Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts

06/23/2026

06/20/2026

It’s World Refugee Day established by the United Nations to honor the strength, courage, and resilience of people forced to flee their homes. This year’s theme centers on the simple truth that the right to seek safety belongs to all of us.

It is a powerful reminder rooted in the worldwide promise after World War II that those escaping persecution have the right to find protection in places that allow them to rebuild their lives and thrive in safety.

For the Jewish community, this message is deeply personal, rooted in our history and in the Jewish value to welcome the stranger, a commandment repeated throughout the Torah more than any other.

The Jewish experience has been shaped by generations who fled violence, lack of opportunity, and religious persecution. Too many times, attempts to reach a safe harbor were met with tragedy, as in 1939 when the MS St. Louis, a ship carrying 937 Jewish refugees, was turned away by our government. Yet even in those moments in which governments failed, Jewish communities stepped forward.

From the arrival of Eastern European Jews fleeing pogroms in the late 19th century, to the resettlement of Holocaust survivors, to the advocacy that helped Soviet Jews find religious freedom here in American, Jewish communities have played a leading role in refugee resettlement.

Having known the uncertainty of displacement, the Jewish community was (and continues to be) guided towards ensuring protection, dignity, and belonging for those who arrive seeking safety today.

Today we celebrate not only the resilience of those we serve, but also the shared responsibility we all carry. Until everyone is safe, the work is not done.

06/19/2026

Our office will be closed today in observance of Juneteenth as we honor this day of freedom. You can learn more about this newest federal holiday here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juneteenth

06/18/2026

Sharing for our friends at the JCC. Today is the last day to register for the Father's Day Road Race at the discount rate (it increases tomorrow). For more details and to register, go to https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Springfield/FathersDayRoadRace

06/18/2026

Being able to bring young soccer fans to a World Cup match (with their equally enthusiastic parents and staff chaperones) would not have been possible without the generosity of the folks at the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) who provided a comfortable coach bus and the best driver (Shout out to Matt!).

We are so grateful. Special thanks to: Sandra (Administrator), Matt (Driver) and Rauley (General Manager).

Pictured: Rauley and Matt with James (JFS CEO)

06/17/2026

Join our team: https://jfswm.org/about-us/employment-opportunities/

06/16/2026

They’re off!

Our 18 young soccer fans, ages 6 to 18 and representing six countries, are on their way to the World Cup match (Iraq v. Norway) with their parents and JFS chaperones.

They headed out this afternoon with an enthusiastic send-off from our staff, and plenty of excitement in the air.

Wishing them an unforgettable day filled with joy, great soccer, and a win for Iraq!

06/16/2026

Staff members Abu and Mike joined our partners at Rachel’s Table for a gleaning trip to Kitchen Garden Farm in Sunderland, bringing along clients Idi and Zawadi for a “pick-your-own” experience. Everyone had a great time harvesting their own bok choy and they were kind enough to bring extras to share.

06/15/2026

With generous support from a private foundation, we are proud to introduce our newly transformed community space, located next to our main office in the Forest Park neighborhood at the X.

Once a H&R Block office, the space has been thoughtfully renovated into a welcoming, flexible hub for community use.

Designed with accessibility and adaptability in mind, the space features large and small multipurpose meeting rooms, digital technology for presentations, moveable furniture, a kitchenette, Wi-Fi, two bathrooms, and it’s fully handicap accessible.

Our vision is to provide a safe, well-equipped environment where community groups can gather to organize, share resources, and celebrate cultural traditions. We are especially committed to supporting Ethnic-Based Community Organizations (ECBOs), for whom rental fees are waived, helping to ensure that immigrant and refugee communities have the space and resources they need to build leadership and connection.

The space is now available for reservation for both one-time and recurring events. Rental is $50 per hour, with full payment required 24 hours in advance. Fee waivers are available for ECBOs, member-led nonprofits, and other community groups upon request.

The space is already in use with a joyful graduation celebration hosted by members of the Somali community setting the tone for what’s to come.

We invite you to make this space your own. To inquire about availability or reserve the space, please visit our website: https://jfswm.org or contact Bella Shaw at [email protected] or 413-737-2601 x8025.

We look forward to seeing this space become a vibrant resource for our community, fostering connection and celebration within the many different cultures that make up our neighborhood.