We are delighted to welcome Amy Leos-Urbel for our March Racial/Social Justice Shabbat. From Amy:

Over the past year, our country has faced a perfect storm of challenges: pandemic, economic collapse, and political turmoil - all against a backdrop of the climate crisis. For Jews in particular, we have been confronted, on a daily basis, with the 3 core elements of our historical oppression: blame, isolation, and terror; along with weaponizing of anti-semitism to divide and derail those who work for social justice. Fortunately, Jewish tradition contains tools for survival and resilience, guiding us in the direction of compassion, self-care, and connection. Together we will explore strategies for strengthening ourselves and our community, building alliances, and sustaining hope.

Amy Leos-Urbel is a skilled and powerful justice ally. She leads classes and workshops on healing from the effects of anti-Semitism, racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression. Amy is co-author of the booklet "Anti-Semitism: Why Is It Everyone's Concern?" and the western MA team leader for the project Jews and Allies United to End Anti-Semitism. She is a long-time member of Congregation B'nai Israel in Northampton, where she is co-chair of the Tikkun Olam committee.

All Who are Hungry for community and freedom, come and celebrate!

Rabbi Andrea will host a seder second night of Passover. Working from the rich traditional themes of Passover - seasonal food customs, the nature of freedom, lineage and memory - we'll discuss, sing and eat together - on zoom. Register via this link

You'll need to create your own seder plate materials. View our home Seder guide for suggestions. We will be using the Freedom Haggadah, available online using this link.

This seder is free and open to all. If you would like to support TIG, your contributions are welcomed and appreciated. You may give online at https://templeisraelgreenfield.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=6

Jean's Passover Sephardic Haroset

• 1/2 c pitted dates
• 2 c peeled and sliced applies
• 1/2 c dried apricots
• 1/2 c chopped walnuts
• wine to taste
• cinnamon to taste

Margie's Traditional Ashkenazi Charoset

• 3 medium Gala or Fuji apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
• 1 1/2 cups walnut halves, lightly toasted, cooled, and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup sweet red wine such as Manischewitz Extra Heavy Malaga
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

Housing in the US has become a commodity only available to the highest bidders—whether that be buyers or  renters. Those who do not meet the financial challenge become homeless and are treated as if their situation is a  personal failing, not the result of systemic issues designed to accommodate those with the resources. We believe  that this system must change. 

Join us for a virtual series on increasing access to affordable housing in Franklin County. • On March 27, 2021 at 9 am, we kick off the event with a panel who will explore why affordable  housing is difficult to find. We will consider how housing became a commodity, how it has been  impacted by systemic racism created by government policy and what we can do with or without  government help to create more affordable housing. 

Panelists include: Brian Sargent, Assistant Professor of Public Policy, UMass Amherst; Linda Dunlavy,  Executive Director, Franklin Regional Council of Governments; State Senator Jo Comerford  US Representative Ayanna Pressley (invited). 

• 8 virtual workshops in April and May will dive deeper into specific action areas 

Register at https://housingishumanright.com 

There is no fee for the keynote or any of the workshops.

Essence of the Omer Online Class with Rebecca Golden

Sunday, May 2, 12:30 PM: 18th Annual Connie Spear Birnbaum Memorial Lecture & Chai Celebration