New Campaign Challenge Grant

The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts is pleased to announce that the Jewish Endowment Foundation, through its grants and allocations process, has recommended $30,000 to the 2012 Annual Campaign, to be used as a dollar-for-dollar match for additional campaign dollars.  This applies to any new or increased gift received as of April 25, 2012.

This means that any new or increased gift to the campaign will be matched.  For example, if a donor gave $100 last year and gives $200 now, the additional $100 will be matched by another $100 from the challenge grant.

This is a great opportunity to increase the power of your gift!  If you haven't already made a pledge to our campaign, now is the time to act.  Please consider an increase, and remember that you have until Dec. 31, 2012 to pay your pledge.  Click on the "Donate Now" button on the right. 

PJ Library Family Concert

PJ Library musician Sheldon Low will perform on Sunday, June 3 at 10:30 am at Lander~Grinspoon Academy, 257 Prospect Street in Northampton.

Sheldon Low is the newest face in Jewish music, performing rock concerts, "Light Up Shabbat" services, and leading Artist-in-Residency weekends throughout the U.S.  Low appeals to youth and family audiences, not only as a musician, singer/songwriter, and entertainer, but most importantly, as a Jewish educator and role model.

Admission is $5 per person (age 3+), with a maximum of $20 per family.  R.S.V.P. by Friday, May 25--your payment is your reservation!  Please send in or drop off a check to the Federation office, or click on the link below to register online.  For more information, contact Rachel Berezin or call (413) 737-4313 x146.

This concert is sponsored by the Springfield JCC, Heritage Academy, Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy, Lander~Grinspoon Academy, the Jewish Community of Amherst, Try A Synagogue (a program underwritten by the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, Congregation B'nai Torah, Sinai Temple, and Temple Beth El, and a grant from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation), the Teen and Family Education Initiative of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, and the Young Adult Division of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts.

Click here to register online.

Thanks to All Mitzvah Day Volunteers!

Check out our photos!  

Click here to see Mitzvah Day photos.

2012 Annual Campaign Video

Who are we & what do we do?  Click on the video below to find out.

What will your Jewish legacy be?

Click on the video below to watch local children discussing what it means to be Jewish.

Create a Jewish Legacy

The Jewish Federation and the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Western Massachusetts, along with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, have partnered with 13 local agencies to encourage legacy gifts that will sustain our Jewish community for future generations.  These gifts will educate our children, strengthen Jewish identity, preserve our culture and heritage, support our synagogues, protect and strengthen the state of Israel, feed the hungry, and will make a difference in the lives of future Jewish generations.  To learn more about how your legacy gift to the Federation can be designed to match your personal circumstances, please contact Scott Kaplan at (413) 737-4313. Click here for more.

Federation Connection E-Newsletter

Do you want to be kept informed of the latest Federation news and events?  The Federation has a monthly e-newsletter, The Federation Connection.  It's designed to be another way for Federation to connect to our donors and agencies, and includes news, information about upcoming events, and spotlights on individuals whose lives are enriched thanks to the generosity of donors to our Annual Campaign.  If you do not already receive it, we encourage you to sign up below.  The next edition will be conveniently delivered right to your computer!  To view previous e-newsletters, click here.

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World News Headlines
- from JTA

During these difficult economic times, your gift to the Annual Campaign makes a real difference in the lives of millions of people in Western Massachusetts, in Israel, and in 70 countries around the world.  This year we face extraordinary challenges, and it is only through your support that we can serve as a safety net for the Jewish community.  Click here to donate or make a payment.

Annual Campaign:  Where You Make the Difference

According to Jewish tradition, the highest form of tzedakah or charity is givng to a central campaign, community fund, or kupah.  The impact of the annual campaign is priceless.  Millions of lives saved, cared for, reached out to and rebuilt; centuries-old Jewish traditions and values preserved for future generations.  Click here for more.

2012 Annual Campaign Progress

Number of pledges to date = 1,081

Total value of pledges = $760,030

As of May 14, 2012

"Where Does All the Money Go?"

Where Does All The Money Go?

Try A Synagogue

Try A Synagogue is a program established to encourage membership at the three synagogues in the greater Springfield area, Congregation B'nai Torah (Orthodox), Sinai Temple (Reform), and Temple Beth El (Conservative).  If you have not been a synagogue member for 3 years or more, you can join one of the participating synagogues for only $365 for the first year, and $550 in the second year.  This program is underwritten by the Federation, the participating synagogues, and a grant from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.  For more information, click here.

Western Massachusetts Jewish Ledger

Do you want to read the latest news about our Jewish community?  Click here.

The PJ Library

 

The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts is a proud sponsor of The PJ Library, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation which provides young families with children ages six months to 8 years a monthly gift of a Jewish book or CD free of charge!  To enroll your child, or for more information, click here.

Get Connected!

Stay up to date on the full range of Jewish arts programs, educational workshops & classes, and other special events happening throughout Western Massachusetts! Sign up to receive an email bulletin of what's happening! more

New to Western Massachusetts?

The Shalom Welcome Wagon would like to officially welcome you to the area with a beautiful gift basket filled with goodies and helpful information about our Jewish community.  To request a visit by the Shalom Welcome Wagon, contact Debbie Peskin at dpeskin@jewishwesternmass.org.

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Contact Us

Federation:  (413) 737-4313

Endowment Foundation:  (413) 732-9994

    Order a Tribute Card

    Celebrate a simcha or honor a loved one's memory with a Tribute Card.

    Click here to order.