Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts

May the memories of Ori, Carmel, Hersh, Alex, Almog, and Eden be a blessing to their families - https://mailchi.mp/jewishwesternmass.org/may-the-memories-of-ori-carmel-hersh-alex-almog-and-eden-be-a-blessing-to-their-families

Register for this upcoming Foggle "Great Issues" Lecture Series Featuring Ayaan Hirsi Ali - https://mailchi.mp/jewishwesternmass.org/foggle-great-issues-lecture-series-featuring-ayaan-hirsi-ali-4173560

Jewish Federations are devastated at the news that Hamas has killed six more hostages, among them the American Hersh Goldberg-Polin z”l, whose story we have come to know so well through the tireless advocacy of his parents Rachel and Jon.

We mourn the loss of these innocents, Hersh, Eden Yerushalmi z”l, Carmel G*t z”l, Almog Sarusi z”l, Alex Lubnov z”l, and Ori Danino z”l.

Our hearts are with their families and loved ones, may they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. We pray that the remaining hostages will soon be returned home safely.

This Labor Day weekend... - https://mailchi.mp/jewishwesternmass.org/shabbat-shalom-from-nora-gorenstein-4173556

Former hostage Agam Goldstein-Almog wrote about the abuse and antisemitism she was subjected to while in Hamas captivity, saying her captors and others in Gaza exhibited a baseless hatred "for all that I am and all I am not." https://ow.ly/2xMu30sG75o

From sacred shrines and vibrant neighborhoods to historic synagogues and esteemed cultural institutions, Iraq is home to Jewish holy sites that reflect the profound and ancient roots of the Jewish community in the region. https://ow.ly/yfqC30sG75n

An exhibition in Amsterdam examines the Holocaust through the lens of items stolen by N***s, highlighting the link between personal belongings and identity, and the feelings of loss and erasure that arise when those items are forcibly stripped away. https://ow.ly/oIGb30sG6PT

We encourage you to read a powerful letter (below) by community member Ina Porth, published in the Hampshire Gazette, addressing the recent demands made by a BDS group to River Valley Co-Op. As many of you may know, this group is calling on River Valley Co-Op to remove seven Israeli-made products from their shelves and to cease purchasing Israeli products in the future. River Valley Co-Op has indicated that they might offer non-Israeli alternatives alongside the current brands, allowing members to make their own choices. Read more here: https://ow.ly/SroK50TaUeo. It's crucial that our community's voices are heard on this matter. You can take positive action by writing a letter to the editor, reaching out to River Valley Co-Op, or sharing your thoughts with friends and neighbors. You can also show your support by purchasing Israeli products at River Valley Co-Op. Every purchase makes a statement, and we can use our voices for good!

Ina Porth: Appalled by article promoting Israel as ‘apartheid’ state I love the local news but was a bit astonished by the Gazette’s decision to publish the story [“Pushing for an ‘apartheid-free’ store,” Aug. 27] on the top half of the front page. This is news? No, this is more redefining of what “apartheid” and what...

Unlike a secular day, in which daylight hours are framed by night, the Jewish day begins with night and ends with day – which is why Jewish holidays begin in the evening before the first day of the observance. https://ow.ly/ZZOi30sG6PE

It’s back-to-school season! Did you know that help build high schools, day care centers, senior citizens centers, libraries, sports facilities and regional colleges in Israel?

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us this past Sunday for the Parlor Meeting at Mike & Sara Kavitsky’s home. We especially appreciate Mike, Sara, and their son Betzalel for their warm hospitality. A big thank you as well to our special guest speakers and Ronda Parish, the Israel Emergency Campaign Chair, for their invaluable contributions. During the gathering, we shared an insightful presentation on how supporting the Israel Emergency Campaign through the Federation is making a difference for our core partners in Israel during these critical times. We were also fortunate to hear from two special guests from Israel via Zoom, who shared their personal experiences of October 7th and its ongoing impacts. We are also grateful to those who contributed to the Israel Emergency Campaign at the event. If you would like to support this vital cause, please visit https://ow.ly/Eq2L50TafmA. Thank you for your generosity and support.

The vandalism of Boston’s Holocaust Memorial is a reminder of the ongoing need for to combat hate in all its forms. https://ow.ly/cLv930sG5ju

See how one Holocaust survivor's hidden sketchbook sheds light on the horrors he witnessed and the resilience that followed. https://ow.ly/2uLu30sG5jp

You're Invited: Rabbi Shai Held - "Judaism Is About Love" - https://mailchi.mp/jewishwesternmass.org/save-the-date-for-an-exclusive-federation-event-together-for-tomorrow-4173552

Israel is sending 27 athletes to the Paralympics, and Jewish competitors at the Games will also hail from the U.S., Canada and Brazil. Here are some of the Jewish Paralympians to watch: https://ow.ly/FkJk30sG5jm

Please join us for this very interesting discussion with Joan Leegant about her latest book "Displaced Persons." Please RSVP at https://ow.ly/fsNl50T8XEM

"As an Israeli competitor who went to represent the country during wartime and faced antisemitism, I hope I can give them some indication and strength when they need to stand in such a situation." - Eden Golan https://ow.ly/at7330sG3Qb

Our weekly email with events and opportunities for the whole family is here! - https://mailchi.mp/jewishwesternmass.org/check-out-whats-happening-in-our-jewish-community-this-week-4173548

The IDF reports that 90% of the hundreds of rockets and drones Hezbollah fired at Israel last weekend were positioned in civilian areas of Lebanon, near mosques, schools, gas stations and United Nations sites. https://ow.ly/HwVo30sG3Qa

Hey there! Have you heard about Ride to Provide? There's still time to sponsor at any level and even snag a spot at our community table section! Get in touch with Cassie Hicks at [email protected] if you're interested. Let's come together to support our community's needs at Ride to Provide 2024. Visit https://ow.ly/STz950SIEpN for more info. Join us in making a difference!

“Deliberately setting fire to a synagogue where the rabbi and his family live while waiting with an axe ... is an antisemitic act, and it must be denounced as such," said French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin.

France's Darmanin slams 'surge in antisemitism' after synagogue blast The arson attack, which targeted the Beth Yaacov synagogue in La Grande-Motte on Saturday, left one police officer injured.

“I am so proud to be a Jew, to be a member of a most resilient people, who have persistently modeled to the world that argument is sacred, that argument is, in religious terms, for the Sake of Heaven.” - Rabbi Andy Bachman

What I learned when a Brooklyn bookstore canceled a discussion of Judaism over my Zionism - Jewish Telegraphic Agency The upside of the unpleasant experience, writes Andy Bachman: being reminded of the power of friendship and old-fashioned debate.

are overjoyed and relieved with the rest of Israel and the Jewish people on the successful rescue of Qaid Farhan al-Qadi, 52.

Al-Qadi, a father of 11, is from a Bedouin Arab community near the southern city of Rahat. He was working as a guard at a packing factory in Kibbutz Magen on Oct. 7 when he was abducted by Hamas terrorists.

In this moment of celebration, we also remember that 108 hostages remain in Hamas captivity. They must come home.

Hezbollah launched over 320 rockets and drones at Israel on Sunday. But before the strike, the IDF preemptively hit thousands of rocket launchers in Lebanon:

'First phase' of attack against Israel is 'over,' Hezbollah declares, amid fears of regional war - i24NEWS The official said the group took time to retaliate for the assassination of top commander Fuad Shukr last month due to “political considerations,” chiefly the ongoing talks on Gaza ceasefire

Once associated with a mystical approach to all mitzvot, the phrase “tikkun olam” is still connected with the human duty to fix what is wrong with the world but is now used to refer to acts of social responsibility.

Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World | My Jewish Learning Tikkun Olam in Judaism has come to connote social action, community service, social justice, and often, a liberal social agenda.

“As part of cognitive and psychological warfare, Hezbollah hopes to convey a narrative of success [and] hints that another military target that was attacked will be revealed later, and that its attack this morning is in fact only the first stage.” https://ow.ly/IZX330sG0u7

If your ‘peaceful protest’ includes antisemitic dog whistles and threats of violence…maybe it’s time to reconsider your definition of ‘peaceful.’