LEVERETT — Many Yiddish poets wrote songs calling for social justice, based on biblical commandments to care for the poor and the stranger because we ourselves were strangers in the land of Egypt, and the Yiddish song repertoire includes much in that vein. Tonight, 7:30 p.m., Yosl Kurland will present “A Jewish Perspective on Social Justice: Songs in Yiddish, Hebrew and English,” at the Mount Toby Friends Meetinghouse, 194 Long Plain Road (Route 63). Kurland will perform songs by “sweatshop” poets as well as his own compositions that reflect the Jewish experience in calling for justice for both workers and refugees. Yiddish songs will have translations projected for the audience. Aaron Bousel will accompany on accordion.
NORTHFIELD — How can we embody an acceptance of each other, and of life itself? Lay Reader Dan Tinen will speak about this third principle of Unitarianism on Sunday, Jan. 5, 10 a.m., at First Parish of Northfield, Unitarian. In religious education, the youngest children will read stories with Jenny Wooster in the nursery, while the middle and oldest groups will be together, enjoying a New Year’s game and discussion, led by Mary Mayshark-Stavely.
The next Service Sunday for parish youth is Jan. 26. The youth will assemble care bags for people who are homeless. The youth will have a donation box at church beginning this Sunday. In particular, we are in need of: large ziplock bags; deodorant; travel/coffee mugs; individually wrapped snacks, granola bars, chewing gum and juice boxes; feminine hygiene products; and small bottles of hand sanitizer.
All are welcome at the historic First Parish sanctuary on the corner of Parker Avenue and Main Street.
BERNARDSTON — Democracy rests on the principle that we can all rely on a fair system of justice, without bias or favoritism. But the very idea of objective judgment is under attack from all sides. The second UU principle of “justice, equity and compassion in human relations” is the topic for Dan Tinen at Bernardston Unitarian Church this Sunday. Coffee starts at 11 a.m. and the service begins at 11:30. Music with Lynne Walker.
Reserve now to participate in the free pastel art workshop with Greg Maichack, Sunday, Jan. 19. Call or text 413-330-0807 to reserve a place in the workshop. Supported by Arts & Activism Programs at the Meetinghouse and the Bernardston Local Cultural Council.
Saturday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m., is the annual Robert Burns Birthday Bash at the Bernardston Unitarian Meetinghouse. Tickets are $10 and space is limited. Enjoy a fun time with the Farley String Band and special Scottish treats, along with stories and humor of the famous bard. Call or text 413-330-0807 or send reservation request and check to Bernardston Unitarian Church Box 5, 01337-0005.
GREENFIELD — Join in this mindful embodied social justice practice called “Moving in Grace,” guided by Hilary Lake, and held at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church on Sunday, Jan. 12, at 10:30 a.m. Moving in Grace offers an opportunity to rest into deeper connection and belonging with yourself, the elements, community and all beings. The service is held in the Parish Hall. A congregational meeting and coffee hour will follow. The church is on the corner of Main and Hope streets.
NORTHFIELD — Rev. Sarah Pirtle, interfaith minister and director of the Discovery Center for Peacebuilding since 1992, will lead the service this Sunday at First Parish of Northfield, Unitarian. Her topic is “Mashalisk and Interconnected Voices from Local Native History.” There will be time in the service for listeners to share their knowledge as well. All are welcome for this intergenerational service at the historic First Parish sanctuary on the corner of Parker Avenue and Main Street.
BERNARDSTON — Barry Deitz is speaker Sunday, Jan. 12 at the Bernardston Unitarian Meetinghouse. Deitz will explore how we balance Saturday night and Sunday morning in our lives. We’ll look at how our love of being wild and free on Saturday night is tempered by our need to find peace and balance on Sunday morning. Coffee and fellowship at 11 a.m. and the service, with music by Lynne Walker, at 11:30.
In case of snow or ice cancellations, check our website www.bernardstonunitarian.org or call or text 413-330-0807.
GREENFIELD — Temple Israel’s three-week class on the basics of Jewish prayer continues Thursdays, Jan. 16 and 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Led by Justin Sundell-Thomas, participants will familiarize themselves with traditional and contemporary elements of daily Jewish prayer, consider ways to create a personally meaningful daily practice, discuss barriers they may face integrating regular tefilah into our lives, and strategize to overcome those barriers. Donation $5+ for Temple Israel members and $10 for the broader community. All are welcome. 27 Pierce St. Register at 413-773-5884.
ASHFIELD — On Friday, Jan. 24, at 6:30 p.m., the First Congregational Church is hosting Family Game Night. “We have games for all ages,” said David Jones, new minister of First Congregational. “And our Mission and Social Justice Committee is ordering pizza. We hope many people from the community will join us for this evening of fellowship and fun.” RSVPs are requested. Send to Bruce and Diana Bennett at 413-628-4523 or email bennettb1792@gmail.com or Richard Pree at 413-628-3875 or email richpree@gmail.com.
ASHFIELD — On Friday, Jan. 24, and Saturday, Jan. 25, the First Congregational Church (UCC) of Ashfield is inviting local talent, young and old, to try out for the upcoming Variety Show. “All ages are welcome,” said Rochelle Nahmias, organizer for the church. Tryouts on Friday, Jan. 24, will take place between 6 to 7 p.m. Tryouts on Saturday, Jan. 25, will take place between 11 a.m. to noon.
The Variety Show will take place at the church on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. The church is located on Main Street in Ashfield, and is accessible.
ASHFIELD — On Saturday, Feb. 8, the First Congregational Church (UCC) of Ashfield is inviting church members and friends to come together for their annual Local Foods Dinner. The dinner will begin at 6 p.m.
The Mission and Social Justice Committee is planning this event. Lori Wyman, member of the committee, said, “Our congregation has told us that they want to promote local agriculture, and the Local Foods Dinner is one way to do this. Also, it is fun to share food made with 100 percent locally grown ingredients. Just make something with ingredients that have been grown and processed locally. There are lots of choices at the co-ops, winter farmers markets, and grocery stores.”
The event is free and open to all. The church is at 429 Main St.