Shabbat Shalom from CEO from Nora Gorenstein

Take a look at the 2022 Annual Campaign and our impact so far this year! Please join us with your pledge or an additional contribution today.

Dear Claudia,

Last weekend, our community was rocked by a fire that devastated portions of the Springfield Jewish Community Center. With the strong leadership of the JCC’s CEO Samantha Dubrinsky and President Richard Goldstein, as well as support from throughout the community, the JCC has been able to continue providing its services with minimal disruption. We are grateful that there was no loss of life or injury in connection with the fire.

The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts has a long history of partnership with the Springfield JCC and is proud to continue standing in support of this important community institution. Although the Federation offices were not damaged by the fire, we remain closed to the public at this time while the JCC assesses its next steps.

As we begin the month of Kislev, with Hanukkah arriving soon, we can be thankful for each other and for the lights that we kindle as a community by working together and supporting one another. As we prepare for our community celebrations, parties, and public menorah lighting ceremonies, I have one question:

What does Hanukkah mean to you?

Please take a moment to reply to this email and share your answer, which may be included as part of a special Hanukkah resource booklet! I look forward to hearing from you and sharing in the joy of this season together.

Annual Meeting Reminder:

Our upcoming Annual Meeting will be held on Dec. 15 at JGS Lifecare, including a 6:30-7pm “mingle and nosh” which will precede the 7-8pm meeting. Our agenda for the evening includes presentations of highlights from the past year, priorities of the year ahead, recognition of past leadership, and the vote to approve nominees for 2023.

Please take a moment to register now and consider making a contribution to the Annual Campaign when you register. Your support of the 2022 Annual Campaign enables us as a community to meet the needs of the year ahead, and we will be prepared to respond to whatever 2023 may hold in store. All donors to the current 2022 Annual Campaign are members of our Jewish Federation and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

I hope to see you there to share my appreciation for all we have accomplished together!

Shabbat shalom,

Nora Gorenstein
Chief Executive Officer

The 2022 Annual Meeting is around the corner. Please click here to register!