Adult Education Event Wed. Dec. 16: Sacred Caregiving
We welcome everyone to join us tomorrow night (Wed. Dec. 16) as Rabbi Devorah Jacobson leads a discussion on “Sacred Caregiving.” Come join us 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 Wed. night.
Join Beit Ahavah for High Holy Days
~ HIGH HOLYDAYS 5776 (2015) ~ Our doors are open for high holy days and we welcome everyone to join us at 130 Pine Street, Florence. SLICHOT SERVICE & Havdalah Saturday, September 5, 8:30-10:00 p.m. “Moving Torah” – A Joint Community Evening to prepare spiritually for the holidays led by the three Rabbis of Congregation B’nai, Beit Ahavah and the Jewish […]
Shehechiyanu Moment! Rabbi’s Message: SCOTUS Decision Day-Shabbat of Hope & Solidarity
Dear Beit Ahavah Community, The historic decision was announced by the Supreme Court this morning ruling in favor of marriage equality. This Shabbat is also declared as a Shabbat of Solidarity for Charleston, as the funerals have begun this week, and we remember the nine souls who were killed in a rampage of hate. We stand with Charleston and all […]
Rabbi Anne Brener and Navigating the Wilderness of Loss
Rabbi Anne Brener brought her insights, compassion and wisdom to Beit Ahavah last week in a workshop about “Navigating the Wilderness of Loss: The Geography of Jewish Mourning. ” It has been a difficult year for our community. In that sense, Rabbi Brener’s workshop was well-timed to help us learn and think about individual and community healing. As Rabbi Jack […]
Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival is Here
We always look forward to spring AND the annual Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival. The festival includes films shown around the valley from Sunday April 12 through Sunday April 26. Among other films, you can see Self Made at Umass Amherst on Wed. April 15. According to the description: “Idiosyncratic and dripping with black humor, Self Made tells the story of […]
Hampshire Mosque Extends Support for Peace & Justice Rally
There were many moving moments during the peace & justice rally last weekend, including this message from Patrick Bensen, President of the Hampshire Mosque: In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful On behalf of Hampshire Mosque, I would like to extend our full support for this rally against racial and religious prejudice. The Qur’an states, “[God […]
Speak Out Against Hate and Bigotry and For Love and Peace
Beit Ahavah is co-sponsoring a community event this Saturday evening, February 28, to bring people together in the wake of recent events of anti-semitism and racism in Northampton. The “Speak Out Against Hate and Bigotry and For Love and Peace Event” is hosted by the Beit Ahavah Reform Synagogue, Congregation B’nai Israel, the Pioneer Valley Progressive Muslims and other local organizations. […]
Justice, Justice Shall you Pursue: How We Can Help in Haiti
We had a very special Shabbat service on January 30, sponsored by Beit Ahavah’s Tzedek Tzedek (social justice) committee. Beit Ahavah’s long-time members Lucy Garbus and David Slack presented their passionate work through sharing and photographs, as part of Haiti Marycare, an organization that addresses health issues in Haiti, focusing on the town of Jacquesyl and its surroundings. Rabbi Riqi also […]
Special Friday Night Service, Jan. 30: Health Needs in Haiti and How We Can Help
We invite everyone to come to a special Shabbat service this Friday night, January 30, 7:30-9 p.m., sponsored by Beit Ahavah’s Tzedek Tzedek (social justice) committee. Beit Ahavah’s long-time members Lucy Garbus and David Slack will present their passionate work through sharing and photographs, as part of Haiti Marycare, an organization that addresses the health issues in Haiti, focusing on […]
Wrestling with Judaism—by Lena Sclove
Many of us question how to integrate ancient religious practices into our modern, pluralistic lives. It can be both a struggle and an inspiring journey. Reform Judaism encourages us to take this journey and think about what it means to “introduce innovation” to Judaism while “preserving tradition.” There is much to discuss on this topic as Lena Sclove writes about […]