Thank You for your request. We appreciate you helping to spread the word about JELF.

Tara C.

“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.”

Carter M.

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!

Tomer T.

“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.”

Ben S.

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.

Matthew E.

“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!”

Jordan R.

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!

Ilana D.

“JELF helped me with part of my tuition during my four years at college from 1982-1986 so I could get an education! I am grateful for this assistance and still use my career today! I was able to pay my loan back quickly and really appreciate the assistance that was afforded to me.”

Larisa K.

I am so grateful for seeing a JELF flyer at a coffee shop. This loan wound up helping me feel connected to my Jewish community while supporting me to pursue the education of my dreams. 

Megan W.

“JELF helped take away financial burdens while I attended the University of West Georgia pursuing my marketing degree. I was able to enjoy college life while interning with two non-profits which led to employment at graduation and then became building blocks for the consulting role I am now in.”

I grew up in Lawrenceville, GA and am the youngest of four siblings.  I have always had a passion for pushing myself outside of my comfort zone.  As a child, I was always active, pushing myself to become a cheerleader, basketball player, Girl Scout, a chorus member (even though I cannot sing to save my life), and other school and community groups. As an adult, I still continue to push myself and now have a passion for traveling, experiencing cultures, and being around people.

Of my siblings, I was the first to attend college and took on the financial responsibility, so that is something I am really proud of.  I was a JELF recipient through my four years of undergrad.  In 2011, during my junior year of college, I was also the recipient of an interest-free loan from JELF. JELF has been a huge contributor to my success in school and after.  As many young college graduates learn, student loans are not exactly fun and having a high interest rate is even less fun.

Currently, I am involved in several different aspects in the Jewish community.  I went on Birthright shortly after graduating college and then began playing with social sports at the JCC.  I then began to get involved in the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and helped plan and coordinate a reverse mifgash and other events. I also co-chaired the Birthright Alumni involvement at the Federation, staff Birthright trips, and played sports at the JCC, in addition to attending different social events throughout the community.

Shortly after college, I began my career in marketing and consulting at the Scheduling Institute in Alpharetta, GA. Having received my degree in marketing and sales, I am fortunate to have found a company that lets me use my creative and strategic talents. My advice to any young professional, or really any professional, is to find a career that will help you develop both personally as well as professionally. It truly makes a huge difference. I am now enjoying getting involved with entrepreneur friends and helping them with social media, word of mouth, or other outlets.

In 2012 and again in 2017, I had the opportunity to share my story at large JELF events and I was so glad to be there so that I could represent the importance of JELF and the difference it can make.  Having these interest-free loans for school made such a difference for me, and also truly affected the years after college and my ability to succeed.  Thanks, JELF!

Jane S.

JELF taught me early on about value on resourcefulness in pursuing your dreams. I had merit scholarships, but they were not enough to cover my tuition and books. JELF’s loan supplemented my scholarship funds and gave me the peace of mind to focus on my studies without worrying about finances. Thank you, JELF, for supporting me and so many others!

Rachel D.

“Thanks to JELF, I am attending the University of Central Florida (UCF) and taking my General Education classes toward my goal of attending medical school in the future.  I am enjoying my studies as well as my sorority.  Thanks, JELF, for helping me achieve these goals!”

Marnie S.

JELF has allowed me to attend an out of state college that best fits my need for my major. I am to get a hands on education and attend a school that allows me to experience sports journalism. I hope to return to Atlanta one day and report for our state’s teams!