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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. 27, No. 2 Adar I / Adar II / Nisan 5779 February 18 to April 7, 2019 jewishberkshires.org Berkshire Jewish Community We Should Be Like Dreamers Represented at Lion of Judah Israeli artist Yosl Bergner’s Yishuv fantasia Confab sells at Sotheby’s auction Nancy Lipoff and Hope Silverstein recognized with Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award

HOLLYWOOD, FL – Nancy Lipoff and Hope Silverstein were honored with the Kipnis- Wilson/Friedland (KWF) Award at the International Lion of Judah Conference that took place in mid-January. Fourteen hundred women from 87 Jewish Federations and six countries, representing 17,500 Lions of Judah from around the world, gathered in Hollywood, FL, to showcase their OF SOTHEBY’S IMAGE: COURTESY impact and discuss the future of women’s Last December, Sotheby’s in New York City conducted its annual auction of “Important Judaica and philanthropy. Israeli & International Art.” Among the works sold was this large triptych by Yosl Bergner (1920-2017), The theme was who was born in Vienna, relocated to Australia before World War II, and lived in Israel from 1957 until “Women Repair the his death. As described in Sotheby’s pre-auction catalogue: “Inspired by the work of René Magritte, World,” and together Yosl Bergner’s surrealist triptych, Kushan (The Deed) is a masterpiece of historical fantasy. Sir Herbert they pledged a Samuel, High Commissioner of British-occupied Palestine, rides high through the masterwork, waiving record-breaking $35 a scroll of paper with Turkish text, a kushan, a deed to the contested land. Bergner illustrates Samuel, Lion of Judah Carrie Schulman and her million to do just that. the first Jewish governor of the territory in modern times, as a heroic figure, one of the first benefac- daughter Stacey, a third-generation Lion of The Lion of Judah tors of the Jewish homeland. The artist’s characteristic figures, with dark eyes and quiet smiles, look Judah who is also a member of the JFNA designation is bestowed out their windows at the British Zionist arriving on horseback, riding down the coast with land rights National Young Leadership Cabinet upon women who in hand. The Ottoman soldiers in the lower left panel may reference the expulsion of Jews from Tel contribute $5,000 or Aviv in 1914, who were only able to return to their homes after the British conquest of Palestine.” The more annually to their local triptych, which was acquired from the artist and had been owned by the Firon Collection since the Inside Federation campaign. Lipoff early 1980s, sold for $162,000. and Silverstein, both part-time A Spiritual Fitness Test...... 5 residents of the Berkshires Your Federation Presents...... 6-12 and major donors to the Jewish Local News...... 13, 18-20 Federation of the Berkshires, were recognized for their contributions to 2018 Annual Report...... 14 their Federation chapters in Miami Meditations on Family Thank You, Donors!...... 15-17 and Palm Beach County, Florida. Yevgeny Kutik’s latest music and memory project They were among 72 recipients of Young Judaism: Hannah Weeks...... 22 the KWF Award this year, given to a collaboration with contemporary composers The Purim Story Reimagined...... 26-27 LION OF JUDAH, continued on page 6 The Mountains Together Sing Gladly Pizmon’s spirited concert united our Jewish community in song, spirit, and celebration

By Albert Stern / BJV Editor attached to the number, only that he’d had it for so long, keeping Given that violinist Yevgeny it makes things easier for him. Kutik’s musical career has, for Yet as he talked about his latest years, taken him relentlessly musical project, “Meditations on around the globe to perform as a Family,” it was clear that his fami- soloist in prestigious concert and ly’s experience as immigrants to the recital halls, I found it kind of Berkshires continues to profoundly amusing that his cell phone num- inform his life both personally and ber still has the “413” area code. artistically. When I reached him at his apartment in Boston, Kutik assured MEDITATIONS ON FAMILY, me that he wasn’t sentimentally continued on page 28 For pictures and more about Pizmon’s Berkshire visit, please see page 12. Page 2 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org February 18 to April 7, 2019

Guest Editorial Outsiders No Longer, Let Us Not Lose Sight of Our Shared Story Bridging the differences between Israeli and Diaspora Jews By Danna Azrieli

In November 2018, Danna Azrieli, chair of the As a North American, you are probably asking, “How could he have done Azrieli Foundation in Israel and a director of the that?” Some of you might go even further and say, “Why should I support a coun- Azrieli Foundation in Canada, addressed the General try that does not support the way I practice my religion?” But as an Israeli, I don’t Assembly (GA) of the Jewish Federation of North think that this course is actually about the basic rights of women to pray as equal America (JFNA) in Tel Aviv. She is an owner and the to men or about the way we practice our religious freedoms. I think it is actually vice chairman of the Azrieli Group, one of Israel’s most about a group of extreme people with political clout who truly believe that they successful real estate companies, and co-chaired the must preserve our history with zeal. They think that if they do not protect our 2018 GA. She wrote the book One Step Ahead, the rituals of the past that we are in danger of losing our tradition. Any change, any story of how her father survived and escaped Nazi- modern additions, they say, will lead to our demise. occupied Poland and his journey to Palestine in 1942. The religious extremists point to intermarriage in the Diaspora and to the Azrieli was born in Montreal in 1967 and made lack of Jewish knowledge in young people today; but in the Diaspora in North aliyah at age 32 “to fulfill what seemed like the most America, we fight back with Reform and Conservative Judaism. We try to encour- obvious of my destinies,” she says. She characterizes age attendance in Jewish schools and Jewish camps. We have built Birthright herself as both an “ardent Zionist” and “a product of and MASA, but in secular Israel these pluralistic trends have been very slow to the liberal Northeast,” and in her GA speech, spoke of take. The most common response by a secular Israeli is that they’re better off with how her life experiences have allowed her to understand the concerns and aspira- no religion. even though they often do many acts without acknowledging them as tions of both Israeli and Diaspora Jews, “the two worlds represented here at the religious – for example, almost every secular Israeli will fast on Yom Kippur. GA.” She offered some thoughts (here edited for length and clarity) on how to breach The secular Israelis still consider themselves Jewish. They still speak Hebrew, the existing and perceived divisions that between these Jewish communities. the language of our Bible, and most truly love our country. But it is not uncom- We as Israelis have our share of extremely complicated issues, but 70 years mon for a modern secular Israeli to say just being Israeli is enough. Whole gen- ago, we were given a mandate to build the country and we did. Within our erations of Israelis have basically released their hold on our shared library of country, we have developed our own slang, our own fashion, our own version of religious texts and heritage. Saturday Night Live, our own pop culture, our own celebrities. My Australian husband Danny The similarities and differences between our two worlds create disparate and I are raising our children in The benefit is that we’re worldviews. We have come to this “Let’s Talk” [theme of the 2018 GA] conversation Israel, but a few years ago my sis- about our future together from very different starting points. For example, how do ter asked us to sing [the prayer] thriving in our respective we as North Americans begin to understand what we perceive as backward think- “Adon Olam” at her son’s bar mitz- communities, but the burden ing when women are not allowed to pray at the Wall, and yet the prime minister vah. So I look at my two children, reneged on the Sharansky compromise due to the pressure exerted by religious who were in grades one and two is that we’ve forgotten what extremists? at the time and were attending a it’s like to be other. secular Israeli public school, and I realized they don’t know “Adon Olam.” My children learned the “Adon Olam” from a YouTube channel while we were walking on the streets of Toronto two days before the bar mitzvah. On that day, my husband and I made the decision to move from our very secular Israeli environment to a community with a pluralistic TALI school [nominally affili- ated with the Conservative stream’s Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies, TALI schools are largely modeled on American Conservative Jewish day schools’ pluralistic yet religiously traditional makeup]. [It is] similar to how I grew up (but unfor- tunately not very prevalent in Israel today) where our children would be exposed to Judaism and like-minded families. Now, in addition, we send our kids back to North America every summer to attend summer camp at Camp Ramah, where there the kids learn “birkat ha’ma- zon” (the after-meal blessings) and they’re exposed to the Yiddishkeit that it takes a village to convey – a village filled with customs and rituals that my Zionist heroes, the ones who built this country, gave up upon in favor of a culture that focused on the importance of building the land, of being strong. Our new culture was no longer tied to being victims of the past. It was no longer tied to the rituals that preserved our identity when we were visitors in another people’s land, when we were minorities. So many Israelis grew up feeling that just being Israeli is enough, but as an Israeli, I think just being here is not enough. There needs to be more; and so, what is my message today? As today’s world is becoming more extreme, as people are becoming more closed and protectionist, we the Jewish people of the world do not have the privilege or the luxury of becoming protectionist from each other. Since I come from the real estate world, I’m going to use an image of an arch. An arch is two sides pressing together. North American Jewry and Israeli Jewry are like two sides of an arch. We need each other. We need to push against each other – to stay strong by leaning into each other. By providing each other with the right amount of resistance and the right amount of support, we will have the strength to withstand the pressure from all sides. But one side of an arch cannot stand without the other. To take my analogy further, the two sides of our arch are composed of different things. We have different elements on each side – some which give strength and some which create weakness. The art is to find the right amount of resistance, the right amount of pressure, and the right amount of dependence and independence to ensure that our two sides will always remain strong vis-a-vis one another. … Israel today is less than 50 percent Ashkenazi. So many of us come from Yemen and Morocco, Iraq and Iran, and Ethiopia recently. AZRIELI, continued on page 4 Adar I / Adar II / Nisan 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 3 In My View Our Work Made Possible Through Your Commitment and Generosity By Judy Usow / President, Jewish Federation of the Berkshires

Thank you and Shalom to 2018! Jewish commu- If you are Jewish, Chinese, or Hindu, you might nity, to share not consider the secular date of January 1 the start our values and of a new year. In the Berkshires, our Jewish com- traditions with munity winds down the whirlwind summer months our youth and with a slow introspective review as we approach the families, to Jewish new year of Rosh Hashanah each fall. For strengthen the many, it is always a time of awe and gratitude. Jewish iden- The same can be said for our Federation’s tities of teens, approach to finishing out the secular year. That’s the to ensure that time when we close out our 2018 annual campaign older adults can and do a thoughtful review of what we have accom- live with dignity, plished during the past year, and then contemplate and to support what we hope to achieve in the coming year. those in need As we closed the books on the 2018 campaign, I and those facing couldn’t help but feel a similar awe and gratitude for what our Jewish community crisis in Israel accomplished this past year. and across the On behalf of the Board, I want to express our thanks to all of the generous globe. Federation donors and volunteers, listed in this edition, whose collective efforts As I think helped us surpass our campaign goal and raise more than $854,000! about defining Special kudos go to Ed Udel, who started us off with a truly “Super” Sunday moments in Event co-chair Elaine Roberts speaking at our Major Donors this past spring, and to Bernie and Elaine Roberts who kept the momentum roll- 2018, I cannot Celebration ing at our impressive Major Donors Celebration in July. They, together with the help but recall many Super Sunday volunteers, host committee members, and board members, the shooting at the Tree of Life Or L’Simcha Congregation in Pittsburgh. This hor- reached out to hundreds of people in our community, sharing the critical role of rific and tragic event changed our reality in a heartbeat. I was extremely proud of our Federation and asking for support. how our Federation and our congregational partners stepped forward and led the I also want to say how grateful I am to the entire Federation staff. They are way to bringing the Berkshire community together. Standing together in solidar- there every day making sure we are on track every step of the ity and offering healing to the brokenness of that moment way. at our community-wide vigil brought us all much needed An enormous todah rabah – Thank you to all of you! Federation continues to comfort and hope. As I write this column, community members from across work strategically and Just a few days after that event, schools across the the region who participate on Federation’s allocations process Berkshires launched the first trainings for students partic- are busy reviewing grant proposals in order to decide how to diligently with community ipating in the ADL’s World of Difference anti-bias educa- make a meaningful impact with these dollars in 2019. leaders and stakeholders tional program, spearheaded by the Jewish Federation As a small community, we are deeply committed to meet- of the Berkshires in partnership with the ADL and the ing our local needs while also recognizing the importance of to build broad community Berkshire County Superintendents’ Roundtable. being part of the wider Jewish community’s efforts of tzeda- support and involvement Today, nearly 300 students have completed a rigorous kah and tikkun olam that are so desperately needed in our 18 hours of anti-bias training and are now leading discus- world today. sions and activities with their peers focused on recognizing We are committed to working together to build a strong and addressing bias in themselves and others, speaking out and supporting those impacted by bias, and promoting respect for human differences. With your support, Federation continues to work strategically and diligently with community leaders and stakeholders to build broad community support and involvement to address the issues of anti-Semitism, racism, and bullying in our schools and community. Your support has enabled us to accomplish so much this past year. Please take a moment to review our annual report, on page 14 of this paper. Our holy work is only possible through the commitment and generosity of donors and volunteers like you. It is your passion and commitment that fuels our efforts and puts into action this community’s shared values of tikkun olam (social justice), tzedakah (righteous giving) and gemilut chasidim (acts of loving kindness) Thank you for your support, your generosity and your confidence in the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires. Shalom to 2019!

Our community in solidarity with victims of the Tree of Life shooting Berkshire PHOTO: MELISSA BISSELL The November 1 vigil for Pittsburgh

JA ewishpublicationA publication ofof 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 VT and surrounding NY, CT and VT Jewish Federation of the Berkshires The color photography in this issue of the Berkshire Jewish Dara Kaufman: Publisher and Managing Editor Voice is made possible through the generosity of John and John and Nina Lipkowitz: Honorary Publishers Nina Lipkowitz, honorary publishers. The staff of the Albert Stern: Editor Federation and the BJV are deeply grateful. Rose Tannenbaum: Graphic Design and Layout Jenny Greenfeld: Advertising Sales Representative and Assistant Editor

Thank you volunteers Ellen Rosenblatt and the BJV delivery team, Editorial opinions expressed in the Berkshire Jewish Voice are those of the Mitch Greenwald, Roman Rozenblyum, Gayle Rotenberg, newspaper and not those of any individual. Signed editorials do not represent the view of the newspaper, but rather express the writer’s view. and Ron Turbin 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 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Berkshire Jewish Voice welcomes signed letters on subjects of interest to the Next issue publication date: April 8, 2019 – May 12, 2019 Jewish community. Letters are printed upon space availability. The BJV reserves Press deadline: March 8, 2019 • Advertising deadline: March 20, 2019 the right to edit all letters for content, length, and style. The BJV does not print Berkshire Jewish Voice e-mail: [email protected] anonymous letters, insults, libelous or defamatory statements. Published letters do Phone: (413) 442-4360, ext. 11 Fax (413) 443-6070 not represent the views of the Federation, its board of directors, or the newspaper, but rather express the views of their authors. For verification purposes, please include 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]. Paid advertisements do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires or its members. Page 4 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org February 18 to April 7, 2019

Letters to the Editor AZRIELI, continued from page 2 Israeli society is incredibly diverse, similar to North America. Israel is an immigrant society with incredibly ethnically diverse Your Campaign Dollars Help the Children Finding Safety at Jewish cultures. This Jewishly diverse Israel is exactly what our Zionist dream intended when we built this country. Our immi- Neve Michael Children’s Village grant mentality tried to push us to belong, just like those of you Dear Jewish Federation of the Berkshires: whose grandparents immigrated to America. As immigrants to The Board of Trustees, the staff, and the children of Neve Michael Children’s Village thank any country, we learned the language, we changed the way we the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires for its support, kindness, and for again considering our dressed. But this next generation, the generation that we’re here grant application for personal arrival packages given to our children when entering our Children’s at the GA to talk about, they’re native Israelis and native North Emergency Crisis Center at Neve Michael Children’s Village. The children arrive at the village with Americans. They’re no longer immigrants. literally nothing but the clothing they are wearing. This next generation has the benefits and the burdens of Your grant will allow us to give the children, who arrived under such traumatic conditions, new a people who actually feel like they belong. The benefit is that clothing from underwear to pants, skirts, shirts and shoes and socks. These personal care pack- we’re thriving in our respective communities, but the burden is ages help the children to understand that they have arrived at a home where they will find loving that we’ve forgotten what it’s like to be “other.” And so we forget and caring adults. that we need each other. But we are two sides of an arch – two Wishing you a happy and peaceful New Year, sides that are stronger when placed together. We have layers and layers of success and failure, inclusion and exclusion, protection- Lorelei Ennis, Vice-President ism and universalism. Moments of great fairness and moments of Director of Community Outreach terrible closed mindedness. Neve Michael Children’s Village USA We love our countries, but we criticize them. We love America but we don’t give up when we disagree with our leaders. As I A Beam of Light and Hope for Pittsburgh know you love Israel, we must never give up on our commitment to the country when we disagree with its policies or leaders. Dear Friends: We must never give up our mutual bond that keeps each other After the tragic attack at the Tree of Life*Or the community. Of the money collected, 100 strong. L’Simcha, Dor Hadash, and New Light con- percent will go directly to help. So to conclude – it’s not just the settlements, it’s not just gregations, our community is still reeling. Your contribution will help ease many of the religious extremism, it’s not just women at the Wall, it’s not just Those who lost loved ones or who were injured burdens the victims and their families are now the nation state law, it’s not just who’s serving in the army, it’s will never be the same – and neither will our facing. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for not just who’s paying taxes in Israel, and it’s not just about who community. your generosity and for the outpouring of good- pays the price of living where you are afraid for your security. Thank you for a beam of light and hope, in will from around the world. Our shared story is so much more complicated than that. an otherwise dark moment, by making a con- From the bottom of our hearts, and on Don’t give up on our country. Don’t walk away because your tribution to the Jewish Federation of Greater behalf of the recipients of your donation, liberal sensibilities are insulted. Don’t assume that nothing can Pittsburgh’s Fund for Victims of Terror. thank you for caring. Thank you for making a change. Things do change – just painfully slowly, incrementally, Your contribution will support victims, their difference. and with all of our help. families, first responders who were injured, and Because of you, we are stronger together. Help by continuing the dialogue, but not by oversimplifying it. Help by infusing your children with a love of our heritage that Meryl K. Ainsman Jeffrey H. Finkelstein celebrates the good. I am NOT suggesting that we ignore the Chair of the Board President and CEO things we disagree with. I am simply suggesting that we remem- Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh ber it’s a marathon, not a sprint and the strength of Israel today is an equal force leaning into the counter-strength of Jews throughout the world. Your PJ Donations Keeping Berkshires Kids Warm Dear Jewish Federation of the Berkshires: The Department of Children and Families Pittsfield Area Office deeply appreciates your generous donation of 150 pajamas through your PJ Library pajama drive program. With your donation, the Department was able to provide children with new warm pajamas. The Department is excited and looks forward to working with you again. Thank you! Respectfully yours,

Margie Gilberti, MSW, M.Ed. Tiffany Bassi, M.S. Director of Area Supervisor

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38 MAIN STREET 6 MAIN STREET 35 RAILROAD STREET W. STOCKBRIDGE, MA CHATHAM, NY GT. BARRINGTON, MA (413) 232-4253 (518) 392-0332 (413) 528-4211 Adar I / Adar II / Nisan 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 5 Rabbi Reflections A Spiritual Fitness Challenge By Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch

As we enter the springtime months, even if win- A Walk in the Woods ter has a few more snowstorms in store for us, our We are lucky to live in a place with beautiful scenery and easily accessible thoughts turn to the great outdoors – it’s only natu- trails for nature-lovers of all ages and abilities. Time spent in nature, whether ral here in the Berkshires. Certainly, many enjoy the alone or in a group, often lends itself to spiritual connection. There are numerous many winter sports and activities that our county texts and teachings that emphasize the connection between Judaism, God, and has to offer, from skiing to snow-shoeing to winter nature, helping us tap into the sense that we are part of something larger than hikes. Soon enough, many of us will be hiking, bik- ourselves, to the radical amazement, wonder, and awe that we feel when we stand ing, and running on our beautiful roads and trails. on top of a mountain or catch sight of a delicate spider web. Maybe you swim, boat, or work out at the gym. Or One of my favorite moments in the Torah is the story of Jacob’s dream. perhaps yoga, walking, or Pilates are more your Sleeping out in the middle of a desert, Jacob dreams of a ladder to heaven, with speed. angels going up and down. He wakes up with a start and exclaims, “Achein yesh I’ve tried many sports, workouts, and outdoor pursuits. Whether team sports Adonai bamakom hazeh v’anochi lo yadati” – Surely, God was in this place and I or individual activities, in the end, I’m always competing with myself – trying to did not know it! Even a 30-minute walk in the woods can help us connect with make it to the gym a certain number of days per week, or moving from the green the presence of the Divine in our lives. trails to the blues on the ski slopes. Many of us are accustomed to physical fitness challenges, through workout programs, fitness tracking apps, and wearable Study with a Friend fitness watches. Chevruta study is the Jewish practice of learning with a partner, or literally, For me, exercise is threefold in its benefits: physical, mental, and spiritual. with a friend. While we can certainly develop rich spiritual lives through our own The physical benefits are obvious. Mentally, I feel calmer and more clear-eyed internal work, there is something inherently Jewish about coming together to about what matters when I exercise. Spiritually, exercise is one way that I con- share ideas, to collaborate, to teach each other, and even to respectfully argue nect with myself, connect with my breath, and connect with the world around me. over different perspectives. As we learn in Pirke Avot, “When two sit together and Exercise can be spiritual, and yet there are some elements of our spiritual life exchange words of Torah, the Divine Presence dwells with them,” (Mishnah Avot that are not as easily fulfilled on a basketball court or an elliptical machine. 3:2). There are numerous opportunities to study with another person or in a This spring, I’d like to invite you to participate in a Jewish Spiritual Fitness group throughout the county, formally or informally. Challenge. Many studies have shown that 30 minutes of exercise a day can make a significant difference in one’s health – and many make this a daily priority. Shabbat and Beyond What if we dedicated 30 minutes a day to our spiritual fitness? What would that Shabbat, our palace in time, is the temporal and spiritual meeting place of look like for you? How would that impact your day-to-day interactions, and your the Jewish people. While we may not all physically gather in the same place, we overall well-being? are united in observing this day of rest, connection, community, and reflection. As is evident from the numerous physical activities that I referenced, there is Shabbat is our weekly spiritual check-in, the extra work-out for our souls that no one way to approach physical fitness, and the same is true for spiritual fitness. propels us through the more average days of the week. It may just be the extra First, we need to understand what we mean by Jewish spirituality in the first boost that your Jewish Spiritual Fitness Challenge needs. If you haven’t been to place. I’m inspired by this explanation from the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, Shabbat services recently, it’s always a good time to try it out again. one of the key organizations working on practices for this area of Jewish life: These are only a few components of a Jewish Spiritual Fitness Challenge, and what works for you might not work for me. As we make our way out into the sun- We are often asked, “What do you mean by Jewish spirituality?” Spirituality shine again this spring, I invite you to consider what it would look like for you to is experienced differently by individual people. These are some words that we turn inward, both individually and through our Jewish community, as well. associate with spirituality: meaningful • purposeful • awareness • experience-based • values • Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch is spiritual leader of Temple Anshe Amunim in Pittsfield. healing • soul • love • alive • integrity • God • Divine • energy • depth • interconnected • life • force • clarity • journey • discernment • safety sacred • mysterious • the unknown • potential • attention • presence • open-hearted • vulnerability • transformation • unfolding • joyful

With these concepts in mind, here are a few suggestions for taking on a Jewish Why I Give Spiritual Fitness Challenge: Helping Neighbors, Preparing Our Youth for Daily Meditation Jewish Lives, Communal Involvement Meditation is a simultaneously rich and simple practice that enables us to focus on present-time awareness and equanimity. In other words, meditation Wendy Robbins on why she joined helps us to be in the moment and to be calm. Meditation is something one can Federation’s Legacy Circle do anywhere and at any time, although designating a particular time for meditation can often help with the development of a regular habit. Many different This year, Wendy Robbins has joined the 99-members (both living and religions, cultures, and communities have meditation among their key practices. of blessed memory) of our Legacy Circle, which ensures that the Jewish Jewish meditation can take many forms, including focusing on messages from Federation of the Berkshires and its good work will thrive long into the Jewish text and tradition as guideposts. In particular, the connection between the future. Hebrew words nefesh (soul) and n’shima (breath) has always resonated strongly Robbins, who lives in Pittsfield, says: “I recognize the good work that for me. For those new to meditation, Kripalu is an amazing local resource, and the Federation does in fostering unity in the Berkshires, and I want to be there are countless apps and Web pages that enable easy access and introduction involved in a meaningful way not only now, but in the future, as well. to meditation. For those who would like to check out meditation in a Jewish set- Federation is the one organization that represents the entire community, ting, Temple Anshe Amunim offers weekly Jewish meditation on Shabbat morn- one that plays a huge role in bringing Jews in north, central, and southern ings at 9 a.m. Berkshires together.” Moreover, Robbins says she supports our Federation’s outreach within the larger Berkshires community, the way it embodies Jewish values while aligning itself with the good work of other charitable organizations in the region. Robbins says that participation in Jewish community has been a big part of her life since growing up in a Jewishly-involved family in Buffalo and raising her own family in Philadelphia. “My late husband, Larry, was very active in Federation in Philadelphia,” she says, “giving seminars on board governance and teaching writing and speaking. If he were alive, I am confident he would have continued volunteering his time and knowledge for the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires.” Joining the Legacy Circle, she says, is a con- tinuation of her family’s ongoing commitment to Jewish life and very much an expression of Wendy Robbins her warm feelings about the Berkshires and concern over the challenges its Jewish community faces. “I’ve been involved in many large campaigns in other places,” she says, “and never felt that my dollars were as meaningful as they are right here. Every dollar I and others donate goes to a good cause. I know all the institutions our Federation supports. I know that my donation is going to benefit my neighbors.” Robbins says she is especially impressed with the good job Federation does for Jewish youth in the Berkshires, supporting their Jewish development through activities and Hebrew school subsidies, as well providing them with Jewish camp scholarships and different opportunities to experience Israel as teenagers and young adults. “The notion of l’dor va’dor (from generation to generation) is important to me,” she says, “and so it’s essential to help build what will come next, after we are no longer around. It’s important to give back, so I give what I can give.” Page 6 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org February 18 to April 7, 2019 Your Federation Presents

LION OF JUDAH, continued from page 1

Lions of Judah who have attend the Miami Federation’s Connecting With Community Programs/ demonstrated the high- dinner in honor of Nancy est ideals of leadership and Lipoff, who is a role model for Kosher Hot Lunch involvement. effective women’s leadership Programs in the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ Connecting With Attending the confer- and generosity of spirit, to ence from the Berkshires thank her for all she has done Community series are free and start at 10:45 a.m. most Mondays and was Arlene Schiff, the nationally, in Miami, and here Thursdays at Knesset Israel (16 Colt Road, Pittsfield). Programs are followed national director of the in Berkshire County.” by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $2 suggested donation for adults over 60 LIFE & LEGACY program Also participating in years of age or $7 for all others. Advance reservations are required for lunch of the Harold Grinspoon the conference was Carrie Foundation. Reports Arlene: Schulman, an LOJ at both and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the “It was an honor to attend the the Berkshire and Broward program. Lunch alone is also served Tuesday. ILOJC as an endowed Lion County Federations and a Knosh & Knowledge events take place each month on a Friday at Hevreh from Berkshire County. I had previous KWF Award honoree. of Southern Berkshire (270 State Road, Great Barrington). Programs start at an opportunity to meet other Attending the conference with 10:45 a.m. and are now free – the buffet lunch that follows the presentation women from across North her mother Harriette Berger America, as well as Lions from and appearing at the January is $11 and must be reserved in advance by calling (413) 442-4360, ext. 10. Israel, Guatemala, and Mexico 15 plenary session “Women For further information on all programs, please call Nancy Maurice who share my passion for Who Rise Up” with her daugh- Rogers, program director, at (413) 442-4360, ext. 15. For lunch menus and Federation’s role in caring for ter, Stacey Schulman, Carrie a chronological list of all scheduled programs, please see page 24. Note those in need and nurturing spoke about how the three and sustaining Jewish life. generations of Lion of Judah that lunch menus are subject to change. “The plenaries included represented in her family inspiring Jewish women from have endowed their annual all walks of life who are mak- gifts in order to continue to ing a difference in a wide vari- build Jewish community and The Process of Aging, with Maggie Bittman ety of ways, from Aly Raisman help those in need well into On Monday, March 11 aloneness; and engaging free who is working to address the future. “Federation is my at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish will. sexual and child abuse, to safe space,” said Carrie. “This Federation of the Berkshires Bittman will highlight how Sivan Ya’ari, the founder community allows me to expe- presents “The Process of this is a lifelong process, and of Innovation Africa, a New rience things that otherwise Aging” with therapist Maggie the ways people return to York based non-profit who is might seem impossible.” Bittman. This free program at these existential truths at each bringing Israeli solar, agricul- She added: “I know not Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, stage of life with the added tural, and water technologies everyone is as lucky as I am, in Pittsfield, is part of the wisdom that comes with aging. to rural African villages. It and that’s why I give – to Federation’s Connecting With Within this context, partici- was particularly touching to help support others in need, Community series. pants will discuss, share and hear from multi-generational to lift them up the way that This program will provide offer support, as they explore Lion families, like Carrie Federation has lifted me up. I an opportunity to be part of a these existential truths. Schulman and the Zach fam- want to leave my Jewish com- group dialogue, created and ily from nearby Hartford, CT, munity – our Jewish commu- facilitated by Bittman, who who have passed down their nity – bigger and better than IF YOU GO will explain her outlook and commitment to the work of it was before. The work is approach, emphasizing that Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Federation system from never done, and that’s why I aging begins at birth. She will the Berkshires / Connecting With grandmother to mother, to endowed my gift.” discuss how all of us are con- Community daughter to daughters-in- fronted with four existential Venue: Knesset Israel law. It was a privilege to truths as we age – the search Date & Time: Monday, March 11 to find meaning and purpose; at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch facing mortality; experiencing (see page 24). Therapist Maggie Bittman Donate • Volunteer Final Storytelling Workshop: • Make a Difference “A Day in the Life…” On Monday, February 25, at 10:45 a.m., Program Director Nancy Maurice Rogers of the Federation will curate the last installment of a three-part personal storytelling series titled “A Day in the Life…” This free program at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield, is part of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ Connecting With Community series. Says Nancy: “The third and last session will be an opportunity for people who have participated in the workshop to share their ‘Day in the Life…’ short story. People may listen to the stories of others and/or share their own – no pressure. These sessions were intended as a way to access our own lives as well as hear from others. This is a one story, one entry approach and is accessible for anyone.”

IF YOU GO Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting With Community Venue: Knesset Israel Date & Time: Monday, February 25 at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (see page 24). Adar I / Adar II / Nisan 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 7 Your Federation Presents Meet Berkshire County’s New District Berkshire Attorney, Andrea Harrington

On Thursday, March 28 at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires welcomes Berkshire County District Attorney JewishA publication of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, serving V the Berkshires and surrounding ice NY, CT and VT Andrea Harrington, whose topic will be “Prosecution in the 21st Century.” This free program at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, in Pittsfield, is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Thank you to our supporters! Community series. The Berkshire Jewish Voice extends a very special “thank Andrea Harrington is the sixth district attorney of Berkshire you” for the generosity extended thus far by 5 households County, and the first woman to hold the office. She was elected to the office last November after campaigning on “a progres- as of today who have sent in their contributions for sive and reform-minded platform that called for vigorously voluntary subscriptions to the paper in 2019. prosecuting dangerous offenders, while also enhancing public safety through community involvement and prevention.” She’ll Anonymous (1) Joel Margolis talk and answer questions about the “smart, evidence-based Diana and Andy Geller Ed and Lisa Udel approach to justice and public safety in Berkshire County” she Regina Karas has worked to implement since taking office on January 2. Harrington was born in Berkshire County to young working-class parents, and was among the first in her Andrea Harrington SEED WHAT YOU READ! BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY! family to attend college. Andrea graduated from the University of Washington and earned a Juris Doctor from American University Yes, I support the Berkshire Jewish Voice! Please accept my vol- Washington College of Law in 2003. As a first-year law student, Harrington studied under untary tax-deductible subscription contribution. Professor Angela Davis, whose criminal law scholarship critiqued the use of prosecutorial discre- tion, mass incarceration, and the devastating effect of bias on communities of color in the crim- _____ $360 Mensch & Honorary Publisher inal justice system. The studies inspired her work representing convicted death row inmates in (Supports color printing in one edition of the Voice) their post-conviction appeals at the Capital Collateral Regional Counsel in South Florida. Andrea _____ $180 Sponsor returned home to Massachusetts to raise her family and build a private law practice representing Mail check payable to: indigent criminal defendants in appellate and trial matters, family law and plaintiff-side employ- _____ $72 Patron Jewish Federation of the Berkshires ment litigation. _____ $36 Friend 196 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 Harrington is a graduate of Emerge Massachusetts, and is a co-founder of the Massachusetts _____ $18 Supporter (Please add Berkshire Jewish Voice in the memo) Women’s Political Caucus – Berkshire Committee. She and her family reside in Richmond.

Name to be listed: ______IF YOU GO p I wish to remain anonymous Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting With Community Venue: Knesset Israel Date & Time: Thursday, March 28 at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (see page 24). Current Affairs: Contemporary American Volunteer for Humanitarian Aid and and International Politics the Refugee Crisis On Thursday, February 21 On Monday, March 18 at 10:45 a.m., join Professor at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Steven J. Rubin for “Current Federation of the Berkshires Affairs: Contemporary welcomes Cari Naftali, a cra- American and International niosacral therapist and lacta- Politics.” This course meets to tion counselor who has worked discuss and explore current in Greece with refugees fleeing issues that influence our lives conflict in the Middle East. and society at large. This free She will share her experiences program at Knesset Israel, 16 in a talk titled “Volunteer for Colt Road in Pittsfield is part Humanitarian Aid and the Graphic Design of the Jewish Federation of the Refugee Crisis.” This free pro- www.tgo.com Berkshires’ Connecting With gram at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Community series. Road, in Pittsfield, is part of Topics will be chosen by the Federation’sProof of ad Connecting for: ______Barbara Greenfeld Please respond by ______Professor Rubin in consul- With Community series. tation with the class and in Cari NaftaliPublication: traveled ______toBJV May 2016 to: (Tel) 413/ 528-0328 (Fax) 413/ 528-0328 [email protected] view of the issue’s relevance. Greece three times since 2015 Members will be encouraged Professor Steven J. Rubin to work firsthand with refu- says. “Although we were Berkshires for many years. Send to: [email protected] ❏ Changes req’d. & new proof to participate in discussions gees. According to sources volunteers from all over the The combination of lactation world with different religions, counseling and craniosacral to express views and opinions she cites, there are presently 1 in a supportive and informal the Brooklyn Dodgers” was 68.5 millionNo. ofpeople pages forcibly (inc. cover): ______languages, and cultures, we therapy,❏ Approved she explains as is. offers ❏ Approved with corrections as noted. atmosphere. broadcast live on National displaced worldwide, with were all volunteers, we came unique avenues for healing. Steven J. Rubin is profes- Public Radio in December one personProof forced sent: to______flee4/25/16 his there for the common Proof # ______purpose1 Approved by: ______sor emeritus of international 2017 and can be currently or her home every two sec- of wanting to help people.” IF YOU GO studies and former dean of the heard online. onds (approximately 44,400 In Greece, she worked College of Arts and Sciences people per day). “It was my specifically with breastfeed- Sponsor: Jewish Federation at Adelphi University, Garden first direct exposure with this ing mothers and babies who of the Berkshires / Connecting IF YOU GO With Community City, NY. He is the author of level of suffering in the world,” escaped from war in the numerous books and arti- Sponsor: Jewish Federation Naftali says. Each day she saw Middle East. She says this Venue: Knesset Israel cles and frequently lectures of the Berkshires / Connecting the arrival of thousands of work has affected her deeply, Date & Time: Monday, March 18 both here and abroad on With Community refugees – Syrians as well as in part inspiring her to com- at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch such topics as international Venue: Knesset Israel Afghanis, Iraqis, and Iranians plete her training and receive (see page 24). anti-Semitism, Jewish history, Date & Time: Thursday, Febru- – soaking wet, suffering from certification as a lactation popular culture, and literary 21 at 10:45 a.m., followed hypothermia and other sig- counselor. Cari specializes ature. His radio play “Dem by lunch (see page 24). nificant wounds. “Rarely did in craniosacral therapy, and Bums: The Rise and Demise of anyone speak English,” Naftali has had a practice in the

New Home? Second Home? Israeli Retirement Home? Let me show you… Jewelry The Berkshires Barbara K. Greenfeld ABR, C-CREC, CRS, GREEN, RSPS, SRES Broker Associate • Lic. in MA & NY The Mews, by the Red Lion Inn Courtyard 413-441-5986 Stockbridge, MA [email protected] Roberts & Associates 413-298-4436 Realty, inc. Page 8 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org February 18 to April 7, 2019 Your Federation Presents

LGBTQIA+ Issues, with Moving Towards Health, with Thea Basis On Monday, March 4 challenging, including arthri- Drew Herzig at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish tis, fragility, balance and gait On Thursday, February 28 at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires issues, respiratory disease, Federation of the Berkshires welcomes the chair of the City of welcomes back Thea Basis, diabetes, and lack of motiva- Pittsfield’s Human Rights Commission, Drew Herzig, who will a certified senior fitness spe- tion. She is also an orthope- speak about LGBTQIA+ issues. This free program at Knesset cialist who will present the dic exercise specialist serving Israel, 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield is part of the Federation’s next installment of “Moving groups and individuals in pro- Connecting With Community series. Towards Health,” this time moting healthy, independent LGBTQIA+ issues have very much been in the news of focusing on flexibility. This is lifestyles, while addressing the late. The civil rights of the transgender community have been a drop-in series, with no prior unique challenges of aging. affirmed, including here in Massachusetts, but the backlash registration necessary. This continues. What’s going on? What does the LGBTQIA+ acronym free program at Knesset Israel, IF YOU GO stand for? All those letters! What do terms such as gender iden- 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield Thea Basis tity and gender expression mean? And what’s the big deal about is part of the Federation’s Sponsor: Jewish Federation of bathrooms? This conversation will be facilitated by Drew Herzig. Connecting With Community will guide the group through the Berkshires / Connecting With Over the past two years, Drew Herzig has served as the chair series. this process.” The class Community of the City of Pittsfield’s Human Rights Commission. During that “Tight, shortened muscles includes a warm-up, light Venue: Knesset Israel time, the Human Rights Commission has presented commu- can affect our joints,” says cardio, strength training, and Date & Time: Monday, March 4 nity forums on anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, LGBTQ issues, Thea Basis, a certified senior stretching. at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch Asian-Americans in the Berkshires, the stigma associated with fitness specialist and orthope- Thea Basis earned an (see page 24). mental illnesses, and ‘Being Black In The Berkshires.’ dic exercise specialist. “In this ACE Group Fitness Instructor class we will learn routines Certification in 1988. She IF YOU GO that we can safely practice at specializes in the conditions home to keep ourselves more that make exercising more Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting With limber, and reduce stiffness. I Community Venue: Knesset Israel Date & Time: Thursday, February 28 at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (see page 24). Construct Inc.: Celebrating 50 Years of Hope in the Berkshires On Thursday, March 14 at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires welcomes Jane Ralph, executive director of Construct Inc., a Great Barrington non-profit that “provides support services through the Cara Davis Project Home – everything from emergency assistance, transitional housing, workforce development, housing and financial counseling, and adult education,” per its website. This free program at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community series. Through stories and scientific evidence, this program will show how Construct has harnessed community goodwill to provide homes and support to working and vulnerable neighbors. By sharing lessons

learned, as well as the needs that still exist, this interactive session will explore Jewish Federation of the Berkshires ways to build community where all can invites you to a work and live. Central to Construct’s 50 Years of Hope is its strong connection to faith communities, in particular Jewish communities. Jane Ralph will also explore ways this has occurred and perhaps how it could con- Community tinue to be strengthened in light of ongoing needs for homes Berkshire neighbors can afford. Jane Ralph serves as executive director of Construct Inc. Jane has over 25 years of experience in non-profit organizations, most with a connection to hous- Seder ing, homelessness, and community building in rural and urban areas from N

Street Village in Washington, DC to rural Vermont. As a former Lutheran minister and active meditation practitioner, Jane strives to be conscious of ways spiritual Friday, April 19 practices aid, as well as hinder, support for neighbors, especially across lines of 6:30 pm economic and cultural difference.

IF YOU GO congregation knesset israel Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting With Community 16 colt road, pittsfield, ma Venue: Knesset Israel

Date & Time: Thursday, March 14 at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (see page 24). Enjoy a joyous Passover experience with plenty of explanation, insight and song.

Includes all traditional foods, ritual wine and a delicious four course kosher brisket meal catered by Crown Market of West Hartford. CT. Vegetarian option available upon request. Bring your own kosher for Passover table wine.

$40/adult, $20/child (5-13) Children 4 yrs and under are free

Registration & Payment Required by April 11

Financial assistance is available.

or call the Federation at (413) 442-4360, ext. 10

For further information on all Jewish Federation of the Berkshires programs, please call Nancy Maurice Rogers, Program Director, at (413) 442-4360, ext.15. Adar I / Adar II / Nisan 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 9 Your Federation Presents

Author Jean P. Moore on Tilda’s Promise, a Purim Shpiel: The Whole Novel of Love, Loss, and New Beginnings Megillah!

On Thursday, March 7 PhD in English and began her at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish professional career teach- Federation of the Berkshires ing American literature and welcomes novelist and poet writing. She later worked in Jean P. Moore, who will read telecommunications as an from her latest work, Tilda’s executive director of workforce Promise. This free program at development, a position she Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, held for a number of years. in Pittsfield, is part of the Jean has since returned to Federation’s Connecting With her first loves: the study of Community series. literature and writing. Her Through the prism of her work has appeared in newspa- new novel, Tilda’s Promise, pers, magazines, and literary Jean P. Moore will explore the journals such as upstreet, subjects of love, loss, and new SN Review, The Timberline beginnings. After the unex- Review, Angels Flight Literary pected death of her husband, West, Fiction Southeast, the Harold, after 40 years, Tilda Hartford Courant, and the must find her way back to a Philadelphia Inquirer. Her meaningful life, a task that novel Water on the Moon, pub- will involve friends and family, lished in June 2014, won the particularly her granddaughter 2015 Independent Publisher On Thursday, March 21 Gryphons Traveling Children’s and namesake, Tilly. Kirkus Book Award for contemporary at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Theater returns with her orig- Reviews says Tilda’s Promise fiction. Her poetry chapbook, IF YOU GO Federation of the Berkshires inal play, the re-enactment is: “A heartwarming novel that Time’s Tyranny, was published invites everyone to join our of the powerful story of brave respects grief and honors the in the fall of 2017 by Finishing Sponsor: Jewish Federation celebration based on the story Esther. Through this drama- special bond between a grand- Line Press and was nominated of the Berkshires / Connecting of Purim – “Purim Shpiel: The tization we will welcome in parent and grandchild.” for the Massachusetts Book With Community Whole Megillah!” This free pro- the spirit of Purim and enjoy Moore will read and dis- Award, 2018. Tilda’s Promise, Venue: Knesset Israel gram at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt the art of improvisation and cuss excerpts from her novel a novel, was published in Date & Time: Thursday, March 7 Road in Pittsfield is part of the festivity! and engage her audience in September 2018. Jean and at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch Federation’s Connecting With discussion. her husband divide their time (see page 24). Community series. IF YOU GO Jean P. Moore was born in between Greenwich, CT and Through song, drama, Brooklyn, NY, and grew up in the Berkshires. masks, storytelling, and Sponsor: Jewish Federation Miami, FL. She received her merriment the story of Esther, of the Berkshires / Connecting Mordecai, Haman, King With Community Ahasuerus comes alive as you, Venue: Knesset Israel Together We Create Beauty, with the audience, joins in. Date & Time: Thursday, March Leslie Elias, 2018 21 at 10:45 a.m., followed by Connecticut Arts Hero and lunch (see page 24). Nancy Katz and Mark Liebowitz Artistic Director of Grumbling On Monday, April 1 at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires hosts Judaic artist Nancy Katz and master craftsman Mark Liebowitz who, through a combination of stories and visual images, will share a glimpse into their life as an art-making duo. This free program at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community series. After successful independent careers, just over a decade ago the two joined forces to create contemporary stained glass installations. Nancy Katz has been playing with color and form since she was a young child growing up in Worcester, MA. Today she is a nationally-recognized Judaic artist and arts educator who has traveled throughout the US and Israel sharing her love of Judaism and art making with others. Mark Liebowitz was introduced to great cathedral stained glass windows while studying art history in college. He marveled at the way glass transformed light. Mark is a master craftsman who has been making stained glass windows professionally for over 40 years. The two began working together shortly after they met in Texas in 2005. They were married in 2009 and currently live and work in Shelburne Falls. Come learn about their journey.

IF YOU GO Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting With Community Venue: Knesset Israel Date & Time: Monday, April 1 at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (see page 24).

Nancy Katz and Mark Liebowitz Page 10 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org February 18 to April 7, 2019 Your Federation Presents

The Passover Exodus: The Ten Plagues Berkshire County House of and the Parting of the Red Sea – Correction – An Inside Look, A Contemporary Reconsideration with Al Bianchi On Thursday, April 4 at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires welcomes historian David Rutstein, his topic: “The Passover Exodus: The Ten Plagues and the Parting of the Red Sea – A Contemporary Reconsideration.” This free program at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community series. Says David Rutstein: “This April 19 is the evening of the Passover Seder. At this time, Jewish people and friends everywhere will once again recount the story of the Exodus as a reminder that we were once slaves in Egypt. With biblical and modern discoveries enhanced by the technology of today’s digital age, we will be able to discuss and question the full signifi- cance of this special holiday week. And just maybe to confirm that there was divine guidance to this most remarkable of tales.” Adds Rutstein: “This Pesach eve of 2019 also marks the 76th anniversary of the 1943 Warsaw Uprising. On this date, the last of these incarcerated On Monday, March 25 Correction,” he adds. Join us Jews rebelled being transported to their final desti- at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish for this insider’s look. nation: the death camp at Treblinka. Along with the Federation of the Berkshires Al Bianchi is the Exodus, this too must be remembered.” welcomes Al Bianchi, an Berkshire County Sheriff’s David Rutstein is a graduate of the University of Vermont and holds a master’s degree in 18-year veteran of the Office Assistant Deputy American history from the State University of New York at Albany. He was a history teacher in New Berkshire County Sheriff’s Superintendent of York and the Berkshires and also taught a course on Berkshire County history through Berkshire Office, who will walk us Classification/Programs/ Community College’s extension program. He is a past president of the Great Barrington Historical through a typical scenario Education/Reentry/Religious Society, a member of the Great Barrington Historical Commission, and is chairperson of the Great from the time when an incar- service/Volunteer services. Barrington Council on Aging. He will be an OLLI instructor this June on Berkshire County history, cerated man walks through He has been with the Sheriff’s to be held in Great Barrington’s Berkshire Community College. the door to be “booked” into Office for 18 years; prior to He also is the author of the recently-published book, A History of Searles High School, 1898- the Berkshire County Jail that, 8 years with Berkshire 1967, Great Barrington, Massachusetts. and House of Correction in Farm Center and Services Pittsfield. This free program for Youth for 9 years, and IF YOU GO at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt with the Massachusetts State Road in Pittsfield is part of the Parole Board for 8 years. He Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting With Community Federation’s Connecting With has worked with troubled Venue: Knesset Israel Community series. families and individuals both Date & Time: Thursday, April 4 at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (see page 24). Says Bianchi: “There are as youth and adults since many phases to this process. graduating from college. He The House of Correction is run has been a local football and by local people who are vested baseball coach for many years to work towards the return of at Pittsfield High School and those who are incarcerated Saint Joseph High School. His back into the community.” family has a local foundation Bianchi will share how the named the Bianchi-Barbarotta mechanisms are in place to do Foundation that raises money that with many re-entry pro- for youth sports in the area grams, such as treatment and and for scholarships, and substance abuse programs, helped with the new all- parenting groups, anger man- purpose field at Berkshire agement programs, medi- Community College. tation, and art classes and educational opportunities for a IF YOU GO high school equivalency degree and welding work through Sponsor: Jewish Federation collaboration with Berkshire of the Berkshires / Connecting Community College. “The goal With Community is to reduce recidivism and Venue: Knesset Israel there are many examples that Date & Time: Monday, March 25 work at Pittsfield House of at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (see page 24).

Donate • Volunteer • Make a Difference

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS WWW.WINVIAN.COM Adar I / Adar II / Nisan 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 11 Your Federation Presents

“H.G. Adler: A Life in Many Worlds,” at the March 29 Knosh & Knowledge Biographer Peter Filkins to discuss the life of a preeminent 20th century Jewish man of letters

GREAT BARRINGTON – just-published biography, H.G. and The Wall, as well as the On Friday, March 29 Adler: A Life in Many Worlds. collected poems of Ingeborg at 10:45 a.m., Knosh & This free Jewish Federation Bachmann, Darkness Spoken. Knowledge hosts poet and of the Berkshires program The recipient of fellowships translator Peter Filkins, who will take place at Hevreh from the National Endowment will talk about the life and of Southern Berkshire at for the Humanities, the Leon career of H.G. Adler, who 10:45 a.m., and will be fol- Levy Center for Biography, was born in Prague, survived lowed by lunch, available for the DAAD, and the American the Holocaust, fled post-war $11 (RSVP required). Academy in Berlin, he is the Peter Filkins communist Czechoslovakia, Poet, novelist, author of two Richard B. Fisher Professor became a freelance writer and seminal Holocaust studies, of Literature at Bard College scholar in the United States, one of the earliest historians at Simon’s Rock, and also and went on to author 26 of Auschwitz, a last repre- teaches translation at Bard books on history, sociology, sentative of Kafka’s Prague, College. and philosophy, as well as and expert for the Eichmann Besides the biography H.G. recipient of a Fulbright grant poetry, fiction, and autobi- trial, H.G. Adler (1910-1988) Adler: A Life in Many Worlds, to Austria, an Outstanding ographical works. The author survived Theresienstadt, Filkins is the author of four Translation Award from the is the subject of Filkins’s Auschwitz, and two other books of poems, What She American Literary Translators camps. With friends Elias Knew (1998), After Homer Association, a Distinguished Canetti and Heinrich Böll, he (2002), Augustine’s Vision Translation Award from the forged a deeper understand- (2010), and The View We’re Austrian government, a DAAD IF YOU GO ing of the Shoah, engaging Granted (2012), co-winner of Faculty Research Fellowship, Leo Baeck, Hannah Arendt, the Sheila Motton Best Book a fellowship at the Leon Levy Sponsor: Jewish Federation of and Gershom Scholem in Award from the New England Center for Biography at the the Berkshires critical questions facing Poetry Club. CUNY Graduate Center, and Date & Time: Friday, March 29 at modern societies to this day. He has been awarded a National Endowment for 10:45 a.m. Translator Peter Filkins will the Stover Prize in Poetry the Humanities Fellowship. Venue: Hevreh of Southern explore Adler’s life and work from Southwest Review, In spring of 2012, he was Berkshire, 270 State Road, Great on the publication of his the New American Press writer-in-residence at the Barrington authorized biography, H.G. Chapbook Award, as well James Merrill House. His work Cost: Knosh & Knowledge Adler: A Life in Many Worlds, as fellowships from the has appeared in numerous programs are now free. Fresh by Oxford University Press. Massachusetts Cultural publications, including The buffet lunch is $11. Advance Peter Filkins is an Council, Yaddo, MacDowell, New York Times Book Review, lunch reservations required for award-winning poet and the Millay Colony for the Poetry, Partisan Review, The this event. PT 9887, TEREZÍN MEMORIAL Peter Kien: Portrait of Dr. H.G. translator. He has trans- Arts, and the Deutsches New Republic, The American Email federation@jewishberk- Adler, from H.G. Adler: A Life lated three novels by H.G. Literaturarchiv – Marbach. Scholar, and the Los Angeles shires.org, or call (413) 442- in Many Worlds Adler, Panorama, The Journey, Previously he was the Times Book Review. 4360, ext. 10 Page 12 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org February 18 to April 7, 2019 Let the Mountains Together Sing Gladly A community Havdalah and rollicking a cappella concert by Pizmon filled the sanctuary and social hall of Temple Anshe Amunim with spirit and song on February 2. The event capped off a busy mid-winter weekend during which the Pizmon singers visited congregations across the Berkshires (and Williams College, as well), sharing their uplifting arrangements of traditional and modern Jewish melodies during Kabbalat Shabbat and religious school services. Before the Saturday evening concert, Berkshire Jewish teens had the opportunity to mingle and enjoy a Federation-sponsored taco dinner. Thanks to our congregations for their partnership and participation, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation for its support, and all the community members who hosted our new friends from Pizmon.

PJ Library Yoga Havdalah On February 2, 50 people attended our PJ Library Yoga Havdalah and supper at Lifeworks Studio in Great Barrington. The families enjoyed a craft activity making “pretend” Havdalah candles; reading the PJ Library book about Havdalah, Lights Out Shabbat by Sarene Shulimson; participating in Aleph-Bet Yoga; learning about Havdalah with blessings and songs; and enjoying pizza and treats. Todah Rabah to our PJ Library family connector, Sarah Aroeste Blaugrund, and our PJ Library family yoga studio owners, the Siegals, for a fun evening for all. PJ Library is made possible for Berkshire families through a community partnership of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, the Spitz Tuchman Family Fund, the Jewish Women’s Foundation, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Adar I / Adar II / Nisan 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 13 LOCAL NEWS “Sing It!” A Guest Sermon Purim at Hevreh – A Spiel, DOUGHnations, with Reverend Erik Karas and Carnivalopoly GREAT BARRINGTON – On GREAT BARRINGTON – On Friday, April 5 at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, March 20 at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire 6 p.m., Hevreh of Southern hosts Reverend Erik Karas, Berkshire hosts its annual pastor and rector of Christ Purimspiel, which is free and Trinity Church in Sheffield, open to all. Hevreh’s Spiel a combined Episcopal and is conceived, written, and Lutheran congregation, for a performed by Hevreh’s high guest sermon titled “Sing It!”. school students, who promise In his sermon, Reverend that after seeing this musical Karas will use Hannah’s Song play, you will never again look from 1 Samuel 2: 1-10 as his at the Book of Esther in quite source text, exploring the idea the same way. that the world around us has Director Joshua Briggs a “soundtrack” that is all too says, “There is nothing better often a dark, disempower- than letting young people take ing, and disheartening song. charge of a story and make it He says: “That song plays in their own. They offer amazing our heads and hearts almost insight into the original text Serious spieling unconsciously but it affects Reverend Erik Karas, pastor and on how it relates to the how we live in the world. and rector of Christ Trinity world we are living in today. Hamentaschen to be a spectacular event Hannah, coming out of the Church in Sheffield And, of course, it ends up DOUGH-nation collection complete with thimbles, irons, and old shoes…but more Temple, chose to sing a differ- being hilarious.” Hevreh is once again col- known as “Dr. Slurpee” for his importantly, games, prizes, ent song! She sang it right out Briggs is a local theater art- lecting DOUGH-nations for product development work in facepainting, and more! The loud into the face of that dark- ist and arts educator and has hamentaschen baking! frozen beverages. Reverend Religious School’s 7th and ness. And it turns out that her written and produced educa- Each year Hevreh’s Karas lives in Sheffield with 8th grade classes have figured song of life and light is more tional media for Sesame Street Religious School students fold his wife Kelly, who is a JetBlue out if their booths will fit best powerful than the world’s nationally and internationally, and bake hundreds of hamen- flight attendant. Their oldest at Park Place or next to the song of darkness for one key created a video series on sub- taschen to be enjoyed during daughter is currently teach- Reading Railroad, and are reason.” stance use for the Southern our celebration of Purim. We ing English in South Korea excited to pass “GO” to collect Reverend Karas has Berkshire Community Health ask that dough be made and and their younger daughter $200! All proceeds collected spent many of his 20 years Coalition, and works as a brought in advance by com- is a junior at the University will be combined with Hevreh’s in ministry involved in both grant writer for Jacob’s Pillow. munity members. of Maine, majoring in Social 7th grade class’ yearlong tze- ecumenical and interfaith With accompanist Amy Dough can be dropped off Work. dakah collection and donated partnerships. Prior to serv- Renak, this show is sure to any time until March 10 at Reverend Karas will be to an organization designated ing in Sheffield, He served a get you dancing and mov- 10 a.m., when our students speaking at Hevreh’s Friday at the end of the semester. combined church in Augusta, ing on your feet. Last year’s will fill and fold the holi- night Shabbat services, which Families with children ME, where he worked closely 80s themed Purimspiel was day treats. Hamentaschen begin each week at 6:15 p.m. under 5 are invited to join in with the neighboring syna- absolutely thrilling, featuring will be given out at Hevreh Hevreh’s Shabbat services at 11:45 a.m. and the car- gogue particularly in the area Purim themed renditions of on Wednesday, March 20 take place weekly on Friday nival is open to all at noon. of refugee welcoming, care, popular 80s songs. for Purimspiel, Friday and night (an oneg follows) and Admission is free, and food and advocacy as more and The fun will begin with the Saturday March 22 and 23 Saturday morning and are and tickets will be available more Iraqi and Syrian refugees Megillah reading and there will during Shabbat, and sold as open to the public. for cash purchase. Prizes will moved to Augusta. be graggers and noisemakers part of the 7th grade class Hevreh of Southern be awarded to raffle winners, Prior to the ministry, he for all – but bringing your own charity fundraiser during Berkshire is at 270 State costume wearers, and those was a food scientist and is encouraged! Purim Carnival on Sunday, Road, Great Barrington. who put hotels on high value worked for The Coca-Cola March 24. Company; there, he was streets. Purim Carnival: Hevreh of Southern Berkshire is at 270 State “Carnivalopoly” Road, Great Barrington. You may request that the Berkshire Jewish Voice be mailed to your home. On Sunday, March 24 Just email us at [email protected] for information. from noon to 1 p.m., Hevreh’s annual Purim carnival is sure

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Full Rental Depts. at Pittsfield, N. Adams & Lee Page 14 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org February 18 to April 7, 2019

Jewish Federation of the Berkshires – Distribution of Resources in 2018 $996,507 Includes distribution of Annual Campaign funds, earned income and endowments as of December 31, 2018.

Sustaining Jewish Community y Caring for nit Car Berkshire Jewish Summer Guide mu ing Those in Need om fo Berkshire Jewish Voice C r T h h Emergency Assistance is o Community Calendar w se e i Friendly Visitors Program J n Community Havdalah g N in e Food Security n e Community Relations & Advocacy i d a Good Deeds Day t s Community Seder u Hebrew Free Loans S 14%

Connecting with Community Series Jewish Family Service Social Worker 28%

Holocaust Remembrance

Meals on Wheels

Jewishberkshires.org and e-news E Homebound Delivery

Knosh & Knowledge Series Older Adult Kosher Meals

Program Grants for n Senior Care Visits & Holiday Packages

local congregations g

20% a Tikkun Olam Volunteer Network

n Senior Programming e

i 7%

Shabbat Across the Berkshires i d s

Middle East Update

Ensuring

92nd Street Y series

a Jewish Future

14%

17%

ADL World of Difference Program

Family Programming

s I

a r

a Israel Travel/Study Scholarships

d e

Fundraising u

Jewish Camp Scholarships

Campaign Development Jewish Education Grants to Communications & Marketing Religious Schools Legacy Circle Program Israel & Overseas PJ Library Books and Programming Major Donors Program Public School Advocacy Super Sunday Jewish Agency for Israel Haifa Women’s Crisis Shelter Taglit Birthright Volunteer Coordination Jewish Federations of North America Israel Association for UMASS Hillel Joint Distribution Committee Child Protection (ELI) World ORT Meir Panim Partnership2Gether-Afula-Gilboa Neve Michael Children’s Village Ethiopian National Project Yad L’Kashish

Building Community | Strengthening Identity | Caring for those in Need

Camp, Israel and Campus Life Across the Berkshires Funded transformative Jewish camp and Israel In Times of Crisis Kosher Hot Meals & Care Visits experiences for 60 local youth and enhanced In partnership with Jewish Federations across Provided nearly 4,000 nutritious meals, Jewish life for over 2,500 college students at North America: the Berkshires provided over companionship, and care visits for over 350 UMASS Amherst. $21,000 to support recovery efforts for the seniors and homebound. communities of Houston and Puerto Rico, Community Programming devastated by last year’s hurricanes. Social Services Engaged more than 6,000 participants in Provided case management and counseling, through celebrating Jewish life and connecting as a In Israel & Overseas a Jewish lens, by a licensed social worker to more community through more than 125 cultural, than 35 members of our community. educational, and holiday programs. Through our partner, The American Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), our Federation Emergency & Specific Assistance Berkshire Jewish Voice helped support: Provided small grants and interest-free loans to Primary resource for over 5,000 readers, Food card, meals-on-wheels, homecare, winter relief provide a safety net for community members. engaging our community in Jewish life and 120,000 of the worlds broadening our spiritual, political, and cultural and medicine to more than neediest Jews Jewish Education understanding. in the former Soviet Union, many of Provided a high-quality Jewish education for them Holocaust survivors. 145 children and young adults through Jewish Community Relations & Advocacy Food cards, medical treatment and activities for education grants to five area religious schools. Provided a proactive voice against anti- more than 21,000 at risk children in desperate Semitism and other biases in local schools, as well poverty, living with severe physical and intellectual Family Programming as addressing Israel and the Middle East, justice leg- disabilities. Engaged over 200 parents, grandparents, and islation, and media relations. children in Jewish programming and tikkun olam, Through our partner, the Jewish Agency for strengthening their connections to the Jewish Tikkun Olam Volunteer (TOV) Network Israel (JAFI), our Federation helped support: community and helping them build supportive Engaged over 300 volunteers in more than relationships with Jewish peers. 3,500 hours of service to the Berkshire Jewish Job training and resettlement services for more than Community. 25,000 Jews fleeing anti-Semitism in Europe, The PJ Library helping them create new lives in Israel. Distributed more than 1,575 books and CDs to Jewish Women’s Foundation 131 children, nurturing their Jewish identity and Contributed $59,000 to tikkun olam through Jewish education, camp experiences, and Israel helping their families embrace Jewish values and programs such as subsidized taxi vouchers, camp experiences for more than 7,500 youths and young traditions. scholarships, food security initiatives and medical adults from the former Soviet Union. transportation. In addition, we provided direct support in Israel to after school programs for at risk students, This is just a sampling of how, together, we are shelter for battered women, a supportive home for disabled youth, counseling for sexually abused making a difference in the lives of others. women, and assistance for the frail and elderly. Adar I / Adar II / Nisan 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 15

The 2018 Community Campaign Raised $854,000

Thank You for Making a Difference! “It is not what one says, but rather what one does that makes all the difference in the world” – Pirkei Avot 1:17 The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires acknowledges the tremendous effort of over 1,230 donors and more than 100 community volunteers who helped make the 2018 campaign a resounding success. On behalf of those whose lives will be saved, touched and changed, we thank you for your generosity and caring.

Jim & Patty Fingeroth Alan & Nancy Milbauer General Contributors Martin & Susan Fischer Nathan & Rebecca Milikowsky Anonymous Donors (51) Marilyn Fisher Dr. & Mrs. Robert J. Miller Ed Abrahams Zachary & Laura Fluhr Lesley Oransky Elise Abrams Stephen & Madalyn Friedberg David & Susan Orenstein Bernard Abramson Ralph & Audrey Friedner Lawrence & Marsha Pacernick Beth Abramson Eiran & Michele Gazit Elaine Padilla, PhD Stephen & Phyllis Abramson Jane Glaser Joseph H. & Carol F.^ Reich James & Rosalie Adamson Leon & Ruth Glazerman Philanthropic Fund of New York Andrew & Judith Adler of the Jewish Communal Fund Marc & Susan Goldman Arlene Adler Ronald & Karen Rettner Albert Gordon Susan Adler Lewis & Marcia Ripps Annette Gordon Roy Aibel Wendy H. Robbins Richard Greene & Lindsay Douglas Aiken Rabbi Yaakov & Nina Rone Crampton Barbara Akresh Jeffrey & Karen Ross Elliot & Barbara Greenfeld # Murray Akresh Milton Rubin Renee Gross Jason & Rachel Alemany Steve Rubin & Jean Moore Ed Grossman Lesley Alexaner Robert & Joan Rubinstein Jerry & Joelle Hamovit Sylvia Allan Sue Z. Rudd Harold & Gretchen Hastings Marsha Altschuler Alan & Sandy Samdperil Ronald & Miriam Hinds Kenneth Amron & Ruth Frommer James Satovsky & Gail Asarch Fred & Marcia Hochberg Chris Andersen Satovsky Richard Holland David & Ann Ansel Michael & Raquel Scheck Leonard & Harriet Holtz William & Ellen Apfel * denotes Lion of Judah ~ Leonard & Elaine Lipton Leonard & Alice Schiller Investors Barry & Marjorie Jaffe Joseph & Anne Apkin woman’s individual gift of ($1,800 - $4,999) Sanford Lipton Mike & Kay Jaffe Mitchell Schlansky & Laura Blank $5,000 or more Arthur Appelstein & Lorraine Harold & Denyse Adler Ben & Sharon Liptzin Richard & Marianne Jaffe Albert & Marcia Schmier # denotes individual Becker Marion Adler Jeffrey May & Kara Thornton Gene & Miriam Josephs David & Rosalie Schottenfeld donations Howard & Sue Arkans Michael P. & Susan Albert Edward & Carol Oshinsky Annbeth Katz Bruce Schreiber & Ronney ^ denotes of blessed memory Helene Armet Steven & Helice Picheny Rosenberg Stephen & Shari Ashman Danny & Elaine Katz Nancy Ashen Laura Rosenthal Martin & Laurie Schwartz Norman Atkin Ezra & Tati Katz David & Susie Auerbach Paul Rosenthal & Elaine Donald & Arlene Shapiro Stephen & Teresa Bannon Judy Katz Mark & Lisa Avnet Sustainers Hantman # Carole Siegel Barry & Marjorie Berg Alan Kaufman & Deborah Roth Ellen Axelrod ($18,000 and up) Leonard Saxe & Marion Gardner Bob^ & Roberta Silman Helene Berger Ofer & Dara Kaufman Margaret Axelrod The Feigenbaum Foundation, Inc. Saxe Gene & Hope Silverman Steve & Nancy Bernstein Alan Kluger & Amy Dean Suzanne Bach Stuart & Ellen Masters * # Jack & Margo Schwartz Drs. Leonard & Gail Silverman Rabbi Neal Borovitz Ed & Roz Kolodny Marc & Carrie Bachman Schnesel Family Fund Sharon Siegel Arthur & Mary Ann Siskind Roger & Lara Brown Alan & Susan Lafer Hillel & Liliana Bachrach Weston Associates Ben & Elaine Silberstein Robert & Jacqueline Spielman Carr Hardware Co. Mordi & Monica Lapin Seymour Baer^ & Regina Karas Richard Simons & Marcie Lauren Spitz Leonard & Ileen Cohen Jeff Lazarus & Phyllis Cohen Anita Bakst Pacesetters Greenfield Simons # Ken Stark Elias A. Cohen Foundation, Inc. Midge Lefkowitz Michael Ballon ($10,000 - $17,999) Marvin Smith Charles & Rosalyn Stuzin Michael & Roberta Cohn Susan Frisch Lehrer Rosalyn Baron Robert & Elaine Baum Mark & Elisa Snowise # Alex & Sue Sussman Oliver & Cynthia Curme Eugene & Augusta Leibowitz Donald & Barbara Barron Lee & Sydelle Blatt Robert & Alba Tutnauer Leonard & Ellen Tabs Brenda Curtis Jay Leipzig & Cindy Chazan Allen & Alice Bassen George & Lizbeth Krupp Mark & Judy Usow # Steven & Carol Targum Hezzy Dattner & Lynne Galler Howard & Judith Levin Ev Bastow Jeffrey Leppo & Marjorie Arthur & Terry Wasser # Paul & Jodi Tartell Justin Davies & Mara Gerry & Pommy Levy Safran * # Ronald & Vicki Weiner Samuel Bates & Sharon Wiles Goodman-Davies & Henry Tulgan Messinger Family Amy Lindner-Lesser Steven & Susan Baum GE matching grant Jerry & Donna Weiss Howard Unker Claudio & Penny Pincus Norman & Nancy Lipoff Ira & Nancy Baumel Ann Dorfman Sergey & Natalya Yantovsky # Alexandra Warshaw Bernard & Elaine Roberts * # Mark Lipton, PhD David & Nancy Bayer Burton & Linda Edelstein Steven & Mary Yarmosky # Harry & Eileen Weinstein David & Carrie Schulman * # Barry Lobovits Stephen Bazil Eitan & Malka Evan Joshua Yurfest & Kathleen Fraker # Ken & Rhea Werner Irv & Carol Smokler Donald Lombardi & Helene Fuchs Steven Bedford & Laura Silverstein William & Sandra Flannery Harvey & Janis Zimbler # Steven & Florence Winter # Michael & Joan Ury Paula Lustbader Allen & Doris Belenson William & Lynn Foggle Jessie Wolfson Kenneth & Barbara Mahler David & Cindy Bell-Deane Larry Frankel & Lisa Major Donors Jill Wollins Peter & Judy Menikoff Ruth Bemak Builders Schindler-Frankel ($1,000 - $1,799) Louis & Mary Ann Yarmosky Fred Mensch & Andrea Bodine Lillian Bender ($5,000 - $9,999) Ellis & Joanna Fribush # Anonymous Donors (2) Robert & Phyllis Yawitt Norman & Wilma Michaels Carol Bennett Anonymous Donors (1) Paul & Joan Gluck Irwin & Mary Ackerman Richard & Karen Zink # Robert & Barbara Bashevkin # Susan Gold Gordon V. Adelson^ Linda J.L. Becker Stan Greenfield & Gaye Moelis David & Kyneret Albert # Robert Bildner & Elisa Louis & Patti Grossman Michel & Abby Araten Spungen-Bildner Werner & Karen Gundersheimer Bob & Gerry Becker Saul & Mimi Cohen * # Aaron Gurwitz & Susan Alan & Judith Benjamin C. Jeffrey & Judith Cook # Abramowitz Robert & Shelley Berend Peter & Julie Gale Ken & Mimi Heyman David & Deborah Bergeron Harold Grinspoon & Diane Larry & Jackie Horn Ellen Bernstein Troderman Martin & Joan Horowitz Barry & Carol Beyer Alan & Liz Jaffe Rita J. & Stanley H. Kaplan Family Lawrence & Joan Brotman Julia Kaplan* Foundation, Inc. Harry & Stephanie Bruder John & Nina Lipkowitz Elihu & Marilyn Katzman Terry & Bonnie Burman Estelle Miller Sam Kopel & Sari Scheer Eric & Lisa Chamberlain Michael & Barbara Rosenbaum Edward & Susan Kopelowitz Rabbi Barbara Cohen Al & Frani Rothman Livingston & Saranne Kosberg Laurence Cohen Gary & Arlene D. Schiff * # Roy & Leslie Kozupsky Joel & Sue Colker # Zelda & John Schwebel Barbara Lafer Howard Cooper Foundation at The Miami Fred & Brenda Landes # Foundation Joel & Phyllis Curran # Aaron & Lynne Leavitt Judd & Susan Shoval David Davis & Sheila Drill William & Shirley Lehman Spitz/Tuchman Family Fund Gerald & Lynn Denmark # Marvin & Helaine Lender Rita & Sol Toscher Memorial Fund Mel & Terry Drucker Milton Lestz & Adam Irick Howard & Deborah Wineberg # Chip & Cindy Elitzer Julian Lichtman Jacob & Dora Wineberg Fund George & Ginger Elvin Ira & Phyllis Lieberman Monroe England Allan & Nan Lipton David & Lea Finck Continued on next page Page 16 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org February 18 to April 7, 2019 Thank You!

Melva Eidelberg Margery Golin Rabbis Neil & Liz Hirsch Emily Kirshen Sandy Einhorn Ira & Susan Golub Stuart & Susie Hirshfield Boris Kirshteyn Michael & Barbara Ende Lynne Goodman-Leary Andrew & Barbara Hochberg Mila Kirshteyn David Epstein & Geraldine Alan & Marilyn Gordon Allen & Stephanie Hochfelder Yakov & Rushaniya Kirshteyn Feldman Garet Gordon Scott Hochfelder Oliver & Susan Klapper Elaine Epstein Rabbi Jodie Gordon Alan Hochman & Terry Rosen Richard & Cynthia Kleiman Frances Epstein Marc Gordon & Cheryl Zellman Wade & Amie Hoffman Bob & Jane Klein Phyllis Epstein Susan Gordon John & Susan Hogan Larry & Sondra Klein Chris Fader & Michele Krieg Bauer Jerry & Kinnie Gorelick Joshua & Nehoma Horwitt Lawrence & Sarah Klein Fred & Nancy Fagelman Albert Gorman & Betty Goldrich Edward & Sharyn Hotchkiss Steven Klein & Nancy Barbe Myron & Ann Falchuk Albert & Phyllis Gormezano Sharon Hotchkiss Laurence & Joan Kleinman Jerry & Ellen Falk Marc & Lauren Gotlieb Orion & Lisa Howard Lisa & Ralph Kleinman Paula Farbman Julian & Beth Gott Nick Hubacker & Maxine Wisbaum Tatyana Knaster Corrado Fasciano & Jeannie Jon Gotterer John Huffaker & Pattie Lipman Rhoda Koenigsberg Altshuler Bill & Linda Grabel Frederic & Robin Hyman Deb Koffman Laura Feakes Stanley & Joan Graff Ella Iones Peter & Susan Kolben Stuart & June Feigenblatt Paul & Karen Graubard Michael & Debbie Irwin Carole Kolton Steven Fein & Wendy Penner Suzanne Graver Harold & Elaine Isaacson Allen & Rosalind Kopfstein Steven Feiner & Cipora Brown Nelson Graves Jeffrey Israel Neil & Dorothy Koreman Jeffrey & Barbara Feingold Jonathan Gray & Rachel Kozupsky Alfred & Joann Ivry Esther Kosakoff Diana Felber Jordan & Laura Green Bruce & Karen Jacobs Earl & Janet Kramer Stanley & Diana Feld Paul & Lisa Green Jerrold & Carol Jacobs Eric Kramer & Sharon Rawlings Lorraine Feldman Steven Green & Rose Ellis Richard & Judith Jacobs Helen Krancer Leonard Felson & Julia Rosenblum Larry Greenapple Michael & Lynn Jacobson Susan Krantz Darleen Fenster Barbara Greenbaum Marc & Vivienne Jaffe Henry Kranz Richard & Heidi Ferren Ed Greenbaum & Anne Riener Phyllis Jaffe Robert Kraus Robert Ferren Rabbi Michael & Cindy Jonathan James & Jamie Ostroff Benjamin & Sandy Krause Adam Filson & Amy Cott Filson Greenbaum Harry & Arlene Jaroslaw Dave & Ann Krawet Adele Finger Eric & Phyllis Greenberg Jerry & Esther Jewell Myra Kressner Milton & Helen Fink Joel & Carol Greenberg Angus Johnson & Allison Bell Aleksey Berezkin Paul & Leslie Chesloff Robert Kronenberg & Robbie Phylis Fink Mel & Ellen Greenberg Randy Johnson & Jacqueline Bogard Nina Berezkin Howard Chezar Jack & Joyce Finkelstein Susan Greenberg-Yarmush Browner Lorrin Krouss Sima Berezkina^ Diane Christie Manny & Shirley Finkelstein Rich & Anita Greenwald Beryl Jolly Yefim Kurchenko Robert & Marlene Bergendahl Jae & Suzanne Chung Peter & Nancy Finn Ted & Dru Greenwood Martin & Alice Jonas Michael & Marjorie Kurcias Joseph & Brenda Berger Michael Citrin & Tracy Mack Steven & Renee Finn Elizabeth Gross Curtis Jones & Liz Greene Leatrice Kushlefsky Miriam Bergman Bruce & Joan Cohen Robert & Patricia Fire Bill & Ani Grosser Morton & Sandra Josel Michael Kusmin & Michelle Picot Lawrence & Helene Berke Daniel & Stephanie Cohen Robin First Brian & Karen Grossman Maurice & Judith Joseph Alexander Kutik Debarah Bernstein David & Sherry Cohen Leslie Fishbein Joel & Judie Grossman Gordon & Susan Josephson Lyubov Kutik Lewis Bernstein & Gaya Aranoff Edward & Nadine Cohen David & Ellen Flatow Eden Gruenberg Richard & Janice Kabel David LaChance & Joan Rubel Jessie Berrick & Eugene Jura Elizabeth & Madeline Cohen Robin Fleet Lenny & Cindy Grunin Barbara Kahan Oscar & Beth Lakenbach Cindy Berry Iris Cohen Laura Flint Steven & Roberta Haas Barbara Kalib Enrico & Cookie Lamet Stuart Besnoff Mark & Barbara Cohen Roz Forman Hope Hagler Kevin & Adrian Kalikow Everett Lamm & Stephanie Ilberg- Martin Biener Rich Cohen & Cheryl Sacks Rose Foster Charles & Janel Halpern Philip Kaminstein Lamm Jonathan Biller & Victoria Rand Rob Cohen & Lori Thaler-Cohen Zita Fox Philip & Linda Halpern Rhoda Kaminstein Tobi & Ellen Lanciano & Family Biller Robert Cohen Peter Franck & Kathleen Triem Mitch & Susan Halpert Drs. Irwin & Abby Kanarek The Landa Family Alan & Cheryl Binder Stephen Cohen Bud & Ellie Frank Elie & Myrna Hammerling Herbert Kantor Robert & Carole Landau John & Melissa Bissell Stephen Cohen & Lynn Villency John & Laura Frankenthaler Ben & Lore Kaplan Alice Lane Sam & Maggie Bittman Cohen Yehudah & Hannah Hanani Rabbis Danny Freelander & Elyse Beverly Kaplan Peter & Mona Lanzer Walter & Hildi Black Berta Cole Joel & Marsha Hendel Frishman Daniel & Rita Kaplan Ira & Fran Lapidus Lynette Blattner-Dukehart Philip Coleman Mary Jane Handler Sidney & Lisa Freund Larry & Carolyn Kaplan David & Judi Lazan Jeff & Sarah Blaugrund Robert & Sharyn Collins Sol & Minnie Handwerker Robin Fried & Judith Greenwald Jane Karlin Sharon Lazerson Aileen Bliss Jerome Congress & Leslie Mark & Susan Hariton Elaine Friedman Samuel Karlin David Leavitt Josh Bloom Richman David & Merle Harris Fredric Friedman & Cathy Demain Nancy Cook Lily Harvitt Sharon Karlin Helene Leavitt Martin & Glenna Bloom Mann Jesse & Rebecca Cook-Dubin David Hautzig & Terri Sash Vivian Kasen Mark & Taryn Leavitt Leonard & Barbara Blum Lawrence Friedman & Aviva Suellen Havsy Shlomo & Maris Katsir Philip & Susan Lebowitz Stephanie Blumenthal Robert Cooper Wichler Gerald & Barbara Hayden Armand & Gloria Katz Sheryl Lechner Bill & Hinda Bodinger Claudia Coplan Leonard & Gloria Friedman Ellen Heffan Dana Katz Andrew & Jilly Lederman Peter Bodnar & Robin Weiser William Cristo Marty Friedman Cindy Helitzer Bernie & Mimi Kauderer Elaine Lee Walter & Suzanne Bogad Adele Cukor Daniel & Rosele Frishwasser Ed Helitzer Carol Goodman Kaufman Timothy & Janet Lee Nelson & Carolyn Bonheim Alan & Ellen Cutler Egon & Joan Fromm Bonnie Heller & Eileen Ricci Rabbi Jan Caryl Kaufman Mark Lefenfeld & Mimi Rosenblatt Frank Bonnevie & Marjorie Chuck & Ada Beth Cutler Toni Front Dennis & Diana Hellman Joel Kaufman Wallace & Sheila Lehman Shulman Joshua & Jessica Cutler Austin & Heidi Frye Libby Helpern Fred & Marsha Kaufman Steve & Carol Leibowitz Maxine Bookless Lewis & Carol Dan Enid Fuhrman Elieen Henle Maya Kaufman Charles Lemmen & Jen Margo Nan Ellen Bookless Ephrat David Laurence Gadd & Cia Elkin Marc & Judy Herbert Susie Kaufman Stephen & Lois Lenett Jeff Borak & Wendy Rabinowitz^ Ted & Karen Davis Real & Alla Gadoury Amy Herman Jane Kavanau Harriet Leonard Ralph Bradburd & Zelda Stern Jerome & Brenda Deener Rik & Nancy Gagon Ellen Herman Paul & Adele Kellman Dolores Lerman Bruce & Andrea Braffman Mark Deitch & Diane Rosenthal Steven & Nancy Gallant Howard Herman Christina Kelly, Maude Rich & Howard & Kay Lerner Marlene Brager Dr. Ari DeLevie Jed & Karen Garfield Jeff & Deborah Herman Family Paul & Lois Lester Carole Bratter David Dembowitz Peter & Sharon Gelbwaks Yona Hermann Ellen Kenwood Macey Levin & Gloria Miller Jane Braus Jonathan Denmark Jeff & Judy Gelfand Nelson & Anne Hershman Danile & Jared Kelly The Peter F. & Mary W. Levin Marc Brettler Lara Denmark Andrew Geller Robert & Beverly Hertzig Arthur & Natalie Kessler Philanthropic Fund at InterAct Rabbi Ken Brickman Mark Dickerman & Hallie Halpern Diana Geller Matthew & Lesley Herzberg David King & Sharon Flitterman- for Change Rachel Brier Judith Dillon Robert & Patricia Geller Vincent Higuera & Robyn Rosen King Cecily Levine Simeon & Judith Brinberg Nathan Doctrow Bill & Jill Gellert Arthur & Louise Hillman Rabbi Ralph & Brenda Kingsley Lou & Pat Levine Ellen Brodbar Gilbert & Norma d’Oliveira Philip & Joan Gellert Larry Bronstein Sheila Donath Stan & Robin Gerber Nancy Bronstein Douglas & Amy Doty Steven & Jenny Gerrard Barry & Jacolyn Brown Michael Dowling & Sara Paul Edward & Anna Gershenson Irwin & Ilse Browner Burt & Ellen Downes Michael Gerstein & Lois Jackson Jack & Esther Budnick The Drayman Family David & Judy Gilberg Dan Buehler Alexander & Aline Drescher Tom & Beverly Gilbert Jerri Buehler Arthur & Henya Drescher Ted & Barbara Ginsburg Dan & Joan Burkhard Avi & Natasha Dresner Judith Gitelson Brendan Burns & Nerissa Bardfeld Dale Drimmer Jenny Gitlitz Bradley & Rita Buschel Barbara Drosnin David Glaser & Debra Stone Myron & Harriet Bussel David & Sharon Drucker Denise Glasser Howard Buxbaum & Paula Barber Mark & Judy Drucker Judy Glockner Hanan & Rebecca Caine Peter & Kristin Drucker Henry & Bobbi Gluck Rabbi Ivan & Deborah Caine Richard & Hilary Drucker Alan Gold Alice Cande Robert & Karen Drucker Barbara Gold Janet Carey Richard & Anna Jo Dubow Henry & Pauline Goldberg Joel & Susan Cartun James Duffy & Debora Cole-Duffy Peter & Robin Goldberg Daniel & Rebecca Cellana Mike Duffy & Erin Madden Rosalie Goldberg Donald Chabon & D. Anne Joseph & Brenda Eckstein Jack & Myrna Golden Rabinowitz Alvin Edelstein Roger & Barbara^ Goldin Richard & Dale Charkow Bonnie Edelstein Sheila Goldlust Alan & Roselle Chartock Michael & Eve Edwards Irene Goldman-Price Myron Chefetz Jack & Nancy Effrain Leon & Judy Goldsmith Denise Cherry Francine Eget Rabbi Robert & Faith Goldstein Adar I / Adar II / Nisan 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 17 Thank You!

Martin & Hilda Levine Marc & Phyllis Newman David & Amy Rutstein Michael & Pam Smith Marlene White Julia Kaplan Rabbi Murray Levine Larry & Faith Newmark Ron Rutstein & Jennifer Yohalem Alex & Cassandra Sohn Roger & Ellen Whitmer Jane Karlin Sydney & Judith Levine Judith Nishman Steve & Helene Sacks Brad & Lauren Sokol Arthur & Anne Wichman Kathryn Karson Kitty Levitan Carol Noble Jen Sacon Rita Solow-Schneyman Jane Widitor Annbeth Katz Mary Levitt Ruth Nodiff Arthur Safran & Barbara Skydell George & Dorienne Sorter Warren & Myra Widmann Elaine Katz Morris & Rhoda Levitt Ann Novick Safran David & Linda Sotnick Susan Wilansky Wendy Katz Jay Levy & Louise Vargas-Levy Molly Novick Amy L. Sales Lorette Spiegel Randy & Mara Winn Henrietta Katzen Philip & Rita Levy Bobbie Nussbaum Lucille Salitan Erica Spizz Charles Wohl & Alba Passerini Marilyn Katzman Sue Newman Levy Danny O’Dell & Ilana Steinhauer Mark & Robin Salsberg Rabbi Arthur & Linda Starr Rebecca Wolin Natalie Kessler Willam Levy & Karen Kelly Bonnie Oloff Edwin Salsitz Larry & Holly Steinberg Joel & Fran Wolk Linda Ketay Martin & Sharon Lewis Al & Ann Oppenheim Boris & Inna Saltanovich Dan & Helene Sterling Jerry & Henrietta Wolland Joan Kleinman Bob Lezberg & Jenny Greenfeld Walter & Gail Orenstein Bob & Lee Salz Albert Stern & Rachel Margolis Eleanor Wollins Sara Koffman Mark Liebowitz & Nancy Katz Nancy Orovitz Robert & Susan Salzman Daniel & Danielle Stern James Wood & Rebecca Gold Carole Kolton Edward & Iris Lipke Curt & Liz Pader Jesse & Susan Samuels Stan & Suzanne Stier Bill & Carrie Wright Susan Kopelowitz Drs. Paul & Frances Lippmann Stephan & Zelda Parnes Pam Sandler Michael Stoll Alec & Anna Yantovsky Leslie Kozupsky Susan B. Lipton Richard Pasternak^ Stuart & Phyllis Sandrew Judith Stolzberg Jeff Yeager & Laura Rotenberg Maddy Krauser Frank Litsky & Zina Greene Daniel & Andrea Patel Fern Sann Michael & Lois Storch Vladimir & Alla Yefremova Beth Laster-Nathan Martin & Madeline Lizt Henry & Rebecca Pearson Kenneth Sann Jefferson Strait & Robin Brickman Nat & Louise Yohalem Helaine Lender Walter & Phyllis Loeb Arthur & Susan Peisner The Sawyer Family M. Stransky & I. Weinberg Margot Yondorf Toby Levine Richard & Roslyn Lorge Larry & Jane Pellish Ken & Edie Schechter Michael Strassfeld & Joy Levitt Robert & Karen Youdelman Pommy Levy Gerald & Selma Lotenberg Louise Penney Stella Schecter^ Mariah Strattner Jeremy & Kathryn Yudkin Geri Liemer Anna Lotto Rabbis Rex Perlmeter & Rachel Vivian Scheinmann Eduardo & Lynda Strauch Mariya Zade Vicki Loring David Lotto & Norah Walsh Hertzman Paul & Aviva Schieber Ben Strauss & Jessie Fried Barry Zaret & Renee Drell Susan Ludwig Elaine Loveman Martin & Shiffra Perlmutter Mike Schiffer Lawrence Strauss & Francine Rabbi Deborah Zecher Paula Lustbader Luria Family Foundation Jonathan Perloe & Malaine Miller Lewis & Joyce Schiller Weinberg Jay Zeif Elaine Mack Edward & Karen Lurie Carol Pertchik Rhea Schindler Richard & Carol Strunin Alla Zernitskaya Ellen Masters Ann Lyons Irving & Sharon Picard Charlotte Schluger Donald & Phoebe Sugarman Lanny Zuckerman Brenda Menker Dick Macht Peter & Jo Podol Joyce Schneider Laurie Sukel Susan Zuckerman Nancy Milbauer Stephen & Elaine Mack Joel & Maddy Policzer Alvin & Myrna Schneiderman Richard^ & Sherry^ Sukel Gail Zunz & Dr. Sharyn Zunz Gay Moelis Edward & Joan Mahler Berkshire Mountain House Sue Schulman John & Roberta Sullivan Gayle Moskowitz Susan Mahler David & Maribeth Pomerantz Ellen Schwaitzberg Sunny Days Charitable Foundation Jewish Women’s Linda Moskowitz Candy Docimo Mahony Philip & Paula Pomerantz Jed Schwartz Richard & Sharon Sutter Foundation of Muriel Muldorf David & Lois Swawite Hank Maimin & Elizabeth Baer Mark & Jean Poopor Joseph & Joanna Schwartz Berkshire County Jo Newnham Bob Mainzer & Carole Schwimmer Andrew Potler Martin & Jane Schwartz Alice Swersey Ronna Niederman Susan Abramowitz Charles & Marcia Mandel Harold & Arlene Potler Naomi Schwartz Gerry & Dorothy Swimmer Carol Oshinsky Elise Abrams Barbara Mandler Marcia Powdermaker Stephen & Phyllis Schwartz Madeleine Swindlehurst Linda Perlmutter Denyse Adler Dorothy Margolin Neil & Saralee Powers Marvin & Carol Schwartzbard Michael & Arlene Symons Helice Picheny Judi Adler Joel Margolis Joel & Loretta Prives Nat & Marilyn Schwartzberg David Talbert Penny Pincus Ann Appelbaum Michael Margolis Arthur & Diane Provenz Henry & Anita Schwerner Jeffrey & Susan Tannenbaum Karen Rettner Gail Asarch Satovsky Ken Markel Steven & Joyce Pyenson Steven Schwinder & Jane Dystel Rose Tannenbaum Marcia Ripps Sandy Ashendorf Ruth Markovits Mickey & Ellen Rabina David Scribner Jayson & Jenifer Tanzman Elaine Roberts Marjorie Berg Robert Markowitz Leonard & Darlene Radin Judy Seaman Edith Taskin Barbara Rosenbaum Helene Berger Irving Marks & Alice Nathan Stephen & Helen Radin Benjamin & Tracy Seckler Richard Taskin Elizabeth Rosenberg Deena Berman Jay & Shirley Marks Beth Radsken Richard Seeley Goldie Taub Julia Rosenblum Nancy Bernstein Greta Marsh Joel Radsken Beatrice Selig Morton Taubin & Rochelle Lauren Rosenbluth Hinda Bodinger Steve & Jala Martin Michael Ramella & Sharon Mark & Betsey Selkowitz Leinwand Deborah Roth Judith Brinberg Marjorie Marusarz Strassfeld Johanna Selkowitz Sisselman Eva Telesnick Frani Rothman Cipora Brown Mort & Suzanne Marvin Michael & Sharon Rebell Richard & Shana Senzel Ilene Tetenbaum Sue Rudd Candy Clark Dr. & Mrs. Ronald Match Mark & Jane Reiner Marcie Setlow Lora Tobias Vicki Safran Hillary Cohen Bernice Matty Ron & Lori Reiss Bernice Shainman Sigmund Tobias Sandra Samdperil Mimi Cohen Roger & Natalie Matus Steven Reiss & Barbara Hal & Harriet Shair Jack & Amy Tobin Raquel Scheck Craft-Reiss Phyllis Cohen Eliyho & Barbara Matz Eyal Shapira Steve & Diane Tobin Arlene Schiff David Resnik Bobbi Cohn Hillel & Janet Maximon Burton D. Shapiro & Melinda S. Kathi Todd Lisa Schindler-Frankel Betty Rich Judi Corr Allen & Lise Mayer Tanzman Jack & Susan Tolin Marcia Schmier Michel & Peggy Richard Leslie Daspin Sy and Edi Mayerson Howard & Shirley Shapiro Stephen Tosk Anne Schnesel Richard & Diana Richter Judy David Arnold Mazurenko Robert & Jody Shassol Jason Touhey & Daisy Fischer Zelda Schwebel Jeffrey & Joanne Robbins Peggy Davis Tanay Mazurenko Mark & Hally Shaw Robert & Debby Trautmann Harriet Schweitzer Tamara Robin Jasper Brenda Deener James McAllister & Carrie Greene Nina Shelomentseva Robert & Natalie Tublitz Lois Sharzer Toby Rodin Sheila Drill Rebecka McDougall Molly Sheriff Floyd & Marcia Tuler Hally Shaw Stu & Myrna Rodkin Terry Drucker Jeff & Blossom Mehler Arthur Sherman Stanley & Marilyn Tulgan Sharon Siegel The Maurice Rogers Family Marian Faytell Friedman Henry & Edith Meininger Harold Sherman Ron & Judy Turbin Frederica Sigel Seth Rogovoy Pat Fingeroth Joseph & Brenda Menker Barbara Shickmanter Gary & Bernice Turetsky Elaine Silberstein Martin & Shelley Rolf Ilene Fish Cynthia Meranus Bruce Shickmanter Edward Udel Roberta Silman Cheryl Rose Marilyn Fisher Joe & Jayne Meth Sue Shimelman Lisa Udel Hope Silverman Esther Rose Jo Anne Freedman Alan Metzger Jane Shiyah Lawrence & Patti Unger Mary Ann Siskind Helaine Rose Joanna Fribush Margery Metzger Michael & Arlene Shreefter Ron & Sandra Veillette Carol Smokler Henry Rose Madalyn Friedberg Lynn Meyers Jason & Kara Shron The Velmans Foundation Carol Smoler Alex & Jane Rosen Laura Friedman Enid Michelman Nancy Shulman Barry & Arline Verkauf Carol Spero-Minkoff David & Martha Rosen Shirley Friedman Yohalem Richard Mickey & Nancy Salz Howard Shuman & Joelle Gabay Barbara Viniar Enid Spira Stanley & Bunny Rosen Helene Fuchs Arnold & Linda Miller Carl & Claudia Shuster Chester & Madeline Vogel Lauren Spitz Claire Rosenberg Julie Gale Michael & Annette Miller Leonid Shymberg & Yulia Rabbi Levi & Sara Volovik Claire Stiepleman Ernst & Judith Rosenberger Zakhozha Louise Galpern Steven & Liz Miller Robert & Ruth Waldheim Sue Sussman Allen & Ellen Rosenblatt Theodore & Elaine Sideropoulos Marion Gardner-Saxe Susan Miller Jesse & Barbara Waldinger Dorothy Swimmer Robert & Roslyn Rosenblatt Lindsey & Ilana Siegel Linda Gates Jamie Minacci Ron & Marilyn^ Walter Carol Targum Alex & Sabina Rosenblum Jeffrey & Dana Siegel Robin Gerber Bradley Minnen & Bonnie Saks Mim Warden Joan Ury Lawrence & Laurel Rosenbluth Efrem & Frederica Sigel Jane Glaser Alan & Alice Model Eleanor Ware Harriet Warshaw Aaron & Barbara Rosenzweig Shlomo Silman & Carol Silverman Barbara Glasser Nina Molin Michael & Barbara Wasserman Dorothy Weber Rabbi Dennis Ross Martin Silver Judie Grossman Alan Morganstein Rabbi Seth Wax & Elisabeth Vicki Weiner Natali & Shimi Rotches Miriam Silver Berger Robin Hananel Toby Morganstein Sue Weintraub Herman & Gayle Rotenberg Jane Silverman Neel Webber & Judith Pomerantz Mimi Heyman Leslie Morris Robin Weiser Deborah Roth Marilyn Simons Lawrence & Judy Weber Marcia Hochberg Michael & Jennifer Morris Donna Weiss Max Roth Amy Simons Abramovich Joshua & Darlene Weeks Harriet Holtz Norman Moskowitz Gail Weiss Sheldon Rothbart Bruce & Ronnie Singer Bruce & Penny Wein Jackie Horn Trudy Moskowitz^ Carol Welsch Lawrence & Alice Rothbaum Maria Sirois Benjamin & Marlayne Weinberg Bonnie Hyken Judy Moss Judy Wrubel Jeffrey Rothenberg & Sarah Galina Sirota Steve & Alison Weinberg Liz Jaffe Sarah Mottola Feldman Marcia Slaminksy Rabbi David & Judith Weiner Marianne Jaffe Matthew & Sharon Mozian Orson & Dianne Rothkopf Deborah Slater Peter & Sheila Weiner Michael & Edyce Mulligan Alan & Harriet Rothstein David & Robin Slick Diane Israelite Weinstein Robert Munch & Joan Goldberg Dan & Lori Rothstein Munch Carl & Toby Sloane Family Sidney & Susan Weinstein Mr. David & Dr. Janet Rothstein Foundation Peter Murphy & Audrey Thier Ed & Martha Weisel Joe & Phyllis Rothstein Robert Nason & Lisa Sloane Barbara Myers Michael & Gail Weiss Renee Rotta John Slote & Nancy Cohen Gerry & Bev Nacheman Carol Welsch Roman & Larisa Rozenblyum Alice Small Herb & Rochelle Nadler Robert Werbel Shirley Rubenstein Cheryl Small Jeffrey Nathan Tom & Suky Werman Alan & Sandra Rubin Joseph Small Michael Nathan & Beth Laster- Claire Wernik-Cantone Nathan Barbara Rubin Paul & Turbi Smilow Ronald Werter & Melinda Gros Bill & Lisette Nayor Jack & Lenore Rubin Mitchell Smilowitz & Audrey Leslie Wessler Sussman Bruce Nayowith & Rosa Benjamin & Alice Rudin Cyndie White Zubizarreta Harold Rudin Larry & Jewel Smith Paul & Karol White Page 18 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org February 18 to April 7, 2019 LOCAL NEWS Saturday Night at the Movies Hevreh Religious School Students Step Up – ARRANGED for Volunteers in Medicine GREAT BARRINGTON – In December, Hevreh of Southern Berkshire’s Religious School 5th and 7th graders, under the direction of Rabbi Jodie Gordon, decorated and deliv- ered holiday bags to families served by Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires, Inc. (VIM Berkshires). VIM Berkshires provides free primary medical care and restorative dental care, behav- ioral health services, optome- try, nutrition counseling, and massage and acupuncture to Scene from ARRANGED income-qualified uninsured or PITTSFIELD – It may still look of arranged marriages. It’s a underinsured adults. In 2018, and feel like winter to many, sweet and light film, per- the organization served 919 but the dedicated Berkshire fect for a March night in the persons with a total of 5,118 Jewish Film Festival film Berkshires! visits for care. Hevreh volunteers were (almost) all smiles delivering holiday selection committee, coordi- Awards achieved in 2007- cheer to VIM families. nated by the energetic Judy 08 included best feature and Seaman, has been immersed best film at the Brooklyn in planning for everyone’s International Film Festival, Deadline for Wassermann-Streit Y’DIYAH 2019 summer enjoyment since Grand Prize at the Skip City early fall. International D-Cinema Memorial Fund is April 1 Inadvertently, in their Festival, and winner of search the committee also dis- the audience award at the SHEFFIELD — The Y’DIYAH is Hebrew for libraries and other non- covered a film for late winter/ Washington Jewish, the Wassermann-Streit Y’DIYAH “learning,” and the goal of the profit organizations in early spring enjoyment! It is Berkshire International, and Memorial Fund is currently fund is to encourage authentic Berkshire, Columbia, north- not brand new (2007), but its the Palm Beach Film Festivals. accepting grant applications knowledge of the expression of west Litchfield, and northeast audience appeal, quality and Circle your calendars for for projects that include an traditional Judaism, leading to Dutchess counties are invited record of winning first place Saturday night, March 23 at aspect of the culture, his- an understanding of the com- to apply by April 1 at www. at film festivals could not be Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, tory, or experience of tradi- monalities of all people while berkshiretaconic.org/YDIYAH. ignored. Pittsfield at 8 p.m. (after tional Judaism in material or acknowledging diversity. ARRANGED is a film Havdalah). Light refreshments programming. Individuals, schools, about friendship and com- will be served. If you plan monality. Two young women to come, please just leave a teachers at a public school in message at (413) 445-4872, Temple Anshe Amunim Celebrates Brooklyn – one Orthodox, the ext. 16 indicating how many other Muslim – find they have will be in your group, so they much in common, not least can estimate how many chairs Purim with Worship, Study, and a of which is that they are both and how much food to set up. going through the process Entrance fee: $5. Trivia Night! PITTSFIELD – Temple Anshe Amunim Trivia Night, hosted by Steve Rogers invites one and all to join in their and Kevin Pink of “Double Entendre annual Purim celebrations, two of Trivia.” The evening will begin with a them – a Purim carnival and megillah Havdalah led by Rabbi Liz, followed Nurturing wonder. reading – in conjunction with Knesset by trivia. This event is open to all, so Israel. As one of Judaism’s most joy- gather your team, or join others at ous holidays, the Temple community the event to form a team. Costumes Building skills. sees this as a highlight of their winter are encouraged but not required. programming. There will be fun prizes for costumes The activities begin with a Purim and winners of trivia. Light refresh- Carnival on Wednesday, March 13 at ments will be served. Cost to attend Temple Anshe Amunim from 5 p.m. to is $5 per person. Proceeds from the 6 p.m. The event, which is co-spon- event will go to the Elizabeth Freeman sored by Temple Anshe Amunim and Center and Jewish Federation of the Knesset Israel, is open to all ages. Berkshires hot lunch program. For The carnival includes games, arts & more information or to RSVP contact crafts, face painting, costumes and the Temple office at (413) 442-5910 or prizes, healthy snacks and refresh- email [email protected]. ments – and the cost is $8 per child On Wednesday, March 20, at and $20 per family maximum. 6:15 p.m., at Knesset Israel, Rabbi On Friday, March 15 at 5:30 p.m., Liz will join Rabbi David Weiner of all are warmly welcomed to join in a Knesset Israel, along with KI mem- musical, family-friendly Shabbat ser- bers, to offer a creative and animated vice and Purim experience at Temple reading of the megillah. Their dramatic Anshe Amunim. Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch interpretations enliven both the come- will lead an energetic and uplifting dic and serious tones drawn from the musical service with Alan Gold. original text. On Saturday, March 16, at 7 p.m. in celebration of Purim, come to New Adult Hebrew Class with Rabbi Liz Hirsch PITTSFIELD – Looking to brush up on your Hebrew reading skills? Join Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch of Temple Anshe Amunim for an adult Hebrew 101 class on Thursday afternoons beginning February 7 at 4 p.m. If you are interested in attending, please contact the Temple office at (413) 442-5910 or by email at [email protected] so that enough text- books can be 2-year olds through Grade 9 Financial aid available ordered. Beginners welcome – Learn why BCD is voted no experience Best Private School in the Berkshires necessary. Join us for an Open House April 4 and May 9 413-637-0755 berkshirecountryday.org Adar I / Adar II / Nisan 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 19 LOCAL NEWS Creative Arts Series at Visit Chabad-Lubavitch World Ahavath Sholom Headquarters in Brooklyn with Chabad of Engage your mind and involve your senses this winter and spring the Berkshires On Sunday, March 24, GREAT BARRINGTON – Chabad of the Berkshires This winter and spirng, invites community members Congregation Ahavath on an excursion to Crown Sholom will present a Heights, Brooklyn, to visit series of talks, presen- Chabad-Lubavitch world head- tations, and workshops quarters and other sites. by congregation mem- Participants will visit bers on a number of 770 Eastern Parkway and Sunday afternoons at tour the extensive library of 2 p.m. Lubavitch (which includes February 24: many rare items and artifacts) Arthur Hillman, and explore other activities Professor Emeritus of interest, such as a bak- of Photography, ery producing hand-made Printmaking and shmurah matzoh for Pesach, Design, Bard College at Judaica shops on Kingston Simon’s Rock, will be Avenue, a mikvah, and a sofer showing and discuss- (scribe) at work. The excursion ing the art and design Chabad-Lubavitch world headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway, includes a visit to the “Ohel” work of Jewish graphic Brooklyn (tent) in Queens, the resting artists Ben Shahn, place of the past Lubavitcher Lunch and dinner will be RSVP is required by Friday, Leonard Baskin, Artwork by Ben Shahn Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem provided. Transportation will March 1. Please call (413) Elaine Lustig Cohen, (see 2/24 listing) Mendel Schneerson, and his depart from Chabad of the 499-9899 or email jewishberk- Milton Glaser, and predecessor and father-in-law, Berkshires, 450 South Street [email protected] for cost, Barbara Kruger, as well as his screenplays, will offer, “I’ve the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, in Pittsfield, at 7:30 a.m. and which was not available at own work. Admission is free. Always Wanted to Act!” Says Rabbi Yosef Y. Schneersohn. return by 10:30 p.m. press time. Donations are welcome. Linda: “If you always won- March 10: Ilene Spiewak, dered what it was like being painter, therapist, and edu- an actor, here is your oppor- cator, will offer “Still-Life tunity and it doesn’t have to “Land and Spirit Israel Experience” Sunday,” a studio workshop. take years. In this two-hour Chabad of the Berkshires to lead trip to Israel in 2020 Says Ilene: “Things are what- workshop through stimulat- ever we imagine them to be. ing fun and friendly exercises Chabad of the Berkshires mind, and soul, creating life- Chief Rabbis, military figures, Engage yourself and your you will experience what it’s will lead locals on a trip to long and life-changing memo- and top political leaders. The colors in an intimate conver- like to be an actor. No prepa- Israel called the Land and ries. This is an opportunity to group will be addressed by sation. Enjoy a glass of wine. ration and no memorization Spirit Israel Experience from see Israel as never before. This Israel’s leaders and gain an Sting your senses and charge required. Comfortable clothes March 15 – 24, 2020, and trip includes many unique insider’s view of modern- your paint with energy! Make recommended.” invites people from across the features you will not find on day Israel’s challenges and your own still-life painting.” Class size limited. Reser- Berkshires and surrounding any other trip of its kind.” triumphs. Class size is limited. Reser- vations required. $10 fee. areas to join on an educa- Highlights include: Mission of Solidarity: Head vations required. $15 fee. Congregation Ahavath tional journey to Israel and Journey of Learning: The to the front lines of Israel’s March 24: Barbara Janoff, Sholom is at 15 North Street, Judaism’s most holy and his- Jewish Learning Institute will fight for survival. The trip Associate Professor of Writing Great Barrington. Please torical sites. bring Judaism’s rich history is highlighted by a visit to and Literature, Fashion call (413) 528-4197 for Says Rabbi Levi Volovik, to life as participants discover the beleaguered community Institute of Technology, State reservations. co-director of Chabad of the the origins of our nation and of Hebron and an intimate University of New York, will Berkshires: “Participants will the spiritual secrets of the barbecue with Israel Defense conduct a poetry writing work- be treated to a 5-star expe- Land’s holy sites. Force soldiers and officers. shop. Says Barbara: “Writing rience that feeds their heart, Israel Today: Hear from Amenities: Concierge ser- poems is a process that begins vice, first-class accommoda- with a willingness to listen to tions, gourmet meals, and the and observe our surroundings Trying to Beat the Winter Blues? Hadassah very best Israel has to offer in and to pay attention to the education and entertainment. musings of our minds. This Rabbi Volovik predicts workshop will offer writing has a Great Solution that spaces will sell out well exercises designed to stimulate THIS EVENT WAS RESCHEDULED FROM JANUARY 20 ahead of the trip and you are our imaginations and a vari- LENOX – By March, most of us come and warm up with good Enjoy entertainment and encouraged to make a commit- ety of poems meant to inspire have had it: the cold, the ice, food, friends, and music at refreshments, with a cash bar. ment-free reservation by April revisions. No formal writing the snow, and the mud. We all the Gateways Inn, 50 Walker Kindly RSVP by March 11 with 10, 2019. experience necessary.” need a break! Street, Lenox. payment of $36 per person to: For more information and Class size limited. Reser- So why not give Berkshire Cabaret entertainers Laura Berkshire Hills Hadassah, to view the trip itinerary online vations required. $10 fee. Hills Hadassah’s “Baby It’s Rosenthal and Jane Rosen will P.O. Box 187, Pittsfield, MA visit: www.landandspirit.org. April 7: Linda Josephs, Cold Outside Cabaret” a go? dazzle everyone with beauti- 01202. For more information on costs actor, theatre director and pro- On Sunday, March 17 from ful melodies from “The Great and funding assistance oppor- ducer, and writer of plays and 4 to 6 p.m., all are invited to American Songbook.” tunities that may be available, email jewishberkshires@gmail. com or call (413) 499-9899. Purim Party People Return to KI PITTSFIELD – The KI Purim band returns on Saturday, March 9 at Weekly Study Sessions 7:30 p.m. at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield. at Hevreh, with Rabbi Neil For the band’s 11th annual musical costume concert, they will re-tell the Hirsch Purim story with original lyrics set to GREAT BARRINGTON – Every Wednesday, Rabbi Neil P.G. music we all know and love. It’s a blast Hirsch of Hevreh of Southern Berkshire leads a free study ses- from the (somewhat recent) past with a sion from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Totally Radical 80s Purim celebration. Says Rabbi Hirsch: “Our tradition teaches that when two (or That’s right, the band will be covering more) sit together, and discuss words of Torah, God dwells with 1980’s classics from groups includ- them. Study is one of the many ways we as a Jewish community ing Bon Jovi, Journey, Prince, George experience the sacred and the spiritual. And so, we’re introduc- Michael, Bruce Springsteen, Talking ing regular, weekly study (outside of Shabbat) again at Hevreh. Heads, and more! To begin, we will study the early books of the Prophets.” You don’t have to be a Gen X’er to Rabbi Hirsch will lead the conversation and participants are remember where you were during this encouraged to bring their own lunch. Come to one session, or unique musical decade. Come enjoy, every week. Contact Rabbi Hirsch at [email protected] for celebrate and dance the night away. Knesset Israel homemade hamentaschen, more information. Leather pants, hairspray, fishnet stockings and baked by loving volunteers since late January. If you’re not in the Berkshires and would like to take part, neon – optional! Creative costumes of attend- You can order these by the dozen at (413) 445- technology can help with that. Hevreh has the capability to make ees and performers will add to the light-hearted 4872, ext. 10. these classes available via video conference or conference call. spirit of the evening. Cost is $15 for adults, $6 teens. Light refreshments will include the famous Page 20 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org February 18 to April 7, 2019 LOCAL NEWS Berkshire Second Homeowner Dr. Michael Smith Makes a Difference in Jerusalem with Dental Volunteers for Israel By Michelle Levine / Director, DVI International Relations & Development

Dr. Michael Smith arrived around the world performed the art treatment. In addition, in Israel on October 4, 2018, 10,798 treatments, helping as far as traveling through to spend a week volunteer- 2,700 kids in crisis and at-risk Jerusalem, there is no prob- ing at the Trudi Birger Dental youth in Jerusalem. During lem with security and safety.” Clinic in Jerusalem, through the past 38 years, over 4,500 And each of these patients a program called Dental dentists have volunteered at has a story, a reason why Volunteers for Israel (DVI). DVI. they live under the pov- DVI provides free dental care In addition, in 2016 DVI erty line – and their prob- and oral health education to initiated a new Free Dentures lems matter to DVI volunteer thousands of needy children in Program for needy elderly and dentists. In one photo, Dr. Jerusalem every year, regard- Holocaust survivors. Just Smith is pictured with Bar, less of race and religion. recently, we have begun inte- an 18-year-old young woman Despite ongoing regional grating our overseas dental who was referred to DVI by tensions, Dr. Smith, his wife volunteers into the pre- the social worker from Kidum Pam, and family friend Linnea denture dental work for this L’noar (the municipal social Burnette were determined to population, as well. Dr. Smith welfare department working visit Israel, volunteer at the was among our first volunteers with youth-at-risk). She is the clinic, and make a differ- to assist in this area! eighth of 11 children and is in ence. Dr. Smith practices in This was Dr. Smith’s third contact only with her grand- Poughkeepsie, NY, but has a time volunteering at DVI, and mother. Her mother doesn’t second home in Pittsfield and he plans to return to volun- even recognize her when she Dr. Smith with Rivka Levy is active in the communal life teer again next year. Dr. Smith stops by. Bar’s father throws of the Jewish Berkshires. says, “The team who works her out of the house if he is DVI provides critical basic at the clinic full-time makes home when she comes to visit, not only to treat her dental no wonder then that Sarah, services to the poverty stricken it so easy. They are welcom- yelling at her that she needs to problems but to encourage the oldest child, volunteers in communities of Jerusalem ing of all of the volunteers, work. She lives in a shelter in her, as well. her community by accompa- – with a total population of are expert assistants during town. The group apartment is In the other photo, Dr. nying blind children to special a mere 830,000, Jerusalem treatment, and are so helpful closed during the day so she Smith is pictured with Rivka activities, assisting in groups has over 200,000 youth liv- in recommending activities for often wanders the streets of Levy, one of the six children in with special needs children. ing under the poverty line. after-clinic hours. Those who Jerusalem during the daylight the Levy single parent family. This dedication of DVI’s vol- DVI’s Trudi Birger Clinic don’t speak Hebrew do not hours and begs for money. They were initially referred to unteer dentists to Jerusalem treats disadvantaged chil- have to worry about translat- That is how she put together DVI by Zichron Menachem goes beyond routine Zionism. dren and at-risk youth (aged ing as the team members are bus fare to arrive at the DVI (an organization that supports But according to Dr. Smith, 4-26). Volunteer dentists from fluent in English as well. The clinic for her treatments. Bar children with cancer and their “I enjoy every opportunity to around the world, together full-time dental supervisors is in a difficult situation and families) when the oldest child come to Israel to work for this with their Israeli colleagues, are open to different treatment the fact that she even man- was diagnosed with leuke- amazing organization. We treat perform about 1,000 treat- modalities as presented by the aged to make it to the clinic mia. Difficult times fell on this children and young adults ments each month. In 2017, international dentists, and was a major accomplishment. family more than once. The who live in extreme poverty or 143 volunteer dentists from the clinic itself offers state of The staff at DVI will continue parents got divorced when are exposed to other risks and the youngest was just two- otherwise would not receive and-a-half years old. It was a dental treatment whatsoever, very difficult divorce and the totally for free. DVI does not father was arrested and served discriminate against any- Sofer, So Good at Knesset Israel time in jail for his criminal one; the many children are PITTSFIELD – In January, Knesset Israel Torah scrolls and noted necessary corrections. behavior. from different backgrounds, enlisted the services of Rabbi Moshe Druin, a It’s a painstaking task – depending on the Despite the extreme chal- nationalities and religions. sofer (a Jewish scribe who can transcribe sifrei layout, today’s Torahs contain 345 or 348 lenges faced by this single Personally, this is a unique Torah, tefillin, mezuzot, and other religious writ- columns on 61 or 62 sheets. The sofer has to mom, Mrs. Levy was deter- opportunity to contribute to ings). Using a mix of ancient and modern tech- check each of a Torah’s 74,000 plus words, mined to raise happy, well- Israeli society utilizing my nologies, Rabbi Druin inspected the synagogue’s made up of 304,508 letters. adjusted caring children and talents as a dentist. This is she has succeeded in a big both an honor and humbling way. Calling her children privilege.” “presents,” she has dedicated The DVI clinic is actively her life to instilling in them looking to recruit more volun- strong values, appreciation teer dentists, so if a working and joy. While waiting for their vacation in Israel sounds good, turn, Mrs. Levy engaged her please email international@ children in creating a special dental-dvi.org.il and schedule thank you card for the dentist, your trip today! Or for more assistants and staff to express information on DVI, please their appreciation for all that visit americanfriendsofdvi.org. they are receiving at DVI. It’s

Dr. Smith with Bar, a patient at DVI Adar I / Adar II / Nisan 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 21

BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES Traveling with Jewish Taste Peanut Butter Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownies By Carol Goodman Kaufman

Back in the day, the only way to get peanut butter in Israel was to have friends or family bring it with them on visits – along with Levis and M&Ms. But peanuts themselves were certainly around, from the crunchy coated peanuts called kabukim to the ubiquitous Israeli snack food Bamba (think peanut flavored Cheetos). Israel, in fact, cultivates peanuts. Due to the extended growing season, Israeli farmers last year harvested about 450,000 pounds of the goober, almost three-quarters of which were exported. And they grow both in the Negev, thriving in the sandy soil, and in the northern Ingredients: Hula Valley. Reminiscent of the story in the Book of Ruth, peanut farmers play the role of a 1/2 c. peanut butter 1 t. vanilla extract modern day Boaz, as well. Every year, in what has been called “the eighth wonder 5 1/2 T. butter, softened 1 c. all-purpose flour of the world,” more than 500 million migratory birds, representing 500 species, 2/3 c. white sugar 1 t. baking powder fly over Israel. While in the country, cranes in particular have had the bad habit 1/2 c. packed brown sugar 1/4 t. salt of devouring crops growing in the Hula Valley. The Cranes Project, developed in 2 eggs 1/2 cup chocolate chips response, involves letting the peanut crop’s leavings remain in the fields for the birds to glean. This strategy accomplishes two goals: it feeds the cranes while at Directions: the same time it prevents them destroying other crops growing nearby. Once the Preheat oven to 350 degrees. birds have eaten their fill, farmers can till the soil and plant new winter crops. Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan. However, for all the love of the groundnut, one never saw it on an Ashkenazi In a medium bowl, cream together peanut butter and butter. menu at Passover, whether here in the U.S. or in Israel. That’s because peanuts are legumes, and way back in the 13th century the rabbis, using a mind-boggling Gradually blend in the brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until rationale, determined that legumes, along with rice, corn, and a host of other fluffy. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. foods called kitniyot, were forbidden (although I clearly remember peanut oil in my Stir into the peanut butter mixture until well blended. mother’s kitchen — yet another one of those head-spinning factoids of the kosher Spread into pan. life). Sprinkle chocolate chips over top. Flash forward to 1989, when the Conservative movement in the U.S. followed its Israeli counterpart in accepting a responsum written by Rabbi David Golinkin. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top springs back when touched. The Law Committee ruled that kitniyot — that includes peanuts! — are now con- Cool, and cut into 16 squares. sidered kosher for Passover. Score one for the concept of one people. At a recent family event, I actually met Rabbi Golinkin and thanked him from the bottom of my heart. Wryly, he said something to the effect that, of all the responsa he has written over the decades, the kitniyot one is probably the one for which he will be remembered. MAZEL TOV And then we learned of the amazing news from Start-up Nation: Peanut allergy is almost nonexistent in Israel. A study published in the prestigious Journal of Mazel Tov to… Allergy and Clinical Immunology reported that, compared to a control group of Jewish children in the UK, Israeli kids showed ten times less incidence of pea- Burt and Ellen Downes on the Barbara Chasen and Rafael nut allergy. The authors attribute the finding to the fact that Israeli kids begin engagement of their son Will to Amy Rubenstein on their 10th wedding munching on Bamba in infancy. So, defying odds as Israelis are wont to do, Mandel. anniversary. parents in the Holy Land have been doing the exact opposite of everything being c c touted in the States to avoid the deadly anaphylactic shock that the legumes can Bob Markowitz on his 95th Nancy Lipoff and Hope Silverstein cause here. birthday. on being honored with the Kipnis- Always with its finger on the pulse of American parenthood, Trader Joe’s is c Wilson/Friedland (KWF) Award at the now selling Bamba. Paul and Ellen Silverstein on mak- International Lion of Judah Conference ing the move from the Berkshires to in December (please see story on page their new home in New York City. 1) c c 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 Paul Green on the release of his Seth Rogovoy on producing a that some of our favorite foods have taken from their origins to appear on dinner second klezmer/jazz fusion album with start-studded evening of Yiddish music plates and in cultural rites and artifacts around the world. She invites readers to his band Two Worlds, A Bissel Rhythm. and culture, “From Shtetl to Stage,” at c read her blog at carolgoodmankaufman.com and to follow her on the Stern Auditorium of Carnegie Hall Twitter @goodmankaufman. Barbara and Jesse Waldinger on on April 15. their 50th wedding anniversary. c c Carole Siegel on her special birthday.

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 Erna Lindner-Gilbert* Harold Sparr* Betty Braun* Eiran Gazit Amy Lindner-Lesser Lisa Fletcher-Udel Cipora Brown Jeffrey Goldwasser & Helen Maislen* Edward Udel Barbara Cohen Jonquil Wolfson Ellen Masters Michael & Joan Ury Mark Cohen* Jordan & Laura Green Stuart Masters Mark & Judy Usow Mimi Cohen Harold Grinspoon Estelle Miller Henry* & Beate* Voremberg C. Jeffrey & Judith Cook Ellen Heffan Robert Newman* Alexandra Warshaw Gerry & Lynn Denmark Ed Jaffe* Wendy Robbins Florence Wineberg* Jonathan & Lara Denmark Elihu Katzman Ken & Fran Rubenstein Rabbi Deborah Zecher & Anonymous (10) Sheila K. Donath Marilyn Katzman Stella Schecter* Rabbi Dennis Ross Ed Abrahams Melva Eidelberg Dara Kaufman Arlene D. Schiff *Of blessed memory Norman Avnet* Monroe England, in memory of Howard & Nancy* Kaufman Gary Schiff Barbara Bashevkin Monroe B. & Isabel England Lawrence Klein Stephen & Deborah Schreier Robert Bashevkin Dr. Armand V. Feigenbaum* Sarah Klein Martin Silver Linda J. L. Becker Dr. Donald S. Feigenbaum* Arthur Kriger* Sylvia Silverberg, in memory of Robert Berend Steven Feiner Fred & Brenda Landes Jerome Silverberg Shelley Berend Diana & Stanley Feld Beth Laster-Nathan Richard A. Simons & Marcie Helene Berke Stuart M. Fischman Andrew S. Levine* Greenfield Simons Lawrence Berke Lynn & William Foggle Toby H. Levine Mark & Elisa Snowise Page 22 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org February 18 to April 7, 2019

BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES Young Judaism Palpable Jubilation and Chutzpah on a Federation Co-sponsored Winter Break in Israel By Hannah Weeks Sitting on my flight home from Ben Gurion International months to come. I was so happy to be a part of such a won- Airport, I considered all that I had accomplished and con- derful program for those in Israel. tributed to Israel in a mere seven days. I positively impacted Going to the Jewish state would not have been complete and left a mark on the Jewish State. without a trip to the Shuk, an Israeli hub. The rows of dried Through the Jewish National Fund and the generosity of herbs, fruits, and nuts filled the scene. Chaos was tangi- the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, I was able to par- ble as people shopped for last minute items before Shabbos ticipate in the Alternative Winter Break volunteer trip to the began. From there, we went to the Kotel. Friday night Negev, or Southern Desert of Israel. Previously, I had been brought rain, wind, and cold – just like the Berkshires. on Birthright, but it was not enough. This trip provided me None of that mattered though. Once on the women’s side, with the opportunity to return to Israel, and more impor- the jubilation and chutzpah were palpable. All of the girls tantly, to give back and do my part as a Jew. from my group joined mothers, soldiers, grandmothers, little We began in Gvulot, staying at the local kibbutz. Despite ones, you name it, in song and dance. Praying before the the plethora of hummus, Israeli salad, and wandering cats, Western Wall, feeling so surrounded by Judaism, is a feeling it had not set in that I was in Israel quite yet. Our first proj- I can never forget. ect was at Holutza, a moshav that was developed in 2005. Shabbos brought time to reflect and look back on the Prior to that, it was simply desert, not a fully functioning short, but meaningful trip I had embarked on, for Israel is civilization as it is today. Our group of 40 college students the place of our people. I am eternally grateful for the oppor- from across the US planted bushes and small green filler tunity to have gone with the support of the Jewish Federation plants along their main street to brighten up the space. At of the Berkshires and I look forward to sharing my experience the end, we were given the honor of planting our own trees with others and returning to Israel someday soon. on their property. Being in Holutza emphasized how dedicated Israelis are to make the most of their land. Hannah Weeks is a resident of Pittsfield, a member of For many in Israel, danger is their reality and they need Knesset Israel, and the 2017 recipient of a Henry Simkin to be prepared at all times. It was eye-opening to look out and Frances Simkin Schiller and Dr. Stanley and Fay Simkin into the Gaza Strip and learn of the struggles between the Scholarship. She currently is a sophomore at Union College two sides. Children are taught how to respond in case of in Schenectady following a pre-medical track with a major an air attack, and innocence is taken away at a young age. Hannah Weeks (second row, right) with in Spanish and Hispanic Studies and a Psychology minor. To help give children their life and freedom back, an indoor other volunteers at the Arava Institute Hannah is passionate about serving and helping within playground was created in Sderot that has six surrounding for Environmental Studies in the South her community, whether at Berkshire Medical Center as a bomb shelter rooms, allowing kids to safely be kids. For only of Israel Courtesy Cart Volunteer, in her school community, or Jewish 10 shekels, children can play, and parents are given peace community. Outside of her studies, she plays in the Union of mind. College Early Wind Ensemble and is Outreach Chair for MedLife, a club dedi- My favorite moment was going to Wadi Attir, a Bedouin settlement that devel- cated to assisting those in the local community to improve their medical resources. ops desert farming techniques. There, I removed zatar from a large field to be Hannah loves to travel and Israel is one of her favorite places to visit! replanted in an upper garden, along with planting trees to beautify the main walkway. Speaking to one of the Bedouin school’s teachers and farmers, it was apparent how grateful he was for all of the work our group was contributing to his land, which he loves dearly. He shared with me how when he goes out to the fields, he is at peace; the land brings tranquility to him. It is his dream that his children grow to have a similar love and appreciation for the land. When our time was done in the Negev, we traveled into Jerusalem and helped at Latet Food Bank. There, we boxed monthly food packages for Holocaust survivors and, in a few hours, our work would help hundreds of survivors in the Adar I / Adar II / Nisan 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 23

OBITUARIES

Shirley Posner, family and “I’d do it again.” Seymour’s Post #140 of Pittsfield, MA near Krakow, the youngest of Aviva Rose Doery, Michael love supersede all else devotion to Judaism and his presented the American flag 8 children into an Orthodox Sullivan (Amanda), Michelle PITTSFIELD – Shirley Posner practice of keeping kosher to Seymour’s granddaugh- Jewish family, Moshe’s early Sullivan, Nathaniel, Talia and passed away peacefully at while serving in the military ter, Sandra Baer. Memorial life was filled with anti-Semitic Zachary Richmond, Jasper her home on Wednesday, was documented in a 4-page donations may be made to the experiences. During World and Lulu Kesin, Jackson December 12, with loved ones article entitled, “Jew on Deck” Jewish War Veterans, Knesset War II, he was held in 7 differ- and Makayla Apiscopa, Leah by her side. Shirley is survived in the July 3, 2013 issue of Israel, or Youth Aliyah Fund of ent concentration camps and Buderman, Connor, Liam by children Lesley Robins (and Mishpacha Magazine. Hadassah in care of Flynn and upon his release, learned that and Kelsie Faherty, Ryan and husband Martin Robins), Amy Mr. Baer’s thirst for learn- Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral he was the only survivor of his Alicia Phillips and Olivia and Salomon, five grandchildren, ing was subsequently fulfilled Home, 5 Elm Street, Pittsfield, family. He eventually moved to Dylan Faherty; and a myriad and ten great-grandchildren. at St. Leo College, where he MA 01201. Israel, where he signed up to of loving extended family mem- Shirley met her beloved completed degrees in Theology serve in the army for the War bers and friends. Cheryl Ann Luft, husband, Leonard Posner, and Psychology, and Troy of Independence. He married In addition to his entire 64, strong sense of at Camp Winadu on Lake State’s master’s program in his first wife, Miriam in Israel. birth family, Moshe was pre- Onota in the 1930s. They Management. Seymour’s quest community They had two children, Gideon deceased by his beloved wife of ultimately bought a house on for expanding his horizons QUEENS, NY – Cheryl Ann and Ada. 33 years, Hattie, in 2009; his the lake, and he set up his also included a 2-year block of Luft, 64 years young, passed Moshe immigrated to daughter Nancy Binder Doery ophthalmologic practice in the time teaching English, (com- peacefully in the early morn- Brooklyn, NY in the 1950s. in 2003; his grandson, Seth Berkshires. Shirley was an plete with his Brooklyn accent) ing hours of Friday, December During his life, he worked as Gimlan in 2009; and his son- avid golfer, playing regularly to high school students near 28 at the Jamaica Hospital an electrician and appliance in-law, Dave Faherty in 2017. in Pittsfield and Williamstown. Seoul, Korea. Medical Center Hospice in repair person. Funeral service and burial Her passion for the natural Having initially connected Queens, NY, after a long battle In 1975, Moshe married were held on Sunday, January beauty of the Berkshires, the with Regina Karas while she with cancer. his second wife Hattie Lucas 13 on Long Island. A memo- birds, the flowers, the lake, was employed as senior adult Cheryl was a resident of Binder Gimlan. Together, they rial service will be held at a and the fresh air will forever activities director at the JCC Southfield, MA for over 25 first resided in Far Rockaway, later date at his residence leave its mark on those who of Tidewater in the 1980s, years. She also lived in the NY, then at their lake home at Applewood Estates in knew her. Seymour decided to contact West Village in New York City, in Carmel, NY, before moving Freehold, NJ. Shirley will be remembered her 20 years later. After 7 Portland, OR, Yakima, WA, to Monroe Township, NJ in Memorial contributions for many things, but above all months of emails and phone and Washington, D.C. 1998. In 2012, Moshe moved may be made to: United States Shirley taught us that family calls, they felt it was bashert Born May 2, 1954 in to Applewood Estates in Holocaust Memorial Museum, and love supersede all else. and they decided to spend Bronx, NY, Cheryl attended Freehold where he lived until 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, Her ability to adapt to a new their mature years together. Westchester Day School in his passing. SW, Washington, DC 20024; world, staring down fear of Following Seymour’s move Mamaroneck, graduating in During their 33 years or Simon Wiesenthal Center, the unknown, and utilizing from Virginia Beach, VA to 1968. She attended Valhalla together, Moshe and Hattie 1399 South Roxbury Drive, the power of love to embrace Bloomfield, he transferred his High School in Valhalla, NY traveled, took classes, went to Los Angeles, CA 90035; or a change will prove to be one of management skills to both and Washington University concerts, operas, elder hostel charity of your choice. the most enduring gifts. We Hartford area public school in St. Louis, MO, where she tours, attended Holocaust classrooms as a substi- earned degrees in Art History memorial programs and par- Gordon J. Adelson, 93, will dearly miss her. lifelong Pittsfield resident In addition to Shirley’s tute teacher and to Beth El and Animal Behavior. ticipated and hosted many family, she was sustained in Temple Religious School in Cheryl continued her edu- extended family events. Moshe PITTSFIELD – Gordon J. these last years by a team West Hartford as a 7th grade cation at the Laban Institute was an expert ping pong Adelson, 93, died Thursday, of wonderful caregivers who teacher of Holocaust studies. of Movement Studies, pursu- player and became a very skill- January 17 at Berkshire became her dear friends. In His storytelling gift motivated ing a certification in Movement ful stain glass creator during Medical Center. gratitude for those who sup- many students to increase Therapy, which led her to retirement. Born in Pittsfield on June ported Shirley, her family, their attendance and class- start her own practice called Moshe Gimlan was commit- 25, 1925, son of Samuel and and her caregivers in her last room participation. Moving Into Well-Being. Cheryl ted to sharing his Holocaust Sylvia Adelson, he was a grad- months of life, donations may Seymour’s community studied with the Church of the story with as many people uate of Pittsfield High School. be made in Shirley’s honor to activites included becoming Movement of Spiritual Inner as possible, especially chil- After high school, Mr. Adelson HospiceCare in the Berkshires, a life member associate of Awareness and became a dren. He was interviewed for volunteered for the US Army 877 South Street, Pittsfield, Hadassah, joining JWV Post Minister. the United States Holocaust and served in Europe during MA 01201. #45 in West Hartford and serv- Cheryl and John Marinelli Museum, gave extensive inter- World War II. After the war, he ing on the Board of Directors were married in the spring of views for Stephen Spielberg’s attended the Wharton School Seymour Baer, 76, of NEHFES (New England 1993. They remained together Shoah project, and gave many of Business and received a veteran of the Vietnam Hebrew Farmers of Emanuel until his passing in 1999. presentations at elementary graduate degree in accounting and Beirut Wars Society), the descendents Cheryl was an Israeli folk schools, high schools, colleges, and earned his CPA. synagogues, and other venues. SPRINGFIELD – Seymour Baer organization representing the dance enthusiast, having He worked for and was He taught everyone that we of Lenox and Bloomfield, CT historic site where an enclave taught classes for the Jewish a partner in Adelson and must “Never Forget.” He lost passed away peacefully on of Russian Jews founded the Federation of the Berkshires Company and has been retired his belief during the war, but November 1 at Mercy Hospital “shtetl” of Chesterfield now and at the Isabella Freedman for many years, spending never lost his learning. He in Springfield, MA. Born on on the National Registry of Jewish Retreat Center’s sum- many winters in Florida. was able to expertly debate June 19, 1942, Seymour was Historic Places and desig- mer camp in Falls Village, He married the love of his any rabbi and enjoyed those raised by his father, Jacob nated Connecticut’s 24th CT. She was also an avid life, Ida Lubin, on December opportunities. Baer and grandmother, State Archaeological Preserve. photographer, bird watcher, 28, 1947. They were married Moshe is survived by his Rebecca Galper following his Seymour had the distinction of dog lover, and first responder for 50 years until her death beloved children, Gideon mother Irene Baer’s death a being the only descendent who volunteer. She had a small on February 28, 1998. He was Gimlan (Joni) and Ada week after his birth. actually lived on this site. greeting card business that a lifetime member of Knesset Gimlan; stepchildren, Judy Seymour attended Torah Seymour’s lively person- featured her love of nature Israel. Binder Kesin Faherty and Alan Vadat Yeshiva for 10 years ality and extraordinary gift photography. She loved to Mr. Adelson leaves his sons Binder (Cheryl) of Tolland, MA, and spent his school vacations for sharing his world travels travel and made trips to Israel, Bruce E. Adelson, Michael R. who are members of Hevreh at home in Chesterfield, CT, and military experiences were Central America and Europe Adelson and Mark R. Adelson of Southern Berkshire; and where his father and grand- enjoyed by his new family, over the years. Cheryl had a (Deborah); grandchildren Sam, son-in-law Fred Doery. He is mother managed the family including Regina’s son, Jay strong sense of community Nate, Sarah, Jessie, Haley and also survived by 12 grandchil- Chabad hotel, Galpers’ Inn. Karas, daughter-in-law Dr. and wanted to give back to the Allie and his great-grandson dren: Jackie Gimlan (Karthik), When Seymour realized his Monica Osborne, and grandson many causes she supported. Parker Forest Hamilton. He Jared Gimlan, Michael Doery family had been grooming him Leo; Regina’s siblings, Elissa The only daughter and also leaves his sister-in-law (Amy), Ric Doery (André), Lynn to become the future rabbi of and Mark Weinberg and Al and oldest child of Nathan and Molly Novick. Doery Ruis (Bob), Erica Kesin the rural synagogue located Maribel Goldin; her nephews Dorothy Luft, Cheryl is sur- Funeral services took Richmond (Burke), Andrew adjacent to Galpers’ Inn, he and nieces Robert and Alana vived by her mother, and her place Monday, January 21 at Kesin (Holly), Hayley Binder felt it was time to negotiate Weinberg, Drs. David Weinberg brothers Brian and Harvey. Knesset Israel, Pittsfield with Apiscopa (Nick), Katy Binder with his dad his preference for and Rachael Beckert, and Funeral services were held Rabbi David Weiner, spiri- Buderman (Ken), Timothy enrolling in New London High Jeremy Weinberg have often Sunday, December 30 at the tual leader, officiating. Burial Faherty (Joanne), Kimberly School. Unsure of his career retold many of Seymour’s Plaza Jewish Community followed at Knesset Israel Faherty Phillips (Richard), path, Seymour joined the US travel tales. Chapel in New York City with Cemetery. Kevin Faherty; 20 great-grand- Air Force for four years and He leaves many friends and burial in Greenwich, CT, at The family welcomes dona- children: Israel Seth Gimlan, subsequently enlisted in the family including his children the KTI Cemetery on Memory tions to the charity of the Rachel Doery Walion (Nick), US Navy, where he spent the Marcus, Brian, and Rebecca; Lane, the cemetery where her donor’s choice. next 20 years. As an aviation daughter-in-law, Renee Baer father was laid to rest. logistician, he arranged air- and Mark Williamson; cousins Moshe “Moe” Gimlan craft supplies on the carriers Allan and Elayne Goodstone, (Gimlakiewicz), 98, the Nimitz, the Independence, Carol and Allen Wendorf, and and the Guam. beloved grandchildren, Sandra, Holocaust Survivor, A veteran of the Vietnam Kara, Zachary, and Leo. Father, Grandfather, and Beirut Wars, he retired A graveside service was Great-grandfather as a Chief Petty Officer with held on Tuesday, November FREEHOLD, NJ – Moshe a total of 24 years of military 6 at the Knesset Israel “Moe” Gimlan (Gimlakiewicz) service. Seymour loved his Cemetery, Pittsfield. Rabbi 98, Holocaust survivor, father, country deeply and was very David Weiner of Knesset grandfather, and great-grand- proud of his service. “If they Israel officiated. Jewish War father passed away on called me up,” he would say, Veterans Commander Robert Tuesday, January 8. Waldheim of the Louis Green Born in 1920, in Poland, Page 24 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org February 18 to April 7, 2019

ProgramsPrograms taketake placeplace onMondays most Mondays and Thursdays and Thursdays at 10:45 ata.m. 10:45 Lunch a.m. is Lunchserved is Monday served Mondays,and Thursday Tuesdays,at 12 p.m, and through Thursdays September at noon. 3. Tuesday lunch resumes on September 8. Venue: Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Rd, Pittsfield, MA.

Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield, MA.

FEBRUARY Monday, 18...... 10:45 a.m., “Volunteer for Humani- Monday, 18...... Closed for President’s Day tarian Aid and the Refugee Crisis” with Cari Naftali. Lunch: Barbecued chicken**#, corn cobettes, sweet potato fries, Tuesday, 19...... Tomato goat cheese pasta, broc- salad, multi-grain bread, peach cobbler and tea. coli, corn cobettes, cran-orange muffins, fruit cocktail, coffee, tea and milk for coffee. Tuesday, 19...... Veal stew**#, noodles, Italian bread, fruit cocktail and tea. Thursday, 21...... 10:45 a.m., “Current Affairs” with Professor Steven J. Rubin. Lunch: Grilled cheese and tuna Thursday, 21...... 10:45 a.m., ‘Purim Shpiel: The Whole on whole wheat, salad, beets, cookies, coffee, tea and Megillah!” with Leslie Elias. Lunch: Fish chowder, grilled milk for coffee. cheese sandwiches, stewed tomatoes, whole wheat bread, cake with chocolate frosting, coffee, tea and milk Monday, 25...... 10:45 a.m., “A Day in the Life.” Final for coffee. session of 3 part series with Nancy Maurice Rogers. Lunch: Chili lime chicken, black bean soup, yellow rice, broccoli, Monday, 25...... 10:45 a.m., “Pittsfield House of pineapple and tea. Correction; An Inside Look” with Al Bianchi. Lunch: Chicken Almondine#, baby carrots, Brussels sprouts, oat bread, Tuesday, 26...... Meat leftover day and tea. apricots and tea. Thursday, 28...... 10:45 a.m., “LGBTQIA+” with Drew Tuesday, 26...... Meat leftover day and tea. Herzig. Lunch: “Pepperoni” pizza, green beans, salad, ice cream and cookies, coffee, tea and milk for coffee. Thursday, 28...... 10:45 a.m., “Prosecution in the 21st Century” with Berkshire County D.A. Andrea Har- Linking Young MARCH rington. Lunch: Macaroni and cheese, green beans, salad, Jewish Women in Monday, 4...... 10:45 a.m., “Moving Towards Health” whole wheat bread, coffee, tea and milk for coffee. with Thea Basis. Lunch: Meat loaf**#, zucchini rice soup, Their Fight Against peas & pearl onions, mashed potatoes, rye bread, apple- APRIL sauce and tea. Monday, 1...... 10:45 a.m., “Together We Create Breast Cancer Beauty” with Nancy Katz and Mark Liebowitz. Lunch: Meat Tuesday, 5...... Roasted chicken**#, mango juice, loaf**#, tomato juice, mashed potatoes, peas & carrots, (866) 474-2774 quinoa, asparagus cuts n tips, salad, rolls, grapes and salad, rye bread, apple dumplings and tea. www.sharsheret.org tea. Tuesday, 2 ...... Meat leftovers, cabbage soup and Thursday, 7...... 10:45 a.m., “Tilda’s Promise, a nov- tea. el of Love, Loss, and New Beginnings” with author Jean P. Moore. Lunch: Fresh fish**, mushroom soup, mixed veg- Thursday, 4...... 10:45 a.m., “The Passover Exodus – A etables, Challah, pudding with dulce de leche, coffee, Contemporary Reconsideration” with historian David Rut- tea and milk for coffee. stein. Lunch: To Be Announced. Monday, 11...... 10:45 a.m., “The Process of Aging” Monday, 8...... 10:45 a.m., Program to be An- with therapist, Maggie Bittman. Lunch: Stir fried chick- nounced. Lunch: Roasted chicken**#, asparagus cuts n en**#, rice, Italian bread, peaches and tea. tips, oven roasted potatoes, bread and dessert to be announced and tea. Tuesday, 12...... Lentil chickpea stew**#, brown rice, salad, pita bread, mandarin oranges and tea. Tuesday, 9...... Leftovers and tea. Like us on Thursday, 14...... 10:45 a.m., “Construct: Celebrating Thursday, 11...... 10:45 a.m., Program to be An- Facebook: 50 Years of Hope” with executive director, Jane Ralph. Lunch: nounced. Lunch: Leftovers and tea. • Jewish Federation Broccoli and cheese calzones, minestrone soup, beets, salad, pears and melba sauce, coffee, tea and milk for of the Berkshires coffee. • PJ Library Berkshire County Adar I / Adar II / Nisan 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 25 Calendar – Ongoing Events Around the Community Continuous – Chabad of the Berkshires Road, Great Barrington, offers an hour of for Shabbat. All welcomed. Information: a conversation based on the texts of the “Smile on Seniors,” or “S.O.S.,” volunteer “Shalom Yoga, Gentle Stretch and Med- (413) 663-5830 and www.cbiweb.org. Jewish people and reflect on Jewish values program to serve senior citizens in the itation” with Nina Lipkowitz a certified and thinking and what it means “to be Fridays, once a month at 5:30 p.m. Berkshires. Information for families who Kripalu and Jewish yoga and meditation Jewish.” All texts are offered in English. (followed by a family style Shabbat can benefit and volunteers: Rabbi Levi teacher. Check https://hevreh.org/cal- Free and open to the public. Informa- dinner at 6:30 p.m.) – Knesset Israel, Volovik at (413) 499-9899 or visit www. endar/ for updates. All levels welcome. tion (413) 442-5910 or templeoffice@ 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield. Shirei Shabbat jewishberkshires.com. Contact Nina at [email protected] ansheamunim.org. (“Songs of Shabbat”). Unique service with any questions. Monthly, fourth or fifth Sunday – Vol- combines melodies from Carlebach, Deb- unteers from Congregation Beth Israel, Wednesdays at Knesset Israel – “En- bie Friedman, and Camp Ramah to create 53 Lois Street, North Adams “Take and hanced Prayer Class for Adults” 10- a ruach filled (“spirited”) family friendly Knesset Israel Eat” program cook, package, and deliver 11:30 a.m. at 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield, KI experience. Cost for dinner $20 adult; $15 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield hot meals for all North Adams clients of library. What are we saying when we read teen, children free. Dinner reservations ONGOING MINYANS “Meals on Wheels.” Information: (413) prayers at a service? How does the siddur are due by the Monday before services. 663-5830 or [email protected]. language connect with my life today? How Full information: (413) 445-4872, ext 10. Sunday 8:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. can I build my Hebrew reading fluency Tuesday 7 p.m. Sundays (second of each month) – Saturdays at 8:45 a.m. – at Hevreh, 270 and practice my reading skills? How can Friday 5:45 p.m. Berkshire Hills Society of Israeli Philatelists State Road in Great Barrington. Every I be more comfortable with the language Saturday 9:30 a.m. and evenings meet. Discuss Israeli and American stamps. Shabbat morning, gather in Rabbi Neil and process of prayer? Facilitated by approximately 30 minutes before sunset Coffee and donuts. Information: Ed He- Hirsch’s study and dive into the less-often Myrna Hammerling. Newcomers always litzer, (413) 447-7622, daytime. read books of the Bible. All are welcome to welcome. Information: (413) 445-4872, CANDLE-LIGHTING begin the day with coffee while studying Tuesdays, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Torah ext. 16. February 22...... 5:16 p.m. and relaxing on Shabbat. Sessions will Portion of the Week study group at Knesset Thursdays (fourth of each month) – be between 45 and 60 minutes. Please March 1...... 5:25 p.m. Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield. Facilitator Hadassah Book Club. For times, locations be in touch with Rabbi Hirsch for further March 8...... 5:33 p.m. Myrna Hammerling guides the group of meetings, and further information information: [email protected]. through the triennial cycle, year-round in March 15...... 6:41 p.m. about the books: Patti Lipman plipman@ the KI Library. Newcomers always welcome Saturdays at 9 a.m. – Temple Anshe fairpoint.net. March 22...... 6:49 p.m. to this gathering of students of diverse Amunim, 26 Broad Street, Pittsfield. Rabbi March 29...... 6:57 p.m. ages, backgrounds, and perspectives who Fridays, at 9 a.m. – Meditation with Liz P.G. Hirsch leads a meditation and light search together to deepen understanding Rabbi Rachel Barenblat in the Congre- yoga group. April 5...... 7:05 p.m. of our foundational text. Free. Information: gation Beth Israel sanctuary, 53 Lois Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. – Temple Anshe (413) 445-4872, ext. 16. Street, North Adams, overlooking the Amunim, 26 Broad Street, Pittsfield. Berkshire mountains. Silence, chanting, Wednesdays, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. “Torah Plus: Exploring Jewish Text and and meditation designed to help prepare – Hevreh of Southern Berkshire, 270 State Culture.” Join Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch for

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New Novel Re-Imagines the Book of Esther friend. “What has happened his wife was expecting a child that required using the urgent any moment. Mordechai contin- An excerpt from Sandra E. Rapoport’s meeting code? You’ve got us ued speaking. The Queen & The Spymaster good and worried.” “It is absolutely our busi- Mordechai surveyed the men ness, Natan, as all of you will “I have chosen a portion of the And let the king appoint offi- around the table. Though he see. Beginning in five days the ‘beauty contest’ episode. That cers in all the provinces of didn’t see eye to eye with some king’s men will be fanning is, those verses of chapter 2 his kingdom who will gather of them, he trusted them all. out throughout the Empire. of the Megillah that laconi- all the beautiful young virgin There were Shimon and Eliezer, They have been ordered by cally refer to the king’s plan girls, and bring them to the his good-natured brothers in the king to round up all the for choosing a new queen. The capital city of Shushan, to the all-but-blood: Shimon, whose beautiful virgins in the entire meticulous Hebrew wording in harem, into the custody of father was a skilled tailor, kingdom. No heed will be taken the verses of the Megillah text Hegai, the king’s officer, the known as a magician with of religion or race; the only (vatilakach Esther, translated Keeper of the Women…And cloth; and Eliezer, who was a criteria are beauty and virginity. as ‘Esther was taken,’ from the girl who best pleases the third-generation wine-maker. Xerxes wishes to have his pick Esth.2:8) makes it clear that king will be queen instead of There was Gidon, a silk of the Empire’s finest maidens. what really happened 2,500 Vashti.’ And this pleased the merchant like his father and Understand, Brothers, that the years ago in ancient Persia at king, and it was done in this grandfather, who heard all king will audition each girl! We the command of the king was way. the news of wars and royal around this table know exactly far from the voluntary, state- “…And it came to pass, marriages from traders who what that means. And at the wide beauty contest that the when the king’s decree and berthed along the Tigris and end of the ‘contest,’ the girl folk interpretation of the story command were proclaimed, Euphrates Rivers. There was who pleases Xerxes most will be has popularized. Instead, what and when many girls were Natan, the anxious wine dealer crowned Queen of Persia.” the Megillah hints at through gathered in the capital of who was on a first-name-basis The men were stunned In her new novel The Queen the king’s use of officers to Shushan, that Esther—very & The Spymaster, Sandra with the king’s cup-bearer. And silent. round up ‘all’ the beautiful beautiful, orphaned cousin there was Levi, who translated “That means our sisters…” E. Rapoport re-imagines the virgins, and through the sub- of Mordechai, a Jewish man world and characters of the legal contracts into the dozens said Levi. tle use of the indirect voice living in Shushan whose of the dialects in the Empire. “…and our betrotheds!” Book of Esther, coaxing out (‘Esther was taken’), is noth- family had been exiled from themes and exploring inter- There was Pinchas the prop- added Shimon. ing less than a forced roundup Jerusalem—also was taken erty agent, who, together with “Not while I have breath!” personal personal dynamics of the Persian Empire’s beauti- to the king’s palace, into the suggested by the ancient text. his six enormous brothers, knew said Pinchas, pounding the ful virgin maidens. I have laid custody of Hegai, Keeper of the every home, field and grotto in table to a grumbled assent by Rapoport, an attorney who out the applicable verses from Women.” lives in New York City and Susa and its environs for fifty his six brothers. Some of the the biblical Megillah text, fol- kilometers in any direction. And other men nodded their heads has a second home in Lenox, Excerpt from The Queen & lowed by an excerpt from The there were a half-dozen more: and looked fierce. is also the author of the Queen & The Spymaster.” The Spymaster acclaimed Biblical Seductions, farmer, jewelry maker, teacher “We will not be given Note: In this excerpt, The cellar room was full. and carpenter. Diverse and the choice,” said Mordechai. in which she examined “narra- Esther is referred to as tives relating to six women in Twelve members of the different-charactered, all were “Think! What will you do, yes, “Hadassah” (from Megillat Brotherhood who lived in Susa living good lives as Jews in even you, Pinchas, and your the Bible who either seduced Esther 2:7 “And [Mordechai] or were violated, and explores and the nearby towns who were Persia. brothers and their friends? Will had raised Hadassah, she is able to come on short notice “My brothers, I have news. you stand up against the king’s the history, culture, and Esther…). rabbinic literature to find crowded onto the benches Xerxes is preparing to choose a armed guards? They will crush Megillat Esther, chapter 2, around the stone table. The new queen.” you like bugs, and you will logical resolutions to readers’ verses 1-8: questions” (Publisher’s Weekly smokeless candles lined the sur- “So why does this merit an leave your wives widows and “After the Vashti incident… rounding stone ledge, so there emergency meeting? The king’s your children orphans. Your review). the king’s advisors said, ‘Let The BJV is pleased to pub- was light as well as privacy. sexual appetites are none of our homes will be burned and your young and beautiful virgin “Mordechai,” Shimon spoke business,” interrupted Natan, shops looted and shut down. lish an excerpt from the book, girls be sought for the king. about which Rapoport writes: first, with the ease of a close who was impatient to be home; No, we haven’t the strength Adar I / Adar II / Nisan 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 27 CULTURE AND ARTS

and do it immedi- Hadassah, as you will hear of Mordechai continued. “The ately. In five days the it in whispers within the hour. Brotherhood met last night and king’s soldiers will Xerxes is searching for a new already we are moving our girls round up Persia’s queen. He has decided he will out of Susa, on foot, in trader virgins by force!’” choose her from among the caravans, by boat, on horseback. “Pinchas,” most beautiful maidens in all Messengers have been dis- Mordechai looked of Persia. To do this, he will be patched everywhere, discreetly directly at his sending special armed officers alerting our people. When the fierce, enormous to every city and town in the king’s men come looking they friend. “You and 127 provinces in the Empire will not find many maiden your brothers must with orders to search out and Persian Jewesses. Shimon wants swear with all of us take the best of these girls back you to leave Susa tomorrow here tonight that to Susa. The girls will have no with his niece Rachel. He plans you will not resist choice; they will be taken— to disguise her as a boy and the king’s soldiers forced—to stay in the House of spirit her out in the tumult of head-on. Better the Women and be prepared to market day, with some wine yet if all of you be auditioned by Xerxes.” merchant friends of Eliezer’s.” happen to be out “How do you know this?” “And you expect me to go in the fields or in other villages Hadassah whispered. with her.” or the armaments to wage a on the day of the dragnet, to Mordechai did not respond; “I would like you to go, yes. war against Xerxes’ guards. We keep you away from tempta- he just watched Hadassah as she Hadassah, you are exactly what must think of more clever ways tion. Swear with all of us that processed and absorbed what the king’s men will be looking from the inside of the Women’s to evade the dragnet. And we you will spirit the girls out of he had said. for. You are young, you are very Compound.” Mordechai fer- do have a little time; we know harm’s way but will not engage “What am I saying? Of beautiful, and you are a maiden. vently hoped Hadassah would about the king’s plans but they the king’s troops. This is for all course you know, and of course You will be a prize for them agree to leave with Rachel. At don’t know that we know. And of our good as well as for your you are sure. When?” to bring back to the harem. least then she had the chance they won’t be coming for the own survival.” “In four days’ time. Only we Hadassah, understand that this to grow to womanhood outside girls for five days yet. They are Eventually, all the men of few know, and this is thanks to is serious business. Whoever is the king’s harem. busy making their own prepa- the Brotherhood swore to get our informants on the inside; taken will never return. She will For if she stayed in Susa it rations.” the Jewish girls out of the reach the scribe who was preparing never be allowed to leave the was a certainty that she would So the men got down to the of Xerxes’ men, and not to fight the edict is one of ours.” king’s fortress. She will never be taken by the king’s men. business of organizing secret, them. “For Yahweh!” They said When she sat silent again see the sunrise except Hadassah was a prize. round-the-clock migrations. in unison and with muted inten- Market day was in two days’ sity. Fire was in the men’s eyes; time, which was in their favor. purpose was in the speed of Thousands of people passed in their steps as they left the cellar and out of the metropolis of room one or two at a time and Susa on market day. The Jewish headed out into the night. girls would be disguised as old When it was just Mordechai, women or boys; some of the Shimon and Eliezer left, Shimon girls would be sporting “warts” spoke. “Mordechai, you must on their noses or limps in their tell Hadassah what is com- gait. They would be dressed as ing, and prepare her to leave Phoenicians or as Indus moun- tonight or tomorrow. She can tain folk. No one would pay any travel with my eldest niece, heed to small groups of two or Rachel. We have relatives in three people at a time coming Syria, and the girls can get a into or heading out of Susa. No berth on one of Gidon’s ships one would notice that there up the Euphrates. They can would be no virgin girls left return home in a few months among the Jews of Susa and the when all this has blown over.” provinces for Xerxes’ men to Mordechai grasped Shimon’s grab for his harem. Mordechai shoulder. “Thank you, my counted on the fact that there friend. Hadassah is not going to would be so many other lovely like this. She has never left Susa girls for the taking that the in her life. Mordechai looked king’s wagons would be full. bleak. Hopefully the guards would Shimon and Eliezer climbed not consult the census scrolls. the steps and left the cellar, But even so, it was an innocent heading home quickly to begin possibility that the young girls their preparations, leaving might be visiting relatives in Mordechai alone. His handsome other lands. face was lined with exhaustion, And in truth there would be his shoulders rigid with ten- many Persian mothers, fathers sion. He placed his palms on and uncles—not to say girls the stone table and leaned his themselves—who would wel- weight on them, his head feel- come the chance to be taken to ing too heavy for his neck. the king’s harem. They would ... think it a grand adventure to Early the next morning be pampered and primed for Mordechai paced and thought, the chance to charm the king. and waited for Hadassah to Many would harbor hopes stir from her chamber. With that their sister or daughter preternatural hearing his head would be the next queen of came up a second or two before Persia. And why not? It had Esther’s soft indoor slippers to be someone… And per- could be heard on the tile floor. haps some Jewish girls would She saw Mordechai standing in even wish to try their luck. the hallway but stopped short Mordechai couldn’t save them as she searched his face. all; he could only try. “What has happened, “We must get word to the Mordechai?” outer provinces. Lev, you have Mordechai led the way into the horses and riders. We have the salon. done this before, for lesser “Hadassah, I have spent matters. Use the postal roads, half my life trying to protect it’s faster. Take no scrolls with our people by planning for the you in case you are stopped and unexpected; trying to be pre- searched. Take coins for bribes, pared. But nothing in my thir- take bolts of cloth so you ty-eight years has prepared me appear to be merchant messen- for what I must tell you now.” gers. Dress like caravaners. Live “Mordechai, you are the disguise. Pack up tonight frightening me. Come and sit.” and leave before first light. The Mordechai would not sit; he message must be relayed and stood rigidly, bracing himself. it must be precisely the same “Now tell me what you must everywhere. Tell the riders to tell me.” Hadassah sat very still say this: ‘Mordechai says get and prepared to listen. your virgin girls out of Persia “I will say it straight out, Page 28 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org February 18 to April 7, 2019 CULTURE AND ARTS

MEDITATIONS ON FAMILY, continued from page 1

Kutik was four years old in 1989 different ways than he when members of his family relocated had in “Music from the from Belarus (then still part of the Suitcase.” Rather than USSR) to Pittsfield, beneficiaries of looking to the music of this Jewish community’s passionate the past for inspiration, mobilization on behalf of Soviet Jewry. Kutik came up with the In the end, the Berkshires resettled idea of commissioning more Jews from the Soviet Union than new work by contempo- any community its size in the United rary composers. States, and our dedicated community A photo might evoke members followed through to ensure “a rush of memory…a that those families were able to adjust rush of emotions,” says to and thrive in their new home. Kutik. “All composers Kutik says his “Meditations on have lives and family Family” project germinated when his and culture that have family gathered together in 2017 for led them down paths of Thanksgiving. His grandmother, Baba exploration.” So Kutik Luba, recounted the uncertainty the searched for collabora- family felt when some members left tors among composers for the West while she and others he knows and admires, remained in Belarus, unsure that they asking them “to choose would ever be reunited. Fortunately, their own family photo, Kutik’s grandparents were able to a photo that conjures up immigrate to the United States three memories of joy, sad- years later, and as Kutik writes on the ness, unity, and longing, The image that inspired Yevgeny Kutik’s “Meditations on Family” project – his family’s reunion project Web page: “As Baba Luba told and to translate that with his grandparents at the Albany airport in 1992, three years after the then 7-year-old future her story, she brought out a photo photo into a short work concert violinist came to the Berkshires from the former Soviet Union that was taken at the [Albany] airport for violin,” he writes. during the first several minutes of their In all, eight compos- arrival. The camera captured the price- ers contributed new chamber music “Each piece is a different sound his interpretations will only exist in less expressions of my family members, pieces to “Meditations on Family,” world,” says Kutik. “I was surprised recorded form, as they are too complex especially that of my grandfather Isaac each approximately 3 minutes long, and not surprised how each piece to be performed live. and Baba Luba, exhausted from their some written for solo violin, some seems like a different food, a different In April, Kutik will premiere two journey and filled with the overwhelm- for violin and other instruments. In flavor.” of the works – Gity Razaz’s “Cadenza ing emotion of seeing their family March, the new work will be issued Recording these original compo- for the Once Young” (a wistful med- again.” [See image above right.] on CD and through streaming ser- sitions presented its own challenges. itation on her Iranian grandparents’ Says Kutik: “The expressions got me vices like Amazon and Spotify, but “One studies Mozart for years,” says “lasting love and decades of com- thinking about how a photograph like Kutik has taken the unusual step of Kutik, whereas with “Meditations,” he panionship”) and Andreia Pinto that might ‘sound’ if set to music.” debuting one composition a week on was working off “sheet music while it Corriea’s “Litania” (a forceful dialogue As a musician, Kutik explored his the Web page, yevgenykutik.com/ was still wet.” The composers started between violin and piano that evokes family’s history and cultural roots meditations-on-family/. sending him their work last summer, a litany of “prayers organized in short in his 2014 release “Music from the Kutik says he wanted “an easy, user “and I had to figure things out fast.” invocations that alternate between Suitcase,” on which he performed the friendly way” for listeners to encounter Some pieces were ready on arrival, soloist and assembly, producing a hyp- mostly Russian compositions from the the new work, and by staggering the while others required back and forth notic effect”) at a recital with pianist cherished sheet music that his mother, release of the eight short pieces, “some- with the composers over Skype. Kutik Anna Polonsky at the Kennedy Center’s one can listen for a few min- says that each composer heard a demo Terrace Theatre in the nation’s capitol utes, meditate on the piece, of their work before the recording pro- hosted by Washington Performing Arts. and then come back later for cess started, and understood where he The program will center on works more.” was taking the music. from “Music from the Suitcase,” and The releases started Kutik recorded the music in Boston will mark the first intersection between on January 18 with Chris over an intense three-day period that the earlier album’s classical works Cerrone’s jarring “Flight to involved long hours and many retakes. and the newly-created “Meditations Limbo” – a jagged violin solo Each composer “had the luxury of on Family” compositions. It will be the that responds to a haunt- instrumenting their piece however first chance for Kutik to see how the ing photo of the composer’s they wanted to,” he says, and some older pieces that shaped his musical grandfather as a toddler background might cohere in postwar Italy, suffering with the new compositions from severe pneumonia and he helped bring to life via dressed precipitately by his ongoing exploration of the local priest in ceremo- family and the emotional nial garments in expecta- power of memory and tion of his imminent demise. artifact. The releases will continue “My musical heritage through March 8, conclud- is Russian and Jewish,” ing with Joseph Schwanter’s he says. “Professionally, it “Daydreams…”, a composi- affects everything I play.” tion for violin and four vocal- Chris Cerrone’s grandfather in infancy, gravely ists that is a warm rumina- More information ill and expected to perish – inspiration for his tion on a 1924 snapshot of about each piece, and grandson’s jarring “Flight to Limbo” for solo violin his grandparents and infant the associated photo, mother. visit: yevgenykutik.com/ music teacher Alla Zernitskaya, The compositions are stylistically meditations-on-family/. brought with her when the family left disparate, but each in its way directly Belarus. In an interview with the New invites the listener to consider the iTunes, Apple Music, York Times, Kutik said the sheet music music in relation to the meaning- Spotify, Amazon are the “is the physical embodiment of our ful family photograph selected. Each platforms for digital release family and our journey. It reminds me image appears on the “Meditations” on March 8. The CD format of what we went through and how far Web page, along with a back story pro- will be released via Marquis we have come.” vided by the composer explaining its This family photo taken by Timo Andres as a child Classics. Kutik wondered how he might be personal resonance. The compositions inspired “See Above,” his duet for violin and double able to bring his idea about using form a mosaic of musical approaches bass – did the off-kilter framing, he asks, represent photographs as musical inspiration to underpinned by a shared quality of “a latent avant-garde impulse, or perhaps just an life, how he might continue to explore nostalgic reflection, however differently interest in owls?” themes of family and memory in expressed.

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