Support BuyCott Israel Month!

Take part in BuyCott Israel Month, a campaign to buy from, invest in, and celebrate the State of Israel during the entire month of March.  Visit www.buycottmonth.com.

With the propaganda season of the so-called "Israel-Apartheid Week" expected to start March 1, some local activists have teamed up with the hugely successful Buycott Israel program from Canada to introduce Buycott Israel Month.  Please visit and contribute your input to the Buycott Month Web site at www.buycottmonth.com.  The site features pictures and stories of people purchasing and enjoying Israeli products and other activities.  Buycott represents an easy and positive way to show your support for Israel.  Please visit the website and provide your input (both photos and stories).

Ethiopian National Project Update

Please Join Us on March 15!

The community is invited to a meeting hosted by the Jewish Endowment Foundation (JEF) with representatives from the Ethiopian National Project (ENP) on Monday, March 15 at 8:15 a.m. in the Federation Board Room.  Dr. Nigist Mengasha, Director-General, and Grace Rodnitzki, Director of International Relations, will talk about the particular challenges Ethiopian-Israelis face, and how ENP is making a difference in their lives.

Of particular interest to our community is the ENP-Atidim program for high achievers.  This program provides comprehensive scholastic intervention and enrichment activities for the top one-third of Ethiopian-Israeli junior and senior high school students to allow them to compete more effectively on Israel's matriculation exams and discover their talents and strengths.  In doing so, these youngsters can succcessfully progress to higher education and serve as role models and motivators throughout the Ethiopian student population.

The JEF has provided a 5-year grant from the Anna P. Housen Fund for Israel to the program, and is currently in the 5th year of funding.  The community is invited to this meeting to learn about the impact that we are having on the lives of these young people.  R.S.V.P. by March 11 to Michelle Lancto at (413) 732-9994 or email mlancto@jewishwesternmass.org. For more information on ENP, click here.

JEF Scholarships Available

The Jewish Endowment Foundation has scholarships available for college, graduate school in Israel, Jewish secondary schools, and Israel travel.  The deadline for all applications is April 15.  For applications and more information, click here.

Rachel's Table Sponsors Passover Food Drive

A growing number of people in our community may not be able to buy food that is kosher for Passover.  Rachel's Table and the students from Bais Chaya Mushka High School of Longmeadow are joining with the Matzah Fund of Jewish Family Service to collect additional kosher for Passover food.  The food will be given to Jewish families in the Greater Springfield area who do not have the means to buy kosher for Passover food.  When shopping for Passover food, please consider helping the community by buying a bit extra.  High protein products such as tuna, sardines, and soups are especially helpful.  For more information, contact Debbie Rubenstein at Rachel's Table, (413) 733-0084 or drubenstein@jewishwesternmass.org.

Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival

March 11 - 24

The Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival is back with 14 films in 7 towns.  Delve into the Jewish experience with daring defiers, celebratory survivors, and Israeli sumo wrestlers.  Bring your friends to an old favorite about baseball legend Hank Greenberg, or a new documentary about beloved radio and TV star Gertrude Berg.  Catch this year's Israeli entry for the Academy Awards ("Ajami") and take an inspiring road trip with an artist determined to keep history alive.  Sign up for updates at www.valleyjewishfilm.org.

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Federation Launches New E-Newsletter

The Federation has recently launched a new 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.

Email Newsletter icon, E-mail Newsletter icon, Email List icon, E-mail List icon Sign up for our Email Newsletter

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 Pearl-Anne Margalit or Scott Kaplan at (413) 737-4313. Click here for more.
 

The Jewish Federations of North America supports ORT's effort to install more than 400 Smart Classrooms across northern Israel. Smart Classrooms include interactive whiteboards (IWBs), wireless Internet connectivity and other technological aids. ORT is investing more than $4 million to bring new technology to 72 under-resourced schools and benefit 40,000 students annually. Please click here for details.

JERUSALEM - Israeli archaeologists said Monday that they've discovered an unusually shaped 1,400-year-old wine press that was exceptionally large and advanced for its time.

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During these difficult economic times, your gift to the 2010 Federation Annual Campaign makes a real difference in the lives of millions of people in Western Massachusetts, in Israel, and in 60 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.

Stories of Love, Hope & Optimism

To see the 2010 Annual Campaign video, click here.

2010 Annual Campaign Progress

Number of pledges to date = 923

Total value of pledges = $607,738

As of March 8, 2010

"Where Does All the Money Go?"

Where Does All The Money Go?

Thanks to Our Web Sponsor!

Health New England is a generous sponsor of our Web site.  Please visit their Web site, www.hne.com.

For more information about our corporate sponsorship program, please contact the Federation at (413) 737-4313. 

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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Order a Tribute Card

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

Click here to order.

Contact Us

Federation:  (413) 737-4313

Endowment Foundation:  (413) 732-9994