blog

What Still Connects Us — Especially Now

Rabbi Marc Baker — Tue, 26 May 2026 17:05:02 GMT

Last week, I spent several meaningful days in Israel. Across every conversation I had, I encountered people thinking seriously about Israel’s biggest challenges and working with urgency and determination to shape a stronger Jewish future.

Dewey Stone’s Legacy and the Next Generation of Jewish Leaders

Judith Forman — Fri, 22 May 2026 12:05:03 GMT

In the 1940s, a businessman from Brockton named Dewey David Stone began working behind the scenes to help fulfill the dream of a Jewish homeland.

How One Young Adult Found Her Path in Jewish Philanthropy

Judith Forman — Fri, 22 May 2026 12:03:28 GMT

From a young age, Jen Price learned the importance of getting involved and giving back.

How One Family Passed Jewish Philanthropy Down Through the Generations

Judith Forman — Fri, 22 May 2026 12:01:57 GMT

For more than 20 years, Debbie Kurinsky’s passion and philanthropy has touched nearly every corner of Boston’s Jewish community.

How CJP’s Hineni Network Matches Volunteers to Jewish Community Roles

Kate Whitney — Fri, 22 May 2026 11:58:37 GMT

Rebecca Scharfstein, Vice President of People at New York-based software company, RapidSOS, is a strong proponent of giving back to the community through volunteer service.

A $2.3 Million Gift to Expand Jewish Mental Health Care in Boston

Judith Forman — Fri, 22 May 2026 11:57:05 GMT

As they considered how to make a lasting impact through their philanthropy, Deanna and Sid Wolk had two priorities: They wanted to partner with CJP, and they wanted to help those in the community who were struggling.

A Lifetime of Jewish Service: The Pastor Family's CJP Legacy

Judith Forman — Fri, 22 May 2026 11:55:38 GMT

Growing up in Providence, Rhode Island, Joyce Pastor was taught the importance of Jewish service from her zaydie (grandfather), who, as the shamas at Temple Emanu-El, managed the congregation’s day-to-day affairs.

Why One Volunteer Keeps Saying Yes to Jewish Community

Judith Forman — Fri, 22 May 2026 11:54:10 GMT

When her three teenage children were small, Erica Abate Recht found herself craving a deeper connection to the Jewish community and opportunities to get involved. She had just decided to leave her full-time law practice and back then, her young family did not belong to a synagogue.

A Family Endowment's 40-Year Legacy of Supporting Jewish Seniors

Judith Forman — Fri, 22 May 2026 11:52:48 GMT

In 1977, Vivian Freeman was a young widow looking to continue the legacy of her late husband, Herb, a devoted CJP donor and volunteer.

Finding Jewish Community Through CJP's Spark Israel Experience

Judith Forman — Fri, 22 May 2026 11:51:31 GMT

After three years of living in Los Angeles, Brett Gershkowitz and Michael Vonnoh were ready to come home.