25 Tishrei 5786
Dear Friend,
We often hear people in the Jewish community say, “I wish there were more Jewish programs here in our area!” The good news is—there are, and they’re happening right here in our community.
On October 26, as part of a national initiative by Jewish Federations of North America, the Springfield JCC will host Lahav Harkov, a leading journalist and commentator, who will speak on “A Region Transformed: From October 7th to Iran and What Comes Next.” She was previously the Senior Contributing Editor of The Jerusalem Post, is JPost’s Diplomatic Correspondent, analyzing and reporting on Israel’s relations with the world, the Prime Minister’s office, the National Security Council, the Foreign Ministry, and more. Lahav was JPost’s top analyst and reporter in the Knesset for over 8 years and was The Jerusalem Post‘s former News Editor and managing editor of JPost.com.
Just two days later, on October 28, humorist and satirist Benji Lovitt takes the very same stage for “It’s OK to Laugh: Coping Through Dark Humor.” If you haven’t heard Benji before, you’re in for a treat—-his blend of wit and insight brings laughter and reflection to even the most challenging topics.
And the lineup continues. Two weeks later, the Foggle Lecture Series will feature Jon Meacham, Presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize–winning author speaking on “Hope Through History: How to Survive Turbulent Times.” Jon Meacham is a bestselling author and one of the nations most respected public speakers.
Following Jon Meacham shortly thereafter our region will host Dr. Mijal Bitton, who will speak on December 7th at Temple Beth El on “The Transformed Landscape of the American Jewish Experience.” Dr. Bitton is a spiritual leader, community builder, and sociologist. She is the co-founder and Rosh Kehilla (communal leader) of The Downtown Minyan in Manhattan and serves as Scholar in Residence at the Maimonides Fund. Dr. Bitton is also a Visiting Researcher at NYU Wagner, where she leads pioneering research on Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews in the U.S. An alumna of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship, a New Pluralist Field Builder, and a Sacks Scholar, she lectures widely, co-hosts the podcast Wondering Jews, and was a featured speaker at the historic March for Israel in Washington, D.C.
What’s remarkable is that all these programs are free and open to the public. Of course, “free” doesn’t mean without cost—-it means supported by the generosity of those who came before us.
These opportunities are made possible by the Jewish Endowment Foundation, the Jewish Federation, the Springfield JCC, and synagogues such as Temple Beth El and Sinai Temple. The funds that sustain these programs were created by community members who wanted to build a lasting legacy for Jewish life….a legacy that help to enhance and define your lives and mine.
So, the next time you find yourself wishing for high quality Jewish programming;
the next time you want to have access to some of the brightest minds in our country;
the next time you have a desire to learn, be entertained, and have your questions answered
It’s already here, waiting for you...
Shabbat Shalom,
Adam Solender