Greetings!
Now that the mid-term elections are over, and Thanksgiving dinner tables await with all your friends and family members, you’ll have ample opportunity to debate and share same and opposing points of view. We all know how well that goes!! Nevertheless, JFCS is here to help, through our Family Life Education program, by partnering with Beth El Synagogue to host a facilitated session by Better Angels, a group whose mission is to help heal all of us who feel strained and stressed to hear those with differing positions. The skills that will be taught and practiced can go a long way towards helping all of us to find respect with differing opinions, and develop skills to be a good listener and helpful responder. The workshop takes place on Dec. 11 and is free, but be sure to sign up here.

Our 30th Annual Laugh on their Behalf Benefit is right around the corner, taking place on December 1! We are extremely pleased to be awarding the JFCS Friends of the Family Award to Hindy and Scott Tankenoff, who support JFCS programs and services and particularly those serving children.  Get your tickets here!

Join us for ‘Better Angels,’ a FREE workshop on how to talk across political differences
Are you feeling burnt out by the never-ending cycle of news? Are you trying to figure out the best way to discuss political issues in a meaningful way that embraces diverse views and opinions?

Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis’ (JFCS) and Beth El Synagogue will present “Better Angels Skills Workshop: How to Talk Across Our Differences,”6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday,
Dec. 11. This event is free, but registration is required.

Video: 30th Annual Benefit: The Event’s Starting Lineup
Cory Provus, voice of the Minnesota Twins, will emcee JFCS’ 30th Annual Laugh on Their Behalf Benefit on Saturday, Dec. 1.

Watch the video to hear Cory announce the event’s “starting lineup.” And don't miss the party; get your tickets to the Benefit today!


November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness/Family Caregivers Month. Caregiving can be stressful, JFCS is here to help.
By Annette Sandler • JFCS Aging Services Director

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness/Family Caregivers Month. Roselyn Carter once said there are four kinds of people in the world:
  • Those who are caregivers
  • Those who will be caregivers
  • Those who are being cared for
  • Those who will need care


Aging Services Sponsors: Kelen Family Foundation, Oren and Sharron Steinfeldt Foundation
JFCS Child & Family Counseling:
Highly skilled, licensed and confidential, compassionate care
Children and parents face unique challenges. JFCS counselors are expertly trained and can help strengthen families. We provide care for people of all ages, and all backgrounds. You don’t have to be Jewish to receive services. Our counselors are thoughtfully matched to best meet your needs and identify goals and solutions to help your family thrive.
Here for all. Always.


Counseling Founding Sponsor: Lynne and Andrew Redleaf Foundation
Local artist Sharon Stillman’s work featured in JFCS’ new building
JFCS’ new building, our Next Century Home, is beautiful for many reasons, but one is due to all the beautiful art pieces that are strategically placed throughout the facility. Local artist Sharon Stillman was commissioned to create a couple of the pieces that are on display, including a ceramic flower sculpture and the “Community” art piece that is featured in our Community Room. Sharon recently spoke about her experience creating these art pieces.

Importance of transgender people in our communities
highlighted in November
By Jayce Koester • J-Pride Program Coordinator

November is a month where we frequently mark the importance of transgender people in our communities and around the world. This includes Trans Day of Remembrance (Nov. 20) and Transgender Awareness Week (Nov. 12-19), not to mention the yahrzeit (the yearly anniversary of a loved one’s death) of beloved national community leader, Leslie Feinberg (z”l).


J-Pride Founding Sponsor: Lisa Heilicher
Are you friendly, compassionate and looking for an important opportunity to help others?
JFCS is looking for Volunteer Receptionists to greet visitors, answer phone calls, and set the tone to ensure a welcoming and positive experience for participants, guests and staff. The position is 2-4 hours per week, on regularly scheduled day(s).


Or contact Dana Shapiro,
Community and Volunteer Engagement Coordinator & Intake Counselor
[email protected], 952-417-2112

Feel free to share with anyone you think is interested!
The value of mentoring cannot be overstated: A conversation with new BB/BS Program Coordinator Becky Lyle Sulkin
Becky Lyle Sulkin became JFCS’ new Jewish Big Brother/Big Sister Program (BB/BS) Coordinator this summer. After a few months in the position, she recently spoke about her own experiences in youth programming, what makes for a successful match between a Big and a Little, and her goals for the program.  

Upcoming events: Please join us
Shalom Baby Circle Time
Sunday, Nov. 25 @ 3:30-5 p.m.

30th Annual Laugh on Their Behalf Benefit
Saturday, Dec. 1 @ 6 p.m./Dinner guests
@7:45 p.m. for Dessert and show only guests

PJ Library Chanukah Donut Celebration 
Sunday, Dec. 9 @ 1-3 p.m.

Better Angels Skills Workshop: How to Talk Across Our Differences
Tuesday, Dec. 11 @ 6-8:30 p.m.

PJ Library Traveling Havdalah
Saturday, Dec. 15 @ 4-6 p.m.
Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis | www.jfcsmpls.org