September

2024

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Rosh Hashanah: the Jewish New Year


As the Jewish High Holy Days approach, we offer warm wishes for a meaningful Rosh Hashanah to those who observe. This season of reflection reminds us of the opportunity for healing and strengthening stability for ourselves, our families and those in our community in the year ahead.


At JFCS East Bay, we help individuals and families build new lives, whether by resettling refugees, supporting immigrants with legal services, offering resources to support stability for older adults, and providing counseling for children, youth, and families. As the shofar calls us to reflect, we look back with gratitude for all the ways that our community has thrived over the past year, amidst many challenges.



Looking forward, we remain committed to creating a just, compassionate, and inclusive world. May the sweetness of the new year inspire us all in the work of healing and growth.


L'Shanah Tovah u'Metukah—Best wishes for a good and sweet new year to all.

Robin Mencher, Chief Executive Officer

Click here for a delicious Apple and Pomegranate Crisp recipe.

Program Highlight

Jewish Community Safety Net

Part of our Jewish Community Care services, he Jewish Community Safety Net is a foundational service of JFCS East Bay, offered now and for nearly 150 years. In 1877, JFCS East Bay was founded by the Daughters of Israel Relief Society, a group of 20 women from prominent Jewish East Bay families who believed that the Jewish community needed to be there for other Jewish community members who were going through challenging times. We continue to uphold this commitment to our Jewish community today.


The Jewish Community Safety Net offers:

  • Emergency Financial Assistance: Focused on helping people with basic needs, such as food, housing, utilities, medical care, home care, and transportation.
  • Information & Navigation Services: Information, referrals, and assistance in accessing other community resources.
  • Benefits Enrollment Assistance: Applying for unemployment insurance, Medi-Cal, CalFresh food assistance, and other benefits.
  • Food Delivery: For seniors and families with particular needs, JFCS East Bay provides funds for volunteers to shop and deliver groceries.We provide and deliver kosher meals each shabbat and select Jewish holidays. 
  • Mental Health Services: Therapy services over the phone or video chat can include crisis intervention, short-term counseling including planning a path to sustainability, and linkage to longer-term and psychiatric services.

Last year JFCS East Bay delivered 1,776 Kosher Meals, and distributed almost $50,000 in emergency funds to 32 Jewish community members who sought immediate assistance with rent, utilities, groceries or medical bills.   


We also hosted a 6-week support group for Jewish community members seeking emotional support connected to the Israel-Hamas War.


We can’t do this work without your support. This year we hope to support at least 75 people in our East Bay Community. Now's the season of tzedakah, the season of justice. Contribute your gift here.

Client Success Story

Jewish Community Safety Net 

This year, Sam (not his real name), a Jewish single man in his 70s, was supported by our Jewish Community Safety Net. Sam was facing numerous challenges due to multiple health conditions, including diabetes and a heart condition. Sam described himself as "socially isolated" and shared that his only close friend was also struggling with serious health issues. Living on a fixed income from Social Security, Sam hit an especially challenging time. He had difficulty making ends meet, which led to financial stress and food insecurity. He lacked reliable transportation to get to his medical appointments.


This is where the Jewish Community Safety Net steps in. We provided grocery gift cards, rent assistance, and helped cover his medical insurance. Additionally, we connected him to volunteer transportation for his healthcare needs. Sam expressed deep gratitude for the support and connection, which brought him security and relief. We remain committed to helping individuals like Sam access the care and resources they need to live with dignity.

Get to Know JFCS East Bay

Staff Profile

Brittany Couture | Senior Coordinator, Jewish Community Safety Net and Chaverim Program


Brittany Couture, MFT, is dedicated to supporting the Jewish community, saying, "Helping others is a core Jewish value and why I joined JFCS East Bay." She handles counseling inquiries, case management, and free short-term therapy through the Jewish Community Safety Net. She also plans monthly Chaverim events for neurodivergent Jewish adults and collaborates with Jewish organizations. Brittany is proud of the Jewish Community Safety Net’s success, particularly how this program offered critical support during the pandemic.


Outside of work, Brittany enjoys time with family, biking, soccer, reading, traveling, and visiting local wineries. Raised in Southern California, the beach remains her happy place.

Volunteer Profile

Judy Kammeraad


For the past five years, Judy Kammeraad has been a key part of helping Afghan refugee families resettle in the Bay Area as the lead of a Community Welcome Team at JFCS East Bay. Judy recalls driving a pregnant client to a routine checkup, only to find she was in labor with twins. “I helped her navigate the hospital and arranged for translation. Thankfully, the babies were born healthy.”


Judy reflects on the family’s escape from Kabul, grateful for the U.S. government and JFCS East Bay’s role in their resettlement. “I’m forever thankful to JFCS for enabling these happy endings,” she says.


Judy's compassion and dedication reflect the spirit of JFCS East Bay's volunteers, and we are fortunate to have her on our team!

JFCS East Bay in the Community

Community Partner

Jewish Community Relations Council


We’re proud to highlight our partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Bay Area.JCRC advocates for Jewish interests and builds bridges between communities, focusing on social justice, public policy, and community relations. Their work aligns with our mission to support equitable policies and community safety for all.


Together, we've addressed community concerns, supported local events, and advocated for inclusive policies. JFCS East Bay partnered with JCRC and other organizations to hold an event last April for community members to meet our State Legislators, particularly to learn what is happening in Sacramento to ensure the safety of our East Bay Jewish community and to bring our values to life in the wider community. We’re grateful for their connections to our local officials—and look forward to continuing our joint efforts to strengthen our community.

Community Leader Spotlight

Alexander Kristallis, East Bay Sanctuary Covenant


Since joining East Bay Sanctuary Covenant (EBSC) in 2019, Alexander Kristallis has been a dedicated advocate for immigrant rights. His journey began in 2016 as a volunteer while studying Law and Politics at Queen Mary, University of London. Alex later earned an MA in international human rights law from Georgetown University.


As EBSC’s Staff Attorney and Residency Lead, Alex assists clients with asylum, residency, and citizenship applications, helping them navigate the complex U.S. immigration system.


JFCS East Bay partners with EBSC and professionals like Alex to ensure refugees and asylees have the legal support needed to build stable, dignified lives.

Take Action

SB 85 Vetoed by Governor Newsom

After a two-year fight to get SB 85 to the Governor's desk, he vetoed the bill to provide critical case management for newly arrived refugees. While the Governor indicated support for this program in his veto message, he rejected the bill due to the state's budget deficit. This disappointing news will have a direct and negative impact on our ability to serve newly arriving refugees throughout the East Bay. 

Prop 5: Easier Local Funding for Housing and Infrastructure

Prop 5 would lower the voter approval threshold for local bonds from two-thirds to 55%, easing efforts to fund affordable housing and infrastructure.

Community Events

October

4

Light Up The Night: Glow Party (Trunk or Treat!)

Free event for children with special needs (preschool-5th grade)! Food, inflatables, sensory room, and trunk or treat!

October

5

Filipino Island Fest - Alameda's First Filipino Festival

Get ready for a fantastic celebration featuring top-notch entertainment, dazzling artisans, and mouthwatering Filipino cuisine – all for FREE!

October

7

One Year After October 7

Presented by the Jewish Faculty & Staff Association, Cal State East Bay. Enjoy this free event for kids with special needs (pre-K to 5th grade)! Enjoy food, inflatables, a sensory room, and trunk or treat!

October

11

Berkeley Space Symposium

Join the Berkeley Space Symposium for a stellar day of out-of-this-world mentoring, panels, and networking!

October

12

The R&B Wine Down - A Day of Good Wine & R&B

Get ready to vibe to your favorite R&B hits while sipping on some of the best wine in the Bay Area made by Hammerling Wines.

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