We are writing this letter together — representing the board of the Downtown Northampton Association and the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts — to speak directly to our community about the scheduling of this year’s Taste of Northampton. We choose to write jointly because we believe how a community resolves its conflicts matters just as much as the resolution itself.
The overlap between Taste of Northampton and Rosh Hashanah this year was unfortunately unavoidable, but we know that intent does not erase impact. Rosh Hashanah is one of the most sacred times in the Jewish calendar — a period dedicated to synagogue, family, and reflection. It should never be put in a position of competing with a beloved downtown community festival. We want to say clearly and publicly: that concern was heard, and deeply understood.
True partnership requires working through difficult, practical realities together rather than issuing quick, empty promises that neither side can keep. Because the Jewish calendar is lunar, high holidays shift year to year, and this specific overlap will recur in five years. Rather than ignoring that reality or offering a temporary fix, we are committing to a lasting, collaborative process.
Moving forward, the Downtown Northampton Association will make every effort to consult multi-year religious calendars in the earliest stages of event planning. When potential conflicts arise, we will engage in open dialogue before dates are finalized. Our goal is to build an intentional process where cultural and religious observances are anticipated well in advance, rather than reacted to after the fact.
We write this side by side because Northampton is at its best when local businesses, civic organizations, and faith communities listen to one another with empathy and respect. That is the spirit of partnership we are committed to upholding today and for years to come.
Karen Carswell, executive committee, Downtown Northampton Association board
Adam M. Solender, interim CEO, Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts