Inspired by Judaism’s abiding commitment to communal responsibility, JFCS, in partnership with The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, proudly offers Jewish Healing as an extension of the agency’s services. Jewish Connections provides a continuum of support services to address a range of social, spiritual, and material needs.
Services & Programs
Chaplaincy Services
Our Community Chaplain visits unaffiliated Jews as well as those from local congregations at hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and in hospice. JFCS’s Chaplain also organizes healing programs for the community, provides counseling and pastoral calls, and officiates at life-cycle events.
Shayndel Kahn, Community Rabbinic Chaplain, promotes the JFCS mission by serving the spiritual, emotional, and religious needs of individuals by offering support. She brings comfort and hope through assisting those in the community who are experiencing life challenges such as illness, isolation, spiritual crises, grief and even end of life.
In 2012, she received her Rabbinic Pastor Ordination and Spiritual Counseling Training at the Aleph Rabbinic Seminary.
For Questions, Referrals, or Applications:
Bereavement Services
In the wake of the loss of a loved one, the support of others is essential. Individual and group engagement are available through the Jewish Connection’s Program to help cope, share insight, and find renewed possibilities. In addition to our 6-week bereavement support groups, our Rabbinic Chaplain is available for individual grief counseling
Our Six-Week Bereavement Support Group Includes Opportunities To:
- Connect with others in similar life circumstances
- Share what’s working for you, and what’s not, so you can build a happier life experience
- Begin to laugh and look differently at the things the world is offering you now
- Be guided and supported as you walk along this new path
For Information and Healing Services:
Jewish Financial Assistance Program
Jewish Financial Assistance Program (JFA) case managers work with members of the Jewish community who are experiencing short-term financial hardship due to job loss, health issues, domestic situations, etc. All financial assistance (rent, utility, medical payments, etc.) is paid directly to vendors (i.e. landlords, medical offices) and not to clients. JFA requires documentation of client’s financial situation before funds are dispersed. JFA also provides Publix cards for eligible clients, budgeting guidance, and a range of non-financial resources and referrals.
For Questions, Referrals, or Applications:
Grace Rosen Magill Library
Located at JFCS’s Fruitville office, the library is a valuable resource for agency staff and members of the community interested in Jewish history and culture, as well as secular psychology, social work, humanities, community, professional development, and counseling materials.
For Information and Counseling Services:
Holocaust Survivor Services
Jewish Connection’s case managers ensure that local survivors receive the compensation benefits to which they are entitled. Jewish Connection’s also provides assistance with health issues, undertakes socialization programs in conjunction with the Jewish holidays, organizes chavurah groups and facilitates wellness programs and, in conjunction with JFCS’s Senior Outreach Services (SOS), deliver Shabbat and holiday meals.
For Questions, Referrals, or Applications:
B’nai B’rith M. Aurel Rosin Community Compassion Fund
The B’nai B’rith M. Aurel Rosin Community Compassion Fund was created in 2024 following the dissolution of the B’nai B’rith Gulf Coast Lodge 2004 Corp. The Compassion Fund is available specifically for individuals who are Florida residents of the Jewish faith served through JFCS’ Jewish Connections program and to help with:
- Funeral services – direct costs including, but not limited to caskets, grave liners, or urns for cremated human remains.
- Burial Plots in established cemeteries within the counties served by JFCS.
- Cremation Services
- Assisting individuals of the Jewish faith through the Jewish Connections program who are deemed in financial distress and come to JFCS for support.
JFCS welcomes gifts to the B’nai B’rith Gulf Coast Lodge 2004 fund so that we can continue to offer these important services.
For Questions or to Donate: