It's up to us to help those in need, in the new year and always

In a few days, Jews around the world will celebrate Rosh HaShanah the Jewish New Year. While it is not a celebration comparable to the January 1 New Year, Rosh HaShanah is a time when we review our deeds from the past year with the hope of improving ourselves in the year to come. It serves as an annual reminder that we must constantly work at becoming better people not just at this time, but throughout the year. The traditional greeting—L’shana Tova Tikatevu—May You Be Inscribed in the Book of Life for a Good Year—speaks to our profound desire to remember that many of us have the ability to make the world a better place for those less fortunate than ourselves.

The message of Rosh Hashanah rings true today as it has for thousands of years and for all people. Today, it is more important than ever to believe in the power compassion to repair our world. This is the mission of Jewish Family Services.

At a time when too many of our friends are struggling to keep food on the table or a roof over their heads, it is up to us to do what we can to help them. At a time when older adults suffer in loneliness with personal or family issues, Jewish Family Services is here to ease their pain. At a time when many of our neighbors struggle with daily life, we are here to make that struggle a bit less stressful with a caring professional staff and wonderful corps of volunteers.

This past year, JFS helped over 10,000 of individuals and families in Central Florida, due to the support from three pillars of our community: our incredible professional staff, the generous financial support of the community and community partners, and the selfless contribution of time and energy by Jewish Family Services volunteers.

At this time of the year when we look at ourselves and look to how we can improve the world, we urge you to join us in our efforts. Take up a food collection drive, volunteer to deliver meals to a home bound elderly person or make a donation of time, money or your resources to help a less fortunate members of the community. If you haven’t already done so, contact us and we’ll talk about how you can join us in making our corner of the world a better place for all.

Eric Geboff, MSW, Executive Director

Michael McKee, President