Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Pittsfield, MA Berkshire Permit No. 19

JewishA publication of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, serving V the Berkshires and surrounding ice NY, CT and VT Vol. 28, No. 3 // 5780 March 23 to May 3, 2020 jewishberkshires.org Above the Drowning Sea ה ! In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, a film to tell each other שקט use an emoji בבקשscreening and memorial candle lighting “Israelis can finally to pipe down,” reports the Times of

In February, the Unicode Consortium, the California-based group that sets the standard for encoding characters across languages and computer systems, approved 117 new emojis. Among them was the upturned hand with touching fingers, which PITTSFIELD – Discover the story of Berkshire Museum on Sunday, April to Israelis means “quiet down” or “wait a second.” The Emojipedia website, however, the dramatic escape of European 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. describes the image as a sarcastic ‘Italian Hand Gesture,’ Jews from Nazi-controlled Europe to This event is free and open to the leading the Times of Israel to wonder: “Will this bitter truth – Shanghai on the eve of World War II public, and is sponsored by the Jewish the knowledge that the symbol stands for a sarcastic Italian in the feature documentary Above Federation of the Berkshires. After the gesture rather than the equally but nevertheless differently the Drowning Sea, part of a special film, please join us for candle lighting rude Israeli version – diminish Israelis’ excitement?” We’ll program in honor of Yom HaShoah/ and prayers in memory of the victims of find out. In any case, it’s also nice to see that the Unicode Holocaust Remembrance Day at the the Holocaust. Consortium saw fit to honor one of greatest Jewish Americans Above the Drowning Sea is a of the 20th Century (right) with another of the 117 new emojis. 90-minute documentary that was shot Inside in six countries over four continents that will take you on an inspiring Letting Go...... 3 emotional journey across time and Meeting Shoah Survivors...... 4 across the world. HAPPY ! As Hitler’s forces sought to expel the Your Federation Presents...... 4-8 Jews from Europe, no other country Super Volunteer Merle Ferber...... 6 would open its doors to the refu- Local News...... 7-10 gees. Their lives at stake, the refugees Berkshire Jewish Voices...... 15-17 YOM HASHOAH, continued on page 12

IMPORTANT NOTICE Due to the evolving response to coronavirus, some programs listed in this paper may have been canceled or postponed after our press deadline. Please contact the sponsoring organization about the status of its programming.

World Chamber Music at April 17 Knosh & Knowledge See story on page 5 Page 2 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org March 23 to May 3, 2020 In My View Deepening Berkshires Connections with the Afula-Gilboa Region of Israel By Josh Bloom

In January, I had the opportunity to represent the Jewish Federation of the group visited the Berkshires in 2017, I first met Yonish Yaakov, a retired Berkshires in an inter-Federation mission to our Israeli partnership city of Afula kibbutznik who told me about how he wanted to create a Reform Jewish kehilah and its neighboring kibbutzim and villages that dot the mountainous countryside in Beit Hashita. It was heartwarming to hear about his successes in integrating of the Gilboa region. a liberal form of religious practice and identity into his predominantly secular Through the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Partnership2Gether program, the kibbutz. Now bolstered by an Israeli Reform rabbi, the kibbutz hosts regular egal- Jewish Federation of the Berkshires (along with 11 other Federations from itarian and holiday services, bar and bat mitzvahs, and other lifecycle Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island) actively invests in strengthening events. the non-profit sector in Afula and Gilboa, and works with activists on the ground It was exciting to meet young artists from the Tarbut Movement who chose to foster people-to-people connections between our communities. to move to what is considered Israel’s periphery out of a modern sense of Ahad In recent years, the Berkshires has hosted a range of delegations from Ha’am’s vision of cultural Zionism. Tarbut has worked with local merchants to Afula-Gilboa, including professional chefs, home cooks, artists, photographers, revitalize the Afula market through art installations and the introduction of studio musicians, and more. and gallery spaces that, in turn, have attracted more food vendors, tradespeople, Reciprocally, commu- and foot traffic. nity activists from the I was moved by hearing how the Haifa Rape Crisis Center would not have been Afula-Gilboa region have able to open a local branch in Afula-Gilboa or sustain a rape crisis hotline had it hosted four delegations not been for the advocacy and financial support of our Federations. from Hevreh of Southern It was uplifting to hear how community activists and government officials Berkshire over the last worked with the Afula LGBTQ community to launch the city’s first-ever Pride three years – three cohorts event in 2019, thanks to Home in the Valley, a fledgling local LGBTQ organization of post-b’nai mitzvah that is supported by all of our Federations. students and their parents, We saw how our contributions enabled the growth and expansion of an Afula and one congregational community center’s “Sandwich Club” that feeds 50 teen volunteers each night tour group. who work together to assemble 200 free lunches that get distributed the following While I was in Afula day to local schools. And it was inspiring to meet new olim from Ethiopia at an and Gilboa, I reconnected absorption center in Beit Alfa and hear about the hardships that they had to over- with Israeli Jews, Muslims, come to resettle in Israel after many years of waiting in limbo. and Christians hosted We found hope in expanded opportunities for shared society between Israeli by our Federation in the Arabs and Jews. In the Arab town of Moqeble, for example, we met Muslim Berkshires. I got to see and Jewish middle school girls who told us that had it not been for their mixed projects that our Federation ethnicity basketball team supported by our Federations, they would not have had supports. And I heard from the chance to have meaningful interactions, let alone become friends, with peers beneficiaries about how we from each other’s communities. are impacting them and As we redouble our investment in “living bridges” between the Berkshires and generating real change in Afula-Gilboa in the years to come, we will continue to learn from each and further people’s lives. develop a shared sense of a common peoplehood amongst us. What was particularly To learn more about Partnership 2Gether, visit http://archive.jewishagency. remarkable to me was org/partnership2gether/program/468. seeing how certain projects had grown and developed. Josh Bloom serves on the Executive Board of the Jewish Federation of the For example, when an Berkshires as a vice president Josh helping the “Sandwich Club” prepare lunches interethnic photographers’ for area teens

The Partnership2Gether mission meets with Ethiopian olim

Thank you volunteers Ellen Rosenblatt and the BJV delivery team, Mitch Greenwald, Roman Rozenblyum, Colin Ovitsky, Pattie Lipman, Amy Cott Filson, and Chris Kelly

Berkshire

JA ewishpublicationA publication ofof the the Jewish Jewish Federation Federation of the Berkshires, of the serving Berkshires,V the Berkshires serving and surrounding the ice Berkshires NY, CT and VT and surrounding NY, CT and VT The color photography in this issue of the Berkshire Jewish Voice is made possible through the generosity of Helene Berger, honorary publisher. The staff of the Federation and the BJV are deeply grateful.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Berkshire Jewish Voice welcomes signed letters on subjects of interest to the Jewish community. Letters are printed upon space availability. The BJV reserves the right to edit all letters for content, length, and style. The BJV does not print anonymous letters, insults, libelous or defamatory statements. Published letters do not represent the views of the Federation, its board of directors, or the newspaper, but rather express the views of their authors. For verification purposes, please in- clude full name, home address, and a day and evening telephone number. Send letters to: Berkshire Jewish Voice, 196 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201, or email: [email protected]. Adar/Nisan/Iyar 5780 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 3 Rabbi Reflection Spiritualizing the Process of Letting Go and Moving Into a New Chapter Local students also experienced the transitioning powers of mikvah immersion By Rabbi Neil P.G. Hirsch

Watching the 2009 documentary Race to There, the students Nowhere was a defining moment in my under- first met with Jeremy Together, the students found a standing of what life as a child is like today. In Burton, the executive shared narrative, and also gave care one scene, a fourth-grader sits on a swing while director of the Jewish he is interviewed. Disturbingly, he innocently Community Relations and support to one another describes the stress that he feels in elementary Council of Greater school to perform, because if he does not do well Boston. Jeremy has spent a good deal of time thinking and writing about hate now, then he will not be ready for middle school, and anti-Semitism, and offered the students an overarching perspective on the which will hurt his opportunities for advanced recent manifestations of anti-Semitism. After his presentation, we invited the placement in high school, affecting the ulti- students to consider their experiences and their community. In the afternoon, we mate decision of which college he will end up headed to Mayyim Hayyim, the progressive mikvah located in Newton. attending. This 10-year-old child was unable to The power of the day was held by the mikvah. First, educator Emilia Diamant just go play on the playground because he was guided our students through a storytelling circle, in which they supported one worried about his another by sharing stories of how they were college applica- subject to anti-Semitism and other bias in tion. No doubt his parents had also been worrying their schools. The adults in the room sat back about how to pay for college for many years before and gave the students the space and time they that. needed. It was one of the most sacred expe- When Race to Nowhere came out, congregants riences I have shared with young people in with children at home said the film resonated quite some time. Together, the students found with their experiences. Kids were more and more a shared narrative, and also gave care and stressed at younger and younger ages, because support to one another. they felt they were already in a race, but uncer- Following the storytelling, Mayyim Hayyim’s tain where it would lead, or why they allowed mikvah director, Lisa Berman, invited the the intensity to enter their homes. Coming to the students who wanted to immerse in the Berkshires was a blessing. I remember talking mikvah to do so. The mikvah is our ritual with one parent of a high schooler when we first for transition. This was an invitation to take moved here, and we began to discuss this film the unfortunate realities with which our and what it was critiquing. This parent told me young people live and to head into the water that life here in the Berkshires was different. with them. In immersing, we hoped that the Many of the parents in our community intention- students would find a spiritual cleanse that ally chose to move here and to raise their families would allow them to move into their next chap- here, for the very reason that they did not have ters and new conversations. To my surprise to try to keep up with the Steins or be in a race and delight, most of the students immersed. to who knows where. I found this refreshing, and And as each came out of the mikvah, one by affirmed our own family decisions to be full-time one, each reflected on their sense of calm and Berkshire residents. clarity, radiating a sense of serenity. Yet, I have since learned that our Berkshire Not forgetting the joys of community, we children are not immune to the effects of compe- finished the day with a meal together, complete tition within their own schools. Ours are still with egg creams and French fries. ambitious, talented young people. They want to A truism of teenage years is that they are succeed. And, they are also challenged by the not easy. How many of us say, “I wish I could things other kids say to them on the playground be 15 again?” Our students live with their own and in the classroom because they are Jewish. pressures of which we should be aware. They We are aware of the ongoing blight of bias around may feel the effects of the race to nowhere, here. It affects us, it affects people of color, immi- and in our community, we have learned grants, the LGBTQ community, and others. about other pressures that they are forced to After a difficult anti-Semitic incident in the confront. What we found in our Boston day Monument Valley Middle School, Rabbi Jodie is that our community is well-equipped to Gordon and I realized that we needed to give provide the spiritual support needed to not space to our teens to explore what they have only endure but to thrive. experienced in their community and in their schools. In partnership with Federation, we Mayyim Hayyim’s mikvah Rabbi Neil P.G. Hirsch is a spiritual leader created a one-day retreat for the students to at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire in Great better understand hate and bias, and to spiritu- Barrington. alize the process of letting go and moving into a new chapter. Thanks to support from Carol and Steve Targum and an anonymous donor, 15 students and parents headed to Boston for the day. Paid advertisements do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires or its members.

Berkshire

JAewish publicationA publication of of the the Jewish Jewish Federation Federation of the Berkshires, of the serving Berkshires, V the Berkshires serving and surrounding the ice Berkshires NY, CT and and VT surrounding NY, CT and VT

Published nine times a year by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires

Dara Kaufman: Publisher and Managing Editor Albert Stern: Editor Helene Berger: Honorary Publisher 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: May 4, 2020 – June 14, 2020 Press deadline: March 24, 2020 • Advertising deadline: April 14, 2020 Berkshire Jewish Voice e-mail: [email protected] Phone: (413) 442-4360, ext. 11 Fax (413) 443-6070 Page 4 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org March 23 to May 3, 2020 Your Federation Presents Contemporary American “The Blacklist Dream,” with Conrad and International Politics Bromberg On Thursday, April 2 at On Thursday, of Taipei” found its 10:45 a.m., join Professor April 30 at first audience at Steven J. Rubin for “Current 10:45 a.m., join The San Francisco Affairs: Contemporary actor, teacher, and Actors’ Workshop. American and International playwright Conrad He has taught at Politics.” This course will meet Bromberg as he NYU, University of to discuss and explore current shares stories about Delaware, SUNY, issues that influence our lives his father and his and The School and society at large. This free family’s experiences Of Visual Arts. program at Knesset Israel, 16 author of numerous books living under the He has received Colt Road in Pittsfield is part and articles and frequently Hollywood blacklist grants from The of the Jewish Federation of the lectures both here and abroad of the 1940s and Ford Foundation, Berkshires’ Connecting With on such topics as interna- 1950s. This free The New York State Community series. tional anti-Semitism, Jewish program at Knesset CAPS Program, Please note: There will be history, popular culture, and Israel, 16 Colt and The Rockefeller no Kosher lunch following this literature. His radio play “Dem Road in Pittsfield is Foundation. He program. Bums: The Rise and Demise part of the Jewish Anti-blacklist protestors in 1950s Hollywood says his major Topics will be chosen by of the Brooklyn Dodgers” was Federation of the to privacy, freedom of speech, accomplishments Professor Rubin in consul- broadcast live on National Berkshires’ Connecting With and freedom of thought were are his two daughters and tation with the class and in Public Radio in December Community series. put on the line for many. three grandchildren. He now view of the issue’s relevance. 2017 and can be currently When Conrad Bromberg Conrad Bromberg, twice lives in The Berkshires. Members will be encouraged heard online. was a child, his father was nominated for The Writers to participate in discussions named as a Communist by Guild Award for drama for to express views and opinions his best friend to the House IF YOU GO IF YOU GO “Two Brothers” on PBS and in a supportive and informal Un-American Activities Sponsor: Jewish Federation “Siege” on CBS, contributed to atmosphere. Sponsor: Jewish Federation Committee. Bromberg will of the Berkshires / Connecting 13 dramas on the other major Steven J. Rubin is of the Berkshires / Connecting share some relevant anecdotes With Community networks. He is a founding professor emeritus of inter- With Community of FBI visits and firsthand Venue: Knesset Israel member of The Ensemble national studies and former Venue: Knesset Israel gossip about movie stars we’ll Date & Time: Thursday, April 30 Studio Theater, where his dean of the College of Arts and Date & Time: Thursday, April 2 all recognize, and stories that at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch play “Dream of a Blacklisted Sciences at Adelphi University, at 10:45 a.m. – There will be no reflect betrayal and other (see page 11). Actor” premiered. His play Garden City, NY. He is the lunch after this program. human activities. Come join “Mayday” was first produced us for these insights into when at The Seattle Repertory the First Amendment’s right Company, and “The Defense

Letters to the Editor Local Middle School Students Share the Experience of Meeting Shoah Survivors This winter, Jilly Lederman educated her middle school students at Berkshire Country Day School about the Holocaust by introducing them to two sur- vivors, who shared their harrowing stories with the class. Edith Velmans, who visited the class in Stockbridge, was hidden by a Christian family in Holland after being separated from her family. Anna Ornstein survived Auschwitz and other labor camps, and spoke to the class via Skype. The class also studied the novel The Book Thief, and learned about the Holocaust from videos and primary historical sources. The students not only took away many valuable insights about the historical reality of the Holocaust, but also lessons they feel they can apply to their own lives. As Yom HaShoah 5780 approached, Dr. Lederman wished to share some of her students’ responses to hearing Velmans and Ornstein’s first- hand accounts of struggle, loss, and survival.

“Edith was swept away from her family in Northern Holland when the “Someday, when all of the survivors have passed, it will be our job to Germans invaded. Both her parents died while she was in hiding, but she sent remember the people who were killed as well as the ones who survived. In order to them many letters and kept a journal the entire time. She mentioned that she do this successfully, it’s important to know about their life during the Holocaust would always leave her journal open for her children to read but they were never and after. It’s important to remember them as people and not just statistics. interested. Anna was taken by the Germans with her mother when she was fifteen Another reason why we have to learn about the Holocaust is so that we won’t get years old. She worked in a labor camp called Plashlov for ten weeks but was later pulled into the lies of Holocaust deniers. We need to know what is right and what transferred back to Auschwitz. Both women decided to become doctors working is wrong so that we won’t continue the cycle of ignorance by teaching others the with mental health and revealed it was because of their experiences during the wrong facts. I now have real facts and real stories that I can use to spread toler- war. It was amazing to hear people tell these stories to us in person instead of just ance and awareness and to educate others.” reading a book. It taught me to individualize every survivor because every one of — Maddie Tillem them has a different story to tell.” — Brenna Loret de Mola “Hearing from survivors directly also allowed me to understand the time period and what people went through in more depth. Learning about the genocide of “Edith Velmans [and my class] discussed her experience and how she main- people enabled me to learn about other dictators, as well. I also learned what led tained hope, and how she deals with anti-Semitism today. She explained that up to the Holocaust. This knowledge will help me recognize the signs if they occur for most of the Holocaust, she wasn’t fully aware of the persecution and brutal in society in the future.” murder that was happening in the concentration camps. She also told us that it — Bronly Boyd was hard and hurtful to be excluded from schools and public events just because of her race and religion. For me, it was fascinating to learn that the Nazis tried to keep their camps private and secretive even from their own people. Many Germans didn’t even know how brutal their leaders were being and thus didn’t understand how important it was to oppose their government and fight back against their horrible actions during the Holocaust.” — Kachino Lucido

“If a Holocaust survivor can come and have a discussion with us, they can share their own story. Soon, the survivors will be dead and there will be no more living proof, but our generation can take over their ‘role,’ and if other people have the opportunity like my class did to speak to Holocaust survivors, we can share their stories so they can continue to be recognized.” — Sophie Shaw

“It is crucial to remember this tragedy so that we as humans don’t make the same mistakes that we made in the past. There are also groups of people who deny the Holocaust’s existence. People need to correct these deniers because it is cruel and unjust to contradict such suffering in history. It is also necessary to voice the knowledge that has been obscured to those who do not know or under- stand what the Holocaust is.” — April Sutherland

Edith Velmans with BCD middle schoolers Adar/Nisan/Iyar 5780 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 5 Your Federation Presents World Chamber Music at April 17 Knosh & Knowledge Join Hevreh Ensemble’s Judith Dansker and Laurie Friedman for a morning of music and stories GREAT BARRINGTON – On the music business. It was a a sense of spirituality, she Friday, April 17 at 10:45 a.m., new journey for us.” says. Knosh & Knowledge welcomes She adds that when it all The Hevreh Ensemble’s two members of the Hevreh came together, “it was like appeal has allowed them to Ensemble, oboist Judith trying to find a parking spot travel and perform inter- Dansker and clarinetist Laurie in Manhattan at rush hour, nationally – Dansker and Friedman. The longtime driving around and driving Friedman will be sharing tales friends (they met as music around, and suddenly finding of their journeys and outreach students at the Manhattan an empty spot right in front of at the April 17 Knosh & School of Music) and your destination.” Knowledge. colleagues will play original The Hevreh Ensemble’s In 2018, the group compositions from the group’s orchestration is nothing if performed in Poland, at the repertoire and share stories not eclectic – Cherokee flutes, prestigious International about careers, friendships, oboe, English horn, clarinet, Jewish Cultural Festival travels, projects, and their bass clarinet, percussion, in Krakow, in Lublin at exploration of musical tradi- keyboards, and shofar, a museum housed in a tions from around the world. augmented in the studio (on Soviet-Era factory/trade This Jewish Federation their latest recording, 2019’s school, and in Warsaw at of the Berkshires program A Path of Light) by a string POLIN Jewish Museum, built will take place at Hevreh of quartet, tabla, double bass, on the site of the Warsaw Southern Berkshire, and will and percussion instruments Ghetto. There, they collabo- be followed by a catered lunch. like the djembe, dumbek, rated with photographer Loli Prepaid lunch reservations ocean drum, balafon, Kantor, whose 2015 book, required in advance. Email kalimba, rain stick, and log Beyond the Forest: Jewish Laurie Friedman and Judith Dansker federation@jewishberkshires. drum played by a Silk Road Presence in Eastern Europe, org, or call (413) 442-4360, Ensemble member. 2004-2012 captured remnants ext. 10, to RSVP. The music is hard to cate- of the Jewish world lost during Easy Chair Yoga for Although the New York- gorize – the instrumentation World War II. They have also based Hevreh Ensemble is suggests the “World Music” performed in Vienna, Berlin, Flexibility, Mobility, and not affiliated with Hevreh genre, but the melodies are Bonn, and Amsterdam, and of Southern Berkshire, the inflected with the kind of jazz have participated in work- group’s genesis can be traced and contemporary classical shops and residencies at Peace of Mind to a lifecycle ritual performed ideas that Adler explored in schools and universities. at the synagogue – the his pre-Hevreh Ensemble In the summer of 2020 they 2001 bat mitzvah of Judith composing, and also with will travel to Argentina and Dansker’s daughter, which Jewish musical themes. perform in historic synagogues was officiated by then- “Growing up Jewish,” says in Buenos Aires, Rosario, and spiritual leader, the musi- Adler, “you have that music Cordoba. The first concert cally attuned Rabbi Deborah inside you wanting to come will be at Templo Libertad Zucker. As a bat mitzvah gift, out.” If the soundscape evokes in Buenos Aires, where the Laurie Friedman’s husband, “New Age” music, the rhythms ensemble will be joined by Jeff Adler, composed a duet underpinning Adler’s compo- Judith Dansker’s daughter, for Cherokee flutes titled sitions are more intricate, Alicia DePaolo, whose bat “Garment of Brightness,” adventurous, and urgent than mitzvah was where the Hevreh which was inspired by both “chill-out sounds.” Ensemble was born. She’s the Native American poem The evolution of Adler’s a soprano who sings with “Song of the Sky Loom” music for the group, according MIRYAM, a Boston-based vocal and the Jewish tallit cere- to Dansker, was that it and instrumental ensemble mony. Impressed, Rabbi “started out more set, but his that performs baroque and Zecher invited the musicians compositions became more renaissance settings of Jewish to participate at a Selichot complex as we started getting texts. In Buenos Aires, she’ll service. used to each other’s instru- sing cantillation from the Book The experiences led to ments. The music grabs your of Lamentations, commemo- On Monday, April 13 at the Massachusetts Housing the formation of the Hevreh thought processes because of rating the observance of Tisha 10:45 a.m., join Linda Novick Authority. Ensemble, its fourth member the way Jeff writes rhythms. B’. for “Easy Chair Yoga for She explains that her keyboardist Adam Morrison, Because the music is so acces- So come join Judith Flexibility, Mobility, and Peace approach to yoga encourages who has played with some sible, it affects people quickly.” Dansker and Laurie Friedman of Mind.” This free program at everyone to listen and love of the leading lights of the She recalls a concert at the at the April 17 Knosh & Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road in their body. Her yoga classes jazz world. All accomplished Spanish Synagogue in Prague Knowledge for an entertaining Pittsfield is part of the Jewish encourage gentle stretching, performers with impeccable at which the audience was at morning of music and story- Federation of the Berkshires’ proper breathing, strength and resumes, Dansker, Friedman, first confused, by intermis- telling that will introduce you Connecting With Community balance. She attended Pratt Adler, and Morrison coalesced sion clapping, and “by the end, to the music and message of series. Institute in Brooklyn and has as the Hevreh Ensemble in clapping wildly.” The Hebraic the Hevreh Ensemble. For a Linda Novick says: “Chair a BFA in art education, and mid-career, at a time when themes, Middle Eastern fine introduction to their work Yoga is appropriate for people has taught art for 50 years. many of their colleagues, as sounds, and the Native and links to their music, visit of all levels of mobility. It She’s been teaching yoga Dansker put it, “have stopped American flutes together evoke their engaging website at www. is a series of breathing and since 1997, and lately has playing or gotten cynical about hevrehensemble.com. stretching exercises done in a been focusing on easy yoga for chair, which increases mobility elders. She taught on staff at IF YOU GO of the joints, flexibility, Kripalu Center for 7 years, and strength and stamina. Some is now a regular presenter, Sponsor: Jewish Federation of of the exercises are performed offering programs that the Berkshires standing behind the chair, combine painting and yoga. Date & Time: Friday, April 17 at while holding on. Participants She’s the author of the book, 10:45 a.m. will learn breathing techniques The Painting Path: Embodying Venue: Hevreh of Southern to enhance lung capacity, as Spiritual Discovery through Berkshire, 270 State Road, Great well as easy stretches and Yoga, Brush and Color. Barrington yoga postures. Yoga is good Cost: $11 with fresh buffet for all bodies. Beginners are IF YOU GO lunch. Free admission to welcome.” program only. Linda Novick, MFA, is an Sponsor: Jewish Federation Advance lunch reservations and author, teacher, artist, and of the Berkshires / Connecting prepayment required for this professional level Kripalu With Community event. Yoga teacher. She currently Venue: Knesset Israel Email: federation@jewishberk- teaches yoga at Berkshire Date & Time: Monday, April 13 shires.org, or call (413) 442- West Fitness Center and at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch 4360, ext. 10 Kimball Farms, and all over (see page 11). the Commonwealth with You can now read and share Berkshire Jewish Voice feature stories online! Visit jewishberkshires.org and select Community & Events>Berkshire Jewish Voice For further information on all Jewish Federation of the Berkshires programs, please call Nancy Maurice Rogers, Program Director, for links to highlights of current and past issues. at (413) 442-4360, ext.15. Page 6 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org March 23 to May 3, 2020

One Story – O ne Life Your Federation Dollars at Work Simply put, the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires could not make your campaign dollars work without the enthusiastic support of our steadfast volunteers. Each year, hundreds of volunteers of all ages give thousands of hours of their time to support this Federation’s important work – making fundraising calls on Super Sunday; decorating, packing, and delivering holiday bags on and ; delivering kosher meals to the homebound; serving on our boards and committees; and so much more. Merle Ferber is one of our Federation’s super volunteers, who – abetted by her beloved service dog, Ziva – is always willing to help. Volunteering for a Pat on the Back A sign near the front door of Merle Ferber’s Pitts- In 1983, disaster struck. Merle buildings in my neighborhood, so field home bears a famous epigraph of Albert Camus: was involved in a car accident I never knew anyone with a dog.” “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, that left her disabled. She spent However, recognizing the util- an invincible summer.” a year in the hospital recovering ity of a service animal, Merle met The words perfectly capture the pugnacious spirit from her injuries, and then anoth- with a local veterinarian, the late Merle brings to her volunteer work on behalf of Fed- er several months at a facility in Dennis Ovitsky, who was involved eration and disabled members of the wider Berkshires Boston for pain management and with NEADS, a Massachusetts- community. When asked if she considers herself an alternative therapies. When she based non-profit that is an inno- activist, Merle says, “No – I’m an activist / educator. If was released, she worked briefly vator in training dogs to assist the you’re a true activist, you’re an educator. If you’re not for IBM in Boston before moving handicapped. Merle’s first dog an educator, you’re just a troublemaker.” back to the Bronx to be closer to was a smooth collie named Radar, her family. About volunteering, Merle Ferber says “I always “who was hairy and smelly and just did it myself. For example, I was the kid on Merle’s return home was awesome. Having him was very Halloween who went trick or treating for UNICEF.” destined to be short-lived. “You good for me. I needed something Born in Bronx, NY, she attended the prestigious Bronx didn’t like the Bronx before your to take care of. Life was too High School of Science and earned a college degree accident,” her mother responded easy.” in special education. She moved to the Berkshires in when Merle voiced her unhap- Radar lived to the ripe old age the mid-1970s, lured by a job in the Pittsfield school piness. “What made you think of twelve, and was followed by system. “At the time, Massachusetts was the worst you’d like it now?” Miller, another smooth collie who state for mainstreaming special needs students,” she So she went back to the as a puppy was one of the first remembers. “Children with mental and physical hand- Berkshires. When Merle returned, Ziva and Merle dogs trained by inmates partici- icaps had to go to ‘special schools for special kids.’” however, she found that her “energy had changed.” pating in the Prison PUP Program created by NEADS. After Merle relocated, however, the job fell Through the lens of her disability, she began to ob- The program now operates in twelve correctional through, but she had no intention of going back to serve all the obstacles ordinary life posed to people facilities in New England. Currently Ziva, a 4-year-old New York City. “I loved it here instantly,” she says, and with mobility issues – a dearth of doors cut to accom- collie/golden retriever mix, occupies the sidekick role. set out to find ways to make her new circumstances modate wheelchair, the lack of ramps in public spaces, Merle says she reconnected with her Jewishness work. She started out by drafting resumes for job the absence of curb cuts at intersections, and so forth. after her accident, and is one of the Shabbat and seekers – “if you fed me, I’d do your resume,” she What really piqued her ire was the lack of accessibility Sunday morning minyan stalwarts at Knesset Israel. says, adding that was when she started volunteering in public buildings, particularly the downtown court- She and Ziva never miss Federation’s Super Sunday “in any cause she found interesting.” houses, which inhibited participation in civic life for phone-a-thon – they’ll be there on May 17. And the disabled. She became involved with the Berkshire County- she works hard on the telephone twice each year in based BCArc, a non-profit organization for children Merle became (and remains) a staple at local gov- advance of the Joe’s Project delivery of holiday bags to and adults with developmental disabilities, brain inju- ernment meetings and civic events, forcefully advocat- nursing homes and homebound members of our Jew- ries, and autism, and later with Community Outreach ing on behalf of the rights of disabled people. “I saw ish community. Merle calls all the local care facilities Occupational Learning, which provided career train- people like myself who couldn’t speak out,” she says, to identify their Jewish residents, ensuring that each ing for returning Vietnam veterans, ex-offenders, and “who couldn’t speak out before their accidents. It was person receives a bag and recognition as valued mem- women receiving public assistance. “I worked day and not in their natures.” One has only to look around bers of our community. She also visits members of the night to get them through the program and find them Pittsfield to see the changes Merle’s activism has community who are recuperating from illness. jobs,” she remembers. helped to bring about. “It took 20 years,” she says. “I “Federation really represents all I believe in,” says never thought I’d live to see it.” Eventually, Merle leveraged her skills entrepreneur- Merle. “Be proud to be Jewish, and let your Jewish- ially and set up shop in Pittsfield as a career counselor, As well-known as Merle is for her advocacy, she is ness touch your heart in your own way.” And she as well as working part-time as the USY counselor at equally famous for her service dogs. She remembers encourages everyone to discover the satisfaction of Knesset Israel. She found time to volunteer for the first encountering a service dog in the mid-1990s at giving time for others, even if it sometimes feels “hard Junior League of Berkshire County, the NAACP, the a conference in Boston, where a wheelchair-bound to volunteer if you feel you don’t get that pat on the Red Cross (“If I said hello to you, you were either going fellow activist she knew was in attendance with his back.” to give me your blood or your money”), and what beautiful dog. At the time, she remembers, only the Stick with those causes you feel are worthy, she eventually became the Elizabeth Freeman Center, a vital blind had service dogs, and in any case “I never had says. “Keep working for people. But that is what resource for female survivors of domestic abuse and a dog. I didn’t like them – they were dirty and hairy. you’re working for, that pat on the back. Same as sexual assault. In the Bronx, dogs weren’t allowed in the apartment Ziva. A pat on the back. Good girl.”

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 Adar/Nisan/Iyar 5780 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 7 Your Federation Presents Forgotten Heroes Remembered in The Process of Aging, with My Italian Secret Maggie Bittman On Monday, April 27 at where he was hiding Jews. On Monday, April 20 10:45 a.m., discover the fasci- Others disguised Jewish girls at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish nating story of the clandestine and women as nuns and hid Federation of the Berkshires Italian resistance movement them in convents. presents “Intergenerational: that helped save thousands In this epic documentary, The Process of Aging” with of Jews during the Holocaust living characters return to therapist Maggie Bittman. This depicted in the documentary Italy to reveal their stories, free program at Knesset Israel, film My Italian Secret: The and to thank those who were 16 Colt Road, in Pittsfield, Forgotten Heroes, in honor willing to sacrifice their own is part of the Federation’s of Yom HaShoah/Holocaust lives to save strangers without Connecting With Community Remembrance Day. ever seeking recognition or series. This free program at reward for their courage. This program will provide Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road in Through these witnesses’ an opportunity to be part of a Pittsfield is part of the Jewish stories, revisit a time when an group dialogue, created and Federation of the Berkshires’ entire continent was engulfed facilitated by Bittman, who Connecting With Community in genocide. However, approx- will explain her outlook and series. imately 80% of Jewish people approach, emphasizing that My Italian Secret tells living in Italy, including foreign aging begins at birth. She a heroic story that was all Jews, survived the Holocaust. will discuss how all of us are but lost to history. The film On September 8, 1943 the confronted with four existen- recounts how during World Nazis invaded Northern Italy tial truths as we age – the War II, Tour de France bicy- and the deportation of thou- Robert Loggia as the voice of search to find meaning and offer support, as they explore cling champion Gino Bartali, sands of Jewish people and Gino Bartali. purpose; facing mortality; these existential truths. physician Giovanni Borromeo, others to Auschwitz began. experiencing aloneness; and and other Italians worked with This film asks: “Why would IF YOU GO engaging free will. IF YOU GO high-ranking officials of the someone risk his or her own Bittman will highlight how Sponsor: Jewish Federation Catholic Church, risking their life and put their family in this is a lifelong process, and Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting of the Berkshires / Connecting lives by defying the Nazis to jeopardy to ‘do the right thing’ With Community the ways people return to save thousands of Italy’s Jews. and protect the life of another these existential truths at each With Community Venue: Knesset Israel Their high-risk methods person... a stranger?” stage of life with the added Venue: Knesset Israel Date & Time: Monday, April 27 were ingenious. Bartali, at Oscar-nominated director wisdom that comes with aging. Date & Time: Monday, April 20 at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch the behest of the Archbishop Oren Jacoby resurrects the Within this context, partici- at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (see page 11). of Florence, crisscrossed dramatic story of this secret pants will discuss, share and (see page 11). Northern Italy while trans- underground, giving it the porting fake identification attention it so richly deserves. documents in the frame of his The film draws from a vast bicycle. (In 2013, Bartali was archive of rare documentary Take a Spiritual Odyssey and Find Out All awarded the title “Righteous images that were recorded by Among the Nations” by Yad Italians, Germans, Americans Vashem.) A prominent physi- and British during the war. About Eve, with Professor Michel Richard cian, Dr. Borromeo, invented The film, which was On Thursday, March 26 Meditation by an ex-nun, and of Knowledge off limits, but a fictitious disease to scare released in 2015, is narrated and Thursday, April 23 volunteer work at Lourdes not the Tree of Life?”; “What the SS away from the hospital by Isabella Rossellini with at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish to attending services at was the fruit of the Tree of Federation of the Berkshires Congregation Ahavath Shalom, Knowledge?”; “What would welcomes Michel Paul Richard, the Friends Meeting House, have happened if Eve had 2020 Professor Emeritus, SUNY and to Thich Naht Hanh not disobeyed God?”; “Does Geneseo, who will present meditation group, Richard this story depict God as an On Monday, March 30 at separate programs on spiritual will share his explorations all-too-human father?” and 10:45 a.m., join Cathy Zises, matters and Biblical interpre- and invite audience members “Did the Bible create misogyny local farmer and descen- tation. These free programs at to discuss their personal or simply bring it to a new dant of the Margareten family Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, journeys, as well. (Suggested level?” Join us to explore some behind Horowitz Margareten in Pittsfield, are part of the Reading: The Varieties of of these questions and maybe . She will recount her Federation’s Connecting With Religious Experience by find some answers. (Suggested seed to Seder table matzo Community series. William James.) reading: Eve: The History of an story, “Matzo 2020.” This free On March 26, Professor On April 23, Professor Idea by J.A. Phillips.) program at Knesset Israel, 16 Richard’s topic will be “50 Richard’s topic will be “The Colt Road in Pittsfield is part Years of a Spiritual Odyssey,” Bible Story Your Rabbi, Priest IF YOU GO of the Jewish Federation of the in which he will share his or Pastor Doesn’t Really Want Berkshires’ Connecting With journey that reveals some to Talk About: Eve.” He says Sponsor: Jewish Federation Community series. aspects into the human quest he will “explore what most of of the Berkshires / Connecting Cathy Zises is the farmer/ for spiritual knowledge and us today would agree with, With Community owner of Zfarm in Chatham, Cathy Zises of Zfarm how that may manifest in indi- that Eve got a bum rap; but Venue: Knesset Israel NY, who will share her journey vidual choices that are made this story in Genesis raises Date & Time: Thursday, March in cultivating biodynami- yoga instructor, has owned along the way. From encounter some fascinating questions.” 26 and Thursday, April 23 at cally-grown spelt grain in of Zfarm since 2011. The groups in the 1960s, a He will lead discussion into 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch 2019 to be used in creating land encompasses 130 pilgrimage to India, an initi- some elucidating inquiries, (see page 11). matzo this spring. Although acres with planting fields, ation into Transcendental such as “Why was the Tree not kosher for Passover, her woods and hiking trails, matzos were nevertheless wetlands, streams and a pond. prepared according to halachic Improvements have been guidelines, baked within 18 made to make it a fully- LOCAL NEWS minutes of the grains touching operational farm by building the water to reach the oven to structures such as a livestock B’Shalom Chorale Seeks Singers for become matzo. All the baking barn, greenhouse, cold storage is being done by members of for produce, fencing, wells, the Chatham Synagogue in underground electric and a Seventh Season the ovens of Our Daily Bread, fully-operational solar- GREAT BARRINGTON – whose owner Zvi Cohen was powered yurt. B’Shalom Chorale, conducted profiled in the March 2018 Zises will talk about matzo by Jack Brown, begins BJV. baking and biodynamic 10 weekly rehearsals on Matzo is the family farming in this offbeat and Wednesday, May 27, from business – Zises is the entertaining Passover-themed 7-9 p.m. great-granddaughter of program. Maybe there will The Chorale is open to Regina Margareten, who with even be some matzo to munch all men and women, Jewish her family and partners in on. or not Jewish, who have a Brooklyn co-founded Horowitz pleasant singing voice and the ability to stay on pitch. Brothers and Margareten IF YOU GO Company, purveyors of Jewish Choral experience is preferred, foods and, most famously, Sponsor: Jewish Federation as is a love of singing four- Passover matzo. She is a of the Berkshires / Connecting part music. The ability to read at Hevreh of Southern Dues are $50. Rehearsals contemporary farmer and With Community music is helpful, though not Berkshire in Great Barrington, are held at Hevreh of matzo baker accompanied by a Venue: Knesset Israel mandatory. and a second concert, which Southern Berkshire, 270 State genealogical twist of fate. Date & Time: Monday, March 30 There will be two concerts, will be interfaith, on Thursday Road. RSVP to the Chorale Zises, a Kripalu Mindful at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch for this seventh season: evening, August 13, location to (413) 418-1836 or email Outdoor Guide and ISHTA (see page 11). Wednesday evening, August 12 be announced. [email protected]. Page 8 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org March 23 to May 3, 2020 Your Federation Presents All Shuk Up Over Our Jewish Cookbook Club A second potluck-style feast is set for May 7 Our first Jewish Cookbook Club meeting was a resounding (and delicious) success – in February, 35 cooks came together at Guido’s Fresh Marketplace in Pittsfield with dozens of dishes from Leah Koenig’s Modern Jewish Cooking. According to event organizer (and Federation president) Judy Usow: “It was great to see so many new faces at the launch of Jewish Federation’s Jewish Cookbook Club. Leah Koenig shared a personal letter sharing how honored she was to have her cookbook chosen for our first meeting. “Beyond the delicious food, it was really about sitting together and sharing our stories that brought meaning and relevance to the evening.” So get ready for the next potluck-style dinner, which takes place at Guido’s on May 7 at 7 p.m. Prepare a dish from Shuk, a collection of Israeli home-cooking recipes by Einat Admony and Janna Gur. Cookbooks will be on view in advance at the Federation’s office, located at 196 South Street in Pittsfield, or for viewing and purchase at Guido’s, co-sponsor of this event. Additional club dates are September 10 and November 12. A special mid-summer Jewish Cookbook Club event Stop the Bleed Training at Tanglewood is scheduled for July 12. Free life-saving training for our community Guido’s is located at 1020 PITTSFIELD – On May 7, the Jewish Additionally: “In a Stop the Bleed South Street in Pittsfield. Federation of the Berkshires and course, you’ll learn three quick Space is limited. Advance Berkshire Health Systems will sponsor techniques to help save a life before registration is required by Stop the Bleed training, a emailing judyusow@gmail. morning session at 9 a.m. and com. an evening session at 6:30 p.m. Participants choose one training session. The training is free, and will take place at Temple Anshe Amunim, 26 Broad Street in Pittsfield. Registration is required by April 30 – please call Federation at (413) 442-4360, ext. 10 or email federation@ jewishberkshires.com to sign up for the someone bleeds out: (1) How to use session you wish to attend. your hands to apply pressure to a Stop the Bleed is a national aware- wound; (2) How to pack a wound to ness campaign to empower individuals control bleeding; (3) How to correctly to help in an emergency. More than 1 apply a tourniquet. These three tech- million people have been trained. From niques will empower you to assist in an the website: “Through our Stop the emergency and potentially save a life.” Bleed course, you’ll gain the ability to This 1-hour training will be recognize life-threatening bleeding and presented by educators from the intervene effectively. The person next Trauma Care Program of Berkshire to a bleeding victim may be the one Medical Center. who’s most likely to save him or her. Participants must be 18 years of age Take the course and become empow- to attend training. Walk-ins cannot be ered to make a life or death difference accommodated. when a bleeding emergency occurs.”

Donate ~ Volunteer ~ Make a Difference

As my parents planted for me before I was born, so do I plant for those who come after me. – Talmud Thank you to these individuals who through their gift to the Legacy Circle will ensure that the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires thrives long into the future. May your name be a Blessing, and may the example you set inspire others to create their own Jewish Legacy.

Lee & Sydelle Blatt Elaine Friedman Toby H. Levine Mark & Elisa Snowise Betty Braun* Eiran Gazit Erna Lindner-Gilbert* Harold Sparr* Cipora Brown Jeffrey Goldwasser & Amy Lindner-Lesser Lisa Fletcher-Udel Barbara Cohen Jonquil Wolfson Helen Maislen* Edward Udel Mark Cohen* Jordan & Laura Green Ellen Masters Michael & Joan Ury Mimi Cohen Harold Grinspoon Stuart Masters Mark & Judy Usow C. Jeffrey & Judith Cook Ellen Heffan Estelle Miller Henry* & Beate* Voremberg Gerry & Lynn Denmark Ed Jaffe* Robert Newman* Alexandra Warshaw Jonathan & Lara Denmark Elihu Katzman Wendy Robbins Florence Wineberg* Anonymous (10) Sheila K. Donath Marilyn Katzman Ken & Fran Rubenstein Rabbi Deborah Zecher & Ed Abrahams Melva Eidelberg Dara Kaufman Stella Schecter* Rabbi Dennis Ross Norman Avnet* Monroe England, in memory of Phil* and Rhoda Kaminstein Arlene D. Schiff *Of blessed memory Barbara Bashevkin Monroe B. & Isabel England Howard & Nancy* Kaufman Gary Schiff Robert Bashevkin Dr. Armand V. Feigenbaum* Lawrence Klein Stephen & Deborah Schreier Linda J. L. Becker Dr. Donald S. Feigenbaum* Sarah Klein Martin Silver Robert Berend Steven Feiner Arthur Kriger* Sylvia Silverberg, in memory of Shelley Berend Diana & Stanley Feld Fred & Brenda Landes Jerome Silverberg Helene Berke Stuart M. Fischman, Esq. Beth Laster-Nathan Richard A. Simons & Marcie Lawrence Berke Lynn & William Foggle Andrew S. Levine* Greenfield Simons Adar/Nisan/Iyar 5780 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 9

LOCAL NEWS Creative Arts Series at Congregation “The Unbroken Chain of Ahavath Sholom Continues Jewish Existence” is the GREAT BARRINGTON – Congregation Ahavath Sholom is pleased to announce the continua- theme of Chabad Seder tion of last year’s successful Creative Arts Series. PITTSFIELD – Chabad of says Rabbi Levi Volovik, co- This spring’s series offers workshops in painting, the Berkshires will host a director of the Chabad House. photography, and writing, plus the premiere communal “And at Chabad, every Jew performance of the CAS Theatre Group. on the first night of Passover, is part of our family. No one The series begins on Sunday, April 19 at Wednesday, April 8 at 7 p.m., will be turned away for lack of 1 p.m. with “Paint Out The Darkness,” a 3-hour at Chabad of the Berkshires, funds.” abstract and representational workshop for all 450 South Street. Seating is limited, and levels. Directed by Ilene Spiewak, a painter, The Seder, its theme “The reservations are required teacher and art therapist who invites you to Unbroken Chain of Jewish before April 1. Cost is $36 per “Wield your paintbrush to jazz music. Unleash Existence,” will take partici- adult and $20 for children your intuitive freedom and paint your colorful pants through the wondrous under 12. response beyond the object.” The $20 fee liberation of the from For reservations, more includes material and refreshments. Space is Egyptian bondage, as well information, or to sponsor a limited. Early reservations are encouraged. as help participants under- family, call Chabad co- On Sunday, May 3 at 2 p.m., all are invited to stand the Seder’s relevance to director Sara Volovik at (413) the CAS Theatre Group’s premiere performance. today’s Jews. Included in the 499-9899. The newly-formed theatre group will present Seder will be the traditional, The ‘Sale’ a program of audition monologues from well- hand-baked shmura matzo, A free online ‘Sale of known plays, sketches, skits, and vignettes by the ritual four cups of wine, Chametz’ form is available on Julies Feiffer, and scenes from Signs of Life, a and a delicious, full-course the Chabad of the Berkshires modern play based on the story of Abraham and Passover meal including website, www.jewishberkshires. Sarah. Directed by Linda Josephs. Featuring, gefilte fish, an array of unique com, that will empower Rabbi Barbara Janoff, Barry Shapiro, and Ellen salads, hot soup, a main dish, Levi Volovik to act on one’s Axelrod. Admission is free and a delectable dessert. behalf in the sale. Sell chametz Please visit www.ahavathsholom.com for more “Passover is a time when the old-fashioned way by calling information. Congregation Ahavath Sholom is at Last year’s portrait workshop, part of the family sits together and the rabbi at (413) 499-9899. 15 North Street in Great Barrington. Creative Arts Series discusses our rich heritage,” Passover with Congregation Spring Events at Hevreh – Passover Ahavath Sholom and Israel’s Independence Day LENOX – On Thursday, April 9, Congregation Ahavath Sholom will host a second-night Seder at the Apple Tree Inn in Lenox, GREAT BARRINGTON – Hevreh of Also at Hevreh this Spring – Yachad led by Rabbi Barbara Cohen. Details were not available at press Southern Berkshire’s annual second Yom Ha’Atzmaut: Happy Birthday, time, so please visit the CAS website for more information or call night Seder, led by Rabbi Neil P.G. Israel! (413) 528-4197. Hirsch and Rabbi Jodie Gordon, will take place this year on Thursday, On Sunday, April 26 at 10 a.m., April 9, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Hevreh celebrates Israel’s 73rd birthday Seder plates, matzoh, wine, and in style! Visit hevreh.org for more grape juice will be provided. All are details. welcome to bring their own table wine. For Families The meal will be catered by Simon’s Catering. Tiny Talmidim (pre-school and Registration for this Seder can be younger) is on Sunday, April 19 at found at hevreh.org. Reservations are 10 a.m. required. Adults: $40 Children 6-13: Tot Shabbat is on Saturday, April 25 $18 Under 6: Free. at 9 a.m. Call the Hevreh office at (413) 528-6378 for more information. Hevreh Welcome Shabbat of Southern Berkshire is at 270 State Hevreh means community, and what Graphic Design Road in Great Barrington. better way to celebrate Shabbat, than www.tgo.com by being with one another? Join Hevreh Yachad Passover: It’s on Friday, May 1 at 6 p.m. as they Miriam’s Turn welcome and bless new membersProof to the of ad for: ______Barbara Greenfeld Please respond by ______On Sunday, April 5 at 10 a.m., community, and welcome back many Hevreh’s family Passover programming members who have been away fromPublication: the ______BJV May 2016 to: (Tel) 413/ 528-0328 (Fax) 413/ 528-0328 [email protected] will lift up Miriam’s voice, and the role Berkshires for the winter season. All are welcome! of women in . Through text Send to: [email protected] ❏ Changes req’d. & new proof study, storytelling, and art making, families will experience the connection No. of pages (inc. cover): ______1 ❏ Approved as is. ❏ Approved with corrections as noted. between freedom and joy. This event is free. Proof sent: ______4/25/16 Proof # ______1 Approved by: ______BERKSHIRE ROOFING & R UTTER CO. Donate G • 413-298-1029413 298 1029 www.BGRCo.net Volunteer CEDAR ROOF • STANDING SEAM METAL ASPHALT SHINGLES Make a Difference Written Estimates • Fully Insured • Owner Installed MA Lic. #145878 SEAMLESS GUTTERS Copper • Aluminum • Gutter Covers

“We like your smile when we’re done” A+ S31033

New Home? Second Home? Israeli Retirement Home? Let me show you… Jewelry The Berkshires Barbara K. Greenfeld ABR, C-CREC, CRS, GREEN, RSPS, SRES Broker Associate • Lic. in MA & NY The Mews, by the Red Lion Inn Courtyard 413-441-5986 Stockbridge, MA [email protected] 413-298-4436 Roberts & Associates Realty, inc. Page 10 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org March 23 to May 3, 2020 LOCAL NEWS A Passover Journey to Freedom: Knesset Israel Welcomes Pilgrimage for Body, Mind and Spirit Spring Plus an Earth Seder with Rabba Kaya Stern-Kaufman PITTSFIELD – A musical, age (family maximum, $56). LENOX – On April 7-9, Rabba ruach-filled Kabbalat Shabbat Also in May, Knesset Israel Kaya Stern-Kaufman will offer service suitable for all ages is getting ready to dive into a Pesach retreat at Kripalu will be celebrated on May 8 at another summer of significant Center for Yoga and Health Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road. programming. These include called “A Passover Journey to The Sabbath will be weekly Shabbat luncheons Freedom: Pilgrimage for Body, welcomed with instrumental sponsored by KI's Kiddush Mind and Spirit.” The retreat music and voices joining in Matching Fund. Be sure to will include a unique Earth familiar Friday night prayers reserve seats on the previous Seder on the first night of with new melodies and Monday for the next Shabbat Passover, April 8, focused on rhythms. Dinner reservations lunch (see website or phone healing our relationship with must be made by May 4 either number above). Enjoy deli- Mother Earth. online, www.knessetisrael. cious meals, meet new people, Explains Rabba Stern- org or via telephone, (413) play “Jewish Geography,” Kaufman: “As we transition 445-4872, ext. 10. Dinners are and partake in delightful to spring, Jewish tradition the rhythms of nature and (866) 200-5203. For specific $20, $15 for teens, and free conversation. offers wisdom and practices from sacred Jewish texts and questions, contact Rabba Kaya for children below bar mitzvah to embrace this moment, traditions.” at [email protected]. soften the heart, cleanse the She adds: “The retreat will spirit and expand conscious- conclude on the morning of About Rabba Kaya Stern- Temple Anshe Amunim ness. This retreat is designed April 9 as we journey forth Kaufman in four parts, moving partici- from Freedom to Love. The Rabba Kaya Stern- Hosts Second Night pants through different levels is tradition- Kaufman will begin a new of awareness and discovery ally read on the Sabbath after position as rabbi for Temple Passover Seder and Other regarding the ways in which the Passover Seder. We will Israel Portsmouth in New we are all enslaved by inner step into these waters of love Hampshire in July 2020. Passover Events and outer forces. Through through a comparative look at She recently served as the Jewish mystical teachings, Song of Songs and the poetry interim rabbi of the Rutland PITTSFIELD – Temple Anshe Following the service, music and chant, meditation of Rumi. Group discussion, Jewish Center, an independent Amunim will hold its annual participants are invited to and mindful eating, partici- music and meditation will seal synagogue in Vermont where Second Night Passover Seder share the traditional Seder pants will discover a liberating the experience.” she brought innovation and on Thursday, April 9, at 26 meal, prepared by Temple path forward.” Sign up for the full work- sparked revitalization of the Broad Street. The Seder, which members. A vegetarian option On the evening of April 8, shop or attend the Seder as a community. She is the founder will begin at 5:30 p.m., will be will be available. Reservations experience an Earth Seder single experience. of Rimon: Resource Center for led by Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch. are required. The cost for that, writes Rabba Stern- The cost of the Seder alone Jewish Spirituality, where she “Passover celebrates the the dinner is $36 for adult Kaufman, “honors our is $25. Seating is limited and served as executive director emancipation of the Jewish members, $10 for children of interdependence and reframes will be filled on a first come/ and spiritual leader from people from slavery in Egypt members aged 10-18, $54 for our relationship to Mother first served basis. 2012–2016. In 2015, she was and the hope for all to be free adult not-yet-members and Earth based on indigenous The full workshop info and recognized by The Forward from oppression today,” says $15 for children not-yet-mem- wisdom. Participants will fee are available on the Kripalu as one of “America’s Most Rabbi Hirsch. “Join us as we bers aged 10-18. Children experience the beauty of an website, www.kripalu.org. You Inspiring Rabbis.” recount the Exodus in story under 10 may attend free of embodied, mindful Jewish can also book your reservation and song.” charge. ritual that draws Torah from by calling Kripalu at Passover offers many Reservations may be made opportunities for families through April 1. For more to participate, and Rabbi information or to make reser- Hirsch and participants will vations call (413) 442-5910 share traditional and inno- or send an email to: templeof- vative texts, melodies, and [email protected]. a dramatic retelling of the Concluding the Holiday Kosher Community Seder – April 8 Passover story. Children will on Friday, April 17, Rabbi Liz be invited to hunt for the will lead Shabbat services at PITTSFIELD – The Jewish Federation of the serve as Seder leader. Children of all ages, afikomen, an exciting trea- 5:30 p.m. which will incorpo- Berkshires will host a kosher community extended family, and community friends are sure hunt for hidden matzo. rate Yizkor, a memorial ritual, Passover Seder at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, welcome. Children will be invited to hunt for This joyous event is open to all for the conclusion of Passover. April 8 at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road. the afikomen. Prizes will be awarded to all. who would like to experience a Participants will enjoy a traditional kosher The cost is $40 for adults and $20 for chil- Passover Seder. Seder experience with plenty of explanation, dren ages 5 through 13. Children 4 years and insight, and song, while enjoying all the ritual under are free of charge. Advance reserva- foods, ceremonial wine, and a delicious four- tions and payment are required by March 31. course Passover meal. Financial assistance is available through the Catered by Crown Market of West Hartford, generosity of the Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Seder meal will feature a entrée. Berkshire County. A vegetarian option is available upon advance Reservations can be made by calling the request. Attendees are invited to bring their Federation at (413) 442-4360, ext. 10 or online own kosher for Passover table wine. at www.jewishberkshires.org. Rabbi David Weiner of Knesset Israel will

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 Adar/Nisan/Iyar 5780 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 11

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, March 27.....6:56 p.m. Friday, April 3...... 7:04 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 (Erev Pesach)...... 7:09 p.m. Thursday, April 9 (Second night Pesach)...... 8:11 p.m. ProgramsPrograms taketake placeplace onMondays most Mondays and Thursdays and Thursdays at 10:45 ata.m. 10:45 Lunch a.m. is Lunchserved is Monday served Mondays,and Thursday Tuesdays, Friday, April 10...... 7:11 p.m. andat 12 Thursdays p.m, through at noon. September 3. Tuesday lunch resumes on September 8. Tuesday, April 14 (Seventh Venue: Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Rd, Pittsfield, MA. night Pesach).....7:16 p.m. Wednesday, April 15 (Eighth night Pesach) ....8:18 p.m. Friday, April 17...... 7:19 p.m. Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield, MA. Friday, April 24...... 7:27 p.m. Friday, May 3...... 7:35 p.m.

You can now read and share Berkshire Jewish Voice feature stories online! Visit jewishberkshires. org and select: Community & MARCH Monday, 27...... 10:45 a.m., Screening of My Italian Events>Berkshire Monday, 23...... 10:45 a.m., “Foster Children and Secret: The Forgotten Heroes. Lunch: Meat loaf**#, Jewish Voice for links to Fostering Families” with Jason Larrier. Lunch: Sweet & tomato juice, mashed potatoes, peas & carrots, salad, highlights of current and sour beef stew, rice pilaf, green beans, chef’s choice of rye bread, fruit cocktail, and tea. past issues. bread, dessert TBA, and tea. Tuesday, 28...... Stir fried chicken#, mango juice, Tuesday, 24...... Lunch to be announced white rice, mixed vegetables, oat bread, peaches, and tea. Thursday, 26...... 10:45 a.m., “50 Years of a Spiritual Odyssey” with Michel Richard. Lunch: Roasted chick- Thursday, 30...... 10:45 a.m., “The Blacklist Dream” en**#, chicken soup, asparagus cuts n tips, oven with Conrad Bromberg. Lunch: Fresh fish**, corn pud- roasted vegetables, bread TBA, Osem cakes, and tea. ding, green beans, salad, Challah, ice cream & cookies, coffee, tea, and milk for coffee. Monday, 30...... 10:45 a.m., Matzah 2020 with Cathy Zises, farmer/owner of Z Farm. Lunch: Dairy delights. Tuesday, 31...... No lunch for Passover preparation MAY Like us on Monday, 4...... 10:45 a.m., Program to be announced. Lunch: Chicken with sundried tomatoes & Facebook: APRIL artichokes**#, rice pilaf, salad, mixed vegetables, • Jewish Federation Thursday, 2...... 10:45 a.m., Current Affairs with white bread, pineapple, and tea. Steven Rubin. No lunch due to Passover preparation. of the Berkshires Tuesday, 5...... Frito pie, yellow rice & beans, Monday, 6...... Closed for Passover preparation salad, bread cubes, Tre Leche cake, coffee, tea, and • PJ Library Tuesday, 7...... Closed for Passover preparation milk for coffee. Berkshire County Thursday, 9...... Closed for first day of Passover Thursday, 7...... 10:45 a.m., Program to be announced. Lunch: Black bean burgers with cheese, Monday, 13...... 10:45 a.m., “Chair Yoga” with Linda zucchini-tomato medley, salad, Challah rolls, peanut Novick. Lunch: Passover ziti & meat sauce**#, broccoli, butter cookies, coffee, tea, and milk for coffee. salad, matzah, grapes, and tea. Monday, 11...... 10:45 a.m., Program to be Tuesday, 14...... Passover egg salad & “seafood” announced. Lunch: Meat loaf**#, prune juice, baby salad platters**#, matzah, Passover desserts, and tea. carrots, mashed potatoes, salad, pumpernickel bread, Thursday, 16...... Closed for last day of Passover grapes, and tea. Monday, 20...... 10:45 a.m., “Intergenerational: The Tuesday, 12...... Hot dogs & beans**#, tomato Process of Aging” with therapist Maggie Bittman. Lunch: juice, sauerkraut, salad, hot dog rolls, applesauce, and Macaroni & cheese, stewed tomatoes, salad, bread tea. TBA, raspberry pillow cookies, coffee, tea, and milk for coffee. Tuesday, 21...... Fish sticks, cream of mushroom soup, sweet potato fries, salad, potato bread, pears, coffee, tea, and milk for coffee. Thursday, 23...... 10:45 a.m., “The Bible Story of Eve” with Michel Richard. Lunch: Tuna salad and cottage cheese platters**, bean salad, Farmer’s loaf, apricots, coffee, tea, and milk for coffee. Page 12 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org March 23 to May 3, 2020 Your Federation Presents

Yom HaShoah, continued from page 1

desperately looked for an escape from the coming Holocaust. Then, a door opened on the east coast of far-away China, in Shanghai, an “open city” itself in chaos from foreign invasion and civil war. But getting there required a “golden” document to get out of Nazi Europe – a visa from China. Above the Drowning Sea recounts the courageous intervention of Ho Feng Shan, the Chinese Consul in Vienna who defied his own government and braved the Gestapo to issue visas to the refugees. Jewish refugees and the Chinese residents of Shanghai who helped them survive in China recount their experiences, terrors and deprivations, as well as the remarkable friendships forged across cultures, friendships that survive to this day. A story that could have been ripped from today’s headlines, the film vividly celebrates the heroism and humanity of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. For more information, call (413) 442-4360, ext. 10.

IF YOU GO Sponsors: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires “Leaving Vienna,” a painting by Otto Schnepp, who fled Austria with his family and found refuge in Shanghai, Venue: Berkshire Museum, 39 South Street in Pittsfield where he lived from 1939 to 1948. He went on to earn his B.S. in Chemistry at St. John’s University in Shanghai Date & Time: Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m. and advanced degrees at the University of California, Berkeley. He had a long association with University of Southern California, and was a noted researcher in the area of optical molecular spectroscopy, the study of light’s interaction with matter.

Watercolor by Yao Xin, from Above the Drowning Sea

You can now read and share Berkshire Jewish Voice feature stories online! Visit jewishberkshires.org and select Community & Events>Berkshire Jewish Voice for links to highlights of current and past issues.

SEE the Berkshire Jewish Voice in COLOR at www.jewishberkshires.org Adar/Nisan/Iyar 5780 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 13

Hamantashen Bags Delivered By Federation on Purim Thank you to all of the volunteers who baked, packed, decorated bags, and delivered Purim bags to hundreds of local seniors who are homebound, in senior facilities, or in the hospital as part of Joe’s Project.

PHOTOS BY ED HELITZER PHOTO: JENNY GITLITZ Aviva Skoblow delivered bags to Yacov in Pittsfield

Challah for Hunger By Susan Frisch Lehrer / Coordinator of Volunteers Sunday, March 8, was a special day for our Federation families. They partnered with Williams College Jewish Association students in their Challah for Hunger program. The students made the dough earlier in the week and the families in attendance learned to braid with Pittsfield’s own Emma Lezberg and fellow students, Emily Cohen and Alejandro Fuentes. The kids had a grand time adding chocolate chips, cinnamon, and sprinkles. Emma shared a message about food insecurity in the Berkshires, particularly on college campuses. Rabbi Jarah Greenfield read a current PJ Library book, Mitzvah Pizza by Sarah Lynn Scheerger, about a pizza shop where people buy slices of pizza and post a note on the wall so that those who are hungry can come and eat. The families discussed this and some said they knew of a place in North Adams that does the same thing. They also learned why it was important to thoroughly wash their hands, and wear hairnets and their PJ Library aprons while braiding, and then putting on vinyl gloves when handling the baked bread. The kids were so pleased to have made 130 loaves to be sold the next day – though they all had a taste, too!

PHOTOS BY BOB LEZBERG Page 14 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org March 23 to May 3, 2020 Adar/Nisan/Iyar 5780 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 15

BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES Young Judaism What I Learned on My Birthright Israel Trip If you get the chance to go to Israel – Go! By Ari Drayman / Special to the BJV When I arrived at John F. Kennedy I got the opportunity to meet wildest dreams. Airport before my journey began, I At the beginning of had no idea what to expect. All I could Jewish people my age and the trip in the airport, see was that I was in a group full of the tour guide of our strangers going to a foreign land that is experience Israel with them. group told us that associated with a lot of negative conno- This trip exceeded all of my before we know it, tations. I felt out of my comfort zone we would be on the and even thought to myself a couple of wildest dreams. plane back home times, “What am I doing? Why didn’t faces issues between the ultra-religious wondering where the I just stay home to spend more time Jewish people and its secular popula- time went. During this time, I with my family before I have to go tion. The best example of this is on the did not believe him. I thought back to school from winter break?” Western Wall. Although many people to myself, “How could a However, after landing at Ben Gurion know that the Western Wall is segre- ten-day trip go by so fast?” airport in Tel Aviv, what was in store gated based on gender, I never realized But when I found myself back for me was a trip of a lifetime – funded how much more space and rights the at the same airport ten days in part by the Jewish Federation of the men get at the wall as opposed to later, I fully understood what Berkshires – that I will never forget. women. The women’s side of the wall is he meant. After making some Before this trip, one of the main much more crowded, nobody is there of the best friends I have ever reasons why I wanted to go to Israel to help them wrap tefillin, and there made, engaging in some of was to fully understand what Israel is no library, while on the men’s side the most intense conversa- means to me and to put a landscape to of the wall, there is a plethora of text tions I have ever been a part all the knowledge I had gained over the to read from, there is a lot of space to of, and exploring my Jewish years in Hebrew school, NFTY, listening move around, and there are a lot of identity with 47 other people, to sermons, and taking classes people offering to help you wrap tefillin. it all ended within the snap of Ari Drayman in Israel discussing this land’s history. Over the After talking to the Israeli soldiers my fingers. duration of this trip, I began to realize on my trip, I also got some more infor- My biggest takeaway that these questions would not all be mation on other arguments between from this trip was if you ever get the Boy, I could not have been more wrong. answerable given the amount of time I the ultra-religious Jewish people and chance to go on Birthright, even if Thank you to the Jewish Federation had in Israel. Being there for only ten its secular population. This mainly you question your decision as I did of the Berkshires for supporting my days, I was challenged by speakers, revolved around the issue of Shabbat in the beginning, go anyway. This Birthright Israel experience. Israeli soldiers, and my peers to think and what you should and should not experience will change your life and about Israel not just as a land of the be allowed to do on this weekly holiday. help you understand the true impor- Ari Drayman was raised in the Jewish people but as a place that has For example, on Shabbat, there is no tance of Israel in this world despite the Berkshires; his family are members of induced change within the world. public transportation in , problems it faces today. You will meet Temple Anshe Amunim. He is currently I learned that Israel, a state the yet the Israeli government wants fewer incredible people and engage in experi- a sophomore at American University in size of New Jersey, has more tech people to buy cars. Another example of ences you will never forget. the School of Public Affairs. He writes startups than any other place in the this is that on Shabbat, the religious Before I left for Israel, I seriously that one of his passions in life is finding world besides Silicon Valley. I learned Jewish people want the Jerusalem thought that I would never want to go out more about his Jewish identity and that Israel is one of the world’s leaders market closed entirely while the rest back there after this trip. Now, I yearn how it impacts his life, which led him to in creating and producing skincare/ of the population wants it open seven to go back to Israel sometime soon to go on Birthright Israel. beauty products used by millions of days a week. see this land again in the near future. people. I learned about how Israel Although I had learned a lot about is one of the few places in the world Israel’s innovations and the myriad where people are able to balance reli- issues it faces, I also have had some of gion and modern innovation. Without the best experiences of my life within Israel, the world we live in would be on Israel. I got to hike Masada with my a different trajectory. friends and see the Negev on one side This is not to say though that Israel and the Jordan River on the other. I got is a perfect country. Over the duration the chance to put mud on my body and of this trip, it became clear to me that float in the Dead Sea. I got the oppor- Israel is facing some grave issues that I tunity to converse with Israeli soldiers would not be able to see without going and talk about our own lives, and ask there directly. For example, Israel is a each other questions with no bounds. segregated country. Nearly all of the I got the opportunity to meet Jewish Jewish and Palestinian populations live people my age and experience Israel in different parts of Israel. Israel also with them. This trip exceeded all of my

MAZEL TOV Mazel Tov to… Federation executive board member Gail Altman-Orenstein and Walter Orenstein on the bat mitzvah of granddaughter Ella Rachel Altman. Susan Geller, whose photograph of last summer’s Tanglewood in the City at the Pittsfield Common won the Downtown Pittsfield photo challenge. Her photo will be featured in Pittsfield’s 2020 Downtown Guide and a Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. social marketing campaign. Federation board member Michael Wasserman and Barbara Kravitz Wasserman on the wedding of their daughter Rachel to Dan Erdheim. Audrey Salzmann on the birth of her great-granddaughter, Gabrielle (grand- father Josh, mother Francesca) born Friday, December 20, 2019 in England. Rabba Kaya Stern-Kaufman, who will begin a new position as rabbi for Temple Israel Portsmouth in New Hampshire in July 2020. Josh and Jessica Cutler on the birth of their son, James Thomas Cutler. Cameron Miller, on celebrating his bar mitzvah at Congregation Beth Israel. Proud parents are Steven and Liz Miller. Phoebe Sugarman, vice presi- dent of fundraising for Berkshire Hills Hadassah, whose design won the Hadassah Youth Aliyah art contest (right). From Hadassah’s announcement: “Her colorful painting of a hoopoe, the national bird of Israel, will grace a new certificate that we are sure will generate the funds so important to supporting the child rescue work we do.” Page 16 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org March 23 to May 3, 2020 BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES How My Life in the Berkshires Will Help Me Chair Hazon, the National Jewish Environmental Nonprofit By Richard Slutzky / Special to the BJV This past summer, I was Earlier that February, Barry sustainable agribusiness installed as board chair by the Commoner, the biologist solutions. board of directors of Hazon, a and environmentalist (and Hazon is a nonpartisan national Jewish environmental future professor of mine at charity and does not lobby organization. Washington University), was for legislative change. That The primary focus of on the front cover of Time said, part of Hazon’s role is to Hazon, “the Jewish lab for magazine. In that profile, he educate its participants on the sustainability,” is to educate called attention to the many scientific research regarding Jews of all ages to take action ways humans are contributing the interrelationships between personally to reduce their to the Earth’s despoliation. agriculture and climate change carbon footprint, and by doing That year in Hebrew so they can take their own so, improve the environment school, my teacher used Al actions in the political arena for themselves, their families, Vorspan’s Jewish Ethics and with ample information. and the rest of us. Social Values book to help us While it is a generaliza- Hazon educates through understand and formulate tion, it seems as though Jews immersive experiences at opinions on current interna- who reside in the Berkshires various locations, including tional topics, including civil stay here in part because they at Hazon’s Isabella Freedman rights, civil liberties, the envi- enjoy the sublime beauty of Jewish Retreat Center in ronment, and abortion. The the environment. They do not Richard Slutzky on the Hazon IsraelRide 2018 – participants bike Falls Village, CT, as well as issues surrounding the Jewish wish to see this area degraded from Jerusalem to Eilat in a week by training scores of environ- response to the environment by the pollution of our air, mentally-knowledgeable Jews continued to concern me, water, and land. Every day, as (through a program called especially as we celebrated I travel through the area, I am and to recognize how they We’re such a small popula- JOFEE, an acronym for Jewish our holidays, many of which still in awe of the power of the affect the planet. tion! “ But we have a legacy Outdoor Food, Farming, and had agricultural roots. Back landscape and how lucky we At Hazon retreats, I have that is embedded throughout Environmental Education) to in the 1970s, national Jewish are to live here. seen young Jews who are our texts that require us to disseminate useful informa- leadership was not focused Unfortunately, we are very secularized and unin- act. We are also leaders in tion throughout the country on the environmental move- confronted by a looming volved become turned on by our communities and we can through Federations, JCCs, ment, and that perhaps was a climate crisis, the effects of learning how our tradition have ripple effects and make day schools, synagogues, and missed opportunity has interpreted our an impact. We must galva- other institutions. Hazon has to connect with relationship with the nize the Jewish communities also successfully created a environmentally- We now have to figure out what environment. They across the country, each Jew, Seal of Sustainability that is concerned Jews. we need to do and what steps, have also become each Jewish institution, to awarded to Jewish institu- During those same enthused about their recognize our role literally to tions that have undertaken teenage years, even incremental baby steps, we Jewishness by recog- repair the world. The future of environmentally-sustainable U.S.Y. themes nizing that there is the Jewish community and all initiatives, including using and messaging can take to reduce the overload on a growing commu- future generations are relying solar energy to partially power by my local the environment nity of like-minded upon us to do so. As Jonathan their activities, using recy- Jewish Federation Jews who care deeply Safran Foer writes, “Is there clable materials instead of highlighted the about the environ- anything more narcissistic plastic plates and utensils for importance of tikkun olam which could be devastating ment and are concerned about than believing the choices social activities such as an (repairing the world) and here and around the world. the potentially cataclysmic you make affect everyone? oneg Shabbat or meetings. k’lal Yisrael (we are respon- We now have to figure out damage caused by the climate Only one thing: believing the My wife Alyson and I moved sible for one another), as well what we need to do and what crisis. As we envision what the choices you make affect no up to Egremont as part-timers as the critical importance of steps, even incremental baby Jewish community will look one.” in 2011 (and permanently tzedakah. steps, we can take to reduce like in twenty years or more, For more information about as of June 2019) as a respite In Nebraska, agriculture is the overload on the environ- I hope that Hazon can take Hazon, please visit its website, from my job in the financial highly industrialized and now ment. Jonathan Safran Foer, significant responsibility for www.hazon.org. (Earth Day services industry in New York the rivers near my home town in his latest book, We Are building a stronger, environ- 2020 is on April 22.) and Alyson’s therapy prac- are polluted with agricultural the Weather, recommends mentally-sensitive Jewish tice in Montclair, NJ. We were wastes, pesticides, herbicides, eliminating the intake of community in the Berkshires initially reluctant to have a and high levels of nitrites. meat during breakfast and and beyond that takes the second home for all of the Michael Pollan, in bestselling lunch to reduce the demand concept of repairing the world obvious reasons, but in our books like The Omnivore’s for animal-based food, since quite literally. mind, the Berkshires had it all Dilemma, traces many of the animals are a large source of As I arise each morning in – natural beauty, hiking and challenges we Americans must methane-based air pollution the Berkshires, I don’t have biking, great food, wonderful confront as a result of how and consume huge amounts to think abstractly about the and kind people, great cultural our food economy has been of farm resources that could beautiful environment that I attractions, and relative prox- built and how agriculture as be reallocated to grow food for want to help preserve – it is all Donate. imity to New York and Boston. currently structured contrib- humans. He also recommends around me. It motivates and Volunteer. I grew up in Nebraska (yes, utes to global warming on reducing air travel where compels me to work hard on there are Jews there!) and a massive scale. Much can possible, driving less where its behalf. A friend recently Make a Difference. recall when the first Earth Day be done politically to legis- possible, and in general being said, “Why focus on the Jews was announced in April 1970. late change to create more more sensitive to our actions regarding global warming?

almgren law attorneys & Counselors atl aw

Estate, Trust & Care Planning Paula Kahn almgren, esq. One west Street, lenox, ma 01240 413.637.5075 ~ www.almgrenlaw.com

Enjoy KoshEr & MEvushal WinEs Special Selections include... notte italiano Prosecco, Italy Tishbi sauvignon Blanc Gran sarao Cava Brut, Spain & reserve Cabernet, Israel Gabriele Pinot Grigio, Italy Golan Cabernet sauvignon, Galilee Jim Nejaime, Wine Merchant Guillermo de Mendoza Malbec, Argentina o’Dwyers Creek sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand 444 Pittsfield Road, Lenox, MA 01240 Barkan Classic Merlot, recanati Chardonnay & Cabernet, Galilee Cabernet & Pinot noir, Israel spirited-wines.com 413.448.2274 Adar/Nisan/Iyar 5780 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 17

BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES Traveling with Jewish Taste This Pesach, Carpe Diem and Make Your Own Gefilte Fish* By Carol Goodman Kaufman

A few years ago, my daughter and her husband Adam were living in Chicago. Passover was just around the corner and Elana decided that she wanted to make gefilte fish from scratch. Perhaps she was remembering a beloved storybook from her childhood — Ina Friedman’s The Carp in the Bathtub — or it was my father’s telling her true stories about his own mother’s fish in her bathtub. Or maybe she was recalling my story of having an actual fish stuffed into its skin while celebrating in my kibbutz’s sukkah. Or just maybe it was that awful gray stuff that comes in a jar, or its slightly better cousin found in the freezer section of the grocery store. Regardless of her inspiration, Elana had never actually seen how the sausage was made, if you will. If the required preparation became too much for her sensi- tive soul, she would probably go from being a vegetarian to an out-and-out vegan. But where were they to find the required fish onfilin** (to stuff)? Only one place in the Windy City had live fish for sale. So, off to Chinatown they went. The proprietors at the first store spoke no English and neither Elana nor Adam spoke any dialect of Chinese. She tried acting out that she wanted to club the fish. They refused and did the job for her. They met with greater success with the second fishmonger. Elana did the job, “Passover is on April 8 – EVERYBODY PANIC!!” and the owner gutted the fish and put it into a plastic bag. The kids left the store, placing the bag-o’-fish into car. But, moments after pulling out of their parking space, they heard a noise coming from the back. The fish was flopping and Why sweet? According to Marks, upon the introduction of the sugar beet squirming, and the bag holding it was shimmying across the floor. industry in early 19th-century Poland (in which some fellow tribe members were Minor panic ensued. engaged), Jews added sugar to everything, gefilte fish included. Despite the fright, Elana managed to pull herself together enough to prepare ** Thanks to Henny Lewin for the Yiddish consult. the recipe and present the duly gefilt-ed fish to the 20-odd guests at their Seder table. Given its presence at Shabbat and holiday meals, one would think that the Jews invented this iconic dish. But one would be wrong. DIY Gefilte Fish — really According to the late food historian, Gil Marks, If you want to try your hand at homemade gefilte fish, you don’t have to club the idea actually began with the Romans, who the fish. You don’t have to clean the fish. You can simply go to your friendly filled animal skins with chopped meat. The prac- fishmonger and buy what you need. This recipe had to be adapted to use cod tice migrated to medieval Germany, where upper because I couldn’t find the traditional fishes in the market. class cooks took to stuffing large freshwater fish Makes about 24 medium patties such as pike and perch. The earliest printed recipe for grilled gefuelten hechden can, in fact, be found in a 1350 German (non-Jewish) cookbook. The stuffed whole fish eventually found itself on the dinner tables of medieval German Jewish households. Fast forward to the 17th century, and the dish makes its appearance in Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, and the Baltic states, where it became popular for very practical reasons. One of the major advantages of gefilte fish was that, due to the addition of onion and matzah meal, one fish could be stretched to feed a large family. And stuffing the skin eliminated the need for expensive eggs as a binder, making the dish even more appealing to Jews in precarious financial straits. Poaching instead of grilling or roasting became common practice around then. Of course, we Jews love to differ on even the silliest of issues, even — or maybe especially — when it comes to food. According to the late Yiddish language scholar Marvin Herzog, there’s something actually called “the gefilte fish line” that describes the border between sweet and savory gefilte fish recipes. A strictly Jewish division, Herzog wrote that the line is roughly drawn between the two main areas of Yiddish dialect speakers: central Poland/Galicia in the south and Lithuania in the north. The sweet tooth must have extended even further south as Ingredients: Fish Broth: I recall a sweet “Old Vienna Style” fish sold by Rokeach. 3 lb. cod fillets 3 lb. fish bones, heads, and tails 3-5 medium yellow onions 3 or 4 medium carrots, sliced ½ cup to 1 cup ice water 2 stalks celery, sliced 3 or 4 large eggs, lightly beaten 2 medium yellow onions, sliced 4 tablespoons sugar 2 quarts cold water 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt 2 bay leaves 1 teaspoons ground pepper 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt ¼ cup matzah meal Dash of ground pepper 2 tablespoons sugar (optional) Directions: In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, finely grind the fish fillets and onions, but do not puree. Gradually mix in the water, using more for a softer consistency, less for a firmer one. Add the eggs, followed by the sugar, salt, pepper, and matzah meal, using 4 eggs for fluffier fish, 3 for firmer. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for an hour while making the broth. Place all the broth ingredients except the sugar into a large pot and turn flame to high. Once the water comes to a boil, reduce flame and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Strain and discard the solids. Real do-it-yourselfers may also wish to catch their own carp For easier handling, wet your hands often while shaping the fish. For each patty, form about 1/3 cup fish mixture into a 3-inch-long oval patty. Drop the fish patties into the boiling broth and return to a boil. Carol Goodman Kaufman is a psychologist and author with a passion for travel Reduce the heat, cover partially, and simmer, shaking the pot occasionally, for and food. She is currently at work on a food history/cookbook, tracing the paths 1½ hours. that some of our favorite foods have taken from their origins to appear on dinner Remove the cover, add the sugar if desired, and simmer for 30 minutes. plates and in cultural rites and artifacts around the world. She invites readers to Let fish cool in the broth. read her blog at carolgoodmankaufman.com and to follow her on Twitter @goodmankaufman.

* (If you think of a better fish pun, let minnow. —Ed.) Page 18 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org March 23 to May 3, 2020 OBITUARIES

Berta S. Cole, 95, warm, With her husband, Norman, whom he married on April 7, in Belgium during World War Cancer or Hospice Care in the good-humored, and be- she cherished visiting Debora 1968, two daughters; Lauren II, receiving a Purple Heart. Berkshires. loved by many and family in the Berkshires, Perlmutter Candib and Paul graduated from Brooklyn Arline Teresa (Bookless) PITTSFIELD – Berta S. Cole, and the coast of Maine. Berta husband, Adam of Latham, NY College and Columbia Law Levine, 89, strength, 95, formerly of Tonawanda, loved theater and music, and and Sherry Skott and husband School, but was denied entry wisdom, compassion and NY, died on Thursday, was always delighted to share Michael of South Windsor, CT. into the legal profession for February 13, at Berkshire such events with Deb and her He also leaves three grand- political reasons. He attended integrity Medical Center. As a lifelong family, and was always proud children; Benjamin Candib, the New York Art Students SARASOTA, FL – Arline resident of the Buffalo area, to attend her grandsons’ Jonathan Candib and Danielle League, and throughout his Teresa (Bookless) Levine, 89, she hated to leave her home, performances. Berta was a Skott. life produced a magnificent formerly of Pittsfield, died on but, in 2012, her health member of Temple Beth Zion, Funeral services were oeuvre of landscapes and Friday February 21 at her required that she move to in Buffalo, and also a member held Tuesday, February 18, portraits. He resumed his home at the Aviva/Kobernick Massachusetts to be closer to of Temple Anshe Amunim in at Knesset Israel, with Rabbi legal career in the 1970s, Independent Living campus, her daughter, Debora Cole- Pittsfield. David Weiner officiating. and opened an office in Great surrounded by the care and Duffy and family. Berta cherished her family, Burial followed in Knesset Barrington. comforting of her two sons. Born on May 12, 1924 in the depth of her friendships Israel Cemetery. Memorial Paul was predeceased Born July 18, 1930 in Buffalo, Berta Sylvia Small and diverse relationships, donations may be made by his wife, Martha Lahey Pittsfield, the daughter of was the only daughter to social advocacy, and THE to Knesset Israel, Rabbi’s Greene, originally of Niagara Max and Bessie (Broverman) parents Frank and Rose BUFFALO BILLS! Berta Cole Discretionary Fund, in care of Falls, NY, and leaves children Bookless, Arline attended Small, and sister to Carlton was a woman ahead of her Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Arthur, Abigail, Jeremy, and Pittsfield schools and grad- S., Norman I., and Richard time. Warm, good-humored, Funeral Home, 5 Elm Street, Jessica, and 8 grandchildren. uated from Pittsfield High F. Small, all now of blessed and beloved by many, she Pittsfield, MA 01201. All services and burial will be School. memory. As an honors was also a force of nature who private at the convenience of Arline was very proud of Howard A. Samel, 65, student, at Fosdick-Masten believed strongly in justice, his family. her skills as a bookkeeper at registered nurse Park High School, class of respect, equality, women’s Comet’s Jewelers and later as Howard Alan Levin, MD, 1941, it was always her rights; and personal, political, PITTSFIELD – Howard A. office manager of the Dalton 79, most beloved titles passion to become a teacher. religious and health freedoms Samel, 65, passed away News Record. Arline found were “Dad” and “Zayde” She was accepted to Buffalo – core values that she passed Wednesday, February 12 at her most satisfying work in State (Teachers) College; along to her family. Berkshire Medical Center. LENOX – Howard Alan Levin, her last position for over 10 however, just a few days Berta is survived by her Born in Pittsfield on May MD died Wednesday, February years, employed by Berkshire before the start of school, the daughter, Debora S. Cole- 30, 1954, son of the late 5, from complications of Community College in the family coffers did not permit Duffy and son-in-law, James Ben and Helen Wolfe Samel, Multiple Myeloma. financial aid office, where she a (formal) college education, S. Duffy; son David B. Cole; Howard was a 1972 grad- Born July 6, 1940 in was delighted in assisting local which she lamented. grandsons Michael C. Duffy uate of Pittsfield High School. Baltimore, MD, Howard young people in pursuing their During World War II, she and Glenn R. Duffy (Jeannette He received his bachelor’s received a BA in American educational goals and career was employed by the Buffalo Benham); a nephew, Allen degree in Accounting from History from Columbia aspirations. and Suburban Rationing Small; great-nephews Daniel North Adams State College University in 1962 and an She was a member of Boards, the Office of Price and Joseph Weymouth; cousin and his bachelor’s of science MD from New York University Knesset Israel and was Administration, and the Sherman Davis and family; in Nursing from UMASS School of Medicine in active in its Sisterhood and War Assets Administration. and dear nephews and nieces. Amherst. 1966. Howard’s passion for Hadassah women’s organiza- Following the war, she worked She was predeceased by her He married the former science and technology was tions. She appreciated the arts in private industry and beloved husband, Norman; Marilyn A. VanBramer on always present and after and theater throughout her was secretary to the presi- her brothers; a niece, Marsha March 28, 1982. completing his internship, life. She enjoyed many years dent of McDonalds Products Small Weymouth; a great Mr. Samel worked as a residency, and a fellowship as a volunteer at Tanglewood Corporation. Berta married nephew, Joshua Weymouth; registered nurse, having in Immunology at the Beth and as an usher at the Van Norman M. Cole in 1954. and many dear family worked most recently at Israel Hospital in Boston, Wezel Performing Arts Center They shared the same May members and friends. Springside Nursing Home he was awarded a Fulbright and other theatres in the 12, Mother’s Day, birthday The family appreciated for two years and previ- Fellowship. This distin- Sarasota area. (she was always careful to say the special care of: Rabbi Liz ously at Timberlyn Heights guishing accolade enhanced Arline was the widow of that he was one hour older), P.G. Hirsch of Temple Anshe in Great Barrington, as well his education with training Samuel Harold Levine who which inspired how they met. Amunim; Cara, Tori, and as Sweetbrook and Kimball in England for Rheumatology died on June 7, 1988, after A devoted wife and mother, Domonique from Wingate at Farms. and The Weizmann Institute 35 years of marriage. A they were married for 55 years Melbourne Place; the atten- A member of the Elks Club in Rehovot, Israel for devoted mother and grand- and had 2 children. While tion of Hospice Care in the and Mt. Greylock Ski Club, Immunology. mother, survivors include her raising her family, Berta was Berkshires and Hospice Care he enjoyed playing the guitar Upon returning to the US sons, Mark I. Levine (Sheri) employed for 25 years by the of Western Massachusetts; and listening to music, as well in 1974, he began a multifac- of Miromar Lakes, FL, and Research Foundation for the and the compassionate nurses as doing graphic arts on the eted career, which included Robert G. Levine (Jill) of State University of New York of 5W at BMC. computer. performing bench research at Swampscott, MA. She adored at Buffalo as a research grant The funeral was held on Howard leaves behind his National Institutes of Health her four grandchildren, Alison, assistant in the departments Monday, February 17, at wife, Marilyn of Pittsfield; in Bethesda, MD; practicing Matthew (Jennifer), Sydney, of Biochemistry and Pathology, the Amherst (NY) Memorial sister, Jane S. Samel of medicine as an internist and and Troy; one great-grandson, and then as executive admin- Chapel. Burial was in the Brandon, FL; aunts, Elaine rheumatologist in San Jose, Connor; and many nieces and istrative assistant to the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Epstein of Pittsfield and CA; working in Philadelphia nephews. She was prede- Pathology Department. During Buffalo, NY. Memorial dona- Rosemarie Wolfe of Roswell, first as a medical director of ceased by three sisters, Sylvia that time, she was the “mom” tions in Berta’s memory may GA; sister-in-law, Elizabeth US Healthcare and then finally Bookless, Esther Schechter, to scores of graduate students, be made to Temple Anshe Pomeroy and husband Alan of consulting at Milliman USA. and Rita Betten, and by her many of whom attributed Amunim, 26 Broad Street, Pittsfield; numerous cousins Howard would say his most brother, Daniel Bookless. their doctoral candidacy and Pittsfield, MA.01201. May and friends, as well as his challenging and rewarding A dedicated supporter of success to Berta’s research, Berta’s memory always be for cats, Cubby and Shadow. career was as chief medical youth sports, Arline could be writing, and hovering skills! a blessing. Funeral services and calling officer of LympheDIVAS found at every sports venue In 1970, Norman M. Cole hours were held Wednesday, (Lymphedivas.com). The inspi- in Berkshire County cheering Martin Perlmutter, 81, attributed and dedicated his February 19 at Dery Funeral rational company was founded on her sons in the 1960s and guidance counselor and own doctorate to the editing Home in Pittsfield with by Howard’s daughter, Rachel 1970s and continued doing so active volunteer prowess and patience of his burial at Pittsfield Cemetery. Levin Troxell, who died from for her grandchildren in the wife. PITTSFIELD – Martin Leslie Memorial contributions breast cancer in 2008. Boston suburbs. Berta was a lifelong learner. Perlmutter, 81, died Sunday, may be made to the ALS As a lover of classical Arline was dedicated to During her active days, she February 16, at Berkshire Association of MA in care of music, he spent Sunday her family and friends and enjoyed entertaining, reading, Medical Center. the funeral home, 54 Bradford afternoons on the lawn of expressed the most pleasure in music, gardening, writing and Born in Pittsfield on Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Tanglewood with loved ones by experiencing all of her grand- reciting poetry, and bowling November 2, 1938, a son of his side. Howard was a physi- children’s milestones. She Paul Greene, 94, artist – and she was a 200+ league Samuel and Frieda (Gandler) cian, a researcher, a sculptor, was unwavering in dedicating bowler. After she retired, she Perlmutter, he attended and attorney a teacher, and a violinist. her time, love, and support became a teacher’s aide for a local schools and graduated SHEFFIELD – Paul Greene, However, his most beloved to them in any capacity and few years until grandchildren from Pittsfield High School. 94, passed away peacefully titles were “Dad” and “Zayde.” this gave her the greatest beckoned more of her time. Martin received his bache- on Tuesday, February 11, at He is survived by his sense of meaning, as she In 1993, she won a Florida lor’s degree from North Adams the Holyoke Soldier’s Home wife Judy, son Josh, daugh- often conveyed. Her strength, vacation for a “Name the Baby State College and his master’s Hospice. ter-in-law Pam, and 2 wisdom, compassion, and Rhino” competition, Hugo, at degree from Springfield Born in Brooklyn, NY grandchildren, Sawyer and integrity will live on in those the Buffalo Zoo. She was a College. on March 6, 1925, his Raquel. she touched so deeply. frequent contributor of poems Martin was a guidance parents, Anton Greene and A graveside service was Funeral services were and verses to OLAF FUB SEZ, counselor at Reid Middle Cecelia Cohen Greene, were held at Haym Solomon held Tuesday, February 25 at the Buffalo News Reporter’s School for many years until of Ukrainian and Jewish Memorial Park, Malvern, PA Knesset Israel, Pittsfield, with Notebook from 1993 to 2011. his retirement. He was a ancestry. He spent seven years on Monday, February 10. Rabbi David Weiner, spiri- She wrote about her grand- member of Knesset Israel. of his childhood in foster care Relatives and friends were tual leader, officiating. Burial children, old cars, the seasons Martin and his wife were in Rockville Centre, NY, but invited to Kimball Farms followed in Knesset Israel and holidays, friendship, active volunteers at the public was returned to his parents Lifecare Center, Lenox, on Cemetery. Memorial donations technology woes, American library and many area arts and attended Erasmus High Saturday, February 15, to may be made to charitable tragedy, the weather, organizations. School. honor the life of Howard organizations special to the marriage, a few non-sequiturs, He is survived by his wife, He enlisted in the US Army Levin. Donation may be made family: American Cancer retirement, aging, and more. Shiffra (London) Perlmutter, at age 17, and was injured to Living Beyond Breast Society, 5020 Tamiami Trail Adar/Nisan/Iyar 5780 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 19

OBITUARIES

North, Suite 108, Naples, FL housing, and combatting Bolles Military Academy in expert. He was a member of Englewood, NJ in 1943. 34103; American Diabetes anti-Semitism through his 1943, he volunteered for the Temple Anshe Amunim and A life member of Hadassah, Association at www.diabetes. service as chairman of the U.S. Navy and served as an Trout Unlimited. Ellen was a member of Beta org; or SAFE Coalition, 206 Community Action Council ensign on a CVE 80 aircraft His sister, Joan Bartwink, Sigma Phi International Dedham Street, Suite E, and in his work on behalf of carrier in the Pacific during predeceased him. He is Sorority for over 50 years. Norfolk, MA 02056. the UJA Federation of New World War II. survived by his wife, his After graduation, she York. On being discharged from children Jacqueline Browner worked for Book of Knowledge Marvin Heyman, devoted Marvin spent many the Navy, he attended the and her husband Randy in New York City. She later his life and energy to his summers at Camp Modin in University of Pennsylvania Johnson, John Browner and moved to Pittsfield and became family, work, and commu- Maine, and he passed his and the Wharton School of his wife Lisa Yarger, and Loré employed with the General nity love of the outdoors onto his Business. After graduating, he Kaplan and her husband Ben Electric Ordnance Systems for Kaplan; his grandchildren, nearly 30 years before retiring LEEDS – Marvin Solomon children, all of whom also entered his father’s point-of- Evan Kenward and his wife in 1987. Heyman passed away peace- attended Modin. Marvin moved purchase display business, Kerry, Sarah Kaplan, Dana Ellen enjoyed traveling fully on February 23. Loving to Massachusetts in 2017, Consolidated Mounting & Kaplan and his partner Kim to visit her friends in other father and father-in-law to Jon allowing his children to tend to Finishing Company, as an Stouffer, and Greta Yarger states. Heyman and Karen Rowe, the him with as much loving care errand boy and retired after Browner. The family members She was predeceased by late Lisa Heyman and Larry as he had provided to them 43 years as sales executive wish to thank their helpers for her brother, Carl, in 1996, her Gauchman, Ben Heyman, throughout their lives. Marvin and partner. In 1949, he their years of devoted care of father in 1996, her nephew, and Ruth Heyman and Lisa was selfless, modest, and married Ilse Lore Hochhauser, Irwin and Hospice Care in the Robert, in 2009 and her dear Mandel; loving grandfather loving; a man of few words, all daughter of John and Greta Berkshires for its invaluable aunt, Penny Schwartzberg, in to Jacob, Leah, Roxanne, who knew him – his family, Hochhauser. They lived in help. Contributions in Irwin’s 2018. Ruby, and Maxim; and former friends, co-workers, and care- Purchase, NY until 1993, memory can be sent to Temple She is survived by husband to Barbara. He takers – were moved by his when they moved to Lenox and Anshe Amunim, 26 Broad her nephew, Dr. Steven was the dear son of the late playful and gentle spirit, kind- later to Pittsfield to be near Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 Schwaitzberg and Dr. Lisa Harry and Fannie Heyman, ness, and charity. their daughters and grand- or to the Hospice Care in the Jane Jacobsen, of Canton, and brother of the late David Special appreciation for children. They celebrated their Berkshire, Inc., 877 South MA and Buffalo, NY. She also Heyman (Nadine). all his caregivers including 70th anniversary in 2019. Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201. leaves her great-nephews, Marvin devoted his life those at Linda Manor Skilled A passionate fly fisherman, Irwin’s life will be honored Scott, Andrew, Corey, and and energy to his family, Nursing in Leeds, MA. Funeral he traveled the world with during the Friday night service Justin, many cousins and a work, and community. He services were held at the Plaza his wife, fishing in Britain at Temple Anshe Amunim on great number of wonderful was the second genera- Community Jewish Chapel and Ireland and hiking in March 27. friends whom she cherished. tion at Oscar Heyman & in Manhattan on February their favorite village, Sils Funeral services were held Bros., where he was univer- 26. Donations in memory of Maria, in the Swiss Alps. For Ellen Schwaitzberg, 94, March 1 at the Devanny- sally loved. As an integral Marvin can be made to the thirty summers, he rode into life member of Hadassah Condron Funeral Home, member of his communities, Amyloidosis Foundation and the Teton Wilderness Area PITTSFIELD – Ellen Pittsfield. Burial followed at he was a founding member the UJA Federation of New in Wyoming with friends to Schwaitzberg, 94, passed Ahavath Sholom Cemetery. of Bachurai Chemed in Long York. camp and fish the Yellowstone away Monday, February 24. Memorial donations may Beach and was an active headwaters. He flew to remote She was the daughter of be made to The Berkshire member, including presi- Irwin Browner, 94, fly fishing camps in Alaska and the late Abraham (Abe) and Humane Society or the Older dent, of Temple Beth Israel fisherman, world traveler, explored the world with the Rebecca (Betty) Schwaitzberg. Adult Kosher Lunch Program in Port Washington, NY. A and rare book expert British Ramblers. In his seven- Originally from Edgewater through the Jewish Federation graduate of NYU, he spent his PITTSFIELD – Irwin Browner, ties, he hiked the 55-mile and Kearny, NJ, she attended of the Berkshires, in care of first two years of college at 94, died peacefully at his home Milford Track in New Zealand. K-8 grades in the Edgewater Devanny-Condron Funeral Ohio Wesleyan, an institution in Pittsfield after a brief stay He read extensively, joined Schools (Eleanor Van Gelder). Home, 40 Maplewood Avenue, always dear to his heart. He at Berkshire Medical Center. his wife as volunteer for the Ellen graduated from Dwight Pittsfield, MA 01201. also served briefly in the army. He was born in New York City annual Lenox Library book Morrow High School in He devoted himself to working to Jacob and Pauline Browner. sale, and eventually became towards racial equality, fair After graduating from the its indispensable rare book OBITUARIES, continued on page 21

FOR RENT:

Unfurnished Townhouse at Local Leaders & Walden Village, Pittsfield Trusted Partners

3 large bedrooms 3 Full basement with 3 2.5 bathrooms washing machine and dryer 3 Living room – Additional storage 3 Kitchen 3 Condo swimming pool – Refrigerator & tennis courts – Microwave 3 Non-smoking – Dishwasher 3 No pets – Garbage Disposal Jonathan Denmark, President & COO 3 Snow removal and 3 Dining area MountainOne Insurance landscaping included 3 Loft area 3 Quiet neighborhood – 3 Gas fireplace cul-de-sac 3 Expansive deck

3 Attached garage with North Adams | Pittsfield | Williamstown automatic door opener Quincy | Rockland | Scituate mountainone.com Available now! MountainOne Bank is: Member FDIC | Member DIF $1,850 / month, plus utilities The financial advisors of MountainOne Investments offer securities and advisory services through Commonwealth Financial Network®, member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services offered through CES Insurance Agency or MountainOne Investments. For further information, please email MountainOne Bank is not a registered broker-dealer or Registered Investment Adviser. MountainOne Bank and MountainOne Insurance are not affiliated with Commonwealth. MountainOne Investments’ [email protected] main office is located at 85 Main Street, Suite 100, North Adams, MA 01247. (413) 664-4025 Insurance and Investments are not insured by the FDIC and are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by, any depository institution. Funds are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal investment. Page 20 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org March 23 to May 3, 2020

COME LEARN. COME PLAY. COME HOME TO BCD.

NEW! FAIR SHARE TUITION PROGRAM Affordable independent education for all

Bus service to Berkshire and Columbia Counties 2-year-olds - Grade 8 413-637-0755 berkshirecountryday.org Adar/Nisan/Iyar 5780 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 21

NEWS “Nisan” Madness A former NBA analytics guru helps a Jewish high school win its first championship in over 20 years By Gabe Friedman / JTA

BRYN MAWR, PA – Four years then made him full time after his Sabbath ago, Ben Falk was analyzing he graduated. observance. professional basketball players He spent five years with The concept for the Philadelphia 76ers. the Blazers before being hired of coaching at In February, he celebrated by the 76ers in 2014. There a Jewish high a championship on a slightly he became an integral part school became lower level — the Tri-County of what fans and commenta- an appealing Independent School League — tors famously dubbed “The option. which he won as the coach of Process” — a slow rebuild of So he found the Jack M. Barrack Hebrew the Atlantic Division team’s an opportunity Academy in Bryn Mawr, a roster that involved years to volunteer Philly suburb. of clearing house (or what as an assis- It was the Jewish day critics decried as intention- tant coach at school’s first championship in ally fielding a subpar team) in Barrack during its non-Jewish regional league order to draft young top-level the 2016-17 in more than two decades. prospects. season. He took How Falk got here — tran- After several rock-bottom over the basket- sitioning from the NBA to a losing seasons, 76ers general ball program in GORODETZER PHOTOGRAPHY VIA JTA) (JAY high school with about 400 manager Sam Hinkie, who 2018-19 when Coach Ben Falk provides instruction to his Barrack Hebrew Academy basketball students — is a uniquely hired Falk, left the team in the previous team Jewish story. 2016. At the time of Hinkie’s head coach got Falk, 31, developed a love departure, Falk was seen as a too busy with other endeavors. got his start as an analytics worked to eliminate injuries: for basketball statistics as respected basketball numbers Until 2007, the plural- expert. Along with the team’s trainer, a teenager at the Charles E. guru. Soon after, The Process istic Barrack school – none of Falk brought his NBA Falk incorporated mobility and Smith Jewish Day School in began to bear fruit (by 2018, Falk’s players wear kippahs – analytics mentality to the team strength workouts into daily Rockville, MD, and caught the 76ers made the second was named Akiba Academy. It right away, having his teenage practices. the attention of leaders in round of the playoffs). boasts many famous alumni, players watch film of their This year, the efforts culmi- the burgeoning field through But Falk had other ideas. including CNN news host Jake games and practices to work nated in an 18-1 record and impressive statistical analyses He had always wanted to Tapper, best-selling author on specifics. He trained them the victory over Renaissance that he posted online. The coach, and wasn’t qualified to Mitch Albom and Chaim in which shots would yield a Academy Charter School on Portland Trail Blazers hired do so at the NBA level. Bloom, the recently appointed higher shooting percentage February 11 in the league him for part-time work while He is also an Orthodox chief baseball officer of the for their style of play. He also championship game. he was still an undergraduate Jew, and the demanding NBA Boston Red Sox, who also at the University of Maryland, schedule often clashed with “NISAN” MADNESS, continued on page 23

You can now read and share Berkshire Jewish Voice feature stories online! Visit jewishberkshires.org and select Community & Events>Berkshire Jewish Voice for links to highlights of current and past issues. OBITUARIES, continued from page 19

Alan Cutler, 67, lifelong resident with a good education and a passion for and active member of the music. Alan was a constant fixture at his community children’s academic events, performances, PITTSFIELD - Dr. Alan Cutler, 67, long- sports events, and life milestones, always time resident of 51 Brookside Drive, died with a video camera in his hand to Because Relationships Matter. peacefully on Wednesday, March 4 at capture the moment forever. Berkshire Medical Center, surrounded by Outside of work and family, Alan’s his family, following a long illness. passions included baseball and the Born in Pittsfield on November 24, Red Sox, the music of James Taylor, 1952 to the late Maurice and Zelda the Eagles, and Linda Ronstadt, trivia, Cohen Cutler, Alan grew up on Livingston reading, politics, barbecues with family Avenue during the midst of the baby boom and friends, holiday celebrations with his era and the glory days of Pittsfield in the parents and children, vacations to Cape General Electric era. Alan excelled as a Cod, his deep interest in the Kennedy student at Dawes Elementary School, Assassination, and his love for spending South Junior High School (now Herberg his free time working on his yard. Middle School), and was a 1970 grad- Alan was a longtime member of Temple uate of Pittsfield High School, where he Anshe Amunim in Pittsfield, where he graduated second in his class, earned a served on the Board of Trustees in the National Merit letter of commendation, 1990s and was one of the first bar mitz- and received the Jewish War Veterans vahs held in the Temple’s current building hat matters to us goes beyond numbers and award and Kelm Scholarship. on Broad Street on December 4, 1965, benchmarks. Continuing his education, Alan grad- officiated by the late Rabbi Harold I. uated cum laude from Williams College Salzmann. WWe believe working in your best interests (where he was accepted early decision) in Besides his wife, Alan leaves one becomes the foundation for how we nurture our 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology, daughter, Julie H. Cutler; two sons, professional relationship. Joshua M. (Jessica) Cutler and Zachary and was a 1979 graduate of the Henry Learn more. Have a conversation with our managing J. Cutler, all of Pittsfield; one newborn Goldman School of Dental Medicine at director, Gary Schiff, and his team at October Mountain grandson, James T. Cutler of Pittsfield; a Boston University, earning a doctorate in Financial Advisors. Dental Medicine. sister, Roslind (Neil) Kushner of Norwood; Following a year working as a resident six nephews and six nieces; and his at Berkshire Medical Center, Alan opened beloved cat, Andre. Alan’s children and his dental practice in July 1980 on Henry grandchildren will continue to keep his spirit alive by doing their own g’milut Avenue in Pittsfield, where he began his Portfolio Management ▪ Financial Planning ▪ Trust & Banking Services* career working with Dr. Arthur Levy. chasadim, acts of loving kindness. 103 West Park Street In 1985, Alan and Dr. Bruce Evenchik Alan’s family would like to express Lee, MA 01238 purchased the Federal House office their sincere gratitude to the wonderful (413) 243-4331 building at 374 South Street, Pittsfield, professionals of the Berkshire Medical which would be the home for his busy Center Central County Dialysis Center, www.octobermountainfa.com dental practice until his retirement in where Alan received the most exemplary Member SEC, FINRA SiPC and compassionate care over the past 7 2011 due to ill health. *Banking & trust administration services provided by Lee Bank. In his practice, Alan took great pride years. Funeral services were held Sunday, St. Germain Investment Management operates as October Mountain in devoting his work to ensuring that Financial Advisors in the Berkshires. the underprivileged of our community March 8 at Temple Anshe Amunim, received quality dental care. Pittsfield, with Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch, On July 26, 1987, Alan married his spiritual leader, officiating. Burial followed beloved wife, Ellen McKeever Cutler, in in Pittsfield Cemetery, Anshe Amunim Pittsfield. Alan was deeply devoted to section. Donations may be made to Ellen, and together they would raise three Temple Anshe Amunim or to Friends of children and were tireless in ensuring that Renal Dialysis in care of the funeral home, each child was raised happy and healthy Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home, 5 Elm Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Page 22 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org March 23 to May 3, 2020 NEWS Jewish farms are booming. Now the farmers want to grow their community. By Ben Harris / JTA

REISTERSTOWN, MD — When was how they were living Jewish teachings on food Sarah Julia Seldin arrived at Judaism in the world. But justice, animal ethics and the the main national gathering they felt alone. Jewish farmers spiritual significance of trees. of Jewish foodies in 2016, she suffer from a double invisi- But more than anything was disappointed to find no bility — Jews don’t expect you else, the participants said they programming aimed specifi- to be farmers, and farmers were eager for connection with cally at people like her. don’t expect you to be Jews. other Jewish farmers. There were sessions on So there’s a deep desire for “I have felt incred- kosher cooking, Jewish food connection. ” ibly isolated as a Jewish ethics, and the realities of In February, the network person in farming,” said kosher animal slaughter. But offered a real-time opportu- Betsy Samuelson, a seed there was little programming nity for exactly that when it expert who runs a cannabis at the Hazon Food Conference held its inaugural conference consulting business with her specifically for those who — a sold-out gathering of 160 husband. “I’ve reached out devote their time and energy to Jewish farmers at Pearlstone. to my network of Jews many actually growing food. (Another 30 were left on a times to try and find connec- So Seldin, a farmer who waitlist.) Over the course tion and community and was runs Yesod Farm + Kitchen in of three days, participants not responded to. And when Fairview, NC, put out the word enjoyed locally sourced vege- the Jewish Farmer Network that she wanted to connect tarian meals and participated came about, that’s when I felt Yogev Von Kundra raises animals and medicinal herbs on his with other Jewish farmers. in sessions about Jewish agri- responded to, welcomed and farm in Damascus, VA. Some 13 people responded cultural traditions, including embraced. And ever since I’ve to the invite, including Shani Mink, who was then farming at been here, that’s the way I’ve a three-month fellowship the Pearlstone Jewish Retreat felt. These are my people. It’s combining organic farming Center outside Baltimore. home.” with Jewish learning. That afternoon, the two To many in the Jewish food The conference program women started a Facebook movement, this is hardly a would have looked familiar to page and invited all the Jewish surprise. Jewish farms have any Adamah alum — three farmers they knew to join. been popping up across the days of yoga sessions, spir- They called it the Jewish country for years now, many ited prayer and workshops Farmer Network, and within of them started by alumni of on Jewish agricultural ethics. two days 200 people had Jewish farming and environ- On Saturday night, the entire signed up. Now the number mental programs. Other Jews program was given over to is roughly 800, and another have come to farming out of an extended discussion of 1,600 follow the group on mounting alarm over climate shmittah, the Jewish sabbat- Instagram. change or through activism ical year, when fields are “The takeaway for people around food issues. And some supposed to lay fallow, debts in the room is that they were just sought a more peaceful are forgiven and private lands living their Judaism through way of life than what was on are opened to the commons. stewardship of land,” Seldin David Fried runs a fruit and berry tree nursery outside offer in the city. “We want to help farmers said. “For them, their farming Montpelier, VT But farming by its very understand that Judaism nature can be an isolating has something for them,” endeavor. And with a new said Mink, now the network’s generation of Jewish farmers executive director. “We have taking to the land, driven this whole expansive body of in part by the same factors wisdom that can help us figure inspiring growing numbers of out how to build a more just young Americans more broadly and regenerative food system.” to embrace a way of life once One of those farmers is abandoned by their forebears, Yogev Von Kundra, a Virginia some are discovering a hunger grower who recently purchased for something not easily land for his own operation in found in most pockets of rural Damascus, a tiny town just America: other Jews. north of the Tennessee border. “It’s both amazing and Von Kundra grew up with in some sense it’s like, oh, almost no Jewish education, it’s about time,” said Shamu celebrating Passover at the Sadeh, the co-founder and home of one of his father’s former director of Adamah, co-workers and little else.

JEWISH FARMERS, continued on page 23

You can now read and share Berkshire Jewish Voice feature stories online! Visit jewishberkshires.org and select Community & Events> Berkshire Jewish Voice for links to highlights of current and past issues. Adar/Nisan/Iyar 5780 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 23

NEWS

JEWISH FARMERS, continued from page 22 Mimouna: A Post-Passover Celebration But after years of encour- said. “But they come here and agement from a friend, Von they’re surrounded by [Jews] An exuberant Sephardic custom whose origins are the subject Kundra went to Israel on who have made the decision of debate Birthright in 2019 and it [to farm]. It gives them a sense changed his life. He took of community.” By My Jewish Learning / 70 Faces Media on the name Yogev (he was Building Jewish commu- named Jason at birth) as a nity around food and farming Though originating and sign of his growing Jewish is a central tenet of the celebrated widely in the identification and began Jewish food movement, which Sephardic community, a small hosting Shabbat meals. has fostered the growth of number of North American “It was a spiritual experi- nonprofit Jewish educational Ashkenazi Jews have started ence,” Von Kundra said. “It felt farms across the country over celebrating this festival in like almost beyond time. It felt the past decade. recent years. like I am no longer the indi- Many are run by alumni Theories About Its Origins vidual I thought that I was.” of programs like Adamah, Like many young people which has graduated about The Moroccan Jews are drawn to farming, Von Kundra 450 people in its 17-year known for Mimouna, the came up through the food history. But others, like the exuberant festival held on justice movement. As his one started by Micah Chetrit the evening and day after Jewish connection deepened, in 2018 on the grounds of a Passover, and whose origins he was amazed to discover synagogue in Tucson, Arizona, are unclear. According to one how much overlap there is are not. explanation, it is the yahr- between Jewish agricultural A descendant of Jews zeit (anniversary of the death) teachings, with their emphasis who farmed in a tiny village of Maimon ben Joseph, the COMMONS VIA CREATIVE IMAGE: US EMBASSY TEL AVIV, A typical Mimouona table on social responsibility and in , Chetrit hopes to father of the great Jewish ecological restraint, and the expose local Jews to ancient philosopher It may have been a greeting singing, dancing, and visiting work he was already doing. Jewish farming practices — (Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, exchanged to bolster one with friends. “I feel like I’ve always been particularly those connected also known by his acronym another’s disappointment that Numerous legends about doing Jewish farming, but I to desert agriculture. The farm Rambam), a scholar in his Passover had come and gone acts of salvation that occurred didn’t understand it as such is named The Midbar Project, own right who lived in Fez without the long-anticipated on this date arose, and the because I had a narrow lens Hebrew for desert. (Morocco) and wrote on return to Jerusalem. festival spread through North of Judaism as a child that Chetrit began digging Jewish-Islamic relations. He Africa and to America, where I didn’t connect with,” Von beds last year and held the died around 1170. Traditional Foods the Mimouna meal provides Others say Mimouna is Kundra said. first farm event in May — a The Libyans made a closure for Passover, and into derived from the word For Margaret Hathaway, celebration of Mimouna, the challah -like round loaf with Israel, where the community for wealth and good fortune discovering Judaism and Moroccan feast held at the a hard-boiled egg secured gathers in Jerusalem. The (literally “protected by God,” farming happened together conclusion of Passover. in the center with strips of holiday traditionally continues ma’amoun). Since Passover is — and she’s fairly certain she “Being in the desert, I felt dough. Single men and women the next day with picnics and the beginning of the new agri- wouldn’t have embraced the very connected, but I could received blessings that they outings at beaches, fields, and cultural year, when the world latter without the former. never name why,” Chetrit said. would be married in the year cemeteries. is judged for produce, it is a “Urban Judaism does not “And as I’ve learned more and ahead. Women wore their For the Sabbath time to pray for plentiful crops, resonate with me,” Hathaway more about my family’s history fanciest clothes, girls donned after Passover, when the symbolic of general prosperity. said. “If I had stayed in New working soil in the desert, white, and children dressed approaching start of the Still others connect York, I’m not sure I would I can name those feelings. in costumes like the Berbers Hebrew month Iyar was Mimouna with the word have converted.” This makes sense. This feels (native North Africans) and announced, challah was some- emunah (“belief”), claiming Hathaway met her inherent. The connections are Arabs who shared their cele- times made in the shape of a it celebrates belief in Israel’s husband, Karl Schatz, when starting to piece together.” bration and provided flowers, key. Sprinkled with sesame redemption. Along the they were living in New York. Few Jewish farmers would milk, butter, honey, wheat, seeds representing the mahn same lines, there is also In 2005, they bought land in make such claims. But many and other produce for the (manna) that began to fall in support (said to be traced Maine near where Schatz grew in the Jewish food movement Jews. Dining tables were Iyar (after the Exodus from to Maimonides’ explanation) up. Today they run Ten Apple would say that even those who decorated with flowers, wheat Egypt, as related in the Torah), for the word being an Arabic Farm, an agritourism business don’t give their farms Hebrew stalks, and sometimes live fish the challah stood for the key adaptation of the phrase Ani that offers farm stays and names or time their plantings in bowls (this time symbolizing to our livelihood, which is in ma’amin (I believe), the classic goat hikes — two-hour walks to the Jewish calendar, they birth and fertility). Golden God’s hands. expression of faith in the accompanied by goats through are farming Jewishly if they rings were hidden in a bowl Excerpted from Celebrate! coming of the messiah (ana the forest that culminate with are farming in a manner that containing flour, suggesting The Complete Jewish Holiday for ani, placed after the verb a chance for visitors to try out respects the earth and the hoped-for wealth or blessings. Handbook and reprinted with ma’amin, as is common in their milking skills. people who work it. A dairy meal of buttermilk, permission of the publisher Arabic, yielding ma’amin ana, Hathaway and Schatz “They’re living the Jewish sweets, and special pancakes (Jason Aronson Inc) by My which became “maimouna” aren’t regulars at synagogue values that they got from their called muflita served with Jewish Learning, a subsidiary in the local Judeo dialect). and there’s nothing overtly grandparents,” said David honey was accompanied by of 70 Faces Media. Jewish about their farm. But Fried, who runs Elmore Roots, they do prune their apple trees a fruit tree and berry nursery on Tu b’, the late-winter outside Montpelier, Vermont. holiday that is the Jewish “They’re taking the love, the continued from page 21 answer to Arbor Day. Several way their grandparents loved “NISAN” MADNESS, weeks later on Passover, they them, and they’re pouring The job has given Falk an no media pressure, no one’s He has emphasized to his harvest horseradish right from their love into the land. They ideal work-life balance: He calling for your job when players that they should not the ground for their Seder. don’t necessarily know it’s a celebrated the birth of his first you have a disappointing take the championship for “As a parent, I look at Jewish thing, but they’re using child during the past season season,” Falk said about high granted. our kids — they don’t really all the Jewish values that they (he says he wouldn’t have had school sports. “But the kids “Sometimes in sports have peers who are Jewish got.” as much time to devote to still really love the game and things work that way, where farmers in Maine,” Hathaway fatherhood if he still worked they’re excited to play, and all the pieces fit together,” he in the NBA) and also has been they’re competitive and they said. “We had one of those able to work on Cleaning the work hard.” years.” Glass, a site he created that Next year, Barrack will play And as for a return provides NBA-level analytics in a larger, tougher conference someday to the NBA? on professional players to paid — the Tri-County Independent “I’ve learned enough at a a subscribers. School League is folding. The this point in my life to know Create a Jewish Legacy Campaign “It’s been incredibly grat- school’s biggest rival, fellow to never say never,” Falk said. ifying. When I talk to former Jewish school Kohelet Yeshiva, Please remember the Jewish Community in your will. “You never know what’s going colleagues … they say in some is in the league Barrack is to happen and how things are ways it might be the best level joining, so Falk believes their going to change.” of basketball, where there’s games will get more intense.

Now Open in Lenox, opp. Price Chopper 413-442-0983 (413) 528-9700

Radon Testing ❑✓ ✓ COMPETITIVE PRICING and Mitigation ❑ PROMPT SERVICE ❑✓ FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY NEHA & NRSB CERTIFIED Page 24 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org March 23 to May 3, 2020

SALE EFFECTIVE IN OUR GREAT BARRINGTON AND LEE STORES ONLY MARCH 19 TO APRIL 15, 2020. Happy Passover! Passover begins sunset Wed., Apr. 8, 2020

IN OUR PRODUCE DEPT.

HORSERADISH ROMAINE ROOT LETTUCE 49 99 IN OUR MEAT DEPT. 2 lb 1 EMPIRE FROZEN TURKEYS IN OUR SEAFOOD DEPT. 99 lb VITA 2 VITA HERRING WILD NOVA IN WINE SAUCE SALMON or Sour Cream or Homestyle, 3 oz, Previously Frozen 30 to 32 oz IN OUR BAKERY DEPT. 49 99 7 LAYER CAKE 3 7 14 oz IN OUR GROCERY DEPT. 899 YEHUDA GOODMANS MATZOS 80 oz 10 oz, All Varieties 99 $ IN OUR FLORAL DEPT. 4 JOYOUS Visit our Floral Dept. 2FOR 4 for more bouquets & BLESSINGS arrangements BOUQUET YEHUDA KEDEM MEMORIAL 99 GRAPE JUICE CANDLE 12 22 oz, All Varieties Single Count A soft, charming floral bouquet which exudes warmth and light in $ $ celebration of the season. 2FOR 4 2FOR 1 IN OUR DELI DEPT. IN OUR FROZEN AISLE IN OUR DAIRY AISLE ACME NOVA SALMON 8 oz TABATCHNICK GOLD'S Visit bigy.com SOUP HORSERADISH and your local 14.5 to 15 oz, 6 oz 99 All Varieties 12 Big Y for more $ 199 Passover Savings! 2FOR 4 Just Use Your Card to Save on Items in This Ad.