Have you been thinking about joining a synagogue, but want to find out more about them?  Do you want to meet the rabbis before you decide which one to join?  Want to take advantage of a very special discount membership rate?

Try A Synagogue is a collaborative outreach program of Congregation B'nai Torah, Sinai Temple, Temple Beth El, the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, and is funded in part by a grant from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.  The program is offering a special promotional membership for any of the three participating synagogues:  join for $365 in year one, and $550 in year two.  (You are eligible if you have not been a member of a synagogue for 3 years.)

The program has held a number of events around the community for people interested in learning more about the synagogues and its professional and volunteer leadership.  The next event will be an Open House on Tuesday, August 31 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at each of the participating synagogues:  Congregation B'nai Torah, Sinai Temple, and Temple Beth El.  This is an ideal opportunity for prospective members to visit any or all of the synagogues, meet the rabbis and volunteer leadership, and find out about High Holy Day services in our community.  For more information, contact Debbie Peskin at the Jewish Federation at (413) 737-4313 x121 or email dpeskin@jewishwesternmass.org.

The Federation has recently launched a new e-newsletter, The Federation Connection.  It's designed to be another way for Federation to connect to our donors and agencies, and includes news, information about upcoming events, and spotlights on individuals whose lives are enriched thanks to the generosity of donors to our Annual Campaign.  If you do not already receive it, we encourage you to sign up below.  The next edition will be conveniently delivered right to your computer!  To view previous e-newsletters, click here.

JERUSALEM - Tens of thousands of black-clad ultra-Orthodox Jews staged mass demonstrations on Thursday to protest a Supreme Court ruling forcing the integration of a religious girls' school.

During these difficult economic times, your gift to the 2010 Federation Annual Campaign makes a real difference in the lives of millions of people in Western Massachusetts, in Israel, and in 60 countries around the world.  This year we face extraordinary challenges, and it is only through your support that we can serve as a safety net for the Jewish community.  Click here to donate or make a payment.

Number of pledges to date = 1,199

Total value of pledges = $1,154,440

As of July 30, 2010

"Where Does All the Money Go?"

Health New England is a generous sponsor of our Web site.  Please visit their Web site, www.hne.com.

For more information about our corporate sponsorship program, please contact the Federation at (413) 737-4313. 

Do you want to read the latest news about our Jewish community?

New to Western Massachusetts?

The Shalom Welcome Wagon would like to officially welcome you to the area with a beautiful gift basket filled with goodies and helpful information about our Jewish community.
To request a visit by the Shalom Welcome Wagon, contact Debbie Peskin at dpeskin@jewishwesternmass.org.

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