Seize the Dream Honorees
Seize the Dream (JFS’ annual fundraising gala) honors area leaders and volunteers who have demonstrated an unfailing commitment and personal dedication to supporting vulnerable children, families, and older adults in the local community and beyond.
Over the years, JFS has had the privilege to recognize the exceptional individuals and organizations named below whose partnership has been vital in ensuring that JFS has the resources and expertise it needs to respond when our neighbors come to us for help.
Thank you to these distinguished honorees for their partnership with JFS, and for all they do to accelerate social, academic and health equity in our community!
2025 Debbie Gotbetter and the Leadership Team of Temple Beth Elohim’s Immigration Justice Group (IJG) – Michael Gilman, Jessica Lasser, Lina Musayev, Ed Shapiro, and Susan Sidel;
Middlesex Savings Bank and Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation
2024 Martin Cohen; Yale Appliance Company and Yale Appliance Foundation
2023 Gail and David Milowe; Ed E. Zuker/Chestnut Hill Realty
2022 Ken and Jodi Bring; Allan and Rebecca Chasen
2021 Chester and Diane Black
2020 Robert Fields/CommCreative; Marc Jacobs; Barbara and Samantha Shapiro
2019 Dana and Josef Volman; Aron Ain/Kronos Incorporated
2018 Dana and Daniel Finn; Allison and Brad Kates; Andrew Tarsy
2017 Michelle Paster and Josef Blumenfeld; Artemis Joukowsky III
2016 Marsha and Harvey Chasen; Dena and Michael Rashes
2015 Barbara and Ellis* Morris; Karen and Michael Tichnor
2014 Leslie and Jonathan Gerber; Ellie and Barry Shrage; Robin Welch
2013 Rabbi Herman Blumberg; Sari Anne Rapkin
2012 Reva Tankle and John McArthur
2011 Fran and David* Elovitz & Family; Lawrence Lowenthal Ph.D.*
2010 Kathryn Covarrubias; Lou Kates; Cynthia Shulman*
2009 Myra Kraft*; Deborah Horwitz; Marcia Rosenberg; Senator Karen Spilka
2008 Alan and Judith Bernstein
2007 Aron and Susan Ain
2006 Joe Press*
2005 Alan Solomont
2004 Marie* and Stewart* Cohen
2003 Elaine and Burt Marmer; Jim Gordon
2002 Ery and Laura Magasanik
2001 Steven and Renée Finn
2000 Judi Raphael; Ben and Karen Greenberg
1999 Harold Tubman
1998 Carl and Carol Chudnofsky
1997 Paul* and Marcia Rosenberg
1996 Leon* and Judy Pinstein
1995 Ron Isaacson
1994 Neal and Peter Yaffe
1993 JFS, in honor of its Bar Mitzvah
1992 Donald and Ellen Bloch
1991 Max* and Julia* Michelson; Sumner Feldberg
* Z”L
Recent Videos
Welcoming the Stranger: JFS and Community Partners Bring Hope to Refugees – Changing Lives Together
Learn how partnering with JFS can make a meaningful and powerful difference in the lives of people who need help the most.
JFS Home-Share: Innovative Housing Solution That Connects Older Adults & Prevents Homelessness
Learn how partnering with JFS can make a meaningful and powerful difference in the lives of people who need help the most.
JFS Fosters Innovative Partnerships for Brighter Tomorrows
Learn how partnering with JFS can make a meaningful and powerful difference in the lives of people who need help the most.
Recent News
A Letter to Our Community: Sharing Critical Resources for Haitian Families
Haitian families across Massachusetts are facing serious uncertainty due to the possible revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) on February 3. Many affected individuals have lived in the U.S. for 20+ years and now risk losing work and stability. State leaders and community partners have compiled critical guidance on workers’ rights, employer responsibilities, legal help, and limited emergency support. Sharing accurate information is urgent so families know their rights, options, and where to get help.
Serve Together: 2026 MetroWest MLK Day of Service
On Sunday, January 18, the MetroWest community will come together at Temple Beth Am for a meaningful MLK Day of Service, organized in partnership with JLoft. This annual day of action...
The need has never been greater. You can help.
Clockwise from top: Volunteers from Temple Shir Tikva, Wayland (including former Board member Diane Black, her husband Chester and their grandchildren), sort donations from a community clothing drive; JFS is committed to providing help and support to immigrants in...