News & Impact

It is hard to know where to begin in writing about the experience of Shabbat in Poland. Since I had never been here before, I did not know what to expect; now that I am here, I see that this was just as well, because Poland is unlike any other place I have been, and any serious attempts to imagine it beforehand would have in any case been futile. The strange truth is that this place is, in many respects, the most Jewish place I’ve ever been. Jews have lived here continuously for eight or more centuries, and for much… Read More

The official start of the Legacy Tour began midday Friday, the 24th with a meet and greet of all the participants with introductions around including the introduction of Dariuysz Kyzniar, to be our tour guide during the entire time of schedule tour in Poland. He distributed earphones and receivers to each of us so that we could hear every tour leader quite well without having to stand close –much like the museum audio tours we have all used. Brilliant in conception and well executed. We will travel by the same quite comfortable, spacious and sleek big tour bus throughout our… Read More

While many parents are relieved to have their kids back in school, Ellyn’s doing her best to keep her stress at bay. That’s because now is the time that she and her wife, Cindy, have to determine the best kindergarten for their son for next year: public or private, secular or religious, Montessori, or Waldorf. “It’s overwhelming to find a school that reflects our values,” says Ellyn. “That’s why we’ve been consulting with a Parents Place expert to better understand our options and how to make the right decision for Bradley.” “October and November are the busiest times of year… Read More

Forty-four-year-old Ben has not had an easy year. Only three weeks after sitting shiva for his wife, Susan, who succumbed to aggressive metastatic breast cancer last December, he was told by his employer that his company was relocating to Texas—without him. “I was dealing with unspeakable grief, trying to take care of my son, and barely holding it together,” recounts Ben, who had worked as a mid-level sales manager for a high-tech firm. “On top of that, my 77-year-old dad, also a widower, had recently had heart surgery and needed help. If my rabbi hadn’t recommended JFCS, I don’t know… Read More

Bay Area parents seeking the best information about preschools for their children are invited to attend San Francisco’s largest annual exhibition of preschools—Preschool Preview Night—which will take place this year on Wed., Oct. 22, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, at the San Francisco County Fair Building (Hall of Flowers) in Golden Gate Park. The yearly preschool extravaganza, featuring scores of representatives from San Francisco preschools, along with other young child-centered exhibitors, is hosted and organized by Parents Place, the family resource center division of Jewish Family and Children’s Services. Tickets, $18 if purchased in advance, can be obtained at the Parents… Read More

When Anna and Dave, a Sonoma County couple who have been married for 11 years, decided to grow their family through adoption, they looked at the options and decided to work with JFCS’ adoption agency, Adoption Connection. They are so glad that they did, because three months ago, Max, their son, came into their lives. Their joy at becoming parents is matched by their gratitude—to both Adoption Connection and to the birthmother and her family, who selected Anna and Dave to raise her baby. “We think the people at Adoption Connection are great,” says Dave. “They have always been… Read More