(Courtesy of JFS Clifton) Longtime director of Jewish Family Service and Children’s Center of Clifton-Passaic (JFS), Esther East, is retiring from her role after 27 years. During her tenure, Esther has cultivated an environment of support, care and growth at JFS. She is known for her innate ability to identify and nurture the strengths of each person who passes through the agency’s doors, which has included many leaders and rabbonim across New Jersey. Indeed, Esther is beloved among past and present staff for her own leadership style—one marked by wisdom, authenticity and well-timed humor, as well as by her dedication to professional development.

These traits have imbued her unwavering commitment to strengthening the lives of families and individuals throughout the vibrant Passaic-Clifton community and beyond. Always attuned to the changing needs of the community, Esther has led JFS through the development of countless agency programs that provide access to high-quality, affordable mental health and case management services—which have only become more robust during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With news of Esther’s retirement has come an outpouring of stories from those whose lives she has touched and helped change. Esther is “the rock of my life,” said one woman who recalls navigating an abusive marriage with the invaluable support of JFS’s longtime director. Another expresses deep gratitude to Esther for saving her daughter’s life during an especially challenging time. Longtime supporters are sad to see Esther leave JFS. According to JFS, her heart and soul are embedded in the walls of the building, and in the hearts of all those who have been supported by JFS. They thank Esther East for her dedication and years of service, and wish her well in all her future endeavors.