Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services is proud to announce Candy Cohn as our April Impact Maker.

Candy Cohn’s connection to the Weisman Delray Community Center began through her work with seniors. After hearing glowing feedback from several of her clients about the Center’s offerings, she decided to explore the programs for herself. What she discovered was a vibrant, welcoming space filled with meaningful daily activities and a mission she felt compelled to support.

One program that especially stood out to Candy was the caregiver support group, a vital resource for families navigating the challenges of caregiving. As a guest speaker for the group, she witnessed firsthand how it provided comfort, education, and a safe space for caregivers to share their experiences.

But it was a personal experience with her mother that truly sparked Candy’s most heartfelt contribution. In her final years, Candy’s mother, who had dementia, reverted to speaking primarily in Yiddish—the first language she learned. During their weekly visits, she began singing a Yiddish love song, Sheyn Vi De Lavone. Candy searched for the song online, eventually discovering a version by California-based singer Lisa Fishman. The music became a treasured part of their visits.

After her mother’s passing, Candy reached out to Lisa to share the story. Moved by the experience, she proposed the idea of sponsoring a concert through Rales JFS, so others could feel the same connection to their heritage and memories. With help from JFS staff, Candy brought Lisa Fishman to South Florida for a Yiddish concert at the Weisman Center in February 2024.

The event was a resounding success, drawing a full audience and emotional reactions from attendees. The overwhelming response led to the creation of a quarterly Yiddish concert series, supported by additional sponsors and ongoing community enthusiasm. The series continued with a second concert in February 2025 and will feature Elliot and Doris Weiss on May 8, with more events planned throughout the year.

Candy’s vision is to ensure this concert series continues as a permanent cultural offering, bringing joy, nostalgia, and connection to local seniors. She also hopes her efforts will inspire others to support programs that enrich lives and build community.

Candy shares, “It’s so important that we all continue to support JFS and the Weisman Center so they can continue to provide much needed programs and services in our community.” Candy’s generosity has already created a lasting impact—and a legacy filled with music, meaning, and love.

The mission of Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (Rales JFS) is to support anyone in South Palm Beach County who needs help, regardless of age or background. Our comprehensive programs strengthen, protect, and empower, with care and compassion. If you would like to support Rales JFS through a planned or outright gift, please contact (561) 852-3333 or visit ralesjfs.org.