Friends of Jesus Bless Israel Association

05/12/2026

05/12/2026

05/11/2026

Mr. Shreiber’s obituary listed organizations for anyone wishing to send donations. One is the Zionist Organization of America.

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend, Gerald B “Gerry” Shreiber.

Over the past few years, as we had the privilege of getting to know Gerry and his wife Melanie, we saw firsthand how deeply Gerry cared about the Jewish community and how much love he had for the Rowan community. Gerry believed in students, believed in building community, and believed in creating spaces where young people could feel supported, connected, and proud of who they are.

The new Chabad center proudly bears Gerry and Melanie's name, and because of their incredible generosity and vision, thousands of students for generations to come will benefit from the warmth, Jewish life, friendship, and opportunities that will fill its halls. The impact and legacy on Rowan will truly live on for decades.

We have also seen firsthand the incredible difference Gerry made through the pet therapy program he funded at Rowan. So many students found comfort, relief, and support during difficult moments because of his care and commitment to student wellbeing. That same vision and care can also be seen through the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, the first veterinary school in New Jersey, which opened their doors this past fall and will have a lasting impact on the broader community and country for generations to come.

This past Purim, we had the chance to visit Gerry and Melanie together with our children to deliver Mishloach Manot (the traditional holiday food basket) dressed in our Purim costumes. Gerry was so gentle, warm, and genuinely excited to see the kids. We are so grateful that our children had the opportunity to meet him and experience his kindness personally. It is a memory we will cherish.

Our hearts are with Melanie and the entire Shreiber family during this difficult time.

The family would deeply appreciate the presence of any students or community members who are able to attend the funeral and pay their respects.

Obituary and funeral information:
https://www.jsgfunerals.com/obituaries/Gerald-B-Shreiber?obId=48347929

May Gerry’s memory be a blessing, and may his legacy continue to inspire kindness, generosity, and community for many years to come.

05/02/2026

Why care about Jewish heritage anyway?

I write a lot about Jewish communities around the world that faced persecution and forced conversion, and people sometimes ask: why does it even matter? Judaism is just a religion, so what?

My answer is simple. Judaism is not just a religion. It’s also an ethnicity, you can trace it in DNA. And beyond that, it’s heritage.

So imagine this.

You wake up one morning and your DNA results show that you have Jewish ancestry.

Think about it for a moment.

Your great-great-grandparents belonged to an ancient heritage. Maybe priests in the Temple in Jerusalem. Maybe Jewish rebels against the Romans in Judea. Maybe part of a long rabbinical line.

Then one day, a ruling power decides they can no longer live as Jews. Convert or die.

So they pretend.

They hide.

They protect what they can, quietly, at great risk.

Think about the courage that takes.

Generations later, their descendants discover what was lost.

It’s a big moment.
A moment of connection.
A moment of rediscovery.
A moment of identity.

That’s why it’s not a “whatever” kind of discovery.

It’s something much deeper.

Image credit: Temple menorah replica - Temple Institute (public domain)

🇮🇱 The Nation of Israel Lives

05/02/2026

05/02/2026

As we reach the month of May, Evesham Township and the Evesham Human Rights Advisory Council are proud to join the nation in celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month.

We take this opportunity to honor the rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring resilience of the Jewish community within our town and across the country.

Jewish Americans have played an essential role in shaping the character and progress of our township, state and nation. We invite all residents to join us in fostering a community rooted in respect, inclusion and appreciation of all cultures, backgrounds and religions.

04/23/2026

04/22/2026

04/14/2026

I Remember
I remember the Holocaust.
I remember the 6 million stolen Jewish lives, and millions of others.
I remember the stories.
I remember the survivors.
I remember the heroism.
I remember the resilience...and I remember that silence can be deadly.
I remember.
'Never Again' needs to be more than simple words. We must keep the memory of the Holocaust alive and fight against hatred and antisemitism so that 'Never Again' becomes a reality. In commemoration of Yom HaShoah, Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day, let us all say: I Remember.