A new year, and new opportunities to build Jewish life in New Hampshire

Over the past 6 months I've had many wonderful opportunities to visit Jewish communities across the state where I've been lucky enough to share holiday celebrations, Shabbat dinners and informal conversations with many committed community leaders who are clearly dedicated to strengthening Jewish life in the Granite State. In these visits and conversations I have seen firsthand the programming and services they provide to Jews of all ages, providing not only on religious services, but using art, culture, education and history to offer meaningful points of connection to Judiasm.

I have also been delighted to hear some suggestions about ways in which individual communities and the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire can work together, to leverage the resources and connections that JFNH has as a state-wide organization.

With this in mind I wanted to share some news about upcoming  programs planned for the state in 2014, starting off with a program at our offices in Manchester on January 14, when we will welcome  the Cohen Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Keene State College. On the 14th staff from the Center will join us for an evening program called "Meet the Cohen Center,"  which will provide a great opportunity to learn about this unique academic center and the impact their work is having in the fields of genocide studies, Holocaust education and within larger society.

Another program I am very excited about is our annual JFNH New Hampshire Jewish Film Festival, which will be coming to theaters in many cities and towns across New Hampshire this spring. This fun and engaging program is made possible each year by the participation of dedicated volunteers, staff and financial supporters who have a love for film and an interest in exploring Jewish life and history through cinema. With a beautiful opening event planned, lots of great films on the roster and a fun closing event at the end, I would definitely encourage everyone to check out future email from the JFNH office for updates for events and film schedules.

We are also very happy to be partnering again with the Boston Jewish Music Festival, at Temple Beth Abraham in Nashua featuring an evening of Latin and Jewish music with a Visit from Malachei Mambo (The Angels of Mambo) on the evening of March 8. This should be a great evening of music, entertainment and culture for all music lovers.

These are just a few examples of the exciting things that JFNH is bringing to the Jewish community of New Hampshire in 2014, with much more in store. I hope that however you connect to Judaism or the Jewish community, that you will find something that speaks to you in our work, and please be sure to check our website frequently for information on upcoming programs and events.

Copyright Daniel E. Levenson 2014.