Atty. Ronda Parish was highlighted on Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 for Women’s Philanthropy Virtual Coffee Hour, sharing her personal Federation story, the ways in which Federation has been a leading force in our region for nearly a century, and how each of us can be involved. Ronda was also featured on Sunday, Nov. 1 as part of the Past Women Presidents of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts virtual program and luncheon.
Ronda Parish, immediate past president of the JFWM, served from 2017 to 2019, and has been inspired to continue her service to our Jewish community. Her family moved to Western Massachusetts and Ronda attended Jewish education programs from Temple Beth El, United Hebrew School, and Camp Ramah in Palmer, Massachusetts until she left for college. As an adult, she joined Sinai Temple with her family and became immersed in the Jewish community. She practiced law with Dick Gaberman, husband of past president Betsy Gaberman. Her first trip to Israel took place at age 25 with the Livnat Israel program, where she had a transformative experience negotiating water rights with Palestinians. In Ronda’s experience, Federation provides connection with Jewish identity, supports local Jewish agencies, and offers overseas and Israel education opportunities through Jewish Federations of North America. To keep the community strong, the Jewish population needs to be connected, engaging and accepting everyone.