At 87, This Usher Is Thrilled

Ericka Weidner was a Jewish Vocational Service of MetroWest NJ client in 2005 at the age of 81 and was twice placed at positions that did not last due to the need for computer skills that were beyond her grasp. She then found a sales position and her file was closed. >>more

Show Me Your ID

By Robert Lichtman

What if someone pulled you over while you were walking down the street and asked to see your identity; what would you show them? What if someone was just watching you walk down the street looking at your identity; what would they see?

Identity is a complex thing. It's attitude, aspiration, behavior, belief, experience. When "identity" is modified with the word "Jewish," it's thought to be an important thing, more often than not coupled with concern about losing it. >>more

Springtime: Counting Our Blessings

By Rabbi Faith Joy Dantowitz

On spring mornings, many take note of the pollen count. For those afflicted with allergies, the count often determines whether to plan for some indoor as well as outdoor activities.

Judaism has had a tradition of counting long before over-the-counter allergy relief was available. From the second night of Passover until the holiday of Shavuot is the period of sefirat ha'omer (counting of the omer). >>more

Sacrifice and Celebration — The Bittersweet Experience of Israel's Birthday

By World ORT

Keren Tendler, a name familiar to many World ORT supporters, was recently brought to the attention of a new audience at a major ceremony in London for Yom HaZikaron, the day on which those who died defending Israel are remembered.

The Israeli Embassy's military attaché, Colonel Hadar Furman, devoted part of his address to Keren, the first Israel Defense Forces (IDF) female flight engineer and in whose memory World ORT in Israel provides an annual scholarship to a female undergraduate in the male-dominated fields of technology and engineering. >>more

MetroWest HELPS TOO

By Reuben Rotman

What happens when people who never needed financial help before find themselves in need?

They turn to MetroWest HELPS TOO.

Take Rochelle, for example. Rochelle was already a client at Jewish Vocational Service of MetroWest NJ (JVS) when the agency referred her to Jewish Family Service of MetroWest (JFS) for help dealing with symptoms of depression and anxiety. >>more

Annual UJA Benefit Concert an Afternoon of Magnificent Music and Philanthropic Spirit

A hushed silence was transformed into an explosion of applause as the packed house rose as one in appreciation of the extraordinary performance by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and guest pianist Yefim Bronfman at the 15th Annual UJA Benefit Concert at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark on April 22. >>more