The Jewish Community of Amherst is dedicated to creating a dynamic, open, spiritual and participatory Jewish community that is central to its members’ lives. We value openness and welcome all, including all sexual orientations, people of color, interfaith couples and their children, people with disabilities and those of limited economic means. Our intention is to establish a deep connection to one another, our Jewish heritage, Israel and the greater Jewish community, as well as our local community and the world at large. We hope to foster an environment of warmth, joy, peace, compassion and belonging, in our daily lives and in times of celebration and crisis, and deepen our practice of Jewish ritual and tradition in a way that adds beauty to our lives. We seek enrichment through learning, questioning and reflection in the tradition of Talmud Torah as we study ancient and modern texts. We acknowledge our role in sustaining and in helping to shape the future of Israel. As our community struggles with the issues of oppression, social justice, world peace, a clean and safe environment and true equality, we strive to place our actions in the Jewish context of compassion and Tzedakah.
