Our
Mission
JustOneChesed (JOC) facilitates and spreads acts of Kindness. Empowering people to give back and support others, while creating a lasting impact – changing the world JustOneChesed at a time.
Our Story
The seeds for Just One Chesed were planted in 2010, when Jerry Latinik was looking for a way to lift the spirits of his community in Chicago, where many people were suffering from the effects of the financial crash of 2008. Together with a few friends, Jerry put together a “Shabbos of Achdus” (unity) for seven shuls. Despite the fact that none of the organizers had much money to work with, everyone agreed that the event was enormously successful.
“I realized that there are so many more ways that we can give, even without money.
We can give the biggest thing of all, which is giving of ourselves.”
Following that experience, Jerry was motivated to create a central hub connecting those in need with those who want to help – even if all they had to give was a single act of chesed. Working off the simple but profound concept that one act of kindness can change the world, Just One Chesed was officially born in 2016 as a one-stop-shop for all things chesed. Since then, it has grown to serve individuals, families, communities, schools, and organizations who want to do their part in making the world a kinder place – in the easiest way possible.
Technology
Our mobile app, online chesed directory, and advanced volunteer management software streamline the chesed experience for organizations, schools, and volunteers.
Education
Our school programs and online community empower people around the world to integrate chesed into their daily lives.
Networking
Our personal connections and database of reputable organizations allow us to serve both volunteers and organizations as an all-in-one chesed hub for the Jewish world.
Our Team
JERRY LATINIK
Founder & CEO
After years of success in the business and startup world, Jerry turned his entrepreneurial skills and management experience into his real passion: making the world a better place. Jerry is the Founder & President of Special Care, a healthcare company that he built from the ground up, and he has always been involved in promoting kindness in his local Jewish community. He is passionate about inspiring and enabling others to help those in need. Born in Chicago, Jerry currently lives in Efrat, Israel, with his wife and 3 children.
YISROEL WEISS
Office Manager
Yisroel Weiss is the Office Manager at Just One Chesed, where he has been combining his organizational skills and passion for helping others since 2022. Originally from Canada, Yisroel made Aliyah with his family in 2015, embracing life in Israel with a strong sense of purpose. Before his move, he worked as a bookkeeper for an architectural metal products company, gaining valuable experience that now helps him keep things running smoothly at JOC.
Outside of work, Yisroel is all about family time, which he treasures deeply. He’s also a big sports fan and music enthusiast, always finding a way to balance his professional responsibilities with his personal passions. With his warm and dedicated approach, Yisroel plays a key role in keeping the Just One Chesed team running efficiently.
WAYNE GLUCKMANN
Director of Technology
Excited about tech and passionate about kindness, Wayne combines the two to help people in need as efficiently as possible. Before making aliyah, Wayne founded and operated a chesed organization in South Africa through which more than 200 volunteers visited the sick, distributed food to the needy, and supported partnering chesed organizations. He also founded two micro-location start-ups that provide indoor navigation and monitoring services. At Just One Chesed, Wayne is our Director of Technology and creates and maintains all our tech and software requirements.
ARI ERDFARB
Director of Operations
With over 15 years of business experience, Ari Erdfarb serves as Director of Operations at Just One Chesed. His passion for doing good, along with his background as a corporate attorney, brings strong analytical and problem-solving skills to the organization. Ari’s leadership ensures Just One Chesed continues to grow and create meaningful change in the community.
BATSHEVA NAGEL
Marketing Manager
As the creative marketing director for Just One Chesed, Batsheva’s passion is to use her marketing skills to make a positive impact on the world! With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Batsheva has a strong track record of developing successful marketing campaigns that drive brand awareness and engage audiences! Whether it's through social media, email marketing, traditional media channels, and events. I am always looking for new and creative ways to spread the word about the important work Just One Chesed does!
NATANYA KATZ
Data Entry Analyst & Israeli Case Management
With a dynamic blend of expertise in bioinformatics and a passion for data analysis and programming, Natanya brings precision and a meticulous approach to her role as a Data Entry Analyst and Israeli Case Management specialist at Just One Chesed. She holds a BSc in Bioinformatics from Machon Tal, where she refined her skills in research and technology. Her career began with a commitment to service, dedicating two years of Sherut Leumi at an elementary school in Gush Etzion and Midreshet Harova. This foundational experience instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility and community involvement, qualities she continues to prioritize in her professional endeavors.
Since making Aliyah over 17 years ago from South Africa, Natanya has immersed herself in Israel's vibrant culture and community. Now based in Carmei Gat, she lives with her husband and two children. Professionally, Natanya is known for her problem-solving capabilities, attention to detail, and an ability to efficiently manage time and resources. Whether working independently or as part of a team, she is driven by challenges and is committed to delivering precision in every project.
COLLEEN BAMBERGER
Logistics Manager
Colleen started off at Just One Chesed doing data entry and research for Chesed Match. She moved on to dealing with case management. Today, she manages the Chesed Depot, a project of Just One Chesed which furnishes homes in Israel for lone soldiers, immigrants (both new and not so new), and needy families with dignity and ease. Her new role combines her appreciation for organizational systems and chesed; she worked for many years in Israel and South Africa as an administrative assistant in legal firms and has been actively involved in chesed organizations all her life. She has organized a hosting system for IDF soldiers serving on her moshav, as well as meals for community members in need, including the sick and mothers after birth. A mother of five and grandmother of four, Colleen made aliyah from Pretoria, South Africa in 1989 with her husband and then-ten-week-old daughter.
YOSEF AHARON
Regional Development Officer
When I first made aliyah with my wife and two teenage boys in July of 2021, my wife and I went grocery shopping together. Because my wife was nervous to drive alone, I would sit at the chumus place across the street and wait. Week after week I would see soldiers coming in to eat and I told the owner I would like to secretly pay for them. (My wife insisted I add that detail). I wanted to join the Israeli army after high school in the States but I wasn’t able to. I have a deep admiration and unconditional love for those who defend our Homeland. I realized I wanted to see every soldier who walked into that restaurant, rest their tired bodies and enjoy a warm meal. And so began my journey into fundraising for Just One Chesed. I have a background in sales and that, combined with my passion for Israel, brings me to what I love: doing chesed for the Jewish people.
YONAH ROSSMAN
Director of Schools Department
We're excited and honored to introduce Yonah Rossman, a renowned educator of international acclaim, as the newest addition to the ChesedWorks family. Taking on the role of Head of Student Outreach and Young Leadership Initiatives, Yonah brings a wealth of expertise, unwavering dedication, and a profound passion for education. His arrival heralds a new era of inspiration, guidance, and growth within the Chesed community, both within our schools and beyond.
MENACHEM KATZ
Project Manager
Menachem comes to Just One Chesed from a rich chesed background. Former COO of the LSC, a nonprofit organization that focuses on supporting lone soldiers, and founder and board chair of Pakal Cafe, an organization that supports volunteers and first responders. Pakal Cafe was tasked by JOC to cultivate a very special initiative to help the thousands of Ukrainian Olim based on its lone soldier moving and sourcing furniture initiative, with Menachem at the helm.
Menachem was Director of Operations at the Ari Fuld Project, an organization focused on Israel advocacy and the empowerment of Israel’s armed forces, when he first jumped on board volunteering in his free time. He has since turned his focus on growing Chesed Depot into a full-time endeavor, providing much-needed furniture and appliances to lone soldiers, new Olim, families in need, and growing organizations. He also leads our “Project Giveback”, designed to support Israel’s first response personnel.
Menachem’s passion for helping others and creating community is a shining example of the chesed embodiment Just One Chesed is sharing with Am Yisrael worldwide.
Menachem lives with his wife, Ruth, and their six children in Efrat.
GILAD FISCHBERGER
Executive Account Manager
Residing in Tel Aviv, Gilad serves as an Executive Account Manager at JOC, where his professional expertise is matched only by his unwavering commitment to social responsibility. A dedicated advocate for positive change, Gilad found his calling in philanthropy after contributing to organized housing for individuals with special needs at Shalva. Passionate about making a difference, he brings both skill and heart to our nonprofit's mission.
TUVIA LEVIN
Event and Gap Year Coordinator
Hailing from Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA. Tuvia made alliyah 11 years ago, currently living Efrat with his wife, Hila and 4 young, energetic boys. He has been in with Aish the last 11 years, receiving smicha from the kollel program, running the discovery seminar, starting the foundations program, building the Aish Jinternships program, and coordinating the day to day tasks and resources for the yeshiva and students, while teaching chaburas and learning with students 1on1. When not in just1chesed, Tuvia likes to play music, work out, make pizza, brew beer, and go on tiyulim with his family.
MOSHE HIRT
Director of Chesed Events and Experiences
Moshe Hirt is a dedicated project manager with many years of experience in the non-profit sector. He has focused on making a positive impact by seemlessly managing large scale projects from start to finish. Moshe is passionate about using his logistical and management skills to drive change and bring people together for the greater good. He is excited to join the Just One Chesed team, where he looks forward to continuing to create lasting positive change.