Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts

12/25/2025

12/23/2025

We are seeking a Master's Level Clinician to provides in-home intensive family therapy for culturally diverse populations. The Master’s Level Clinician supervises and works as a team with a Therapeutic Training and Support Staff person to serve the family. For more details, go to: https://jfswm.org/about-us/employment-opportunities/?et_fb=1&PageSpeed=off

12/19/2025

We know members of the Somali Bantu community as dedicated coworkers, devoted parents, and great neighbors so we were touched to see so many local religious leaders, community partners, and elected officials moved to show up in support of these local families. Thank you to NEPM for sharing this important story which you can read or listen to here: https://www.nepm.org/regional-news/2025-12-10/springfield-leaders-show-support-for-somali-residents-after-recent-trump-statements

12/18/2025

Building Resilience From Within will be back in January. To learn more and register, click this link: https://form.jotform.com/253296289697075

January 7, 2026 through February 11, 2006
(1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4 & 2/11)
Wednesdays 11-11:45 on Zoom

This popular six-week virtual self-care series is designed 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.

The presenter Reina Goldberg is a Mindfulness Educator, Trauma Informed Coach, and Multifaceted Healing Practitioner. Reina holds a Master of Education in Mindfulness Studies from Antioch University, and a B.A. in Psychology and Education from York University. She is certified as a Yoga Therapist, with certifications in Qigong Infused and Hatha Yoga, Applied Polyvagal Theory Therapeutic Yoga, as well as a Healthy Bones & Balance teacher. In addition, Reina is also a Grief Coach, with training based in trauma informed healing modalities.

12/17/2025

Registration is now open for Kavanah, a hands-on program for Jewish high school students inspired by tikkun olam, the responsibility to help repair the world. Teens explore advocacy and social action as Jewish values, lead meaningful service projects, and connect with local and state leaders, including a visit to the Massachusetts State House.

This year we are thrilled to partner with B’Yachad, a Jewish education program serving the Greater Springfield Jewish community. Together, we are expanding opportunities for teens who care deeply about making a difference.

For more information and to register, go to: https://form.jotform.com/252675610557058

12/16/2025

Families in our Jewish Family Service Corps spent Sunday turning Hanukkah values into action. Working together in an impressive demonstration of the saying “many hands make light work” parents and children quickly sorted clothing donations that will be distributed to families in our community. We are so grateful to JFSC families for helping to bring light to this holiday season.

JFSC is a Jewish service and education program that brings parents and children together to work side by side on meaningful, hands-on volunteer projects. Click the link to learn more about this program: https://jfswm.org/jewish-family-service-corps/

12/16/2025

We are seeking an Employment Specialist to assist refugees in gaining meaningful employment, achieving economic self-sufficiency, and accessing essential services. Preference for candidates who are fluent in one or more of the following refugee languages: Swahili or French. For details and other job openings, go to: https://jfswm.org/about-us/employment-opportunities/

12/15/2025

On Hanukkah, especially this year, we are mindful of the importance of being visible in our Jewish identity and in shared values that emphasize showing up for one another.

It was important to us to be a part of the First Light Hanukkah celebration at the Springfield Jewish Community Center.

We are so grateful for the JCC staff and all the members of the community who came out on a cold night for the lighting of the largest outdoor menorah in Western Mass and to help pack up household goods to be delivered by our *ESSEN-tials team this week, along with Kosher food, to those in need.

Chanukah samayach!

*More here about ESSEN-tials, our partnership with Rachel's Table , later this week.

12/14/2025

A message from Rabbi James:

Hanukkah begins on December 14th (Sunday) and continues for eight nights. The central theme of this minor holiday is Jewish sovereignty – we commemorate the independence of the Jewish nation and light our Menorot in windows and doorways to allow others to see the candles shining in the darkest time of the year. This ritual symbolizes, as described by Rabbi Rick Jacobs, symbolizes the open expression of our Jewish identity.

With the rise in threats against the communities we serve, it might seem like this year would be the year to keep our Menorah inside and hide that light from the rest of the world. The Talmud, Rabbi Jacobs notes, even allows for this in troubling times. And yet, during this moment there is perhaps no more important time to share our light with the world. In the midst of the darkness we must share our light with our family, our friends, and our community – people from all backgrounds and beliefs – to help us stay connected to one another and to keep us from isolation. In the face of rising aggression, we respond with outreach, courage, and pride.

It is our sacred obligation to spread the light that emanates from our Hanukkah candles specifically because it is a light of moral clarity and caring. Our values of human dignity, compassion, healing, and integrity illuminate the path of our fight for inclusion, justice, and welcoming. It is our affirmative obligation – Hanukkah calls us in to rededicate our efforts especially when it is challenging as a way of gathering collective strength for the tough journey ahead.

This year, the start of Hanukkah has been marred by violence. The attack on the Jewish community in Bondi Beach is a horrific reminder of the darkness that exists in our world. Anne Frank famously wrote, “Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.” This year, it feels especially important to reflect on how we define the darkness of violence and hatred and push back in defiance as we continue to act as a source of light.

I am deeply appreciative of our Board, staff, and community who are leaders in the search for justice and who are serving as lamps that illuminate an ever-darker world. May we each find people that inspire us to ignite our own flames of justice-seeking. And may the Hanukkah season ahead be a time that invites us into actions that advance the work of welcoming, the search for justice, belonging, and joy, as we keep the lights burning in the years ahead.

12/12/2025

We’re proud to announce new specialized Case Management Services for the Jewish Community and Older Adults Aging in Place (NORC).

12/11/2025

Amid rising anxiety for Afghan families who have long contributed to our country both here in Western Mass and during US government operations in their homeland, members of the Afghan community and our CEO, Rabbi James Greene, speak to their deep concern about recent federal policy changes. Scan the QR code to read the rest of this MassLive article.

12/10/2025

Looking to make a meaningful impact in 2026? JFS is hiring. We are looking for the right people for each of these six roles:

Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor, LICSW
Community Educator
Community Health Navigator
English Language & Job Skills Instructor
Haitian Youth Case Manager
Refugee Youth Mentoring Case Aide

For details and info on how to apply click this link: https://jfswm.org/about-us/employment-opportunities/