Now, will we see you there?

23 Cheshvan 5786

Dear Friend,

Why don’t we have quality Jewish programs in the Pioneer Valley?

No one told me about that program.

I heard about it too late.

Why didn’t I know?

If you are a member of the Jewish community in this region, you’ve often heard these laments and many others. The fact is, WE DO HAVE INCREDIBLE programming and opportunities right here on our doorsteps. Whether it is in Amherst or Springfield, or areas in between, leadership at our institutions, synagogues, and agencies are constantly working on programs that reflect and enhance the Jewish experience. In many cases, programs like these are thanks to the Jewish Endowment Foundation and Harold Grinspoon Foundation, who generously provide financial backing to make many of these programs possible. It is thanks to generous philanthropists who had a vision for the future to make such programs possible. It is thanks to individuals who work tirelessly for the benefit of us all (meet many of them being recognized with the Shem Tov Award at the Federation Annual Meeting on December 4th).

Sometimes I reflect on a expression you hear in the college football-crazed South that perhaps we’ve “outkicked the coverage:” (A situation where someone/something has exceeded their abilities or resources). Maybe we’re offering too much programming or more programming than the region wants/can support…..But I don’t think so.

Evidence this past week when the Federation hosted the Lynn M. & William Foggle Great Issues Lecture at Springfield Symphony Hall. Approximately 1,200 folks from throughout the region came to hear John Meacham. It was a very successful event, and the feedback was universally positive (other than the folks who had some parking challenges).

This coming Monday, we have the opportunity to hear from Noa Tishby, an internationally respected Israel Advocate speaking on Israel and Antisemitism at Amherst College at 7pm. She is a forthright, focused, and sometimes provocative voice on the international war on Israel that is taking place on TV, webpages, and college campuses.

On Thursday, the Federation’s Security Initiative is presenting BeAware: Introduction to Situational Awareness at the Springfield JCC at 5:30. The training teaches best practice techniques on how to observe, report, and react to suspicious behavior, evaluate threats, and “commit to action” in dangerous situations.

December 7th, we have the honor of hearing from Dr. Mijal Bitton who will be speaking on How American Jews have faced a transformed landscape since October 7th. Being held at Temple Beth El in Springfield, Dr. Bitton is one of the foremost spiritual leaders and scholars aspiring to make Judaism relevant, accessible and meaningful in today’s complex world.

And just a few short days later on December 11th, the Springfield JCC will be hosting Siblings in Captivity, Maya and Itay Regev who will be sharing their stories of survival and faith after having been shot, taken hostage from the Nova Music Festival and secreted in Gaza by Hamas terrorists.

Now you know about these quality programs right here in the Pioneer Valley;

Now you’ve heard about them in advance (see sign up links below)

And these are only three of the many programs being offered through the end of the this year that enhance and define our community.