Please note that the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts office closed early today at 1pm, and will be open Monday-Thursday next week, closing at 1pm on Thursday and closed all day on Friday, April 22.
Dear Friend,
Today, I am grateful to borrow a few words of Torah:
"At the conclusion of reading a book of the Torah, we say, 'Chazak, Chazak, V’nitchazek – From Strength to Strength May We Be Strengthened.' We celebrate the past at the same moment we look to the future." -Rabbi Mark Kaiserman, The Reform Temple of Forest Hills, Queens, New York
May we all continue to go from strength to strength! This year is full of opportunities to work as partners toward a brighter future for our community and the world.
Tonight the Jewish people begin the celebration of Passover together with the strangers, friends, and family of all faiths and experience who we welcome and embrace as partners in our journey through memory.
Passover asks us to literally open our doors to welcome the stranger. As we retell the stories, we relive the experience of the Israelites. We honor this history by helping others. In particular this Passover, we continue to aid those in need in Ukraine and those who have already fled. You can support this cause by clicking here to make a donation or read updates.
In my new role as Chief Executive Officer, I look forward to spending time with you to get your input and involvement in the change that our community and our world needs in order to sustain current and future generations. As we go together from strength to strength as a community, we remember our past achievements and successes while also recognizing that there is great work still ahead of us!
There are family milestones (“strengths”) that also come to mind for me personally:
- Today, my grandparents-in-law Victor and Selma Gorenstein celebrate 72 years of marriage
- Next week, my grandmother Estelle Zuckerman celebrates her 96th birthday
- This summer, my husband Eric Gorenstein and I will celebrate 10 years of marriage
What are your milestones and strengths? What is coming next in your life? I would love to hear from you and celebrate your successes!
Shabbat shalom and chag sameach,
Nora Gorenstein
Chief Executive Officer