About Us

History, Mission & Organizational Info

Since 1985, JAF has been a pivotal source of financial help for the Western PA Jewish community. Access to economic stability and financial well-being inspires our work. Through no repay grants, we are a way to live the Jewish tradition of helping neighbors. We take action, directly and confidentially, helping the Jewish community confront economic insecurity one person, one family, one household at a time.

JAF was founded by a group of community members who recognized economic insecurity and wanted to help neighbors pay their emergency and pressing expenses. JAF is an independent, 501c-3 non-profit organization serving the Western PA Jewish Community.

Impact on Economic Insecurity

We are a warm embrace from a caring Community. We respond quickly, usually meeting with applicants within a week of initial contact. We are caring, compassionate, nimble, responsive, streamlined and collaborative. JAF respects and honors the privacy of our Jewish community members, and we help them pay their bills with dignity. Grant recipients have shared that we “are a comforting presence in what can feel like an overwhelming world.”

  • Financial help with no repayment for households in 48 zip codes throughout Western PA
  • Impact felt well beyond those living in the households
  • Support during high stress and challenging times for over 350 people in 2023
  • Household sizes ranged from 1 to 13 and were single person, couples, families with children, and multi-generational
  • Ages ranged from young adult through seniors
  • Warm and supportive in person appointments usually within 1 week from initial inquiry
  • Connection to other helpful resources and services, including food and financial coaching
  • Increase ability to pay bills with dignity and opportunity to re-apply

    JAF’s Direct, Life Changing Impact

    • "JAF is a story that so needs to be told. You have added quality and dignity to a senior's life and for that, we are all indeed appreciative. She feels special and doted upon. and this experience has indeed ignited her spirits. What a difference your kindness has made."

    Sharyn Rubin
    Director of Resident & Community Services
    Jewish Association on Aging

    "The Jewish Assistance Fund is an invaluable resource in our community. They transform impossible circumstances to help people rise above unimaginable challenges. I have been honored to work closely with JAF during my tenure as Executive Director at the Aleph Institute, and I look forward to continuous connection and collaboration."

    Rabbi Vogel
    Executive Director
    Aleph Institute

    "This is just a note to thank the Jewish Assistance fund for getting me my hearing aide. I will always remember your mitzvahs and I appreciate it so much."

    Fondly, Edna

    "I can't thank you enough for your help as I begin to get back on my feet due to your generosity!"

    Financial Assistance Recipient

    "We have had many situations in which clients have received eviction notices and utility stop notices. When they received a check from JAF they thanked us, and many in tears said they did not know what would have happened to them without our help."

    JAF Grantor

    "Words are difficult to find, but please accept our gratitude for your attentiveness, sensitivity and incredible generosity. With your help we are able to begin the dental work that is most desperately needed. Financial Assistance Recipient"

    Financial Assistance Recipient

    "I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your most generous grant. Although I am able to work part-time, my hours are limited due to my chronic illness. Therefore, your grant to me is most needed and most appreciated. "

    Financial Assistance Recipient

    "I just wanted to send a note thanking everyone at JAF for your kindness and understanding of my needs. The grant I received was used for medical bills and payoffs on past due debts. Thank you so much. I am so grateful that you are providing help for Jews in need."

    Financial Assistance Recipient

    Offering Financial Help in Collaboration with Community Partners

    JAF is the Western PA Jewish Community’s emergency financial assistance fund. We receive referrals from schools, synagogues, organizations, medical providers, and individuals throughout the region. We directly provide a financial safety net so people can pay their bills.

    JAF's Community Partners include:

    • JAF Volunteers - Grantors and Board of Directors
    • Jfunds, a Network of Jewish Financial Support Services - Hebrew Free Loan Association of Pittsburgh, Jewish Assistance Fund, JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry, Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh-Israel Scholarships, Jewish Fertility Foundation of Pittsburgh, Jewish Scholarship Service of Greater Pittsburgh,
    • JFCS
    • Thriftique/National Council of Jewish Women

    Funding Partners

    With support from foundations and individual donors, JAF is able to provide financial assistance in amounts that truly make an impact on pressing expenses. JAF engages the community during our Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Chanukah/End of Year Appeals.

    JAF is uniquely positioned to request, receive and disburse community dollars and help people experiencing economic insecurity. We provide a caring, responsive, timely and efficient way for people to fulfill mitzvot and Jewish teachings. We honor the privacy of our neighbors as we offer direct and impactful financial help on behalf of the community.

    We thank our foundation partners for their generous support in 2023 and through August of 2024, including:

    • The Philip Chosky Foundation
    • Giant Eagle Foundation
    • Simon Hafner Charitable Foundation
    • The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh
    • Jewish Healthcare Foundation
    • Ladies Hospital Aid Society (LHAS)
    • Charles M. Morris Charitable Trust
    • Opportunity Fund
    • Donald & Sylvia Robinson Family Foundation
    • The Sylvia and Martin Snow Family Fund

    Financial Help

    available to the Western PA Jewish Community for pressing expenses, with No Repayment

    Direct Impact on Economic Insecurity

    Over 350 people of all ages living throughout 48 Western PA Zip Codes

    Since 1985

    Ensuring availability of confidential and accessible financial support

    Leadership and Staff

    Officers

    • Gean K. Goldfarb, President
    • Lauren Americus, Vice President
    • Casey Drucker, Vice President
    • Alan Gordon, Vice President
    • Steve Hecht, Vice President
    • Lynn J. Snyderman, Vice President
    • Harvey A. Wolsh, Treasurer
    • Jeffrey Maizlech, Assistant Treasurer
    • Katie Rutherford, Secretary

    Board of Directors

    • Elizabeth Cohen
    • Joshua Farber
    • Gary Friedman
    • Judith L. A. Friedman
    • Judy F. Grumet
    • Noah Jordan
    • Judi Kanal
    • Miles A. Kirshner
    • Lesley Nadler
    • Charles Porter
    • Ellen Primis
    • Melissa Brause Rackoff
    • Stacey Reibach
    • Sally Rock
    • Sharon Saul
    • Natalie Schmerin
    • Warren Sufrin
    • Susan F. Wechsler

    Life Trustee

    • Meyer "Skip" Grinberg
    • David M. Maretsky

    Honorary Presidents

    • Elliott Finkel*
    • Dr. Laibe Kessler*
    • Herman Lipsitz*
    • Dr. Helen V. Nobel*
    • *of blessed memory

    Honorary Vice President

    • Sol Ruben*
    • *of blessed memory

    Executive Director

    • Cindy Goodman-Leib