all about “giving back to the community,” “building friendships” and the “gratification they feel by helping others.”

“Volunteers are a vital part of service delivery at JFS,” said president and CEO Jane Ginsburg. “They are out and about directly serving members of our community.” It’s not uncommon for a volunteer to report back to us that someone they see each week might need more help. “We can refer clients to other JFS services like counseling, case management or to our Senior Resource Network,” said Ginsburg.

If you someone you know would like to volunteer with JFS, please contact us at 518-482-8856 or info@jfsneny.org.

Here are some photo highlights...

PROVIDING SUPPORT, SERVICES & RESOURCES FOR OUR COMMUNITY