14 Av 5785

Dear Friend,

One of the core roles that the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts plays is in strengthening our Jewish community by uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds, traditions, and levels of observance. Whether you are new to the area or fourth generation, whether you live on the CT border in the South or the Vermont border in the North, whether you identify as Reform, Orthodox, somewhere in between, or “Just Jewish,” we serve as a unifying force, fostering a sense of shared identity, responsibility, and purpose.

At the heart of our mission is the responsibility to build an inclusive and resilient community; and we do that by supporting synagogue life, advocating for Israel, subsidizing schools, partnering with the JCC, and providing security training for all. It is our goal to support and create spaces and opportunities where Jews of all backgrounds can come together—not despite their differences but enriched by them. This diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to be celebrated.

Ultimately, the work of Jewish Federations is about more than service delivery, fundraising, and granting—it’s about connection. By nurturing relationships across generational, cultural, physical, and ideological lines, we ensure that the Jewish people not only survive but thrive together. and to weave the many threads of Jewish life into a vibrant, cohesive community that reflects the richness of who we are.

In our uniquely challenged political world, one of the most important aspects of our work is encouraging dialogue and understanding among Jews with differing perspectives. In an era where political and religious divides can deepen isolation, we wanted to provide an opportunity for people to just socialize, to kibbitz, to laugh, to get to know each other, to just be Jewish with other Jews. Thus the concept of JEWNITY – an opportunity for folks to just get together, to share, to learn, and to socialize.

This Thursday night is JEWNITY being held at the Vanished Valley Brewing Co. in Ludlow from 5-9pm. Come join others, come with friends, make new friends, and share our common culture and history.

As Israel Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter said in a call this afternoon,

“It’s lonely out there. These are times for us to be together.”

See you on Thursday night and help weave the fabric of our future, together.

Shabbat Shalom,

Adam Solender