A Day In The Life of A Career Counselor by Lisa August

There is a saying that one can be happy when they believe “I get to do this” instead of “I have to do this,” so I try to greet each day with a sense of excitement. While there are regular patterns within my work, each day also holds unexpected surprises, which has...

What is Tu B’Shvat? -Reflections with Rabbi Yonina

“Tu tu tu b’Shvat!”, we sing in a song for the birthday of the trees. What is Tu b’Shvat? Tu b’Shvat is essentially the Jewish Arbor Day. Its historic roots extend back to ancient Israel when there was a tithe on trees. Like tax season, the 15th of the...

Oleksandra’s Story: JFS Client Opens Gymnastics Studio

What does it mean to find success? For Oleksandra Klimantova, it looks like unlocking the doors of 7 Elephants, the rhythmic gymnastics studio she opened in Buffalo this year. Oleksandra and her family came to Buffalo as war broke out in the Ukraine, at which time...

A Reflection on Gratitude With Rabbi Yonina

Saying “Thank you!” 100 times a day? Yikes- how could you get that done. What would you offer gratitude for? Your best friend? Food you love? The air you breathe? Being alive? The clothes you wear? The earth? Your job?  The practice of expressing gratitude in Judaism...