What changes do you want to see in our community? What services and programs should our Jewish community provide? Make your voice heard. Regardless of how you identify Jewishly, no matter your level of observance (or non-observance), please take the Jewish Federation survey. Your feedback will help all our entire community – synagogues, schools, and agencies – work together to build a more dynamic and relevant Jewish New Haven for you!

Take the survey at https://www.jewishnewhaven.org/survey

Have you been furloughed or lost your job due to COVID-19? Are you overwhelmed and don’t know where to start a job search? Are anxiety or depression making it difficult to take the first step? 

Join Rachel Scolnic, LMSW and Hannah Leiterman, LCSW for a free Job Seekers Workshop and Support Group, at Jewish Family Services of Greater New Haven. We will meet on Zoom on Tuesday, June 23 and July 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

You’ll receive guidance on job search strategies during the pandemic, and help coping with the emotional toll a job loss takes. Hear from others experiencing similar obstacles, and share ideas and leads. We will provide individualized assistance as needed for participants, including resume assistance and mental health counseling.  To register for these workshops, please contact rsdobin@jfsnh.org. If you have a resume you would like to use during this workshop, please forward that as well. Once registered, you’ll receive a Zoom invitation. 

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” JFS stands with the community against racial inequality and we share this important event.   

Our Jewish Federation is proud to co-sponsor the Prayer, Protest and Peace March 

Beginning at Varick Memorial Church’s parking lot with 3 minute speeches by an array of community leaders, the march will progress down Dixwell Avenue to the New Haven Green led by the Flaming Knights Motorcycle Club, several hearses and caskets on gurneys.  Upon arrival at the Green, 7 faith leaders will offer prayers.

Social Justice Collaborative Presents:
Prayer, Protest, and Peace March
Pastor Kelcy G.L. Steele, Social Leader/Organizer

June 14 at  Noon Beginning at the Varick Memorial AME Zion Church
242 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven CT 06511

Community speakers followed by a march to the New Haven Green with Multi-faith Prayer

Co-Sponsors:
Varick Memorial AME Zion Church
Ice the Beef
Conn CAT
Howard K. Hill Funeral Home
Greater New Haven Clergy Association
Beulah Heights First Pentecostal
Marantha COGIC
Episcopal Clergy
Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven
Bethel A.M.E. Church
Flaming Knights Motorcycle Club
Council Funeral Home
McClam Funeral Home

Starting at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, May 5, you can join this community giving event and show your support of JFS through The Great Give 2020 website. You will have 36 hours to make your donation, and all giving will end at 8:00 PM on Wednesday, May 6. Of course, if you would like to make a donation before the two-day event, the giving link is already open to help support organizations during this pandemic. As always, JFS appreciates your support and more so during these uncertain times.

All Parent Ed classes are currently being postponed as mandated by the state. We will contact you as soon as we can safely reschedule the classes. In the meantime, please email or call Rachel Scolnic Dobin at rsdobin@jfsnh.org or 203-389-5599, ext 109 with any parenting plan or co-parenting concerns you may have while navigating this very difficult time.

Amy G. Rashba, LCSW, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven (JFSGNH). “We are thrilled that Amy has accepted this leadership role,” says Linda Caplan, JFSGNH Board President.  “Her energy and devotion to JFS is inspiring.”

Rashba’s career at the agency began in 1986 when she came to JFS as a MSW student.  Shortly after joining JFS, Rashba developed the Shalom Group, offering educational enrichment and social interaction to developmentally disabled Jewish adults.  During her 30-plus years with the agency, she has created new programs, helped families adopt children and provided counseling services throughout our community to children, families and aging adults and takes great pride in directing both the adoption and mental health programs. “Having spent my entire professional career here, it’s a privilege to lead JFS, an agency I am passionate about,” says Rashba. “I’m grateful to the staff and Board for their support and look forward to many years of collaborating on the future of our beloved JFS.  I am humbled to have made a difference in the lives of those in our Jewish community.”

“Amy’s ability to develop and cultivate relationships with staff, board and community makes her a natural to lead JFS”, says Caplan.  “She has a unique combination of approachability and positivity and is well-respected by clients, peers and community members.”

Rashba’s local Jewish roots run deep.  A Hamden native, she attended the New Haven Hebrew Day School, and her father owned the renowned Glick’s Delicatessen in New Haven.  She and her husband Steve were married at B’nai Jacob and their children attended local preschools- daughter Ilana at Yeladim, and son Jordan at Temple Beth Sholom.  The family has been members of Temple Beth David of Cheshire for over 20 years.

A summa cum laude graduate of Quinnipiac College, Rashba earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Southern Connecticut State University. Upon being named CEO, she said, “It is my honor to be leading the amazing staff at JFS who all work hard every day to provide quality services to our community- protecting children, creating families, feeding the hungry and healing hearts.”

Amy Rashba looks forward to bringing more awareness of JFSGNH’s many programs and services to the Greater New Haven region.

To contact her: arashba@jfsnh.org

Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven (JFSGNH) is excited to launch a new program called Ken’s Closet, clothing for men and women. This program honors the memory of the late Ken Sperling, who had passion for JFSGNH, as well as a clear understanding of how looking presentable positively affects self-esteem.

Through Ken’s Closet, JFSGNH will supply work-ready clothing to clients who need help navigating the challenges of the job market — with employment as their goal; in addition to other life situations/circumstances. Prospective Ken’s Closet clients will be screened through JFSGNH programs such as Social Work Outreach Services, Mental Health & Counseling and the Food Assistance.  To schedule an appointment with a social worker, please contact Rachel (ext. 109) or Liz (ext. 117) at 203-389-5599.