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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. 29, No. 1 Tevet/Shevat 5781 January 1 to February 7, 2021 jewishberkshires.org Elevating the Voices of Jewish A Time of Contraction and Leaders of Color Expansion Three programs will highlight Jewish diversity in the Artist Nina Lipkowitz responded to pandemic-year United States and overseas anxieties with a rich and mysterious series This winter, the Jewish Federation of watercolors of the Berkshires presents a three- part series elevating voices of Jewish leaders of color in the United States, in Africa, and in Israel. These Jewish Federation of the Berkshires programs will be presented via Zoom. Please visit our calendar of events at jewishberkshires.org for links to the programs.

Faith, Power, and Privilege – with Yavilah McCoy Thursday, January 14 at 6:45 p.m. Yavilah McCoy, the founder of Yavilah McCoy Ayecha and CEO of Dimensions, will discuss the practice of holding multiple and stronger advocates in working identities within efforts to build greater together toward social justice. equity and justice in our changing McCoy was born and raised in an political and social climate. She will Orthodox Jewish home in Brooklyn, also address the challenges of diversity NY. Her grandparents converted to and inclusion in religious communi- Judaism, and she continues the ties, as well as opportunities that these traditions handed to her over three communities can engage in as part of generations as part of her African their efforts to become deeper allies American Jewish family. Through Dimensions, McCoy services an inter- “Part of this COVID thing, part of what saved me, is that I can go and make art national portfolio of clients in the areas whenever I want,” says Great Barrington’s Nina Lipkowitz. “You know, other people of education, philanthropy, and social might be saying, ‘I can’t do this, I can’t do that…’ It’s really important for me to Inside justice. As an anti-racism activist with keep my creativity going.” She responded to the pandemic with a burst of creative an international platform, she provides The Wisdom of the Trees...... 2 energy, painting a new watercolor each day for months. For more on her story, training and consulting to numerous please see page 10. Legacy Giving: Rita and Sol Toscher...... 3 social justice projects that span multiple identities and communities. Local News...... 4-9 McCoy also serves on the steering Roselle Chartock on Elvis committee of the national Women’s and the Jews...... 11 Berkshire Jewish Voices...... 15-17 JEWS OF COLOR continued on page 4 Welcome to the Berkshires!

OUR CUP RUNNETH OVER! The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires' 2020 Annual Campaign exceeded goal! Thank you to all who participated! Check out the next edition of the Berkshire Jewish Rabbi Shira Stern JVoiceewish for F aeder full reportation and of thehonor Berkshires roll of our ’ 2020 Annual Campaign Berkshire County and its Jewish since childhood – her family would generous and caring donors community are changing in the wake accompany her father, the violinist GOAL $850,000 of the coronavirus pandemic, with Isaac Stern, when he performed an influx of new residents who have at Tanglewood during the summer 400 480 left densely-populated urban areas months. And while she says her 320 560 in search of a different way of living. fingers are crossed that our region’s While it is still too soon to speculate 240 640 rich cultural life will resume by next about how life in the Berkshires might season, for now she and her husband 160 change – especially since the pandemic are riding out the pandemic at home, 720 mentality remains pervasive – it is clear along with their son, daughter-in-law, that many of our new neighbors bring and two grandchildren, one a toddler 80 855 with them interesting resumes. and the other an infant. Among them is Rabbi Shira Stern Rabbi Stern spoke with the BJV just who, with her husband Rabbi Daniel before Thanksgiving about her work DOING YOUR ANNUAL Weber, hastened their planned retire- as a chaplain and American Red Cross EXTRAORDINARY ments to Lenox after serving as first-responder, America in a time of IMPACT CAMPAIGN longtime leaders of Temple Rodeph pandemic, and her hopes and goals for THINGS 2020 Torah in Marlboro, NJ. Rabbi Stern her new full-time life in the Berkshires. IS REAL has been familiar with the Berkshires Please see page 8 for our interview. Page 2 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org January 1 to February 7, 2021

Rabbi Reflection The Wisdom of the Trees By Rabbi Jodie Gordon

Hanging on the door to my office is a print of a poem called “Advice from a Tu BiShevat, celebrated on the 15th of the Tree” by Ilan Shamir, which was given to me by a congregant. It reads: month of Shevat, invites us to consider that ‘advice from a trees’ more deeply. What is our place in the Dear Friend, world, and how do we nurture and appreciate our Stand Tall and Proud surroundings? How are we willing to change to Sink your roots deeply into the Earth protect our natural landscape? Reflect the light of a greater source I am reminded of a teaching from Rabbi Jill Think long term Hammer, who offers beautiful wisdom for this Go out on a limb season of winter when we turn inward and spend Remember your place among all living beings so much time waiting. She points out that the winter season comprising the Embrace with joy the changing seasons Hebrew months of Tevet, Shevat, and Adar is also a season that contains no For each yields its own abundance pilgrimage festivals. After all, in the cold of winter, you can’t travel, so you stay The Energy and Birth of Spring put. Hammer teaches: “These months fall during a time that the Sages describe The Growth and Contentment of Summer as yemot hageshamim—or, the ‘days of rain,’ when the skies dim and thoughts The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall turn inward.” The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter Perhaps, like me, you have spent quite a bit of time over these past ten months Feel the wind and the sun with your thoughts turned inward. This winter’s spiritual challenge is that it And delight in their presence comes on the heels of a difficult and unusual autumn, summer, and spring. Look up at the moon that shines down upon you Rabbi Hammer mines Torah for wisdom to address this very situation, asking, And the mystery of the stars at night. “What did the Israelites do when they were waiting? What spiritual habits brought Seek nourishment from the good things in life them comfort and sustenance when they were in the desert, awaiting God’s Simple pleasures presence?” Earth, fresh air, light Be content with your natural beauty Drink plenty of water What is our place in the world, and how do we nurture Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes and appreciate our surroundings? How are we willing Be flexible Remember your roots to change to protect our natural landscape? Enjoy the view! In this time of looking inward, Hammer suggests, the Israelites were moved to This month, as the chill of winter settles in, I can’t help but reach for that make themselves their own “inner sanctuaries.” This conscious act of personal wisdom of the trees, which is also wisely embedded in our tradition. Who among spiritual work was necessary for the Israelites to be ready to receive God’s pres- us couldn’t benefit from standing a bit taller, letting our roots sink deeply into the ence. For the Israelites, and for us, this winter will be a time apart, marked by a earth? I can imagine many of us could stand to seek nourishment from the simple sense of anticipation. And, in that quiet time of inner preparation, Jewish time pleasures of earth, fresh air, light – and certainly from that reminder to drink offers us spiritual reinforcement. plenty of water, for me a point well taken as I nurse my third cup of coffee of the As Rabbi Hammer points out, though the winter offers no pilgrimage festi- day. vals, we find three holidays marking this period of winter months: Chanukah, Tu Perhaps, though, there is something particular about this timing that can BiShevat, and Purim. These three holidays arrive in the midst of winter to remind sustain us through what many of us have anticipated as a “long hard winter,” us of certain things that may aid us in our time of waiting. In the celebration of now almost a full year into the pandemic, as we continue to isolate and distance those holidays, we are reminded of miracles. We are reminded that blossoming ourselves from the people, the places, and the activities that normally sustain us. is celebrated long after planting, and we are reminded that joy and laughter can This month, as the Hebrew calendar turns to the month of Shevat, we mark be healing. Thus, what may feel like a period of spiritual dormancy is actually a yet another new year: the New Year of the Trees, also known as Tu BiShevat. Here period of subtle growth. in the frosty Northeast, this holiday may sometimes elicit a cynical response – the My hope for each of us is that we will find meaning in the wisdom of this birthday of the trees? While they are bare and weighted down with icicles rather season, and sustenance in that ‘advice from the trees.’ than blooms and blossoms? Certainly, were we able to celebrate across the ocean in the Land of Israel, this holiday would be marked with the brilliant flowering of Rabbi Jodie Gordon is a rabbi and the director of education at Hevreh of Southern pink almond blossoms, dotting the landscape with hopeful beauty. Berkshire in Great Barrington

Letters to the Editor PJ Library Pajama Drive Collects More PJs Lucky to Have Federation as Than Ever Before an Ally Federation’s conference room was filled to overbrimming by the more than 400 pairs of pajamas generously donated by this community. Donations to our PJ Library Pajama Drive were Dear Jewish Federation of the Berkshires: Thank you for your very generous donation to the delivered to the Massachusetts Berkshire Immigrant Center. Your contribution to our Department of Children and Families COVID relief efforts demonstrates your strong commit- in Pittsfield and were distributed ment to the mission of the Center. We are so lucky to to local families during the holiday have you as an ally in the fight for immigrant justice. season. Thanks again to Carr Hardware We are the only organization in the Berkshires for providing collection bins at their that offers comprehensive services for immigrants to stores across Berkshire County and to promote civic engagement, facilitate cultural integra- everyone donating who made this effort tion, and assist in navigating the complex immigration a success. system in the United States. The center also works to build bridges of understanding and cooperation across cultures, to fight racism and discrimination in all forms, and to advocate for the rights of immigrants from all backgrounds. Find out more about our work on our website, berkshireic.org. On behalf of our clients who benefit from your gift, I thank you deeply for your contribution and for your commitment to making the Berkshires a place where all people are respected and valued.

Best regards, Michelle Lopez, Executive Director Berkshire Immigrant Center Pittsfield

Amidst a sea of bags holding more than 400 pairs of pajamas destined to keep local children warm this winter, Donate ~ Volunteer Federation’s PJ Library coordinator Susan Frisch Lehrer (center) delivers the nightclothes to Tiffany K. Bassi, MS, Make a Difference Investigations Supervisor at the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (left) and her colleague from the Pittsfield office. Tevet/Shevat 5781 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 3 Legacy Giving The Rita and Sol Toscher Memorial Fund joins Federation’s Legacy Circle

The Rita and Sol Toscher Memorial Fund has long contributed a generous on $5 a week during the Great Depression. After they married, they lived in Pittsfield annual gift to the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ annual campaign, as next door to our grandparents. Rita joined the Berkshire Athenaeum as a librarian, well as to other worthy institutions in the region. Administered by the Toschers’ eventually providing library services to patients at local area hospitals and becoming nephew Mark Alimansky (along with his wife, Susan Erdos) and niece Jeanne well-known in the community for her caring manner. After serving as an airman in Hirshberg, the fund has recently been liquidated and its assets allocated to orga- World War II, Sol joined General Electric as a manufacturing process specialist. nizations that the Toschers supported. They loved children, especially their nieces and The family elected to direct a significant nephews, who reciprocated that love. We all have many portion of the fund to the Jewish Federation of wonderful memories of our childhoods with them and the Berkshires’ Legacy Circle, a reflection of their our grandparents during the years after World War II. A confidence in Federation’s mission and its ongoing lasting memory for Jeanne and me was of Sunday after- effectiveness in providing Jewish connection, deliv- noons spent at their home. They were among the first to ering essential services, and building Jewish life in have television and those afternoons were spent watch- the region. ing sports and “Hopalong Cassidy.” Jeanne remembers “Over the past 16 years, Jeanne and I have that while growing up in non-Jewish Adams, her parents been proud to carry out Aunt Rita and Uncle Sol’s would occasionally drive her to Pittsfield to meet other wishes,” writes Alimansky. “We hope these funds, Jewish kids and have a “Jewish social life”. These visits and the spirit in which they were given, have made always included “fun” with Aunt Rita and Uncle Sol. and will make a difference for the organizations and the people they serve. We have great confi- Rita and Sol retired to Delray Beach, FL, and later dence that the Jewish Federation will steward this joined a local synagogue there. They returned to legacy of our aunt and uncle for generations to Pittsfield regularly for many years to visit with lifelong come.” friends in the Pittsfield Jewish community. Community About the Toschers, Alimansky writes: was paramount to them. They were able to continue their support of the Let me provide a little background about our aunt organizations they cared about through The Rita and and uncle, Rita (Levine) Toscher (1915-1997) and Sol Sol Toscher Memorial Fund. Their instructions were that Toscher (1917-2004). annual grants from this fund be made to Pittsfield orga- Rita was born in Pittsfield, the youngest of six nizations they had supported and which had supported daughters of Anna and Louis Levine (lifelong mem- them – the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, Knesset bers of Knesset Israel). It was a close and observant Israel, the local YMCA, and the Berkshire Museum. family. All six sisters were encouraged to pursue their Another grantee was Hillel International, which always educations past high school and in the mid-1930s, held a special place in their hearts since that was where Rita enrolled at the University of Alabama. She chose it all began. Alabama because its weather was more favorable to The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ Legacy her as a polio victim. Circle offers a meaningful way to sustain and grow There, through participation in Hillel, she met Sol the Jewish community in the Berkshires into the Toscher, who had grown up in Denver. Explaining future. For more information on the Legacy Circle, why he chose a school so far from home, Sol said it please contact our development officer, Leslie was the only school he could find where he could live Sol and Rita Toscher Kozupsky, at [email protected] or at (413) 442-4360, ext. 19.

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Aewish publicationA publication of of the the Jewish Jewish Federation Federation of the Berkshires, of the serving Berkshires, the Berkshires serving and surrounding theice Berkshires NY, CT and and VT surrounding NY, Thank you volunteers Ellen Rosenblatt and the J V CT and VT BJV delivery team, Mitch Greenwald and Roman Rozenblyum. Published nine times a year by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Dara Kaufman: Publisher and Managing Editor Andrea and Bruce Braffman: Honorary Publishers Albert Stern: Editor Rose Tannenbaum: Graphic Design and Layout Jenny Greenfeld: Advertising Sales Representative and Assistant Editor

Editorial opinions expressed in the Berkshire Jewish Voice are those of the newspaper and not those of any individual. Signed editorials do not represent the view of the newspaper, but rather express the writer’s view. The Berkshire Jewish Voice is under no obligation to accept any advertisement. It does not guarantee the kashrut of any merchandise or service advertised. To have the BJV mailed to your home, please send a minimum donation of $18 Next issue publication date: February 8 - March 14, 2021 Press deadline: December 22, 2020 • Advertising deadline: January 20, 2021 Berkshire Jewish Voice e-mail: [email protected] Phone: (413) 442-4360, ext. 11 Fax (413) 443-6070 Page 4 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org January 1 to February 7, 2021 Your Federation Presents

JEWS OF COLOR, continued from page 1 Jewish Justices of the March and has been a core Jewish family as the writer, Supreme Court part of many large-scale producer and performer of national movement teams, the Jewish Gospel theatrical bringing an intersectional production “The Colors of On Monday, January 4 perspective to the ongoing Water.” from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., join work of racial justice and rabbi and historian Dr. David Dalin as he talks about his collective liberation. McCoy is The Jews of Uganda – with most recent book, Jewish a pioneer of the Jewish diver- Rabbi Gershom Sizomu sity and equity movement and Justices of the Supreme Court, Sunday, February 21 at which was a finalist for the is an advocate and mentor for 11 a.m. the empowerment of a trans- 2017 National Jewish Book global community of Jews of Rabbi Gershom Sizomu is Award. Color. the Chief Rabbi of Uganda, This Jewish Federation of McCoy was an inaugural the leader of the Abayudaya Rabbi Gershom Sizomu the Berkshires program will recipient of the Spielberg Jewish community, and the be presented via Zoom. Please Foundation’s Joshua Venture first Jewish member of the rabbinic seminary to better visit our calendar of events at Fellowship and directed the Ugandan Parliament. The understand ancient and jewishberkshires.org for a link launch of the “Ruderman Abayudaya, whose tribal name modern egalitarian Judaism to this program. Synagogue Inclusion means “people of Judah,” are and bring the Ugandan Dr. David Dalin will Project” for Combined Uganda’s minority Jewish community into main- examine the lives, legal Jewish Philanthropies community of 2000 Jews. stream Jewish life. He was careers and Jewish lega- Arthur J. Goldberg served and the Ruderman Family Rabbi Sizomu will discuss the awarded a Be’chol Lashon cies of the eight Jews who as associate justice of the Foundation. She also directed community’s nearly 100-year Fellowship in 2003 to attend have served or who currently Supreme Court (1962-1965). the Bronfman Philanthropy’s history and the challenges and the five-year Ziegler School serve as justices of the U.S. His clerks included current Curriculum Initiative in successes that the they have of Rabbinic Studies at the Supreme Court: Louis D. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Boston, where she provided faced during that time. American Jewish University Brandeis, Benjamin Cardozo, Breyer and attorney Alan educational consultancy to The Abayudaya commu- in Los Angeles. He returned Felix Frankfurter, Arthur J. Dershowitz 600 prep schools across the nity lives in rural villages to Uganda in 2008 as the Goldberg, Abe Fortas, Ruth nation. in Eastern Uganda. Rabbi first native-born black rabbi Bader Ginsburg, Stephen G. McCoy was voted one of “16 Sizomu is the grandson of in Sub-Saharan Africa and Breyer, and Elena Kagan. the American legal profession. Faith Leaders to Watch” by the community elder “Rabbi” opened a yeshiva to train Special attention will be Dr. Dalin is the author, Center for American Progress Samson and lives near the African teachers and rabbis given to the life and legacy co-author, or editor of twelve in Washington, DC, is a certi- Moses Synagogue in the village to serve their ancient and of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. books, including Religion and fied coach for the Auburn of Nabagogye, which he and emerging Jewish communities. Attention will also be given to State in the American Jewish Theological Seminary’s others from the community’s In 2016, he became the first the anti-Semitism encountered Experience (co-authored with Pastoral Coach Training early 1980s “Kibbutz move- Jew ever elected to Uganda’s by some of the justices during Jonathan D. Sarna) and The Program, and an inaugural ment” built with their own parliament. their legal careers, and to the Presidents of the United States fellow of the Sojourner Truth hands. Their goal has been changing role of Jews within and the Jews. to gather what was left of the * Leadership Circle. She is a The third event in this series Abayudaya community back renowned national speaker, will be presented on Sunday, together after the devastating educator, and spiritual prac- March 7, and will feature reign of Idi Amin Dada ended titioner who celebrates the Ethiopian-Israeli activist Mazal in 1979. Berkshire musical traditions passed Bisawer. Details will appear in As a leader, Rabbi Sizomu’s down to her from three gener- the next issue of the BJV. ations of her African-American dream was to attend a JewishA publication of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, serving V the Berkshires and surrounding ice NY, CT and VT “Yiddish Songs and Stories for Today”: Thank you to our supporters! The Berkshire Jewish Voice extends a very special “thank you” for the A Live Performance by Alejandra Czarny generosity extended by those who have sent in their contributions for voluntary subscriptions to the paper. There are 19 names for the year On Thursday, February 4 She has recorded three CDs, 2021 from from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., the first two of which—“Songs Bernie and Beth Abramson Suzanne Graver Alejandra Czarny pres- about Songs” and “Under Don and Barbara Barron Arthur and Louise Hillman ents “Yiddish Songs and the White Stars”—include Stories for Today,” a concert Yiddish songs and several Lester and Amy Bart Earl and Janet Kramer featuring both traditional original compositions. She Miriam Bergman Steven Noble and modern Yiddish songs has performed this repertoire Scott Brenner and Atara Neuer Eitan and Mimi Reich designed for plenty of audience regularly throughout Europe Jack and Esther Budnick Wendy Robbins participation. and the Americas in a number Adele Cukor Helaine Rose This Jewish Federation of of festivals and concerts. More the Berkshires program will recently, in 2018 Alejandra Dale Drimmer Burton Shapiro and Melinda be presented via Zoom. Please released her third CD, “Viene Paula Farbman Tanzman visit our calendar of events at Siendo Tiempo,” which is made Peter and Robin Goldberg Ron and Marion Stein jewishberkshires.org for a link up entirely of her own compo- to this program. sitions. In her work, Alejandra Alejandra Czarny has employs her extensive back- SEED WHAT YOU READ! BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY! been singing and playing ground as a music therapist Yes, I support the Berkshire Jewish Voice! Please accept my Yiddish songs since she was by, for example, facilitating voluntary tax-deductible subscription contribution. a teenager. Originally from singing-therapy groups as well Argentina, where she hosted as teacher training programs. _____ $360 Mensch & Honorary Publisher (Supports color printing in one edition of the Voice) her own Jewish music radio She will share the back- Alejandra Czarny _____ $180 Sponsor program, Alejandra has for the ground of the songs and a Mail check payable to: _____ $72 Patron last 18 years lived in South brief translation of them, to protest songs, love songs, Jewish Federation of the Berkshires _____ $36 Friend Florida, where she has long provide a wider approach of and more. Some of the lyrics 196 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 served as the music director of this musical experience. The _____ $18 Supporter­­­­ (Please add Berkshire Jewish Voice in the will be provided to enhance memo) the Temple Sinai of Hollywood. repertoire includes lullabies, participation.

Name to be listed: ______p I wish to remain anonymous Tevet/Shevat 5781 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 5 Your Federation Presents

Wildlife in Winter, with Zach To Honor Tu BiShevat – My Tree in Israel Adams of Mass Audubon Your private brand of Holy Land olive oil direct from Israeli farmers How does wildlife in the discuss the natural history hills surrounding us make it of black bears, their role in On Thursday, January 28, through the winter? Find out the ecosystem, and how to from 4 to 5 p.m., celebrate from Zach Adams of Mass maintain safe and positive Tu BiShevat with the folks Audubon, who will present human-bear interactions.” from My Tree In Israel Ltd., two hour-long programs this Mass Audubon’s Pleasant an Israeli initiative to connect winter. Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, people from around the world These Jewish Federation of located in Lenox, has been to Israel in a personal and the Berkshires programs will a site for conservation and impactful way. They’ll tell be presented via Zoom. Please education for over 90 years. partipants how they can adopt visit our calendar of events at With five additional wildlife a tree and receive their own jewishberkshires.org for links sanctuaries, Mass Audubon brand of fresh-pressed olive oil to the programs. protects almost 3,000 acres from that tree directly from the On Monday, January 11 at of land in Berkshire County farmer. 6:45 p.m., “Birds in Winter” alone. This Jewish Federation of explores the chilly life of the Zach Adams has been the Berkshires program will wintering birds of Berkshire studying birds since child- be presented via Zoom. Please County. Zach will discuss hood, when he fell in love with visit our calendar of events at which birds spend their the sounds of wood ducks jewishberkshires.org for a link winters near us and how they and redwing blackbirds in to this program. find food and how they stay the marshes. He holds a BS Presenting will be when people take part in our planning a visit to Israel, they warm. You may be surprised in Environmental Science co-founders Kobi Assaf and impactful program. When welcome you to visit your tree by the incredible stories from Juniata College and Yishai Gelb. They write: “We one adopts an olive tree in and enjoy a VIP tour from your and species that brave New has worked as an educator invite everybody to become Israel, the olive oil that that farmer. England’s cold and snow. and program leader since true partners in Israel’s person will receive is produced “This program is an On Thursday, January 21 the age of 16. Zach has been amazing success story by instantly after the harvest, extraordinary way to support at 6:45 p.m., “Bears in the a Teacher Naturalist for promoting Israeli farmers, fresh from the olive grove in Israeli farmers and to promote Berkshires” explores the Mass Audubon’s Berkshire not through a donation, but which the adopted tree grows the Israeli economy in a important role that the North Sanctuaries since November by directly investing in Israeli and is labeled with a private personalized and meaningful American black bear plays 2018, and leads programs produce. We believe that a brand.” way,” write Assaf and Gelb. in the ecosystems of New in birding, hiking, tracking, win-win situation is created Furthermore, if you are England. “Their incredible and canoeing. He is extremely strength, senses, and curiosity passionate about ornithology are often the source of commo- and the opportunity to share tion in Berkshire County,” his love for birds with everyone writes Zach. “Together, we will around him.

For further information on all Jewish Federation of the Berkshires programs, please call Nancy Maurice Rogers, Program Director, at (413) 442-4360, ext.15.

A bear in Pleasant Valley A ‘Jurassic Park-like’ Tu BiShevat Miracle On Tuesday, January 26 at noon, join Dr. Elaine Solowey and David Lehrer of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies in Israel to learn about the miracle story of how Dr. Solowey was able to recreate the long-extinct native Judaean date palm. When Israel is written about in the bible as “a land flowing with milk and honey,” the honey being referred to is the honey extracted from the native Judaean date. No one has known what that tasted like for thousands of years, until now! The program is co-sponsored by Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County and the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies. Page 6 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org January 1 to February 7, 2021 Your Federation Presents These Little Lights of Ours

Federation sent active PJ Library families Chanukah gift packages (150 in all) containing gelt, games, blessings, recipes, and family activities. We also had a fun, interactive, and wacky Chanukah Live! program with the theatrical group mainstages over Zoom on December 6, 2020. Everyone was giggling, dancing, and singing along during a fun-filled morning. While we couldn't be together in person, we still had a great time celebrating Chanukah! — Susan Frisch Lehrer, PJ Library Coordinator Tevet/Shevat 5781 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 7

LOCAL NEWS U.S. Library of Congress Honors Grinspoon Literacy Programs in Israel Founding Executive Director Galina Vromen steps down from her role at Sifriyat Pijama and Maktabat al-Fanoos

In September, the Library that has been bestowed … stepped down from her role in books directly to children, for of Congress announced from the U.S. Library of December. (Vromen’s family them to take home and keep. that Keren Grinspoon Israel Congress. Reading books is has a second home in South Quarantines and shut-downs (KGI, the Grinspoon Israel an important cornerstone County.) In a statement about wreak havoc on schools’ Foundation) was selected as in acquiring education and her retirement, Vromen wrote: curricula, but the love of a 2020 Library of Congress knowledge at any age. To a “I am full of gratitude to have reading and the conversa- Literacy Awards Program Best great extent, a good book worked with such wonderful tions these books inspire is Practice Honoree. opens a gate to new worlds staff and colleagues all these not limited to a school setting. KGI and its programs and new horizons as well as years. In partnership with the Now more than ever, families — Sifriyat Pijama (Hebrew significantly helping to enrich Israeli Ministry of Education, need support in meeting their for “Pajama Library”) and language. This is precisely we have created programs that children’s intellectual and Maktabat al-Fanoos (Arabic why the Ministry of Education have touched the lives of more emotional needs. KGI allows for “Lantern Library”) — are advances a wide range of than 1.2 million children in kids and their caregivers to the first in Israel to receive programs to encourage reading Israel and their families with travel the world and discover an honor from the Library of among children. The award is more than 23 million books.” their heritage from their Congress, which each year an important recognition that “Galina’s role in the favorite chair.” recognizes 15 organizations honors all those involved in success of Sifriyat Pijama Galina Vromen for innovation in promoting this important work.” and Maktabat al-Fanoos can’t About Keren Grinspoon literacy worldwide. Said founder Harold be overstated,” said Harold Israel the Harold Grinspoon KGI was granted the honor Grinspoon: “We take great Grinspoon. “She brought Adapted from the popular Foundation. Funding for the on the basis of a recommen- pride in our efforts to provide amazing commitment and PJ Library® book-gifting Arabic language program dation from Professor David free books to the vast majority passion to the task of building program created by the Harold is also provided by Price K. Dickinson, EdD, Margaret of young children in Israel in a strong culture of reading Grinspoon Foundation, Keren Philanthropies of San Diego. Cowan Chair of Vanderbilt partnership with the Israeli among Israeli parents and Grinspoon Israel distributes Maktabat al-Fanoos is the University’s Department of Ministry of Education and children, and leaves a legacy some 3.5 million books in largest Arabic book-gifting Teaching and Learning. He fellow funders, and it is an that we’ll be building on for Hebrew and Arabic each year program in the world and noted that Sifriyat Pijama and honor for Keren Grinspoon years to come.” to more than 500,000 Israeli focuses on books that stress Maktabat al-Fanoos “provide Israel to be recognized for Succeeding Vromen as children, operating through universal humanistic values exactly the type of supports this work. Given the growing executive director is Andrea public preschools and elemen- and children’s day-to-day known to nourish early devel- evidence that exposure to Arbel, who worked for 18 years tary schools in partnership dilemmas. opment” (i.e., high-quality books from a young age at the Jewish Agency. She was with the Israeli Ministry of Dozens of Israeli books books and associated activities plays such an important role the director of the partner- Education. Israeli children are used in the Hebrew program that help foster positive ties in human development, we ship unit responsible for seven introduced to a book at school, have been translated to between the classroom and the see our investment as an international programs that and each one receives a copy English, Spanish, Russian, home). The programs create impactful way to support the include Partnership2Gether to take home and keep. By the and other languages for “sustained support for a child State of Israel and its next and the Global School time a child enters third grade, PJ Library, which now has to learn and use the vocabu- generation.” Twinning Network, which s/he will have a home library programs in 29 countries to lary and concepts and apply currently boasts 700 schools of at least 32 books due to provide free Jewish-content the lessons learned about Founding executive director globally. KGI’s efforts. children’s books to share values.” steps down Says Arbel: “The beauty Major funding for KGI Jewish culture, heritage, and Israeli Education Minister In other KGI news, the of the KGI model is that the comes from the Israeli values. Yoav Galant said, “I welcome program’s founding execu- Sifriyat Pijama and Maktabat Ministry of Education and the international recognition tive director, Galina Vromen, al-Fanoos programs bring

Winter Programs at Anshe Amunim

Tu BiShevat To celebrate the congregation’s Jewish environmental values and the New Year of the Trees, Temple Anshe Amunim will hold a special Tu BiShevat Shabbat service on Friday, January 29 at 5:30 p.m.

Reel Theology – Exploring Faith and Jewish Values Through Film Temple Anshe Amunim will hold a virtual film discussion series on Thursdays January 14, 21, & 28 and February 4 from noon to 1 p.m. Participants will watch secular movies outside of class and Rabbi Liz Hirsch will discuss these films through a Jewish lens. Join her for one class or the series of classes.

For registration information for these events, please contact the Temple Office at (413) 442-5910 or [email protected].

BERKSHIRE JEWISH CONGREGATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS

Berkshire Minyan Congregation Ahavath Sholom Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Welcome to the Lay-led egalitarian minyan Reconstructionist 196 South St., Pittsfield, MA Jewish Berkshires held at Hevreh of Southern North St., Great Barrington, MA (413) 442-4360, jewishberkshires.org Everyone is welcome to attend Berkshire, 270 State Rd., (413) 528-4197, ahavathsholom.com Jewish War Veterans services and events at any of the Great Barrington, MA Congregation Beth Israel Commander Robert Waldheim organizations listed here. (413) 229-3618, berkshireminyan.org Reform (413) 822-4546, [email protected] Berkshire Hills Hadassah 53 Lois St., North Adams, MA Please call the organizations Knesset Israel P.O. Box 187, Pittsfield, MA (413) 663-5830, cbiweb.org directly to confirm service times Conservative (413) 443-4386, or to inquire about membership. Hevreh of Southern Berkshire 16 Colt Rd., Pittsfield, MA [email protected] Reform (413) 445-4872, knessetisrael.org Learn more about our Jewish B’nai B’rith Lodge, No. 326 270 State Rd., Great Barrington, MA Temple Anshe Amunim community and find great (413) 528-6378, hevreh.org Chabad of the Berkshires Reform events on the community 450 South St., Pittsfield, MA Israel Philatelist Society 26 Broad St., Pittsfield, MA calendar at: (413) 499-9899, c/o Dr. Ed Helitzer, (413) 442-5910, ansheamunim.org JEWISHBERKSHIRES.ORG jewishberkshires.com (413) 447-7622 Page 8 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org January 1 to February 7, 2021 LOCAL NEWS Rabbi Shira Stern on Being a First-Responder, Managing Grief, and Becoming a Full-Time Member of the Berkshires’ Jewish Community empty chair at the table, that Rabbi Shira Stern blazed a trail as one of the first fifty female rabbis in the United States; in sense of overwhelming alone- 1983, she was ordained by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, from which she ness that takes over. So that’s also earned her Doctor of Ministry in 2004. In addition to her congregational work, she is also a very similar between 9/11 and board-certified chaplain who has served in hospitals, hospices, and long-term care facilities, and the pandemic. has held leadership roles in many rabbinic and social action organizations. She has written exten- sively and taught university courses on issues relating to women in Judaism. We didn’t know whether In the summer of 2001, she was trained by the American Red Cross to serve on the Spiritual Air or not there would be another Incident Response Team (SAIR) and subsequently worked for four months at the Liberty State Park attack, or when there would Family Assistance Center in the aftermath of the 9/11/2001 attacks on New York City by Islamist terrorists. be another attack, and so that Now living full-time in Lenox with her husband, Rabbi Daniel Weber, Rabbi Stern is still working was a little open-ended. Now, virtually with the Red Cross and other organizations – “I have difficulty saying no,” she says. things are very open-ended. We Rabbi Stern spoke with the BJV just before Thanksgiving about her career. Our interview has don’t know when this will end, been edited for length and clarity. and how do we get there? Rabbi Shira Stern … BJV: How did you decide BJV: There has certain- BJV: Tell me a bit about that the rabbinate would be ly been a ‘social justice’ your involvement with the [Grief] is not linear. It’s your direction in life, partic- component of your career, American Red Cross and its not a progression. It’s different ularly in a time when there as well. I’m looking at your SAIR team. my family was very much in things that overwhelm you at was not a clear career path involvement with MAZON: A Rabbi Stern: I had a the limelight, it didn’t really for women? Jewish Response to Hunger different times, whether or not colleague who said to me, in allow for private mourning the Rabbi Stern: My experience and as co-president of the it is bargaining or acceptance June of 2001, that I really way one normally does – was that [my family] would Women’s Rabbinic Network. or hope or despair or sadness. should join the Red Cross – although there is no “normal” travel to Israel every year. Rabbi Stern: Absolutely. It’s circular. When my parents questioned they’d train me to be a Red for mourning. We each find There was a promise my father We think grief is finite, why I was applying to rabbinic Cross disaster chaplain. SAIR our own path. [violinist Isaac Stern] made beginning in a straight path school – they didn’t understand refers to ‘spiritual air incident to my mother who had made Helping other people through to the end, and that – I wrote them a letter and responses,’ meaning that if an Aliyah – because marrying him mourn helped me in my own then there is an end of our sad- explained that I learned how to airplane went down, we would meant leaving Israel – that we process of mourning. I went ness. That’s not what bereave- be a rabbi from both of them. be called to serve and support would return each year. We did to, you know, all three of the ment looks like, and it’s not I certainly learned how to be a those injured and the survi- return at least once or twice a temporary and permanent what communal bereavement chaplain from my mother, who year for decades, so Israel was looks like either. You know, was the first person who would always a focal point in our [Grief ] is not linear. It’s not a progression. it’s, ‘Oh my God, I’m scared. go to visit people who were lives. Giving back to the com- It’s different things that overwhelm you at I’m sad. Okay, I can cope. No, homebound or who were ill in munity was also always a focal I can’t. Well, maybe I can. No, the hospital. It was her com- different times. point in our lives, whether or no, I’m really bad.’ And your mitment to making sure no not it was helping someone vors, and those whose loved mind’s running, it’s running. one feels like they’ve been iso- morgues to support family professionally or helping some- ones had died. And my friend lated and alone. She was good members if they were coming, BJV: Now that you and one find housing or get a good said, ‘Don’t worry, you’re good. to her word until she couldn’t unfortunately, to identify any your husband are full- meal or just to be surrounded All you have to do is go on call timers here, what would leave the house anymore, and remains or if there was DNA by a family. for a month, and nothing ever you like out of the Jewish to match. It was all-encom- happens – so don’t worry about Berkshires? passing. When we start to emerge, I’m hoping that it.’ That was June of 2001. Rabbi Stern: I’ve actually been very surprised with the [we’ll remember] all of those good works My first deployment was BJV: As a chaplain, how do you see what’s going on gravitational pull of Jewish – I’ll just call them mitzvot…Don’t call a over four months when I was now in this country with responses [to the pandemic], mitzvah a good deed, because it’s not. It’s coming over to Ground Zero the coronavirus? People are especially for holidays, for very afraid. Compare and not a good deed; it’s a commandment. from New Jersey. The train Shabbat, but also for spiritual station at Liberty State Park [in contrast, if you’d like, the post-9/11 response to what uplift. You expect that in the Jersey City] was reconfigured you see happening now. first few days after something I was always fascinated by then she would call people she to be a family assistance center the ritual and the history of Rabbi Stern: [Then] people terrible has happened. There knew would be alone or isolat- where we had mental health felt tremendous fear because was standing room only [in Judaism. And I tried very hard ed. And I have learned a great and spiritual care, and FEMA to make sure that whatever I maybe [the 9/11 attack might synagogues] right after 9/11. deal from her. was there. We had a whole host not be] the last thing that hap- could learn, I did. I was one of of agencies who were there to [In New Jersey,] we were BJV: I’m curious. Your pens – maybe it was just the those kids who loved going to be supportive to those who a small congregation, yet we Hebrew school, and then when father was a world-famous beginning of the end. were getting 75 to 100 streams violinist – was globetrotting were, at that point, looking for I was 12, my parents said, ‘You with him part of your expe- survivors. I’m a bereavement counsel- [online for services]. We’re know you’re a girl, you don’t rience growing up? or – I went back to school for hearing that there are people have to do this anymore.’ And Rabbi Stern: Yes. There was We would then ferry them it after 13 years in the pulpit. who are still coming to ser- I said, ‘Fine! Then I’m going no question that we followed across the Hudson to [the And there are, I think, three vices virtually, even those who to quit if I can’t become a bat in his footsteps, especially in World Trade Center site], and major emotions that dominate were not doing so prior to mitzvah.’ They said, ‘Fine.’ the summer. That was the only we would allow them to be those who are either ill or who the pandemic; they’ve gotten And I spent the next six years time that we really spent a lot there respectfully in silence have lost someone. The first into a habit. And I’m hoping trying to get back in. of time with him because he for as long as they needed to is a sense of aloneness – not that that habit of connecting was on the road a lot. It’s inter- be there. And then we’d have being alone, but aloneness. through your screen trans- I majored in Religious Stud- a very short little service; and ies at Brown University and esting, because I spent a lot of And a sense of isolation. And lates into a feeling of being an the first years of my profession- someone would bring them of despair. One of the most integral part of the community studied with Professor Jacob back and help debrief them Neusner, who at one point said al life trying to forge my own heartbreaking emails I got because you feel attached to all path. And was I blessed with and support them. There was was from a former congregant these people whose faces we see to me, ‘Why don’t you just go such an overwhelming influx on to rabbinic school, because a wonderful childhood? Yes, I who said ‘it’s been six months on Zoom. was, and I would never deny of people. I felt connected since anyone’s hugged me, or you have something to teach.’ not just to the people I stood I’m hoping that translates And I did. I went straight from that. Part of why we’re here in that I could hug anybody.’ into a feeling of ‘Oh my God, Lenox is not just because the next to, but also to those with That physical isolation is graduation to Israel. I should whom I worked. I knew the community was have taken a year off. I should Berkshires are exquisitely beau- overwhelming for people. So important intellectually – now have had a chance to think. I tiful, but because I remember My dad had died between if you are from a family of two I really know how important it still would have gone back, but coming to Tanglewood in the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kip- or three people and all of a is to be part of a community. by the time I finished five years summers and loved it. It was pur – ten days after 9/11. And sudden, you’re all by yourself, And I want to continue this later, I had been in school for a kind of a dream. so I was going through my or if you’re sitting around the own grief process, and because dinner table and there’s a very RABBI STERN very long time. continued on page 13 Tevet/Shevat 5781 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 9

LOCAL NEWS Introducing a New Community Venture at What is the New England Congregation Ahavath Shalom: An Online Jewish Experience? Marketplace On Sunday, January 24, from 2 to 4 p.m., learn more The Ahavath Sholom assist members of the broader about the Jewish connec- community is blessed with community who are looking for tion to this part of the United a wealth of creative talent, special gifts without having to States we call home with the including painters, photogra- go out shopping. All purchases New England Jewish History phers, sculptors, composers, will also support CAS.” Collaborative, a new group poets, and writers of every The art and books for sale composed of Jewish histor- kind. are posted on the CAS website ical societies and Jewish From CAS: “Since our (AhavathSholom.com) and the Federations from across the current lives have become so weekly CAS emails will have region. different from the norm, the a link to the page. In order “What is the New England congregation thought its arti- to make a purchase, please Jewish Experience?” is sans and writers could benefit contact the seller directly and an online event launching by an opportunity to show and he/she will take care of the A t-shirt with an image by Paul the Collaborative that will sell their creations. This online entire transaction. Graubard ask questions such as “Do marketplace is also meant to New England Jews share a common experience?” “Is there a regional identity?” “What resources are available Winter Events at Hevreh of Southern for studying New England’s Jewish history?” Berkshire The Collaborative invites historians, archivists, geneal- effects of COVID-19, poverty, and where we go ogists, and others interested historical experience among Creative Beit Midrash from here. Please join Hevreh in celebrating in Jewish history to explore the six New England states. Saturdays, January 2, 16 & 30 and February Shabbat with Senator Hinds via Zoom. the regional experience of New The event will conclude 13 & 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. England Jews. with an introduction of Together with Rabbi Neil Hirsch, explore Zoom Into Tot Shabbat In Your PJs The keynote talk will resources created by the Jewish topics through your medium of choice – Saturdays, January 16, February 13, and be delivered by Michael New England Jewish History visual art, music, dance/movement, or written Hoberman, Ph.D., Fitchburg Collaborative highlighting the word. These Zoom sessions are for sharing March 13 at 9 a.m. All are welcome to sing and dance their way State University and author resources of Jewish historical and processing individuals’ creative product of New Israel/New England: organizations in New England, through nurturing, not critique. Questions? into Shabbat with Hevreh! The online Shabbat morning experience is a terrific way to center Jews and Puritans in Early including a new website and Contact [email protected] to be directed to Heidi America and How Strange it guide. Katz or Larry Frankel. your family for a day of rest and special time together. Join the rabbis and student cantor Seems: Cultural Life of Jews in The event was still being Gabe Snyder for a lively Shabbat experience. Small-Town New England. His organized at press time. Beyond Bread: Winter Baking Course remarks will be followed by a For more information and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., January registration, please email Breaking Bread Kitchen panel discussion of similari- 14 (Barbari) & February 11 (Fougasse) ties and differences in Jewish [email protected]. Join master baker Cheryl Holbert of Nomad Thursday, February 4 at 3:30 p.m. Bakery for a curated Zoom baking class. Bake Every Thursday of the year, a meal free delicious creations full of Jewish soul and to the community is sponsored by organi- creativity. All ages and kitchen experiences are zations around Southern Berkshire county. welcome. Each course is $30 per person. Visit The Breaking Bread Kitchen hevreh.org/winterbread to sign up and view the meal in February is sponsored ingredients list! by Hevreh. Help prepare and serve a distanced to-go meal for about 100 at the American State Senator Adam Hinds: His View of the Legion Hall on Rt. 7 in Berkshires Sheffield. Clean up is usually Friday, January 15 at 6 p.m. done by 6 p.m. Any amount of As part of Shabbat evening services, Hevreh time you can give is appreci- welcomes Berkshire County Senator Adam ated. Email [email protected] to Hinds as guest speaker. Senator Hinds will volunteer. reflect on the state of our community, the

Supporting the Arts, Culture, Environment, and Social Needs in the Berkshires Since 1984

www.StoneHouseProperties.com

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 Page 10 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org January 1 to February 7, 2021 CULTURE AND ARTS “What I can do is enough, as long as it is done with intention…” Nina Lipkowitz on her coronavirus-year series of bold and introspective watercolors By Albert Stern / BJV Editor

In the months before the I was in absolute terror.” – and after what she describes coronavirus pandemic shut- Nina says she got back as a powerful virtual Reiki downs, Great Barrington’s to work on April 6th, the session with her friend, David Nina Lipkowitz and her day she joined the Jewish Holley – what started to pour husband, John, were actively Studio Project. Its partici- out of her was a series of pursuing their passions as pants immerse themselves abstract watercolor paintings peripatetic travelers and in what, according to the that bear some resemblance creators of art – John is a group’s website, is “a unique to her iPad images, but that photographer, while Nina goes methodology (the Jewish possess an added depth, through phases with media Studio Process) that combines richness, and mystery that and subject matter. In the creative practices from the is informed by her emotional first phase of her career, she field of art therapy with response to what the worked as a potter. When Jewish learning techniques, pandemic has wrought. she was first featured in the and spiritual community Part of the Jewish Art BJV back in 2016, she was building.” At the first session, Project program involved the primarily producing sensuous the young Philadelphia-area study of liturgy. Participants watercolors of flowers from Reconstructionist Rabbi grappled with verses from her garden and eye-popping Rebecca Richman prompted the Hallel – “From the narrow abstract compositions on her Nina’s group to summon place I call out to God, who iPad. When we circled back memories, sensations, and answered me with the divine expanse” (Psalm 118, ‘Min explore the outdoors. Walking says Nina. As spring turned to “Our lives were very contracted, but in a ha’metzar…’) – that reflect with a trainer, she discovered summer, however, the spirals how our ancestors confronted Berkshire hiking trails she began to appear in her paint- lot of ways, it expanded into places I never the challenge of their own had never traversed, and the ings, and as summer gave been before. I’ve never painted like this.” lives narrowing. Nina says she experience transformed not way to fall – and the High Holy immersed herself in the text only her physical wellbeing, Days – “my spirals went more study, but what she started to but also her perspective. into circles. They stopped with her in 2018, she was emotions to stimulate the produce was “not connected “This is a time of expansion being open.” working autobiographically, creative process. Says Nina: “I to a verse or to religion or and contraction,” she realized. Nina says she felt she exploring her father’s trau- wrote: ‘Time is confounding in anything in an intellectual “So my life contracted, but missed the runup to the holi- matic World War II service this moment. Practice letting way. [The paintings] were just then there was this enormous days, a time she would have and its effect on her family, go of control. What I can do is my guts coming out.” expansion art-wise and also been rehearsing with the working with photo transfer enough, as long as it’s done Over a period of months, being out in nature. And they Hevreh choir. The absence and acrylic paints on canvas. with intention.’ And that Nina completed one painting don’t reflect each other. I saw left her feeling “bereft.” She I asked Nina where she basically was Day One of me a day, each one numbered that my world was contracting missed the connections was at before the pandemic starting to paint.” rather than named, and kept because I couldn’t do what with other people she would changed everything. She told I had always done, and we customarily have from Rosh me that she and John had couldn’t travel and I couldn’t Hashanah through Yom been traveling in New Mexico see people – I mean, our kids Kippur, as well as the personal and Ireland. Artistically, she didn’t come for five months. and spiritual journey culmi- had been inspired by people It was just John and me nating with the closing of the she met on those trips to paint and the synagogue (Hevreh gates at the end of the Day of portraits – “straight painting” of Southern Berkshire), Atonement. using acrylic paints, some- thank God, and the painting And as fall has now thing she says she’d never program, thank God, and then changed into winter, Nina really done seriously before. the hiking. Our lives were says she is beginning to feel One example is the arresting very contracted, but in a lot of that the burst of creative image below of a cloaked figure ways, it expanded into places energy that birthed the inspired by a child (“I gave I never been before. I’ve never abstract watercolors ebbing. her an older face”) she met in painted like this.” She’s experimenting with Derry, Northern Ireland, on The early part of the new materials and new ideas, Halloween 2019. process “was very freeing. I and has already exhibited Nina’s home studio was loved the colors I was using some of her 2020 paintings filled with portraits in this vein and was just having a blast.” in a show over the summer. for a scheduled exhibition, She adds: “My studio has Now, she says, she’s able “and then, you know, March windows. So I look outside to consider the substantial 13th” – the day President and see my garden. But I body of work she created in Trump declared the COVID-19 Nina says she started the a journal of how she felt and was never inspired to paint response to the pandemic in pandemic a national emer- process by working in other what was on her mind on flowers or even the colors of the way a musician might gency. “John and I personally artists’ styles, following their the day of its creation. She the garden that once might listen to a recording of their shut down and said, okay, paths, copying their images, started each entry, however, have inspired me. I am more music, “looking at it a different this thing is real. And I didn’t and absorbing their tech- by writing: ‘I am fully present.’ inspired by what the colors way than as the person who do anything artistically – or niques. But as she continued “I write that down as my of my paint and my ink do created it.” actually in any way – because to work with Rabbi Richman intention for whatever it is I’m when they hit the paper. It was Leaving 2020 behind and doing,” she says, “so I have no almost like the material was moving into the uncertain idea of what’s to come.” driving me more than anything months ahead, Nina says: “It As late winter turned into inside my head. would be real easy for me to spring, Nina says she felt rest- “But my energy moves in stop right now. And I’m not less and started to leave the spirals, and there were no going to, because part of this confines of home in order to spirals” in those early works, COVID thing, part of what saved me, is that I can go and make art whenever I want. You know, when other people might be saying, ‘I can’t do this, I can’t do that…’ I don’t want to start watching movies all winter. It’s really important for me to keep my creativity going.”

“Always Trust Your Cape” Tevet/Shevat 5781 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 11

CULTURE & ARTS Elvis Presley – Litvak, Shabbos Goy, and King of Rock ‘n’ Roll An “Only in America” story told by Roselle Kline Chartock in her new book, The Jewish World of Elvis Presley

The Jewish World of Elvis Presley is a new book by relationships Elvis developed with the Jews he Chartock discovered that Aaron was at the top of Great Barrington’s Roselle Kline Chartock, writer befriended in Memphis – including merchants the list of Presley’s top ten songwriters and co-wrote and artist and professor emerita of education at the and members of his inner circle, the Memphis 17 songs for Elvis. Five of them became number one Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. From the Mafia – and those he met in the music and movie hits, including the multi-million seller “It’s Now or book's synopsis: industries? In this vivid description of Elvis’ Never.” The book contains a look at Schroeder’s life Jewish world – that also reflects his humani- and work as a songwriter who, interestingly, also “Elvis and Jews: At first glance these two words tarian and philosophical interests – Roselle Kline played a role in a lawsuit that altered the direction of may not seem to go together. But the truth is Chartock reveals a little-known side of this rock Presley’s career. that, despite growing up in a poor, fundamen- ‘n’ roll icon, including Presley’s own Jewish heri- The BJV is pleased to share some excerpts from talist Christian family in the Deep South – an tage. There is within this book ample evidence The Jewish World of Elvis Presley: area sometimes known for its anti-Semitism that Presley’s personality as well as his musical – Elvis Presley nevertheless developed a deep gifts were shaped, in part, by his Jewish world.” affinity to Jews. This book contains answers to Chartock points out a Berkshire connection in the two questions: What accounted for this deep book. In an interview with Great Barrington resident affinity? And what was the nature of the personal Abby Schroeder, wife of the late Aaron Schroeder,

From Chapter 1: “Elvis: Jewish Roots, Jewish Symbols” would come over every Saturday morning. “Usually you give a small tip to the gen- Throughout Elvis’ short life there have been many examples of how – through tile who does this for you. They were very thought and action – he revealed the depth of his emotional, and at times famil- poor. But Elvis would never accept any ial, connection to the Jewish religion. One such example was when, on one of his money; he said it was his pleasure.” With regular visits to his mother’s grave in Memphis’ Forest Hill Cemetery, Elvis decided a sense of humor and some irony, Judy he wanted to have a Star of David placed on her headstone opposite the cross Minkove said, “Had my parents known that had been engraved there after Gladys died in 1958. His decision may have of Elvis’ lineage, they would NEVER have been based on knowledge of his Jewish roots, which one of his friends, George asked him to turn on lights on Shabbat.” Klein, said Elvis knew about and was very proud of. (Elvis’s maternal great-great-grandmother, Nancy Burdine Tackett was from From Chapter 5: “Elvis’ Tailors: The a Jewish family that emigrated from Lithuania. As Jewish descent is determined Lansky Brothers Then and Now” matrilineally, her daughter Martha Tackett Mansell would have been considered Perhaps the best known among Jewish, as would Martha’s daughter “Doll” Mansell Smith; Doll’s daughter Gladys the relationships that Elvis had with Smith Presley; and Gladys’s son, Elvis Aron Presley. – Ed.) Memphis’s Jewish merchants is the one he Two other Jewish friends, Larry Geller and Marty Lacker, sometimes accom- shared with the Lansky brothers, in particular, Bernard, or Bernie, or “Mr. B,” as panied Elvis on his visits to the cemetery, and it was with Lacker’s help that Elvis his son, Hal, called him in the store, or “Mr. Lansky,” as Elvis addressed him. Either was able to follow through with his plan to design a gravestone for Gladys with way, it was Bernard Lansky who called Elvis “a very good friend, much more than a Star of David, despite his father Vernon’s apparent displeasure and his manag- a customer.” For more than twenty years, Lansky Brothers took care of Elvis’ er’s also. When Colonel Tom Parker heard about it, he told Elvis not to make that wardrobe. information public as it wouldn’t help Elvis’ image as an idol in the heartland if it While most of the other students at Humes High wore jeans and tee-shirts, were known he identified himself in some fashion as Jewish. Elvis, in his last year or so at school, began to stand out because of his unique …. Although many of Elvis’ friends have written books about their relation- style. It all started when, in 1952, a teenage Presley was ushering at Loew’s State ship with him, Larry Geller’s are the only ones that include details about Elvis’ Theater, a movie-house on Main Street around the corner from Beale, where he affinity to Jews and Judaism and Jewish literature. Larry was the one, as he tells liked to hang out and watch Black musicians, pimps, and others in their flashy it, to whom Elvis could safely confide his feelings and angst and with whom Elvis ELVIS, continued on next page could connect intellectually and spiritually. Geller recalled the time, for example, when Elvis told him about Gladys sitting him down when he was young and tell- ing him they had Jewish blood and then warning him not to tell anyone, because she knew “people didn’t like Jews,” including some in his own family, his father for one. Learning about his Jewish roots may be one of the reasons Elvis was receptive to the books about the Jewish religion and other traditions that Larry brought him. Another reason may be that Elvis had, for many years, been on a personal spiritual quest, seeking answers to questions about his life and whether it had a greater purpose, answers he hadn’t yet been able to find.

From Chapter 2: “Elvis and the Rabbi Upstairs” It would have been most unusual if Elvis and his family hadn’t crossed paths with Jews, because, by the time the Presleys arrived in Memphis, Jewish-owned stores lined the streets, and Jews had already established synagogues as well as Jewish schools. In fact, taking on the position as head of a religious school is what brought Rabbi Alfred Fruchter and his wife to Memphis. For more than a year, the Presleys (after living in several other locations), became the rabbi’s downstairs neighbors in a Victorian duplex at 462 Alabama Street. The house was located in an area around North Street, known as “the Pinch,” a mix of immi- grant communities where poor Jewish families and others initially settled before acquiring the means to move elsewhere. Despite the fact that the two families sharing the same house were from vastly different cultural backgrounds and reli- gions, the neighbors liked each other from the beginning…. With her lovely smile and white hair, Jeannette Fruchter can be seen briefly in a documentary in which she… explained how, once a month, they would have the Presleys over for Friday Sabbath night dinner. “Elvis loved our food,” she said, “especially the challah. He would have his peanut butter and banana sandwich, his favorite food, on challah. And he loved matzoh ball soup and tsimmes.” They loved Jewish cooking, Jeannette said. The Fruchter’s daughter, Judith Minkove, later confirmed that her parents invited the Presleys for meals in their house and in their Sukkah on the Feast of Tabernacles each fall. When Max Wallace, who helped produce a satirical documentary about a search for Elvis’ Jewish roots, asked Jeannette if, during those meals, Elvis would wear a yarmulke, she told him, “He always carried a yarmulke in his pocket.” Elvis was, in fact, the Fruchter’s Shabbos Goy, a person who does certain tasks on the Sabbath when Orthodox Jews are not allowed to, for example, turning on the lights or making phone calls. (The term, now consid- ered inappropriate, has been replaced by “Shabbos helper.”) Jeannette said Elvis Page 12 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org January 1 to February 7, 2021 CULTURE & ARTS

ELVIS, continued from page 11 clothes. Elvis coveted their threads, tion with Yiddish “that came naturally Colonel “killed the idea” was most of which came from Lansky to him,” his favorite expression being because he feared Streisand Brothers. noch a mol or “once again,” usually would give Elvis good advice As the legend, or the myth, goes, spoken in exasperation; and he’d use about the business side of Bernard Lansky (1927-2012) noticed examples of what might be called jive showbiz. And there was also a gangly teenage boy hanging out in talk, like “he’s cool in the pool,” and the likelihood that, if the film front of the store staring at the cloth- all with a thick Southern accent. succeeded, Elvis would find ing in the window. He was sporting a a way to leave the Colonel greasy, light-brown pompadour and From the APPENDIX – Elvis and behind. Many of Elvis’ friends wearing a movie theater uniform, and Barbra believed that had he been he was White, an anomaly among the [Barbra] Streisand and Elvis able to take that role, his Black entertainers that frequented attended each other’s Las Vegas con- dream of being a respected Beale Street, “a good-looking young certs and enjoyed a close relationship actor could have become a man,” remembered Bernard, who, one during the time they shared the Vegas reality. day, reportedly went outside and beck- spotlight. On one of his visits to her Streisand’s 2014 album, oned the young Elvis to come into the dressing room he told her that she was “Partners,” includes a duet store, offering to outfit him in some of the only one who ever intimidated with Elvis singing “Love Me the store’s “snazzy” clothes. “No sir,” him. And in 1975, he stopped one Tender,” the latest beyond- he said. “I ain’t got nothin.’ But when of his Vegas performances to thank the-grave collaboration I do, when I save up some money, I’m Streisand for attending, telling the approved by Elvis’ estate gonna come in here and buy you out.” audience she had “one of the finest since his death in 1977. To that, Bernard allegedly replied, voices in the world.” Streisand said she could never “Hey, do me a favor, don’t buy me out. In 1976, Streisand offered Elvis a understand Elvis’ records at Just buy from me.” And Elvis did, at rare opportunity, to be the co-lead in first. “Then years later,” she first on credit (Bernard was the first to her 1976 musical film, A Star is Born, said, “I did, [and] God, this and Elvis was interested. But Colonel extend credit to Elvis), then, later on, guy is good. He had a won- Hal Lansky, owner of Lansky Brothers, “Clothier when, he could, indeed, have bought Parker was initially turned off when derful sexuality about him to the King,” with Roselle Chartock. On the wall Bernard out. Streisand defied his rules and spoke and energy. He was a star; he behind them is a picture of Elvis with Bernard …. Michael Freedland, a British directly to Elvis before talking with was bigger than life.” And Lansky, Hal’s father and founder of Lansky Brothers. writer who interviewed Bernard a year him. And then the Colonel went on of the virtual experience, she before he died in 2012, learned that to make several impossible demands said, “Because I’d met him a Bernard had been one of nine children – financial and otherwise – the result couple of times, it felt like our spirits as Streisand holds the record for the whose family had come to America being that the role eventually went to were touching.” At the very least, they female with the most number-one in the 1800s from Eastern Europe. He Kris Kristofferson. Marty Lacker, one remain connected by the fact that both albums, according to Billboard. said Bernard peppered his conversa- of Elvis’ friends, said the reason the achieved the highest levels of stardom,

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Knesset Israel 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield

ONGOING MINYANS Sunday 8:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday 7 p.m. Friday 7 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. Saturday 9:30 a.m. and evenings approximately 30 minutes before sunset

CANDLE-LIGHTING Friday, January 1.....4:12 p.m. Friday, January 8.....4:19 p.m. Friday, January 15...4:27 p.m. Friday, January 22...4:35 p.m. Friday, January 29...4:44 p.m. In response to coronavirus guidelines… Friday, February 5...4:54 p.m. As of press time, all in-person Connecting With Community programming has been canceled. For the most up-to-date infor- mation and details on virtual programming, please visit our website www.jewishberkshires.org to sign up for our eblasts to receive a weekly listing of online opportunities. Meals-on-Wheels & Meals to Go – Advance Reservation Required RABBI STERN, Kosher lunch will be prepared on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Meals to go will be ready by noon continued from page 8 for pickup at the Knesset Israel kitchen door, 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield. feeling and I’m going to do so.’ All meals-on-wheels will be delivered by Federation volunteers in the early afternoon. So that’s my fervent wish - that Please call (413) 442-2200 no later than 9 a.m. to reserve your meal for pickup and to arrange we translate this recognition delivery if standing instructions are not in place. All are welcome to reserve meals for pick-up, although delivery may be limited in certain circumstances. that community sustains us The menus listed below are planned, but may be modified depending on availability of ingredients. into a physical response. So When making a reservation, please inform us if a person in your party has a food allergy. you think ‘I want to come to Adults 60 and over: $2 suggested donation. Adults under 60: $7 per person. the Jewish Festival of Books; I Volunteers are Vital! Volunteer drivers who can deliver meals-on-wheels are always appreciated. Please call Susan Frisch want to go to the Jewish film Lehrer at (413) 442-4360, ext. 14. The Federation’s kosher hot lunch program is offered in collaboration with Elder Services of festival; I want to go to shul; Berkshire County. I’m going to deliver packages like I delivered packages on the High Holidays [during the pandemic] because that was important.’ When we start to emerge, I’m hoping that [we’ll remem- JANUARY green beans, white bread, Mandarin oranges, and tea. ber] all of those good works Monday, 4...... Meat loaf**#, salad, mashed Tuesday, 26...... Tuna salad platters**#, vegetable – I’ll just call them mitzvot. potatoes, peas & carrots, rye bread, applesauce and tea. soup, roasted Brussels sprouts, hot dog rolls, tropical There is a huge difference. Tuesday, 5...... Chicken marsala**#, celery rice fruit salad, and tea. That’s the first thing I teach soup, noodles with mushrooms & onions, peas, Farmer’s Thursday, 28...... Fish sticks, mushroom soup, sweet to 7th graders – don’t call a loaf, fruit cocktail, and tea. potato fries, mixed vegetables, hamburger rolls, mitzvah a good deed, because Thursday, 7...... Fresh fish**, salad, mixed chocolate chip cookies, and tea. it’s not. It’s not a good deed; vegetables, rice pilaf, whole wheat bread, peanut butter it’s a commandment. We’re cookies, and tea. commanded as Jews to make FEBRUARY the world a better place, to Monday, 11...... Beef stew**#, noodles, salad, Monday, 1...... Meat loaf**#, noodle soup, leave it in a better place than potato bread, pears, and tea. mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, rye bread, apple- it was when we first came into Tuesday, 12...... Roasted chicken**#, roasted cauli- sauce, and tea. this world. flower, green beans, salad, Challah, peaches, and tea. Tuesday, 2...... Turkey piccata**#, rice pilaf, And that commitment is Thursday, 14...... Lasagna roll-up, minestrone soup, asparagus cuts n tips, salad, Challah, cake and tea. what I’m hoping continues. salad, mixed vegetables, garlic bread, sugar cookies, and Thursday, 4...... Fresh fish**, zucchini rice soup, The realization that being tea. noodle kugel, mixed vegetables, salad, muffins, cookies, alone really sucks. And that we Monday, 18...... Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. and tea. don’t like that. We need to be Day Monday, 8...... Stuffed cabbage casserole**#, baby with each other. I mean, that’s Tuesday, 19...... Lemon & herb chicken**#, Italian carrots, rice, salad, pumpernickel bread, apricots, and not very poetic. But it’s true. wedding soup, spinach, rice & lentils, oat bread, tea. pineapple, and tea. Tuesday, 9...... Roasted chicken**#, vegetable Thursday, 21...... Macaroni & cheese, stewed soup, hash browns, green beans, Farmer’s loaf, tomatoes, salad, multi-grain bread, raspberry shortbread applesauce, and tea. cookie, and tea. Thursday, 11...... Chef’s choice of pizza, salad, Monday, 25...... Barbecued chicken**#, salad, corn, broccoli, Mandarin oranges, and tea.

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Estate, Trust & Care Planning The Mews, by the Red Lion Inn Courtyard Paula Kahn almgren, esq. One west Street, lenox, ma 01240 Stockbridge, MA 413.637.5075 ~ www.almgrenlaw.com 413-298-4436 Page 14 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org January 1 to February 7, 2021 OBITUARIES

Irwin Moiseff, 78, US enjoyed a great meal and a Temple Anshe Amunim, 26 Paula Pomerantz, 83, When father-in-law Navy submarine veteran, glass or two of wine. Broad Street, Pittsfield, MA nurse, cook, loved hiking, Herbert Pomerantz died patriot, engineer, and He is survived by his 01201. avid naturalist in November 1976, Phil motorsports enthusiast devoted wife, Nancy; his loved PITTSFIELD – Paula inherited his father’s small Kenneth Boris Grinspoon, PITTSFIELD – Irwin Moiseff, children, Lisa and Michael; Pomerantz (Pua Rifka), 83, business. The family moved 88, piloted a Piper 78, died on Monday, November grandson Matthew; and sister died peacefully at home due into a new duplex home on aircraft at the age of 80 16, at his home. He was born Elaine. A private grave- to complications of cancer on Williams Street with moth- in Williamsburg, NY on March side service was planned. LENOX – Kenneth Boris Tuesday, December 1, with er-in-law Ann. Paula was 3, 1942, a son of the late Louis Donations can be made to Grinspoon, 88, died peacefully her husband at her side. offered a sales job with Abbott and Rose (Grass) Moiseff. www.feedingsouthflorida.org after a brief illness in his home Born September 18, 1937 Pharmaceuticals, but Phil Irwin graduated from Brooklyn with his wife by his side. in Yonkers, NY, the daughter convinced her to use her skills Peter H. Stolzar, 76, Technical High School and Born on March 28, 1932 in of Max (Nachum Laeb) promoting the family busi- active member of Hevreh then enlisted in the US Navy, Newton, MA, Ken maintained Waxstein and Phyllis (Chayah) ness. The couple worked side of Southern Berkshire where he served on the USS homes in New York City and Nelson Waxstein, Paula, in by side, running the business James Monroe in the subma- GREAT BARRINGTON – Lenox. After a long career in infancy, moved with her family until retirement. rine division. Peter H. Stolzar, 76, died education, Ken’s proudest to Plainville, CT and, in 1944, Over the years, Paula After his military career, he Wednesday, November 18 at achievement was fulfilling his to Pittsfield. Her sister Louise always had a large garden in was employed at the General Fairview Hospital. lifelong dream to pilot a Piper was born in New Britain, CT the yard, growing vegetables Electric Company in Pittsfield Born May 22, 1944, in New aircraft at the age of 80. on January 27, 1943. to feed her family of six and from 1966 to 1974. Irwin then York City, son of Davis and Ken is survived by his wife, Paula attended Temple often more family and friends. graduated from North Adams Marjorie (Morse) Stolzar, Peter Selina Morris; daughters Anshe Amunim religious She cooked all of the family’s State College with a physics grew up on Long Island and Elizabeth and Jennifer; daugh- school and was confirmed. meals from scratch and had a degree and continued his moved to the Great Barrington ters by marriage Pamela and She was active in Girl Scouts freezer full of delicious meals career at General Dynamics area, where he has lived for Jessica; his beloved brother and Junior Friends of the at the ready. Her grandchil- as a software engineer. He the past several years. Peter Harold; and six grandchildren. Berkshire Athenaeum. Young dren always looked forward worked remotely on a part- attained his law degree from Ken’s laughter and warm Paula was an avid reader and to her Shabbat challahs. time basis for Real Time George Washington University spirit will be sorely missed at loved the outdoors, camping, Paula was a devoted fan of the Innovations in Sunnyvale, Law School and worked as an Tanglewood, Jacob’s Pillow, hiking, and archery. During Saturday afternoon broadcasts CA. He was a member of attorney in New York City for and other performing arts one camping trip on Mt. of the Metropolitan Opera. Chabad of the Berkshires, many years. He was an active venues. Greylock with a youth group, She also remained an active Greylock Rider Dirt Bike member of Hevreh of Southern A memorial service will she and friend Judy Abrams member of Temple Anshe Club, Berkshire Snow Seeker Berkshire. be held at a future date. The left the main group at the Amunim, attending Torah Snowmobile Club, Hoosac Peter is survived by son, family suggests a donation to Thunderbolt shelter to sleep study over Zoom even during Valley Motorcycle Club, Samuel Stolzar and wife Tara; the Lenox Library Association. outdoors in a blanket roll this pandemic year. Submarine Veterans in two brothers, Michael Stolzar near the mountain’s summit. Paula and her family Samuel J. Karlin, 90, Northampton, and Castleton and wife Karen and Andrew She always remembered this enjoyed weekend hiking, Boat Club. One of his greatest Stolzar and wife Joan; three followed successes and summer evening fondly. camping, and longer back- joys was taking his boat out grandchildren, Jackson, non-successes of Red Sox, Paula attended Camp packing trips to New on the Hudson River. Easton, and Leah. Peter was Patriots, and Celtics Young Judea in New Hampshire and the Maine Survivors include his predeceased by his wife, PITTSFIELD – Samuel J. Hampshire and, like her north woods. In her retire- wife, Lyn (Sinclitico) Moiseff, Joanna (Berg) Stolzar. Karlin, 90, died Wednesday, mother and grandmother ment, she became an avid whom he married in 1990, A graveside service was December 2, at his home. Nelson (who were active naturalist, guiding school and his daughters, Amy held Sunday, November 22 Born in Boston, MA on Hadassah leaders), became an children on hikes at Pleasant Moiseff of Glastonbury, CT, in Cedar Park and Beth El September 16, 1930, a son ardent Zionist. Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. She and Cathy Kerns (Mark) of Cemetery in Paramus, NJ. of David and Zelda Karlin, When Paula and her was also a regular guest and Jacksonville, FL. He also Condolences may be made he graduated from Boston boyfriend, Philip Pomerantz naturalist at the Appalachian leaves a stepdaughter, through birchesroyfuneralser- Public Latin School, Suffolk (who later became her Mountain Club’s Cold River Margaret Sullivan of Kirkwood, vices.com. University, and Bentley School husband), graduated from Camp in New Hampshire. Cold WA, three grandchildren and of Accounting. Samuel was a Pittsfield High School in 1955, River Camp became a true Eleanor “Ellie” (Chane- two great-grandchildren. He veteran of the Korean War and they seriously considered spiritual home for her and she also leaves a sister, Phyllis les) Ware, 87, elementary served in the US Army. Aliyah. But, she stayed in made many friends over the Jacobson (Matthew) of Mt. school teacher, loved to He was employed by the US the United States to pursue summers spent there. Kisco, NY, as well as a niece travel Treasury Department for a career in nursing. She Paula is survived by her and nephew. PITTSFIELD – Eleanor the Internal Revenue Service attended the Westchester high school sweetheart, Phil, A graveside service for “Ellie” (Chaneles) Ware died where he retired as the group School of Nursing in Valhalla, whom she married at the age Irwin was held on Tuesday, Thursday, November 26 at manager in its Pittsfield NY, earning her RN in 1958. of 19. They were married for November 17, at Knesset Hillcrest Commons. office in 1987. Samuel was a She was employed at Pittsfield 63 years. She leaves her three Israel Cemetery in Pittsfield, Born in Brooklyn, NY on member of Knesset Israel. He General Hospital, including on children; daughters Deborah with Rabbi Levi Volovik of May 19, 1933, daughter of enjoyed traveling throughout the maternity unit. and Sarah Pomerantz of Chabad of the Berkshires the late Samuel and Emma the United States and Canada. Paula and Phil were Falls Church, VA; son David officiating. In lieu of flowers, (Sandomirsky) Chaneles, she He also liked to follow the married on July 12, 1957, by Pomerantz, MD and wife memorial donations may be attended schools in New York successes and non-successes Rabbi Harold Salzmann (of Maribeth of Williamstown; made to Hospice Care in the City and New Haven, CT and of the Red Sox, Patriots, and blessed memory) at Temple three beloved grandchil- Berkshires, Chabad of the graduated from the University Celtics. Anshe Amunim in Pittsfield. dren, Molly Almeida, Miriam Berkshires, or a charity of of Connecticut. Samuel was predeceased Children Deborah Judith, (Mim) Pomerantz, and Adam your choice through the Flynn Ellie was employed for by his wife, Edith (Siegel) Sarah Beth, and David Isaac Pomerantz; sister, Louise & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral many years as an elementary Karlin, who died on December were born in 1964, 1965, and Waxstein Lubin of Chappaqua, Home, 5 Elm Street, Pittsfield, school teacher for the City of 5, 2013. Survivors include his 1966. While pregnant, Paula NY; three nieces, Rebecca MA 01201. There will be a Pittsfield. She was a member three children, Joel, Sharon started studying at Berkshire Lubin, Hilary Linder Griffith, celebration of Irwin’s life at a of Temple Anshe Amunim in and Eric. His sister, Sylvia Community College and and Joselin Linder; two later date. Pittsfield. She loved to travel Kaiman, died December 31, decided to aim for an eventual nephews, Samuel Lubin and and attended the theater. 2014. BA in History. With the young Joshua Lubin; and many dear Herbert A. Praver, 95, ex- Ellie was an avid fan of the A graveside service was children, Paula was a “stay- friends, too many to name, but celled as a home builder University of Connecticut’s held on Thursday December at-home” mom and a student, especially Rhoda Kaminstein KEY BISCAYNE, FL – Herbert basketball teams. Her husband 3 at Knesset Israel Cemetery volunteer at Temple, and and Edward and Ellen Bond. A. Praver, 95, passed away on James Ware died in 1982. She with Rabbi David Weiner, active in politics. Burial was held at Ahavath Saturday, October 10. is also predeceased by her spiritual leader, officiating. In 1972, Paula transferred Sholom Cemetery in Pittsfield. Herbert went to Florida in three siblings Benjamin, Irving, Donations may be made to to UMass Amherst, and the In Paula’s memory, the family the 1960s and excelled in his and Sol Chaneles. Survivors the Arthur and Sylvia Stein family relocated there in 1973. asks that those who wish career as a single-family home include nieces and nephews Endowment at Knesset Israel She received her BA in 1975, may donate to The Audubon builder. He loved spending and many friends. in care of Flynn & Dagnoli- and the family moved back to Society’s Pleasant Valley his summers in the beautiful Private graveside services Bencivenga Funeral Home, Pittsfield and their roots. With Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Berkshire mountains. An avid were planned in the family 5 Elm Street, Pittsfield, MA a recession in progress, Paula tennis player, Herbert played plot in Pittsfield Cemetery. 01201. was again employed in nursing OBITUARIES, continued on next well into his eighties and often Donations can be made to as a private duty nurse. page

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BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES Israel, Land Of Milk and Honey…..And Whisky Our whisky maven talks with the CEO of Milk & Honey Distillery about what makes his Israeli single malt distinct By Alex Rosenblum / BJV Bronfen Correspondent

On July 28, 2019, the budding America of the first single malt whisky Scotland in order to set up a distillery Berkshire Hills Hadassah Men’s made/distilled in the Land of Milk and in the Tel Aviv area. They also had the Association held its inaugural and Honey. The announcement also invited good sense to bring in Dr. Jim Swan successful whisky tasting at the the newspaper editors to contact – a legendary Scot chemist/distiller/ Hilton Garden Inn. Attendees heard M&H Distillery for more information. philosopher/guru who introduced from experts and tasted several aged, Naturally, as the self-anointed scotch successful whisky operations in India, delicious single malt scotches – and maven of Pittsfield and its environs, Taiwan, Canada, and Scotland – to an Israeli Milk & Honey Distillery I graciously volunteered to take on oversee their new business. With local- young single malt, which I was able to the task of interviewing the M&H grown Sabra talent, they immediately procure from a whisky distributor in Distillery’s representative. After a started to experiment with different the United Kingdom. flurry of emails, I had the pleasure of recipes for a superior and unique During our tasting, I mentioned speaking at length over the telephone scotch-style single malt. that several Israeli distilleries were with Eitan Attir, CEO based in Tel Aviv The production of scotch is zeal- beginning to produce single malt and of M&H Distillery. ously guarded in Scotland by the grain whiskies for worldwide sale, Eitan, whose passion for his job government-supported Scotch Whisky Eitan Attir hoping to tap into recent growth, and product was evident over the tele- Association, which mandates distil- consumption, and popularity of these phone, recounted that until the last lation guidelines such as a 3-year climate conditions that both heighten spirits in the Jewish community and dozen or so years, Israel’s high taxes minimum for ageing in barrels, double and shorten the ageing process and the general population. After a general and tariffs discouraged the importing distillation in stills, the use of malt produce a fine bouquet in fewer years consensus that the M&H had poten- of scotches and the production of and barley, and the limitation on any than its Scottish counterpart, M&H tial – and some talk about following whiskies. However, with the reduction additives to the recipe. Even the use has been experimenting with ageing a up on the new product – the anticipa- of these tariffs, the widening of the of the word “scotch” is reserved for the portion of its whisky in pomegranate tion among aficionados for Israel’s first overseas market, and the growth of whisky made only in Scotland. wine barrels. single malt soon receded Eitan stated that The biblical pomegranate? One with the introduction M&H moves its barrels of aging whisky M&H adheres to the SWA of the seven species of agricultural of new and high import guidelines, but quickly products (Shiv’at HaMinim) listed tariffs on foreign whisky, to different regions of Israel, from Tel Aviv responded to my inquiry in the Torah as being special prod- the rise of shipping costs to the Dead Sea, to the desert near Egypt, as to what makes the ucts ancient Israel? A symbol of Rosh to the USA, the lack of Israeli “mashke” different. Hashanah that has been discussed perceived marketing efforts and soon to the Galilee. He pointed out that M&H by our rabbis for millennia is now from the Israeli distilleries, was currently experi- being used to enhance the taste of and finally the world spread of the trade and tourism all contributing to menting with the use of varied oak my single malt whisky? And for the coronavirus this past spring. a robust economy, a few investors had barrels from the USA, Portugal, and more “enlightened,” it’s a fruit not only Recently, however, our venerable the foresight to see the potential of the Spain. He stressed that M&H ages tasty but also high in antioxidants. BJV editor Albert Stern received an economic potential of investment in its whisky in “STR” barrels – shaved, Yiddisheh khokhmeh! Here was yet email from M&H Distillery in Tel Aviv, good whisky. toasted, and re-charred in fire. Most another reason to eagerly anticipate no doubt sent to every editor of every Less than ten years ago, a small of these barrels previously held kosher the introduction of M&H to the USA. Jewish newspaper and newsletter in group of investors formed Milk & wine, sherry, and rum. (By the way, Lastly, Eitan informed me that he North America, which trumpeted the Honey and purchased stills, mash the distillery does not run on Shabbat was expecting M&H to triple produc- impending introduction into North tuns, and other equipment from and holidays, and is Star K approved.) tion of its whiskies, lightly peated So, I pressed again – what distin- bottles, sherry bottles, etc., this coming guishes M&H whisky? Eitan responded year to about a quarter of a million enthusiastically that the Israeli terroir bottles. Their spirits will be for sale in – the fancy word for the complete 20 countries. natural environment in which a wine Shortly after our telephone conver- or whisky is produced including sation, I was contacted by friends factors such as soil, topography and Jim and Sean at Spirited Wine and climate, all of which impact the taste Liquor in Lenox. We enthusiasti- of the product – is different than in cally discussed their stocking their Scotland’s. Berkshire establishment with the HEARING AND BALANCE ARE INTRICATELY RELATED. M&H moves its barrels of ageing various M&H single malt and blended Greylock Audiology and FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Center whisky to different regions of Israel, whiskies – and miraculously, just from Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea, to the before Chanukah, Spirited received its combine unique expertise in both domains under one roof. desert near Egypt, and soon to the first case of M&H single malt and M&H Galilee. Thus, the maturation process gin. Ness gadol? of the whisky involves interaction with We even floated the real possibility • Diagnostic hearing evaluations the tannins of the charred barrel wood of a “live” Berkshires whisky tasting • Hearing aid fittings objectively verified for accuracy in the different degrees of charred this summer in a safe environment, • Hearing aids available from 7 major manufacturers wood, and in the changing humidity featuring the anticipated M&H from • Balance Evaluations and Treatment and climates. Israel and other world single malts • Custom Hearing Protection and Musician’s Filters And I pursued: “So, nu, what from India (Amrut), Taiwan (Kavalan), • Tinnitus (ringing/buzzing in the ears) treatment makes Israeli whisky really different?” and, of course, Scotland. And Eitan, again barely pausing, M&H Israeli single malt! A new Dr. Andrew Puttick greylockaudiology.com responded that in addition to optimum meaning to ‘L’Chayim’? Au.D, FAAA Dr. Andrew Puttick, owner and audiologist at Greylock Audiology, is a state licensed doctor of audiology with more than 17 years of experience serving the Berkshire community.

OBITUARIES, continued from previous page 510 North Street, Suite 9, Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-4800 tel • (413) 442-9701 fax Mountain Road, Lenox, MA 01240, the husband Robert Baum were married in Appalachian Mountain Club’s Cold Lenox on January 8, 2005. River Camp in North Chatham, NH, Besides her husband, she is also or Temple Anshe Amunim, 26 Broad survived by her son Sean Carroll Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 (Susan) of Dalton; daughter Alison Worrick (Jim) of Pittsfield; Tiffany Elaine Baum, 77, loved traveling Baum (Kevin Kump) of Lenox; Ronald and attending concerts Dr. Trevor Marcotte is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and brings highly Baum of Brazil; Gregory Baum of Fort specialized training in vestibular (balance) rehabilitation and orthopedic STOCKBRIDGE – Elaine Baum, 77, Lauderdale, FL; and Avi Robinson physical therapy. died Tuesday, December 8 at Kimball Baum of Jerusalem, Israel; grandchil- Fyzical.com/Pittsfield Farms Nursing Care Center. dren Eric Worrick, Corinna Kate Carroll, Born in Pittsfield October 18, 1943, Rose, Brianna, and Shali Baum; sisters; • Orthopedic Physical Therapy the daughter of Charles and Shirley Suzanne Coughlin (Don) of Lady Lake, • Vestibular/Balance Therapy Knox, she attended local schools and FL, Patricia Kelley (Wally) of Lakeport, • Fall Risk Assessments/Fall Prevention was a 1961 graduate of Pittsfield High CA, Polly Lombardi (John) of Pittsfield, • Specializing in the treatment of dizziness, vertigo and other balance impairments School. She was employed by the and Kelly Jones (Bill) of Pittsfield; Additional services available to our patients: Berkshire Mutual Insurance Co. and brothers Steven Knox of Oakland Park, • Laser Therapy for pain management later Minkler Insurance Co. FL, and Jeffrey Knox (Lynn Majewski) of Elaine loved tending her gardens, East Brunswick, NJ. • Custom orthotics traveling with her husband, and A private burial service was planned attending concerts at Tanglewood, at Ahavath Shalom Cemetery in Great especially the BSO. She and her Barrington. Page 16 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org January 1 to February 7, 2021 BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES The Road to Arab-Israeli Peace Should go through Muscat Opinion by Alex Lederman bring the Iranians to the promoting Israeli-Palestinian Rather than falling into the orbit of Saudi table to negotiate the JCPOA peace. The newly-minted nuclear deal. Similarly, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq is Arabia or Iran, Oman plays a unique role Oman has served as a diplo- likely eager to prove himself as friend to all, enemy to none. It is only matic back channel to the as a statesman and respected Houthi rebels in Yemen, even moderator in Qaboos’s image. natural that this “all” include Israel. as its Saudi and Emirati While the Palestinians allies carried out a brutal and their allies have chas- have robust diplomatic and concerns have dominated the and unsuccessful military tised the UAE, Bahrain, and economic ties and Sultan Arab-Israeli normalization campaign to oust them. Sudan for “betraying” their Haitham appears poised to process. Israel’s under- In short, Oman does not cause, Oman could mitigate continue the friendly relations the-table ties with the Gulf conform to conventional damage to its credibility by established under Qaboos. that preceded the Abraham notions of how alliances in requesting an Israeli conces- Oman-Israel normalization Accords never would have the Middle East work. Rather sion on the Israeli-Palestinian would enhance cooperation materialized in a world than falling into the orbit of front. In exchange for normal- and dialogue throughout the without the Iranian threat. Saudi Arabia or Iran, Oman ization, Israel could implement Alex Lederman of Pittsfield region, rather than escalate Israel’s relations with Egypt plays a unique role as friend a comprehensive settlement is the National Organizing tensions. Indeed, Oman would and Jordan hardly qualify as to all, enemy to none. It is only freeze or even a small-scale Fellow of IPF Atid, the young likely serve as a backchannel “normal,” with minimal civilian natural that this “all” include transfer of Area C territory professionals program of Israel from Israel to Iran and contact and distrust running Israel. to the Palestinian Authority. Policy Forum. He graduated Hezbollah. deep. If Israel truly wants to Oman does have a history Oman could also insist on from Yale University with a BA Oman, home to the become an integrated part of of limited cooperation with including clear language in in Near Eastern Languages lesser-known Ibadhi branch of the Middle East, it needs to Israel. Several meetings support of the two-state solu- and Civilizations and served as Islam, would also be the first look past obvious military alli- between Israeli and Omani tion in the agreement. an intern at the US Embassy Arab state with a non-Sunni ances and reach beyond the officials took place in the On the Israeli side, in Muscat, Oman. Alex grew up regime to normalize with Saudi orbit. 1990s, beginning with Prime assuming Netanyahu retains in the Berkshires, his Jewish Israel. An Israel-Oman agree- Oman, the uncontroversial Minister Yitzhak Rabin’s the premiership in the near development supported by ment would cement Israel’s friend-to-all and the bridge historic visit with Sultan future, it is difficult to say Federation Hebrew school status as an accepted part across the geopolitical aisle, Qaboos bin Said in Muscat whether he would see such funding and a 2016 Israel of the Middle East, beyond is the obvious place to start. — the first known trip of an an arrangement as worth the scholarship. sectarianism and partisan All Middle Easterners stand to Israeli leader to the Gulf. In political blowback from his geopolitics, while signalling to gain from greater cooperation 1996, the countries agreed pro-annexation base. Oman In the wake of the Abraham the Palestinians that the Arab and dialogue with Israel, an to open trade missions and would likely not embrace Accords, through which Israel world at large is disillusioned economic powerhouse with a collaborated in opening the Israel without an Israeli established full diplomatic with their intransigence. It dynamic population and the Middle East Desalination concession, lest it alienate relations with the United Arab would, in essence, normalize will to thrive against all odds. Research Center in 1997. the Palestinians. Unlike the Emirates and Bahrain, all eyes normalization. It is only inevitable that Oman, Although Oman rolled back its UAE, for whom Netanyahu are now on Saudi Arabia. A Following an Israel- and other Arab nations that engagement with Israel amid agreed to “suspend” annex- preeminent regional power, Oman accord, the Saudis have no quarrel with Israel, the Second Intifada in 2000, ation, Oman is not on most the Kingdom is seen as the might feel more comfortable welcome the Jewish state as a the question of Oman-Israel Israelis’ radar as a regional counterweight to a destabi- bringing their covert ties with rightful member of the Middle relations re-emerged in 2018 player. However, as Netanyahu lizing Iran and the crown jewel Jerusalem out into the open. Eastern community. when Netanyahu met with considers his legacy and repu- of potential Israeli allies. The Kuwait and Qatar, two other Sultan Qaboos. tation as a highly competent Saudi-Israel normalization Gulf states that do not always This article was originally Oman’s tepid engagement statesman, it behoves him not question continues to domi- toe the Saudi line, might also published on Alex’s Times of with Israel has stopped short to overlook the Sultanate. The nate the news cycle following consider doing so. Embraced Israel blog, and the opinions of full recognition, and Oman aforementioned concessions Prime Minister Netanyahu’s by all six GCC states, Israel expressed are not intended has not openly expressed are not inconsistent with the secret meeting with Saudi will have truly begun to cast to represent the views of the interest in full diplomatic Trump Plan, which Netanyahu Crown Prince Mohammed bin aside its status as a Middle Jewish Federation of the relations. Following the endorsed. Indeed, previous Salman in November. Another Eastern pariah. Berkshires or its affiliates. Netanyahu-Qaboos meeting, right-wing prime ministers Gulf nation, however, is quietly Up to this point, security Omani Foreign Minister have given up more for less. mulling its own accord with Yusuf bin Alawi reiterated the Normalization with Oman the Jewish state. That country Sultanate’s commitment to has unique benefits to offer is the Sultanate of Oman. a solution to the Palestinian Israel. At this point, the Arab Oman might not be as problem prior to normalization countries that have relations alluring as Saudi Arabia, but MAZEL TOV with Israel. This position is with Israel all fall within the Israel would reap both prac- consistent with the Arab Peace pro-Saudi bloc, united in its tical and symbolic benefits Mazel Tov to… Initiative endorsed by the Arab opposition to Iranian impe- by establishing ties with the Steven and Renee Finn on celebrating their 50th League in 2002, which condi- rialism. Mutual fear of Iran Sultanate. Israel ought to take anniversary. tioned recognition of Israel has naturally drawn these Oman seriously as a poten- c on a negotiated two-state nations closer to Israel, tial regional partner — and Federation president Amy Lindner-Lesser on the birth of solution. thereby cementing Israel’s there is reason to suggest granddaughter Camilla Zoe Connell – proud parents are Maya However, the UAE, Bahrain, place as a part of a regional that Oman may be ready to and Scott Connell. and Sudan, all signatories alliance alongside pro-Western reciprocate. c of the Arab Peace Initiative, “moderate” Sunni Arab states. Oman stands apart in a Moe England on celebrating his 90th birthday. disrupted this status quo Though this alignment region shaped by competing c when they normalized rela- does benefit Israel, it only goes alliances and endless proxy Lorraine German, whose book Soil and Shul in the tions with Israel this year. so far to integrate it into the wars. It enjoys cordial rela- Berkshires: The Untold Story of Sandisfield’s Jewish Farm Colony Oman, therefore, may feel Middle East. An anti-Iran alli- tions with all of its neighbors will be reviewed in the winter edition of the Historical Journal of liberated from the API as a ance between Israel and a few and is respected internation- Massachusetts, which is published by the History Department at precedent and decide that Arab countries is unlikely to ally as a force for stability and Westfield State University. having relations with Israel broaden public acceptance of peace. An integral partner to c and the PA may better position Israel in Arab societies. its fellow Gulf Cooperation Rabbi David Weiner, who was honored as a hero by the it as a mediator in the conflict. Oman, however, an inde- Council states, Oman has Synagogue Council of Massachusetts on December 3 for making Oman’s track record with the pendent player not beholden fought to keep the GCC a difference in Knesset Israel’s life during the pandemic. JCPOA is a testament to its to Riyadh, is in a unique together after Saudi Arabia, c ability to bring sworn enemies position to do so. Mutual fear the UAE, and Bahrain cut Professor Miriam Udel of Emory University (and the Udel to the table. Normalization of Iran would not be a factor ties with Qatar in 2017. The family) on the publication of Honey on the Page: A Treasury with Israel would curry favor in Oman-Israel normaliza- Sultanate maintains a close of Yiddish Children’s Literature, a collection she edited and in Washington, but Oman tion, as Oman has no quarrel alliance with the US, but its translated. also has a genuine interest in with Iran. Oman and Iran credibility in Tehran helped c Robert Bildner and Elisa Spungen Blidner, authors of The Berkshires Farm Table Cookbook, which won New England Cookbook of the Year and Honorable Mention for Single Topic (local farming) in the Fifth Annual Readable Feast Festival, Boston's biggest and most beloved cookbook event celebrating regional talent. c Federation Board of Directors member Anne Schnesel on the birth of great-granddaughter Margaux Elliot Barshay in Santa Monica, CA, on December 10, 2020. Proud parents are Samantha and Devin Barshay. Margaux is their second child and Anne’s third great-grandchild. Tevet/Shevat 5781 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 17

BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES Traveling with Jewish Taste Indian Jews By Carol Goodman Kaufman

Indian Jews? And no, I don’t mean the claims of being descended from the kohanim, the Temple priests, they assimilated Native Americans that 19th century clergy into the local culture so much that their ignorance of Judaism grew — although believed were remnants of the Ten Lost Tribes. I they did continue to recite the Shema and observe Shabbat. In fact, according mean Jews in India. to historian Nathan Katz, their Indian neighbors nicknamed them the “Saturday And why not? After all, following conquests oil-pressers” because they did not work on Shabbat. and expulsions by a series of enemies over the The Cochin Jews, in the country much longer, took it upon themselves to millennia, our ancestors have found themselves provide instruction to the B’nei Israel in normative Judaism. However, even with dispersed to all four corners of the globe. In the education and their ultimate return to their ancestors’ faith, when B’nei Israel previous columns, we’ve seen how, following members made aliyah to Israel after the establishment of the State, the Rabbinate the Assyrian conquest, some Jews migrated didn’t immediately accept them as Jews. Luckily, that changed in 1964. south to Africa. Much later, some crossed the Then in 2002, modern science confirmed B’nei Israel’s priestly ancestry claims Atlantic to South America. So why wouldn’t via DNA testing. others have traveled east to India? And then there are other, smaller groups who claim descent from the Ten Lost India has been home to several diverse Tribes. The B’nei Menashe live in the northeastern Indian state of Mizoram and communities of Jews arriving at different times Manipur. While this group claims ancestry in the tribe of Menashe, Baptist and in history, from as early as the 10th century BCE. In fact, Jews were one of the Evangelical missionaries converted them en masse to Christianity in the 19th first foreign religious groups documented to have arrived in the country, and they century. In the 1970s, this group reclaimed their faith and began to practice a have enjoyed a life there relatively free of the anti-Semitism so common in other form of pre-Talmudic Judaism. Similarly, the B’nei Ephraim maintain they are countries (key word “relatively”). Because of that welcoming atmosphere, they descended from the tribe of the same name. This group’s reclamation of the faith have been active over the centuries in all facets of Indian society, including busi- of their ancestors dates from as recently as 1981. ness, government, the military, and the Bollywood film industry. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention an incident that marred modern life in The oldest community of Jews in India. In 2008, Islamic extremists from India are those known as the Cochin Pakistan murdered scores of people Jews, named for the tropical islands India has been home to several diverse communities in 12 separate locations in Mumbai, off the southwest coast of India they of Jews arriving at different times in history, from as including at the Chabad House. While came to at the time of King Solomon. not committed by Indians and targeted According to historian Shalva Weil, early as the 10th century BCE. In fact, Jews were one not exclusively at Jews, the massacre they traveled along with the king’s was most definitely an example of merchant ships and remained. Eleven of the first foreign religious groups documented to have radical religious zealotry. centuries later, following the Romans’ arrived in the country destruction of the Second Temple, refu- Please see the related story on page 18. gees from Judaea joined them. The Cochin Jews enjoyed a very close relationship with their Indian rulers. It was so special, in fact, that in the year 1000 CE, the King of Kerala granted to one Joseph Rabban special privileges as described in a set of engraved copper plates. These plates testify that these rights and privilege shall remain with the Chicken Chitarnee Jews “as long as the world and moon exist.” The plates are kept today in a glass Serves 6 display case at the Paradesi synagogue in Mattancherry. This curry is very popular in the Indian Jewish community, and no wonder why. The Jews lived peacefully for centuries after that, but apparently the “world It is easy to prepare and fills the house with the most wonderful aroma. And and the moon” did cease to exist because, after Rabban’s death, the copper plates lost their powers. Privileges that the king had granted were revoked, and the taste! A hint: Make this the day before you plan to serve it. The flavors in 1524 a band of Moors, jealous of the Jews’ success in the lucrative spice trade, meld overnight and render it even better the next day. attacked the community of Kondungallur, destroying homes and synagogues. Yet another group of refugees, called Paradesi Jews, joined their fellows in Cochin the 15th and 16th centuries. Mostly conversos fleeing the Portuguese Inquisition, they came to Goa, on the southwest coast of India. Remember that word “relatively”? Unfortunately, the Paradesi were not to find peace there because in 1505 Portugal, having benefitted from Vasco de Gama’s discovery of the route to the Far East, claimed parts of India as its own. The Portuguese established a branch office of its Inquisition, centered in Goa. During their reign of terror, they charged over 16,000 “Old Christian Nasranis” with Judaising and “New Christians” with crypto-Hinduism. Dozens were executed. The Portuguese continued persecuting the local Jewish population until the much more tolerant Dutch seized control of their outposts in 1660. In a nice historical twist, a Baghdadi Jew, Lt-Gen J.F.R. Jaco was elected state governor of Goa in 1998. He was just one of many other Jews in prominent positions, but that accomplishment in Goa was especially sweet. Ingredients: In the meantime, the British also wanted to take advantage of the East Asian spice trade, so in 1608 they established themselves in other parts of the country 1 cut-up chicken 2 teaspoons cumin with their East India Trading Company. Then, in 1858, the British Parliament 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes passed the Government of India Act, transferring power over India from the 6 large onions halved, then sliced 10 cardamom pods* Company to the Crown, under whose rule India remained for almost a century. 2 teaspoons sugar 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes While under British imperial rule, Indian Jews prospered, due in large part 6 cloves garlic finely chopped 1 tablespoon tomato paste to the connections they made throughout the empire. Because they had done so 2-inch ginger root, finely chopped 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice well under the Raj, many assimilated into British culture and began speaking 2 mild fresh green chili peppers (if 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar English. And why not? Unlike in other countries where the Jews prospered, the non-Jewish Indians did not display overt jealousy, and the Tribe suffered virtu- you prefer more heat) 1 teaspoon salt ally no anti-Semitism. 1 tablespoon turmeric powder freshly ground black pepper Even so, despite the community’s success and acceptance, several milestone 2 tablespoons ground coriander cilantro leaves for garnish events changed things. Upon the end of the Raj in 1947, the subsequent rise of Indian nationalism, and the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, the Instructions: majority of Jews made aliyah to Israel. The mass migration left a mere 5,000 In a large stockpot, sauté the onions and the sugar in the oil over medium heat Jews in India, primarily in the capital city of Mumbai. Despite such a significant for 3 minutes, until soft. decrease in population, the remaining Jews have continued to play an active role in Indian life. Add the garlic, ginger, chili peppers, turmeric, coriander, cumin, pepper flakes, The next wave of immigrants after the Paradesi were the Baghdadi Jews. salt and cardamom and cook for 30 seconds. Hoping to take advantage of trading opportunities, they landed in the west-coast Add the chicken pieces and coat well with the onion and spice mix. Cook for 2 port of Surat in the early 1700s. They were joined later by their co-religionists minutes. fleeing religious persecution in the Muslim countries. Although they were all called Baghdadi Jews, they came to this west-Indian state not just from Iraq, Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of the vinegar, and but from Iran, Turkey, Syria, and Afghanistan, as well. This group found great half the lemon juice, stirring to mix. commercial success in their new home country. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover and simmer for 60 minutes, or until The third main group of Jews in India is the B’nei Israel. According to histo- the chicken is cooked through. rian, Shalva Weil, the B’nei Israel claim their roots from 14 Jewish survivors of a shipwreck of refugees who washed ashore some 1900 years ago. Despite their Turn the heat off and add the rest of the vinegar and lemon juice. Stir to mix. Turn everything onto a serving platter. Grind pepper over all. Garnish with cilantro leaves. Carol Goodman Kaufman is a psychologist and author with a passion for travel Serve with Basmati rice. and food. She is currently at work on a food history/cookbook, tracing the paths that some of our favorite foods have taken from their origins to appear on dinner * Make sure to put the cardamom pods to the side. While they impart terrific plates and in cultural rites and artifacts around the world. She invites readers to flavor to the curry, they are not pleasant to eat by themselves. read her blog at carolgoodmankaufman.com and to follow her on Twitter @goodmankaufman. Page 18 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org January 1 to February 7, 2021 NEWS 252 Members Of India’s Bnei Menashe Lost Tribe Immigrate To Israel

TEL AVIV – “I am delighted to have the honor of community members in India. We are blessed bringing members of the Bnei Menashe commu- to see their arrival to Israel during the festival nity to Israel, after many years of waiting,” of Chanukah – this is a tremendous light for said Israel's Minister of Aliyah and Integration, us all. We will accompany and help all the olim MK Pnina Tameno-Shete. “This follows the throughout their process of absorption, and approval of a special government decision that I we will do everything we can to support their promoted for the immediate Aliyah of about 250 successful integration into Israeli society.” new olim.” The momentous Aliyah of hundreds of On December 15, 2020, 252 new olim from members of the Bnei Menashe community India’s Bnei Menashe community landed in follows months of preparation spearheaded by Israel. Hailing from northeast India, they have the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration in cooper- preserved Jewish tradition across generations. ation with the Shavei Israel organization. Their Aliyah is the result of a government “As we celebrate the festival of Chanukah decision promoted by Tameno-Shete with the and the miracle of the flask of oil, the Aliyah support of the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi of the lost tribe of Bnei Menashe after 2,700 David Baruch Lau; Minister of the Interior, MK years of exile is itself a modern-day Chanukah Aryeh Machluf Deri; and the Foreign Minister, miracle and for that we thank Minister Tameno- MK Gabi Ashkenazi. Shete,” said the founder and chairman of the “The Bnei Menashe community is close Shavei Israel organization Michael Freund. “The to my heart. Upon assuming the position of story of this unique community that main- minister, I made expediting the Aliyah of the tained its connection to the Jewish people and Bnei Menashe community a top priority,” said the land of Israel down through the generations Tameno-Shete. “I am happy to have the honor is powerful and inspiring, and I fervently hope of renewing their Aliyah following my advance- that we will soon see all the remaining Bnei ment of a special government decision that was Menashe make Aliyah as well.” approved unanimously. I will continue acting Out of the hundreds of olim who will arrive on behalf of the Bnei Menashe community to in Israel, there are some 50 families and 24 ensure and expedite the Aliyah of the remaining unmarried individuals, four infants under the age of two, 39 children aged 12 years old or younger, and 19 seniors aged 62 years or older. Since 2003, 2,437 members of the Bnei ERKSHIRE Menashe community have made Aliyah, with B only 24 members of the community making OOFING & Aliyah in 2019. R Please see the related article about the Jews UTTER CO. of India on page 17.

G AND INTEGRATION OF ALIYAH OF THE ISRAEL MINISTRY COURTESY ELEONORA SHILUV, CREDIT: 413-298-1029413 298 1029 www.BGRCo.net Members of the Bnei Menashe community arriving at Israel’s Ben CEDAR ROOF Gurion Airport on December 15, 2020 STANDING SEAM METAL Donate ASPHALT SHINGLES Written Estimates • Fully Insured • Owner Installed MA Lic. #145878 Volunteer You can now read and share Berkshire Jewish Voice feature stories SEAMLESS GUTTERS online! Visit jewishberkshires.org and select Community & Events> Copper • Aluminum • Gutter Covers Make a Difference Berkshire Jewish Voice for links to highlights of current and past issues. “We like your smile when we’re done” A+ S31033 STRENGTHEN

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Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are: (413) 236-4837 250 Stockbridge Road (413) 236-4835 Not insured by NCUA or Any Not Credit Union Not Credit Union May Lose 660 Merrill Road Great Barrington, MA 01201 150 West Street Other Government Agency Guaranteed Deposits or Obligations Value Pittsfield, MA 01201 Pittsfield, MA 01201 Tevet/Shevat 5781 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 19 NEWS 268,000 Families in Israel Pushed Into Extreme Poverty Amid Coronavirus Pandemic, New Report Says Annual report by nonprofit Latet organization finds 22.6% of families in Israel suffer today from food insecurity JERUSALEM – A new report from 252,000 (8.8%) before nonprofit charities) during country’s history, which will is difficult to impossible to presented on December 9, the pandemic (according to the September-October of 2020. take Israeli society years to recover. If the government 2020 to Israel President National Insurance Institute The report also found that recover from. We have to stop does not invest tens of billions Reuven Rivlin, detailed a of Israel). About 143,000 during the pandemic, Israel’s the bleeding as hundreds of of shekels (NIS) in the most worrying increase in the depth (+4.8%) households have been middle class shrunk by 15.5%, thousands of Israelis descend vulnerable communities, the of poverty, financial hardship, newly categorized as food with 29% of the middle class’ from a temporary crisis due collapse will be inevitable and and food insecurity among insecure since the beginning financial scores decreasing. to loss of employment into a create social gaps that cannot Israeli households amid the of the pandemic, and 34,000 Amid the pandemic 50.7% life of poverty from which it be bridged.” ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. have been newly categorized of Israel’s general population According to the annual as dealing with extreme food reported significant economic report by the Latet organiza- insecurity. damage, while only 19.6% tion, a nonprofit that provides Amid the coronavirus reported significant health various welfare and food aid pandemic, 422,000 new Israeli damage. Only 23% of Israeli services, some 3.8 million households found themselves households report that their Florida Offers Specialty Israelis live in poverty and in financial hardship. The financial condition is standard more are going hungry now percentage of the households or above standard, compared License Plate That Supports than prior to the pandemic. that suffer from financial to 45% pre-pandemic. Latet’s Alternative Poverty hardship jumped from 24.1%, The need for financial Israel Report found that during before the pandemic, to 38.6% help among Israel’s popu- 2020, the number of house- (an increase of 14.5%). Of lation jumped to 70% amid By Ron Kampeas / JTA holds living in poverty has the households that reported the pandemic. 24% of Israel’s jumped from 20.1% of house- encountering financial hard- population report that they did holds before the pandemic to ship during the pandemic, not get financial help although 29.3% (now a total of 850,000 77% are Jewish families. As they needed it. Further, 79.1% households), meaning some a comparison, 58% of Jewish of the Israeli public believe new 268,000 households now family households faced that the government should be live in poverty. financial hardship before the the one to address the rising Unlike the State of Israel’s pandemic. poverty numbers. Only 21.3% official poverty report which The study also reports that think that the government is measures poverty based on 86% of elderly citizens in need fulfilling its responsibility to income alone, the Latet’s of support are experiencing do so. Alternative Poverty Report loneliness. Of this group, “The surge in poverty rates measures poverty according to 21.6% fear they might die at confirms the most pessimistic households lacking essential home with no one knowing. economic forecasts of the ISRAELI-AMERICAN COUNCIL VIA JTA needs in housing, education, The Latet’s Alternative beginning of the crisis and Floridians can now stand with Israel even while stuck in healthcare, food security, and Poverty Report, analyzed by highlights the weaknesses traffic. the ability to cover the cost of the Rotem AR Institute, is an of the ecosystem in Israel,” A graphic designer from Boca Raton came up with the living. integrative study comprised of said Founder and Chair of winning design in a contest to create a specialty license plate According to the new three questionnaires based on Latet Gilles Darmon. “The saying that “Florida Stands with Israel.” Daniel Ackerman’s report, today 656,000 the United States Department Coronavirus has upset the blue, white and orange design was chosen among more than 100 Israeli households (22.6%) of Agriculture’s method- delicate economic balance and submissions in a competition sponsored by the Israeli-American suffer from food insecurity, ology. The study sampled pushed tens of thousands of Council, the group said in a news release in December. compared to 513,000 (17.8%) 1,818 Israelis ages 18 and new families into economic The bipartisan slate of four lawmakers who initiated the law before the pandemic. Among up (including members of hardship and poverty, but it is passed this year launching the competition along with Gabe them, 286,000 (9.9%) live in the general public, people in the state that has created the Groisman, the mayor of Bal Harbour, served as the judges. extreme food insecurity, up financial need and heads of conditions for this fragility, by “The concept focuses on Florida’s state flower, the orange previously refusing to invest blossom,” Ackerman said in the release. “The beauty of this significantly in those families flower, contrasted against the Star of David in the form of a trop- to build social resilience.” ical leaf, represents the Florida-Israel relationship and the fruit “The coronavirus pandemic this partnership bears, ultimately benefiting both states. The erupted as a health epidemic symbol interacts with the two waves on top and bottom giving and has developed into an nod to the Israeli flag, Florida’s sandy tourist destinations, and Check out our website! unprecedented socio-eco- Israel’s deserts in bloom.” nomic epidemic,” said Latet’s The plate will go into production once 3,000 applicants have Executive Director Eran www.jewishberkshires.org paid for presale vouchers. Proceeds will go in part to Hatzalah of Weintrob. “We are in the Miami-Dade, an organization of volunteer paramedics. For calendar listings and events worst economic crisis in the

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 Eiran Gazit Erna Lindner-Gilbert* Harold Sparr* Betty Braun* Jeffrey Goldwasser & Amy Lindner-Lesser Rita and Sol Toscher Memorial Cipora Brown Jonquil Wolfson Helen Maislen* Fund Barbara Cohen Jordan & Laura Green Ellen Masters Lisa Fletcher-Udel Mark Cohen* Harold Grinspoon Stuart Masters Edward Udel Mimi Cohen Ellen Heffan Estelle Miller Michael & Joan Ury C. Jeffrey & Judith Cook Ed Jaffe* Robert Newman* Mark & Judy Usow Gerry & Lynn Denmark Elihu Katzman Wendy Robbins Henry* & Beate* Voremberg Jonathan & Lara Denmark Marilyn Katzman Ken & Fran Rubenstein Alexandra Warshaw Anonymous (10) Sheila K. Donath Dara Kaufman Stella Schecter* Florence Wineberg* Ed Abrahams Melva Eidelberg Phil* and Rhoda Kaminstein Arlene D. Schiff Rabbi Deborah Zecher & Norman Avnet* Monroe England, in memory of Howard & Nancy* Kaufman Gary Schiff Rabbi Dennis Ross Barbara Bashevkin Monroe B. & Isabel England Lawrence Klein Stephen & Deborah Schreier *Of blessed memory 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 Lynn & William* Foggle Andrew S. Levine* Greenfield Simons Lawrence Berke Elaine Friedman Toby H. Levine Mark & Elisa Snowise Page 20 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org January 1 to February 7, 2021 CULTURE & ARTS Once in a Full Moon “Once a month a full moon rises in the night sky. But every time that camper, when she and her friends would look up at the moon, stars, and big bright circle has a different name.” Once in a Full Moon, by Carolinda clouds from their sleeping bags. In this book, she invites young readers Goodman – aka the BJV’s own Traveling With Jewish Taste correspon- to step outside and take notice of the full moon each month with rhymes dent, Carol Goodman Kaufman – is a new picture book aimed at 3- to that capture the distinctive qualities and moods of each season. 6-year-olds that tells the stories behind this monthly visitor. Artwork is The book is currently available on Amazon, and Carol is sharing the by Mariia Luzina. proceeds with Youth Aliyah, Hadassah’s child rescue project, of which Carol’s fascination with the night sky dates back to her days as a she is the US national chair.

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