Jewish Life
Jewish Life programs foster the resiliency and wellbeing of our Jewish community across the life span.
Grounded in our Jewish values of human dignity, compassion, healing and integrity, our Jewish Life programs provide social services, outreach, education, and meaningful volunteer, and service opportunities for the Jewish community of Western Massachusetts.
Jewish Life programs include:
Addressing Financial Hardship and Food Insecurity:
We collaborate with other Jewish organizations to respond to the growing challenges of making ends meet as household costs rise. Through its partnership with Yad Chessed, we connect community members experiencing financial hardship with emergency financial assistance. We also partners with Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts on ESSEN-tials a kosher food program serving those experiencing food insecurity. Because traditional food pantries may lack cultural and religious options, ESSEN-tials distributes kosher and holiday foods along with fresh produce and pantry staples several times a year.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Projects: JFSWM CEO Rabbi James Greene works with individuals celebrating their b’nai mitzvah year to develop hands-on service projects that connect Jewish values with meaningful ways to make a difference in the community. Contact Rabbi Greene
Case Management Services: JFSWM has a staff member dedicated to connecting members of the Jewish community with the care and resources they need. Alda Balbino helps to connect community members to a wide variety of culturally responsive supports including economic and food assistance benefits and behavioral healthcare. Contact Alda
Education, Events, and Volunteer Experiences: We bring community members together for hands-on experiences and other opportunities to celebrate Jewish values including an upcoming special musical weekend, January 30–31, 2027, when JFSWM in partnership with B’Yachad Springfield will welcome New York-based singer-songwriter and Jewish educator Hannah Gundersheim to explore the theme of welcoming the stranger through liturgical music. Details to be posted soon.
The event is made possible through funding from Harold Grinspoon Foundation.
Jewish Family Service Corps: Now in its third year, JFSC brings elementary and middle school students and their families together to explore Jewish values through hands-on service projects tied to JFS’ core programs. This year the program will be lead by our CEO, Rabbi James Greene. Click here to register
The event is made possible through funding from Harold Grinspoon Foundation.
Refugee Shabbat: Each March, JFSWM partners with HIAS , area synagogues, and other community organizations to engage the Jewish community in welcoming refugees and other newcomers through educational programs, speakers, and advocacy opportunities.
Resiliency Programming: JFSWM supports individual and community well-being through support groups, mental health resources, and educational programs. One such offering is Building Resilience from Within, a recurring free six-week virtual self-care series designed for caregivers and anyone experiencing heightened stress. The series is led by Reina Goldberg, a mindfulness educator, trauma-informed coach, and healing practitioner specializing in mindfulness. Registration is now open for the next series which runs December 16–January 20. Click here to register
Social Services in the Berkshires: JFSWM partners with the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires to connect community members with local resources and support, including services for older adults like assistance with healthy aging in place, and referrals to behavioral health services.
For more information about our Jewish Life programs, contact Alda Balbino at: a.balbino@jfswm.org or call 413-737-2601.
