24 Kislev 5786
Dear Friend,
Beginning tonight, Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, commemorates an ancient story that resonates profoundly in the modern world. It marks the victory of the Maccabees—a small band of Jewish fighters—against a powerful empire that sought to extinguish their …
The Pioneer Valley offers exceptional Jewish programs—from lectures and security training to leading voices on Israel and antisemitism. With strong community support and advance notice, now everyone can engage, learn, and participate.
SNAP cuts threaten vulnerable families, making our Jewish obligation to feed the hungry even more urgent. Springfield is heavily impacted—support Rachel’s Table and JFS to help ensure no one goes without food.
The Federation is our community’s Ark, safeguarding Jewish life, supporting Israel, strengthening security, building resources, fostering philanthropy, connecting Jews locally and globally, and ensuring a vibrant, caring, secure, enduring future for Western Massachusetts.
Jewish programs in our community are abundant, free, and open to all—featuring top speakers, humor, and insight—made possible by the Federation, JCC, synagogues, and generous community support.
As Gaza ceasefire brings cautious hope, the Federation honors resilience, faith, and unity—celebrating courage, remembering hostages, and praying that this fragile moment marks the start of lasting peace and healing.
The Federation mourns Manchester victims, honors security efforts, and celebrates Sukkot’s joy, hospitality, and gratitude, remembering hostages in Gaza while praying for peace, resilience, and freedom for all Jewish communities.
Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the Ten Days of Awe invite reflection, teshuvah, and renewal. In community, we seek forgiveness, rebuild bonds, and strengthen compassion, justice, humility, and hope together.
The Federation and Endowment Foundation joined UMass Hillel’s BBQ Kickoff, where hundreds of students celebrated Jewish pride, community, and connection—marking the year’s start with vibrant opportunities for leadership, learning, and identity.
Labor Day reminds us of Jewish workers’ struggles, leadership in labor rights, and Torah’s call for dignity and justice. We honor past courage and commit to fairness, dignity, and justice today.
Over 160 community members joined JEWNITY at Vanished Valley Brewing Company, celebrating “One Tribe, One Vibe” with connection, belonging, and joy—strengthening Jewish life, resilience, and shared purpose in the Pioneer Valley.
The Federation unites Jews across traditions, strengthening community through security, advocacy, and shared purpose. Join us Thursday at Vanished Valley Brewing Co for JEWNITY—connection, friendship, and celebrating our Jewish future together.
This week’s message reflects on Jewish giving, urging us to prioritize our community’s needs, strengthen Jewish life through Federation and legacy support, and embrace the call to be Or L’Yehudim.
On Tisha B’Av, we mourn past and present tragedies, honor suffering on all sides, and reaffirm hope, moral clarity, and a longing for peace, justice, and compassion in our broken world.
A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) at the Jewish Endowment Foundation offers tax benefits, flexibility, and lasting impact—empowering individuals and families to give strategically and grow their charitable legacy over time.
