JCF Grants-in-Action #39: Highlighting Nine Engaging Initiatives in SNJ

It's been quite a few months (nine or almost 10 to be exact!) since we last delved into some initiatives that have taken place in Southern New Jersey thanks to funding in part from JCF Grants. To turn a phrase-- "Time flies when you're awarding funds!"

Each program that received a JCF Grant takes time, energy, and commitment by many people to successfully launch, and we thank and congratulate everyone who took part in some way. Your efforts are helping to improve our community one step at a time.

In all several hundred individuals benefited in some way from these programs and services.

Without further ado, enjoy the following nine recaps of JCF Grant-funded programs that occurred since late last year, as provided by the grantees:

1.

Chabad Lubavitch of Camden and Burlington Counties: "CTeen-- Chabad Teens Program"

"CTeen Cherry Hill brought its largest delegation of 22 teens to join more than

5,000 Jewish teens from around the world for the annual Cteen Shabbaton in

Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The experience immersed our participants in a powerful

demonstration of global Jewish unity, leadership, and shared identity.

"Program highlights included CTeen’s Havdalah ceremony and concert in Times

Square, where displays of Israel and Jewish pride were broadcasted across major

billboards as thousands of teens gathered & celebrated in a public and unified

expression of identity and solidarity.

"Teens heard firsthand from freed hostages Segev Kalfon, Matan Zangauker, and

Ilana Gritzewsky, as well as from the CTeen Bondi delegation, and Leibel Lazaroff, a

survivor of the Bondi attack, all sharing a unifying message of Jewish pride,

resilience, and continuity. Affirming that even in darkness, our light prevails.

"The impact was evident. As one participant shared, “This weekend truly changed

my life. This Shabbaton inspired me to try to keep kosher more often.”

"The program concluded with teens committing to specific, personal resolutions

aimed at strengthening their Jewish practice and identity beyond the Shabbaton

experience."

Picture from Chabad's Facebook page

2.

Chabad Lubavitch of Camden and Burlington Counties: "The Jews are Back: A Story of Survival & Rebirth"

"We were privileged to hear from Rabbi Yitzchok Wagner, the first German-born Rabbi in Germany after the Holocaust. Rabbi Wagner, who serves as Rabbi and spiritual leader of his hometown, Krefeld, Germany, who shared his personal perspective on Germany’s rebirth after the Holocaust, the challenges of confronting anti-Semitism, and the strength of Jewish life today. The evening was also be a tribute commemorating Gimmel Tammuz, the Yahrzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe."

Picture from Chabad's Facebook page

3.

Congregation Beth El: "The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning™"

"The Melton School is a high quality non-denominational force for good in adult Jewish education. The course was a 10 part series, the second half of a class we offered last spring-Beyond Borders Part 2-a class on the history of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Beth El rabbis, in rotation, taught these 75 to 90 minute classes. Each session was available both in person and on Zoom."

4.

Congregation Sons of Israel: "Israel-USA Rabbinic Exchange Program"

"Sons of Israel hosted Rabbi Yuval Mittelman, a visiting rabbi from Israel for

Shabbat, while SOI’s Rabbi Michael Davies visited Rabii Mittelman’s Israeli

community in return. Both participated in rabbinic conventions together while

exploring each other’s communities and making connections between Israel and

the Diaspora."

5.

Jewish Community Relations Council: Humans of October 7th

"Humans of October 7th was a community-based photo and testimony exhibit

focused on remembrance, education, and public dialogue following the October 7

attacks in Israel. The gallery provided an accessible space for reflection and

learning and was integrated into multiple community, cultural, and educational

programs."

Picture from the JCRC Facebook page.

6.

Jewish Family & Children's Service: JFCS/BBYO Teen Leadership Initiative

"After a highly successful 18 months of engagement, Jewish Family & Children’s Service once again partnered with BBYO South Jersey Region to educate teens about JFCS programs and services, raising awareness, and supporting their individual needs, while focusing on developing their leadership skills and providing them with tools and resources to support members of our community who are in need in each of JFCS’s departments."

Picture from the JFCS Facebook page.

7.

Jewish Family & Children's Service: "3rd Annual Holocaust Survivor Celebration"

"On June 12, we held our third annual Holocaust Survivor Celebration Day, which was a truly meaningful and joyous event. The room was filled with conversations, laughter, smiles, and a warm sense of community. Survivors and guests enjoyed playing bingo, listening to heartfelt speeches, and being entertained by a lively klezmer band. We were honored to be joined by the Camden County Mayor and Councilwoman, who came to show their support and pay tribute to the survivors. Everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by Magical Sweet Shop, and each survivor went home with a summer-themed gift bag and gift card. The day was filled with happiness and connection, and it was clear that the event held special meaning for all who attended. On June 17, we gathered at Beth Israel Congregation in Vineland for another Holocaust Survivor Day celebration. The program began with brief remarks before we were treated to a performance by Avi Wisnia, whose beautiful Jewish music brought joy and energy to the room. Attendees clapped, sang along, and were deeply moved by the experience. A kosher deli lunch was served, complete with challah and cookies, while the room buzzed with conversation and laughter.

"Books were exchanged, pictures were taken, and hugs were shared as survivors received goodie bags and special gifts to take home. Together, these two programs served a total of 126 individuals. Of this group, 43 Holocaust Survivors attended in person, while an additional 22 Survivors received gift deliveries at home. In total, 104 people, including Survivors, family members, and community members, participated in the celebrations in person. These gatherings not only celebrated the resilience and strength of our survivors but also carried on the beloved traditions established by Ronda Manders, made possible through the dedication of our staff and volunteers. Survivors expressed feeling loved, supported, and special, sharing how much they appreciated the care and attention given to every detail of these meaningful events. To ensure strong participation, JFCS made extensive efforts to invite and engage the community in both events. Paper invitations were sent to Federation-wide executives, community political leaders, and funders who support Holocaust Survivor programs. Clients and their families were personally invited, and internal JFCS staff also helped spread the word and encourage attendance. These outreach efforts were highly effective, resulting in meaningful turnout and engagement at both celebrations. There were no challenges or changes encountered during the planning or implementation of the events, allowing everything to run smoothly and as intended."

Picture from the JFCS Facebook page

8.

Kellman Brown Academy: "Building Readers"

"This program enhanced our KBA Author's night, a once a year chance for our

students to read a unique story that they write themselves for our parents and

students. As part of the program, we hosted a virtual visit from Dan Gutman,

renowned author, as he explained how he got the idea for My Weird School, and

his writing process. Then in class they worked on story writing for Author's Night.

Additionally, we purchased a double-level Little Free Library boxes allowing for a

shelf of Hebrew and a shelf of English books. At recess, we formally installed the

little library by our gym and it allows students who prefer to explore, read, and

share books an opportunity to do so."

Pictures provided by KBA

9.

Young Israel of Cherry Hill: Faith, Family, and Education: A Scholar in Residence Shabbos

"The Scholar-in-Residence Shabbos featured Rabbi and Mrs. Kaminetsky,

distinguished Jewish educators from the NY area, whose dedication to Torah,

teaching, and community leadership has shaped generations of students. The

Shabbos provided meaningful learning opportunities for teens, parents, and

adults focused on Emunah, parenting, and Jewish education. Through lectures an

and open Q&A session, participants explored faith development, intergenerational

learning, and strategies for supporting children’s growth within the Jewish home

and community. There were 5 programs offered as a part of the weekend. All

presentations were well attended with at least 50 attendees at each event."

Interested in Applying for JCF Grants?

The Fall 2026 JCF Grants Cycle will open in early September, and we offer a complimentary Grants Workshop on Thursday, September 3 at 9 a.m. (hybrid), and the deadline to apply will be Friday, October 23. If you are a nonprofit organization serving Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties and looking to launch new programs or services, we welcome you to learn more and consider applying. We look forward to hearing about some innovative ideas to benefit our South Jersey community!