Plus a look ahead to Jewish Heritage Month in May

By Dara Kaufman / Executive Director, Jewish Federation of the Berkshires

As part of our ongoing advocacy to combat antisemitism and build local support for the recommendations of the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism, Jewish Federation of the Berkshires recently convened a meeting between our Berkshire state legislators and leaders of nearly all our local Jewish organizations to ensure our representatives could hear directly from the community they serve. We were pleased to be joined by Senator Paul Mark (Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin & Hampshire District) and Representatives Tricia Farley-Bouvier (2nd Berkshire District), Leigh Davis (3rd Berkshire District), and John Barrett III (1st Berkshire District).

The conversation provided an important opportunity to share firsthand what our Jewish community has been experiencing, the needs we are facing, and the ways we can continue to strengthen our relationships — both individually and collectively. We also took time to thank our legislators for consistently standing with our community: for joining us in solidarity at memorial gatherings and holiday celebrations, and for speaking out clearly that “antisemitism and hate have no place in our community, in Massachusetts, or in our world.”

I took the opportunity to brief our legislators on the rise of antisemitism locally and nationally and our Community Security Advisor Andrew Hoffman shared details of the Jewish Berkshires LiveSecure Initiative, outlining the significant steps being taken to enhance safety across our institutions. Community leaders spoke candidly about ongoing security concerns and the substantial investments individual congregations and camps are making to hire trained security personnel and implement additional protective measures. These efforts, while essential, place considerable financial strain on small organizations.

Together, Federation and community leaders expressed strong support for the recommendations of the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism and advocated for full funding of the Massachusetts Nonprofit Security Grant Program and the Genocide Education Trust, which provides grants to schools to teach about the Holocaust.

We highlighted the unique challenges faced by small nonprofits and schools in rural Western Massachusetts, which must compete for this grant funding against larger, better-resourced institutions in the eastern part of the state that often have professional grant writers and dedicated development staff. Ensuring fair and equitable access to these critical funds is essential.

The meeting was constructive and collaborative, reinforcing the importance of ongoing dialogue and partnership. A number of our legislators reached out after the meeting to continue the conversation and learn more about how they can best support our community.

We are deeply grateful for the continued engagement of our legislative delegation and remain committed to working together to ensure that Jewish life in the Berkshires is vibrant, secure, and supported for generations to come.

Jewish Heritage Month in May

As we continue our advocacy work, we look ahead to Jewish American Heritage Month, observed each May. Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) was established to celebrate the inspiring history and vibrant, living culture of Jewish Americans. At a time of rising antisemitism, it serves as a powerful antidote — amplifying the true, joyful, and enduring stories of Jewish life and contribution in America.

On May 7, Federation will host the virtual program “Eminent Jews: Bernstein, Brooks, Friedan, Mailer” with author David Denby. Throughout the month, we will also highlight resources and stories from the official JAHM website, jewishamericanheritage.org, on social media celebrating the rich and lasting contributions of Jewish Americans to our nation’s cultural, civic, and intellectual life.

A public press release will be issued in advance of the May 7 program to elevate awareness of Jewish American Heritage Month and to direct community members, educators, and public officials to these national resources. In addition, Federation will share educational materials, including digital posters and companion lesson plans, with libraries and local K–12 educators, encouraging them to use the month of May as an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the vibrant history and contributions of Jewish Americans.

We invite our community members and neighbors to join us in spreading the word, particularly beyond the Jewish community, so that Jewish American Heritage Month becomes a meaningful and recognized celebration throughout the Berkshires.