My name is Jim Hammerman. I grew up Jewish outside Chicago and now live in Brookline. While I am not a devout Jew, I bake challah and light Shabbat candles; I fast for Yom Kippur and reflect on its promise of repentance and renewal; I delight in playing dreidel and lighting the menorah with my daughters to remember our ancient fight for freedom of religious practice; and I am inspired to work for a better world for everyone by the annual Pesach telling of how our people broke the bonds of slavery in Egypt.

Grace Ross has been a friend and frequent companion in these celebrations for over 25 years. She is not a Jew. But her commitment to freedom, to fighting oppression, and to helping those who the system has forsaken, are deeply consistent with Jewish values. She delights in being part of these celebrations as if they were her own, singing prayers in Hebrew as well as English, discussing the meaning of the holidays, bringing readings and reflections from rabbis and others to enhance and deepen the celebration.

I am appalled to learn that some people are saying Grace is anti-Semitic. Nothing could be further from my experience of her. Grace has a broad and open view of religion and culture and embraces the truths of Judaism alongside many other truths–as we all must in our pluralistic society. As a true friend of those who are Jewish, she fights for a better world for us all.

Sincerely,

James K.L. Hammerman, 307 Tappan St. #3, Brookline, MA 02445

[See also: An open letter from Grace Ross]
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A pleasant surprise: check it out.

I believe locally owned businesses are the key to our sustained economic development. Hard work - not quick fixes - secure our future. Research shows that for every $100 spent, locally owned businesses return up to $45 to the local economy (as compared to $13-14 from non-locally owned chain stores operating in the same community). Local business owners have deeper roots in their communities and are less likely to leave. Locally owned businesses directly help maintain Worcester’s unique character and are more able to minimize their environmental impact. Small businesses remain the largest growing employers in the United States.

The following are a part of my local economic development plan to support local businesses:
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Come Support Grace Ross, Candidate for City Councilor at-Large.

Friday, October 26th
DZian Gallery
65 Water Street, Worcester MA.
$50 contribution
5:30 to 7PM

Invitation (PDF)

Grace Ross has now been endorsed by 13 different unions in her At-Large run for Worcester City Council.

“As someone who is running in a working class city, I am honored that those who work now in our City and have worked in our City are joining with my campaign to work for decent jobs and decent healthcare that is affordable and the larger economic importance of making sure everyone in our City has a decent income to afford housing, food, medical care and the other necessities of life,” explained Ross.
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Nov 3, 9:30am-1:30pm.

Mechanics Hall, Nov 1, 6pm

Save Our Poolz ~ All At-Large City Council Candidates

7pm, Monday October 29th

Mt. Sinai Church

63 Wellington St.

(Grace will be there.)

October 29, 11-noon, City Hall Plaza.

Office of Youth Philanthropy and Civic Engagement: Candidate Forum, City Council Chambers, Friday, Oct. 19 from 3:30 to 5pm.