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JewishA publication of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, serving V the Berkshires and surrounding ice NY, CT and VT Vol. 28, No. 6 Av/Elul 5780 July 27 to September 6, 2020 jewishberkshires.org Answer the Call on Tzedakah “Whoever practices tzedakah and Sunday, August 16 justice fills the world with loving Supporting Federation’s 2020 Annual Campaign is kindness” (Talmud: Sukkah) vital in this challenging time While Federation’s traditional Super Federation of the Berkshires, with Sunday campaign had to be canceled support from community volunteers, due to the unfolding pandemic back in will host Tzedakah Sunday. Everyone’s May, we are so grateful for the many help is needed to keep the momentum community members who have stepped going in order to maintain our vital up and made their gifts to our 2020 programs and services into the future. Annual Campaign. You have helped us If your phone rings or you receive make a great start but we still have a an email on August 16 (or in the days ways to go! following), please answer it! Your On Sunday, August 16, the Jewish contribution – however much you can give – will help feed the hungry, comfort the elderly, and care for Jews Inside in need across the Berkshires, in Jewish Wisdom for Walking Israel, and around the world. Your gift Into the Unknown...... 3 helps nurture and sustain Jewish life today and for future generations. Your Federation Presents...... 4-6, 12-13 We understand that you may not be Local News...... 7-11 home to receive your call, or may prefer Young Judaism: Pailey Feakes...... 17 not to be called. If so, please take a moment to visit www.jewishberkshires. Shakespeare & Co.’s Jonathan Epstein org to make a pledge or donate online. on The Summer of Our Discontent...... 19 TZEDAKAH, continued on page 6
On Thursday, August 27, artist Flora Rosefsky – whose collage “Tzedukah” appears above – will lead a Federation-sponsored hands-on collage workshop via Zoom for both experienced and novice artists. About her work, Rosefsky says “it shows several cutouts symbolizing places or ways where one can do tzedukah to repair our world – a concept which often starts in one’s home, in what we learn from our parents and the generations preceding us. We also make our own choices that often extend into the community where we live – another circle in addition to one’s family.” Now on view in a virtual exhibit of the Metro Atlanta Community Mikvah (MACoM), this work is part of a series on Jewish rituals called “Reflections.” For more on Rosefsky’s show, visit www.reflectionsbyflora.com. For more on the workshop, please see the program listing on page 6.
Life in a Time of Pandemic and Civil Unrest A conversation with Rabbi Everett Gendler Rabbi Everett Gendler has long written passionately, incisively, and extensively about two of the issues currently roiling American society in this time of pandemic and civil unrest – how to define the relationship between faith and nature and how to achieve the ideal of social justice. As a thinker, Rabbi Gendler developed an approach to environmentalism that reconnects the modern practice of the Jewish faith to its ancient engage- ment with the natural world. As an activist, he marched in the 1960s with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and later worked for decades with the Tibetan exile community of the Dalai Lama on strategic non-violence. In late June, BJV editor Albert Stern spoke by phone with Rabbi Gendler, 91, who had just completed two weeks in self-quaran- tine with his wife, Mary, at their home in Great Barrington after returning from Florida. Please turn to page 23 Rabbi Everett Gendler, sketched for their conversation. by Pattie Lipman Page 2 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 27 to September 6, 2020 In My View A Source of Strength to One Another Our executive director reflects on a year of rising up to unprecedented challenges together By Dara Kaufman On June 30, the Jewish Federation of the We are a source of strength to one another. We are a Berkshires held its 80th annual meeting. This column is adapted from Executive Director Dara community that cares deeply and works together to Kaufman’s report and remarks to the community. help one another. That is what makes our Each of you with us tonight are the heart and Jewish Berkshires strong! soul of our work together. I want to focus on just a few key areas of our past year and share an update on our COVID-19 response and our plans moving forward. interesting opportunities for community members of all ages to come together, to This past year, with your support, the number connect, to volunteer, and to learn. of Berkshire County schools participating in This has also a particularly trying time for young families. I am pleased to the ADL’s A World of Difference© anti-bias peer share that Federation will be underwriting a 6-week summer experience for leader training program nearly doubled. This children ages three to twelve years old, in collaboration with Hevreh in Great program has laid a solid foundation for hundreds Barrington. Open to all regardless of affiliation, kids will have the opportunity of students and educators to have important discussions with their families and experience outdoor summer fun in a socially-distant manner that meets all health friends about the complicated systems of racism and bias in our world today. protocols while their parents receive some much need relief. We are in a time when we, as individuals and as organizations, all need the So many of you answered the call for our COVID-19 relief and recovery fund, skills and courage to listen and learn, and to stand up and speak out about and together we have raised over $49,000 to support the needs of individuals and racism, anti-Semitism, and injustices of all kinds. There is still much work to be families most impacted. Thank you to all who contributed. done. We have already made nearly $7,000 in assistance grants to help community Communal security continued to be a priority this past year. In September, members with essentials such as rent and mortgage payments, utility bills, food, Federation hosted the Secure Community Network for a full-day security training and gas assistance. If you or someone you know is struggling as a result of this for the staff and leadership of our local Jewish organizations. Situational aware- crisis please reach out to us. ness training, hands-on active shooter scenarios and a greeters and ushers In addition, we have approved $20,000 to support critical needs for our friends training gave affiliate organization vital resources to strengthen their own security and neighbors across the Berkshires. protocols and consider additional security upgrades to their facilities. Our first round of community tzedakah focused on assistance to food pantries, This past year, Jewish Federations across Massachusetts, including ours, many in the smaller underserved hill towns and rural communities. We are in the actively advocated to encourage Governor Baker to significantly increase the process of a second round of relief focused on helping families and children, as dollars available through the Commonwealth’s Non-Profit Security Grant Program well as under-resourced populations. and to specifically require that a portion of those grants be made to organiza- During these critical times, your support is also helping local organizations tions in western and central Massachusetts. This past March, Knesset Israel, like Berkshires Bridges expand the hours of their community navigators. These Congregation Beth Israel, and Hevreh of Southern Berkshire were all awarded folks work hand-in-hand with individuals in the most under-resourced areas of non-profit security grants which will allow them to make important security our community to help them access housing support, government benefits, and upgrades to their facilities. unemployment insurance, and even provide transportation to food pantries. But the largest and most pressing priority this past year has been supporting Demand for these critical services is expected to rise as eviction moratoriums our community through the unexpected challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. lift and the increased unemployment benefit recedes, leaving people scrambling to The needs of our community changed almost overnight. It took less than 48 figure out how to keep themselves and their families afloat in this new reality. hours for Federation to mobilize a force of over 70 volunteers to begin an outreach Recently, Federation’s executive committee approved an additional $12,000 in campaign that we could never have imagined needing. Volunteers were at the grants to support technology upgrades that will help our affiliates offer mean- heart of our efforts to deliver meals, to make grocery runs, to pick up medicine, ingful and accessible High Holiday services and experiences to our Jewish to help people figure out how to order from Instacart, to figure out how Zoom community. worked, or, in so many cases, just to be there to listen. A community member recently asked me when I thought everything would Thank you to the many, many volunteers who stepped up to help. return to normal again. We expanded our kosher meals on wheels program to include regular partic- The truth is we do not know what the future holds. Our world is changing ipants of our weekly Connecting With Community lunch program, with some rapidly. participants receiving double meals to carry them through the week. Federation Federation as an organization and all of us as a community will need to is committed to maintaining this expanded format through September, at which continue to be nimble, creative, courageous, and willing to think strategically and time we will re-evaluate the needs of our older population. pragmatically about what really matters for our future. Our community social worker, Jill Goldstein, received referrals from dozens There are many things that are unique in our small federation, but over the of volunteers and community members during our initial outreach and helped last year, I have come to realize that it is strong leadership, authentic relation- community members connect to resources for food, housing support, and coun- ships, and the trust that Federation has with our affiliate organizations, our seling and other mental health services. As the effects of long-term isolation donors, our volunteers, and our program participants that makes this community intensify, Jill continues to support more than 30 community members each week. so special. Shabbat care packages, happy day cards, and our “CARE’avan” parade have We are a source of strength to one another. We are a community that cares helped lift the spirits of our elderly residents who are experiencing significant deeply and works together to help one another. That is what makes our Jewish isolation during the extended quarantine at nursing homes and assisted living Berkshires strong! It is this strength that has carried us through this crisis. It is facilities. that strength which will bring us through to a time when we will again gather and And Federation continues to sponsor and share virtual programs and celebrate together.
Letters to the Editor
Words That Can Just Make You Melt Dear Jewish Federation of the Berkshires: This is short note to thank you so much for the beautiful parade you put A Thank You from Federation together for the residents of local assisted living facilities. The weather wasn’t “clement” at some point, but I am glad our residents were able to see the parade. Dear Amy Freeman and Lenox Troop 65021 Grade 3 Brownies: One of them told me “That was so nice of them to do that for us!” These are words On behalf of the meals on wheels program of the Jewish Federation that can just make you melt. of the Berkshires and its partner, Elder Services of Berkshire County, we You can feel that they really appreciated what you did for them. thank you for the donation of a case of Trefoil cookies for 60+ lunches. Thank you, thank you, and again, thank you! Our recipients loved that special treat with their lunches. So many of our seniors are by themselves in their homes and the only Ohinene Asilijoe (Nene), Activities Director people they may see in a day is the mailman and their lunch delivery Kimball Farms Life Care volunteer. The cookies brought a little joy to their day! Several of them Lenox told me how delighted they were by the cookies, and shared experiences working with Brownies and Girl Scouts many years ago.
Fondly, Susan Frisch Lehrer Coordinator of Volunteers and PJ Library Jewish Federation of the Berkshires
Thank you volunteers Ellen Rosenblatt and the BJV delivery team, Mitch Greenwald, Roman Rozenblyum, Colin Ovitsky, FOR MORE PHOTOS Pattie Lipman, Amy Cott Filson, and Chris Kelly SEE PAGE 12 Av/Elul 5780 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 3 Rabbi Reflection Jewish Wisdom for Walking into the Unknown By Rabbi Jodie Gordon From one of my favorite poems, written by Hope need not be a passive enterprise; in fact, our Marge Piercy: Jewish tradition commands us to pursue hope, to work The courage to let go of the door, the handle… toward it, and to reach for it. The courage to walk out of the pain that is known into the pain that cannot be imagined, How do we decide what is essential for this time of walking into the unknown? mapless, walking into the wilderness, going Perhaps, like me, you have had the experience of shedding that which is not barefoot with a canteen into the desert…. essential. In light of the reality we are living in, we are doing more with less – traveling less, moving about less – and as a result, at least for me, I am accu- We Jews are all born of wanderers, with shoes mulating and consuming less. I think of the Israelites setting forth into the under our pillows… unknown – “mapless, walking into the wilderness, going barefoot with a canteen into the desert,” as Marge Piercy writes; and I can’t help but think there is great These excerpts from her poem “Maggid” wisdom in lightening our loads. For some of us, it will mean fewer professional remind me that walking into the unknown and social commitments. For others, it will mean accumulating and consuming is something the Jewish people have been doing from the very beginning. less in the world. Like the Israelites, who move through the wilderness toward a Throughout history, from the moment that God leads Moses and the mixed multi- far-off promised land, I believe there will be wisdom in loosening our grip on those tude the long way around, to the stories of Jewish migration that brought each things that once seemed essential. of us here, we have been a wandering people. We know what it means to put one foot in front of the other, without guarantees that our destination will indeed be Keep your eye on the destination even when you don’t know exactly what it that promised land. looks like As we approach six months of this new reality, I find this very comforting. We have already “let go of the door, the handle” that Marge Piercy describes. We too, are walking into the unknown, but that does not mean we have to walk We are no longer at the beginning of this journey, though we have no guaran- forward, unknowing. Even as we try to soak in the small pleasures of summer, tees for a timeline to our destination. We are living in that wilderness now. Like finding joy in all that we do have, there is an undeniable shadow cast by all of the the Israelites, many of us (myself included) have moments of wishing we could go many unknowns. back to Egypt, so to speak, for a return to “before.” This experience has illustrated The heart of our tradition is wise, and offers us sustenance for the journey for us just how unsustainable “Egypt” (i.e., life pre-pandemic) is for so many ahead. people: the inequities in access to food, medical care, and education, and the deep isolation and disregard for the sick, the elderly, and others who wind up on the Choose good walking companions margins of our communities. If there was ever a prayer for walking into the unknown, it’s “Hashkiveinu”: Walking toward this unknown future is a fearful prospect, to be sure. There that prayer for protection that we say each evening, cushioned between our are days when the sheer magnitude of how much we just do not know is stun- prayers for redemption and our personal prayers. I imagine our ancestors, ning. But there is also gratitude, and there is hope. walking into the unknown, watching the sun set on another day of journeying, Remember, “We Jews are all born of wanderers, with shoes under our and uttering those words, “Shelter me beneath the canopy of your peace.” pillows…” One of my favorite creative renditions of the prayer Hashkiveinu adds: Hope need not be a passive enterprise; in fact, our Jewish tradition commands us to pursue hope, to work toward it, and to reach for it. Later this summer, we Adonai, help us to walk with good companions, to live with hope in our will mark Rosh Chodesh Elul, the beginning of a monthlong journey toward the hearts and eternity in our thoughts, that we may lie down in peace and start of a new year. Our tradition gives us the words of Psalm 27, as a kavannah rise up waiting to do Your will. for that journey. The last verse of Psalm 27 reads: (Mishkan T’fillah, p. 161) My colleague, Rabbi Rachel Barenblat shares this rendition of the Hebrew text: Part of living with fear, is to be surrounded with good companions. We make our way through the darkness, ready to face another day, when we are surrounded by love, comfort, encouragement, and hope. Keep hope, keep hope – keep hoping in the One. Lighten your load Be strong and open your heart wide, We can’t carry it all, and we certainly cannot carry it all by ourselves. I am and keep hope in the One. reminded of the verses in Exodus that describe the way that the Israelites went forth: My hope and prayer for our entire Berkshire community as we continue this journey together, is that we will be for one another good companions. May we help So the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading to lighten each other’s loads, sharing in our abundance where we are able and bowls wrapped in their cloaks upon their shoulders. The Israelites had offering listening ears and helping hands to those who struggle. May we keep hope done Moses’s bidding and borrowed from the Egyptians objects of silver in our hearts for better days to come, in a more just, equitable, and peaceful world. and gold, and clothing. Rabbi Jodie Gordon is a rabbi at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire and also director of (Exodus 12:34-35) the Religious School.
Paid advertisements do not necessarily represent the opinions of LETTERS TO THE EDITOR the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires or its members. The Berkshire Jewish Voice welcomes signed letters on subjects of interest to the Jewish community. Letters are printed upon space availability. The BJV reserves the right to edit all letters for content, length, and style. The BJV does not print anonymous letters, insults, libelous or defamatory statements. Published letters do not represent the views of the Federation, its board of directors, or the newspaper, Berkshire but rather express the views of their authors. For verification purposes, please in- clude full name, home address, and a day and evening telephone number. Send letters to: Berkshire Jewish Voice, 196 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201, or email: [email protected]. JAewish publicationA publication of of the the Jewish Jewish Federation Federation of the Berkshires, of the serving Berkshires, V the Berkshires serving and surrounding the ice Berkshires NY, CT and and VT surrounding NY, CT and VT
Published nine times a year by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Dara Kaufman: Publisher and Managing Editor Albert Stern: Editor Rose Tannenbaum: Graphic Design and Layout Jenny Greenfeld: Advertising Sales Representative and Assistant Editor
Editorial opinions expressed in the Berkshire Jewish Voice are those of the newspaper and not those of any individual. Signed editorials do not represent the view of the newspaper, but rather express the writer’s view. The Berkshire Jewish Voice is under no obligation to accept any advertisement. It does not guarantee the kashrut of any merchandise or service advertised. To have the BJV mailed to your home, please send a minimum donation of $18 Next issue publication date: September 7, 2020 – October 11, 2020 Press deadline: July 28, 2020 • Advertising deadline: August 19, 2020 Berkshire Jewish Voice e-mail: [email protected] Phone: (413) 442-4360, ext. 11 Fax (413) 443-6070 Page 4 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 27 to September 6, 2020 Your Federation Presents
Jewish Ceremonial Objects Used in the Home, with Frann Addison
On Thursday, September 3 at Rituals, superstitions, Christian influ- History of Jewish Ceremonial Objects 6:45 p.m., the Jewish Federation of ence, and the artistic influence of the Used in the Home.” the Berkshires welcomes historian and country in which the pieces were made As part of her work, Addison also artist Frann Addison, whose topic will will be explored, as will the evolution of created a kiddush cup, a havdalah be “Jewish Ceremonial Objects Used in the style and function of each object. spicebox, and a mezuzah, all of which the Home.” In addition to showing historical were part of her graduate degree At press time, all Jewish Federation ritual objects, Addison will also share show in the school’s gallery. A rabbi of the Berkshires programs were a few ceremonial pieces that she has happened to see the student show and scheduled to be presented via Zoom created, as well as those done by other was drawn to her ritual objects, and or other platforms – please check your contemporary Jewish metalsmiths. she made a sale. Could she possibly emails from Federation to find the Find out more about this aspect of make a living at this she wondered? necessary links, or visit our calendar of Jewish cultural and ethnic heritage. The answer is, “Yes”, as she has been events online at www.jewishberkshires. After receiving a BA in Art History doing so since 1980. org. from Skidmore College, Frann Her work has been featured in ten Many Jews know very little, if Addison went on to pursue an MFA in books and numerous major publi- anything, about the history and evolu- metalsmithing at Cranbrook Academy cations, and can be found in the tion of Jewish ceremonial objects of Art in Michigan. In 1977 while at permanent collection of the Museum used in the home, even though they Cranbrook, she was inspired by an of American Jewish History in may possess and use several of them. article which became the turning Philadelphia. Based on research done for her point in her career. The author of the “It gives me great pleasure to know master’s thesis, Frann Addison has article believed that there was a need that my Judaica creations will be compiled a fascinating and informative for contemporary design in Judaica, lovingly used by individuals or families presentation exploring the origin and as so much of what was then avail- as they perform ancient rituals linking Frann Addison with a kiddush cup she development of these pieces. able simply mimicked antique ritual past and present,” she says. “Tradition, fashioned Addison will discuss major holidays objects. This led Addison to do exten- spirit, family – this is what is important and celebrations and the ceremonial sive research which culminated in the to me.” objects used in accordance with them. writing of her master’s thesis, “The How Rock ‘n’ Roll Has Contributed to Improved Race Relations in the U.S. On Monday, August 3 at 10:45 a.m., or other platforms – please check your In a 2018 interview with the music join “Radio Dave” Milberg – a “disc emails from Federation to find the blog Black News, Milberg was asked jockey-at-law” who has been broad- necessary links, or visit our calendar about how teenaged radio listeners casting since 1965 and lawyering since of events online at www.jewishberk- changed America’s cultural norms 1979 – as he discusses how rock ‘n’ shires.org. during the 1950s. He answered: “They roll music is more than a soundtrack Milberg will spotlight the first inte- broke down divisions of race and class. of our society since the mid-1950s. grated rock group to have a hit record, Music companies used to have their Says Milberg: “It also has been, and a legendary Chicago soul group with mainstream label for white people and continues to be, a strong force for a string of hits that promoted racial ‘race records’ for African-Americans improved race relations in the United pride, and show the ways that The and other ethnic groups. Black artists States.” Beatles and Rolling Stones helped would create original songs; the music At press time, all Jewish Federation make rock ‘n’ roll music a force for companies would release covers by of the Berkshires programs were racial understanding in the United white artists like Pat Boone or the scheduled to be presented via Zoom States. McGuire Sisters. White kids would listen to the covers, and then hunt down the originals. Kids then started crossing the color line at concerts by both white and black musicians. “Radio Dave” Milberg Berkshire The kids started a cross-fertilization between cultures, and that opened the authority on popular music history, door to bigger changes.” was among a group of scholars “Radio Dave” has been a featured who were 2019 finalists in the radio disc jockey on stations across “Documentary Record” category ewishA publication of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, serving the Berkshires and surroundingice NY, CT and VT J V the Midwest, and has also been a radio for the Grammy Awards. He also is announcer for the Chicago Bears and a volunteer consultant to medical Chicago White Sox. He has received professionals, creating customized Thank you to our supporters! more than 20 national awards for music mixes that are used in the broadcast station management, jour- therapy for their patients suffering The Berkshire Jewish Voice extends a very special “thank you” for the nalism, sports, and community service. cognitive impairment. generosity extended by those who have sent in their contributions for As “Lawyer Dave,” Milberg retired Milberg owns more than 60,000 voluntary subscriptions to the paper. from the Chicago-based firm of Schiff records, including “the largest Hardin LLP in 2014, and has taught Christmas collection this side of the Anonymous (2) Larry Frankel and Media Law. His “Rare & Scratchy Rock North Pole” and “the largest-known Suzanne Bach Elisa Schindler-Frankel ‘N Roll” podcast is regularly down- archive of original versions of Elvis loaded by nearly 100,000 listeners in Presley remakes, as well as songs Francine Eget Bentzil and Susan Kasper more than 135 countries worldwide. about or mentioning the King of Rock Diana and Andy Geller Arthur and Terry Wasser As a musicologist, Milberg, an ‘n’ Roll.” Regina Karas Marilyn Dukoff Ellen Kenwood Joann and Alfred Ivry Ruth Markovits Karen Slater and Larz Spangberg For further information on all Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Laurie Sukel Michael and Gloria Kaplan programs, please call Nancy Maurice Rogers, Program Director, Susan Cartun Bob and Elaine Baum at (413) 442-4360, ext.15. Jack Grossman & Diane Cohen Helene Berger Burrelles Allan and Nan Lipton
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“The Shtetl Kitchen,” with co-owners of On the Chocolate Trail, with The Gefilteria Rabbi Deborah Prinz On Thursday, August 6 On Thursday, August 20 at 6:45 p.m., join Jeffrey at 6:45 p.m., the Jewish Yoskowitz and Liz Alpern, Federation of the Berkshires co-authors of The Gefilte welcomes Rabbi Deborah Manifesto: New Recipes for Prinz for “On the Chocolate Old World Jewish Foods and Trail: A Delicious Adventure co-owners of The Gefilteria, Connecting Jews, Religions, a food venture that has been History, Travel, Rituals reimagining Old World Jewish and Recipes to the Magic of foods since 2012. Expect an Cacao.” The online talk will be evening of dynamic discussion based on her 2012 book of the on Eastern European Jewish same name. foodways, past and present, At press time, all Jewish in a talk called “The Shtetl Federation of the Berkshires Rabbi Deborah Prinz Kitchen.” programs were scheduled to At press time, all Jewish be presented via Zoom or other Rabbi Prinz has lectured Federation of the Berkshires platforms – please check your about chocolate and reli- programs were scheduled emails from Federation to find gion around the world, and to be presented via Zoom or the necessary links, or visit uses information gathered other platforms – please check our calendar of events online from travel in several coun- your emails from Federation at www.jewishberkshires.org. tries, including Belgium, to find the necessary links, The next time you Canada, England, France, or visit our calendar of events pick up a piece of choco- Israel, Italy, Mexico, Spain, online at www.jewishberk- late, consider that you are Switzerland, and the United shires.org. partaking in an age-old States. She has held a number From their website, gefil- passion for religion and food. of leadership positions in teria.com: “The Gefilteria is Explore the surprising choc- the national and regional a new kind of food venture olate narratives and rituals Reform movement, having launched in 2012 with the of pre-Columbian Native recently served the Central mission of reimagining Americans, Jews, Catholics, Conference of American Eastern European Jewish Protestants, and Quakers. Rabbis (CCAR) as director of cuisine, adapting classic Rabbi Prinz’s unique take Program and Member Services dishes to the values and explores the popularity of and the director of the Joint tastes of a new generation. Jeffrey Yoskowitz and Liz Alpern chocolate through her fasci- Commission on Rabbinic We’re the people with the nation with world religions, Mentoring. chutzpah to believe that Old showing the connectedness She is rabbi emerita of World Jewish foods can be Follow him on instagram In collaboration with the among peoples through this Temple Adat Shalom in San beautiful, inspiring and deli- @jeffyosko and @gefilteria. food website The Nosher, The most popular of confections. Diego County, where she held cious. We produce limited Liz Alpern is also the Gefilteria has been compiling Delight your mind and your the position of senior rabbi creator of Queer Soup Night, a “The Official Guide to Jewish taste buds as Rabbi Prinz for almost 20 years. Prior to global event series highlighting Eats,” which explores the unscrambles the mysteries of that she was, for seven years, the talent of queer chefs and Jewish cuisine found in cities religions and chocolate along the rabbi of a synagogue in raising funds for locally-based in the United States and a trail of economic devel- Bergen County, NH, and also social justice organizations. around the world. For more, opment spanning cultures, the assistant rabbi of Central She holds an MBA from CUNY visit myjewishlearning.com/ countries, centuries, conti- Synagogue in Manhattan. Baruch’s Zicklin School of nosher-category/city-guides/. nents, and convictions. Business and teaches culi- The Great Big Jewish Food nary entrepreneurship at the Festival took place virtually International Culinary Center. in May, and sessions were Follow her on instagram recorded and can be viewed on @lizalpern and @gefilteria. the Gefilteria website.
53RD ANNUAL runs of our signature artis- anal gefilte fish in the spring and the fall. While we don’t HILDA VALLIN FEIGENBAUM have a storefront, we’re MEMORIAL FOUNDATION LECTURE regularly cooking a wide range of Jewish foods from the Ashkenazi – central and SUNDAY – AUGUST 30, 2020 – 7:30 PM eastern European Jewish – culinary tradition, for unique dining events. Along the way, we’re looking to inspire others Election 2020 to reimagine and rediscover this incredible cuisine in their America at the Crossroads home kitchens.” They’ll share insights about seasonal Jewish eating, with Guest Speaker holiday cooking, and culi- nary wisdom, which together will transform everything you thought about Ashkenazi Mara Liasson gastronomy – goose, gefilte fish, cabbage, kugel, and International political correspondent for National Public Radio, more. a political analyst for FOX News Channel and a regular panelist Jeffrey Yoskowitz is a food entrepreneur and a on Special Report with Brit Hume and on Fox News Sunday. thought leader in the Jewish food world, and co-execu- tive producer of The Great Big Jewish Food Festival. He The lecture will be held online and is free and open to the public. has written for The New York Times and The Atlantic, among Pre-registration is required — go to https://www.ansheamunim.org others. Jeffrey teaches Jewish culinary anthropology at the Sponsored by City College of New York. The Hilda Vallin Feigenbaum Lecture Endowment Temple Anshe Amunim – 26 Broad Street – Pittsfield, MA – (413) 442-5910 Page 6 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 27 to September 6, 2020 Your Federation Presents
“Family Tree of Life” – A Hands-on Collage Workshop On Thursday, August 27 at and remembering loved ones, into greeting cards or needle- 10:45 a.m., join us for “Family as well as cherishing one’s work projects. Tree of Life,” a hands-on current family. Using the Flora Rosefsky is known collage workshop for both Polish traditional method for her collage and mixed novice and experienced artists of paper cutting, Wycinanki media work, designing and led by collagist Flora Rosefsky. (pronounced Vee-chee- coordinating community Use your imagination in a NON-kee), Flora Rosefsky will quilts for public institutions risk-free environment where show us how folding paper and creating Jewish ritual experimenting in new ways and cutting connecting lines works for synagogues as a to think and to work will be and shapes is magically trans- teaching artist. Rosefsky has encouraged. formed into a finished piece of led numerous workshops for At press time, all Jewish art. cultural centers, museums, Federation of the Berkshires Participants will learn synagogues, schools, and programs were scheduled to about the paper cutout libraries. be presented via Zoom or other process attributed to Henri To learn more about platforms – please check your Matisse, and can also choose Rosefsky’s work. visit www. emails from Federation to find to “draw with their scissors” FloraRosefsky.com. To the necessary links, or visit by adding symbols, family see a virtual tour of the our calendar of events online photographs or handwritten current MACoM exhibition at www.jewishberkshires.org. messages to embellish their “Reflections: Art by Flora Create a “Family Tree of tree. The designs can be Rosefsky,” visit Life” work of art honoring framed or later be transposed www.reflectionsbyflora.com.
Supply List or any white heavier drawing paper or Here’s what you’ll need for the workshop. construction color paper. * 1 glue stick – ELMER’S brand works well – * 5 sheets of paper – 8 ½” x 11” – colored copy paper and/or white school glue (any color), or construction paper, (any color except the same as the color used for the “support”). * 1 paper scissor * Other assorted papers – shades of greens, blues, * 1 no.2 pencil with eraser reds etc.. Can be magazine cutouts from ads, pho- * 1 black pen (medium point) tos of foods where there are textures, or Origami paper, gift wrap paper, or other papers you have PAPERS: at home. You can also take white copy paper, and “Life Chapter 40”, by Flora Rosefsky * 1 sheet of paper 8 ½” x 11” (for the “support” of use a color crayon, or watercolor paint – to draw your art, not to be cut) card stock paper white or or paint over the white paper to create your own any color), or other paper like poster board, Bristol, assorted colored papers.
TZEDAKAH, continued from page 1
You can also call us at (413) 442-4360, ext. 16. strength and unity. Volunteers are needed to help reach out to The Federation’s Annual Campaign is the donors and ask for their support. All calls can foundation for this work. For over 80 years, (866) 474-2774 be made from the safety of your home. If you in times of triumph and times of despair, the are an experienced Super Sunday caller, please Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign has www.sharsheret. consider joining us. Contact Leslie Kozupsky sustained our community and provided the org at (413) 442-4360, ext. 19 or email lkozupsky@ resources to care for those in need and ensure jewishberkshires.org. a safe and strong Jewish community today and Since the beginning of this pandemic, we in the future. Linking Young have all experienced new and unexpected chal- Now, more than ever, we need everyone’s Jewish Women in lenges. The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires support. has been a leading force in addressing our Their Fight Against community’s most pressing needs, protecting Breast Cancer the vulnerable, building resilience, supporting Silver tzedakah box, our affiliate organizations, and maintaining our mid-20th century NEWS A Jewish camp is opening — on the video game Minecraft By Ben Sales / JTA This was going to be Jake to be as faithful as possible shows docks, wooden build- Offenheim’s 14th straight to the real thing,” Offenheim ings with red roofs, plenty summer at Camp Ramah said. “People are blown away of grass and trees, cabins, a in Canada. Then camp was by how close I got. Even the dining hall and a communal canceled because of the coro- distances are pretty accurate.” prayer space. navirus pandemic. Many camps have tran- “There’s no oddly shaped Offenheim, who was set sitioned from in-person to buildings,” he said. “They’re to be a counselor for the fifth virtual, which usually means all rectangles. There’s one year, couldn’t bear a summer activities and programs held building that was an octagon. without Ramah — so he via Zoom. Offenheim, however, You just start placing blocks re-created it on Minecraft. has created a virtual copy of and see what feels good.” In the popular “sandbox” his actual camp. He down- He’ll be inviting campers video game, users not only loaded a suite of tools for to enjoy the virtual world he can play as characters but can Minecraft on his computer, built. construct entire worlds to their fashioned a re-creation of one Offenheim was going to be fancy, with no spatial limits. cabin, then copied and pasted “Rosh Canoe,” or head of the Offenheim, 22, loved the game it across camp, changing the camp’s canoeing program, A shot of the campus of Camp Ramah in Canada re-created on as a middle schooler and has shape as necessary. The inte- this year. Now he’s going to be Minecraft. (Courtesy of Jake Offenheim, via JTA) jumped back in during this riors were made from memory. “Rosh Gaming and ESports.” era of social distancing. To get the proper distances For three weeks, he will lead With time on his hands, between buildings, as well as campers, divided by age group, Campers will need an “We’re going to set up a he programmed the entire the shapes of certain fields, in free games on the Ramah in approved user name to log on lock on all of the things that I campus of Camp Ramah in he relied on satellite photos. Canada Minecraft platform. to the space, so trolls will be built,” he said. “So you can’t Canada on Minecraft, from the Oppenheim was able to fill Games will include virtual locked out. And Offenheim is break or place anything in cabins to the sports fields to spaces with (virtual) grass, horse racing, canoe racing, taking precautions to protect certain areas, so nobody acci- the lake. It took 73 hours in dirt, and gravel as necessary. archery and the like. Campers his virtual world from even dentally breaks something or total. A YouTube video providing can also compete in virtual invited users. burns down the whole camp.” “One of my main goals was an overview of the landscape parkour. Av/Elul 5780 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 7
LOCAL NEWS Preparing for the High Holy Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch Named Rabbi of Days with Temple Anshe Temple Anshe Amunim Amunim PITTSFIELD – Temple Anshe the congregation’s popular Amunim, a Reform Jewish Saturday morning Torah Plus other opportunities to learn and congregation serving the Study sessions, and has devel- Berkshire community, oped programming for the connect announced the engagement congregation and the commu- PITTSFIELD – On eight Supported by The Rita J of Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch as its nity which incorporates music, consecutive Thursdays begin- and Stanley H. Kaplan Family permanent spiritual leader, physical and outdoor activ- ning August 6, Rabbi Liz Foundation. effective July 1, 2020. ities, yoga and meditation, Hirsch will conduct an 8-week Due to COVID-19 Temple Rabbi Hirsch has served and experiential connections mindfulness course created Anshe Amunim is following the congregation in an interim to Judaism. Rabbi Hirsch has by the Institute of Jewish guidelines from the Mass role for the last two years also served as the director of Spirituality called “Awareness Department of Public Health supporting their period of the congregation’s religious in Action.” and local health officials and transition. and adult education programs, This class takes partici- therefore the locations of all “In the last two years, guiding students of all ages. pants through the month of events are to be determined. Rabbi Hirsch has become a During this unprecedented Elul, the traditional prepa- If unable to meet in person beloved member of our congre- period of social distancing, Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch ratory time around the High for some events they will be gational community. In good Rabbi Hirsch has seamlessly Holy Days, and concludes after offered online. times and bad, particularly been able to pivot the congre- Yom Kippur. Rabbi Hirsch has during this pandemic, she has gation from sanctuary-based Wexner Graduate Fellow and extensive training in Jewish Services and Torah Study provided our members with worship and programming to Tisch Fellow. Prior to her time mindfulness and meditation, Erev Shabbat services wisdom, stability, inspiration, virtual Zoom offerings, which at Anshe Amunim, Rabbi and each week participants will take place Fridays, and forward thinking,” said has allowed the congregation Hirsch served as the rabbi and will view a short video on their July 31 through August 28 Joshua M. Cutler, president to continue to be meaningfully one of the directors of Camp own to prepare for their group at 5:30 p.m. Join TAA of Temple Anshe Amunim’s enriched, and has allowed Eisner in Great Barrington. conversation. All are welcome via https://tinyurl.com/ Board of Trustees for the last for greater connections to the In the greater commu- to join this guided journey. taazoom and be sure to check two years. “As we continue to larger community beyond the nity, Rabbi Hirsch has been Registration is required ansheamunim.org for up-to- celebrate our 150th anniver- Berkshires. active in Jewish and commu- and closes on August 2. The date information about the sary this year, we are delighted “It is my sacred honor to nity organizations, provided time that this course will be event. that Rabbi Hirsch will lead us serve Temple Anshe Amunim, invocations and benedictions offered will be determined after Torah Study takes place for many years to come as we an historic congregation with a for numerous community registration closes. To register Saturdays, August 1 through enter our next 150 years as a bright and innovative future,” gatherings, and has taught visit: https://tinyurl.com/ August 29, at 9:30 a.m. Join Temple,” Cutler added. Rabbi Hirsch remarked. “I am at Berkshire Community taa-awarenessinaction. TAA via https://tinyurl.com/ In her time with the congre- eager to continue to partner College’s Osher Lifelong Participants will taazoom and be sure to check gation, Rabbi Hirsch has with our lay leadership and Learning Institute. meet on the following ansheamunim.org for up-to- overseen numerous aesthetic to represent our synagogue in Rabbi Hirsch lives in Great Thursdays: August 6, 13, date information about the and safety upgrades to the the broader community.” Barrington with her husband, 20, 27; September 3, 10; and event. synagogue’s building, grown Rabbi Hirsch, a New Rabbi Neil P.G. Hirsch, who October 1 and 8. England native and a grad- serves at Hevreh of Southern uate of Brown University, was Berkshire, and their son, Lior. ordained at the Hebrew Union A formal installation College-Jewish Institute of ceremony for Rabbi Hirsch Women in Leadership Religion in New York. While will be held at a date to be in rabbinical school, Rabbi announced. PITTSFIELD – On Tuesday, leaders. Speakers will include Hirsch was honored as a August 4 at 7 p.m., Professor Pittsfield’s Mayor Linda Tyer, Robyn Rosen will moderate Berkshire County’s District a forum titled “Women in Attorney Andrea Harrington, Leadership,” hosted by Temple Massachusetts State Congregation Beth Israel Anshe Amunim. Representative Tricia Farley- Writes Professor Rosen: Bouvier, and the Temple’s Hebrew School this Fall “One hundred years ago, in Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch. Discover NORTH ADAMS – At press time, Congregation Beth Israel’s the summer of 1920, after what inspires and guides their Hebrew school information was not available. a seventy year struggle, the public service. Please contact Rabbi Jarah Greenfield at rabbijgreenfield@ 19th Amendment was rati- To register for the event gmail.com for up-to-date information. fied. Since then women have visit: https://tinyurl.com/ made extraordinary strides taa-womeninleadership and be and contributed robustly to sure to check ansheamunim. State Representative Tricia our nation’s political and reli- org for up-to-date information Farley-Bouvier gious life. In these challenging about the event. times, we continue to look to Due to COVID-19 Temple therefore the locations of all women leaders for insight and Anshe Amunim is following events are to be determined. Check out our website! direction.” guidelines from the Mass If unable to meet in person Join TAA for a conver- Department of Public Health for some events they will be www.jewishberkshires.org sation with local women and local health officials and offered online. For calendar listings and events
BERKSHIRE JEWISH CONGREGATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS
Berkshire Minyan Congregation Ahavath Sholom Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Welcome to the Lay-led egalitarian minyan Reconstructionist 196 South St., Pittsfield, MA Jewish Berkshires held at Hevreh of Southern North St., Great Barrington, MA (413) 442-4360, jewishberkshires.org Everyone is welcome to attend Berkshire, 270 State Rd., (413) 528-4197, ahavathsholom.com Jewish War Veterans services and events at any of the Great Barrington, MA Congregation Beth Israel Commander Robert Waldheim organizations listed here. (413) 229-3618, berkshireminyan.org Reform (413) 822-4546, [email protected] Berkshire Hills Hadassah 53 Lois St., North Adams, MA Please call the organizations Knesset Israel P.O. Box 187, Pittsfield, MA (413) 663-5830, cbiweb.org directly to confirm service times Conservative (413) 443-4386, or to inquire about membership. Hevreh of Southern Berkshire 16 Colt Rd., Pittsfield, MA [email protected] Reform (413) 445-4872, knessetisrael.org Learn more about our Jewish B’nai B’rith Lodge, No. 326 270 State Rd., Great Barrington, MA Temple Anshe Amunim community and find great (413) 528-6378, hevreh.org Chabad of the Berkshires Reform events on the community 450 South St., Pittsfield, MA Israel Philatelist Society 26 Broad St., Pittsfield, MA calendar at: (413) 499-9899, c/o Dr. Ed Helitzer, (413) 442-5910, ansheamunim.org JEWISHBERKSHIRES.ORG jewishberkshires.com (413) 447-7622 ______Page 8 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 27 to September 6, 2020 LOCAL NEWS Hevreh’s Virtual Study and Worship Knesset Israel Families Programs Together Begins New Year GREAT BARRINGTON – This Midrash, a house of learning anticipate an exhibit as part summer, Hevreh of Southern that will foster and be fostered of the re-opening of Hevreh’s This Fall Berkshire continues to offer by creative exploration of building. PITTSFIELD – The Knesset events to explore issues in spiritual connection and Jewish ideas and practices. No Questions? Reach out to Israel Hebrew School, a modern Jewish history. All intellectual stimulation, prior experience of any kind is [email protected] to be directed part of the congregation’s students at this age level albeit virtually. Here is some needed. Join the group with to Heidi Katz or Larry Frankel. Families Together program, also participate in Junior of what’s going on – visit an open mind. welcomes students from Congregation on a weekly Hevreh’s website, hevreh.org, From Hevreh’s description: Ongoing Services preschool through 12th grade basis. Wednesday after- for more information and Web “Creativity exists within each Kabbalat Shabbat to dynamic classes where they noon classes use formal and links. of us. How we ignite that spark Fridays at 6 p.m. through learn Hebrew, Torah, Jewish informal techniques to help varies. Creative release may early September. studies, history and culture. students learn to read Hebrew Lunch N Learn Torah Study be through writing, sculpture, Join Rabbi Hirsch and The school prides itself on its fluently and accurately. The On Wednesdays at dance, poetry, painting, music, Rabbi Jodie Gordon for a intimate classes and extraor- school is looking forward to 11:45 a.m. through the first quilting, etc. festive Kabbalat Shabbat dinary faculty. In addition to continuing to grow our arts week of September, lunch and “How it will work: Over Service over Zoom each week teaching skills for meaningful program, featuring the partici- learn with Rabbi Neil P.G. several weeks, we will explore to reflect on the past week Jewish living, the school also pation of local Judaica artists. Hirsch, who writes: “Now, a topic of Jewish interest and set an intention to rest incorporates a ‘hidden curric- Bar/Bat Mitzvah: The having consistently met for ranging from sacred objects and recharge before the week ulum’ helping students learn crown jewel of KI’s education over a year and studying the to sacred space to sacred ahead. Every week, same time, to value and prioritize their programs, the intensive bar/ Book of Judges, the water is themes. Participants will drive same place (if you’re staying at own involvement in Jewish bat mitzvah program engages warm and welcome to anyone the direction of the topics and home). Contact info@hevreh. community life. students deeply in developing who wants to dive in. We have the discussion.” org to be added to the listserv Judith Weiner is the the skills and enthusiasm they just begun to study First Rabbi Hirsch will intro- and receive login credentials. director of Knesset Israel will need for lifelong leader- Samuel. No prior knowledge is duce each topic with a small Families Together. She is the ship of Jewish religious life. necessary, just an interest in packet of materials including Shabbat Morning administrator of the Hebrew Instruction includes chanting having thoughtful conversa- a video. Sessions will be used Experience School, as well as Families Torah and Haftara and leading tions with one another.” for sharing and processing Saturdays at 10 a.m. Together and teen program- all Shabbat services and is If you would like to join individuals’ creative product, through early September ming, both generously funded complemented by a mitzvah remotely please reach out whether that be visual art, Join Hevreh each week by the Harold Grinspoon project and the prepara- to Rabbi Hirsch. If you have music, dance/movement, or for a contemplative Shabbat Foundation and the Jewish tion of a short sermon for other suggestions for what you written word. Discussion will morning experience. Pour Federation of the Berkshires. the morning of the bar/bat would like to learn in these be in the form of nurturing, yourself a cup of coffee and log Drawing on her many years mitzvah. sessions, please reach out not critique. on to enjoy a restful Shabbat of teaching and Jewish camp High School: Students to Rabbi Hirsch at nhirsch@ This ongoing experience will morning with a rabbi and experience, as well as her convene on Shabbat morning hevreh.org. Classes are free begin with Zoom sessions and other members. “We hope graduate-level study of educa- for a class with Rabbi Weiner. and open to all. then continue in person when you’ll find oneg in communal tion at the Jewish Theological This year we will study Jewish that is again possible. Writing, song, prayer, discussion, and Seminary, Judith brings values using the Bible together Creative Beit Midrash music, and art that result study.” Contact info@hevreh. creativity, professionalism and with commentary from Rashi. will be curated (if the creator On Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. org to be added to the listserv passion to her leadership role. High school students also wishes) and used on Hevreh’s on August 1, 15 and 29, all and receive login credentials. “We are planning our year have the opportunity to serve website, Friday evening Visual are invited to participate in hopes that school and as teaching assistants in the Tefillah, and bulletin. They in Hevreh’s Creative Beit programs can take place in Hebrew School, especially in person,” she says. “If things Junior Congregation, the bar/ need to be adjusted due to bat mitzvah program, and COVID-19 we will provide Purposeful Play programs. appropriate weekly instruc- This year, Knesset Israel tion and connection for our will be piloting new youth students and families through programming, incorporating online services.” the arts, social time, leader- Primary School: Children ship development and regional preschool age and below conventions with United are invited to attend the Tot Synagogue Youth. These Shabbat program, which will youth programs welcome the be offered monthly and will participation of members and incorporate music, games, non-members. stories, and an introduc- Family Programming: tion to the Jewish worship Exciting programs for the experience. whole family linking themes Preschool students of the Jewish holidays and through kindergarten enjoy year with contemporary social programming on Shabbat issues take place on select mornings. A one-hour class Sundays, Wednesday after- with a highly-qualified teacher noons and Shabbat afternoons features song, movement, throughout the year. Open and Shabbat-friendly crafts. to non-members as well as Students in 1st grade also members, these programs meet on Shabbat mornings for are a great way for families to a two-hour session, begin- experience the Knesset Israel ning their study of Hebrew, community. Upcoming events prayer, mitzvot and Jewish include: Labor Day Family holidays. Afterwards, these Get Together on September students join together for 7; Family program in the Purposeful Play, a program for Sukkah, October 7; and many Knesset Israel that gives the more throughout the school youngest pupils a chance to year. learn creatively and experien- Please check the Knesset tially. “A team of experienced Israel calendar at www. primary school educators is knessetisrael.org or Facebook working together to infuse this page for further details. program with best practices Registration for Knesset and joy,” says Judith Israel’s Hebrew School will Elementary School: take place during the summer Grades 2-6 meet twice a week, months. Members and on Shabbat mornings and on non-members are welcome, Wednesday afternoons. Over and Hebrew School can be an the course of their elemen- excellent gateway to becoming tary school years, students more involved in the commu- study stories from the Torah, nity. Interested families are lifecycle, holidays and Jewish invited to contact Judith values. Grades 5 and 6 will Weiner at (413) 445-4872 or use discussion of current [email protected]. Av/Elul 5780 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 9
LOCAL NEWS Hats Off To Hadassah! Annual Chai Tea with Vision Ride Fundraiser to Jane Austen’s Emma Benefit Hazon Berkshire Hills Hadassah invites members Richard Slutzky of all to live healthily, sustain- and guests to its annual summer Chai Tea on Egremont is chair of the board ably, and equitably on Earth. Thursday, August 6 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. of directors of Hazon, the How to do it? Join the team Join on Zoom with your finest hat creations largest faith-based environ- by committing to contrib- and a cup of tea for an informative program mental organization in the uting miles from now until about Jane Austen’s Emma, with author and United States and operator of Labor Day (anything that’s Professor Sharon Sobel. There will also be the Isabella Freedman Jewish not in a car – biking, walking, updates about Hadassah’s youth programs – Retreat Center in Falls Village, jogging, hiking, etc.); give or Youth Aliyah and Young Judaea. CT. He’s inviting members of raise funds for the team's the Berkshire community to miles logged; and invite family, About the Speaker join his team and participate friends, communities, and in Hazon’s 2020 Vision Rides. institutions to join. A writer for most of her life, Professor The vision for each team is To join Slutzky’s team, visit Sharon Sobel is also the author of 16 published to collectively “travel” 360,000 https://donate.hazon.org/ novels and novellas, several short stories, and miles through Labor Day team/302645. There you’ll many essays. She earned a Ph.D. in English in order to raise $360,000, click the ‘JOIN TEAM’ button, and American Literature from Brandeis culminating in a celebra- and register. University and is currently a professor of tion festival over Labor Day “At this complicated time English at UConn Stamford and at Norwalk weekend. in the world, we can be part of Community College, where she teaches compo- The goal, according to a movement for change, while sition and literature and chaired the annual Slutzky, is to get people we also get in shape, build writer’s conference for five years. outside in a way that’s mean- community, and have fun,” She has been involved with UJA/Federation ingful to them, in order to writes Slutzky. “Let’s combine Westport-Weston-Wilton-Norwalk and is lessen the use of cars; recon- forces to create this awesome currently organizational vice president of the nect with the natural world; team, as one step closer to Connecticut region of Hadassah and co- maintain emotional, spiritual, creating the world that we president of the Norwalk Hadassah chapter. and physical health; build believe in. Together, we will She and her husband live on an 18th century community during this compli- travel more miles and raise farm in Wilton, CT where they raised their three cated moment in time; and more money than we ever children and continue to entertain their four drive systemic change for us could alone.” grandchildren. Suggested minimum donation is $18, payable to Berkshire Hills Hadassah to support Hat’s off – C.E. Brock’s 1898 illustration of Hadassah’s youth programs. For more infor- a scene from Emma mation check out the Berkshire Hills Hadassah Facebook page or email [email protected]. Donations should be sent to Berkshire Hills Hadassah, P.O. Box 187, Pittsfield, MA 01202. Please include your email so they can email your Zoom invitation to the Chai Tea event, upon receipt of your donation. Berkshire Hills Hadassah Invites You – 2020 Donor Event On Zoom! On Sunday, September 6 at 11 a.m., Berkshire Hills Hadassah will recognize Dr. Roselyn Kolodny and Dr. Edwin Kolodny at its annual donor event. Dr. Ed Kolodny, Professor Emeritus, Department of Neurology, NYU School of Medicine, will be the honored guest speaker. Dr. Kolodny’s specialty is the genetics of inherited diseases and he is a world expert on Gaucher Disease. Also appearing will be Hilary Price, the syndicated “Rhymes with Orange” cartoonist, who will uplift spirits in these trying times with her upbeat ERKSHIRE sense of humor. B Everyone is welcome! OOFING & Invitations with RSVP information R will be sent out soon. Contributors to UTTER CO. Hadassah Medical Organization will G 413-298-1029413 298 1029 receive an email response with the www.BGRCo.net link to the Berkshire Hills Hadassah CEDAR ROOF Zoom Donor event. STANDING SEAM METAL For more information or ques- ASPHALT SHINGLES tions, please call (413) 443-4386. Written Estimates • Fully Insured • Owner Installed MA Lic. #145878 SEAMLESS GUTTERS Copper • Aluminum • Gutter Covers
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Radon Testing ❑✓ ✓ COMPETITIVE PRICING and Mitigation ❑ PROMPT SERVICE ❑✓ FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY NEHA & NRSB CERTIFIED Page 10 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 27 to September 6, 2020 LOCAL NEWS Debora Cole-Duffy, Andy Mara Liasson to Speak at 53rd Annual Hochberg Named Temple Feigenbaum Lecture At Temple Anshe Anshe Amunim’s 2020 Amunim Members of the Year PITTSFIELD – The 53rd newsmagazines, All Things Annual Hilda Vallin Considered and Morning Feigenbaum Memorial Lecture Edition. She provides exten- will be held on Sunday, sive coverage of politics and August 30 at 7:30 p.m. via an policy from Washington, online platform. The speaker D.C. – focusing on the White will be Mara Liasson, the House and Congress – and national political correspon- also reports on political trends dent for National Public Radio, beyond the Beltway. a political analyst for Fox Liasson provides key News Channel, and a regular coverage of candidates and panelist on Special Report issues in presidential and with Brit Hume and on Fox congressional races. During News Sunday. The topic will her tenure she has covered be “Election 2020 – America at seven presidential elections, the Crossroads.” those in 1992, 1996, 2000, The lecture, sponsored 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016. by the Temple Anshe She is actively covering the Mara Liasson Amunim Feigenbaum Lecture 2020 elections. Prior to her Endowment, is free and open current assignment she was Debora Cole-Duffy Andy Hochberg to the public. NPR’s White House corre- enhance the spiritual and PITTSFIELD – Debora Cole- of this award, Cole-Duffy in “We are delighted to spondent for the eight years intellectual life of Temple Duffy and Andy Hochberg 2012 and Hochberg in 2011 welcome Ms. Liasson for of the Clinton administration. Anshe Amunim and the larger were named 2020 Temple and 2017, and have served a second visit to Anshe She won the White House community. Drs. Armand Anshe Amunim Members the congregation in numerous Amunim,” said Andy Correspondents’ Association’s and Donald Feigenbaum, of the Year at the Temple’s leadership positions, as have Hochberg, lecture committee Merriam Smith Award for daily both of blessed memory, annual meeting, conducted via members of their families. co-chairman. He also notes news coverage in 1994, 1995, and now the Endowment Zoom, on June 11. “It is no mistake that both that, “This is the 53rd year of and again in 1997. From have sponsored lectures by “I could think of no one households have multiple the Hilda Vallin Feigenbaum 1989-1992, Liasson was NPR’s leaders in American govern- more deserving; that is, I generations of Temple leaders, Memorial Endowment Lecture congressional correspondent. ment, literature, theology, chose two people to share the as these two families have series and Mara Liasson Liasson joined NPR in and journalism including award this year,” outgoing always been loyal to Temple is particularly well-suited 1985 as a general assignment such personalities as Julian president Josh Cutler and our mission over the to speak to the Berkshire reporter and newscaster. Prior Bond, Representative Barney remarked at the annual years,” Josh Cutler said. “As Community about the events to joining NPR, she was a Frank, Isaac Bashevis Singer, meeting. “Deb and Andy have we honor the Temple on our and circumstances leading up freelance radio and television Bernard Kalb, Ambassadors served as pillars of our congre- milestone 150th anniversary, to the 2020 presidential elec- reporter in San Francisco. She Daniel Kurtzer and Martin gation for decades, and have it gives me great joy to honor tion. Her visit again presents was also managing editor and Indyk, Steven Emerson, guided our Temple in so many these two individuals and an opportunity to emphasize anchor of California Edition, a Howard Dean, Bret Stephens ways behind the scenes.” these two families who have the civic and spiritual legacy of California Public Radio nightly and David Gergen. This past year, Cole-Duffy given so much to our commu- Hilda Vallin Feigenbaum. The news program and a print (a 28-year member) and nity in the past, the present, series would not be possible journalist for The Vineyard Register Online Hochberg (a 40-year member) and I am certain in the future, without her sons Dr. Armand Gazette in Martha’s Vineyard, The event will be held served as the co-chairs of the as well.” Feigenbaum and Dr. Donald MA. virtually this year because of Rabbinic Search Committee, Donations to Temple Anshe Feigenbaum who established Liasson attended Columbia COVID-19. Those wishing to leading to the engagement of Amunim, may be made in the Hilda Vallin Feigenbaum University as a recipient of a attend will find registration Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch as the their honor to the Cantorial Lecture Series in perpetuity Knight-Bagehot Fellowship information for the event at congregation’s settled rabbi. Fund or Mitzvah Fund of as a living memorial to their in Economics and Business www.ansheamunim.org. (Please see story on page 7.) Temple Anshe Amunim. mother’s spirit.” Journalism. She is a graduate For more information, Both are previous recipients of Brown University where she please call the Temple About the Speaker earned a bachelor’s degree in office: (413) 442-5910 or Mara Liasson’s voice American history. visit the website at www. as the national political ansheamunim.org. Like us on Facebook: correspondent for NPR is About the Hilda Vallin Feigenbaum Lecture Series • Jewish Federation of the Berkshires unmistakable and her words are often memorable. Her The Hilda Vallin • PJ Library Berkshire County reports can be heard regu- Feigenbaum Memorial Lecture larly on NPR’s award-winning Endowment continues to
As my parents planted for me before I was born, so do I plant for those who come after me. – Talmud Thank you to these individuals who through their gift to the Legacy Circle will ensure that the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires thrives long into the future. May your name be a Blessing, and may the example you set inspire others to create their own Jewish Legacy.
Lee & Sydelle Blatt Elaine Friedman Toby H. Levine Mark & Elisa Snowise Betty Braun* Eiran Gazit Erna Lindner-Gilbert* Harold Sparr* Cipora Brown Jeffrey Goldwasser & Amy Lindner-Lesser Lisa Fletcher-Udel Barbara Cohen Jonquil Wolfson Helen Maislen* Edward Udel Mark Cohen* Jordan & Laura Green Ellen Masters Michael & Joan Ury Mimi Cohen Harold Grinspoon Stuart Masters Mark & Judy Usow C. Jeffrey & Judith Cook Ellen Heffan Estelle Miller Henry* & Beate* Voremberg Gerry & Lynn Denmark Ed Jaffe* Robert Newman* Alexandra Warshaw Jonathan & Lara Denmark Elihu Katzman Wendy Robbins Florence Wineberg* Anonymous (10) Sheila K. Donath Marilyn Katzman Ken & Fran Rubenstein Rabbi Deborah Zecher & Ed Abrahams Melva Eidelberg Dara Kaufman Stella Schecter* Rabbi Dennis Ross Norman Avnet* Monroe England, in memory of Phil* and Rhoda Kaminstein Arlene D. Schiff *Of blessed memory Barbara Bashevkin Monroe B. & Isabel England Howard & Nancy* Kaufman Gary Schiff Robert Bashevkin Dr. Armand V. Feigenbaum* Lawrence Klein Stephen & Deborah Schreier Linda J. L. Becker Dr. Donald S. Feigenbaum* Sarah Klein Martin Silver Robert Berend Steven Feiner Arthur Kriger* Sylvia Silverberg, in memory of Shelley Berend Diana & Stanley Feld Fred & Brenda Landes Jerome Silverberg Helene Berke Stuart M. Fischman, Esq. Beth Laster-Nathan Richard A. Simons & Marcie Lawrence Berke Lynn & William* Foggle Andrew S. Levine* Greenfield Simons Av/Elul 5780 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 11
LOCAL NEWS Family Education at Temple Anshe Amunim This Fall PITTSFIELD – Join Temple Anshe Adds Rabbi Hirsch: “Our program Amunim (TAA) for its ongoing Family is designed to educate our chil- Education program for meaningful dren and provide the possibility of and enriching Jewish experiences connecting students with our greater for youth, families, and the entire TAA community. Art, baking and community. prayer projects often enhance congre- “In the era of COVID-19, we gational efforts to celebrate our view the challenges presented by holidays together, providing frequent social distancing as opportunities to opportunities for members of all ages reimagine Jewish life and learning,” to learn from each other and celebrate Our first concern is says Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch. “The as one TAA family.” ways we have envisioned our Family All of these leaders have exten- Education for next year look to adapt sive experience in educating Jewish your health and safety. to our current realities and reimagine youth. Rabbi Hirsch came to TAA how we connect with our youth.” from her position as rabbi and assis- Students will experience a monthly tant director at URJ Eisner Camp in rotation of experiences in the class- Great Barrington. Both Michael Duffy Your child’s education room, in the sanctuary, and outdoors. and Rachel Alemany are high school Unless otherwise specified, all events faculty, Michael a gifted musician who can be held within the participants’ uses music to engage even the most is our second. homes, in TAA’s virtual space, or at resistant students and Rachel an TAA in line with strict social distancing experienced leader with PFTY, TAA’s policies and practices. teen youth group. Rabbi Hirsch and a dedicated staff Writes Rabbi Hirsch: “All of the of teachers – Rachel Alemany, MSEd proposed programming is built for and Michael Duffy, MSEd – will lead socially distant or completely remote the children and community through implementation with the flexibility to a monthly schedule divided into four transition to in-person implementa- We are here with families categories: tion. This nimble approach includes Art and cooking plans for strict social distancing, Learning of prayers and blessings picking up of materials, and both through thick and thin. A tiyul (field trip) experience synchronous and asynchronous online A monthly family story time for learning plans. During synchronous younger children or a quarterly tikkun online learning, we will create smaller olam project for teenagers. group environments with breakout This year TAA offers parents Jewish Zoom rooms based on age or interest, learning opportunities with a once-a- and asynchronous activities will offer month Jewish book club. The book will levels of engagement for a variety of be announced at the beginning of the ages.” month, and parents will meet at the To learn more or register, visit end of the month. Attendance by video ansheamunim.org, email templeof- conference may become a popular [email protected], or call (413) option regardless of COVID-19. 442-5910.
Outstanding, affordable education Preschool thru Grade 8 Ask about Fair Share Tuition Apply now for 2020-21 berkshirecountryday.org Page 12 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 27 to September 6, 2020 Your Federation Presents Community CARE’avan Delivered Good Cheer to Local Elders On the sometimes-stormy Sunday afternoon of June 28, our PJ Library families decorated cars with balloons, signs, flags, and messages of love and hope for elders who have been hit hard by the isolation brought on by measures necessary to stop the spread of COVID-19. Our CARE’avan was greeted by residents and staff of Devonshire Estates, Kimball Farms Life Care, Kimball Farms Nursing Care Center, and The Landing at Laurel Lake, who welcomed our waves, cheers, and honks. Our parade was a gift to all.
Our PJ Library Provided Pizzas for Frontline Professionals Our PJ Library families held a special family program in May with a mitzvah component – for every selfie picture they snapped and sent in, the Jewish Federation would send pizzas to local healthcare or frontline workers. Pizzas went to the staff of the mothers and baby units and pediatric units at both Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington and Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield on Friday, June 26. Sarah Aroeste Blaugrund and her daughters, Irit and Dalia, made the deliveries to Fairview Hospital, and Avi and Natasha Dresner and their sons, Lev and Sasha, visited Berkshire Medical Center. Both families were greeted by hospital staff to accept the pizzas for the departments. And how nice to see Marcie Greenfield Simons, BMC chaplain and former founding director of PJ Library, as one of the greeters at BMC. PJ Library aprons and t-shirts were worn by the families, and the children made notes and drawings for the covers of the pizza boxes. Av/Elul 5780 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 13
TZEDAKAH SUNDAY IS AUGUST 16
For over 80 years, in times of triumph and times of despair, the Jewish Federation’s Annual a ai n has sustained our Community and provided the resources to care for those in need and ensure a safe and strong Jewish future!
Help Us Be There! Donate to the Annual Campaign Today!
Jewish Life for Young Resources to Fight Families Anti-Semitism You help young families in the Berkshires You help young people stand up against embrace Jewish values and traditions hate through anti-bias education in our while building a supportive community public schools. You also combat anti- with Jewish peers through family Semitism and the BDS movement through programming, PJ Library, and volunteer community programming, national opportunities. advocacy, and security resources.
Dignity & Compassion You provide older adults and homebound Jewish Education and Values individuals with nutritious meals and You nurture a strong Jewish future by stimulating programming served up with a providing a high-quality, meaningful and side of companionship and compassion affordable Jewish education for hundreds of through our Connecting With Community children through critical grants to all of our program and Kosher Meals on Wheels. local Jewish religious schools.
A Sense of Community A Strong Jewish Identity You help young people across the You strengthen, sustain, and connect our Berkshires and at UMASS Hillel build community through hundreds of strong Jewish identities and become future educational programs, holiday celebrations, leaders through scholarships for Jewish and the Berkshire Jewish Voice, which camp and Israel experiences, as well as bring people together and engage them in leadership development and holiday meals meaningful Jewish life. on campus.
Emotional Support and Food Security, Healthcare, Emergency Assistance and Winter Relief You help individuals across the Winters are long and cold in the Ukraine, Berkshires who are facing unexpected but you help the most vulnerable prepare challenges and life transitions receive the with warm clothes, blankets, and heaters. support they need through the Federation's You can bring food cards, home health social worker. You also provide a safety net aides, and medicine to those who need it of emergency assistance when needed. most.
Caring in Times of Crisis A Safe Place to Call Home When crisis hits, in the Berkshires or You help tens of thousands of new around the world, we join with Jewish immigrants, who are fleeing anti-Semitism communities across North America to in Europe and fighting in the Ukraine, rapidly mobilize local resources to help. build better lives for themselves and their From support during COVID-19 to families in Israel through job training and whatever the future holds, you help deliver support services that ease their transition. an SOS response.
A Close and Caring Community Relations and Relationship with Israel Advocacy You help connect the Berkshire Jewish You help provide a proactive voice in our Community with Israel and you also help community, public schools, media, and provide programs for at-risk students, shelter government, addressing anti-Semitism, for abused women, and support services for religion, Israel, justice legislation, and other disabled youth. issues important to our community.
We Need Your Support Now More Than Ever! Donate Online at Jewishberkshires.org. Page 14 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 27 to September 6, 2020 BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES Some Days You Get Out There Into the Big Wide World By Albert Stern / BJV Editor
Note: This story is dedicated professional sports franchises. were going to eat — And I really was happy – that’s to Bob Rosenblatt, a friend to So it was Sunday, January because dreading and how Bob Rosenblatt’s magic so many in our community. 14, 2018. A friend’s family mulling and dwelling worked. May his memory be a blessing. was supposed to take Eliot about all I dread is how I We got to the gym at A few years back, my son, to the Hoophall Classic move through the world. Springfield College – packed Eliot, took to asking me if I in Springfield, an annual And grousing — did I to the rafters with rabid had ever heard of the basket- three-day extravaganza of high mention the grousing? hoops fans, college scouts, ball player Bol Bol. I told him I school basketball games that (Did I have to?) En coaches, and “yoots.” Someone heard of Manute Bol, and Eliot brings together the best teams route, we stopped to see pointed out Knicks great (and said Bol Bol was his son, who and players in the country. Eliot’s grandfather at the Georgetown University coach) was then still in high school. At the last minute, however, assisted living facility Patrick Ewing, and soon after “He’s actually great,” Eliot the friend called to say he in Lenox. As usual, my we found some seats in the assured me — he followed Bol was sick and couldn’t go. My father-in-law was surly third row, we saw University of Bol on Instagram, and is also son was crushed, and I was and non-communicative Kentucky coach John Calipari an avid watcher of websites kind of disappointed, as I was although, as usual, his settling in. This event was that post videos of basket- hoping for a free day to run tablemate in the dining clearly a huge deal if he was ball greats past, present, and errands and be sullen. I was room, 96-year-old Bob there. We bought a program, future. Apparently, Bol Bol — wondering what to do with Rosenblatt, was thrilled and on the inside front cover, from Sudan and five inches Eliot when my wife Rachel, to see us. the top players were listed. shorter than his father at 7'2" calling from work, suggested When we told him Among the “Best of the — has been a hero to a legion that I take him to the basket- that we were heading Best” was a picture of…Bol of 11-year-old boys since he ball games. to a basketball tour- Bol. was a teenager. “Me?” I asked. It had never nament, Bob exulted: Eliot and I looked at each Over time, Eliot asked me crossed my mind. In terms “That’s AMAZING! What other — No! Nooooo. No way no multiple times if I knew who of my personal sedentary FUN you’ll have! What a way no way. We tore through Bol Bol was. Either he forgets disgruntlement with the world SPECIAL, EXCITING day! the program — Bol Bol would having spoken to me about and everything in it, on a ENJOY IT YOU TWO!” be playing in the third game of Bol Bol, or just uses it as an scale with 1 being “Cool, let’s I felt shamed, shamed the afternoon. opportunity to hear me talk do it!” and 10 being “Get offa by a near-centenarian The anticipation leading up about the times I saw Manute my lawn, you rotten kids!”, possessed with a font of to Bol Bol’s game was almost play, just as he enjoys when I’m at about a 6 or 7 most compassionate under- unbearable. We witnessed I repeat the same tales about days, so when I asked Eliot standing I doubt I could some great basketball — the seeing Dr. J, Magic, Kareem, if he wanted me to take him, accrue even if I lived kids are amazing, the best MJ, and Larry Bird in person. his first reaction was to say, for another 40 years of them already dunking I can tell that he envies all “You?” and tried hard. I was like pros. Eliot loved it, and the great sporting legends I’ve I said, “Yes. Me.” And his so ashamed that when I plugged into the part of me watched play, and though I face lit up. Eliot and I got back in that was once passionate assure him that he’ll have his About an hour later, we the car, I apologized for about sports stuff, but that own chances in time, I don’t were on our way, me full of being such a pain in the now passionately wants you to think he quite believes me, dread about the crowds, the tuchis and told him I get the hell offa my lawn. The living as far as we do from any drive, the parking, what we was happy to be going. Bol Bol with a somewhat shorter high school teammate BOL BOL, continued on next page
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BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES
BOL BOL, continued from previous page buzz in the stands was all Bol the rim, which is happened. Could Bol. Bol Bol. Bol Bol. about one foot above NOT have actually When the 3:30 game ended, his outstretched happened. The arena the court cleared and seem- arms. He made me erupted, and even the ingly all the 11-year-olds in think of a caiman too-cool “yoots” sitting attendance pressed around you might see on next to us all linked courtside, waiting for Bol Bol the nature shows arms and started to come out. And suddenly, — barely moving, chanting Bol Bol’s there he was, all 7 foot 2 shifting his eyes name. inches of him — and he wasn’t back and forth until When Eliot and I even the tallest guy on the the gazelle gets a were waiting for the team. He had a 7’3” teammate, little too close to the car to warm up as we a spindly white guy who Eliot watering hole and headed home, he said could probably box out of the then a BOOM flash to me: “Dad, I think paint. of mayhem ending this was our best Watching people gawk with the gazelle day ever.” I told him at Bol Bol, I wondered what between its jaws. whether that was true it felt like to be inside that But in addition to or not, it was certainly body. Naturally, I came up the vicious dunks, a good day to have completely blank. No doubt Bol Bol has a sweet Coach Cal been us. the center of attention in any touch from middle We stopped for room he has ever been in range and moves cool to jump up and down hamburgers on the or will be in, Bol Bol seems well, plus he made screaming like we were. way home and talked about bemused by the attention, Bob Rosenblatt, z"l all of his free throws. Until the last dunk. Bol how when we woke up in the and already capable of main- He’s got game. Bol was standing just about morning, neither of us had taining a psychic wall between started shouting ‘Coach K! The crowd went nuts after outside the paint when he any idea we would be seeing himself and the people who Coach K!’ and he came over to each play Bol Bol made, got the ball and delivered a Bol Bol, but how some days want something from him me and shook my hand!” all except for the group of thunderous windmill slam — you get out there into the big — an autograph, a high “But Eliot, that’s Coach “yoots” Eliot and I were sitting I don’t know, but it was as if wide world and you do see Bol five, a glance of recognition. Cal! Coach K is the guy at among, who were studiedly we had just seen something Bol, and that’s what makes life His famous dad might have Duke!” nonplussed by the show, too that could not have actually great. Absolutely. Just great. prepared him for the ride he’s Beet red. “Oh, no!” now on. In any case, his poise “Eliot, I don’t think he was remarkable. cared!” I gave Eliot my pathetic “Alright!” And Eliot ran Tracfone and told him to take back to take more pictures of some pictures of Bol Bol. He Bol Bol. went off for a few minutes, Bol Bol looks quite like then came running back. his dad, and as play started, “I just met Coach Calipari!” seemingly had the same game he said. — standing around, taking “Omigod,” I responded. up space, looking a little out “He shook my hand and of it. But unlike Manute, Bol looked me in…the…eye.” Bol has soft hands and, when “Where did you see him?” he gets the ball around the “As he was leaving. I basket, an explosive step to Page 16 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 27 to September 6, 2020 BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES Traveling with Jewish Taste We're off on the Road to Morocco – culinarily, at least By Carol Goodman Kaufman
As anyone who reads this column regularly may guess, I love to travel. And, much of what I love about traveling to points around the globe is sampling the amazing variety of native foods and flavors. So, since we can’t really visit places much farther than a gas tank’s capacity right now, why not do it in our kitchens? And, while we’re imagining our tour, why not “meet” some members of the Tribe. Let’s start our global trek in Morocco. Jews have been present in Morocco for two and a half millennia, tolerated under heavy taxation in the best of times, persecuted and executed during the worst. The first recorded presence of Jews in Morocco was in the 8th century under Carthaginian rule. Their numbers grew between the 8th and 12th centuries, and Slat Al Azama Synagogue in Marrakech Fez was a particularly attractive destination due to its diverse and tolerant popu- lation. A golden age for Fez Jews lasted for almost three hundred years. The next couple of centuries saw a somewhat tolerant Almoravid rule, although Jews lived under Moroccan Braised Chicken With Dates dhimmi status, meaning “protected person.” As Serves 6 non-Muslims, they were required to pay special taxes If there is one food that conjures up images of camel caravans, desert oases, in exchange for being able to fragrant spices, and coffee boiling over an open fire, it is the date. Often practice their religion. referred to as “the king of dates,” the Medjool was once actually reserved for But in the middle of the Moroccan royalty. This recipe conjures up an exotic night in the Maghreb. 12th century, the militant Almohadi dynasty overthrew the Almoravids and, in a dark foreshadowing of things to come, forced Jews to convert to Islam or face death. And, again an omen of future oppression, those who did convert were required to wear a yellow head covering that exposed them to scorn and violence. Then in 1492, following the fall of Granada, Spain completed its Reconquista, and King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain Temple Beth-El in Casablanca issued the Alhambra Decree that ordered Jews and Muslim to convert to Christianity or leave the country. Portugal followed suit just four years later. While about 100,000 converted, Ingredients: another 175,000 Jews of the Iberian peninsula refused to betray their faith and were summarily exiled. About 20,000 sought refuge in Fez alone, where local 6 chicken breasts 1/8 t. cayenne pepper Jews gave assistance to the refugees, including helping conversos to reclaim their 1 T. flour 3 c. chicken broth Judaism. 1 T. extra-virgin olive oil 5 T. fresh lemon juice, divided The sheer numbers of Sephardim overwhelmed the tiny Jewish community 10 large garlic cloves, peeled 12 dates, pitted and halved, and, as might be expected, some culture clashes ensued. But, over time, as local 3 cinnamon sticks preferably Medjool Maghrebi Jews and Sephardim intermarried, Sephardic traditions became the norm. 1½ t. ground ginger ¼ c. almonds, toasted and Before the establishment of the modern State of Israel in 1948, Morocco was 1 t. ground cumin chopped home to over a quarter million Jews. Today there are only 2,000. ½ t. turmeric ¼ c. fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions: Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and flour. Heat olive oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add half the chicken to pot and cook until browned on all sides, turning occasionally, about 15 minutes. Transfer chicken to large platter and repeat with the remaining chicken. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the fat from the pot and discard. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic cloves to the pot and sauté until golden, about 6 minutes. Add cinnamon sticks, ginger, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne. Stir until fragrant for about 1 minute. Increase heat to high and add broth and 3 tablespoons of the lemon juice. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until the garlic be- gin to soften, about 15 minutes. Place chicken on top of garlic in the pot and bring to boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 25 minutes.
Historical photo of a Hebrew class in Casablanca Transfer chicken and garlic to platter; cover with foil. Place in cold oven and set to 250 degrees to keep warm while sauce is cooking. Boil juices in pot until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir in dates and the remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Reduce heat and simmer gently until dates are heated through, about 2 Carol Goodman Kaufman is a psychologist and author with a passion for travel and food. She is currently at work on a food history/cookbook, tracing the paths minutes. that some of our favorite foods have taken from their origins to appear on dinner Pour sauce and dates over chicken. Sprinkle with almonds and parsley, and plates and in cultural rites and artifacts around the world. She invites readers to serve on a bed of couscous. read her blog at carolgoodmankaufman.com and to follow her on Twitter @goodmankaufman. Av/Elul 5780 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 17
BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES Young Judaism Through the Lens of a Jewish Upbringing, Strengthening Different Parts of Her Identity in College By Pailey Feakes This column is adapted develop a sense of community majority of a region shares group. In my from remarks delivered by and belonging in a new and the same religion/ language psychology, anthro- Pailey Feakes on June 5 different place. does not mean that all practice pology, and political when accepting Temple Anshe Since I was familiar with it in the same way or have science courses we Amunim’s Kelm Scholarship. the college environment during extremist views. have studied this She has been a member of the my sophomore year, going The course made me think topic of stereo- Pittsfield congregation since back to school this year was more deeply about the power typing and how we pre-school and is now a rising not as challenging. I wanted to of stereotypes and how they are all hardwired junior at Skidmore College, continue doing what worked have been used against many to make stereo- where she studies psychology, best for me the previous minority groups, including types even when we political science, and dance. year while making sure that Jews. Once the pandemic don’t mean to. It is Her Jewish journey has I was still exposing myself began and we were sent home important to realize been helped along by Jewish to new things and learning to complete the semester with that we all make Federation of the Berkshires’ more about myself. This past remote online classes, I, like them and question support of her Hebrew school, school year, not only did I most students, was disap- why we create them overnight camp experiences, become more comfortable and pointed to leave school. At because when we and Israel scholarship. content with who I am, I made home, I’ve had a lot of alone make stereotypes more friends, stepped out of time to reflect on what is and shy away from When I went off to college I my comfort zone and made happening in the world and uncomfortable situ- had a deep sense of my Jewish the most out of my college how it relates to what I have ations, we miss out identity. During high school, experience. been studying at school, as on learning about I helped lead Temple services This also allowed me to put well my own racial and reli- different opinions, with the religious school and myself out there and share a gious minority status as an experiences, and participated in community sense of belonging in multiple Asian and a Jew. This issue truths. service projects with our youth friend groups and student of stereotypes has become While it feels group. I was immersed in organizations. As I worked prevalent to me once again as easy and safe Judaism at Camp Eisner both on worrying less about how some people began to blame to have a group as a camper and counselor. other people perceived me, I Chinese people as the cause of of friends and Pailey Feakes on her 2016 Federation- I also traveled to Israel and was able to focus on myself the coronavirus. Even though community similar supported trip to Israel other parts of Europe learning and what I wanted to achieve I have not personally experi- to you, if we are about Jewish history with my during my time at Skidmore. enced or seen any hate crimes going to have a camp friends. Experiences like Looking back on the school against my race, I have started stable, diverse, and democratic forward will emerge. However, these helped me learn to love year, I was most proud of how to feel self-conscious in public. country, people need to be each of us has a role we and accept my Jewish identity. I kept busy, staying efficient When we are exposed to willing to open themselves up can take part in to ensure a However, going off to college with my school work while uncomfortable situations or to different things. hopeful future. I look forward I was faced with the oppor- maintaining a balanced social unfamiliar or different groups This is a scary time of to going back to campus and tunity to shape my identity life. Both have been impera- of people, we tend to categorize uncertainty, where things feel learning about and discussing independently. I’m able to tive to strengthening different things to make things simpler. like they are falling back- these issues with my friends, make my own decisions on parts of my identity. During times of crisis, people wards. I don’t know what to classmates and professors. how to express different parts One of my favorite courses tend to use their fear to incite make of it all yet, where it will of my identity as a Chinese I took in the spring semester hatred toward a particular lead, or what answers or ways Jewish adoptee, and how I was called Middle Eastern might continue to strengthen Politics. I decided to take the it. Although the transition to course because besides having college was challenging my prior knowledge about Israel freshman year, I was able to through Temple and camp, I take lessons I had learned wanted to more fully under- through my involvement in stand the major issues that Because Relationships Matter. the Jewish community at the region has been expe- home and incorporate them on riencing. Because Western campus. media does not always give us Being a camp counselor the full lens of international and a teacher assistant for politics, we tend to make nega- the Temple’s Hebrew classes tive generalizations of groups taught me to be a role model of people that differ from our for the younger members of own. The most important the community. At college, I thing I have learned from the volunteered to host a prospec- course is that the Middle East tive student of color, giving is a lot more complex than them a tour of the school I had assumed as there is a and sharing an overnight significant amount of polit- dorm living experience. Also ical, economic, social, and sharing Shabbat dinners and cultural diversity throughout rituals at Hillel helped me the region. Just because the
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Portfolio Management ▪ Financial Planning ▪ Trust & Banking Services* 103 West Park Street Lee, MA 01238 (413) 243-4331 www.octobermountainfa.com Member SEC, FINRA SiPC www.StoneHouseProperties.com *Banking & trust administration services provided by Lee Bank. 38 MAIN STREET 6 MAIN STREET 35 RAILROAD STREET St. Germain Investment Management operates as October Mountain W. STOCKBRIDGE, MA CHATHAM, NY GT. BARRINGTON, MA Financial Advisors in the Berkshires. (413) 232-4253 (518) 392-0332 (413) 528-4211 Page 18 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 27 to September 6, 2020 BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES Dispatch from a Distillery in Israel By Alex Rosenblum / Special to the BJV
My wife Sabina and I epiphany. I reached deep into through Tiberias, past Lake landed in Eretz Israel on my back pocket and pulled Kineret and into the Heights March 5, the vanguard of a out a note sent to me from a until we reached Katzrin, delegation of 20 Berkshirites friend who had attended my the home of Golan Heights planning to join hundreds of whisky tasting in my shul Distillery. North Americans in a nine-day in Riverdale reminding me We were greeted by both tour of Israel sponsored by that his daughter living in Mr. and Mrs. Zibell and given Chabad. Within hours of northern Israel is friendly with a tour. David explained how he landing we were informed that the woman who is married arrived at making whisky in the tour was canceled, and to one David Zibell, co-owner Israel via France and Canada, within a few more hours we and master distiller of Golan where he grew up. We walked were told by the Israeli govern- Heights Distillery in the town through the warehouse with ment that it would be very of Katzrin, in the heart of the its numerous casks of neatly good if the tourists go home Heights. labeled casks. David informed and let the Israelis face the The trip to the Golan us that the distillery had only coronavirus without visitors Heights immediately went to recently begun to sell grain traipsing around the country. the top of my agenda. Last whisky within the last few Talk about miracles in summer at the Berkshire years and he was in the very the Holy Land? Try commu- Hills Hadassah-sponsored early stages of finishing off nicating with El Al during a whisky tasting, I was able to his first single malt whiskies, crisis in order to change your procure (via Scotland) a bottle the kind we scotch snobs so flight plans. After numerous of Israel’s first single malt covet. We then walked over to telephone calls and ignored whisky from the new Milk and a cask of aging single malt and emails, we drove over to Ben Honey Distillery in Tel Aviv. David extracted several drams Gurion International Airport Now I had the opportunity to of whisky through the bung to track down a live El Al visit Golan Heights Distillery hole. Then we moved into the representative. He told us that and come back to America tasting room where we enjoyed we had just gotten lucky – he and boast that while others the grain whisky, but espe- could fix us up with two seats scrambled to get out of Israel, cially and surprisingly savored on a midnight flight to Newark I was able to visit Israel’s other the very young single malt. in only five days. whisky-making distillery. And For a dose of reality and to We now had five days to see so with my cousin Menachem remind us what living in Israel what has to be seen in Eretz (Ph.D, economist, professor, was like, before returning to Israel. My wife whipped out consultant to a dozen coun- central Israel we stopped at her “must see/do” list, editing tries in Asia and Africa, the nearby Shalom Ridge, Alex Rosenblum (left) enjoying a bit of bronfin at the Golan Heights it down to Yad Vashem, the former tank commander in formerly occupied by the Distillery with David Zibell, co-owner and master distiller Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the the Golan Heights during the Syrians until 1967. We could Yitzkhak Rabin Museum, Herzl Yom Kippur War, and recent throw rocks at the Israeli Cemetery, Caesarea, and the convert to the refineries of kibbutz which lay straight and Lebanon about 400 yards working, learning, growing, Golan Heights. At the mention a good whisky) as our guide down below our feet. Syria was to the northwest. Yet where we (and making whisky) and of Golan Heights, I had an and driver we made our way about 200 yards to the north, stood, our Israeli cousins were living fruitful rich lives.
MAZEL TOV Mazel Tov to…
Deb Cole-Duffy and James of the Jewish Federation c her senior thesis on agricul- Jenny Greenfeld and Bob Duffy, who are celebrating 40 of the Berkshires, on Jacob Ethan Lezberg on tural localism movements Lezberg and kvelling grand- years of marriage. receiving the 2020 Award for his graduation from Williams and was awarded prizes in parents, Barbara and Elliot c Distinguished Service from College on June 7 as a community service, excellence Greenfeld, who celebrated Paula and Herbert Rod, the Massachusetts Medical Physics/Computer Science in Latin, and best essay in their 61st wedding anniver- who are celebrating 50 years Society. double major. Jacob served as Political Theory. sary (mazel tov!) on graduation of marriage. c co-president of the Williams Emma and Jacob are the day, June 7. c Karen and William Ross, College Jewish Association children of proud parents, Henry Tulgan, a member who are celebrating 50 years and president of the Martial c of the Maimonides Society of marriage. Arts Club. He was active with interfaith council, chess club, Beth and Joel Radsken, and cantor were in the sanc- and ballroom dancing. He who received a double dose of tuary of Temple Emanuel in worked as a TA for computer cyber-nachas this May with Newton, MA, while Boaz’s science and as a research the bat mitzvah of grand- entire service, including assistant for Physics. He daughter Eleanor Ranalli and reading from the Torah scroll, attained Honors in Physics for the bar mitzvah of grandson happened at his family’s his senior thesis on isotope Boaz Levone. Both simchas home. The b’nai mitzvah cere- shifts in calcium and was were conducted a bit differ- monies were virtual, but the elected to Sigma Xi, a national ently – Eleanor and family good feelings were real – mazel We need your support now honor society for scientists were at home while the rabbi tov to all. and engineers. more than ever! c Thank you to all who have made a gift to the 2020 Emma Miriam Lezberg, Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum annual campaign. We are over half way there but we Laude on her graduation from Jewishneed your Feder supportation now more of than the ever Berkshires if we are to ’ Williams College on June 7 reach2020 our goal Annualof $850,000 Campaignand maintain our pro- as a Critical Theory major. grams and services. Emma was Tzedek Director for GOAL $850,000 the Williams College Jewish Association and chair of No Lost Generation, an immi- Beth and Joel’s virtual aliyah… … at Eleanor's bat mitzvah 400 480 gration advocacy group. She 320 560 worked with the Berkshire 240 640 Immigrant Center, as a TA for Philosophy and Psychology 160 720 and as a world literature research assistant. Active with the Center for Learning 80 855 in Action, Emma tutored both Latin and English and was a member of the Committee DOING YOUR ANNUAL on Educational Affairs. She E A A IMPACT CAMPAIGN attained Highest Honors for THINGS IS REAL 2020 Av/Elul 5780 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 19
BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES The Summer of Our Discontent A Shakespeare & Company stalwart reflects on a Berkshire summer without live performing arts By Jonathan Epstein / Special to the BJV personally, the summer glim- often overwhelmingly strong Live theatre is a retail event trapped in a mered in the distance like an – but there’s little sense of opalescent dawn. First, there pressure or competition when wholesale world, and it’s very easy these was to be an outdoor produc- everyone is on the bench. days to become utterly frustrated with how tion in Sarasota of Romeo & And so, it seems that perhaps Juliet – my first as a director some of the discontent we little it seems to matter. – with a cast made of up of experience is not actually my students, an especially new, but something ancient as our paychecks. There are this kind of compassion to talented and generous Asolo we’ve hidden away even from hardly any stage-actors left. people who horrify us, but it’s Conservatory MFA class. ourselves and now at last Our other sources of income a skill, it can be learned, and Then, playing Kent in King have time to experience and subsidize our participation in it can be taught. How different Lear, my favorite of all plays, explore. The outpouring of live theatre. It’s almost – not would the world be, would at Shakespeare & Company, grief and fury at the murder quite just yet – a hobby, like politics be, if everyone had my long-time artistic home, of George Floyd and the surge phonograph repair. This last learned that skill? with one of my very favorite of support for the Black Lives reality has actually been some I suppose what I’m getting actors – Christopher Lloyd – in Matter movement is perhaps comfort until now – if we’re at is that this frightening, the title role. Then Much Ado the most vivid example. There so poor we must surely be unwelcome, discontented About Nothing outdoors, before have been other such brutali- virtuous – a last pure bastion pause may be an opportunity rushing back to greet my next ties when people have shaken of liberality and inclusion. to change direction. The clas- What a strange, fright- class in Sarasota. All gone, their heads and moved along, ening, otherworldly summer like so much else, and when but that hasn’t happened this it has been. For everyone of and how anything of the kind summer. course, but in some ways most can come back again is an Likewise in the lively arts, especially for those of us in unanswerable question. we have time to question what the live performing arts. The So, what have I been doing we’ve been doing and recog- world is consuming recorded meanwhile? Well, taking nize our own discontent with performing arts like never long walks, mostly around it. Live theatre is a retail event before – Netflix, Hulu, Amazon the beautiful grounds of The trapped in a wholesale world, Prime, Disney, and the like – Mount, with my wife, Ariel. and it’s very easy these days but the community can’t gather Eating lettuce from her garden to become utterly frustrated for the live event in person which has never looked better. with how little it seems to without terrible risk. I suppose Giving myself a backache matter. What difference does it at least I understand the re-shingling the front of the make if a few hundred people concept of Minyan much more house. Reading – partly for in Lenox hear a few old words clearly – the blessings are still pleasure and partly to fill in newly made truthful and the blessings but the mitzvah gaps in my understanding vivid, see a fictional king die, is different if they’re celebrated – Kendi, Fleming, Oluo, and see a fictional “hero” falsely alone. Shakespeare via Zoom others. Writing. And thinking – accused and then exonerated, Jonathan Epstein, left, as Shylock in The Merchant of Venice in is a pretty slender pleasure. a lot of thinking. when real people are being 2016 It’s a pretty discontented state Because amid all the murdered in Minneapolis and to be in, but as one of my discontent there has been Atlanta and Louisville, when teachers told me: “Discontent But lately even that illusion sical theatre needs perhaps to the opportunity for reflec- real heroes are being falsely has been stripped away, most stop being something people is a threshold condition – tion, and for considering accused without hope of exon- you’re moving from one room recently by such movements pay to watch and start being what it is that really matters eration and language becomes as those associated with “We something people pay to do. to another, that’s all.” most. There’s lots of name- increasingly a tool for divi- In January, for me See You, W.A.T.”* Classical If it has become a hobby – less anxiety – for me, at least, sion and obfuscation? These theatre is certainly poor, but so be it – but let it become a frustrations are for all our visceral commit- universal hobby, or begin to swallowed up ment to the idea of equity, be one. There’s so much joy by immediate inclusion, and diversity, in in it – we perform sick, we concerns when practical terms, and especially perform tired, we perform the show must at the management level, we’ve ill-paid or unpaid. We wouldn’t go on, but when been doing an inadequate job do those things if the game the show can’t go of it. weren’t truly well worth the on, we become And yet, I truly believe in candle. People wouldn’t be so terribly aware of the necessity of Theatre and outraged at being excluded them. its value in the world. What from it – as We See You, W.A.T. The thing is, the world lacks above all it makes clear they are – if that it’s been clear seems, in this era of blindness, exclusion weren’t a real injury. to me for some blame, and fright, is compas- Theatre as something that time that live sion. And what is the classical is done, not just watched, theatre, espe- actor but the breathing happens already, especially cially classical embodiment of compassion here in the Berkshires where theatre which is – compassion made flesh? every major theatre offers what I’ve spent We put on another person’s performance opportunities the better part of clothes, live in their world, and training to the commu- my life learning breathe their air, and speak nity. It’s a source of real how to do, is in their minds. We do it without discontent that I don’t know horrible trouble. bias or prejudice. We inhabit how to make it more universal, This summer has the lover, the prophet, the but I hope that means it’s the finally afforded killer, the weak, and strong threshold of a big transition me time to write with equal commitment, and and that and perhaps by next a book about how in public. It’s hard to do, espe- summer “what did you do last to do it, but I may cially when we have to offer summer?” won’t seem like be writing for such a bitter challenge. ghosts. Classical * Editor’s Note: From the theatre, which mission statement of “We See You, Jonathan Epstein has since Periclean W.A.T.” (White American Theater): performed on and Athens has been “In reaction to civil unrest in our Off-Broadway, in London’s a central feature country, we –Black, Indigenous and West End, and at dozens of of every culture People of Color (BIPOC) theatre- regional theatres across the except Europe in makers – formed a collective of country, and is best known the Dark Ages, multi-generational, multi-disci- for his 25-year association as may outlive me, plinary, early career, emerging actor, director, and teacher with but unless some- and established artists, theater Shakespeare & Company in thing changes, managers, executives, students, Lenox. He is also a member of it won’t outlive administrators, dramaturges and the teaching faculty for Acting my children. Our producers, to address the scope at the Florida State University/ audience is aging and pervasiveness of anti-Blackness Asolo Conservatory for Actor and shrinking and racism in the American theater. Training in Sarasota, FL. almost as fast
Donate ~ Volunteer ~ Make a Difference Page 20 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 27 to September 6, 2020 OBITUARIES
Lawrence Stern, 85, kind, as the administrator at the influence she spread across Michael was born May friends were the pillars of playful, gregarious and Center for Extended Care and this world. 19, 1936, in Brooklyn, NY his existence. The love of his inquisitive Rehabilitation at Amherst. She In Bettie’s own words, “G-d – “The Hub of the Universe” life, his wife Loretta, brought NEW CASTLE, NH – On was a member of Congregation bless. You are a blessing to my (Michael’s words) – and grew him profound happiness and Saturday, June 27, Lawrence Knesset Israel in Pittsfield soul. I love you forever.” up there as an avid Brooklyn contentment. The greatest Kenneth Stern, devoted father and previously the Amherst A private graveside service Dodgers fan. moments of his life were the and grandfather, passed away Jewish Community (founding was held at Knesset Israel Michael lived multiple times he and Loretta were peacefully at home at the age member). Cemetery with Rabbi David lifetimes in one life. He was surrounded by their children, of 85. Larry was born October In following her family Weiner officiating. Please mathematically inclined with grandchildren, and great 10, 1934 in Brighton Beach, traditions she was very civic plant something in her honor a lifelong passion for tech- grandchildren. Michael had a Brooklyn to Harry and Tillie minded, including being a wherever you would like. Due nology and working with plethora of friends, whom he Stern, joining his older sister member of several organi- to the current health restric- people. He had a keen busi- amassed from childhood and Gloria. He attended Lincoln zations and sitting on many tions, a “Bettie Party” will be ness sense and built multiple through his education, faith, H.S. and at the age of 20 boards and committees. held at a later date to celebrate profitable enterprises and, career, and family connections. graduated with a degree in She formed several busi- her time here on earth. Any when they failed, he rein- Those people – and his faith in accounting from NYU. Larry nesses including the Skole of you that really knew Bettie, vented himself for success. Judaism – continually stood served in the US army in Nursing Home (Pittsfield), knows she would want you He traveled around the world at the forefront of his life. Germany in the mid-1950s. Amherst Nursing Home (now to attend her party over her and made friends with sultans Religious studies in Kabbalah He met his beloved wife Judy Center for Extended and funeral any day. and dignitaries, and people with Rabbi Levi Ezagui Katzen on a blind date and Rehabilitation at Amherst), Memorial donations may from all walks of life. He was immensely helped strengthen they married in 1960. Soon Amherst Adult Day Center, be made with checks payable a loving and generous son, that faith in his later years. after, they had their first and the Arbors at Amherst. to The Kravetz-Meyers Health father, husband, grandfather, Michael was so much more child, Richard, followed by She was acknowledged for Occupation Scholarship, and friend, and he was kind to than prosperous and influen- daughter Karen (Kaya). Larry many honors, including but Greenfield Community College everyone he encountered. tial. He was known and much and Judy raised their family in not limited to: The Babson in care of Flynn & Dagnoli- Michael graduated loved for his many fine qual- Monsey, NY. Larry enjoyed a Award for “Top 100 Woman Bencivenga Funeral Home, high school from Cheshire ities. He took pride in being career in corporate finance in CEOs of Massachusetts,” The 5 Elm Street, Pittsfield, MA Academy, 1953 as salutato- inclusive, loyal, innovative, Manhattan, where he worked Amherst Chamber of Commerce 01201. rian of his class. He had many and adventurous; a connois- for multiple publicly traded “Janet and Winthrop Dakin fond memories of his time at seur and lover of music, art, Robert Markowitz, 96, companies. Community Service Award,” the academy. He maintained and fine food; passionate, active at synagogue and Jewish life was deeply and the Commonwealth of lifelong friendships with his romantic and sentimental to volunteer in Berkshires important to Larry. He and Massachusetts Award for classmates and was a chari- name a few. Michael supported Judy were founding members “Service to Massachusetts DELRAY BEACH, FL – Robert table supporter of the school. so many people in need, and of the Monsey Jewish Center, Elders.” She always said that Markowitz, 96, formerly of He attended Cornell University he could adapt and assimi- where they cultivated many it was her staff that deserved Pittsfield, died Tuesday, June from 1953 to 1955 and earned late in any situation at any lifelong friendships. Upon the awards with her, and they 30 at Delray Medical Center in a degree in engineering time, anywhere in the world. retirement, they moved to should be honored as well. Delray Beach, FL. physics. From July 1957 to Everyone he met became his Boynton Beach, FL, where Among her largest contri- Born in Brooklyn, NY July 1959, Michael served in friend. He was a facilitator and they expanded their social butions was the leadership on January 10, 1924, son the U.S. Army as a cryptologist negotiator of good things in circle even further. Their and direction she gave to her of Benjamin and Elsie delivering top-secret messages other people’s lives. two grandchildren, Ariel and loyal hardworking staff at the Markowitz, he attended that he deciphered for military Michael was a man of true Sophie Shrum, were the lights Center for Extended Care and schools in Brooklyn. leaders around the world. He grit and tenacity with a relent- of their lives. Larry was a Rehabilitation at Amherst Bob was a veteran of advanced to a Private First less drive. Nothing could get kind, playful, gregarious and where she later was so lovingly World War II where he was Class, Spec. 4. in his way once he decided inquisitive man, engaging cared for until her time of awarded 5 battle stars. He After his military service, on something. He had an enthusiastically with everyone passing. was an active member of many Michael started a home immense mental capacity – a he encountered. For the last Bettie was the widow of Ben Knesset Israel synagogue building business – a life- trait many of his children and two years of his life, he lived Kravetz who died on June 28, committees, a volunteer for long passion and career. He grandchildren inherited from in New England with his 1968. They were married on numerous cultural organiza- began developing lots in 1961, him. He drove his cars like daughter Kaya Stern-Kaufman September 2, 1950. Survivors tions in the Berkshires, and a built a profitable company a “bat out of hell,” with his and his son-in-law Steve include her daughter Sharon Tax Accountant. which he sold in 1969, and passengers white-knuckling Kaufman. He is survived by E. (William) Meyers of Wells, He was married to Esther continued in the industry until it until they shakily exited the his sister and brother-in-law, ME; two sons, David A. Markowitz who prede- he entered the mergers and vehicle (only slightly worse for Gloria and Melvin Krupin; Kravetz of Amherst, MA and ceased him in 2003. They acquisition market in 1988 wear). He also was a no-non- his children, Richard Joel Steven J. (Michele) Kravetz of were married 54 years. He is (work he pursued for the rest sense man who told it like Stern and Rabbi Kaya Stern- Holyoke, MA; five grandchil- survived by his children Neal, of his life). He climbed many it was. He’d “break it down Kaufman; and grandchildren, dren, Rebecca (Deval) Meyers Nancy, and Frank, son-in career mountains to the top for you,” so you always knew Ariel and Sophie Shrum. Desai, Jocelyn (Christopher) law Bill and daughter-in-law and remained there. He was exactly where you stood with Donations in his memory Meyers Barnes, Emily Nicole Goldie. He also leaves four ranked No. 24 on Builder him. He was a true gentleman can be made to HIAS (https:// (Brian) Pray, Holly Sara precious grandchildren, Magazine’s 2004 Power Broker and an intellectual who was www.hias.org/get-involved/ (Shane) MacKinnon, and Michael, Daniel, Steven, and List of “The Homebuilding constantly fascinated by what ways-to-give) or HIAS, PO Benjamin Thomas Kravetz; Alyssa. Industry’s 50 Most Influential the future held. His love, Box 97077, Washington, DC five great-grandchildren, A graveside service was Individuals,” and he became intellect and observations will 20090-7077. Brock, Bryson, Arjun, Veera, held in the Knesset Israel known as the “Dean of be deeply missed. Godspeed, and Opal, all of whom she Cemetery on Friday, July 3. Homebuilding M&A” and Michael. Enjoy the future! Bettie (Skole) Kravetz, collectively referred to as “my Contributions may be made “M&A’s King Kahn.” Michael was preceded in 93, civic and community angels” and who were truly the to the Esther and Robert Michael’s lifelong passions death by his parents, Morton minded pride and joy of her life. Markowitz Endowment Fund included classical music, Kahn and Silvia Klarik Kahn. AMHERST, MA – “A woman She also leaves many at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt opera, and ballet. When he Michael was 22 when his of worth who can find? For beloved nieces, nephews, Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201 or was a young boy, his mother father died. His mother remar- her price is far above rubies.” cousins and one brother, to a charity of your choice. would take him to Broadway, ried David Hillson, with whom Bettie (Skole) Kravetz, 93, Donald (Carol) Skole of Boca operas, and ballets while his Michael developed and main- Michael Peter Kahn, 84, died Saturday, May 30 at Raton, FL. Bettie was prede- father was deployed over- tained a close relationship family, faith and friends Center for Extended Care and ceased by two brothers, seas in the military. This love until David’s death. Michael is were the pillars of his Rehabilitation at Amherst. Richard Skole and Alan Skole. of the arts led to his serving survived by his wife, Loretta Born in Pittsfield on June Bettie leaves behind existence as a board member of the Cornelius Kahn, daughters 18, 1926, the daughter of many, many close friends. PALM COAST, FL – Michael Jacksonville Symphony and Jody Kahn and Lily Kahn, and Jacob and Estella (Plotsky) Particular appreciation and Peter Kahn, 84, died peacefully the Daytona Beach Symphony sons, Morton Kahn and Ari Skole, Bettie attended local love go to MaryAnn Musante, on Wednesday, July 1 in Palm as a resident of Florida’s Palm Kahn. schools and graduated from her companion and partner Coast, FL after a valiant battle Coast. He was a generous Funeral services were held Pittsfield High School in 1944. in crime for the last 45 years, with a rare disease called philanthropist whose chari- Friday, July 3 at the Ponte Bettie completed her nursing and Freda Greenia, her care- amyloidosis. His devotion to table work and support sprang Vedra Cemetery. Memorials degree at the Henry Bishop giver for the last 11 years. She his family and his faith in from his appreciation of the may be sent to The Jewish Memorial School of Nursing in touched the lives of count- Judaism supported him in his arts and a deep and abiding Federation Jerry Doliner Food Pittsfield. less individuals and we may struggle and ultimately gave faith in Judaism. Bank, 470 Andalusia Avenue, She was last employed never know the far-reaching him peace. Michael’s family, faith and OBITUARIES, continued on next page
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Knesset Israel 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield
ONGOING MINYANS Sunday 8:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday 7 p.m. Friday 7 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. Saturday 9:30 a.m. and evenings approximately 30 minutes before sunset CANDLE-LIGHTING Friday, July 31...... 7:55 p.m. Friday, August 7...... 7:46 p.m. Friday, August 14...... 7:35 p.m. Friday, August 21...... 7:25 p.m. Friday, August 28...... 7:14 p.m. In response to coronavirus guidelines… Friday, September 4.....7:02 p.m. As of press time, all in-person Connecting With Community programming has been canceled. For the most up-to-date infor- mation and details on virtual programming, please visit our website www.jewishberkshires.org to sign up for our eblasts to receive a weekly listing of online opportunities. Meals-on-Wheels & Meals to Go – Advance Reservation Required Kosher lunch will be prepared on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Meals to go will be ready by noon for pickup at the Knesset Israel kitchen door, 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield. OBITUARIES, continued All meals-on-wheels will be delivered by Federation volunteers in the early afternoon. from previous page Please call (413) 442-2200 no later than 9 a.m. to reserve your meal for pickup and to arrange delivery Ormond Beach, FL 32174 if standing instructions are not in place. All are welcome to reserve meals for pick-up, although delivery may and/or Chabad of Palm Coast, be limited in certain circumstances. 10 Cypress Point Pkwy #108, The menus listed below are planned, but may be modified depending on availability of ingredients. Palm Coast, FL 32164. When making a reservation, please inform us if a person in your party has a food allergy. Adults 60 and over: $2 suggested donation. Adults under 60: $7 per person. Julian N. Lichtman, 92, teacher, volunteer, Volunteers are Vital! Volunteer drivers who can deliver meals-on-wheels are always appreciated. Please call Susan Frisch renaissance man Lehrer at (413) 442-4360, ext. 14. The Federation’s kosher hot lunch program is offered in collaboration with Elder Services of Berkshire County. LENOX – Julian N. Lichtman, 92, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 8. He led a rich life full of varied experiences. Born August 1, 1927 in Newark, NJ, Julian grew up in South Orange, NJ. A two-time JULY beans, salad, whole wheat bread, grapes, and tea. veteran, Julian served in the Monday, 27...... Fish sticks#, sweet potato fries, mixed Thursday, 20...... Oriental tuna salad (gluten free upon Pacific Theater on the island vegetables, salad, potato bread, peaches, and tea. of Guam from 1945 to 47. request), Farmer’s loaf, lemon pudding, and tea. After World War II, he went Tuesday, 28...... Tomato basil quiche**, green salad, fruit Monday, 24...... Spaghetti & meat sauce#, Italian blend to college and earned his salad, Farmer’s loaf, cookies, and tea. vegetables, salad, garlic bread, pears and tea. bachelors’ degree in Liberal Thursday, 30...... No meal for Tisha B’Av Tuesday, 25...... Corned beef**#, salad, pickle, potato Arts from the University of chips, rye bread, applesauce, and tea. Pennsylvania in 1950. Julian AUGUST then joined the Korean Monday, 3...... Meat loaf**#, tomato juice, peas & car- Thursday, 27...... Vegetarian chili with cheese, brown rice, Conflict as a radar operator in rots, mashed potatoes, pumpernickel bread, peaches, and tea. salad, muffins or chef’s choice of bread, butterscotch pudding, Newfoundland. Tuesday, 4...... Chicken with Ajvar (red peppers, egg- and tea. Soon thereafter, Julian Monday, 31...... Turkey salad platters**#, gazpacho, met the love of his life, Nancy plants, garlic & spices)**#, rice pilaf, zucchini & yellow squash, Schoenberg of Weehawken, pita bread, apricots, and tea. potato chips, 3 bean salad, bread TBA, grapes, and tea. NJ, and they married in Thursday, 6...... Blintze souffle, asparagus cuts & tips, SEPTEMBER 1958. They raised two boys green salad, Challah, watermelon, and tea. Tuesday, 1...... Meat loaf**#, salad, green beans, together, William and Harry, mashed potatoes, Farmer’s loaf, fruit cocktail, and tea. after moving to Pittsfield and Monday, 10...... Veal stew**#, noodles, salad, Italian then to Richmond. Julian was bread, applesauce, and tea. Thursday, 3...... Hot dogs and hamburgers**#, potato manager of the family busi- Tuesday, 11...... Chicken with sundried tomatoes & arti- chips, coleslaw, fixings, assorted rolls, watermelon, and tea. ness, Lichtman and Sons chokes**#, noodles, mixed vegetables, Farmer’s loaf, tropical fruit Monday, 7...... Closed for Labor Day Tanning Corp., for 10 years salad, and tea. before leaving the tannery to Tuesday, 8...... Bean and cheese enchilada casserole**, pursue a career in high school Thursday, 13...... Fresh fish**, juice of chef’s choice, mixed yellow rice, salad, Mexican corn, white bread, churros, and tea. education. Julian taught vegetables, rice pilaf, rye bread, chocolate chunk cookies, and Thursday, 10...... Fresh fish**, juice of chef’s choice, noo- grades 7-12 at New Lebanon tea. dle kugel, broccoli, salad, oat bread, mandarin oranges, and tea. Central School from 1962 to Monday, 17...... Barbecued chicken**#, corn cobettes, Monday, 14...... Asian flavored turkey tenders**#, miso 1984, employing innovative coleslaw, 3 bean salad, corn bread, watermelon, and tea. experiential teaching concepts soup, rice, Oriental blend vegetables, breads TBA, chocolate chip that sought to teach students Tuesday, 18...... Salisbury steak**#, tater tots, green cookies (parve), and tea. traditional subjects through real-life industry experiences like forestry, astronomy, civil engineering, and tanning. Julian would often make coats, hats, and mittens from the farm and hunting animal hides his students brought to him. During his teaching career, Julian earned masters’ degrees in Education and an active member of Temple employed on houses in the decorates his apartment and Harry and wife Stephanie of in Library Sciences, from Anshe Amunim for over 50 area. An avid gardener, he announced family events. Newmarket, NH. North Adams State and SUNY years. boasted award-winning toma- Julian delighted in seeing There will be a private Albany, respectively. Julian was a bit of a toes and pumpkins at the his grandchildren play soccer, service followed by a life cele- After retiring from teaching, renaissance man. He was an Richmond Grange fair. Julian hockey, and baseball. And bration at a time in the future Julian dedicated over 10,000 early adopter of solar energy, also had a deep passion for when he could no longer drive to be determined. Donations hours of volunteer service to starting Berkshire Solar wooden boat building. He built long distances, he would send can be made to Berkshire Berkshire Medical Center, Heating in the mid-1970s. numerous dories, kayaks, and a weekly package full of arti- Medical Center or Temple where he was a staff favorite. He enlisted his boys to cut rowing shells. His kayaks and cles from The Berkshire Eagle Anshe Amunim, in care of the Up until the last few years, aluminum cans in half, paint shells were sought after and or The New York Times he Devanny-Condron Funeral Julian was a volunteer driver them black, and install them used by family and by local thought they would enjoy. Home, 40 Maplewood Avenue, to the local senior citizen in a honeycomb pattern to boat enthusiasts all over New Julian is survived by his Pittsfield, MA 01201. community, taking them manufacture first generation England. He was a self-taught son, William and wife Leslie of to and from their medical solar panels on his house. block-printer and calligra- Harvard, MA; grandchildren appointments. Julian was A more modern design was pher. His detailed calligraphy Benjamin and Daniel; and son Page 22 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 27 to September 6, 2020 CULTURE AND ARTS A grush’s worth of Virtual Berkshire Jewish Film Festival information about the Wraps Up The Berkshire Jewish Film Festival is going our understanding of the brain and mind, the grush virtual this summer for its 34th consecutive diversity of human experience, and our shared season presenting outstanding films of Jewish humanity. interest from around the world. In these unprecedented times, organizers 8 p.m. assert that they are continuing their goal to Igor and the Crane’s Journey build community. (Narrative) Igor and the Crane’s Journey Films that examine Jewish history, heri- touches the core of the migration experience. tage, and culture will be shown online on A charming film about a young boy facing Mondays through August 10 at 4 p.m. and new challenges and finding his own voice and 8 p.m. Please visit the new festival website, strength by connecting to the world of nature. berkshirejewishfilmfestival.org, for more infor- mation. Ticket prices have been lowered to $5 per film for this year. All proceeds are directed to the Knesset Israel Hebrew School.
The coin to the left number of common Israeli August 3 is 1 agora with 3 oats, idioms…An item that is 4 p.m. currency in Israel in the extremely cheap is said to Rewind 1970s and 1980s equiva- cost grushim. If an Israeli (Documentary) Sasha Joseph Neulinger lent to the US penny. The wishes to say “I’m broke,” takes a brave and wrenching look at his child- 3-grain model is a replica of this may be expressed as hood and the journey to reconcile his past. By an ancient coin shown in the eyn li grush,“I don’t have probing the gap between image and reality, the image to the right. This coin a grush,” or eyn li grush al film depicts how little and how much a camera was minted in Jerusalem in ha-neshama,“I don’t have a can capture. (Courtesy Independent Lens) 41/42 CE. grush on my soul.” Anyone 8 p.m. There were 100 agurot talking simplistically about Holy Silence to the Israeli lira, the basic matters psychological, phil- Holy Silence unit of currency now known osophical, political, et cetera (Documentary) The Catholic Church’s as the shekel. An agora was is spouting psikhologiya (or response to the Holocaust, examined with colloquially known as a filosofiya or politika) b’grush, historic film, rare documents, and interviews, “grush,” after a Turkish coin that is, “a grush’s worth” of reveals a failure of moral authority. that had a hole in its center the subject. A person who that was in use when the measures things solely by August 10 Land of Israel was part of their financial value sees 4 p.m. the Ottoman Empire. them “through the hole in Oliver Sacks: His Own Life The word “grush” is no the grush.” And something (Documentary) This fascinating film explores longer used in Israel when that happened a long time the life and work of the legendary neurol- referring to money, but as a ago? Yes, indeed. That was ogist and storyteller, a fearless explorer of 2003 article in The Forward when the grush had a hole unknown mental worlds who helped redefine Igor and the Crane's Journey explained: in it. The grush lives on in a STRENGTHEN What are your financial goals? Are you saving for a long and secure retirement? Hoping to build a legacy for you and your family? Our Greylock Investment Group can help you with your goals by developing an investment plan or fine tuning an existing plan aligned with your needs, goals and level of investment experience.
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Here Spirit intervening in this sibility and the it is, a neat, orderly, benign, chaotic preexistence, a mate- incredible privilege Berkshire Jewish Voice: humanly-supportive creation. rial brew, and setting loose of planning and Let’s talk first about this virus You know, that’s a very sentience, an awareness, that contributing to the that has appeared, and has nice picture, but in recent shows development in various religious life of an very much changed everyone’s decades people have, for a species and then finds yet active community. In view of our relationship to the number of reasons, questioned more intense expression in the the old days, I was natural world. All of a sudden, really our whole notion of human being. one of the grumps nature seems menacing, like God. Some of us who’ve been I am looking at this who would not it’s about to do us in. How do involved with process theology pandemic as possible testi- permit videotaping you see what’s going on? have struggled for decades mony to a primordial matter in of weddings or bat Rabbi Gendler: I guess I against the idea that God was which there are various forces or bar mitzvahs. At see it, as they say, through omnipotent, omniscient, and at odds with one another in this point, I would a glass, darkly, without the totally benevolent, because struggle and into which the certainly be making clarity and illumination those [qualities] are logically Divine Mind has intervened, my humble peace I would appreciate. But I unable to be sustained. And making room for the struggle with whatever elec- struggle with it at two levels. you have, interestingly, in that has yielded us – but tronic devices have At one level, I see it as a the Bible, a sense that God always against this back- to offer. But it will be warning that we’ve gone too actually had to struggle in ground of the primordial and a real serious reduc- far. Now, that warning has the process of creation. For sometimes hostile matter. So I tion in the fullness am looking afresh what I call Rabbi Everett Gendler photographed at of the experience as the “augmented Genesis” and his home in 2016 we know it. How do trying to make some sense of you think it is that this divine drama of taming the pandemic and then use it we retain our sense some of those elements as a as a segue into the next broad of what that full faithfulness to more active than ever partner- area I want to talk about. So human encounter represents? ship between the divine and what I have seen is that there We mustn’t let this take us the human. are many people who are just further down the substitution So this is the other direc- very, very afraid. The High of the electronic for the inti- tion that the pandemic has Holidays are coming and the mately interpersonal, but use moved me to focus on. At the rabbis around here, of course, it creatively as a help during immediate level, certainly are planning and worrying, this period of suspended inti- the environmental, the trying to figure out the best mate contact. warning signs. And, at a more thing to do. What message BJV: What is it going to profound level, a reevaluation might you have for people who take, socially or spiritually, of precisely what are contemplating returning to for people to over- creation is about and come their fear of one what the nature is I think what we'll come to another? Even of your of this marvel, this close friends, persons amazing experiment recognize is that never has life you would give a hug that we are part of. been risk-free, and that the to every Shabbat, but Let me ask, as I who you now fear Rabbi Gendler (far right) marching with (from left) Rabbi Maurice haven’t articulated quality of lives will depend on might give you a virus Eisendrath, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. Ralph Abernathy, this before – was that the balance that we strike that either causes and Rabbi Abraham Heschel at Arlington National Cemetery in even semi-compre- grievous illness or 1968. Detail from a photo by John C. Goodwin. hensible? between warranted fear and the possibly even your BJV: What I’m own death. been sounding for quite a example, Psalm 74, “You hearing – and you can courage to live despite it all Rabbi Gendler: while now – the increasing God, my King from of old; tell me if I’m misinter- Well, I think the global temperatures, the You were the salvation of the preting what you’re saying – is their congregations, returning first step is coming to grips increasing excitability of earth. You divided the sea by that you don’t see what’s going to the social aspect of worship, with this fear – that existed, the storms, the intensifying your might; you broke the on now as just a simple occur- but who may be afraid? really, through the millennia abnormalities. I think there heads of the dragons in the rence. You see it as something Rabbi Gendler: Oy. and that we felt quite immune is a strong indication that waters. You crushed the head very profound. You see theolog- Look, we’re all together in from until ever so recently. we have done more than be of Leviathan,” etc., etc. Here, ical implications that go back that. I so very much want to You know, earlier generations fruitful, multiply, and fill let me just give you a sense to the root of our faith and our be fully present with others had a much stronger sense the Earth. I fear we are understanding on Friday night who affirm of insecurity; but we grew up overfilling it both with of the universe, that we are beneficiaries of the and lived in an age when it our carbon footprint So-called “virtual” ain’t reality. and God’s role gift of creation. And yet, I’m did seem that so many threats with our environmental in it and our role denied this. So-called “virtual” had all been overcome. So I destruction of habitats And the thought of a virtual High in it. And it’s not ain’t reality. And the thought think this recurrence of fear is and species. And also Holidays – oy, vey. It's painful a small thing – of a virtual High Holidays – oy, the first shock of recognition. in terms of population. it’s something vey. It’s painful and I do not I think our fears will be The question of work, and I do not see a responsible that forces us to see a responsible alternative. I reduced and our confidence employment, for the now alternative. re-evaluate not mean, not that the Saudis are strengthened as vaccines are more than 7 billion on only our own lives exemplars in most respects, developed for the new viral this Earth – that is a haunting of what Isaiah talks about in and our own society, but really but the limits the haj atten- strains. I think we’ll also read specter. So, at one level, I Chapter 51…wait, let me put something even more profound dance this year to 1,000 rather some of the Psalms asking for do view this as an environ- on my glasses. Sorry to be so than that. Close? than the usually two-and-a- protection in a very different mental storm signal, a signal awkward, but aging has its Rabbi Gendler: Yep, close. half million. I mean, who could spirit, and I think what we’ll of imminent distress. There effect and some of us are slow Wow. Meanwhile, I’m glad you have imagined? come to recognize is that never have been articles speaking to concede. “Was it not you have it on tape. So there are adjustments has life been risk-free, and about the destruction of wild who cut Rahab in pieces, who BJV: I’m glad, too. Let me that we all have to make. I that the quality of lives will habitats putting humans and pierced the dragon? Was it ask another question related to don’t know what I would do depend on the balance that we other species in closer contact, not you who dried up the sea, or how I would manage if I strike between warranted fear more constant contact. If it be the waters of the great deep ” and the courage to live despite the case that the origin of this etc., etc. So there is actually in it all and in the face of it all. world-felling pandemic was a our bible the sense that there There again, I can tell you that market where bats were being is more to the creation story people will begin to look at the sold for human consumption – than that we have in the first Book of Psalms in a fresh way oh, my! So at one level, I see it chapter of Genesis. and find some of them person- as this profound, perhaps final Now, when you combine ally encouraging in the most warning. this with the fact that more basic sense. But there is another level, recent translations of the BJV: Part of the fear we a deeper level, at which this is Bible sometimes read, “When have of the other revolves prompting me to have a fresh God began to create” rather around our attitudes about the look as Genesis and the tradi- than “In the beginning, God virus. The other big issue that’s tional creation epic and the created,” that’s something dividing us, that’s causing whole question of the divine people have discussed because us to fear one another, to look creation. We have for so many the Hebrew does not actu- askance at one another, is the years read the story of Genesis ally permit you to say, “in the issue of race in this country. with a kind of confidence that, beginning God created.” It has We’ve gone from the virus here’s this all-powerful God, set me pondering whether in GENDLER PHOTO: MARY omnipotent. And from nothing, fact creation, as we think of Rabbi Gendler with the Dalai Lama. RABBI GENDLER, continued on God creates something and page 24 Page 24 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 27 to September 6, 2020 BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES
RABBI GENDLER, continued from page 23 by hostility, hatred, and violence. What’s most remarkable is the small causing a lot of fear to a point, not that at the Rabbinical Assembly and amount of violence which must not very long down the road, of violence, we just couldn’t sit idly by. And I led a be accepted and the overall affirma- which I always believed was inevi- group of 19 of us down to Birmingham. tion of human decency in all of this table given the level of fear so many So on the large scale, that’s what – by the way, I want to be sure that are experiencing. Especially in light of we’re seeing now with that unbeliev- we keep in mind also, and I will say your lifelong commitment to civil rights, able, interminable eight-minute-and it explicitly: Policemen’s lives matter. progressive causes, and social unity, forty-six-second strangulation of The specter of the two policemen how do you see what’s going on in our a fellow human being. This stark murdered in New York not so long country at this time? confrontation with evil has really mobi- ago by a gunman who invoked Eric Rabbi Gendler: First of all, I should lized the good instincts in people in the Garner’s killing as justification – we say in 1995, following my so-called US and all over the world. have to be sure that we give no sanc- retirement from regularly-scheduled It’s a little bit parallel with tion to that. But it is a testament to commitment, [my wife] Mary and I were the contrasts between the Evian the existence of human sensitivity guided toward involvement with the Conference in the late 30s or early 40s, and to the function of conscience in Tibetan exile community of the Dalai where the question was which coun- human life – it reminds me also of an Lama. For 22 years we commuted tries would take how many Jews. The amazing poem by Robinson Jeffers in regularly to India doing which he says, “I have learned that educational work on strategic happiness is important, but pain gives nonviolent struggle. That I believe that this confrontation importance.” pretty much consumed my with undeserved pain has really I believe that this confrontation attention until very recently, with undeserved pain has really awak- so I was a dropout, you awakened our unaware ened our unaware consciences. might say, from the active consciences BJV: So how do we tap into that engagement of black and new awareness? It’s almost the same support meaningful legislative reforms. Jewish communities. bottom line message from that was question I asked about how we’re going Now, there’s a lot of hard work to From a larger perspective, what I most countries would take few if any – to overcome dealing with each other in be done. You know, the day that the see happening is an unprecedented, that included the United States – Hitler view of the virus. What do we need to Montgomery bus boycott was success- broad awareness of the pain to which got the message that Jews’ lives don’t do in a practical sense to overcome this fully ended by a court’s decision, King our fellow citizens have been subjected matter. Contrast that with the world[‘s suspicion, the hostility that has been and the SCLC (Southern Christian because of the color of their skin. And I subsequent] confrontation with the unearthed during this period of time? Leadership Conference) ran workshops think it was the clarity of this confron- Holocaust and the different place of the Rabbi Gendler: A great deal of on what’s next – how do you behave tation with what we cannot accept Jew in the eyes of many parts of the personal workshops. Way back, way on a bus, what do you look out for, as decent human beings. It was the world. I think of the Talmudic wisdom back in the 60s, when I was serving etc., etc. Because the implementation confrontation with this stark reality of the ayin roah or the “observing eye.” a congregation in Princeton, New is long, arduous, and aggravatingly that really shocked us into a largely You know, the rabbis discuss, maybe Jersey, I was close to a Quaker friend, detailed. But that comes next. And creative affirming response. Which in Pirkeh Avot, the restraining effect Ross Flanagan, who in those years what we have is that reservoir of is to say, in the same way back in on human behavior if one took seri- was doing sensitivity training with conscience in support of this, which 1963, when we were at the Rabbinical ously the notion that God is observing the Philadelphia police force. How’s will take a long time. Assembly convention, and the front your actions. Well, wow. Suddenly, that for ahead of the curve? I think we page of The New York Times had electronic devices as an extension or need a lot of that. We need legislation A collection of Rabbi Gendler’s those photographs of the police with participant in this divine observation because as Dr. King pointed out – and essays, Judaism for Universalists, a fire hose and the gas masks and the has a telling effect. as Jewish tradition always exemplified (Blue Thread Books), is available for batons and the cattle prods, and you What’s so important is that we – in the world at large, love expresses sale at jewishcurrents.bigcartel.com, saw the little kids in the lines of those recognize the slow, steady, dependable itself through justice and specific Amazon.com, and other outlets. high-pressure hoses... I mean, we saw effects of conscience when unsullied rules. So we need to be alert and
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