Why I Give Back: Marla

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.