This Chanukah, JFS brought warmth and connection to Holocaust survivors and older adults—both in person and at home—through meaningful celebrations and holiday deliveries.
On December 9 and 16, more than 50 Holocaust survivors and caregivers gathered at Oheb Shalom Congregation in South Orange for JFS MetroWest’s Café Europa and Chai Café celebrations. Filled with music, festive Chanukah foods, and shared tradition, the events honored resilience and community.
This special Café Europa was held in loving memory of Ellin Cohen z”l. In a moving moment, members of the Cohen family joined participants to light the Chanukah menorah in her honor. Live music added to the joy, with Ken Kresge performing at Café Europa and Gennady Vysotsky entertaining Chai Café guests with Russian musical selections.
In addition, JFS delivered 139 Hanukkah meals and care packages to isolated older adults and Holocaust survivors. Each delivery included a traditional holiday meal and festive items such as gelt, a dreidel, jelly donut, and Chanukah card—simple gestures that carried deep meaning.
These deliveries were made possible through support from the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ and generous donors.
Whether gathered together or reached at home, one message was clear: community and connection light the way.
Café Europa and Chai Café are JFS MetroWest programs designed to reduce isolation and foster social connection among Holocaust survivors through enriching cultural and communal experiences. Café Europa and the Chai Cafe are made possible by a grant from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany and The JFNA Center on Holocaust Survivor Care and Institute on Aging and Trauma, along with other generous funders and donors. For more information about Holocaust Survivor Services in Essex, Morris, and Sussex counties, please call JFS MetroWest (973) 637-1704 (English) or (973) 637-1716 (Russian) For more information about JFS MetroWest NJ and its services for Holocaust survivors and older adults, visit www.jfsmetrowest.org.
