Elayne and James Schoke Jewish Family Service

06/05/2026

We were grateful to welcome students from BCHA - Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy, representing grades 8 and 11, to assist with our Anachnu Holocaust Survivor Day program on Wednesday.

The students helped create a welcoming and meaningful experience for participants through their enthusiasm, kindness, and willingness to lend a hand wherever needed. Their engagement with attendees was truly appreciated, and we are excited that many expressed interest in returning to volunteer with Anachnu and other Schoke JFS programs next year.

We are thankful for this growing partnership and look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen our community!

06/03/2026

We were honored to celebrate Holocaust Survivor Day with nearly 90 Holocaust survivors and their aides from across Fairfield County at Congregation Agudath Sholom today!

The event was a joyful celebration of life, resilience, hope, family, music, and the power of community. We also recognized four June birthdays among our Anachnu participants, including a very special milestone, Olga Rosenstein's 100th birthday!

Guests enjoyed a delicious meal, music by Leon Skolnik, and plenty of dancing and fellowship. We were proud to join 32 KAVOD SHEF communities across the country in bringing together survivors, families, caregivers, and community members in solidarity and celebration.

A huge thank you to United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien. This program was co-sponsored with United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien and made possible in part by a grant from the Seed the Dream Foundation.

A special thank you to Anachnu program donors Freida Fogel, herself a Holocaust survivor, Howard Fogel, and Stephanie Fogel, for joining us and sharing in the festivities.

We are also deeply grateful to the incredible volunteers from BCHA - Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy, whose kindness, energy, and dedication helped make the day so meaningful for our survivors. Thank you for bringing warmth, connection, and joy to this special celebration!

Marina Sapir

06/02/2026

🧠 June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month! 💜

Staying mentally active and socially connected is vital for healthy aging. Our FREE Brain Fitness Program helps older adults keep their minds engaged through games, discussions, activities, and meaningful connections.

Programs like Brain Fitness support cognitive wellness, reduce isolation, and build community especially for older adults living alone.

At Schoke JFS, we're proud to help older adults age with dignity, connection, and support.

Learn more: https://www.ctjfs.org/brainfitness/

05/29/2026

This week, BCHA - Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy 8th graders took part in the SNAP Challenge, shopping in teams to create a full day of meals for a family of three on just a $35 budget.

Through this hands-on experience, students gained a deeper understanding of food insecurity, budgeting, and nutrition, while seeing firsthand how quickly grocery costs add up.

The challenge sparked meaningful conversations about compassion, community responsibility, and the importance of ensuring every family has access to nutritious food.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities at Schoke JFS: www.ctjfs.org/volunteer

05/28/2026

This week, the Anachnu group had a special experience as the first online “visitors” to Steven Labkoff’s photography exhibition, "Jewish Life Through My Lens."

It was a captivating journey through time and space, seen through Stephen’s remarkable perspective. We’re especially proud that Stephen is part of our community, and we deeply appreciate his generosity in sharing his talent with us.

👉 Did you know that Holocaust survivors participate in engaging social activities through the Schoke JFS Anachnu program?

If you would like to share your talents and make a difference, contact Marina Sapir at [email protected] to learn more!

Marina Sapir

05/27/2026

Congregation Agudath Sholom mitzvah shoppers, you've officially outdone yourselves! And on the only sunny day of the rainy Memorial Day weekend too! Thank you to Rochelle and Louis Sroka for lending a hand, Amy Sroka for being such a wonderful, committed partner, and to Rabbi Daniel Cohen for his continued support.

05/26/2026

✨ VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT ✨

This month's Volunteer Spotlight highlights Wesley, a Bar Mitzvah volunteer.

Wesley’s Bar Mitzvah project was about creating and sharing potted plants as a way to bring community, compassion, and connection to life through service.

Over the course of the week, Wesley and his family worked together to create handmade planters for members of the Anachnu Holocaust Survivor Program. From decorating pots to adding kind messages and assembling each planter, every detail was done with care and intention.

What made this project especially meaningful was how it brought people together. Family and friends joined in, turning a simple act of service into a shared experience rooted in kindness and generosity.

Together, they created small symbols of spring, hope, and connection for Holocaust survivors in our community. Mazal Tov, Wesley, on your Bar Mitzvah, and thank you for inspiring this beautiful act of service!

👉 Want to make a difference? Sign up to volunteer with Schoke JFS at:
www.ctjfs.org/volunteer

05/21/2026

What a special treat for Anachnu! 🎶

We were honored to welcome Cantor Deborah Katchko Gray, a fourth-generation cantor, the second woman to serve a Conservative congregation, Founder and Past President of the Women Cantors’ Network, and one of the Jewish Ledger’s “Movers and Shakers.” Her beautiful performance filled the room with joy and emotion.

Jewish music has a unique way of touching every Jewish soul. ❤️

👉 Did you know that Holocaust survivors participate in engaging social activities through the Schoke Anachnu program?

If you would like to share your talents and make a difference, contact Marina Sapir at [email protected] to learn more!

05/19/2026

What an incredible night at An Evening with Schoke JFS: Seeds for Tomorrow 🌱✨

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us on Sunday at Whispering Oaks Norwalk to celebrate community, compassion, and service. Your presence, generosity, and support made the night truly unforgettable!

We were proud to honor Wheel It Forward with the 46th Annual Mitzvah Award and honor Benjamin Frimmer with the Community Service Award for his outstanding commitment to the arts, public safety, and our community.

A special thank you to our event chairs Melissa Marlowe and Laura Blumenthal Tobin and our auction chair Meryl Japha.

Because of everyone who attended and supported the evening, seniors and families across Fairfield County will continue receiving the vital resources they need most.

Thank YOU for being part of such a meaningful and memorable night! Click to see the FULL photo album.



Photo Credit: Aviva Maller Photography.

05/19/2026