More April News

A Night of Reflection, Gratitude and New Beginnings at the

2025 Rales JFS Annual Meeting



Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2025 Rales JFS Annual Meeting on April 10th.

We are grateful for the opportunity to come together as a community to reflect, honor, and celebrate.

We extend our deepest appreciation to our outgoing Board Members for years of dedication— Marshall Burack, Stephanie Chestnov, Jane Cornell, Mark Dern, Amy Dweck, Marissa Hollander, Natalie Pelavin, Manny Rabinowitz, David Schimel, Lisa Schultz, Jeff Spero, and Vicki Weinstein. You’ve helped shape who we are today. With excitement, we welcome our new and continuing Board Members as we look ahead to another impactful year.

A special tribute was given to Beth Levine, who is retiring after 33 remarkable years with Rales JFS. Her legacy and commitment will always be part of our story with the newly established Beth Levine Legacy Fund.

At Rales JFS, we’re more than an agency—we’re a family. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

For more ways to give back, contact Rales JFS at (561) 852-3333 or visit ralesjfs.org.

Honoring the Memory, Preserving the Legacy: Reflecting on Yom HaShoah

On Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, we honor the memory of the six million Jews who were lost during the Holocaust and pay tribute to the survivors, whose strength and stories continue to inspire us. May we never forget—and may we continue to stand against hatred in all its forms.



For Holocaust Survivor Assistance, contact Rales JFS at (561) 852-3333.

Celebrating Our Sun-Sational Volunteers: Rales JFS

Volunteer Appreciation Week

Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services recently celebrated our incredible volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation Week, recognizing the heart and soul of our organization.

Part 1 of the week took place at the Jacobson Family Food Pantry, where volunteers enjoyed lunch, laughter, and appreciation beach bags. We honored Ken Hall and Sharon Zaslowsky for over 500 hours of service, and Susan Heidenberg and Beverly Greenstein for over 400 hours. Each received a special gift for their dedication.

At the Shirley & Barton Weisman Delray Community Center, volunteers came together for lunch and gifts. Congratulations to Bonnie Levinson for over 900 hours of service, Diana Rosenblatt for over 1000 hours, and Marsya Shaw for over 800 hours—each recognized for their outstanding commitment.

Part 3 took place at our community partner JARC, where our Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers picked up their usual Friday-morning deliveries and were surprised with a warm breakfast and gifts. These volunteers bring more than just meals—they bring connection and compassion to clients who may not have anyone else visiting them. A special congratulations also goes to Joe whelan and Linda Klein for over 300 hours of service, Michele Rudnick for over 400 hours, Bob Imhoff for over 700 hours of service.

We are so grateful for the time and heart our volunteers give. To learn more about getting involved, contact us at (561) 852-3333 or info@ralesjfs.org.

Volunteers Deliver 550 Passover Bags to Local Households with Help from Addison Reserve and Federation



This month, volunteers delivered Passover bags to approximately 200 households at Century Village, Gould House, and Weinberg House. Each home received two bags—one filled with Passover non-perishables and the other with essential cleaning supplies.

A heartfelt thank you to the volunteers who delivered them and to those who packed the bags in the weeks leading up. In total, 550 bags were distributed to pantry clients over the past two weeks—made possible by generous donations from Addison Reserve Country Club via Federation.

For more ways to give back, contact Rales JFS at (561) 852-3333 or visit ralesjfs.org.

Temple Beth El Preschool Joins Rales JFS for Cereal Box Domino Mitzvah, Donating 100+ Boxes to Fight Hunger

Rales JFS visited Temple Beth El Preschool for a fun and meaningful Cereal Box Domino to celebrate a special Passover mitzvah! With over 100 boxes of cereal donated by the students, each class learned about food insecurity through story time and discovered what it means to give back in a hands-on, impactful way.

Interested in teaching your kids about giving back or want to donate to the Jacobson Family Food Pantry? Contact Rales JFS at (561) 852-3333.

Rooms for a Prince and Princess Donates Clothing and Backpacks to Support Local Families and Survivors

We give a big thank you to Rooms for a Prince and Princess for their generous donation of kids’ clothing and backpacks! These items were added to our Jacobson Family Food Pantry to support local families in need, and we also shared some with our partners at AVDA, who provide shelter and support for survivors of domestic abuse in Palm Beach County.



We're so grateful for community partners like Room for a Prince and Princess, whose kind hearts and commitment to giving back make a real difference.

To donate to Rales JFS, please call us at (561) 852-3333

Boca Grove Families Visit Jacobson Family Food Pantry for a Day of Learning and Giving Back

We give a heartfelt thank you to Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County for bringing families from the Boca Grove neighborhood to the Jacobson Family Food Pantry! It was a special afternoon of learning, making matza covers, and packing groceries for those in need. We are grateful to Elana from PJ Library for joining and helping too!

If you or your group would like to volunteer or give back to the Jacobson Family Food Pantry,

contact Kim at Kime@ralesjfs.org.

Candy Cohn Recognized as Rales JFS Impact Maker of the Month!

Welcome to the Rales JFS spotlight, where we proudly showcase our Impact Maker of the Month. Candy Cohn is recognized for the month of April!

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.

Click the button below to read more.

Honoring Autism Awareness Month: Celebrating Uniqueness and Promoting Inclusion at Rales JFS

Autism Awareness Month is a time to celebrate the unique voices in our community and shine a light on the importance of inclusion and support.

Swipe through to learn how Rales JFS is here to help, and why inclusion makes our community better.

Visit ralesjfs.org or call (561) 852-3333 to learn more about our services for individuals with special needs and their families.

Move, Unwind, and Support a Great Cause!

Join us for Move & Unwind: A Yoga Event Supporting Mental Health & Vital Programs at Rales JFS.

Led by instructor Robyn Cifuentes, with a Sound Bowl Meditation by Shari Kline, this evening of wellness will nourish your mind, fuel your body, and uplift your spirit. Enjoy yoga, wholesome eats, and wellness vendors!

Register now and flow with us for a great cause!

Join Rales JFS for Mental Health Is Everyone's Business

Jared Firestone, "The Jewish Jet," Shares His Journey with the

Weisman Delray Men’s Group

What a great afternoon at the Weisman Delray Community Center Men's Group! Jared Firestone, “The Jewish Jet,” shared his remarkable journey from Florida sprinter to Olympic skeleton athlete for Israel—racing headfirst at over 80 mph. After surviving a TIA in 2014, he went on to earn seven North America Cup medals and now leads Israel’s National Skeleton Team, aiming for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Thanks to everyone who joined us for this powerful and unforgettable story!

Time Is Running Out — JELF’s 0% Interest Loan

Application Closes April 30

Less than a couple of days left!

JELF’s application for 0% interest loans for higher education closes on April 30, 2025.

If you—or someone you know—are a full-time student in college, grad school, or a vocational program, don’t miss out on this incredible last dollar funding opportunity.

Visit jelf.org to apply and help us spread the word!

Need Support? Rales JFS Is Always Here For You!

Join LGBTQ+ Silver Pride Groups

Check Out The Cooperman Center Therapeutic

Programs Calendar

Join Cancer Support Groups

Join Disability and Inclusion Support Groups

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

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, 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.