One of the tasks of a JFS social worker is to keep an eye out for opportunities to engage with the community. One Friday afternoon, I went to Abe’s Garden to visit a Jewish resident and found them engaged in a group sing-along. I did not want to interrupt the activity, so I decided to sit ...
They always tell you to put your oxygen mask on first before helping others, and that is exactly what needed to happen after the Winter Storm Fern hit Nashville. As a social worker, I have responded to many natural disasters throughout the years, but this was ...
Beads for Israel is an interactive experience where people come together as a group to create a strand of beads that represent their feelings, thoughts, hopes and dreams for Israel. This program was created after the October 7th massacre of Jews in Israel. We have a similar program called ...
Twenty-five years ago, I saw an ad for my position on the back of a social work newsletter. I wasn’t looking for a job at the time, but it looked interesting, so I sent in my resume. On the day of the interview, I almost did not show up but decided that would be rude, so I went to practice my interviewing ...
JFS brought love and light to 27 children during Hanukkah 2024. The Hanukkah Gift Program has been around since 1993 and started out with providing gifts to families who were clients of the agency. In 2005, we expanded the program to the entire community. This program is one ...
One of the highlights of my job is facilitating the JFS Caregiver Support Group. The group meets twice a month for those caring for a loved one. Sharing the role of caregiving creates an instant bond between the members. The group is a safe place to share her feelings and to receive support. No ...
Hiding behind a mask is a socially acceptable thing we do at Purim or Halloween for fun but many of us are hiding behind a different mask every day. As Purim approaches, I am thinking about the everyday masks some of us wear. The woman in the grocery store with a smile on her face ...
On November 28th, Jewish Family Service partnered with Rabbi Laurie Rice and Cantor Josh Goldberg to provide a Community Healing Circle. Community members came together in prayer, song, and meditation to share feelings, honor loved ones lost and to support families who have loved ones serving ...
On the morning of October 7, I turned on the news and learned about the horrors happening in Israel. My heart sank as I watched the images of hostages being taken. Their faces reminded me of people in our own Jewish community and I couldn’t help but think the only difference between this community ...