Kathy and Bill came to the JFS COMPASS program for support in 2022; Kathy had been diagnosed a few years earlier with frontotemporal dementia/primary progressive aphasia. She was being seen by a neurologist at an academic medical center in the region once or twice a year, but the family sought additional support beyond these medical visits.

“The COMPASS program provides specialized medical care for individuals with dementia, with an equal focus on providing critical support for family caregivers, including individualized education, counseling, and assistance accessing resources,” said Dr. Maria D’Souza, Geriatrician and Medical Director of COMPASS.

“I really felt that this type of approach was missing from the traditional medical model,” continued Dr. D’Souza. “So many families are struggling on their own without adequate guidance and support after a dementia diagnosis, if they even get one at all.”

Bill and Kathy’s children were worried about their parents; Bill was a very devoted husband to Kathy, but they were beginning to struggle with everyday things due to certain behavioral symptoms.

For example, Bill and Kathy went to the YMCA almost daily to exercise but Bill noticed over time that Kathy had begun to wander away from him and into common areas of the gym. Bill knew that his wife needed additional care.

The family got in touch with COMPASS Care Manager Kate Gruber, whose calm presence gave them an instant sense of relief. Dr. D’Souza helped connect them with the Meeting of Minds program at the Newark Senior Center, a guided group experience focusing on socialization and engagement for individuals with cognitive changes. “I would take Kathy there three times a week,” said Bill. “I found it so beneficial for Kathy and for myself.”

The COMPASS team also helped Kathy and Bill connect with a companion to go to the gym with them and help Kathy. Kathy initially had some hesitations about using an additional caregiver, but once she got comfortable with the companion helping her at the gym, Kathy was also accepting of companionship support at home as well.

Alongside this, Dr. D’Souza made a referral to an occupational therapist who saw Kathy at home and coached the family around strategies to reduce challenges with some of Kathy’s daily care needs.

“Dr. D’Souza and the COMPASS team go beyond what services I would normally get from a primary care physician or a neurologist,” said Bill. “She would meet with us once every three months, and she would meet with the entire family to develop a care plan. And with the whole family there, it was pretty easy to follow that care plan.”

Bill also enrolled in the COMPASS Savvy Caregiver class, which is an evidence-based, group training program to develop caregiving skill mastery for family members providing care for people with dementia.

“The Savvy Caregiver program was a G*d-send,” said Bill. “It gave me a better understanding of what Kathy was going through, and it gave me the tools to handle certain behavioral aspects of dementia. And beyond that, you develop a relationship with the other caregivers and share information that can be helpful.”

Bill also began meeting regularly with a JFS therapist on the COMPASS team to help him cope with the stresses of caregiving and focus on his own self-care, which he cites as a tremendous support in helping him provide the best care he could for Kathy. A couple of sessions even incorporated Bill and Kathy’s children, to help the family discuss how to best support Kathy’s care needs and each other.

When COMPASS began working with Bill and Kathy, Kathy was entering the moderate stage of dementia. With help from the COMPASS team, her family, and her caregivers, she was able to enjoy the things she loved: word searches, shopping, and attending regular family gatherings and church every Saturday.

But over time, her ability to do daily activities and recognize loved ones declined. The COMPASS team helped the family navigate changing goals for Kathy’s care and facilitate the tough conversations that accompany life with dementia.

When it came time to help Kathy experience a comfortable and dignified end of life, a COMPASS therapist again met with the entire family to help them navigate their own emotions and needs as a family alongside the difficult medical decision-making for Kathy.

After Kathy’s passing in January 2025, Bill continued to see his individual therapist at JFS for grief support and is a volunteer for the COMPASS Memory Cafe. He attends regular COMPASS community social gatherings and participated in a therapeutic walking group to connect with other caregivers.

“The COMPASS program has helped me considerably,” said Bill. “We are so grateful for the support they have provided for our family.”

Click here to learn more about the COMPASS program.

None of the work we do would be possible without your support. We can’t do this alone. Together, we can continue the essential work. Click here to donate to the JFS Delaware Annual Appeal.

When Gill and his family arrived in the U.S in 2024, they were full of dreams and determination but also faced overwhelming uncertainty. They were eager to improve their lives, learn the language, gain new skills, and find meaningful employment. Yet, they quickly encountered barriers. 

Language classes were full, job applications required a U.S. style resume, and many opportunities were out of reach without a driver’s license.  

Gill enrolled in JFS’s Men’s Program, where he learned about financial literacy, banking, and vocational pathways. He discovered a passion for plumbing and grew excited at the idea of applying to a trade school.  

JFS enrolled him in driving lessons, and at home, he pushed himself to practice English every day. When he didn’t pass his first road driving test, he said, “I’m sad now, but I know I will pass next time. I will get my license. My wife and I will go to school again. We are not giving up.”

Gill studied hard, practiced daily, and finally passed his road test. 

“Now I am sure this driver’s license will open so many doors for me,” said Gill. “I can go back to the place that told me to return once I had it. I can go to school, even if it’s far. Today is my day.” 

Gill’s story is one of perseverance, strength, and the belief that step-by-step progress can lead to transformation. It reminds us that with the right support and determination, anything is possible. 

JFS has a long history of advocating for and assisting newcomers to America as they build new lives and raise their families in Delaware. Through intensive, culturally sensitive case management, we help all varieties of immigrants make Delaware their home, obtain and retain employment, and establish healthy lifestyles and relationships to achieve self-sufficiency.

In 2024, we assisted refugees from 14 countries as they began new lives in Delaware. To help us continue this important work, click here to donate to our 2025 Annual Appeal.

By Vlad Cerbov, JFS Delaware Community Relations Manager

In a time when social isolation among older adults has reached crisis levels in the United States, Jewish Family Services of Delaware (JFS) is proud to introduce Shalom Café, a welcoming and intergenerational space where connection, conversation, and community flourish. Open to all, Shalom Café provides a unique opportunity for individuals of all ages to engage, support one another, and combat loneliness through meaningful interactions. 

The idea for Shalom Café emerged in November 2024, around the Thanksgiving holiday. At the time, I (Vlad), was leading Memory Café, a program designed for older adults experiencing cognitive changes. As I worked with participants, I noticed a concerning trend—many were feeling increasingly overwhelmed. The stress and anxiety surrounding the political climate, global conflicts, and the uncertainty of the upcoming election were taking a serious toll on their mental and physical health. It became clear that our community needed more than just a social outlet; it needed a safe haven where individuals could process their emotions, find reassurance, and support one another through challenging times. Shalom Café was born from this need. 

“I have been thinking about the word “dote” (to be extremely and uncritically fond of) in relation to our increasingly splintered and divisive society,” said Karen Thistle. “As a volunteer at Shalom Café, I have the opportunity to dote on participants: to greet with a smile, to offer a beverage, to laugh over a shared cultural memory as we go over “this day in the history,” to connect heart to heart, to grimace when our “sit fit” repetitions are one too many. Being together, not splintered, not divided, brings a measure of Shalom to all!”  

While Shalom Café offers plenty of opportunities for recreation and socialization, its primary purpose is to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can openly discuss their anxieties, fears, and concerns. In a world filled with uncertainty, having a place to process the impact of political shifts, world events, and military conflicts is essential for maintaining emotional well-being. 

“Shalom Café is a place where strangers become friends, because they find connections and stimulating conversations,” said volunteer Marla Friedman. “Shalom Café is a great place to be as a participant or volunteer. It’s refreshing to be immersed in a respectful and kind environment where laughter and caring words are the norm. I have the opportunity of leading mindful movement with the group that brings a sense of peace in these stressful times.” 

Beyond offering a space for conversation, Shalom Café hosts a variety of engaging activities designed to spark joy, foster connection, encourage mental stimulation, promote mindfulness, and aid in physical wellbeing. From trivia and bingo to interactive games and discussions on current events, there is something for everyone. We also encourage participants to share reflections on the past, reminisce about cherished memories, and celebrate the present moment together. 

Join us on the first and third Friday of each month at 12:45 PM in the JCC Boardroom for Shalom Café, where every visit is an opportunity to laugh, learn, and connect. Whether you are looking for camaraderie, a stimulating discussion, or simply a warm and welcoming space, you will find it here. Together, we can turn isolation into inclusion and foster a true sense of belonging for all.

Jenevive Irene Naa Oboshie Newman (1988-2025) was born in Ghana, West Africa. She is survived by Dad, Bishop Eleazer Newman, Mom, Vivian Newman, and Brothers, Winston Newman and Emmanuel Newman.

Jenevive worked at JFS Delaware for six years, starting out as an intern and working her way up to become the Director of our Refugee Integration Support Effort (RISE) program. She advocated and supported vulnerable populations, including refugees, mothers, and children.

She led and supported the JFS refugee team, who worked with thousands of refugees from over 25 countries. This past September, Jenevive was recognized on Delaware Business Time’s 40 Under 40 List, due to the international refugee advocacy work she was involved in.

Along with her passionate leadership through the JFS RISE Program, Jenevive also volunteered at her local church in various capacities, including its children’s ministry by teaching Sunday school classes. She also worked with her church in her home Ghanaian community, providing a mentorship program for teenagers that focused on teenage girls.

Jenevive was a strong woman of faith. She loved to travel and was on her 14th country. She was a loving daughter, sister, leader, friend, and most importantly, a child of G-d. Though our hearts are heavy, we find peace knowing that she is resting in the loving embrace of G-d, where her unwavering faith has led her.

Joyful, Patient, Humble, Passionate, Encouraging, Unflappable, and Calming are just a few of the words that those of us who worked with her every day use to describe her. We will miss you, Jenevive.

Read the story of a refugee from Cameroon, in her own words.

I am a single mother of two; a native and citizen of Cameroon. I am an artist by education, training, and profession. In Cameroon, there was a war called the Anglophone Crisis. The Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon started because people who speak English (called Anglophones) feel like they are not treated fairly by the government, which mostly speaks French. The Anglophone regions of Cameroon wanted to have more control over their schools, courts, and businesses, but the government didn’t listen. This led to protests, and some people became very upset, even fighting with the army. Many families have been hurt, and people have had to leave their homes to be safe. It’s a sad situation where people just want to be treated equally and have their voices heard.

An example of what I experienced was in early 2018 when I received fellow artists from Finland, a group of finish film makers who came to Cameroon to do the second part of their documentary on migrants in Europe. They had been trailing three Africans amongst which there was a Cameroonian. So they needed images of this family and daughter in Cameroon.

These Finish film makers were just looking at the town when a military officer approached them and threatened them, claiming they are terrorists. I rushed to the scene to explain and ascertain their claims. Upon arrival the military officer asked me to identify myself ,which I did with my national ID card. The officer upon discovering that I am an Anglophone Cameroonian threatened that he would take me to prison if I didn’t give him money. He then accused me of bringing in spies and terrorists from the USA to sponsor terrorism in Cameroon. I told him they are from Finland and that is why they speak English. He extorted money from me and ensued with a series of threats upon my life, both verbal and via text messages.

I tried filing a complaint at the military base, but that did not help. He said I was a useless Anglophone and that he would ensure that my name is on their wanted list. In the mean time, my brothers were hunted down, sometimes taken away and released after money was paid. A cousin of mine was in custody for a very long period of time. My father, may his soul rest in peace, (he died in 2021 running away from the war) was interrogated simply because he went to collect money my brother sent to him from the USA.

I came to the US to attend a program called the LCT LAB.. The plan was to go back home, but while I was here the crisis degenerated to something else, and Anglophones living in the French regions like myself began to be kidnapped and killed. And their bodies would be found the next day. Bearing in mind that I had just had a case with a French speaking Cameroonian at the Ministry of Defense/Military Base, my siblings had been attacked threatened, my family felt the military man would hunt me down and attack me given that he had uttered death threats. So, I submitted the case proofs, to immigration.

After following the appropriate protocol for immigration upon my arrival in the USA, I was referred by DHSS and became a client of JFS Delaware. Jenevive Newman, who is now my Director, was my case manager. I was a part of the Émigré Program.

At first, I was very apprehensive. I come from a place where organizations don’t quickly help like that. It took some time for me to come to terms with the fact that JFS was genuinely there to help me. And then I began to appreciate the resources, information, and most importantly, the guidance.

JFS gave me the listening ear I needed to vent out the pain of losing my father, cousins, and family relations. JFS gave me Moral Support, financial support, educational resources, and housing resources. I started in school and currently at Delaware State University studying Social Work.

I started as a client at JFS, but later on in 2022, I got recruited to work at JFS. And that day I took the decision, everything JFS was for me, I wanted to become for others, and even more. I moved from a facilitator to a case manager, and am now a Program Manager in charge of Programs in the RISE Department. Jenevive remembered that I had mentioned to her that I speak, read, and write French well. The group of people in question were all from French speaking countries. So, she got me trained in the curriculum and I began to do the trainings. This is one of the reasons we saw a huge increase in ÉMIGRÉ with the Haitian population because French is their second language and I have a basic comprehension of Haitian-Creole.

From the day I was a client until now, I have seen that JFS has had an array of individuals dedicated to becoming the bridge for immigrants and refugees through resettlement, adaptation, and integration.

Read the story of an Afghan refugee, in her own words.

I grew up in a home filled with love, warmth, and a sense of purpose. My mother, a woman of strength and wisdom, always believed in the power of education. She had a dream for her children—to see them succeed, to see them chase their dreams, and to create a future where they could be proud of themselves. I was blessed to have a mother who believed that education could open any door, no matter how difficult the journey.

I followed that dream with all my heart. I started school at a young age, and my passion for learning grew stronger with each passing year. When I graduated as the top student, I felt unstoppable and proud to make my mother proud. I thought nothing could stand in my way. But life, as we know, can sometimes throw unexpected challenges at us.

My country went through difficult times, and it felt like all the dreams I had worked so hard for were slipping away. It was a time when hope was scarce, and the future seemed darker than ever. My mother’s dreams for me, my own dreams, felt impossible. But I knew I couldn’t give up. I had to keep going. So, I made the hardest decision of my life: I chose to leave my family, my home, and everything I had ever known to seek a new future in a land far from home.

When I arrived in Delaware, I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t even know how to pronounce its name properly, and the city felt like a world away from everything I had ever known. It was a small, quiet place, and I felt even smaller. I arrived at night, and as I walked through the streets of Newark, everything seemed dark and empty. The weight of loneliness pressed down on my chest, and all I wanted was to find someone who could understand me, someone who could speak my language, someone who could make me feel like I wasn’t completely lost in this unfamiliar world.

But then came a light, a glimmer of hope. A lady from the University of Delaware arrived to pick us up. Though I couldn’t understand much of what she said, her kindness was clear. She took me to my new home, but all I could think about was how much I longed to be surrounded by familiar faces, to find comfort in something I knew. But when I met my case manager from JFS, everything changed.

She wasn’t just a case manager; she was an angel in disguise. The moment I saw her, I felt a warmth that I hadn’t felt in a long time. She smiled at me, and at that moment, it was as if the sun had broken through the clouds, warming my heart. It was a smile that reached deep inside me, and for the first time in weeks, I felt like I could breathe again.

I remember hugging her tightly, the weight of my fears and anxieties melting away with every second. I whispered “Salam” (peace) into her ear, and at that moment, I knew that I was no longer alone. She was there for me—not just as a case manager, but as a friend, as someone who genuinely cared. She listened to me, understood my fears, and gave me the courage to face the unknown.

The support she gave me wasn’t just practical; it was emotional. She helped me believe in myself again, and she gave me the strength to keep going when everything seemed too hard. I realized that it wasn’t just about surviving in this new country—it was about thriving, about turning my dreams into reality, no matter how impossible it seemed at times.

And now, here I stand as a case manager at JFS, the very organization that gave me the lifeline I needed when I felt like I had nowhere to turn. I’m not just helping others navigate their new lives; I’m giving back the same love, care, and support that saved me. I’m showing others that, even when it feels like the world is against you, there is always hope. There is always someone who cares, someone who will fight for you, just as JFS fought for me.

I will forever be grateful for the hands that reached out to me when I was lost. I will never forget the day I met my case manager, the woman who became my hope, my friend, my guiding light. Thanks to JFS, I found my place in this world. I found my strength. And now, I am proud to say that I am part of a team that helps others find their way, just as I was helped.

I may have started as a client, but today, I stand before you as a case manager, someone who has been given the chance to change lives to give others the hope I once needed. And every day, I remember that smile, that hug, and the place that made me believe again that anything is possible.

By: Larry Nagengast, freelance writer

“When you call asking for mental health assistance, the last thing you want to hear is that you can’t be seen right now,” says Wendell Covell, deputy director of programs at Jewish Family Services of Delaware.

A shortage of providers has created a national “mental health crisis,” according to a 2023 report by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration. Nationwide, the report found, nearly six in 10 psychologists in private practice are not accepting new patients.

Even in private mental health practices that are accepting new patients, Covell says the wait can be 12 weeks or longer.

The JFS Mental Health Fellowship program, funded by a $3.5 million Congressional grant in 2022, has helped reduce waiting times but putting 20 new mental health professionals into the field while accelerating their track to certification as licensed clinical social workers. The licensing allows therapists to make diagnoses and provide therapy without supervision.

By the time funding ran out in September, nine of the 20 fellows had received their licensure and the group had provided therapy to more than 1,300 individuals, according to Becca McAdams, JFS Delaware’s clinical supervisor for community-based programs.

Much of that therapy was directed toward individuals in high-need groups through 30 community partnerships and provided at no cost to the clients. In Wilmington alone, examples include single women and families in emergency shelter and transitional housing at YWCA Delaware, youths aging out of foster care in the LifeLines program at the West End Neighborhood House and sexual abuse survivors at Friendship House.

Fellows put in 40-hour weeks, either at JFS Delaware or at one of the partnering agencies treating issues like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and a range of food, personality and behavioral disorders, Covell said.

Lisa Forever, chief housing officer at YWCA Delaware, said many of the YWCA clients who met with the JFS fellows reported reduced anxiety, improved self-care and a better understanding of the traumas they were experiencing. In addition, she said, the fellows led group therapy sessions s and their suggestions led the YWCA to set up programs in gardening, yoga, arts and crafts and crocheting that have enabled the women to enrich their lives.

“It’s awesome. JFS provided services at no cost to our clients, and the fellows do more than the hours that they’re here for,” Forever said.

Fellow Laura Dickol, who received her LCSW certification in October, said she “meandered” into social work after working in the federal government and law enforcement on programs related to missing and exploited children and also spending time as an emergency medical technician. She was drawn to social work by a desire to support individuals in the groups she served in her earlier careers.

During the fellowship, “I did a little bit of everything,” she said, mentioning outpatient behavioral health and meeting with teens being held at the Ferris School. She also learned techniques for working with individuals, groups, couples, families and children. Most of her work has been with the JFS COMPASS program. (COMPASS stands for Caring for Older adults with Memory Problems And their Support Systems.) In this role, she meets not only with individuals with dementia but also with the caregivers, including spouses, siblings and adult children.

JFS Delaware not only provided fellows with the clinical supervision needed for licensure, but also training, both on-site and in conference settings, and paid for the texts and supplies needed to prepare for the LCSW exam.

“It’s almost unheard of to receive such training and supervision,” Dickol said, and being part of a 20-person peer group was another benefit.

Through the fellowship program, JFS Delaware has pretty much wiped out its waiting list for mental health services while creating a pipeline for new treatment professionals in the state, Covell said.

With the expiration of the grant, it will be harder for JFS Delaware to offer as much no-cost care and its outreach into the community will be somewhat limited, he said. The organization is encouraging prospective clients to learn whether their insurance plans include mental health coverage and it is continually seeking grant opportunities to keep its costs low, he added.

In addition, Covell said, some of the community partners in the fellowship program are including requests for mental health counseling through JFS Delaware in the proposals they write for workforce development grants.

Click here for more information on the JFS Delaware Fellowship program. To listen to the JFS Delaware Podcast episode about the fellowship program, click here.

By Rachel Harad, Co-Chair of the JFS Holiday Helpers Program

When the leaves start changing colors, and the weather starts to get colder, my thoughts turn to Jewish Family Services of Delaware’s (JFS)Holiday Helpers program. I start to get excited about helping to create the bags that will be delivered to JFS clients and their families. Many of these clients don’t have the resources that I was lucky enough to have growing up in a comfortable, middle-class family in the suburbs of Philadelphia.

Their counselors recommend them to our program, and we reach out to our community and ask for donations so that we can give them something that will help make their holiday season a little brighter.

Many years ago, I reached out to JFS because someone in my family was struggling and my family needed help. The care we received made me a loyal, lifetime fan of JFS. I asked how I could give back to the agency and I learned a lot about volunteering at JFS. It was at this time I discovered the adopt-a-family program that JFS ran. For a few years, I adopted a family who created a wish list of things they wanted for the holidays. I spent weeks running all over Delaware trying to find the perfect gifts for my adopted family. It was so much fun! It was a wonderful, engaging program, and the adopted families were so grateful and appreciative to receive a windfall of presents for the holidays. The downside was that only a very few families were showered with an abundance of gifts and many families—who were also in need— received nothing.

The program was revamped so that more families could participate. The community was asked to donate toys, books, clothing, and miscellaneous gift items. We set up a holiday shop at JFS and clients would walk through and select gifts for their families. The shop allowed more families to have something for the holidays.

Each year the program grew. We started making ‘no sew’ blankets for the families. We invited the community to come to blanket making events. Families at the ECC, youth groups, young leaders, friends of JFS, and friends of ours came to blanket making parties. We made hundreds of blankets over the years!

Then, COVID shut us down. We could no longer gather but we were unwilling to give up the program; so we pivoted. We decided to make large bags filled with goodies to deliver to the families. We asked the community to donate blankets, hats, gloves, warm socks, toys, puzzles, coloring books, and lots of other stuff . Our community did not disappoint! They sent in enough donations to fill all of our bags. An amazingly generous, anonymous donor contributed money to buy gift cards for all of the families. We call them our angel donor. They have continued to give us a donation every year.

Last year we made 80 bags. This year, we have been asked to make 124.The need in our community is growing. While we cannot fix the problems, we can help the JFS clients who are struggling to have a more cheerful holiday season.

I love Holiday Helpers for many reasons: I get to participate in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas shopping experience; I get to work closely with my co-chairs, Lisa Driban and Eileen Sarter, on a meaningful project that is so much fun; I get to work with some of the counselors and staff at JFS; I get to feel I am part of the organization and stay connected and give back; I get to immerse myself in something outside my everyday life; I get to watch the program grow and expand from year to year; I get to give my friends and community the opportunity to participate in a wonderful program that helps so many families and they get to feel good doing it; I get to witness our community come together to give for the greater good; I get to see my donations go directly to helping neighbors in my community in a very tangible and immediate way; I get to hear how appreciative those families are to receive gifts from complete strangers. How lucky am I?

The lead-up to Holiday Helpers is always filled with a lot of stress. First there is the distribution of the forms to the counselors and the worry that they won’t get filled out efficiently enough. When they start to come in, we worry that there won’t be enough families and then we worry that there will be too many. We spend a lot of time sifting through and processing the information—counting numbers of things, sorting ages of children to decide what types of games and puzzles will be appropriate, checking the sizes of pajamas, putting the information into a format that makes sense and is easy for our donors to access. We write letters and make social media posts, and we nudge our community and pray we will receive enough donations.

When the deadline arrives, we spend a day or two opening the boxes and sorting all of the wonderful donations. We count to make sure that we have everything we are supposed to have and run out to shop for anything we are missing. We then spend three days filling the bags. When the bags are all filled and ready to hand over to the counselors for delivery, we celebrate another successful year and then we collapse, asking ourselves why we do it and then promptly signing up to do it again next year!

Usually within the first few days of delivery we start to get some feedback from the counselors who are lucky enough to deliver the bags to the clients. We hear how one client stood in the doorway and cried because she didn’t think her family would have a Christmas this year because she had no extra money to make one. We hear about a client who said this is the only gift her family will receive this year. We hear about a client who feels forgotten but realizes she is not. We hear about a client who feels loved and special upon receiving a bag. All the stress and worry and tiredness melt away and I remember why we do this and how lucky we are.

To learn more about Holiday Helpers at Jewish Family Services of Delaware, please contact Vlad Cerbov at vcerbov@jfsdelaware.org.

By Stacy Wintjen, JFS Development Manager

Growing up, Chanukah always brought excitement and anticipation. For us kids, it felt like it was all about the presents!

I remember the thrill of that first night of Chanukah at my grandparents’ home, where the reality of gifts often turned out to be new clothes rather than toys. That was not very exciting until I reached Bat-Mitzvah age and wanted all things from THE LIMITED (especially that Forenza cropped stonewashed jean jacket and Under the Sea Black Coral Swatch watch). As I got older, I began to appreciate those moments more—particularly the family gatherings, the big turkey dinner with latkes, and the warmth of seeing everyone around the table.

One vivid memory is of us lighting the electric menorah together and our family saying the prayers by my grandparents’ sliding glass window. My brother and I would play dreidel, gambling with the gelt Pop-Pop gave us, and eating all of our winnings afterward. There’s even a funny family story of Pop-Pop diving into the trash after accidentally throwing out a gift certificate along with the wrapping paper.

Growing up in Dover, Delaware, there weren’t many Jewish kids at school. But every December, my mom encouraged me to teach my classmates about Chanukah. I’d bring in the menorah and explain the story behind the Festival of Lights. My friends were fascinated, always asking, “Do you really get presents for eight days in a row?” It wasn’t easy explaining that Chanukah is actually a minor holiday compared to others in the Jewish calendar. Even so, it took me a while to fully grasp the deeper meaning of the holiday.

A dear friend of mine reminded me that in college I introduced her and our friends to Chanukah by lighting the menorah in my dorm room. Unfortunately, the candles kept falling over, which freaked everyone out!  I had to blow them out to avoid a fire hazard, which felt a little sacrilegious at the time. At least we didn’t burn down the dorm. The next night, we used an electric menorah (courtesy of my grandmother). We had a good laugh as we heard the squeak of each bulb being “lit”.  In those years, Chanukah became more about sharing traditions and creating memories with friends.

Once I had children, Chanukah took on a new meaning.  I loved teaching them about the holiday through fun things like Nickelodeon’s “A Rugrats Chanukah” and Adam Sandler’s “The Chanukah Song” (all four versions), which we had to catch on the radio because we didn’t have his CD, let alone an iPod!  As my children grew older, we had fun watching Adam Sander’s movie “Eight Crazy Nights” together (once they were old enough for its PG-13 humor).

For me, Chanukah is about family, tradition, and creating new memories. I treasure the joy we’ve shared over the years, and hope that my children will continue to pass down these traditions in the future.

Why I Give Back

By Marla Friedman, JFS Delaware volunteer

I grew up in a multi-generational immigrant home. My Bubbe of blessed memory, Rae Karsh, was heartbroken that she wasn’t able to bring her family from the USSR to live with her in Pittsburgh. She sent letters of love and devotion to her mother and half-siblings and any extra cash to help them. When Bubbe’s half-brother, Shmuel, was sent to prison on bogus charges, she sold soup nuts door-to-door (her friend had a factory that made them) to help bribe the authorities to release him.

She felt so lucky to be in America for so many reasons. She left her little village in Ukraine to join her brother in the U.S. (one month before World War 1 began) and avoid marrying an older rabbi! She was able to learn English, choose her own husband, and create a life that brought her joy and 10 grandchildren who adored her. I can’t imagine not giving back to those who are able to immigrate to America as my grandmother did. If not for her courage, I wouldn’t be here.

In the 1990’s I helped acclimate some of our Russian refugees that JFS sponsored here in Delaware. I felt privileged to assist these families and they became a part of our family. Since I was in high school, I have volunteered in rehabilitative settings and school classrooms. I love working with seniors and young children and have taught yoga to these age groups for many decades. JFS gives me the opportunity to share my skills to teach gentle exercise and breathing techniques at the Tuesday Memory Cafe. In this setting, participants improve their physical and emotional health in their daily life.

Volunteering at JFS Delaware has had a positive impact on me and allows me to honor the memory of my Bubbe, a person who benefitted from the support of the Jewish community.

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The work we do with refugees and older adults would not be possible without the support of volunteers and donors like YOU! To volunteer with JFS Delaware, click here. To donate to our Annual Appeal and help us reach our $100,000 goal, click here.