Passover 2023
Each year before Passover (and then again before the High Holidays) we give grants to our partners fighting food insecurity. We are so impressed with the work they are doing and proud to be able to help them in their efforts.
Your support makes this possible.
Donor Support Keeps a Young Family Afloat
In their native Buenos Aires, Victoria and Juan always worked hard to support themselves and their two sons. Victoria took extra shifts providing homecare to senior citizens, and Juan worked long hours as a cab driver. But when COVID struck, both lost their jobs. With no household income, they had to dig into their savings to survive; it was not long before their nest egg evaporated.
Your gift enabled to JDC to deliver emergency support to Victoria and Juan. Knowing that there was food on their table for their children lifted some worry of the shoulders of the parents, while they looked for work. Happily, Victoria’s husband has found a new job, and the family’s situation has begun to stabilize. While they have not yet fully recovered, Victoria and Juan are feeling more hopeful about the future.
Jewish Federation of Ocean County provides grants to combat hunger
Prior to the high holidays Jewish Federation of Ocean County (JFOC) has given five organizations grants to combat food insecurity. JFOC gives food insecurity grants out twice during the course of the year; the first round of grants were given in April prior to the Passover holiday.
Locally, three grants were given to Fulfill the foodbank serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties, Lakewood Community Services Corp. (LCSC), and Inspire NJ which runs the Joel E. Perlmutter Memorial Food Pantry in Manchester.
Overseas grants were given to Leket Israel's national food bank and The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), who are both dealing with increased needs of refugees from the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Leket Israel is helping the many refugees that have already arrived in Israel. JDC is aiding tens of thousands both in Ukraine and its surrounding countries.
Annabel Lindenbaum, Board Chair for JFOC explained that, "Federation gives these grants at this time of year in recognition of the high holy days; we hope the shofar blast awaken us to create a just world where none are hungry and all are inscribed for a lifetime of peace and fulfillment.”
JFOC continues to raise funds to aid both food insecurity and the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine; more information can be found at www.jewishoceancounty.org.
Jewish Federation of Ocean County provides grants to combat hunger
Prior to the holiday of Passover Jewish Federation of Ocean County (JFOC) has given four organizations grants to combat food insecurity. A fifth grant will be given out at the conclusion of a matching funds campaign. JFOC gives food insecurity grants out twice during the course of the year; the second round of grants are in the fall before the High Holidays.
Locally, two grants were given to Fulfill the foodbank serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties and Lakewood Community Services Corp. (LCSC). LCSC will use the grant to deliver meals-on-wheels to clients in Toms River and Manchester. According to Robin Gardiner, NET Manager at Fulfill, their grant will be used to stock kosher for Passover chickens, fresh produce, and eggs.
Overseas grants were given to Leket Israel's national food bank and The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), who are both dealing with increased needs of refugees from the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Leket Israel is helping the many refugees that have already arrived in Israel. JDC is aiding tens of thousands both in Ukraine and its surrounding countries.
Annabel Lindenbaum, Board Chair for JFOC explained that, "Federation gives these grants at this time of year in recognition of the Passover seder that begins, 'all who are hungry should come and eat'. We are happy to be able to continue to support the work of our partners both locally and globally."
JFOC continues to raise funds to aid both food insecurity and the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine
FOOD INSECURITY GRANTS GIVEN OUT BEFORE HIGH HOLIDAYS
Jewish Federation of Ocean County (JFOC) has announced grants for five organizations that combat food insecurity. JFOC has made food insecurity one of its funding priorities throughout the pandemic. This is the second round of grants this year to these organizations and was timed to be dispersed prior to the Jewish high holidays.
JFOC Board Chair, Annabel Lindenbaum, explained, “One of the Torah passages read during the Yom Kippur says, ‘when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of the field, neither shall yougather the gleanings of your harvest . . . you shall leave them for the poor and stranger.’ So we are proud to be able to do this mitzvah, or good deed, for our community.”
Locally, grants were given to Fulfill, the foodbank serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties and The Joel E. Perlmutter Memorial Food Pantry, which will be opening store where clients can choose their food. The pantry plans to open this October – and the Jewish Federation was proud to provide them with a new freezer chest, one of the last pieces of equipment needed before opening.
Overseas grants were given to The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), who help some of the most vulnerable Jews around the world; Yad Ezra V’Shulamit, who plan to help 50,000 families over the holidays, and Leket, Israel’s national food bank.
The Corona Virus has increased food insecurity worldwide. Leket currently serves over 246,000 people in need each week. Carol Marcus from American Friends of Leket Isreal said, “thanks so much to the Federation board and the Jewish community of Ocean County for this generous grant. These funds will enable hundreds of Israelis to receive fresh food for the holiday.”
Jewish Federation of Ocean County Provides Grants to Combat Food Insecurity
March, 2021
Jewish Federation of Ocean County (JFOC) has announced grants for five organizations that combat food insecurity. JFOC has made food insecurity one of its funding priorities throughout the pandemic. This round of grants was timed to be dispersed prior to the holiday of Passover.
Locally, two grants were given to Fulfill the foodbank serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties and The Joel E. Perlmutter Memorial Food Pantry, which will be a store where clients can choose their food and part of Inspire-NJ’s new project in Manchester. The funding to Fulfill will helped support an increase in Passover needs providing proteins, produce, and eggs delivered in March before Pesach. Providing these funds specifically for Passover also enables Fulfill to expend their other unrestricted funds to provide food to the broader community as well.
Overseas grants were given to The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), who help some of the poorest Jews around the world; Leket, Israel’s national food bank; and Yad Ezra. Yad Ezra planned a delivery of 50,000 pandemic food baskets during Passover. The Corona Virus has increased food insecurity worldwide. Leket currently serves over 246,000 people in need each week.
Annabel Lindenbaum, Board Chair of JFOC, commented, “In a year fraught with overwhelming upheaval for so many, I am thrilled that, we as a Federation, are choosing to be part of the assistance to help families to combat food insecurity. As Jews, "welcoming the stranger in our midst" is such an integral part of our tradition. When we begin our Seder with "all who are hungry should come and eat, we will know that the Ocean County Jewish Federation is not a silent bystander.”
JFOC plans to continue with another round of grants to combat food insecurity in the fall.
Thank you to OceanFirst Foundation, Grunin Foundation, and Townsquare Media for the recognition!
JFOC-JFCS Provides Vaccines for Holocaust Survivors
February, 2021
After enduring the horrors of the shoah 75 years ago, local Holocaust Survivors are facing another battle for their lives with the pandemic. Getting the much desired COVID19 vaccine, also proved to be a battle. Survivors known to Jewish Family & Children's Service were contacted to ascertain their interest in getting an appointment in Lakewood for the vaccine made possible through the compassion of Chemed and Ocean Healrh Initiatives. Many of the Survivors were thrilled to learn that they and their spouses could get their first dose on February 24th. On behalf of the Survivors, their spouses and children, the staffs of Jewish Family and Children's Service, and the Jewish Federation of Ocean County, we wish to express our deep appreciation for the courtesy extended to the Holocaust Survivors by Chemed and Ocean Health Initiatives.
Jewish Federation Response to CoronaVirus
April, 2020
In light of the challenges facing our community in Ocean County and the Jewish Community around the world, the Jewish Federation is pleased to share the following steps taken to help those in need and on the “front lines” at this time.
Jewish Family & Children’s Services has adjusted so that counseling and support groups are now taking place virtually. “JFCS is the centerpiece of how the Jewish Federation provides help and support to those in need in our community,” said Shelly Newman, Co-Chair of the Board of the Jewish Federation.
Those who are current clients, as well as those who are dealing with anxiety or relationship challenges during this time of self-isolation and too-close-quarters, can schedule appointments via video-chat or phone. Caregiver and bereavement support groups are also meeting via ZOOM. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact JFCS@ocjf.org or call 732-363-8010.
The Jewish Federation is also working diligently to ensure that our community remains connected and with productive ways to explore Jewish culture, education, and perspective at this time. Regular anti-Corona updates with links to myriad online opportunities are sent weekly, and the Jewish Journal is being published on schedule for a more tactile means of communication. To subscribe to either, you can email federation@ocjf.org.
Another key element of the Jewish Federation’s mission is philanthropy, and at its most recent meeting on March 31, the Board of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County approved 3 grants to help organizations dealing with the most vulnerable in our community, especially during the present situation.
$2,500 was awarded to Fulfill, the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, to help support those members of the Jewish and general communities that are seeking help with food resources. Those who need food assistance at this time should contact a local foodbank: www.fulfillnj.org
Said Carol Friedman, Co-Chair of the Board, “During crises, people tend to limit their scope and only think about what is going on in their backyard. Yet, the Coronavirus does not discriminate, and elderly and vulnerable populations are especially hard hit around the world. The Jewish community embodies the maxim that each Jew is responsible for one another.”
As a result, the Jewish Federation is making two additional $2,500 grants to two of the premier social service organizations in the Jewish world, who help poor and vulnerable Jews in Israel and elsewhere internationally, the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.
Lastly, as a show of support, the Jewish Federation sponsored pizza deliveries to the 4 community hospitals in Ocean County before Passover. Shelly Newman added, “On behalf of the entire Jewish community, we are so appreciative for all that our nurses, doctors, and health care workers are doing to keep us safe.” Local area synagogues continued this program by adopting hospitals for more “thank you” efforts after the holiday.
Through philanthropy, encouraging meaningful connections, and convening our community, the Jewish Federation committed to addressing critical needs and caring for the most vulnerable in our midst. We thank those members of the Jewish community who have helped make this possible. For more information, visit www.jewishoceancounty.org
KEEP CALM AND STAY CONNECTED
Jewish Family and Childrens’ Services of Ocean County has been going virtual to best respond to needs during this time of Corona Virus. Those suffering from anxiety or in need of counseling can take advantage of video or phone sessions with a licensed social worker.
“Anxiety and other mental health issues can become magnified during this crisis, especially as people stay indoors in very close quarters – or alone,” said Rita Sason, Director of Jewish Family & Childrens’ Services. Rita offers these tips to stay calm and collected during stressful times:
- Don’t isolate yourself. In these days of self-distancing and staying at home, it is easy to feel alone and isolated. Because older adults can be more vulnerable to COVID-19, even close family are keeping their distance – out of the best of intentions.
o Remember there are people who care about you – just from afar.
o The phone (and facetime) work two-ways. Reach out first to family and friends. Go through your phone book and call friends and family you may not have been in touch with recently. Odds are, they will be thrilled to hear from you!
o Pick a book (such as from PJ Library) and read together with a grandchild…or a great-grandchild.
- Similarly: If you know someone stuck at home, reach out. Call. Send a text, an email, or try facetiming. Or go “old school” and send an actual card. You don’t know how much this will be appreciated. Children, grandchildren – Call your parents and grandparents. Repeat often.
- Stick to a schedule. If your calendar of events has been cancelled, make sure to create new opportunities each day – including getting up at a set time and getting dressed, and scheduling specific appointments throughout the day. Set times to speak with friends and family by phone or facetime to talk. Schedule – and stick to – a set time to go for a walk in your neighborhood. Enjoy the sunlight – just be sure to stay 6 feet away from others when doing so!
Focus on things that make you happy. This could be wearing clothes or jewelry that have positive associations, getting to those projects you’ve been putting off for a while (reading that book you bought, or doing a puzzle you set aside), or catching up with some good programs or series that caught your eye.
- STOP WATCHING THE NEWS. Seriously. If you wish to stay informed, set aside one or two times to watch or listen to the news in a specific time slot. But don’t watch or listen to the news all day, whether CNN, CNBC, or FOX. You are not going to miss anything, and you can catch up later. This, more than most other things, can lower your stress level.
The good news is that, today, there are many tools and technology innovations that can help everybody to stay connected to others and find ways to grow and have fun personally. If you haven’t done facetime or ZOOM before, or you haven’t set up your smart TV…now is the time to do so. And, if you don’t know where to start – that’s another great opportunity to connect with a grandchild that can help (over the phone, of course).
"Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react." Charles R Swindoll
“Don’t separate yourself from the community.” Hillel
Should you or others be dealing with chronic anxiety or other issues, there are resources to help. Contact Rita at JFCS@ocjf.org or 732-363-8101 to set up a virtual or remote consultation or counseling session.
Technology Primer: Not sure how to access all this stuff? Here is a quick listing of what you need to know and what you can/should get set up. If you need help, email us at federation@ocjf.org and we will have a volunteer reach out!
- In terms of equipment, to access these online offerings, you need a tablet, a computer with speakers (and ideally camera and microphone), or a smart phone. If you don’t happen to have any of these, you can buy a very cheap tablet to give you access to all these fun things.
- If you are using a laptop, tablet, or smart phone, you want a wireless network set up in your home. If you don’t already have that and have cable…you can ask your cable company how to do this. Bottom line – you want high speed access to the internet.
- When you have this set up, you can make video calls with friends and family. It’s easy! Your 3 best options are: Facebook, Skype, and Zoom.
- On facebook, you need to set up an account – which an be a lot of fun. And then you can make “facetime” calls with other friends and family on facebook.
Another option, which many groups are using to broadcast concerts and classes, is Zoom. Usually, there is a link in the invitation which you can just click on to gain access. But here is a tutorial to better help you set this up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ik5o6WptX0
COVID-19 SCAM ALERT
Be aware that there are several scams that have emerged in response to COVID-19, including people going door-to-door saying they represent the CDC. The New Jersey Department of Health did not say what the alleged CDC imposters were soliciting from residents, be it donations or personal information.
The Federal Trade Commission has warned of scammers trying to take advantage of the crisis through email and donation scams.
The Secret Service this week warned of “phishing,” a widely-used scam where an email appears to be from a reputable company, with the goal of getting victims to hand over sensitive information like usernames and passwords.
In one case, victims received an email from a fake medical organization with attachments purporting to have important information about COVID-19. Another scam dupes victims into making donations to fake charitable causes.
BE AWARE. DON’T GIVE OUR YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION TO ANYONE YOU DON’T TRUST!