Somerville, NJ, October 11, 2024 – People experiencing food insecurity in Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren counties were able to prepare traditional foods at this year’s Jewish High Holidays thanks to Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties. JFS leveraged its partnership with Temple Sholom in Bridgewater to distribute grocery gift cards to 75 families served by JFS throughout the three counties.
JFS also collaborates with United Way of Northern NJ, synagogues, and churches in the tri-county area to collect and distribute toys and gifts to clients of all faiths and backgrounds during the winter holiday season. JFS partners with the Jewish Federation of West-Central NJ’s Dignity Grows program to pack and distribute high-quality toiletries and menstrual hygiene products. Other collection drives take place to meet the ongoing needs of the community.
Temple Sholom collects grocery gift cards year-round and before the High Holidays and Passover. Donated gift cards benefit JFS clients, especially those experiencing extended unemployment, the elderly, and families struggling financially. Originating as a food package program, gift cards ensure client dignity as they can purchase the food of their choice.
“Helping others meet the basic needs of life with dignity is a core Jewish value, dating back thousands of years to the time of the Torah. It’s a mitzvah – not just a good deed, but a commandment, an obligation, and one should not celebrate a holiday without simultaneously helping those in need,” noted Rabbi Dan Selsberg, Temple Sholom, Bridgewater.
This year, KAVOD SHEF (Survivors of the Holocaust Emergency Fund), in partnership with the Federation, is providing grocery gift cards to clients in the JFS Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program. KAVOD SHEF, established in 2015 by Seed the Dream Foundation, partners with Jewish Family Service agencies nationwide to financially assist Holocaust survivors with emergency or day-to-day needs. The work with Temple Sholom and other community partners ensures that JFS can help even more people.
About Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties
JFS is a nonsectarian social service agency committed to serving the entire community and clients of all backgrounds. JFS works with clients through a continuum of programs, including mental health counseling, Holocaust and senior services, career services, family mentorship, programs for neurodivergent participants, and more. Volunteers of all backgrounds are needed and welcome. Call 908-725-7799, or email admin@jewishfamilysvc.org to get involved. Visit www.jewishfamilysvc.org for more information about JFS.
