{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Jewish Relief Agency","home_page_url":"https://jewishrelief.org","description":"Jewish Relief Agency","author":{"name":"Jewish Relief Agency"},"items":[{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/executive-directors-update-%7C-july-2026","html_content":"

Every other year, JRA partners with West Chester University’s Department of Statistics to undertake an anonymous Client Satisfaction Survey. The results from the 2026 survey, which have just been released, show how impac...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/executive-directors-update-%7C-july-2026","title":"Executive Director's Update | July 2026","summary":"Every other year, JRA partners with West Chester University’s Department of Statistics to undertake an anonymous Client Satisfaction Survey. The results from the 2026 survey, which have just been released, show how impac...","date_modified":"2026-07-24T16:06:01Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/%E2%80%9Cit%E2%80%99s-where-my-heart-is%E2%80%9D-%7C-meet-phyllis-actman","html_content":"

In 1975, Phyllis Actman went to work at the Jewish Community Center Klein branch in Northeast Philadelphia. For more than 45 years, her life was dedicated to service in Jewish nonprofit spaces, where she observed every s...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/%E2%80%9Cit%E2%80%99s-where-my-heart-is%E2%80%9D-%7C-meet-phyllis-actman","title":"“It’s Where My Heart is” | Meet Phyllis Actman","summary":"In 1975, Phyllis Actman went to work at the Jewish Community Center Klein branch in Northeast Philadelphia. For more than 45 years, her life was dedicated to service in Jewish nonprofit spaces, where she observed every s...","date_modified":"2026-07-24T16:03:48Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/giving-back-made-easy-meet-carrie-rosen","html_content":"

In January of 2018, Carrie Rosen was looking for an opportunity for her son, Jacob, to volunteer. With Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaching, she wanted to find a way for Jacob to get involved in giving back to his comm...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/giving-back-made-easy-meet-carrie-rosen","title":"Giving Back Made Easy: Meet Carrie Rosen","summary":"In January of 2018, Carrie Rosen was looking for an opportunity for her son, Jacob, to volunteer. With Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaching, she wanted to find a way for Jacob to get involved in giving back to his comm...","date_modified":"2026-06-01T20:54:23Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/where-volunteering-becomes-community","html_content":"

April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, and while every day is volunteer appreciation day at JRA, this month gives us an extra opportunity to celebrate the people who make this work possible.

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/where-volunteering-becomes-community","title":"Where Volunteering Becomes Community","summary":"April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, and while every day is volunteer appreciation day at JRA, this month gives us an extra opportunity to celebrate the people who make this work possible.","date_modified":"2026-04-17T19:33:38Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/stepping-up-for-others-%7C-meet-colombo-sosky","html_content":"

Almost a decade ago, a regular volunteering trip to JRA from Congregation Shir Ami turned into a lifelong commitment.

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/stepping-up-for-others-%7C-meet-colombo-sosky","title":"Stepping Up for Others | Meet Colombo Sosky","summary":"Almost a decade ago, a regular volunteering trip to JRA from Congregation Shir Ami turned into a lifelong commitment.","date_modified":"2026-04-17T19:33:25Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/executive-directors-update-%7C-april-2026","html_content":"

Dear Friends,

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/executive-directors-update-%7C-april-2026","title":"Executive Director's Update | April 2026","summary":"Dear Friends,","date_modified":"2026-04-17T19:33:14Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/executive-directors-update-%7C-march-2026","html_content":"

Dear JRA Family,

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/executive-directors-update-%7C-march-2026","title":"Executive Director's Update | March 2026","summary":"Dear JRA Family,","date_modified":"2026-03-20T17:12:58Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/what-can-i-do-%7C-hayley-charles-sets-an-example-to-follow","html_content":"

Early in 2025, Hayley Charles felt the urge to volunteer. Volunteering had been a strong part of her life ever since she did a 9-month term of service with AmeriCorps after graduating from college. However, after beginni...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/what-can-i-do-%7C-hayley-charles-sets-an-example-to-follow","title":"\"What Can I Do?\" | Hayley Charles Sets an Example to Follow","summary":"Early in 2025, Hayley Charles felt the urge to volunteer. Volunteering had been a strong part of her life ever since she did a 9-month term of service with AmeriCorps after graduating from college. However, after beginni...","date_modified":"2026-03-20T16:57:05Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/living-the-values-we-teach-%7C-nina-gordons-jra-story","html_content":"

When Nina Gordon first read about the Jewish Relief Agency in the Jewish Exponent back in 2012, something about the organization stayed with her. It took a little time before she made it to her first Sunday delivery, but...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/living-the-values-we-teach-%7C-nina-gordons-jra-story","title":"Living the Values We Teach | Nina Gordon's JRA Story","summary":"When Nina Gordon first read about the Jewish Relief Agency in the Jewish Exponent back in 2012, something about the organization stayed with her. It took a little time before she made it to her first Sunday delivery, but...","date_modified":"2026-03-20T16:48:27Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/mo-perera-hooked-on-helping-since-day-one","html_content":"

In 2005, after the passing of his father, Mo Perera found himself flipping through the pages of the Jewish Exponent looking for a way to give back. That’s when he came across the Jewish Relief Agency. He showed up to pac...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/mo-perera-hooked-on-helping-since-day-one","title":"Mo Perera: Hooked on Helping Since Day One","summary":"In 2005, after the passing of his father, Mo Perera found himself flipping through the pages of the Jewish Exponent looking for a way to give back. That’s when he came across the Jewish Relief Agency. He showed up to pac...","date_modified":"2026-02-20T21:32:14Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/executive-directors-update-%7C-february-2026","html_content":"

Dear Friends,

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/executive-directors-update-%7C-february-2026","title":"Executive Director's Update | February 2026","summary":"Dear Friends,","date_modified":"2026-02-20T20:28:18Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/finding-a-happy-place-barbara-adler%E2%80%99s-volunteering-story","html_content":"

JRA was founded with the goal of supporting our community: the Jewish community, the Greater Philadelphia community, and beyond. Yet in the process of doing so, something else happened: JRA formed a community of its own....

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/finding-a-happy-place-barbara-adler%E2%80%99s-volunteering-story","title":"Finding a Happy Place: Barbara Adler’s Volunteering Story","summary":"JRA was founded with the goal of supporting our community: the Jewish community, the Greater Philadelphia community, and beyond. Yet in the process of doing so, something else happened: JRA formed a community of its own....","date_modified":"2026-02-20T20:22:29Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/spreading-joy-and-kindness-through-mishloach-manot","html_content":"

As the Purim holiday approaches, JRA marks this celebration with joy, laughter, and hamantaschen. A core Purim tradition is mishloach manot, or gifts of food. Giving mishloach manot is a show of love and care for those i

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/spreading-joy-and-kindness-through-mishloach-manot","title":"Spreading Joy and Kindness through Mishloach Manot","summary":"As the Purim holiday approaches, JRA marks this celebration with joy, laughter, and hamantaschen. A core Purim tradition is mishloach manot, or gifts of food. Giving mishloach manot is a show of love and care for those i","date_modified":"2026-02-20T20:18:26Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/executive-directors-update-%7C-january-2026","html_content":"

A Shared Dream, One Box at a Time

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/executive-directors-update-%7C-january-2026","title":"Executive Director's Update | January 2026","summary":"A Shared Dream, One Box at a Time","date_modified":"2026-01-16T17:39:31Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/a-life-committed-to-service-%7C-meet-helen-berman","html_content":"

JRA is honored to have some of the most committed volunteers in our community – volunteers who show up day after day, month after month, year after year, working tirelessly in service of others. Our volunteers are so com...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/a-life-committed-to-service-%7C-meet-helen-berman","title":"A Life Committed to Service | Meet Helen Berman","summary":"JRA is honored to have some of the most committed volunteers in our community – volunteers who show up day after day, month after month, year after year, working tirelessly in service of others. Our volunteers are so com...","date_modified":"2026-01-16T17:00:45Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/jack-kornblatt-%7C-the-power-of-saying-yes","html_content":"

When Jack Kornblatt moved back to Philadelphia in 2019, he was looking for two things: a way to reconnect with the Jewish community and an opportunity to meet people his own age. What he found at JRA turned into somethin...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/jack-kornblatt-%7C-the-power-of-saying-yes","title":"Jack Kornblatt | The Power of Saying Yes","summary":"When Jack Kornblatt moved back to Philadelphia in 2019, he was looking for two things: a way to reconnect with the Jewish community and an opportunity to meet people his own age. What he found at JRA turned into somethin...","date_modified":"2026-01-16T16:53:09Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/executive-directors-update-%7C-december-2025","html_content":"

Dear Friends of JRA,

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/executive-directors-update-%7C-december-2025","title":"Executive Director's Update | December 2025","summary":"Dear Friends of JRA,","date_modified":"2025-12-23T21:12:42Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/volunteering-runs-in-the-family-meet-the-klaymans","html_content":"

When David Klayman stumbled upon the Jewish Relief Agency, he immediately thought of his family. It was roughly 5 years ago, and David was just out for a simple drive, looking for something to do. Volunteering had alread...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/volunteering-runs-in-the-family-meet-the-klaymans","title":"Volunteering Runs in the Family | Meet the Klaymans","summary":"When David Klayman stumbled upon the Jewish Relief Agency, he immediately thought of his family. It was roughly 5 years ago, and David was just out for a simple drive, looking for something to do. Volunteering had alread...","date_modified":"2025-12-23T21:00:09Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/leading-with-heart","html_content":"

Rachel Schwartz’s Path from Volunteer to Board Chair

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/leading-with-heart","title":"Leading with Heart","summary":"Rachel Schwartz’s Path from Volunteer to Board Chair","date_modified":"2025-12-23T20:17:13Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/delivering-meaningful-lessons","html_content":"

JRA relies on the generosity not only of individuals, but also of groups who join us each month to volunteer at our monthly distributions. From synagogues to corporate groups to schools and summer camps, volunteering as ...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/delivering-meaningful-lessons","title":"Delivering Meaningful Lessons: Congregation Beth Or Volunteers","summary":"JRA relies on the generosity not only of individuals, but also of groups who join us each month to volunteer at our monthly distributions. From synagogues to corporate groups to schools and summer camps, volunteering as ...","date_modified":"2025-11-26T21:13:05Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/a-legacy-of-giving-rachel-kaufman%E2%80%99s-multigenerational-jra-story","html_content":"

For Rachel Kaufman, volunteering with JRA isn’t an activity that appears on the family calendar—it’s a family tradition woven through four generations. What began 15 years ago with a simple invitation from a dear friend ...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/a-legacy-of-giving-rachel-kaufman%E2%80%99s-multigenerational-jra-story","title":"A Legacy of Giving: Rachel Kaufman’s Multigenerational JRA Story","summary":"For Rachel Kaufman, volunteering with JRA isn’t an activity that appears on the family calendar—it’s a family tradition woven through four generations. What began 15 years ago with a simple invitation from a dear friend ...","date_modified":"2025-11-26T21:12:49Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/jra-route-owners-form-powerful-connections","html_content":"

Many aspects of JRA make it an incredibly special organization that stands up for the community in unique and powerful ways. One such element that cannot be overlooked is JRA’s route delivery system. Through a powerful, ...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/jra-route-owners-form-powerful-connections","title":"JRA Route Owners Form Powerful Connections","summary":"Many aspects of JRA make it an incredibly special organization that stands up for the community in unique and powerful ways. One such element that cannot be overlooked is JRA’s route delivery system. Through a powerful, ...","date_modified":"2025-11-26T21:12:31Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/executive-directors-update-%7C-november-2025","html_content":"

Dear Friends of JRA,

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/executive-directors-update-%7C-november-2025","title":"Executive Director's Update | November 2025","summary":"Dear Friends of JRA,","date_modified":"2025-11-26T21:12:12Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/executive-directors-update-%7C-october-2025","html_content":"

Dear Friends of JRA,

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/executive-directors-update-%7C-october-2025","title":"Executive Director's Update | October 2025","summary":"Dear Friends of JRA,","date_modified":"2025-10-24T15:31:26Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/volunteers-bring-us-the-technology-to-evolve-meet-steve-hurlock","html_content":"

Each month, hundreds of volunteers pull their cars up to the JRA warehouse, where their vehicles are filled with boxes and bags of essential items. From there, these cars depart, traveling throughout the Greater Philadel...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/volunteers-bring-us-the-technology-to-evolve-meet-steve-hurlock","title":"Volunteers Bring Us the Technology to Evolve: Meet Steve Hurlock","summary":"Each month, hundreds of volunteers pull their cars up to the JRA warehouse, where their vehicles are filled with boxes and bags of essential items. From there, these cars depart, traveling throughout the Greater Philadel...","date_modified":"2025-10-24T15:22:07Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/the-right-to-health-for-all-jra-delivers-fresh-produce","html_content":"

As JRA assembles our boxes each month, careful consideration is given to ensuring that our recipients receive items they both want and need. The goal is always to provide a diverse range of household staples that are bo...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/the-right-to-health-for-all-jra-delivers-fresh-produce","title":"The Right to Health For All: JRA Delivers Fresh Produce","summary":" As JRA assembles our boxes each month, careful consideration is given to ensuring that our recipients receive items they both want and need. The goal is always to provide a diverse range of household staples that are bo...","date_modified":"2025-10-24T15:16:34Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/from-a-google-search-to-a-lifelong-commitment-meet-joe-burke","html_content":"

It was the summer of 2010 when Joe Burke first stumbled upon the Jewish Relief Agency, not through a community connection, but by chance. “I was looking for something local and hands-on,” he recalls. “I typed a few words...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/from-a-google-search-to-a-lifelong-commitment-meet-joe-burke","title":"From A Google Search to a Lifelong Commitment: Meet Joe Burke","summary":"It was the summer of 2010 when Joe Burke first stumbled upon the Jewish Relief Agency, not through a community connection, but by chance. “I was looking for something local and hands-on,” he recalls. “I typed a few words...","date_modified":"2025-10-24T15:09:41Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/executive-directors-update-september-2025","html_content":"

Dear Friends of JRA,

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/executive-directors-update-september-2025","title":"Executive Director's Update | September 2025","summary":"Dear Friends of JRA,","date_modified":"2025-09-11T20:55:38Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/300-distributions-strong","html_content":"

For nearly 25 years, JRA has worked actively within our community to provide kosher, shelf-stable food to individuals and families in need. In this time, the organization has touched more than 20,000 lives, from immigran...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/300-distributions-strong","title":"300 Distributions Strong","summary":"For nearly 25 years, JRA has worked actively within our community to provide kosher, shelf-stable food to individuals and families in need. In this time, the organization has touched more than 20,000 lives, from immigran...","date_modified":"2025-09-11T20:40:18Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/jra-juniors-step-up-meet-leah-rouse","html_content":"

JRA relies heavily on the efforts of our volunteers to serve over 3,500 households in our community each month. JRA’s monthly distributions are incredibly large undertakings, and our volunteers serve key roles in making ...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/jra-juniors-step-up-meet-leah-rouse","title":"JRA Juniors Step Up: Meet Leah Rouse","summary":"JRA relies heavily on the efforts of our volunteers to serve over 3,500 households in our community each month. JRA’s monthly distributions are incredibly large undertakings, and our volunteers serve key roles in making ...","date_modified":"2025-09-11T19:58:29Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/a-heart-for-helping-art-davis-reflects-on-years-of-service-with","html_content":"

For Arthur “Art” Davis, what started as a friendly nudge from a synagogue friend quickly turned into a life-changing commitment. Art first heard about the organization during a casual conversation. At first, he dismissed...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/a-heart-for-helping-art-davis-reflects-on-years-of-service-with","title":"A Heart for Helping: Art Davis Reflects on Years of Service ","summary":"For Arthur “Art” Davis, what started as a friendly nudge from a synagogue friend quickly turned into a life-changing commitment. Art first heard about the organization during a casual conversation. At first, he dismissed...","date_modified":"2025-09-11T19:52:38Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/executive-directors-update-august-2025","html_content":"

Dear Friends of JRA,

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/executive-directors-update-august-2025","title":"Executive Director's Update | August 2025","summary":"Dear Friends of JRA,","date_modified":"2025-08-04T20:10:54Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/camp-groups-save-the-summer","html_content":"

Summer is a challenging time for JRA. With school groups gone and many of our volunteers out of town, we utilize this opportunity to find new ways of creating fun and exciting volunteer experiences and encouraging new pe...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/camp-groups-save-the-summer","title":"Camp Groups Save the Summer!","summary":"Summer is a challenging time for JRA. With school groups gone and many of our volunteers out of town, we utilize this opportunity to find new ways of creating fun and exciting volunteer experiences and encouraging new pe...","date_modified":"2025-08-04T19:21:05Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/all-students-deserve-the-chance-to-succeed-backpacks-for-success","html_content":"

For many students in America, Back to School season can be an exciting time. Picking out school supplies can fill one with a sense of hope and opportunity, with each new spiral-bound notebook and neon-colored folder pres...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/all-students-deserve-the-chance-to-succeed-backpacks-for-success","title":"All Students Deserve the Chance to Succeed: Backpacks For Success","summary":"For many students in America, Back to School season can be an exciting time. Picking out school supplies can fill one with a sense of hope and opportunity, with each new spiral-bound notebook and neon-colored folder pres...","date_modified":"2025-08-04T18:27:38Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/jra-volunteers-give-it-their-all-meet-chris-levin","html_content":"

If you’ve ever been to JRA on a weekday, this scene might sound familiar. A group of people are standing around a car, its trunk open as wide as it can go. A couple of people are loading in boxes, packing them tightly, a...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/jra-volunteers-give-it-their-all-meet-chris-levin","title":"JRA Volunteers Give it Their All: Meet Chris Levin","summary":"If you’ve ever been to JRA on a weekday, this scene might sound familiar. A group of people are standing around a car, its trunk open as wide as it can go. A couple of people are loading in boxes, packing them tightly, a...","date_modified":"2025-08-04T16:03:24Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/stories-of-impact-meet-bernard-snyder","html_content":"

Philadelphia resident Bernard Snyder came to JRA after he became the primary caretaker for his adult son, who had suffered a stroke. At the time, he was also taking care of his ailing wife, who was struggling with dement...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/stories-of-impact-meet-bernard-snyder","title":"Stories of Impact: Meet Bernard Snyder.","summary":"Philadelphia resident Bernard Snyder came to JRA after he became the primary caretaker for his adult son, who had suffered a stroke. At the time, he was also taking care of his ailing wife, who was struggling with dement...","date_modified":"2025-04-07T19:59:11Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/in-celebration-of-julie-roat-20-years-of-providing-relief","html_content":"

As JRA approaches its monumental 25th anniversary, we also celebrate another significant milestone: 20 years of service for our incredible Chief of Operations, Julie Roat. I sat down with Julie to discuss her time with J...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/in-celebration-of-julie-roat-20-years-of-providing-relief","title":"In Celebration of Julie Roat: 20 Years of Providing Relief","summary":"As JRA approaches its monumental 25th anniversary, we also celebrate another significant milestone: 20 years of service for our incredible Chief of Operations, Julie Roat. I sat down with Julie to discuss her time with J...","date_modified":"2025-04-07T19:40:19Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/delivering-meaningful-holiday-experiences-to-neighbors-in-need","html_content":"

One of the things that makes JRA special is that Jewish values are at the core of everything we do, from honoring the spirit of mitzvot to ensuring that all the items we deliver are 100% kosher. One of the most important...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/delivering-meaningful-holiday-experiences-to-neighbors-in-need","title":"Let All Who Are Hungry Come and Eat...","summary":"One of the things that makes JRA special is that Jewish values are at the core of everything we do, from honoring the spirit of mitzvot to ensuring that all the items we deliver are 100% kosher. One of the most important...","date_modified":"2025-04-07T19:38:23Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/jra-delivers-meaningful-connections-meet-jay-polakoff","html_content":"

JRA provides volunteers with the unique opportunity to interact directly with our recipients, delivering not only food and other household necessities but invaluable moments of kindness and human connection.

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/jra-delivers-meaningful-connections-meet-jay-polakoff","title":"JRA Delivers Meaningful Connections: Meet Jay Polakoff.","summary":"JRA provides volunteers with the unique opportunity to interact directly with our recipients, delivering not only food and other household necessities but invaluable moments of kindness and human connection.","date_modified":"2025-04-07T19:31:54Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/mastering-the-art-of-giving-and-receiving","html_content":"

At age 37, married, with five young children, ages one to nine, Sasha’s life looks a bit different than it did just a few years ago. It was recently that Sasha’s first-born son was diagnosed with ADHD and autism.

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/mastering-the-art-of-giving-and-receiving","title":"Mastering the Art of Giving and Receiving","summary":"At age 37, married, with five young children, ages one to nine, Sasha’s life looks a bit different than it did just a few years ago. It was recently that Sasha’s first-born son was diagnosed with ADHD and autism. ","date_modified":"2024-06-11T20:43:53Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/delivering-is-a-very-personal-jra-experience-meet-rachel","html_content":"

For Rachel Yakobashvili, volunteering to deliver for JRA is something she looks forward to doing. It is ingrained in the fabric of her life, who she is, and her Jewish values, especially “tikkun olam,” or making the worl...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/delivering-is-a-very-personal-jra-experience-meet-rachel","title":"Delivering is a Very Personal JRA experience. Meet Rachel.","summary":"For Rachel Yakobashvili, volunteering to deliver for JRA is something she looks forward to doing. It is ingrained in the fabric of her life, who she is, and her Jewish values, especially “tikkun olam,” or making the worl...","date_modified":"2024-05-13T20:10:55Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/jra-packs-more-than-hamantaschen-at-purim","html_content":"

The month of March at JRA has been about celebrating Purim, a joyous and festive Jewish holiday typically celebrated by donating to charity, gift-giving, baking hamantaschen, and reading from the Book of Esther. The stor...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/jra-packs-more-than-hamantaschen-at-purim","title":"JRA Packs More than Hamantaschen at Purim","summary":"The month of March at JRA has been about celebrating Purim, a joyous and festive Jewish holiday typically celebrated by donating to charity, gift-giving, baking hamantaschen, and reading from the Book of Esther. The stor...","date_modified":"2024-03-27T20:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/expanding-services-the-josh-katz-jewish-relief-fund","html_content":"

Working in the community, our volunteers and staff often create strong and meaningful relationships with our recipients. Much can be shared when people check in with each other on a recurring basis. A door-to-door visit ...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/expanding-services-the-josh-katz-jewish-relief-fund","title":"Expanding Services: The Josh Katz Jewish Relief Fund","summary":"Working in the community, our volunteers and staff often create strong and meaningful relationships with our recipients. Much can be shared when people check in with each other on a recurring basis. A door-to-door visit ...","date_modified":"2024-02-05T16:33:04Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/twin-brothers-pair-up-for-a-meaningful-mitzvah-project","html_content":"

Twins Joshua and Alexander Kish, age 13, never imagined that a day at JRA could feel so different from their previous volunteer experiences over the last five years, but timing is everything. Volunteering at JRA for thei...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/twin-brothers-pair-up-for-a-meaningful-mitzvah-project","title":"Twin Brothers Pair Up for a Meaningful Mitzvah Project","summary":"Twins Joshua and Alexander Kish, age 13, never imagined that a day at JRA could feel so different from their previous volunteer experiences over the last five years, but timing is everything. Volunteering at JRA for thei...","date_modified":"2024-02-05T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/philadelphia-inquirer-jra-recipients-will-to-live","html_content":"

Cancer should have killed this single dad from Narberth years ago. He holds on for his daughter.

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/philadelphia-inquirer-jra-recipients-will-to-live","title":"Philadelphia Inquirer: JRA Recipient's Will to Live","summary":"Cancer should have killed this single dad from Narberth years ago. He holds on for his daughter.","date_modified":"2024-02-01T17:45:35Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/meet-laura-and-mark-solomon","html_content":"

“We jokingly refer to ours as a mixed marriage since Mark belongs to an Orthodox synagogue and I belong to a Conservative synagogue. One of the most amazing things about JRA is that it brings together Jews across the de...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/meet-laura-and-mark-solomon","title":"Meet Laura and Mark Solomon","summary":" “We jokingly refer to ours as a mixed marriage since Mark belongs to an Orthodox synagogue and I belong to a Conservative synagogue. One of the most amazing things about JRA is that it brings together Jews across the de...","date_modified":"2023-12-18T22:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/jras-annual-event-supports-expanded-mission","html_content":"

JRA's Annual Event Supports Expanded Mission TO COMBAT FOOD INSECURITY AND PROVIDE MORE RELIEF

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/jras-annual-event-supports-expanded-mission","title":"Expanding Beyond the Box","summary":"JRA's Annual Event Supports Expanded Mission TO COMBAT FOOD INSECURITY AND PROVIDE MORE RELIEF","date_modified":"2023-12-15T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/meet-your-annual-event-host-mitch-sterling","html_content":"

“My involvement in both the Jewish Federation and JRA makes me keenly aware of community needs and the growing requirements for JRA to provide relief. Through the pandemic and changing economic cycles, JRA has done an am...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/meet-your-annual-event-host-mitch-sterling","title":"Meet Your Annual Event Host: Mitch Sterling","summary":"“My involvement in both the Jewish Federation and JRA makes me keenly aware of community needs and the growing requirements for JRA to provide relief. Through the pandemic and changing economic cycles, JRA has done an am...","date_modified":"2023-12-03T23:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/meet-your-annual-event-host-the-neff-family","html_content":"

“Mom, what do homeless women do when they get their period?” -- Samantha (Sami) Neff

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/meet-your-annual-event-host-the-neff-family","title":"Meet Your Annual Event Host: The Neff Family","summary":"“Mom, what do homeless women do when they get their period?” -- Samantha (Sami) Neff","date_modified":"2023-11-14T17:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/when-giving-becomes-receiving-the-spiritual-essence-of-volunteer","html_content":"

Andy Greenberg knew it would feel good to give back to the community when he began volunteering eight years ago at the JRA warehouse, but what he didn’t foresee was all he’d receive in return. He and his sons, Ari and He...

","url":"https://jewishrelief.org/unboxed-newsletter/f/when-giving-becomes-receiving-the-spiritual-essence-of-volunteer","title":"Giving Becomes Receiving: The Spiritual Essence Of Volunteering","summary":"Andy Greenberg knew it would feel good to give back to the community when he began volunteering eight years ago at the JRA warehouse, but what he didn’t foresee was all he’d receive in return. He and his sons, Ari and He...","date_modified":"2023-08-22T16:00:00Z"}]}