News

The TWO OF A KIND program helps children in need start the school year on the right foot!

Parents & Organizations

If you or someone you know has a child that needs new shoes for the school year, please sign up here by Wednesday, August 18, 2021.
Once purchased, we will make arrangements to have the shoes delivered to your home. Please know that children’s names will remain anonymous. Only their shoes size, preferences, etc. will be communicated to donors.

Donors
If you would like to purchase shoes or make a donation so that a child in need has new shoes for school, please complete this short form.
For donors who opt to shop for the shoes, we will email you a list of shoe selection options on August 20th so that you can go shoe shopping! We encourage you to Make it FUN and Brighten a Child’s Day! Donors can include a card or note in the shoe box. Maybe add a book, stickers, fun pencils — little things that fit right in the box with the shoes.

You’ll be asked to wrap the box and include the child’s information on the box so we can match your gift to the correct child. 
Shoe drop off will be required by September 1.Drop off location is JFS, 184 Washington Ave Extension, Albany NY 12203.
If you are unable to do the shopping but want to help, we welcome donations on behalf of this project and will use the funds to purchase shoes, on your behalf, for our community youth.
Thank You Helping Provide a Little Soul, Sole for Children in Your Community!

 

Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Northeastern New York, in partnership with Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors, Temple Israel and the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, is delighted to bring Rabbi Amiel Monson (who prefers to go by ‘Rabbi Ami’) to the Capital Region. Rabbi Ami will provide spiritual connection and support for residents in independent and long-term care facilities, and pastoral care and bereavement support for the community at large. Rabbi Ami is stepping into the role that for nearly 25 years was served by Rabbi Beverly Magidson.

“I am excited to join the Capital Region community as the new Community Chaplain, and I am honored to continue the program whose foundation was created by Rabbi Bev. I have deep respect for her mentorship as I become familiar with the role. I thank Jewish Family Services, Daughters of Sarah, the Jewish Federation, and Temple Israel for helping ensure this incredible program continues and that I am able to provide services, support, and pastoral care to residents of the greater Albany Jewish community,” said Rabbi Ami Monson.

Originally from Philadelphia, Rabbi Ami spent the last seven years on the West Coast in a range of positions including spiritual support and counseling for elder residents at Los Angeles Jewish Home and The Nest (Los Angeles, CA) and Youth Director at Valley Beth Shalom (Encino, CA). His work with older adults was pivotal in his realization of being called to work with the aging population as a rabbi. Rabbi Ami graduated from the University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA) with a BA in Comparative Religion and a certificate in Jewish Studies. He went on to achieve three master’s degrees from Gratz College (Elkins Park, PA) — in Jewish Education, Jewish Communal Service, and Jewish Studies. He graduated The Academy for Jewish Religion (California) and was recently ordained. He follows generations of family rabbis, including his father, and maternal grandfather, who served at Temple Beth El in Troy in the 1940’s, and great grandfather. 

Jane Ginsburg, President & CEO of Jewish Family Services, said, “When I learned that Rabbi Ami Monson was looking for a fulfilling opportunity, I was delighted. Ami and I met in college and connected through Hillel – Ami was the guy that everyone knew and everyone liked, and most importantly, he liked everyone back. Though we were only in touch via Facebook, it was clear that he not only hadn’t changed, but he’d also only expanded his networks and used his special gift of making someone feel seen and heard daily. I’m thrilled he, likewise, saw the value in this role and had the faith in us to move his young family across the country to join us as JFS and at Daughters.”

“For the last 2+ decades, Rabbi Bev has provided essential nurturing and healing pastoral care to our seniors living in nursing and assisted living facilities. She has done so with love and dedication, enhancing the lives of our loved ones. As Jewish Federation hands off this program to Jewish Family Services, we wish Rabbi Bev well in her retirement and warmly welcome Rabbi Ami to our community and wish him every success,” said Rob Kovach, President & CEO of Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York.

Rabbi Bev Magidson, who served as Community Chaplain for 25 years, said, “Jewish residents of independent and long-term care facilities (whether they are skilled nursing or assisted living facilities) may be the only Jewish resident or part of a very small group.  They may be isolated by unit or floor. Chaplaincy Services brings Jewish cultural and religious practices to these residents, with familiar foods, music, or prayers.  The program also sends regular newsletters to help activities directors infuse Yiddishkeit to the programs and in honor of the Jewish holidays. Through the chaplain’s outreach residents know that their community cares about them!!”

“We are thrilled to have Rabbi Ami join the Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors. Our chaplaincy services form a critical element of our mission to provide to the aged members of our community ‘excellent health care and social service care Jewishly,’  Guided and informed by our exceptional Jewish heritage, we expect that Ami will continue to strengthen that Jewish operational focus — a focus the remains unique to Daughters of Sarah,” said Mark Koblenz Chief Executive Officer for Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors. 

“Temple Israel is proud to stand with our community partners to help bring Rabbi Ami to the community. We know that Rabbi Ami will be a true asset for the entire Albany Jewish Community, and we are proud to step up and help ensure our community and region benefit from his experience and pastoral care,” said Gary Ginsburg, President at Temple Israel.

This Chaplaincy program under Jewish Family Services is provided in partnership with Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors, Temple Israel, Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, B’nai B’rith Gideon Foundation and the Theodore Strauss Fund (A restricted fund of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York). In addition to working in long-term care facilities, Rabbi Ami will provide grief and loss support as needed and as appropriate throughout the community, and will be a key asset to the JFS team to ground the agency’s activities in the Jewish values of its foundation.

Jane Ginsburg, President and CEO of JFS NENY, is hosting a discussion on Sunday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the JCC of Schenectady’s annual film festival. The featured film is the 2018 French romantic comedy “My Polish Honeymoon” about a newlywed Jewish couple who visit Poland to attempt to connect with their ancestral roots. The film will be available for virtual viewing June 11-13 with the purchase of a ticket ($6 per person for JCC members, $11 for nonmembers). Please visit http://www.schenectadyjcc.org/events/jewish-film-festival/ to purchase tickets.

As part of the 2nd Annual Mensches & Mimosas celebration on May 23, 2021 at 11 a.m., JFS will recognize Herman Mendel Ungerman with the Anschel Weiss Community Builders Award for his commitment to serving humanity with humility and for acting as a role model for future generations.  This is evident by his loving family, who continue to carry on the legacy of philanthropy.

A native Albanian with a rich commitment to family and community that spans throughout his years, Herm is the epitome of a community builder, supporter and champion. A mensch among mensches, when he was informed of the honor, he remarked that what he was most proud of was that his children had continued in his footsteps. JFS is proud to honor him for his lifetime of service and dedication.

His many leadership positions are inspiring and include serving as board president of Congregation Beth Abraham Jacob (three times); the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York, and Daughters of Sarah Senior Community.

Herm graduated from Philip Schuyler High School in 1949 and started working as a teen and worked as a soda jerk (his description) and a number of other jobs. As a man who understood the value of sharing his earnings, from a young age Herm ensured that his ever-so-proud momma, Bessie Ungerman, was always well-cared for. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean conflict and then married his Hebrew school classmate, Devera (Deb) Proskin Ungerman (z”l) — together they raised their two daughters, Susan Ungerman and Michelle Sanders. He subsequently formed and operated his own electrical contracting business — Herm Ungerman, Inc.  In 2006, he retired, passing the baton to his son-in-law Gerard Bobersky, and his daughter Susan. When Gerard tragically died 3 months later, Herm, the consummate mensch, understood the need for his continued involvement and postponed his retirement plans for himself (as did his beloved wife) in order to help his daughter and grandchildren navigate the traumatic event and aid Susan’s corporate leadership.

Herm and Deb were married for 60 years. For them, there was nothing that took precedence over their children and seven grandchildren. With all his “after school events”, Herm, most commonly known at home as Mendel, was faithfully home for dinner every night. He was, and continues to be, a dedicated son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather.

Herm celebrates his 90th birthday on May 19, 2021 and it seemed only fitting to grant him another award for his outstanding leadership, acts of kindness and commitment to building our community. In addition to the leadership roles listed above, Herm also served on the boards of: Hebrew Academy of the Capital District; the Albany Jewish Community Center; Parsons Child and Family Center (Northern Rivers); United Way of Northeastern New York; the Chapel House Interfaith Center at SUNY Albany; the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America; the Albany Senior Service Center Foundation; Hope House; and Jewish War Veterans Post #105’s Executive Committee.

He has been the recipient of numerous awards, including and with his wife Deb (z”l) the JCC Pillars Award; Leukemia Society Man of the Year Award; the David Ben-Gurion Israel Bonds Award; the B’nai B’rith Covenant Award; the Hope House Recognition Award; the Four Chaplains Brotherhood Award; a Fifty Years of Dedicated Service to Our Community Award and a Communal Recognition Award from Yeshiva University. Receiving the JFS Anschel Weiss Community Builder’s Award from is the icing on his huge cake.

Past recipients of this award include David Alan Miller, Jean Becker, Amy Klein, Fred Erlich, Mara Ginsberg, Chanie Simon, Rabbi Beverly Magidson, The Golub Family, Jerry & Ilene Sykes, Michael Castellana, Steve Lobel, Morris and Esther Massry, Dr. Mark Sullivan and Representative Michael McNulty.

Join us for our virtual celebration of Herm and 23 exemplary mensches from 20 area organizations on May 23, 2021 at 11 a.m.

A complete list of honorable menschen is here. Sponsorships, Honorary Committee and tributes are available here or by calling 518-482-8856.

Thursday, January 14 at 1 p.m.

Shopping for groceries, once a routine errand, can be challenging during these unfamiliar times. You no longer have to go out in the cold or bad weather (or during a pandemic) to stock your pantry. Join us for a discussion about the different grocery shopping options — including meal kit deliveries — available in our area. Learn which stores offer mobile ordering and curbside pick-up or delivery so that you can keep yourself safe and limit your exposure to potential viral infection.

NNORC has embraced Zoom (online video and audio conferencing) so we can continue to offer you programs. If you prefer not to use a computer or smartphone to participate, all you need is a telephone line to join in. Please call 518-514-2023 or email us at NNORC@jfsneny.org to sign up for a program. We will give you an access link or phone number for you to participate. You can also contact us for a one-on-one Zoom tutorial. We look forward to seeing you or hearing from you!

We are teaming up with the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York for this important program.

An Introduction to Alzheimer’s
Monday, January 11, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.

This program will cover the basics of Alzheimer’s and dementia to provide a general overview for people who are facing a diagnosis as well as those who wish to be informed.

This one-hour program:
· Explores the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
· Examines what happens in a brain affected by Alzheimer’s
· Details the risk factors for and three general stages of the disease
· Identifies FDA-approved treatments available to treat some symptoms
· Looks ahead to what’s on the horizon for Alzheimer’s research
· Offers helpful Alzheimer’s Association resources

Three ways to register for the 1/11 program:
Complete our online registration form
Call: 518-482-8856
Email: info@jfsneny.org

During the pandemic, JFS has been hugging our community with virtual counseling calls and groups, kosher meal delivery, grocery shopping and more to ensure people feel supported and connected.

NOW YOU CAN SEND A HUG TO SUPPORT A LOVED ONE!

For $5, we will send a YOU’VE BEEN HUGGED e-hug or hand-addressed postcard from you to your family and friends, bringing them a smile, warmth and personal connection. You can choose:

  • Hanukkah Hug
  • Holiday Hug
  • General Hug

Postcard Samples

Now you can hug right back!
Website order: here
Call: 518-482-8856
Email: info@jfsneny.org

PASS IT ON! We want to make sure everyone gets a hug!
Proceeds benefit JFS Programs and Services.

Jewish Family Services provides a range of support, services and resources to individuals, families, and seniors throughout the Greater Capital Region. See our impact in the community at jfsneny.org.

Did you know that every time you shop on Amazon.com you could be making a donation to JFS? And it doesn’t cost you extra to do so? It’s true. When you shop on AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchase to the charitable organization of your choice—JFS! Smile.Amazon.com is the same as Amazon.com—same low prices, huge selection and big convenience.
How Does It Work?
To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com on your computer or mobile device. Log in using your usual amazon.com username and password. On your first visit, enter “Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York” (our whole name) in the “Select Your Charity” box. After that, JFS will automatically receive donations based on your eligible purchases.
Does JFS Benefit from AmazonSmile?
YES! Even though 0.5% doesn’t sound like much, it certainly can add up if hundreds of people designate JFS as their charity on smile.amazon.com.
If you have any questions, please give us a call. We would be happy to tell you more about this valuable program: 518-482-8856.
The small print: Sorry, but you cannot receive a tax deduction for amounts donated from your purchases on AmazonSmile. Donations are made by the AmazonSmile Foundation and are not tax deductible by you.

Have you seen the TU’s Best of the Capital Region 2020: Winners? The Times Union polled nearly 56,000 residents who cast over 635,000 votes on their favorite places, including favorite restaurants, parks, spas, theater companies and more.

Join us on Wednesday, December 23 at 10 a.m. We’ll talk about the winners in some of the categories, as well as runners-up and places we think should have been included! We might even find some new places to try!

NNORC has embraced Zoom (online video and audio conferencing) so we can continue to offer you programs. If you prefer not to use a computer or smartphone to participate, all you need is a telephone line to join in. 

Please call 518-514-2023 or email us at NNORC@jfsneny.org to sign up for a program. We will give you an access link or phone number for you to participate. You can also contact us for a one-on-one Zoom tutorial. We look forward to seeing you or hearing from you!

Gail Myers, Deputy Director at NY StateWide Senior Action Council, will join us on Wednesday, December 16 at 10 a.m. to discuss how their agency is taking action to improve the lives of older New Yorkers. Hear updates on state and federal issues and learn what you can do from home to make a difference in the lives of older adults. We might be home, but there are opportunities to advocate for home care, programs, healthcare, and more.

NNORC has embraced Zoom (online video and audio conferencing) so we can continue to offer you programs. If you prefer not to use a computer or smartphone to participate, all you need is a telephone line to join in. 

Please call 518-514-2023 or email us at NNORC@jfsneny.org to sign up for a program. We will give you an access link or phone number for you to participate. You can also contact us for a one-on-one Zoom tutorial. We look forward to seeing you or hearing from you!

PROVIDING SUPPORT, SERVICES & RESOURCES FOR OUR COMMUNITY