News

As part of its 170^th Anniversary Celebration, Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York (JFS) will honor Jane & Mark Levine with for their commitment to serving humanity with humility. This honor, the Anschel Weiss Community Builders Award, will highlight the Levines’ long-standing commitment to providing compassionate, professional care to area families as the long-time owners and stewards of the Levine Memorial Chapel in Albany.

Mark Levine began his career in the funeral industry at a young age. When he was not in school, he would often accompany his father, Robert Levine (Bob, of blessed memory), then owner of Levine Memorial Chapel. Mark always knew he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father.

As Mark matured, he took on more responsibilities, assisting with the transfer of loved ones into the care of the Levine Memorial Chapel. Back then, his friends wondered why he carried a beeper at 16 years old and that he always wore a suit.

In 1992, upon the passing of Bob, Mark assumed ownership of the family business. Jane (Ryan) Levine, a former surgical practice administrator, joined Mark as his father became ill.  Together, they picked up the mantle, embracing Bob’s sensitive and respectful manner of working with families in their time of need. After Bob’s passing, Jane joined Mark in a full-time capacity to carry out the operation of the family business.

“He inspired us. We were both honored and privileged to carry on the Levine name and uphold the reputation and integrity of Levine Memorial Chapel,” said Jane and Mark Levine.

The operation of a funeral home is a 24-hour commitment. “We always found it important to personally respond to all phone calls to provide that personal touch. We were totally immersed in our work and grateful that we had the support of each other,” added Jane Levine.

In the past, the Levines found time to volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House and Meals on Wheels and plan to do more in their semi-retirement.

“This is exactly why they are deserving of this award. For over 30 years, Mark and Jane have been the supportive voice to families all over the region. Whether coordinating a local funeral or assisting a family with an out-of-state death, they provided gentle reassurance and critical guidance at a family’s most difficult time,” said Jane Ginsburg, president and CEO of JFS.

The Levines Remain Active and Committed

In July of 2023, Jane and Mark transferred ownership of Levine Memorial Chapel to Frank Simmons, a long-time employee. Despite not being involved in daily operations, they remain invested in the Chapel, to staying local and mostly, to the community. “We want to continue to provide support whenever we can,” said Mark.

“We are fortunate to have served the Jewish community through our work; we’ve been blessed with meaningful friendships and long-lasting relationships,” Jane added.

Now retired, the Levines are finding time to travel and are looking to their volunteer work in the fall. Mark spends some of his spare time relearning Hebrew and he and Jane enjoy time boating. Most importantly, for the first time in many years they can make commitments and actually keep them! “Before, we could barely keep a dental appointment or a dinner reservation,” said Mark.

The JFS Anschel Weiss Community Builders Award

Past recipients of the Anschel Weiss Community Builders award include Marvin A. Freedman, Alan Iselin (z”l), Herman Ungerman, David Alan Miller, Jean Becker, Amy Klein, Fred Erlich, Mara Ginsberg, Chanie Simon, Rabbi Beverly Magidson, The Golub Family, Jerry and Ilene Sykes, Michael Castellana, Steve Lobel, Morris (z”l) and Esther (z”l) Massry, Dr. Mark Sullivan and Representative Michael McNulty.

JFS’s 170^th Anniversary

Since 1854, JFS has provided a range of supportive human services throughout the region for people of all ages and all backgrounds. On December 5, 2024, at 6 p.m., JFS will host their “Generations Celebration” inAlbany. The presenting sponsor is the Massry Family, and the event will honor Mark & Jane Levine and the 2024 community Mensches. There will be live music with Band of Gold and a special musical performance by Cantor Shira Ginsburg. News Anchor Dan Levy will emcee. Guests can bid on silent and online auctions items, enjoy delicious fare catered by 518Kosher and sip on a signature JFS anniversary cocktail. Proceeds will help fund the many critical and free services JFS provides and enable service expansion to meet the community’s growing needs.

Join the celebration! Click here for sponsorships, honorary committee and information. Other questions? Contact JFS: 518-482-8856 or info@jfsneny.org.

JFS scholarships of $1,000-$2,000 are now available to support Jewish students with college-related expenses.

Scholarships are made possible by:

• The David and Rose Udelson Bray Scholarship Fund
• The Hessberg Trust
• Axelrod – Lichenstein Scholarship Award 
• DeBeer Scholarship Fund 
• Levi Fund 
• Charles and Anne K. Lieberman Scholarship Fund 
• Ludwig Fund 
• Harriet I. Nathan and Murray R. Nathan Scholarship Fund 
• National Council of Jewish Women Scholarship Fund 
• George and Marcia Simon Scholarship Fund 
• Eli Werlin Fund 
• The JFS Scholarship Fund

Eligibility requirements vary per scholarship. Students must be from Albany or the surrounding area, and/or attend college or graduate school locally. Applicants must be at least 17 years old and be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university.

To be considered for a 2024-25 JFS scholarship, applicants must also write a brief essay on:

• JFS has a counseling clinical practice that offers support for all ages. We work with schools, camps, community and faith-based organizations to help address the growing teen mental health crisis. Please write a brief essay on what you wish you knew — and what your teachers, staff or counselors knew — when you were in middle school and high school that can help JFS in our efforts to make an impact in our community?

We hope you or someone you know will apply. Please share this with all potential applicants and have them complete our brief online application.

The deadline is Friday, November 1, 2024.

The recipients will be selected from submissions and will be awarded their scholarship in late November. Please note we may choose to use the winning entry in JFS publicity and marketing communications.

Application is for the 2024-2025 academic year. Student must provide proof of enrollment/admission prior to scholarship being issued.

As the details of the shooting in front of Temple Israel in Albany unfold, we at Jewish Family Services of NENY applaud the Albany Police, Mayor Sheehan and Governor Hochul for their swift response and leadership.

There is no place for hate of any kind in the NNORC, the Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community, the City of Albany, or anywhere in the United States. JFS is actively working to combat anti-Semitism, racism, and hatred of any kind, and envisions a safe, supportive, resilient community — for our older adults, and all of our neighbors.

JFS is here to support people of all backgrounds in our community.

Please call 518-482-8856 or email info@jfsneny.org.

Aging well and independently is the main priority for older adults so that they can enjoy a high-quality life in the comfort of their home. Albany, NY veterans, Joanne (US Army) and Bob (US Air Force) suffered illnesses later in life, making it difficult to safely navigate inside and around their homes. 

Joanne served as a nurse from 1972-1975 in Heidlberg, Germany. She treated soldiers injured in Vietnam. Bob, an honorable US AirForce Veteran, served from 1979-1983 as a unique specialist in the field of aeronautics attach control systems. Both are living in Albany with their families. 

Jewish Family Services (JFS) Aging In Place and Occupational Therapy Specialist, Lynda Shrager and an Occupational Therapy intern from Maria College conducted assessments in both veterans’ homes and made modification recommendations so that both Joanne and Bob could reduce their risk of falling and maximize their independence and safety. 

The modifications will be implemented on Friday, November 10, 2023 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. and include removing bushes near an accessibility ramp, installing a more stable path to an outdoor garden and replacing a deteriorating fence. (Installation of grab bars and repairing an indoor step has already been completed inside Joanne’s home.) 

This work is made possible, in part, through a grant from the City of Albany, Albany for All funding program and President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, and The Home Depot Foundation. The actual work will be completed by Team Depot volunteers. 

JFS is here, caring for our community, making sure that everyone gets the support they need.

During this time of tragedy and uncertainty, once gain, our community looks to JFS for help in dealing with the emotional impact of yet another trauma.