Latest News & Updates from Rales JFS

Honoring Dr. King's Legacy: Rales JFS Volunteers Uplift Community Through

MLK Day of Service

For MLK Day of Service, we honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose timeless 'I Have a Dream' speech continues to and guide us. At Rales JFS, his dream is our dream—a vision of equality, compassion, and a better future for all.


His dream is woven into our mission as we work to uplift our community and create a world of opportunity and safety.


Thank you to all the incredible volunteers who joined Rales JFS this month for our MLK Day of Service. Volunteers assisted at the Jacobson Family Food Pantry and supported the Shirley & Barton Weisman Delray Center Shabbat.


We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our volunteers who have supported Rales JFS over the years. Your dedication and generosity have made an enduring impact on our community, and we are deeply thankful for your commitment to our mission.


Visit online for more volunteer opportunities.

Inspire Aesthetics Collects Toys and Food to Support Community During Holiday Season


Inspire Aesthetics has made a significant impact this holiday season by organizing a toy and food drive to benefit local families in need. Their generous efforts have provided essential resources for children and families facing financial challenges, ensuring they have access to toys, food, and other necessities during this time of year. Rales JFS extends its heartfelt appreciation to Inspire Aesthetics for their dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others.


For more ways to give back through Rales JFS, visit online.


Become a G.E.M.: Give Monthly, Change Lives, Support Seniors

A simple ride can change a life! Support vulnerable seniors in our community by becoming a GEM (Give Every Month) donor today. As a GEM donor, you can choose how much to give each month—every dollar makes a difference!


Why join?

•Sustained Support: Plan and grow life-changing programs.

•Continuous Impact: Create positive ripples in our community.

•Exclusive Updates: Stay connected with special events & insights.


Your Donations at Work:

•$18 = 2 bags of fresh produce for a family.

•$54 = 72 senior rides + 5 essential services.

•$100 = A month’s food for a household.


Sign up today at ralesjfs.org/donations and choose “Give Every Month.” Your commitment brings hope and change to those in need!

Become a G.E.M.

Federation St. Andrews Ladies Group Volunteers at Jacobson Family Food Pantry, Creating Positive Change


A big thank you to the Federation St. Andrews Ladies Group for their recent volunteer efforts at the Jacobson Family Food Pantry. Their dedication and hard work help provide vital resources to families in need, making a meaningful difference in our community. We are truly grateful for their support and continued commitment to helping those we serve.


For more ways to give back through Rales JFS, visit online.


Meet Stephen Mendelsohn: Former Board Chair and Current Executive Committee Member at Rales JFS


Meet Stephen Mendelsohn. Stephen is a former Board Chair of Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (Rales JFS) and currently serves on the Executive Committee. A passionate community leader with deep roots in Boca Raton’s Jewish community, Stephen’s dedication to both his family and the community is truly inspiring. We’re honored to have him as part of the Rales JFS family.


Stephen Mendelsohn is a former Board Chair of Rales JFS and is currently serving on the Executive Committee. Steve and his family have deep roots in Boca Raton Jewish communal activities. He graduated Colgate University and then obtained his law degree from Hofstra University, where he became smitten with Lisa, who later became his wife. He has practiced commercial litigation for the international law firm Greenberg Traurig for 22 years. They raised their children Daniel and Stephanie to have connections with the Jewish community as they attended Zale Pre-K, Donna Klein Jewish Academy, the JCC summer camp and Stephanie went on Birthright and volunteered for Israel’s Onward program. Both had their B’nai Mitzhvas at B’nai Torah Congregation where Steve was a Vice President. Steve has served as a Federation Officer and Executive Board member as well as Chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council and the Planning and Allocations Committee. In his little spare time, he enjoys reading dense philosophy books no one else would touch and constantly re-reading The Plague by Albert Camus.

Welcome to the Rales JFS spotlight, where we proudly showcase our Donors of the Month. The Drowos Family is recognized for the month of January!


At Rales JFS, we believe in honoring those whose unwavering dedication and support have become an integral part of our mission to serve the community. Each month, we shine a light on individuals or organizations within our Rales JFS family whose generosity and commitment exemplify the values we hold dear. Join us in celebrating these exceptional donors who embody the spirit of compassion and service, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.


To donate, visit https://ralesjfs.org/donate

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Don’t let finances keep your kids from making unforgettable summer memories! The Rales JFS Center for Families & Children is now accepting applications for our 2025 Summer Camp Scholarship.



Key Details:

  • Applications open: January 2025
  • Deadline: June 30, 2025 (apply early—funds are limited!)
  • Scholarships up to $1,000 per child (sent directly to the camp).



Eligibility: Must live in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, or Highland Beach.

Help your child have the best summer ever! Apply today before funds run out.


Learn more and get started by clicking the buttons below.

Apply
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Polo Club Foundation Supports Rales JFS Cards for Kids Program


We are truly grateful to the Polo Club Foundation for presenting us with a generous donation to support our Cards for Kids program. This funding allows us to provide gift cards to families with children, helping them access essentials like back-to-school supplies, camp gear, uniforms, shoes, holiday toys, and more throughout the year. Together, we’re making a meaningful impact on our community.


For more ways to give back through Rales JFS, visit online.

Celebrating National Mentoring Month: Honoring Mentors, Mentees,

and Youth Voices




As we round out the end of National Mentoring Month, we take a moment to thank the amazing mentees for trusting the Community Mentoring Program. Watching them continue to learn and grow from their mentors is a wonderful sight!

Our mentors have been deeply moved by our mentees’ journey, as well. Check out what they had to say about their experience!


Rales JFS encourages you to take the first step to becoming a mentor. 



For Thank Your Mentor Day, we thank all of the Mentors with Rales JFS who take the time to make a difference in a child's life. Their efforts do not go unnoticed, reaching their mentees and assisting them in their personal growth. Our mentees are also grateful to be a part of the Community Mentoring Program and loved sharing their appreciation of their mentor's as well.

Listening to youth voices is at the heart of our Community Mentoring Program. This principle extends to mentoring relationships, reminding us that mentoring is a reciprocal pathway for growth that benefits both mentors and mentees. It’s crucial to actively listen to and integrate youth perspectives with genuine care. Today, we invite our mentors and community members to reflect on how you can ensure the young people you work with feel heard, valued, and empowered in the decisions and activities that affect them. Let's continue to uplift and amplify youth voices together!


We thank the United Way of Palm Beach County and the Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County for their continued support.

If you're interested in becoming a mentor or mentee, contact Rales JFS at (561) 852-3333.

On Holocaust Remembrance Day,

We Honor the Resilience of Survivors and Commit to Preserving Dignity, Independence, and Safety for All


On Holocaust Remembrance Day, we reflect on the importance of preserving dignity, independence, and safety for all those we serve. Among our clients, 330 Holocaust survivors remind us daily of the strength of the human spirit. Together, we honor their resilience and commit to ensuring all individuals can age with the support they need.


For more information on Holocaust Survivor support, contact Rales JFS at (561) 852-3333.

Rabbi Bloch Inspires at Weisman Center Shabbat Service, Reflecting on Rabbi Prinz's Legacy of Helping Others


Rabbi Bloch, from Trustbridge, led a beautiful Shabbat service last Friday at the Weisman Center. She spoke about Rabbi Joachim Prinz. He spoke before Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I have a dream" speech. The message he gave, along with his strong support of Civil Rights, is to ask yourself how you can help others. There were several volunteers who assisted at the service who embody this idea of helping others. Along with the beautiful table decorated with roses and filled with treats, singing together as a group and engaging discussion topic, Rabbi Bloch reminded everyone to think about how each one of us can help one another to make this world a better place.


If you or someone you know would like more information about the Weisman Center, please call (561) 558-2100 and schedule a tour today!

Enjoy An Afternoon of Yiddish Music and Jewish Classics with

Lisa Fishman


Join us for an enchanting afternoon of Yiddish music and Jewish classics with Lisa Fishman! Experience nostalgic favorites and delightful storytelling at the Weisman Delray Community Center on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. RSVP now to secure your spot by calling (561) 558-2100. Space is limited!

View Flyer for More Information

Join the Rales JFS Senior Silver Pride Support Group – A Community of Support & Connection!


Join us for the Rales JFS Senior Silver Pride Support Group every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month at 1 PM at the Weisman Delray Community Center. Join us for support, community, and connection.


At Rales JFS, we believe in providing comprehensive support to all seniors, including our LGBTQ+ community. Our Senior Silver Pride Support Group is just one example of how we are dedicated to ensuring that every senior receives the care, respect, and community they deserve. Join us in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all.


For more information, contact Bianca Morales, LGBTQ+ Director at biancam@ralesjfs.org.

Managing Anxiety: Learn How Rales JFS Can Help with Early Intervention and Support


Anxiety disorders are complex but treatable. With the right care—psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and support—improvement is possible. Early intervention is key. Learn more about managing anxiety and how Rales JFS and Dr. Beaman can help. Read more in at Understanding Anxiety Disorders.


 Contact Rales JFS Behavioral Health Services at (561) 852-3333 for more information or visit us online.

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Join us for the Annual Reflections of Hope Luncheon, celebrating resilience and raising awareness for mental health. Featuring keynote speaker Tim Gunn, this inspiring event brings together over 600 guests, including community leaders, advocates, and supporters, to raise awareness and funds for Rales JFS’ Behavioral Health Services. Don’t miss this powerful program.

Save the date: February 12, 2025!


For tickets and more information, click the button.

Need Support? Rales JFS Is Always Here For You!

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Join LGBTQ+ Silver Pride Groups

Click for Senior LGBTQ+ Support

Check Out The Cooperman Center Therapeutic

Programs Calendar

Click for Cooperman Calendar

Join Disability and Inclusion Support Groups

Click for Disability & Inclusion Support

Sibshops: Brothers & Sisters of Individuals with Varying Needs and Abilities

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Join Rales JFS Cancer Support Group

Click for Cancer Support Group
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Main Office

Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services

21300 Ruth and Baron Coleman Blvd.

Boca Raton, FL 33428

Phone: (561) 852-3333; info@ralesjfs.org

www.RalesJFS.org

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, JFS programs and services include food and financial assistance, senior services, behavioral health services, career and employment 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.