Building a Stronger Jewish Future—Here, in Israel and the World
The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts strengthens vibrant Jewish life through community building and fundraising that support essential educational and social service programs—locally, in Israel, and around the world.
Rooted in the Jewish values of justice, healing the world (tikkun olam), and unity, we connect you to a caring community that promotes social justice, combats hunger and poverty, rescues those in crisis, and nurtures Jewish identity at every stage of life.
We are a community without borders—supporting individuals and families from birth through senior life, from moments of need to times of celebration. Federation offers enriching Jewish experiences for all ages and life stages.
Through our network of agencies, synagogues, organizations, professionals, and volunteers, Federation is here to serve and support every member of our diverse community.
We proudly welcome interfaith couples and families, and people of all abilities, backgrounds, and sexual orientations.
Our Mission
The backbone of Jewish Life in Western Massachusetts
The mission of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts (JFWM), as the region’s central Jewish communal organization, is to ensure the continuity and well-being of a vibrant Jewish community within Western Massachusetts, the United States of America, Israel and the world. Guided by the values of Torah (Jewish learning), Klal Yisrael (the responsibility of each Jew for another), Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Tzedakah (justice, righteousness and philanthropy), JFWM, together with its local and worldwide partners, educates and advocates for and supports Jews locally, nationally and internationally, and the State of Israel as the Jewish Homeland.
Our Lay Leadership
Past Presidents
Executive Board
Board Trustees
Robyn Newhouse
President
Molly Parr
Vice President
Aaron Saunders
Vice President
Robert Kahan
Treasurer
Joshua Vogel
Secretary
Mark Gold
JEF Chair
Frank Roberts
Past President
Honorary Life Members
Kenneth Abrahams*
Harold Grinspoon
Maurice Katz*
Charles Nirenberg*
Mary Louise Nissenbaum*
Franklin Weiss*
*Of Blessed Memory
Carol Engelson
Barry Federman
Roni Gold
Anya Griffith
Rabbi Kevin Hale
Lisa Katz
Rochel Leah Kosofsky
Eric Lesser
Patricia Loveday
Ronda Parish
Max Schnaper
Corrie Trattner
Dr. Bernard J. Klien*
Samuel G. Simon*
Joseph H. Markson*
Samual B. Black*
Max Katz*
Joseph B. Cowett*
Simon J. Katz*
Harry Fieldman*
Walter Aranow*
Maurice Kurn*
Edward Schaffer*
Irving M. Cohen*
Arthur Paroshinsky*
George M. Koplin*
Philip E. Saks*
Hugo Roth*
Jack Levine*
Alexander Hirschhorn*
Irwin Swirsky*
Joel A. Leavitt
William Foggle*
Richard Gaberman
Harold Rosen*
Alan Curtis*
Belle Rosen*
Jay Loevy
Betsy Gaberman
Diane Troderman
Kenneth Abrahams*
Elliot M.L. Bloom
Gerald B. Berg
Jeffrey H. Mandell
Donna Feldman
Ann Pava
Edward Greenbaum
Steven Dane
Susan Weiss Firestone
Susan Kline
Suze Goldman
Ronda Parish
Ben Falk
Lara Curtis
Robyn Newhouse
Frank Roberts
Our Professional Leadership
