Dear Friends,

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Judith and Elliott Cohen. We are rocked by this devastating news. Our hearts go out to the Cohen family and their devoted daughter Jill, who served JF&CS as the Director of Development for many years and continues to be a beloved member of the JF&CS family. Judith was a past president and longtime board member of JF&CS.

It is particularly poignant that Judith and Elliott's passing coincided with the holy day of Tisha B'Av, when we gather as a Jewish community to reflect on losses that were so devastating to our people throughout our history. Observance of Tisha B’Av only brings the losses of two so beloved in our community into sharper focus.

The work of JF&CS brings hope and opportunity to those in need. This mission has been shaped by the strong leadership of Judith Cohen. Her vision lives in each interaction the agency has with those we serve. Judith understood that challenges related to mental health and well-being rise to the top and must be met with compassionate and high quality care. She supported the agency’s work in developing a top notch clinical practice. Judith understood how important it is to serve the needs of those confronting despair in every form. She understood how essential it was to provide financial support to JF&CS so that the critical needs of the community could be met with strength and effectiveness. Judith and Elliott not only believed in the JF&CS mission, they shaped and designed it.

We will continue to serve their legacy in the most profound way— with love, expertise and compassion.

May their memories forever be a blessing. We are deeply sorry for the loss of two people who were friends to many, loved by family who mourn and grieve so deeply, and know that we will all truly miss the beacon of hope they were to this community.

With profound sadness,

Terri and Jeff

Jeff Alperin, Board Chair of JF&CS
Terri Bonoff, CEO of JF&CS