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Ilana had her mind set on going out of state for college. She wanted to meet new people and move farther from home. Yet, coming from a home with a single mom supporting two kids, she was told she’d have to find a way to pay for the out-of-state expenses. At 18 she didn’t truly understand what a loan or interest meant. When her mom suggested JELF, however, she knew it would save her a lot of money in the long run. With JELF, along with her federal loan and a partial scholarship, she was able to study Social Work at the University of Alabama.

After working for a county outside of Atlanta, she decided to help people in a different way. She found a career in recruiting and is now a part of Home Depot’s recruiting team. She was able to pay off her loan, but she wanted to do more. She approached JELF and joined the Visibility Committee and she has donated to help other students with interest-free loans. “I wanted to give back and help other Jewish students.”

JELF has allowed me to further my education. I have wanted to be a physical therapist since high school and I am gratefully to finally be able to achieve my goals with the help of JELF.

“There was a low point in my life where I couldn’t feed myself. JELF provided me with the funds to be able to pay for basic life necessities. That’s why it’s so important to me as a donor to give back to JELF. Without JELF I don’t think I would have completed my undergraduate degree. I wouldn’t be sitting here.”

While I applied to college not knowing what I would major in, I did know two things — I wanted to go to Virginia Tech, and that I would be paying for it myself. A JELF loan was one of the ways I was able to do this — bridging the gap in my own savings, the money I was able to earn through my on-campus Federal Work-Study job, and any other Financial Aid I had available.

I was able to major in something I was passionate about — Interdisciplinary Studies, with a focus on Leadership, Social Justice, and Judaic Studies — and graduate in three years, going on to earn my Master’s degree and take the next step towards a career in higher education administration and career services, where I have been happily contributing to college student success for nearly 15 years on different campuses. JELF honored all that I had put into exploring and honing my Jewish identity in high school, and made it possible for me to engage in Jewish life and studies in college, as well.

“My father passed away when I was 14, and my mother had to raise three children. Someone connected me with Nat Shulman, of blessed memory, at the Charleston JCC and he got me involved with JELF. From there, my life was transformed – I am the only college graduate in my family.

I have owned two businesses and worked with several companies in marketing and advertising, including working as Sports Information Director at the Citadel from 1984-1994. I currently am a partner in a sports marketing firm in Charleston.”

JELF helped me in law school with last dollar financing. I was very fortunate that my parents were previously partially contributing to my educational expenses to reduce the amount of loans I needed. In the middle of law school my dad needed complex surgery which meant time off work and additional medical expenses for my family. Having my JELF funds gave our family additional peace of mind and reduced the burden during a time my parents could not contribute as much to my educational expenses. They were supportive and made the process easy. I would recommend them to any student.

“JELF really was my last dollar solution. I had maxed out education loans and did not think I would be able to finish my degree. I am extremely grateful for the funds I received so that I was able to stay at Embry Riddle and accomplish my goal of receiving an undergraduate degree.”

JELF’s loans are a major help to me in financing law school!  Interest-free means less stress about finances and more focus on my schooling. This program is unique and truly appreciated!

Alex and Maria Gurevich are both former JELF recipients. With the help of JELF, they attended the University of South Carolina. Alex received his undergraduate degree in finance and an MBA specializing in international business. Upon graduation, they moved to Boston, where Alex spent 14 years with Pricewaterhouse Coopers and in 2012, joined Ernst and Young Financial Services Practice as a tax partner specializing in international taxation. For the past 4 years, Alex has served as a trustee for the Jewish Community Day School of Watertown, MA and is also a member of the Day School Education Committee for the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of the Greater Boston area.

“Having the support of JELF was critical to me at the time when my family was new to the United States and had limited resources for my education. I greatly appreciate the level of care and commitment of the donors and people of JELF,” says Alex.

Maria received her B.A. in international studies and pursued her J.D. at Suffolk University Law School. She later completed her LL.M. in Taxation at Boston University. Maria is a member of the Association of Global Custodians where she serves as Vice Chair of the Tax Committee. Maria currently works in International Tax at PwC. Previously she worked as a VP at Brown Brothers Harriman, where she worked as an international tax attorney specializing in investment funds.

Alex and Maria currently live in Brookline, MA, with their two daughters, Mia and Emanuela, and a miniature schnauzer, Uzi.

I was largely independent in school, relying on student aid and loans to pay for my tuition and living expenses. Chabad singlehandedly fed me week to week. I learned about JELF at a low-point where I was facing severe financial trouble. Without JELF I would not have been able to continue my degree and my studies. I had maxed out the (frustratingly) high-interest loans I was allotted and only wish I had learned about JELF earlier! JELF was literally there when I needed them most.

“JELF has provided me with the comfort that I can pay for things like rent and food while focusing on my studies and involvement in Jewish extracurriculars!”

I have always dreamed of being a nurse and thanks to JELF I am able to get the education to do so. I hope to help my patients and their families during their most vulnerable times and I am so thankful to be able to attend school to do so. During these trying times of COVID-19, I am so lucky to have a job that allows me to help others. Thank you JELF!