In a weekly missive dedicated to Jewish life, the passing of two leaders from outside our immediate Jewish community might prompt some to ask: Why do we pause to mourn them? Why does their loss belong here?
The answer lies at the very heart of who we are. The Jewish community does not exist in a vacuum; our safety, our flourishing, and our moral imperative are deeply intertwined with the neighbors who stand alongside us. Henry M. Thomas III and Benjamin Swan who both died in the last few weeks, were not just leaders of Western Massachusetts; they were historic architects of the coalitions that kept our community connected, understood, and supported. When the Jewish community needed allies, they were there. When the fight for civil rights demanded a unified front, they built the bridges. To honor them is to recognize that our history in this region cannot be written without them. We feature them today because to lose champions of mutual respect is a collective loss for us all.
The Jewish community of Western Massachusetts joined countless neighbors in mourning the loss of these two extraordinary civic leaders, Henry M. Thomas III and Benjamin Swan. Their passing leaves a profound void, but their lives leave behind something far greater: a legacy of partnership, dignity, and a steadfast commitment to the common good.
Our tradition teaches, “The world stands upon three things: “Torah, service, and acts of loving kindness” (Pirkei Avot 1:2). Both Henry Thomas and Benjamin Swan devoted their lives to that sacred work. Though they came from different backgrounds and walked different paths, they shared a belief that communities flourish when people see one another not as strangers, but as partners.
For decades, Henry Thomas stood as one of the towering figures of our region. Through his remarkable leadership of the Urban League of Springfield and his unwavering advocacy for educational opportunity, economic justice, and civil rights, he forged relationships that transcended race, religion, and geography. He understood that progress is never achieved alone. Time and again, he found common cause with the Jewish community and with so many others who sought a more equitable and compassionate Western Massachusetts.
Benjamin Swan carried that same spirit. A veteran of the Civil Rights Movement, a legislator, and an advocate for justice, he dedicated his life to ensuring that every person was seen and heard. He understood that the struggles of different communities are intertwined, and he believed deeply in the power of coalitions rooted in mutual respect. Through years of public service and activism, he strengthened bonds among people of diverse backgrounds and reminded us that democracy and dignity are collective responsibilities.
In Jewish tradition, we speak of tikkun olam—the obligation to repair the world. Neither Henry Thomas nor Benjamin Swan used those Hebrew words, but they lived them. Their work reflected a conviction shared by so many faith traditions: that we are called to lift one another up, to confront injustice, and to leave our communities stronger than we found them.
The Talmud teaches, “Whoever saves a single life, it is as if they have saved an entire world.” Through their advocacy, their mentorship, and their moral leadership, these two men touched countless lives and, in doing so, transformed our region for the better.
May their memories be for a blessing.
And may we honor them not only with words of remembrance, but by continuing the work they so nobly advanced—building bridges, seeking justice, and recognizing in one another the image of God that binds us together as one human family.
