News

During the pandemic, JFS has been hugging our community with virtual counseling calls and groups, kosher meal delivery, grocery shopping and more to ensure people feel supported and connected.

NOW YOU CAN SEND A HUG TO SUPPORT A LOVED ONE!

For $5, we will send a YOU’VE BEEN HUGGED e-hug or hand-addressed postcard from you to your family and friends, bringing them a smile, warmth and personal connection. You can choose:

  • Hanukkah Hug
  • Holiday Hug
  • General Hug

Postcard Samples

Now you can hug right back!
Website order: here
Call: 518-482-8856
Email: info@jfsneny.org

PASS IT ON! We want to make sure everyone gets a hug!
Proceeds benefit JFS Programs and Services.

Jewish Family Services provides a range of support, services and resources to individuals, families, and seniors throughout the Greater Capital Region. See our impact in the community at jfsneny.org.

Did you know that every time you shop on Amazon.com you could be making a donation to JFS? And it doesn’t cost you extra to do so? It’s true. When you shop on AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchase to the charitable organization of your choice—JFS! Smile.Amazon.com is the same as Amazon.com—same low prices, huge selection and big convenience.
How Does It Work?
To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com on your computer or mobile device. Log in using your usual amazon.com username and password. On your first visit, enter “Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York” (our whole name) in the “Select Your Charity” box. After that, JFS will automatically receive donations based on your eligible purchases.
Does JFS Benefit from AmazonSmile?
YES! Even though 0.5% doesn’t sound like much, it certainly can add up if hundreds of people designate JFS as their charity on smile.amazon.com.
If you have any questions, please give us a call. We would be happy to tell you more about this valuable program: 518-482-8856.
The small print: Sorry, but you cannot receive a tax deduction for amounts donated from your purchases on AmazonSmile. Donations are made by the AmazonSmile Foundation and are not tax deductible by you.

Have you seen the TU’s Best of the Capital Region 2020: Winners? The Times Union polled nearly 56,000 residents who cast over 635,000 votes on their favorite places, including favorite restaurants, parks, spas, theater companies and more.

Join us on Wednesday, December 23 at 10 a.m. We’ll talk about the winners in some of the categories, as well as runners-up and places we think should have been included! We might even find some new places to try!

NNORC has embraced Zoom (online video and audio conferencing) so we can continue to offer you programs. If you prefer not to use a computer or smartphone to participate, all you need is a telephone line to join in. 

Please call 518-514-2023 or email us at NNORC@jfsneny.org to sign up for a program. We will give you an access link or phone number for you to participate. You can also contact us for a one-on-one Zoom tutorial. We look forward to seeing you or hearing from you!

Gail Myers, Deputy Director at NY StateWide Senior Action Council, will join us on Wednesday, December 16 at 10 a.m. to discuss how their agency is taking action to improve the lives of older New Yorkers. Hear updates on state and federal issues and learn what you can do from home to make a difference in the lives of older adults. We might be home, but there are opportunities to advocate for home care, programs, healthcare, and more.

NNORC has embraced Zoom (online video and audio conferencing) so we can continue to offer you programs. If you prefer not to use a computer or smartphone to participate, all you need is a telephone line to join in. 

Please call 518-514-2023 or email us at NNORC@jfsneny.org to sign up for a program. We will give you an access link or phone number for you to participate. You can also contact us for a one-on-one Zoom tutorial. We look forward to seeing you or hearing from you!

Managing the ups-and-downs of life is always important to our health, happiness, and well-being. However, the pandemic has brought new and long-term challenges to maintaining a positive, proactive outlook on how we live our day-to-day lives.

Join Judi England, RN, Senior Health Education Coordinator for the NNORC, on Wednesday, December 9 at 10 a.m. for a helpful discussion on stress management. During this program we will:

  • Review how acute and chronic stress impacts our bodies, minds, and energy.
  • Explore the aspects of COVID-19 that have made it especially difficult to stay balanced.
  • Share strategies for managing stress that we can use every day.

NNORC has embraced Zoom (online video and audio conferencing) so we can continue to offer you programs. If you prefer not to use a computer or smartphone to participate, all you need is a telephone line to join in. 

Please call 518-514-2023 or email us at NNORC@jfsneny.org to sign up for a program. We will give you an access link or phone number for you to participate. You can also contact us for a one-on-one Zoom tutorial. We look forward to seeing you or hearing from you!

Wednesday, December 2 at 10 a.m.

Diana Bangert-Drowns returns to share her creative spirit with the NNORC for the holidays.  Together with Diana, we will create winter-themed cards using materials that you have in your home. Prior to meeting, look around your house and gather items like paper, magazines, candy wrappers, buttons, old holiday cards (if you have them), glue (or glue stick or tape), and scissors. Additional optional materials include a hole punch, ribbon, foil, markers or anything else that you may have in your home!

NNORC has embraced Zoom (online video and audio conferencing) so we can continue to offer you programs. If you prefer not to use a computer or smartphone to participate, all you need is a telephone line to join in. Please call 518-514-2023 or email us at NNORC@jfsneny.org to sign up for a program. We will give you an access link or phone number for you to participate. You can also contact us for a one-on-one Zoom tutorial. We look forward to seeing you or hearing from you!

Monday, November 30 at 1 p.m.

Please join us for a discussion of The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict, a fictionalized account of the life of the Hollywood film star and legendary beauty Hedy Lamarr. The novel homes in not on Lamarr the movie star, but on Lamarr the co-inventor of a “frequency-hopping” radio communication technology that distantly prefigured WiFi.  Bet you didn’t know that!  In celebration of the Novel NNORC Book Club’s first anniversary, we’ll reflect on Year One and debate the “hits” and “misses.” We also want to know what beverage you reach for when you settle into a cozy chair and crack open a book — a glass of silky red wine or a warm cup of chamomile tea. New members welcome!

Save Monday, December 28th for the next Novel NNORC book club meeting. Title to be announced in the December NNORC News.

NNORC has embraced Zoom (online video and audio conferencing) so we can continue to offer you programs. If you prefer not to use a computer or smartphone to participate, all you need is a telephone line to join in. 

Please call 518-514-2023 or email us at NNORC@jfsneny.org to sign up for a program. We will give you an access link or phone number for you to participate. You can also contact us for a one-on-one Zoom tutorial. We look forward to seeing you or hearing from you!

Thursday, November 19 at 1:00 p.m.

Are you enrolled in Medicare but still have questions about your coverage options? Will you soon be 65 and wonder how Medicare works? NNORC is again offering a program designed to give you a better understanding of your options and obligations regarding Medicare.

Join us to get accurate, unbiased information about Medicare from veteran Certified Medicare Counselor Janet Kiffney.  There will be time for questions, and helpful handouts will be shared.

NNORC has embraced Zoom (online video and audio conferencing) so we can continue to offer you programs. If you prefer not to use a computer or smartphone to participate, all you need is a telephone line to join in. 

Please call 518-514-2023 or email us at NNORC@jfsneny.org to sign up for a program. We will give you an access link or phone number for you to participate. You can also contact us for a one-on-one Zoom tutorial. We look forward to seeing you or hearing from you!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Jewish Community Chaplain sought to serve as in-house chaplain in senior continuum of care community (50%) and as regional resource (25-50%)

Responsibilities include:

  • Serving as the in-house Chaplain for Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors.  Job functions will include:
    • Providing pastoral care and counseling for residents of the Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and The Massry Assisted Living Center;
    • Liaising as needed with other community clergy (both Jewish and non-Jewish) to address resident needs;
    • Coordinating and conducting religious services for Jewish Holidays and celebrations;
    • Advising Activities, Dietary, and Social Service Departments on aspects of Jewish Holiday traditions, and serve as a resource to address Jewish observance questions (other than supervising Kashrut);
    • Providing programming on Jewish topics for residents, as requested;
    • Performing in-house funerals, as requested.
  • Serving as community-wide chaplain for Jewish residents in other long-term care facilities, providing Jewish education and support to activities and related staff and provide pastoral care for Jewish residents;
  • Training community volunteers who offer Jewish holiday, cultural and traditional activities to residents;
  • Liaising with community rabbis and clergy to ensure residents and families in long-term care settings have option of receiving pastoral care.
  • Providing guidance for Jewish holiday information and community-wide displays.
  • Coordinate and manage distribution of Jewish holiday newsletter and similar communications to promote education as to Jewish holiday customs and traditions.
  • Collaborate with Jewish and non-Jewish community professionals and volunteers to promote understanding and appreciation and innovations for Jewish pastoral care.
  • Serve on Jewish Community Committee for Aging and related committees.

Requirements include:

  • Minimum of one unit of clinical pastoral education and commitment to pursue additional units in first year of employment
  • Rabbinical ordination or equivalent experience.
  • Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Theology, Pastoral Care, Judaism or Spirituality is required
  • Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in chaplaincy or pastoral experience, preferably in healthcare setting
  • Affiliation with NAJC: National Association of Jewish Chaplains within first year of employment preferred
  • End-of-life expertise is preferred.
  • Understanding of family dynamics; issues related to chronic disease management and emotional health; death and dying.
  • Able to work in a collaborative team relationship.
  • Able to perform public speaking engagements and lead weekly Shabbat and memorial services, as needed
  • Able to work flexible hours, including potential for some evenings and weekends
  • Able to work remotely
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Own or have access to a reliable car

All potential employees of Jewish Family Services are subject to a criminal background check.

For consideration, please submit a resume, cover letter and two professional references to:

Human Resources
Jewish Family Services
877 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 12208
or
jginsburg@jfsneny.org

This group will provide support and information sharing for the often-overwhelming job of being an informal family caregiver.

 

PROVIDING SUPPORT, SERVICES & RESOURCES FOR OUR COMMUNITY