Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts

10/02/2025

09/29/2025

Therapeutic Art workshops provide safe, creative spaces where young people can heal, grow, and build self-confidence. Recently our Youth Team partnered with Striving for All to hold a creative workshop for a group of Ukrainian children resettled in Western Mass.

The participants, who ranged from 11 to 15, enjoyed two days of painting and decorating boxes. The teacher leading the workshops was one of our Ukrainian clients, which made the experience even more special. Everyone had a wonderful time!

You can read more about Striving for All’s work at their website: https://strivingforall.org/

09/28/2025

Things are kicking off at the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts’ Ride to Provide.

09/26/2025

We thank A Faith That Does Justice website for once again allowing readers to revisit an easy written by our CEO, Rabbi James Greene originally published on the Evolve website. Click the link to read: https://tinyurl.com/pamaecej

09/23/2025

Our office will be closed today in observance of Rosh Hashanah. Wishing everyone a year filled with sweet blessings, peace, and happiness.

09/21/2025

Passing on this important hotline information. LUCE Immigrant Justice Network of Massachusetts is a good resource. Scan the QR code on the image to learn more or go to their website: https://www.lucemass.org/

09/19/2025

We are happy to once again be participating in the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts' Ride to Provide. Hope to see you there! Even if you aren't interested in riding, there are other fun options: be a volunteer, run the 5K, join the family fun walk, sample treats from food trucks, enjoy activities for kids, and more.

If you are interested in riding, please feel free to join our team!

Scan the QR code for more information and to register or go to: https://www.jewishwesternmass.org/ride-to-provide-2025/

We will be active throughout the event: riding, staffing the nonprofit table, and assisting at the first aid station. (Please Note: you do not have to crash in order to come over and say hello!)

09/18/2025

We are pleased to announce three engaging programs rooted in Jewish values: two returning favorites and a new program for high school students. For more information, please go to our website: https://jfswm.org/

Click here for a larger version of the image with QR codes: https://tinyurl.com/2nnxmw6n

Building Resilience from Within – our popular online self-care series returns, offering simple, accessible practices to manage stress and build resilience.

Jewish Family Service Corps – a hands-on volunteer program for parents and school-age children to support refugees, older adults, and local families in need.

Kavanah: Teen Advocacy and Leadership – a new program empowering high school students to explore social justice as a Jewish value, lead service projects, and connect with community leaders.

09/16/2025

Our popular six-week virtual self-care series for caregivers and anyone experiencing heightened stress in their lives. Learn simple techniques to build core resilience, balance the nervous system and deepen a healthy connection to your body.

The free program takes place on Zoom, is open to all, and no experience is required. To ensure accessibility, all exercises can be done seated or standing and every session is recorded so participants can watch or rewatch at their convenience.

For more information and/or to register scan the QR code on the image or click here:
https://jfswm.networkforgood.com/events/83268-building-resilience-from-within-autumn-2025

Questions? Call 413-737-2601 or contact Tammy Morton: t.morton@jfswm.org

09/12/2025

It is just the start of a new school year and the students at Lander~Grinspoon Academy are already at it again, demonstrating their commitment to gemilut hasadim (acts of service or literally “the giving of loving-kindness”).

The students jumped right back into helping us by lending a hand with our end-of-summer clearance giveaway event on September 10th and 11th.

From setting up tables to helping our clients find what they needed, the students’ assistance made all the difference.

We are so grateful for their continued kindness and commitment to serving the larger community!

09/10/2025

Registration is now open for Jewish Family Service Corps, our Jewish service and education program for families. Rooted in the core values of Judaism, parents and their school-age children work together doing hands-on volunteer projects supporting refugees, older adults, and local families in need.

There will be four sessions between autumn and spring; exact program dates will be chosen with family input to ensure accessibility.

For more information, call 413-737-2601 or contact Simon Crawford-Muscat: s.crawford-muscat@jfswm.org

For more information and/or to register scan the QR code or click this link: https://jfswm.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/jewish-family-service-corps-2025-2026

09/09/2025

We thank A Faith That Does Justice website for amplifying this thought-provoking essay (originally published on the Evolve website) written by our CEO, Rabbi James Greene detailing why respectful dialogue and shared resistance is essential in this critical political moment even when it means partnering with those with whom we think we may not entirely agree.

Definitely worth the read. Scan the QR code or click the link below to read:
https://faith-justice.org/voice-and-perspective/mipnei-darkhei-shalom-resisting-together-while-in-disagreement/