With great sadness, Congregation Ahavath Achim, Congregation Neveh Shalom and Jewish Family & Child Service announce the passing of Janet Menashe, z”l. She is lovingly remembered by her husband Jerome Menashe, her daughter Erika Menashe, and her siblings Diane (John Baringer) Lefkow, Michael Lefkow, Joe (Joanne) Menashe, and Denise Menashe. She passed suddenly on Sunday, Jan. 21.
Janet worked for JFCS as a tireless disabilities advocate, joining the staff in 2015, serving the community until 2022. Janet continued to keep in touch with former clients – and them with her – after her retirement. She found her way into this work primarily because of her wonderful daughter, Erika. Janet once shared with a colleague in an interview, “I love my daughter so much, and she’s my passion to do this work.” 
Janet never said no to a client, providing them with crucial counsel on complex topics like Social Security benefits, as well as driving them to and from events and appointments; running errands for them; and taking calls at all hours, to offer support and sometimes just a supportive ear. 
A mother of a JFCS client with disabilities once shared: “Janet was such a wealth of information, she had a broad-based knowledge of disability rights. Most of all she answered many of my questions clearly and that helped me to lower my stress about these issues. She did an excellent job and let me know I could call her any time. I really appreciate Janet and the job that she did to help me with my child’s disability issues. She is an invaluable resource. I feel so fortunate to have her guidance.”