Who We Are

Over 30 years ago, Jack Forgash began laying the foundation for what would become Just One Life. As the founding lay leader, he takes great pride in seeing Israeli babies born, continually championing the organization's cause and finding new supporters. In addition to his work with Just One Life, Jack is a successful businessman, running his own real estate company, and is often sought after for his advice by those entering the real estate field or other industries.

A longtime resident of Teaneck, NJ, Jack is deeply involved in his local Jewish community and beyond, making significant contributions to various Jewish causes. His notable commitments include involvement with the Azrieli Graduate School, Yeshiva University, Yeshiva of Flatbush, the movement for Soviet Jewry, Ateret Kohanim, the Israel Day Parade, Ohr Stone Schools in Israel, and numerous synagogues and community projects in Teaneck.

Jack's dedication extends to every organization he supports, reflecting his commitment to helping the Jewish people, one organization at a time. A true family man, he lives in Teaneck with his wife, Carole, and cherishes spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Steve Adelsberg has been a close friend, mentor, and advisor to Rabbi Marty Katz for over 50 years. A highly successful professional, Steve is a partner in his accounting firm and has also achieved success in real estate. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Steve is deeply committed to various charitable causes, including his involvement with Just One Life, the Manhattan Beach Kollel and Shul ("The Shtieble"), Yeshiva of Flatbush, Bet El, Yeshiva University, Yeshivos Bais HaTalmud, the Bianna Chassidic Dynasty, the IDF, Ateret Kohanim, and numerous hospital and cancer initiatives.

A devoted family man, Steve resides in Manhattan Beach with his wife, Renee, and enjoys spending time with their children and grandchildren.

 

Madelaine Gitelman is a social worker and a graduate of the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. She made aliyah in 1976 with her husband and two children, and their family continued to grow and thrive in Jerusalem. In 1988, Madelaine became involved in the early stages of what would become Nefesh Achat B’Yisrael. She started as a social worker, developing the professional infrastructure of the organization and providing counseling to pregnant women in crisis across Israel.

As the organization grew, Madelaine played a key role in expanding its services and building a dedicated team to meet the increasing needs of the women seeking support. She eventually became the Executive Vice President and currently serves as the Chairperson of Just One Life, Israel.

Rabbi Marty Katz is deeply passionate about his lifelong commitment as the Founding Executive Vice President of Just One Life. Throughout the years, he has been a valuable asset to numerous non-profit organizations, offering his expertise both as a consultant and as a caring friend. A prolific fundraiser and diligent manager, Rabbi Katz has successfully raised substantial funds for Just One Life and other important causes.

In addition to his fundraising achievements, Rabbi Katz has extensive experience in Kiruv, bringing Jews closer to Yiddishkeit. He has held leadership positions with YU Torah Leadership Seminars, Yeshiva University high school seminar programs, and Kiruv initiatives in Australia and the Soviet Union. Rabbi Katz also taught for several years at Ramaz and served as Executive Director of Lincoln Square Synagogue for a decade.

Rabbi Marty is a graduate of Yeshiva University, where he earned his Semicha from REITS and a Master's degree in Jewish Education from Ferkauf. He resides in Queens, NY, with his wife, Yaffa, and enjoys spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Ari brings a wealth of experience and a diverse skill set to his role, including expertise in fundraising, recruiting, business development, relationship building, and sales. With a strong background in strategic leadership and a warm, engaging personality, Ari is a tremendous asset to our team.

In his current role, Ari excels in fundraising, driving innovative and effective strategies to secure essential resources for Just One Life. He goes beyond the scope of his duties with enthusiasm and a creative, entrepreneurial mindset. His passion for fundraising is evident in his ability to identify opportunities, cultivate donor relationships, and generate significant financial support for the organization.

Ari is passionate, responsible, and driven, and as a natural people person, he excels in fostering and managing relationships. He takes pride in earning the trust of those he engages with, leveraging his extensive experience to cultivate meaningful and lasting connections.

Ari's strengths lie in his strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, curiosity, integrity, and exceptional communication skills. He is committed to making a positive impact at Just One Life and is dedicated to driving high levels of performance within our mission-driven culture. Ari approaches his work with professionalism, diplomacy, intelligence, and a sense of humor, all of which contribute to his effectiveness as a leader in our organization.

Chaya Katzin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a specialization in women's issues. She holds a BA in Guidance Counseling from Michlala Jerusalem College for Women and an MSW from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work in New York. Additionally, Chaya has advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from Hadassah University Hospital's Center for the Treatment of Traumatic Stress and Anxiety Disorders.

Currently, Chaya serves as the Director and Senior Social Worker at our organization, where she leads our team and oversees the supervision of social work students in partnership with Bar Ilan University.

In both her work with women and her role as a mother, Shira believes that prioritizing self-care and starting each day happier and healthier positively transforms not only the individual but the entire family. She considers it a privilege and honor to be part of the pregnancy journey with every woman she meets at Just One Life.

Shira holds a B.A. in Social Work from Bar Ilan University and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Clinical Social Work at the Hebrew University. She is also part of the Shluchey Tzibur program within the Mandel Leadership Program at Hebrew University.

Sara Gordon is honored to serve as a drama therapist at Just One Life, where she integrates drama therapy and psychodrama techniques into her work. When she's not helping others, Sara enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, and experimenting in the kitchen.

She 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 Licensed Master Social Worker in both New York and Israel, specializing in women's health and group work. She holds a BA in Psychology from Touro College and an MSW from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work. At Just One Life, Atara serves as an individual therapist and caseworker, while also contributing as a content writer and special projects coordinator.

 

Elianna feels privileged and honored to be part of the Just One Life team, where she has the opportunity to support and work with the women who come to the organization.

She holds a B.A. in Social Work from Bar Ilan University and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at Hebrew University, with a specialization in trauma. Elianna is also a trained Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, having completed her studies at Hadassah Hospital's CBT program.

She enjoys early mornings, music, and spending time with her husband and children. Elianna integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques into her own life and finds them especially effective when working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, and OCD.