JFS News

A Pride Reflection With Rabbi Yonina

I’m sure you’ve heard “life is a journey, not a destination.” One of the highest character traits in Judaism is being humble on our journey. It’s about our place in the world, our path to find that for ourselves, and to see a broader perspective and respecting others....

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5 Tips For Navigating Anxiety About The News

In times of uncertainty, the steady stream of news and information we encounter each day can feel overwhelming and stir up anxiety about the future. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which offers an opportunity to check in with yourself and reflect on how your...

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A Passover Reflection With Rabbi Yonina

Happy April. In the Jewish calendar it’s the month of Nisan in which we celebrate Passover. How do JFS’ core values of Being Resolute, Being Purpose Built, and Being a Mensch reflect the Jewish holiday? The story we share every year is of our walk to freedom from...

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Parenting Tips For Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month

Perhaps in Aprils past you’ve seen a garden of pinwheels slowly turning in the breeze and stopped to wonder why they were there. Every April, organizations across the country who work with children and families plant these pinwheel gardens to honor Child Abuse...

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How The Refugee Partnership Is Helping Refugees In Crisis

Recently resettled refugees in our community are at risk. On January 24th, the current administration put out a stop work order in place pertaining to all foreign aid and halted all arrivals through the United States Refugee Arrival Program (USRAP). This means that no...

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Our refugee programs need you now more than ever.

On day one of the new administration an Executive Order was signed and suspended the Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), effectively ending refugee arrivals to the United States. All refugee admissions will be suspended, with rare case-by-case exceptions, starting...

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Today’s featured mensch: Jessica!

Jewish Family Services of Western New York plays a vital role in helping immigrants and refugees rebuild their lives.  Every day, dedicated staff work hard to ensure that newcomers feel welcomed and supported in their journey toward self-sufficiency and fulfillment. ...

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Today’s featured mensches: Jackie and Mahlen!

In 2024, the JFS team embraced a new core value: Be A Mensch. A mensch is a stand-up person, a compassionate individual who does right by others. During the pandemic, some of the hardest hit JFS clients were our Holocaust survivors. As older adults, they needed to...

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