Rachel Sakofs is a young mother who serves as program manager for Gems at the J at the Kaiserman JCC in Wynnewood, the JCC’s educational and social program for adults and the elderly. Between raising her children, running Gems and finding a little time for herself, Sakofs is as busy as can be. We caught up with her this week.
What kind of role did Judaism play in your upbringing? What role does it play in your life now?
I grew up in Morristown, New Jersey, where there was never a doubt about being Jewish and having Jewish experiences. My maternal grandmother, a Holocaust survivor, lived with us for 20 years. She was a constant reminder that Jewish community and family is essential for survival. It was ingrained in me that you couldn’t just be a member [of a synagogue], you had to do more and take a leadership role. I went to Hebrew school, continued on to Hebrew high and became my mom’s kiddish committee assistant for all food-related things at our shul. I was on the Rutgers Hillel student board, I was staff for a local Kadima. After going through school to become a registered dietitian, it was time to be an adult, and I sought out a city with a vibrant young Jewish community. Philadelphia was the answer and the Tribe 12 Entrepreneur Fellowship brought me here. Now, I feel like I’m the walking billboard for the Jewish community in Wynnewood — my kids are at Perelman Jewish Day School and JCC, I’m a parent ambassador for JKidPhilly, involved at the Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El with their young family programming and I’m the Gems program coordinator.
Tell me about your job. What led you to enter the Jewish professional space? What do you enjoy about the role?
I had just had our third child, and I needed a change. I took a little time off from being an outreach dietitian for Einstein Hospital and I started the PTO for the JCC preschool, led a special group at Camp Kef and was looking for a job that would allow me to make a big impact in part-time hours. And here I am coordinating programs for the adults and older adults at the JCC through the Gems Program! One of the things I really enjoy about this role is hearing what participants want to do, and then making it a reality for them. From Broadway trips to opportunities to write your legacy as a grandparent to leave for your grandchildren, from hands-on art projects to history discussions, it has been a great opportunity to use my creativity to develop programs with a Jewish spin to foster community. And a fun perk is getting to take a fitness class in between meetings.
What are your ultimate ambitions for the Gems program? What do you see as its greatest potential?
Through Gems, I hope to create a hub of programming that inspires older adults to live independently, actively, and get involved through programs and activities that enhance wellbeing, promote engagement and foster community. As more and more folks are living in their homes longer, my goal is to create a place that they want to go to see their friends, have fun experiences and get resources they need. One of my goals for 2025 is to create a Memory Café to give those with early stages of dementia and their caregivers an outlet for a space where they are welcome and engaged.
Who at the JCC do you look up to? Who helped you get to the point you are at now?
I look up to all the JCC staff, who have remarkable strength of resilience to revive the JCC since the impacts of COVID-19, as well as feel the importance of community and doing what is right to make sure the JCC is providing the best for its participants. At the JCC it’s a team approach — I wouldn’t be here without the entire team, who really believe in making the JCC the place you genuinely want to be.
What do you think is special about the Jewish community of Philadelphia, specifically?
I think the Philadelphia Jewish community is special because everyone knows everyone, and there’s so much potential to do more and think outside the box.
What is your favorite part of being a young Jewish woman in a big city?
I’m still a transplant, so there’s always something new to explore in the Jewish scene. And so much is accessible!