December 2025, 2nd Edition

A Life of Strength and Courage:

Honoring a Holocaust Survivor and JFS Client

Edward Gastfriend was an Auschwitz Survivor and an incredibly special man. For the past 12 years, Geriatric Case Manager, Susie Price (pictured with Edward), had the privilege of working closely with him through JFS. His life was a testament to resilience, strength, and grace.

Susie shared, "Edward is the perfect example of what makes our work so meaningful. When he first came to us, he needed just a little help. Over the years, that support grew into providing 24/7 care, ensuring he could remain comfortable in his own home until his very last breath. Through every stage, Edward always knew he was supported and cared for—not just as a client, but as family." 

Edward passed away peacefully at age 100, surrounded by his love ones on November 18, 2025. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy and the impact he had on all of us will never be forgotten.

🎉 Congratulations to our Employee of the Month,

Andrea Pittell! 🎉

We’re thrilled to celebrate Andrea Pittell, Director of Community Outreach, for her outstanding dedication to the JFS mission. In her role, Andrea provides oversight and management of our Outreach and Domestic Abuse Programs, supervises co-located therapists across five Palm Beach County schools, and serves as a trusted liaison to community partners. Her work strengthens the connections, services, and support that help our community thrive every day.

A proud Boca Raton native and FSU alum, Andrea is a twin, LCSW-QS, a lover of sports, and someone who has spent nearly eight years in the field of social work — all driven by her passion for helping others.

When asked what she enjoys most about working at JFS, Andrea shared:

“I love working for Jewish Family Services because every day I get to be part of a community that leads with compassion, dignity, and a deep commitment to helping people thrive.”

We’re so grateful for everything you bring to JFS, Andrea! 💙

Celebrating Weisman Center's

15th Birthday

We're celebrating 15 incredible years at the Shirley & Barton Weisman Delray Community Center! 💜

For a decade and a half, this special place has been a source of support, joy, and enrichment for our vibrant 60+ community, all made possible by generous donors, dedicated volunteers, and the amazing people who walk through our doors every day.

On Tuesday, December 16th, on what would have been Bart Weisman's (z"l) 98th birthday, members of the Weisman Center gathered togather for a wonderful celebration, honoring the 15 years since the center opened its doors. The holiday of Hanukkah was also celebrated, with tables decorated with beautiful menorahs, dreidels, and chocolate gelt. After a special introduction and message from the Weisman Family, attendees enjoyed some Broadway and Hanukkah music and then a lovely sit down lunch.

Here’s to the next 15 years of connection, compassion, and community. 🎉

Bringing Light After Darkness: JFS Honors Holocaust Survivors at Annual Café Europa Celebration 

The Jacobson Family Food Pantry, part of JFS, has received an abundance of food donations recently. We are so grateful to the PJ Library for its Supermarket Sweep donations, SNAP donations, and residents of Woodfield Country Club for all of the food they collected from the Annual Woodfield Feeds the Hungry. At this time of year, ensuring our neighbors in need have nutritious food is more important than ever. Thanks to your generosity we can continue to fight food insecurity and bring hope to seniors and families in our community.

If you would like to make a donation to the pantry, you can drop off food at our Main Office, the Jacobson Family Food Pantry, or the Shirley & Barton Weisman Community Center. To have donations sent directly to the pantry, please visit our Amazon Wish List. Donations can also be made at ralesjfs.org/donate. Questions? Please call (561) 852-3333. 

We are proud to recognize the incredible efforts of the Chapter 2 Women’s Group, part of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, who recently visited the Jacobson Family Food Pantry. Their generosity made a real impact:

✅ 150 lbs of non-perishable and Hanukkah items donated

✅ Over 180 bags packed for our clients

Your commitment to supporting our community ensures families in need can celebrate the season with dignity and joy. Thank you for leading by example!

👉 Learn more about how you can get involved: Click the volunteer button

Hanukkah Meals Delivered: Bringing the Holiday to Our Neighbors in Need

On Wednesday, December 16th, 33 volunteers arrived at the Jacobson Family Food Pantry with one mission in mind: Spread some holiday cheer! They spent their day assembling 700 Hanukkah meal packages and then delivered them with care to 350 households. Each household received matzo ball soup, potato latkes, applesauce, chocolate gelt, custom menorah cookies, nut mix, and dreidels. Thanks to the generosity of Judy Levis Krug, our neighbors in need know they are cared for and can enjoy the traditions that make this season so special. Together, we proved when a community comes together, miracles can happen, one meal, one smile, and one act of kindness at a time.

If you would like information on volunteering or want to lear more about the Jacobson Family Food Pantry, please call (561) 852-3333 or visit ralesjfs.org.

Spotlight On: Programa comunitario de tutoría

✨ Every child deserves someone in their corner.

Could your child benefit from a positive role model and extra support? Our Community Mentoring Program pairs kids with caring mentors who inspire confidence, encourage growth, and help them thrive.

✅ Build life skills

✅ Boost self-esteem

✅ Create lasting connections

📩 Learn more about how to get a mentor for your child today!

Call (561) 852-3333 or visit ralesjfs.org/our-services/family-and-children/#mentor

4 Ways to Manage Grief During the Holidays

by Dr. Jake Teich, MD

FAU Resident Physician at JFS

Give Yourself Permission to Feel Differently

The holidays can intensify feelings of loss, and it’s okay if your emotions don’t match the season’s expectations of joy or celebration.

Set Gentle Boundaries Around Traditions and Gatherings

You don’t have to participate in every event or tradition. Choosing what feels manageable can help conserve emotional energy.

Create Space to Honor Your Loved Ones

Lighting a candle, sharing a memory, or continuing a meaningful ritual can offer comfort and a sense of connection.

Reach Out For Support

Grief can feel isolating, especially during the holidays. Connecting with trusted friends, family members, or a mental health professional can make this time feel less heavy.

At JFS, we recognize the importance of mental health and the power of community support. We offer a diverse range of support groups every month that correspond with our services, including bereavement, divorce, parenting, caregiving, disability services, LGBTQ+, and more. Dr. Teich is currently running evidence-based individual sessions for Prolonged Grief Therapy. If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, please call our office.

To register, call (561) 852-3333 or visit https://ralesjfs.org/our-services/behavioral-health/counseling/#support

2025 Annual Jewish Family Services Gala:

An Evening in Monte Carlo

Register Now - 2026 Reflections of Hope Luncheon

Join us for the 7th Annual Reflections of Hope Luncheon, celebrating resilience, strength, and raising awareness for mental health. Featuring keynote speaker Allison Holker, this inspiring event brings together plenty of community leaders, advocates, and supporters, to raise awareness and funds for Behavioral Health Services at Rales JFS. Don't miss this powerful program.

Buy Your Tickets Now: February 11, 2026!

For tickets and more information, click below.

Need Support? Rales JFS Is Always Here For You!

Join LGBTQ+ Silver Pride Groups

Check Out The Centro Cooperman Therapeutic

Programs Calendar

Join Disability and Inclusion Support Groups

Join Breast & Ovarian Cancer Support Groups

Connect With Us!

Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (JFS) provides a comprehensive range of programs and services which support people of all ages and beliefs. With locations in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Rales JFS programs and services include food and financial assistance, senior services, behavioral health services and many volunteer opportunities. Funding is provided by private and corporate support, grants, special events and individuals whose generosity helps thousands in need each year. Learn more at ralesjfs.org or call (561) 852-3333.

DONATIONS MADE ON THS WEBSITE ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR RUTH & NORMAN RALES JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES (#sc-13201) MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE, 1(800) HELP-FLA.  REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.  RALES JFS RECEIVES 100% OF EACH CONTRIBUTION.