2 Cheshvan 5786

Dear Friend,

Not that you read this eNews for Torah commentary (our area rabbis do a great job of it), but I couldn’t resist speaking on this week's Torah portion, Noach. The parsha tells the profound story of a world facing destruction due to corruption, saved only by Noah who is commanded by God to build the ark; a vessel for ‘survival and the continuity of life,’ containing the “seeds of the future” within its walls.

In our modern community, the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts serves a similar essential, forward-looking purpose. It acts as the communal "Ark," safeguarding and sustaining Jewish life against contemporary challenges. We work in advocacy with our elected officials in an ever increasingly hostile world. We empower our synagogues and agencies through our Security training initiatives. We fundraise for our brothers and sisters in Israel. And through our work in the Jewish Endowment Foundation (JEF) we’ve created (and continue to create) the financial assets that are essential for the ‘survival and continuity of Jewish life in Western Massachusetts.’  

Like Noah's steadfast commitment to the future of humanity and creation, the Federation fosters an environment of collective responsibility and philanthropy, connecting Jewish people locally, in Israel, and throughout the world. 

It's the critical infrastructure that empowers us to build a vibrant, caring, and secure community.

Shabbat Shalom

Adam Solender