Who We Are

Over 30  years ago, Jack Forgash began laying the groundwork that would become Just One Life. As the founding lay leader, he experiences true nachas when Israeli babies are born. He continuously champions the cause finding supporters for Just One Life. Forgash, has his own real estate company and is a truly successful businessman. He is often sought for advice by so many who are considering entering the Real Estate field or any field. A longtime Teaneck resident who is deeply involved in his own Jewish community and others helping the Jewish people one organization at a time. Among other notable accomplishments he has dedicated his time and expertise with involvement in Azrielli Graduate School,Yeshiva University, Yeshiva of Flatbush, Soviet Jewry, Ateret Kohanim, Israel Day Parade,Ohr Stone Schools, Israel, and of course several Teaneck synagogues and all of its community projects. The list goes on and on. A true family man, Jack lives in Teaneck, NJ with his wife Carole and enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Steve Adelsberg has been a close friend, mentor, and advisor of Rabbi Marty Katz for over 50 years. Mr. Adelsberg is a very successful in his professional career as a partner in his accounting firm and in real estate as well. In addition to Just One Life, he is involved with the Manhatten Beach Kollel and Shul known as “The Shtieble”, Yeshiva of Flatbush, Bet El, Yeshiva University,Yeshivos Bais HaTalmud, Bianna Chassidic Dynasty, IDF, Ateret Kohanim, and many hospital and cancer projects. A family man, Steve lives in Manhattan Beach with his wife Renee and enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Madelaine Gitelman is a social worker, graduate of the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University. She came on aliyah in 1976, with her husband and two children. In Jerusalem the family continued to grow and flourish. In 1988 Madelaine became involved in the formative stage of what was to become Nefesh Achat B’Yisrael.  She began as the social worker developing the professional infrastructure of the organization, as well as counseling pregnant women in crisis from all over Israel. As the organization developed, staff was added and the services expanded to meet the needs of the women who turned to Nefesh Achat for assistance.Madelaine became Executive Vice President and currently serves as chairperson at Just One Life, Israel.

Rabbi Katz is extremely passionate and proud of his lifetime commitment as the Founding Executive Vice President of Just One Life. Over the many years, Rabbi Katz has helped non-profits both as a consultant & as a friend who cares. Rabbi Marty is a prolific fundraiser and diligent manager who has raised major amounts of funds for JOL and other worthwhile causes. Rabbi Katz has also had many years of experience in Kiruv bringing Jews closer to Yiddishkeit. Rabbi Katz held leadership positions with YU Torah Leadership Seminars, Yeshiva University, HS seminar programs, Kirruv programs in Australia & the Soviet Union. He also was a teacher for several years at Ramaz and served as Executive Director of Lincoln Square Synagogue for ten years. Rabbi Marty graduated Yeshiva University, obtained Semicha from REITS, and a Masters Degree in Jewish Education from Ferkauf. Rabbi Katz lives in Queens, NY with his wife Yaffa and enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Chaya Katzin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in women's issues. She holds a BA in Guidance Counseling from Michlala Jerusalem College for Women and an MSW from Wurzweiler School of Social Work in NY. More recently, Chaya studied Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at Hadassah University Hospital's Center for Treatment of Traumatic Stress and Anxiety Disorders. Chaya currently serves as our Director and Senior Social Worker, managing our team and also is the social work student supervisor in partnership with Bar Ilan University.

At work with women and as a mother, Shira believes that when you take care of yourself and make yourself happier and healthier every morning it makes you and the whole family different in the best way. It is her pleasure and honor to be a part of the process of pregnancy with every woman she encounters at Just One Life.  Keyak has a B.A in social work from Bar Ilan University and is currently in the program of M.A at clinical social work at the Hebrew University and part of Shluchey Tzibur program in Mandel leadership program at the Hebrew University.

Sara Gordon is honored to be a drama therapist at Just One Life. Mrs. Gordon utilizes drama therapy as well as psychodrama techniques in her work. When not helping others, Sara enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga and experimenting in the kitchen. Sara holds a BA in Psychology from Concordia University and an MA in Drama Therapy from New York University. Sara lives in Jerusalem with her husband and children.

Atara Block is a NY State and Israel Licensed Master Social Worker who focuses on women’s health and groupwork. She holds a BA in psychology from Touro College and an MSW from Wurzweiler School of Social Work. At Just One Life, she works as an individual therapist and case worker, as well as content writer and special projects coordinator.

Elianna feels privileged and honored to be part of the staff of Just one Life and have the opportunity to work with the women who come to the organization. 

She holds a B.A in Social Work from Bar Ilan University, and is currently in the Social Work Masters program in Hebrew University, specializing in Trauma. Elianna is a trained Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, who studied in Hadassah Hospital's CBT program. She enjoys early mornings, music and spending time with her husband and children. Elianna utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques in her own life and finds them especially productive when working with depression, anxiety and OCD.