We help individuals & families in crisis with food, counseling, life-skills workshops, and more.
Since its establishment in 1978, Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando (JFS Orlando) provides services that stabilize individuals & families in crisis and enhance the quality of life to all members of the Central Florida community. As a leading human services organization in the region, we are based on the principles of community building, kindness, compassion, and concern for the betterment of our world. Our goal is to do our part in creating a happier, healthier community where, with support, structure, and guidance, members can overcome challenges to live fuller, more meaningful lives. Our main focus is in the following areas:
Food Assistance: Our Pearlman Food Pantry fights hunger by providing food assistance to individuals & families in need. Counseling: Our Counseling, Growth, & Development Program provides mental health affordable counseling for children, adults, couples, and families. Family Stabilization: The Family Stabilization Program (FSP) is a long-term case management program that helps individuals & families get back on their feet. Essential Transportation Program: Our RIDE (Reliable Independent Drivers for the Elderly) Program provides round-trip rides to medical, grocery, and other essential appointments for qualifying low-income seniors & disabled adults. Chaplaincy: Our Community Rabbi provides end of life services, burial or memorial services, and other visits, such as hospice, hospital, or home visits, to the unaffiliated Jewish community.
12/24/2025
Reminder to our Orlando neighbors!
JFS Orlando will be closed tomorrow, December 25th. We look forward to reopening on Monday, December 29th, to continue serving our community.
We wish everyone a safe & peaceful Christmas if you celebrate!
12/22/2025
Tonight, as the last candle is lit, we celebrate the conclusion of Hanukkah!
For eight nights, the light of the Menorah has symbolized the hope & power of our community. While the holiday concludes, our mission to be a source of light for Central Florida continues every day of the year.
Thank you for sharing your incredible light with us this season. Your enduring support ensures that hope never goes out for our neighbors in need. Chag Sameach!
12/21/2025
The story of Hanukkah is a powerful reminder that even the smallest flame can bring incredible light into the deepest darkness.
At JFS Orlando, you are the fuel that keeps the light of hope burning for all our central Florida neighbors. Your generosity extends the miracle of assistance, ensuring our community always has warmth & care.
Thank you for extending the miracle & helping us light up the lives of those in need. Chag Urim Smeach!
12/18/2025
Since 1978, JFS Orlando has been an organization centered around building community & bringing kindness, compassion & concern for our world.
Our mission is to move lives from crisis to stability by assisting those in need. We hope that our services can create a happier, healthier community where members can live their lives to the fullest.
Learn how you can join us in building a stronger Central Florida community at jfsorlando.org/.
12/17/2025
The concept of B'tzelem Elohim is central to everything we do at JFS Orlando.
It means “in the image of God.” It is the belief that every person has worth, dignity, & sanctity. It reminds us that we must treat every member of our community with respect & compassion, no matter their background, need, or circumstance.
Our mission is to honor this message by ensuring our neighbors have the essential support they need to thrive. At JFS, we are here to uphold the value of every person in Central Florida.
12/15/2025
Hanukkah is a celebration of perseverance, resilience, & the traditions that unite us.
We believe that our Central Florida community deserves the stability to live freely without the burden of crisis, so they can focus on their health, celebration, & faith.
Thank you for helping us uphold these principles of freedom & security for all in our community. Chag sameach! May your holiday be filled with deep meaning, joy, & light!
12/14/2025
Tonight marks the start of the beautiful Festival of Lights! Chag Urim Smeach! 🕯
As the first candle of the Menorah is lit, we celebrate our light, hope, & resilience. Hanukkah is a powerful reminder that even a small amount of oil can create miracles that last far longer than expected.
May your holiday be filled with the warmth of family, the joy of traditions, & the light of perseverance. We wish our community a joyful Hanukkah!
12/12/2025
The journey of Holocaust survivors is one of immense resilience & strength.
At JFS Orlando, we are dedicated to these brave individuals who live with the dignity and peace they deserve.
Our Holocaust Survivor Assistance program provides a safety net for Survivors in Central Florida at no cost to the Survivors. Your support makes this vital program possible, allowing us to honor their past while securing their comfort in the present and future.
To learn how you can support our mission, call us (407) 644-7593 or visit jfsorlando.org/eoy.
12/10/2025
No Hanukkah celebration is complete without the perfect latke! 🥔
That’s why we’ve got the ultimate recipe for this holiday:
Ingredients:
2 1/2 pounds of potatoes
1 large onion, shredded
3/4 cup matzo meal or bread crumbs
2 large eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon potato starch
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups Avocado, peanut or grapeseed oil for frying
1/4 cup schmaltz
Instructions:
Cut the potatoes into large chunks and shred using a hand grater or food processor shredding attachment with large holes.
Place grated potato into a bowl and immediately cover with cold water.
Grate the onion using the grater or food processor attachment with fine holes.
Drain the potato shreds in a colander. Rinse and dry the bowl used to soak the shreds and set aside.
Place drained potato shreds and grated onion in the center of a clean tea towel or multiple layers of cheesecloth. Squeeze firmly to remove excess liquid from the shreds.
Pour potato and onion into the clean dry bowl. Stir the shreds with a fork to make sure the grated onion is evenly mixed throughout the potato shreds.
In a skillet, add oil to reach a depth of 1/8 inch. If using schmaltz, add 1/4 cup to the oil.
Heat slowly over medium to about 365 degrees F. While oil is heating, use the fork to stir the matzo meal, potato starch, salt and pepper into the potato and onion shreds.
Add the beaten eggs to the potato mixture, and stir again until well mixed. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Scoop up 3 tbsp of the potato mixture and shape into a tightly compacted disk. Place the disk carefully into the hot oil.
The oil should sizzle, but not pop when the latke hits it; if the oil jumps wildly or smokes, it is too hot. If it only bubbles weakly, the oil is not hot enough. Use the first latke to test the oil temperature.
Fry in batches of 4-5 latkes at a time for 2-3 minutes per side until brown and crispy.
Remove from the pan using a metal spatula and place them on the wire cooling rack to drain.
12/08/2025
Let’s take a moment for a quick gratitude check!
In the midst of a busy week, pausing to reflect on what brings us joy & stability is essential. At JFS Orlando, we are deeply grateful for our incredible Central Florida community, our compassionate volunteers, & your continued support. You are the heart of our mission!
Now it’s your turn! What is one thing you are grateful for today? Share in the comments below. 👇
12/04/2025
Food security is foundational to health & well-being.
That is why our Pearlman Food Pantry is here to ensure our Central Florida community has access to nutritious food. Your support keeps our shelves stocked with food & essential supplies so we can continue to fight food insecurity in our community.
Need assistance or want to donate to help stock our shelves? Please call us at (407) 644-7593 or visit jfsorlando.org/pearlman-food-pantry.
12/03/2025
The concept of Tikkun Olam, which means “repairing the world,” is at the very heart of our mission.
It reminds us that while the world may be imperfect, we have the responsibility to heal it. We believe that every service we provide is a tangible step toward a more healed community.
Through collective action, kindness, & empathy, we can truly make a difference. Thank you for helping us repair our world, one neighbor at a time!
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Contact The Practice
Send a message to Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando:
JFS Orlando provides services to stabilize individuals and families in crisis, and enhances the quality of life across generations to all members of the Central Florida community.
JFS Orlando was founded in 1978 as a human services organization based on the principles of community building, kindness, compassion, and concern for the betterment of our world. Our programs are able to reach thousands of people each year thanks to vital community partners for their financial and in kind contributions, program development, and program delivery, as well as dedicated volunteers for their time and service.
Our programs include:
Counseling
- Individual, marriage, and family counseling. Most Insurances accepted. Fees paid on a sliding scale.
Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry
- Free groceries for our food insecure neighbors.
Family Stabilization Program
- Six-month case management program with workshops on budgeting, housing and career-building tips for better life management.
Chaplaincy
-Provides chaplaincy services to the unaffiliated Jewish community.
RIDE
- Free transportation to medical appointments for low-income homebound seniors and disabled adults
Volunteer Services
- Programs for various food and fundraising campaigns, babysitting and office assistance.