Berkshire Jewish Voices

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JewishA publication of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, serving V the Berkshires and surrounding ice NY, CT and VT Vol. 27, No. 6 Tammuz/Av/Elul 5779 July 29 to September 15, 2019 jewishberkshires.org

The Race to Save Sephardi The Posthumous Landscape Jewish Heritage in the Middle East Yiddish Book Center exhibit documents remnants of and North Africa Jewish life in Eastern Europe

Moroccan Jews in the early 20th century GREAT BARRINGTON – On Friday, Berkshires program will take place PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAVID KAUFMAN / COURTESY KAUFMAN / COURTESY PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAVID OF THE YIDDISH BOOK CENTER August 9 at 10:45 a.m., Knosh & at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire at Knowledge welcomes Jason Guberman, 10:45 a.m., and will be followed by “The Posthumous Landscape: Jewish Historical Sites in Poland and the executive director of the American lunch. Please note: If you would like Sephardi Federation, who will share to have lunch, you must RSVP and pay Western Ukraine” is an exhibition of photographs taken by David Kaufman the dramatic behind-the-scenes story in advance. Email federation@jewish- that is on view through September 30 at the Yiddish Book Center in of how a diverse international team berkshires.org, or call (413) 442-4360, Amherst. Kaufman's large scale, highly-detailed images of Jewish life and races against time to document sites ext. 10, to RSVP or if you would like architecture remaining in Eastern Europe are a testament to the rich, varied and memories of the last generation information about this new policy. lives led by Jews in cities and towns over centuries and a reminder of the who remember Sephardic Jewish life in Jason Guberman is a social entre- the Middle East and in North Africa. preneur who specializes in building challenges in preserving Jewish material culture in countries that have few This Jewish Federation of the broad coalitions and melding intel- Jews today and meager resources. Above: Interior of the Tsori Gilad, the lectual and technical innovation. He sole functioning synagogue in Lviv, Ukraine. For more, please see page 28. serves as founding executive director of Inside Digital Heritage Mapping (DHM) and is the coordinator of its flagship initia- Partners for Peace Close By...... 2 tive, the Diarna Geo-Museum of North Volunteer Subscribers Needed!...... 3 African and Middle Eastern Jewish Life. Thanks Again for Your Support Your Federation Presents...... 4-7, 13-18 In March 2017, Diarna was fea- Hundreds turn out for Annual Meeting, Religious School Roundup...... 8-9 tured on the cover of Newsweek’s International Edition. Women’s Foundation Brunch, and Local News...... 9-12, 18 SEPHARDI HERITAGE, continued on Major Donors Celebration Berkshire Jewish Voices...... 21-27 page 5 Thank you to everyone who attend- Hundreds of enthusiastic supported three of the Jewish Federation ers packed these events, showing of the Berkshires’ most important support for our work building and annual events – our Annual Meeting sustaining Jewish community in this “The Opioid Crisis in The at The Mount, the Jewish Women’s beautiful part of the world. For more Foundation brunch, and the Major on these events, please see pages Berkshires” Donors Celebration at Country Club 13-17. Maimonides Society of the Berkshires to host of Pittsfield. addiction specialist and Berkshires DA LENOX – On Sunday, August 18 from 9:30 a.m. to noon, the Maimonides Society of the Berkshires, organized under the auspices of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, will host a forum exploring the local impact of the opioid addiction crisis. Speaking about the health conse- quences will be Dr. Jennifer Michaels, assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and the medical director of the Brien Center, Berkshire County’s largest community mental health provider. Discussing the effect on law enforcement and incarceration will be Berkshire County District Attorney Andrea Harrington. Both speakers will respond to questions from the audience. This event is open to the public, and will be held at Lenox Town Hall Andrea Harrington at 6 Walker Street. Couvert is $15 – a (413) 442-4360, ext. 10 by August 14. breakfast of bagels and spreads will be For additional information about served. the Maimonides Society – now To RSVP, please contact the in its sixth year – please contact Federation at federation@ jewishberkshires.org, or call us at MAIMONIDES, continued on page 5 Page 2 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 29 to September 15, 2019 Rabbi Reflections Potential Partners for Peace are Close By and Ready to Join In By Rabbi Neil P.G. Hirsch For a while now, our community has been on the concept of Shalom. In I may be a short-term pessimist, grappling with the implications of the massacre the Midrash, we find the state- at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, along ment that there is nothing but I am also, unequivocally, a with other instances of hate and violence. One greater than peace. In fact, in long-term optimist. positive that has come out of such tragedies is mystical tradition, “Shalom” a deepened and more meaningful relationship is considered one of the many with the Christian community. The evening after names of God. the Pittsburgh shooting, we opened our doors at This past winter, Hevreh welcomed our friends from Norfolk to a Sunday while Hevreh to offer sanctuary to those who sought our religious school was in session. Our students learned about the Jewish value it out. Sixty-five of Hachnasat Orchim, of welcoming and hospitality, people showed preparing a meal, songs, and posters for our guests. up that eve- The congregants from Norfolk came to gift us the ning, including peace pole. We held a dedication service, but because several pas- of the snow and cold, held off from planting the pole. tors from area This past May, our two communities came together congregations. again to place the pole in its permanent home. We After that evening, the outreach continued – I each took a turn at digging and, as we placed the pole later received a phone call from the Reverend Erik down, shared blessings. Olsen of the Church of Christ UCC of Norfolk, This moment was made more powerful since we – Connecticut. as an American Jewish community – have continued He and I had not yet met. In reaction to the to encounter hate. Looking at those who had gath- recent shootings, his confirmation students ered to plant this pole, to make a statement about were hoping to do something positive. They were the hope and promise of peace, I could see that this horrified and terrified and, after some conver- action meant so much to each person there. sation and discernment, they decided to reach I am increasingly concerned about rising white out to their closest Jewish community to build supremacy in the United States, and increased inci- a new relationship. As the pastor and I spoke dents of hate and anti-Semitism here and in Europe. about what a meaningful connection would look I may be a short-term pessimist, but I am also, like, he made an offer: To begin our relationship, unequivocally, a long-term optimist. Experiences his congregation was offering us a Peace Pole like the planting of this peace pole continue to give as a symbol of solidarity and hope between our me hope. And I will continue – and hope we will as communities. a community – continue to seek out partners in our A peace pole is a square pole which has the essential pursuit of peace. Those potential partners words “May Peace Prevail On Earth” written are close by and ready to join in. in four languages on its sides. These poles are planted all around the world as an essential Rabbi Neil P.G. Hirsch serves Hevreh of Southern expression of the great hope and aspiration of Berkshire in Great Barrington. Peace. This is fitting, given our traditional focus

Volunteers are Vital! Rosh Hashanah Care Packages For Seniors

The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires is committed to ensuring the well-being and continuity of the Jewish people both in our community and beyond. Twice a year volunteers bake, pack, and deliver challot (and honey) before Rosh Hashanah and hamantaschen (shalach manot) before Purim to Jewish seniors who reside at home and in senior residences, to folks in the hospital, and to those with special needs – reaching 300+ individuals in Berkshire County, Southern Vermont, and New York’s Columbia County. Known as Joe’s Project in memory of the late Joe Madison, who started this program with a group of his hiking buddies, this is a communitywide program engaging 100+ volunteers of all ages. Many of our local kids help decorate the bags which, once filled, are delivered by numerous volunteers, including some of our PJ Library and Federation families. This program is more than just a gift bag delivery; it is a personal visit to someone who may not get many of them. Three ways you can help: 1) Kids – Pick up bags at the Federation, decorate them, and return them to us by September 19. 2) Adults – Pack the bags with challah, honey, and applesauce on Tuesday, September 24 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Federation office. 3) Kids & Adults – Visit the seniors and deliver the holiday packages from September 25 – 27. For more information, contact Susan Frisch Lehrer, Coordinator of Volunteers and PJ Library, (413) 442- 4360, ext.14 or [email protected].

Readers’ Gallery

Rose Tannenbaum, Antique Cottage, oil Jeff Kramer, Exodus, colored pencil Tammuz/Av/Elul 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 3 Punching Above Our Weight Support your Jewish community newspaper with a volunteer subscription By Albert Stern / BJV Editor

When someone tells me how much they drawings of a bygone Israel in the late 1960s we were given permission to admire this Federation’s work, most of the time republish. (It was the first time those images had appeared in print in nearly 50 that person will add how surprised they are by years.) We were able to share new work by Berkshires artists Nina Lipkowitz how much we accomplish given our size. This is and Susan Miller, as well as examples of “Tehillim B’Zug,” the Book of Psalms- especially true if that person lives or has lived in inspired artwork created a large Jewish community. in collaboration by local Without a doubt, this Federation punches far artists and Israelis from People often tell me they are above its weight. The annual report published the Afula-Gilboa region. surprised by how much each year in the Berkshire Jewish Voice pro- We also featured Jewish- vides the statistics about what this Federation themed artwork on view Federation accomplishes given achieves, but I’ve found that what really moti- the Turn Park Art Space our size. After working as editor vates our supporters is their proximity to and the Norman Rockwell what we do. They see, up close, the difference Museum, as well as Rabbi of the Berkshire Jewish Voice, Federation makes in the lives of our community Michael Strassfeld’s I am not surprised. members by providing essential services to our private collection of signs elders; in funding opportunities for positive Jewish growth for our youth; and in and memorabilia. forging connections among the diverse Jewish population of Berkshires, as well As for original writ- as with Jewish groups in other parts of the United States, Israel, and overseas. ing, it all starts with regular contributors like Carol Goodman Kaufman, whose What’s more, they recognize Federation’s meaningful outreach beyond the “Traveling With Jewish Taste” column never fails to provide offbeat insights Jewish community, and its effective advocacy for local, national, and interna- into Jewish cuisine (plus recipes that work). In the past year, Avi Dresner has tional Jewish interests and causes. contributed personal essays and fascinating interviews with bestselling Jewish The Berkshire Jewish Voice is one of the key tools the Jewish Federation of authors like Tova Mirvis, Angela Himsel, Barry Joseph, and Rabbi Leah Rachel the Berkshires has to communicate the breadth of its work to our community Berkowitz. Additionally, Rabbi Seth Wax gave us a lively interview with Great – which includes full-time residents, seasonal residents, and visitors seeking Barrington-based novelist Aaron Thier. Jewish connection. Berkshire Jewish Summer is the definitive guide to Jewish Clergy and lay leaders of a scholarly bent are able to share their always programming taking place during the busy tourist season, an essential publicity interesting insights about Jewish faith and culture in Rabbi Reflections col- resource not only for Federation, but for local congregations and Jewish groups. umns, while our Berkshire Jewish Voices section allows community members to Copies of the paper are mailed to donors, and are also distributed throughout share their experiences and interests – I especially enjoyed Alex Rosenblum’s Berkshire County. musings on whiskey and Jodie Friedman’s essay on being young, single, and This publication’s revenues do not cover all its costs, and so your financial Jewish in the Berkshires that appeared in our last issue. This month, don’t help as voluntary subscribers is essential in our efforts to bring you meaningful, miss Helene Berger’s moving and insightful story about how she dealt with her positive, and entertaining stories both by and about your neighbors, as well as husband’s Alzheimer’s Disease diagnosis – it’s excerpted from her memoir and Jews around the world. conveys important coping strategies. Please see the insert in this newspaper for the different funding levels As a writer, I especially enjoyed telling the stories of Bob Waldheim’s emo- available. An honorary publisher gift of $360 allows us to provide 4 pages tional return to Vietnam, where he had served in the Marine Corps; of Yevgeny of color, while all voluntary subscriptions help us defray the cost of print- Kutik’s recording of new works he commissioned about the experience of family; ing and mailing the thousands of copies of the newspaper we send out to and of Uri Regev’s efforts to foster Jewish religious pluralism in the State of you nine times each year. Israel. I learned a great deal from all of them – from Bob, about the emotional Last year in my appeal for volunteer donors, I highlighted the paper’s visual scars combat veterans still carry with them decades after conflict; from Yevgeny, appeal, original writing, and local focus. Over the past 12 months, we’ve contin- how a performing artist advances his career in the world of contemporary clas- ued to improve. sical music; and from Uri, many things I didn’t know about the intersection of Visually, we’ve featured work by two fantastic artists we “discovered” – the Israel’s secular and religious values, and why non-Israelis should care. gifted young Israeli graffiti art-influenced muralist Solomon Souza and the Also this year, I covered the way Berkshire County’s faith and civic commu- late William Papas, one of the most prominent illustrators of his day, whose nities came together in displays of unity to memorialize the victims of anti-Se- mitic shootings in Pittsburgh and Poway. These were melancholy assignments, yet ones I came away from feeling uplifted by the good will of our neighbors and their shared commitment to combating hate in our community. As is said, we Thank you volunteers Ellen Rosenblatt and the BJV delivery team, should meet only at simchas in the future. Michael Albert, Roman Rozenblyum, and Colin Ovitsky As I noted in the first paragraph, people often tell me they are surprised by how much Federation accomplishes given our size. After working for several years as editor of the Berkshire Jewish Voice, I am not surprised. As an editor, I am grateful to have access to so many individuals with interesting stories – authors, scholars, religious leaders, visual artists, dancers and choreographers, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR entrepreneurs, actors and directors, musicians, philanthropists, and so many The Berkshire Jewish Voice welcomes signed letters on subjects of interest to the more. Jewish community. Letters are printed upon space availability. The BJV reserves And I am especially grateful that the Berkshire Jewish Voice supports the the right to edit all letters for content, length, and style. The BJV does not print Federation’s efforts to build community and grow Jewish life and identity in this anonymous letters, insults, libelous or defamatory statements. Published letters do part of the world. not represent the views of the Federation, its board of directors, or the newspaper, Please consider supporting your Jewish community newspaper as a volun- but rather express the views of their authors. For verification purposes, please in- teer subscriber. 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].

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 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 Published nine times a year by the Voice is made possible through the generosity of Robert Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Bildner and Elisa Spungen Bildner, honorary publishers. The staff of the Federation and the BJV are deeply grateful. Dara Kaufman: Publisher and Managing Editor Robert Bildner and Elisa Spungen Bildner: Honorary Publishers Albert Stern: Editor Paid advertisements do not necessarily represent the opinions of Rose Tannenbaum: Graphic Design and Layout the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires or its members. Jenny Greenfeld: Advertising Sales Representative and Assistant Editor

Editorial opinions expressed in the Berkshire Jewish Voice are those of the You may request that the Berkshire Jewish Voice newspaper and not those of any individual. Signed editorials do not represent the view of the newspaper, but rather express the writer’s view. be mailed to your home. The Berkshire Jewish Voice is under no obligation to accept any advertisement. It does not guarantee the kashrut of any merchandise or service advertised. Just email us at To have the BJV mailed to your home, please send a minimum donation of $18 Next issue publication date: September 16, 2019 – November 3, 2019 [email protected] Press deadline: August 13, 2019 • Advertising deadline: August 28, 2019 Berkshire Jewish Voice e-mail: [email protected] for information. Phone: (413) 442-4360, ext. 11 Fax (413) 443-6070 Page 4 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 29 to September 15, 2019 Your Federation Presents “H.G. Adler: A Life in Many Connecting With Community Programs/ Worlds,” with Biographer Kosher Hot Lunch Programs in the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ Connecting With Peter Filkins Community series are free and start at 10:45 a.m. most Mondays and Thursdays at Knesset Israel (16 Colt Road, Pittsfield). Programs are followed by a kosher hot On Monday, August 12 at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish lunch. Lunch is a $2 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for Federation of the Berkshires all others. Advance reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling hosts poet and translator Peter (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program. Filkins, who will talk about the Knosh & Knowledge events take place each month on a Friday at Hevreh life and career of H.G. Adler, of Southern Berkshire (270 State Road, Great Barrington). Programs start at who was born in Prague, 10:45 a.m. and are now free – the buffet lunch that follows the presentation is $11 survived the Holocaust, and must be reserved and prepaid in advance by calling (413) 442-4360, ext. 10. fled post-war communist For further information on all programs, please call Nancy Maurice Rogers, pro- Czechoslovakia, became a gram director, at (413) 442-4360, ext. 15. For lunch menus and a chronological freelance writer and scholar in the United States and went list of all scheduled programs, please see page 26 . Note that lunch menus are on to author 26 books on his- subject to change. tory, sociology, and philoso- phy, as well as poetry, fiction, and autobiographical works. The author is the subject of Filkins’s just-published biog- “Self-Examination and Improvement – raphy, H.G. Adler: A Life in Many Worlds. Guidance from the Plant Kingdom in This free program at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, in Pittsfield, is part of the Preparing for the High Holidays” Federation’s Connecting With Panorama, The Journey, and The Wall, as well as the On Thursday, August 15 Passover table. Find out how Community series. collected poems of Ingeborg at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish these stories can help us Poet, novelist, author of two Bachmann, Darkness Spoken. Federation of the Berkshires to navigate the process of seminal Holocaust studies, He is the author of numerous hosts agronomist Dr. Jon self-improvement!” one of the earliest historians books and scholarly articles. Greenberg, whose topic will Dr. Greenberg is devoted of Auschwitz, a last repre- The recipient of fellowships be “Self-Examination and to biblical ethnobotany, a sentative of Kafka’s Prague, from the National Endowment Improvement – Guidance way of using the tools of and expert for the Eichmann for the Humanities, the Leon From the Plant Kingdom botany to better under- trial, H.G. Adler (1910-1988) Levy Center for Biography, in Preparing for the High stand the Torah. He received survived Theresienstadt, the DAAD, and the American Holidays.” his doctorate in agronomy Auschwitz, and two other Academy in Berlin, he is the This free program at from Cornell University, camps. With friends Elias Richard B. Fisher Professor Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, and has also studied with Canetti and Heinrich Böll, he of Literature at Bard College in Pittsfield, is part of the Rabbi Chaim Brovender at forged a deeper understand- at Simon’s Rock, and also Federation’s Connecting With Israel’s Yeshivat Hamivtar ing of the Shoah, engaging Leo Dr. Jon Greenberg with grapes teaches translation at Bard Community series. and conducted research on Baeck, Hannah Arendt, and at HaGafen Winery in Napa, College. Writes Dr. Greenberg: corn, alfalfa, and soybeans at Gershom Scholem in critical CA “With Rosh Hashanah and Cornell, the US Department of questions facing modern soci- Yom Kippur on the horizon, it Agriculture, and the University eties to this day. Translator IF YOU GO Peter Filkins will explore is time to begin taking stock of Pennsylvania’s Institute for Sponsor: Jewish Federation of of our successes and fail- Cancer Research. Since 1989, Adler’s life and work on the IF YOU GO publication of his authorized the Berkshires / Connecting With ures over the last year. Come he has been a science teacher Community Sponsor: Jewish Federation biography, H.G. Adler: A Life learn how lessons drawn from and educational consultant. Venue: Knesset Israel Biblical stories and metaphors Dr. Greenberg was senior of the Berkshires / Connecting in Many Worlds, by Oxford Date & Time: Monday, August involving plants can help us editor of science textbooks at With Community University Press. Venue: Knesset Israel Peter Filkins is an 12 at 10:45 a.m., followed by to chart a way through this Prentice Hall Publishing, and lunch (see page 26). often challenging task. We’ll was previously on the faculty Date & Time: Thursday, August award-winning poet and learn the stories of the revolt of Yeshivas Ohr Yosef, the 15 at 10:45 a.m., followed by translator. He has translated of the trees, Jonah and the School of Education at Indiana lunch (see page 26). three novels by H.G. Adler, castor bean, the woman who University, and the University plucked pomegranates from of Phoenix. He has taught the Red Sea, and a poisonous at the Heschel School since pasture weed that replaced 2008. lettuce on a medieval German

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

Lee & Sydelle Blatt Elaine Friedman Erna Lindner-Gilbert* Harold Sparr* Betty Braun* Eiran Gazit Amy Lindner-Lesser Lisa Fletcher-Udel Cipora Brown Jeffrey Goldwasser & Helen Maislen* Edward Udel Barbara Cohen Jonquil Wolfson Ellen Masters Michael & Joan Ury Mark Cohen* Jordan & Laura Green Stuart Masters Mark & Judy Usow Mimi Cohen Harold Grinspoon Estelle Miller Henry* & Beate* Voremberg C. Jeffrey & Judith Cook Ellen Heffan Robert Newman* Alexandra Warshaw Gerry & Lynn Denmark Ed Jaffe* Wendy Robbins Florence Wineberg* Jonathan & Lara Denmark Elihu Katzman Ken & Fran Rubenstein Rabbi Deborah Zecher & Anonymous (10) Sheila K. Donath Marilyn Katzman Stella Schecter* Rabbi Dennis Ross Ed Abrahams Melva Eidelberg Dara Kaufman Arlene D. Schiff *Of blessed memory Norman Avnet* Monroe England, in memory of Howard & Nancy* Kaufman Gary Schiff Barbara Bashevkin Monroe B. & Isabel England Lawrence Klein Stephen & Deborah Schreier Robert Bashevkin Dr. Armand V. Feigenbaum* Sarah Klein Martin Silver Linda J. L. Becker Dr. Donald S. Feigenbaum* Arthur Kriger* Sylvia Silverberg, in memory of Robert Berend Steven Feiner Fred & Brenda Landes Jerome Silverberg Shelley Berend Diana & Stanley Feld Beth Laster-Nathan Richard A. Simons & Marcie Helene Berke Stuart M. Fischman Andrew S. Levine* Greenfield Simons Lawrence Berke Lynn & William Foggle Toby H. Levine Mark & Elisa Snowise Tammuz/Av/Elul 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 5 Your Federation Presents

MAIMONIDES, continued from page 1 SEPHARDI HERITAGE, continued from page 1

Development Officer Leslie Come learn the behind-the- and Jordan. He has written NPR’s “Here & Now” and Kozupsky at lkozupsky@jew- scenes story of how a diverse, for AJS Perspectives, Sh’ma in SmartHistory. Jason is ishberkshires.org or (413) 442- international team of volun- Journal, Wexner Foundation an alumnus of the Tikvah 4360, ext. 19. teers is racing against time to Newsletter, The Algemeiner, Fund’s Fellowship and Core18 document the sites and memo- and MyJewishLearning. Leaders Laboratory. About the Speakers ries of the last primary source com, and has appeared on Dr. Jennifer Michaels is generation who remember dual board certified in adult Sephardic Jewish life in the and addiction psychiatry. She MENA region, ranging from is a national mentor for the synagogues on the edge of the Physician Clinical Support Sahara to Jewish fortresses in System, a SAMHSA-funded Arabia. program providing train- A summa cum laude gradu- ing and education to phy- ate of Sacred Heart University, sicians treating people with Jason Guberman was named addictions. Dr. Michaels is to Connecticut Magazine’s “40 a frequent guest on WAMC under 40” and to the Jewish Northeast Public Radio, and Week’s “36 under 36.” He has Dr. Jennifer Michaels is a committed community presented Diarna at Stanford educator on topics related to law student, Harrington stud- University’s Digital Humanities mental health. ied under Professor Angela Center and the USC Shoah Andrea Harrington is Davis, whose criminal law Foundation, conferences of the sixth district attorney of scholarship critiqued the use the Association of Jewish Berkshire County, and the of prosecutorial discretion, Studies, Association of Jewish first woman to hold the office. mass incarceration, and the Libraries, and Moroccan She was elected to the office in devastating effect of bias on Millennium Leaders; guest November 2018 after cam- communities of color in the lectured classes at Harvard’s paigning on “a progressive and criminal justice system. The Middle East Studies Center reform-minded platform that studies inspired her work and at Wellesley College; called for vigorously prose- representing convicted death served on the Council of Young cuting dangerous offenders, row inmates in their post-con- Jewish Presidents; and repre- while also enhancing public viction appeals at the Capital sented the American Sephardi safety through community Collateral Regional Counsel in Federation (where he also involvement and preven- South Florida. She is a gradu- serves as executive director) on tion.” Harrington was born in ate of Emerge Massachusetts the Conference of Presidents Berkshire County and earned and is a co-founder of the of Major American Jewish a Juris Doctor from American Massachusetts Women’s Organizations’ Missions University Washington College Political Caucus – Berkshire to Morocco, Egypt, Israel, of Law in 2003. As a first-year Committee. Cyprus, United Arab Emirates, Choosing Joy – Alzheimer’s: A Book of Hope Helene Berger shares her journey as a caregiver at Knosh & Group portrait of youth in Mahane David, an immigration camp in Knowledge France for North African Jews en route to Israel, holding an Israeli GREAT BARRINGTON – leadership positions in local, flag (Photo from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, On Friday, September 20 state, and national organi- courtesy of Shimon Sousson, who is pictured bottom right) at 10:45 a.m., Knosh & zations devoted to Jewish, Knowledge welcomes Helene educational, and women’s Berger, who will talk about issues. She has served for over her memoir, Choosing Joy – forty years on the Board of Alzheimer’s: A Book of Hope. Directors and the Executive This Jewish Federation Committee of the Greater of the Berkshires program Miami Jewish Federation will take place at Hevreh (GMJF), a position she still of Southern Berkshire at occupies. She also served for 10:45 a.m., and will be fol- two years as president of the lowed by lunch. Please note: GMJF Women’s Department If you would like to have and two terms as president Helene Berger lunch, you must RSVP and of the Miami Central Agency pay in advance. Email federa- for Jewish Education (now [email protected], or renamed the Center for the lunch. Free admission to pro- call (413) 442-4360, ext. 10, Advancement of Jewish gram only. to RSVP or if you would like Education). Advance lunch reservations and information about this new On the national level prepayment required for this policy. she has served: two years event. Join author Helene Berger as the National Chair of the Email federation@jewishberk- as she shares the mistakes Jewish Education Service shires.org, or call (413) 442- 4360, ext. 10 and the successes that of North America (JESNA); allowed her and her husband two years on the Council of to build the best life possi- Jewish Federations Board ble in the face of a terrible and Executive Committee illness. Helene’s personal (now merged into Jewish Supporting the Arts, Culture, Environment, journey to stay positive in the Federations of North America, face of her husband’s diagno- JFNA); and over 25 years on sis offers concrete guidance the board of the American and Social Needs in the Berkshires Since 1984 and delivers a message of Jewish Joint Distribution hope, joy, and support to all Committee, holding various who must make the journey as leadership positions. Choosing a caregiver for a loved one fac- Joy is her first book. Helene ing any type of debilitating is a longtime resident of the condition, or the challenges of Berkshires and is active in the aging. Jewish community here. For an excerpt of Choosing Joy, please see page 22. Visit IF YOU GO www.heleneberger.com for more information on Choosing Sponsor: Jewish Federation of Joy, plus links (on the Media the Berkshires tab) to podcast and television Date & Time: Friday, September www.StoneHouseProperties.com interviews where Helene talks 20 at 10:45 a.m. about her journey. Venue: Hevreh of Southern 38 MAIN STREET 6 MAIN STREET 35 RAILROAD STREET Berkshire, 270 State Road, GT. BARRINGTON, MA About the Author Great Barrington W. STOCKBRIDGE, MA CHATHAM, NY (413) 232-4253 (518) 392-0332 (413) 528-4211 Helene Berger has held top Cost: $11 with fresh buffet Page 6 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 29 to September 15, 2019 Your Federation Presents “Robert Frost: New Light on “A Jewish Mystic’s Approach to Loving Old Poems” God” On Thursday, August 8 at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires hosts Rabbi Seth Wax, Jewish chaplain at Williams College, whose subject will be “A Jewish Mystic’s Approach to Loving God.” This free program at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, in Pittsfield, is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community series. Writes Rabbi Wax: “Descriptions of the mystic’s journey often discuss how one becomes absorbed within the divine. But how do we train ourselves to have that experience, and what does it feel like? In this session, we will explore teachings of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of the Chabad school of Hasidism, who points the way through the deepest of emotions, love.”

IF YOU GO Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting With Community “There is love like fire, and Robert Frost Venue: Knesset Israel there is love like water.” – On Thursday, August 1 Phil Holland is a writer Date & Time: Thursday, August 8 at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch Rabbi Schneur Zalman of at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish from Shaftsbury, Vermont. (see page 26). Liadi (1745-1812), founder of Federation of the Berkshires A graduate of Bennington Chabad welcomes Phil Holland, author College, he holds a Ph.D. in of Robert Frost in Bennington English from the University County, who will discuss the of London and is former chair Bullying in the Older Adult Population great American poet’s work in of the English Department at a talk titled “Robert Frost: New Anatolia College in Greece. On Thursday, September the display of repetitive, nega- support in their current Light on Old Poems.” This free His Robert Frost in Bennington 12 at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish tive behaviors toward another homes throughout Greater program at Knesset Israel, 16 County and A Guide to the Federation of the Berkshires person that occur over time. Springfield. Glenmeadow at Colt Road, in Pittsfield, is part Battle of Bennington and the welcomes Torrie Dearborn Examples of bullying include Home provides personal care of the Federation’s Connecting Bennington Monument are of Glenmeadow Retirement verbal intimidation to exclud- and support, pet care, handy- With Community series. local best sellers. He writes Community in the Springfield ing people from taking part in man service, housekeeping Writes Phil Holland: “Most for the Berkshire Edge and area. She will speak on the routine activities to physical and meal delivery. of us, I suspect, have known moonlights as a voice actor, serious subject of “Bullying in violence.” poems by Robert Frost for as Vermont Council on the the Older Adult Population.” Torrie will teach how to IF YOU GO long as we can remember, and Humanities speaker, and This free program at Knesset use humor to defuse anger, a few of us will remember the writer of light verse. Israel, 16 Colt Road, in and to support those being Sponsor: Jewish Federation living poet, too, from President Pittsfield, is part of the bullied with kindness and of the Berkshires / Connecting With Community Kennedy’s inaugural in 1960. IF YOU GO Federation’s Connecting With compassion. But perhaps we don’t know Community series. Torrie Dearborn has been Venue: Knesset Israel the poems – or the poet – as Sponsor: Jewish Federation Writes Torrie Dearborn: working at Glenmeadow for Date & Time: September 12 at well as we might think. We’ll of the Berkshires / Connecting “Bullying isn’t just for teenag- over 11 years and worked as 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch take a brief look at Frost’s life With Community ers. It’s a problem older adults a funeral director for 13 years (see page 26). and a fresh look at a few of Venue: Knesset Israel grapple with as well—at senior prior. She is responsible for the old favorites – as well as Date & Time: Thursday, August 1 centers, in exercise facilities, helping older adults transi- at some wonderful poems that at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch clubs for seniors, and places of tion to living at Glenmeadow. are less well known.” (see page 26). worship. Bullying is defined as She also helps people receive Volunteers Are Vital! In April, seven Jewish residents of Devonshire Estates Senior Living and Retirement Community in Lenox welcomed in Shabbat and the last day of Nurturing wonder. Passover with Federation volunteers Avi, Lev, and Sasha Dresner. This was the second of their monthly Shabbat visits together, which began when the Dresners delivered Federation’s Rosh Hashanah packages to the Building skills. residents in the fall, and which have continued through the “…to make schools more human and learning utterly meaningful… summer. As with the first visit, school should be a magical place, full of wonder and joy.” this one began with a good BCD Head of School, Jenifer Fox deal of schmoozing – in this case about how everyone spent their Seders, and the Dresners’ recent family trip to Israel, which was the first for Avi’s wife, Natasha, and sons, Lev and Sasha. The boys proudly showed the residents a video of their first – and last – camel ride at The Dead Sea. They then welcomed in Shabbat with candle lighting, kiddush and a special motzi over shmurrah matzah, followed by macaroons and, of course, more schmoozing. For more volunteer opportunities in our community, please contact Susan Frisch Lehrer at (413) 442-4360, ext. 14.

Early Learning Scholarships available for K-Grade 4 Learn why BCD is voted Best Private School in the Berkshires. Check the BCD website and Facebook pages for summer happenings.

Now enrolling for Fall 2019 • 2-year olds through Grade 9 • Financial aid available Schedule a visit! 413-637-0755 berkshirecountryday.org Tammuz/Av/Elul 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 7 Your Federation Presents

“Presidents: Their Lives and Intergenerational: The Process of Aging Sports,” with Evan Weiner On Monday, August 5 aloneness; and engaging free and Monday September 9 will. at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Bittman will highlight how Federation of the Berkshires this is a lifelong process, and presents “Intergenerational: the ways people return to The Process of Aging” with these existential truths at each therapist Maggie Bittman. This stage of life with the added free program at Knesset Israel, wisdom that comes with aging. 16 Colt Road, in Pittsfield, Within this context, partici- is part of the Federation’s pants will discuss, share and Connecting With Community offer support, as they explore series. these existential truths. This program will provide an opportunity to be part of a IF YOU GO group dialogue, created and facilitated by Bittman, who Sponsor: Jewish Federation of will explain her outlook and the Berkshires / Connecting approach, emphasizing that With Community aging begins at birth. She will Venue: Knesset Israel discuss how all of us are con- Date & Time: Monday, August fronted with four existential 5 and Monday September 9 at truths as we age – the search 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch Therapist Maggie Bittman to find meaning and purpose; (see page 26). facing mortality; experiencing Gerald R. Ford played football for the University of Michigan 40 years before serving as president

On Monday, August 19 two Associated Press Awards Schindler’s List: Film Screening and Book at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish in 1978 and 1979. In the Federation of the Berkshires 1980s, he started his long Discussion (led by Hugh Black) welcomes radio journalist and association with Westwood newspaper columnist Evan One Radio. Evan was a con- The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Weiner for “Presidents: Their tributing columnist for several will host two programs related to the film Lives and Sports,” a look at newspapers throughout the Schindler’s List. how sports affected the lives US. He did a daily commen- On Monday, August 26, join us for and decision-making of vari- tary called “The Business of a screening of Steven Spielberg’s 1993 ous Chief Executives. This free Sports” for Westwood One film about the German industrialist who program at Knesset Israel, 16 Radio between 1999 and 2006. saved Jewish lives during World War II. On Colt Road, in Pittsfield, is part He has written six books about Thursday, September 5, educator Hugh of the Federation’s Connecting the business and politics of Black will lead a discussion of the film. With Community series. sports. This free program at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Says Evan Weiner: Evan also lectures at col- Road, in Pittsfield, is part of the Federation’s “Presidents, of course, impact leges and universities about Connecting With Community series. all areas of life including the business and politics of Schindler’s List was directed and co-pro- Oskar Schindler’s grave at Mount Zion Catholic sports. Theodore Roosevelt is sports, including the global- duced by Steven Spielberg and written Cemetery in Jerusalem credited with saving football. ization of North American by Steven Zaillian. Based on the novel William Howard Taft had a sports and how technology is Schindler’s Ark by Australian novelist Thomas Schindler’s List and the USC Shoah Foundation, bad morning at the office in changing sports. His book, The Keneally, the film follows Oskar Schindler, a The Making of Schindler’s List: Behind the 1910 as women demanded the Business and Politics of Sports Sudeten German businessman, who saved the Scenes of an Epic Film, and Schindler’s Legacy, right to vote, and he fled to has been critically acclaimed lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish- True Stories of the List Survivors. watch a baseball game which by academic journals and is Jewish refugees from the Holocaust by employ- Join us for this meaningful community would become the first ever used as part of a number of ing them in his factories during World War II. It discussion. Presidential opener. Roosevelt, sports business management stars Liam Neeson as Schindler, Ralph Fiennes Kennedy, and Johnson all had courses at schools throughout as SS officer Amon Göth, and Ben Kingsley as IF YOU GO sports impacts. Richard Nixon the United States. Schindler’s Jewish accountant, Itzhak Stern. opened up China because of The film will begin at 10:45 a.m., run until Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting With Community sports. Jimmy Carter used IF YOU GO noon, break for lunch and continue at 12:30 sports as leverage in dealing through to the end. Venue: Knesset Israel with the Soviet Union’s inva- Sponsor: Jewish Federation On September 5, Hugh Black will lead a dis- Date & Time: Monday, August 26 (film) and Thurs- sion of Afghanistan in 1979. of the Berkshires / Connecting cussion about the novel Schindler’s Ark, as well day, September 5 (talk), at 10:45 a.m., followed by And there are other times With Community as other books that were developed based upon lunch (see page 26). when presidential decisions Venue: Knesset Israel the film. They include Testimony: The Legacy of were made with a sports cal- Date & Time: Monday, August culus in mind.” 19 at 10:45 a.m., followed by A radio journalist from the lunch (see page 26). age of 15, Evan Weiner won Current Affairs: Contemporary American Join “Milton’s Gang” for a and International Politics On Thursday, August 22 Steven J. Rubin Passel of Short Plays at 10:45 a.m., join Professor is professor emeri- Steven J. Rubin for “Current tus of international On Thursday, August 29 Affairs: Contemporary studies and former at 10:45 a.m., director Milton American and International dean of the College of Lestz reassembles his “Milton’s Politics.” This course will meet Arts and Sciences at Gang” players for what is cer- to discuss and explore current Adelphi University, tain to be a dramatic morning issues that influence our lives Garden City, NY. of short play readings. This free and society at large. This free He is the author of program at Knesset Israel, 16 program at Knesset Israel, 16 numerous books Colt Road in Pittsfield is part Colt Road in Pittsfield is part and articles and frequently of the Jewish Federation of the of the Jewish Federation of the lectures both here and abroad Berkshires’ Connecting With Berkshires’ Connecting With on such topics as interna- Community series. Community series. tional anti-Semitism, Jewish IF YOU GO “Milton’s Gang” is com- Topics will be chosen by history, popular culture, and posed of Alyse and Paul Sponsor: Jewish Federation of Professor Rubin in consul- literature. His radio play “Dem Bernstein, Patricia Duckworth, the Berkshires / Connecting tation with the class and in Bums: The Rise and Demise With Community Laura and Tom Gardner, John view of the issue’s relevance. of the Brooklyn Dodgers” was Venue: Knesset Israel Grayzel, Karel Fisher, Peter Milton Lestz Members will be encouraged broadcast live on National Podol, and Nancy Vale. Date & Time: Thursday, August to participate in discussions Public Radio in December 22 at 10:45 a.m., followed by to express views and opinions 2017 and can be currently lunch (see page 26). IF YOU GO in a supportive and informal heard online. atmosphere. Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting With Community Venue: Knesset Israel Date & Time: Thursday, August 29 at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (see page 26). Page 8 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 29 to September 15, 2019

JEWISH EDUCATION IN THE BERKSHIRES 2019/20

The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires has a strong commit- This section offers an overview of local Jewish schools. ment to Jewish youth, helping to provide a high-quality Jewish Please note that owing to the BJV’s publishing schedule, some education for more than 145 children and young adults through key dates and events for local religious schools may not have been substantial grants to congregational religious schools across the finalized at press time. Berkshires. Please contact the congregations (contact information on Berkshire County is fortunate to have a diverse Jewish com- page 25) for complete details. munity that offers educational opportunities encompassing a wide range of approaches and family preferences. Congregation Beth Israel North Adams Knesset Israel Pittsfield The Knesset Israel Hebrew School, a part of this Conservative congregation’s Families Together program, welcomes students from preschool through 12th grade to dynamic classes where they learn Hebrew, Torah, Jewish studies, history, and culture. The school prides itself on its intimate classes and extraordinary faculty. In addition to teaching skills for meaningful Jewish living, the school also Purim fun at Congregation Beth Israel incorporates a ‘hidden curriculum’ helping students learn The Congregation Beth rabbi, chaplain, and blogger to value and prioritize their Israel Community Hebrew who works closely with stu- own involvement in Jewish School offers a vibrant after- dents as they move through community life. Students at KI’s Hebrew School school Jewish learning pro- the b’nai mitzvah experience. Judith Weiner is the direc- gram for pre-K through 7th Jane Shiyah is a school coun- tor of Knesset Israel Families their Hebrew learning, and as members, these programs grade. This Reform congre- selor, family coach, storyteller Together and administrator will use discussion of cur- are a great way for families to gation’s program supports and magician with 45 years of the Hebrew School, as well rent events to explore issues experience the Knesset Israel children’s Jewish development of working with children and as of family engagement and in modern Jewish history. community. Upcoming fall through song and prayer, their families. Ellery Shiller, a teen programming. These are All students at this age level events include: Family BBQ creative exploration, Jewish junior at Bennington College, both generously funded by the also participate in Junior at KI, September 2, 3-7 p.m.; literacy, Hebrew learning and is a playwright and artist who Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Congregation on a weekly Fall Gleaning, September 22; acts of caring. Located in the engages students in real-life Drawing on her many years basis. Wednesday after- Dinner in the Sukkah, October northern Berkshires, classes topics such as Jewish ethics, of teaching and Jewish camp noon classes use formal and 16. Please check the Knesset meet on Mondays from 3:30- belief in God, and the contem- experience, as well as her informal techniques to help Israel calendar (at https:// 5:15 p.m. Special family and porary emergence of non-bi- graduate-level study of educa- students learn to read Hebrew knessetisrael.org) or Facebook community programs are also nary Hebrew. tion at the Jewish Theological fluently. Local Judaica artists page for further details. held throughout the year. CBI offers special pro- Seminary, Judith brings cre- enrich the KI Hebrew School Registration for Knesset This year, CBI’s Com- gramming throughout the ativity, professionalism and program, which continues to Israel’s Hebrew School will munity Hebrew School begins year, including community passion to her leadership role. grow each year. take place during the sum- on Monday, September 9. picnics, field trips, concerts, Early Childhood and Bar/Bat Mitzvah: The mer months. Members and The education team is artists-in-residence, holiday Primary Grades: Children crown jewel of KI’s education non-members are welcome, headed by Rabbi Jarah celebrations, and more. preschool age and below are programs, the intensive bar/ and Hebrew School can be an Greenfield, a seasoned and To learn more about the invited to attend KI’s new bat mitzvah program engages excellent gateway to becoming passionate Jewish educator CBI Community Hebrew program, which will be offered students deeply in developing more involved in the com- who is in her second year at School and staff, please visit monthly starting in November. the skills and enthusiasm they munity. Interested families CBI as director of education. the website at www.cbihebrew- This exciting opportunity will will need for lifelong participa- are invited to contact Judith Students benefit from the school.weebly.com. Education incorporate music, games, tion and leadership in Jewish Weiner at (413) 445-4872 or presence of beloved teachers: Director Rabbi Jarah stories, and an introduction to religious life. Instruction [email protected]. Rabbi Rachel Barenblat, CBI’s Greenfield can be reached at the Jewish worship experi- includes chanting Torah and spiritual leader, is a poet, [email protected]. ence. Preschool and kinder- haftarah and leading of all garten students gather on Shabbat services. The program Shabbat mornings. An hour is complemented by a mitzvah class with a highly-qualified project and the preparation of teacher features song, move- a short sermon to be deliv- Hevreh of Southern Berkshire ment, and Shabbat-friendly ered to the congregation the Great Barrington crafts. Students in first and day of each student’s lifecycle second grades also meet on celebration. along the way. Rabbi Jodie Gordon, Shabbat mornings for a two High School: Students Parents and sib- Education Director: jgordon@ hour session, beginning their convene on Shabbat morn- lings are invited hevreh.org study of Hebrew, prayer, ing for a class with KI’s rabbi, to join us for Jodie Friedman, Program mitzvot, and Jewish holi- David Weiner. This year we our Opening Associate: jfriedman@hevreh. days. Afterwards classes join will study Jewish values using Day blessing org. together for Purposeful Play, a the Bible together with com- and celebration Go to hevreh.org/school to program that gives the young- mentary from Rashi. High at 11:45 a.m. in register! est pupils a chance to learn school students also have the sanctuary.” Tiny Talmidim creatively and experientially. the opportunity to serve as Religious On Sunday, September 22 A team of experienced primary teaching assistants in the School meets from 10-11:30 a.m., Tiny school educators is working Hebrew School, especially in weekly on Talmidim begins. It’s a together to infuse this program Junior Congregation, the bar/ Sunday morn- hands-on class that allows with best practices and joy. bat mitzvah program and ings for kinder- parents and their pre-school Elementary Grades: Purposeful Play. This year garten through aged children the opportunity Hevreh Religious School students enjoying a 7th grade to explore the Jewish calendar Grades 2-6 meet on Shabbat Knesset Israel will be pilot- break from their studies mornings and Wednesday ing new youth programming, from 10 a.m. together each month through afternoons. Over the course of incorporating the arts, social Religious School to 12:30 p.m. movement, music, cooking, their elementary school years, time, leadership development Hevreh, a Reform congrega- Hebrew Skills meets weekly and crafts related to Jewish students study stories from and opportunities for regional tion, looks forward to welcom- on Wednesdays from 4 holidays and Jewish values. the Torah, lifecycle, holidays, conventions. Participation of ing new and returning stu- to 5:30 p.m. for grades 3 Each month in Tiny Talmidim, and Jewish values. This year, members and non-members is dents in kindergarten through through 7. expect to learn something new, grades three and four will con- welcome. 7th grade to its Religious Hevreh welcomes interfaith make something new, taste, tinue their studies of Jewish Family Programming: School this fall on Sunday, families, GLBTQ families, new sing, and experience some- values, parsha, and growing Exciting programs for the September 15 at 10 a.m. members, first timers, neigh- thing new. If you have any their depth and breadth in whole family linking themes of “Together we’ll learn and bors, and friends to explore all questions please be in touch their knowledge of the Jewish the Jewish calendar with con- grow, play and cook, and sing the education programs have with Rabbi Gordon. holidays. Grades five and six temporary social issues take and create,” says Education to offer. Go to hevreh.org/school to will explore the texts from the place throughout the year. Director Rabbi Jodie Gordon, To schedule a one-on-one register! Mishna as they advance in Open to non-members as well “with a few special surprises appointment and tour, please contact: Tammuz/Av/Elul 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 9

JEWISH EDUCATION IN THE BERKSHIRES 2019/20 Temple Anshe Amunim Pittsfield “Join us for a new kind students and families. After do our learning beyond the of Religious School,” says Shabbat blessings and snacks, walls of the synagogue by get- Rabbi Liz Hirsch, who serves we continue with a program, ting outside, exploring local as both spiritual leader of activity, or field trip appro- Pittsfield cultural sites, vol- this Reform congregation priate for all ages. This year, unteering, being active (think and director of education for we’re celebrating the 150th skiing, hiking, and sports), a dynamic and innovative anniversary of Temple Anshe and using social media to tell learning environment. The Amunim. Each week, we’ll do our Jewish stories.” cutting-edge, one-day-a-week, something new!” Communal. “We bring experiential program is open Hebrew education is inte- together elementary, mid- to students of all grades, grated into the Shabbat morn- dle, and high school students K-12, meeting on Saturday ing program, with additional to learn and grow together. mornings at Temple Anshe tutoring and support avail- We forge inter-generational Amunim. able to bar and bat mitzvah relationships between our TAA’s Shabbat Religious students and others on an students and congregants of School begins on Saturday, as-needed basis. From time all ages. Teens are always wel- September 14 at 10:30 a.m., to time, students meet on a come to attend, as our oldest coinciding with Shabbat Friday evening for a Shabbat students are role models for Rabbi Liz Hirsch (left) leads the religious school program at Temple morning services. “Our brief, evening service, dinner, and our youngest. When appropri- Anshe Amunim fun, musical service is open to family education experience. ate, we’ll break into smaller all ages,” says Rabbi Hirsch. If they meet on a Friday, they groups based on age.” “We don’t have a bar or bat won’t usually meet on that Flexible. “We take atten- flexible options with your fam- To learn more or register, mitzvah service attendance Saturday morning. dance to ensure health and ily. We tailor our program to visit ansheamunim.org, email requirement, because com- According to Rabbi Hirsch, safety, not to reward or guilt you and your children.” templeoffice@ansheamunim. ing to services is one of the Religious School at TAA is…. those who do or do not attend. Fun. “We have fun org, or call at (413) 442-5910. best parts of the week for our Experiential. “We often We are happy to discuss our together!”

LOCAL NEWS Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ 2019 Annual Campaign The B’shalom Chorale of the Berkshires Returns! GOAL $855,000

GREAT BARRINGTON – The B’Shalom 400 480 Chorale of the Berkshires will pres- 320 560 ent a concert of Jewish choral music 240 640 160 at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 14 at 720 Hevreh of Southern Berkshire. This is the sixth season concert for 80 855 this summer chorus of singers who enjoy exploring the great wealth of DOING YOUR ANNUAL Jewish music, sacred and secular, as EXTRAORDINARY CAMPAIGN well as classical and contemporary. IMPACT The B’Shalom Chorale is conducted THINGS IS REAL 2019 by Jack Brown, who is also the artistic director of the Berkshire Lyric Chorus and the choral director at Simon’s Admission to the concert is $15. All Rock College and the Hotchkiss School. are welcome. The accompanist is Joe Rose, also For more information call (413) of Berkshire Lyric and a well-known 418-1836, or email BShalomChorale@ musician in the region. The music for gmail.com. Hevreh is located at 270 this concert will include various styles, State Road in Great Barrington. genres and cultures, for example, Sephardic, Yiddish, Israeli, and others. The Maimonides Society of the Berkshires presents

The Secret Deal To End The The Opioid Crisis In The Berkshires

Holocaust Sunday, August 18 PITTSFIELD – On Sunday, August 18 Reich, about the Nazi collaboration of at 6:30 p.m., Chabad of the Berkshires two American icons; and Muhammad 9:30 am hosts Holocaust historian Max Wallace, Ali’s Greatest Fight: Cassius Clay vs. Lenox Town Hall who will talk about his new non-fiction the United States of America, about book, In the Name of Humanity: The Ali’s battle against the US government 6 Walker Street Lenox, MA Secret Deal to End the Holocaust. over the Vietnam War, for which Ali The book details an audacious wrote the foreword. In 2013, the book scheme by a rescue committee of Swiss was adapted into a Hollywood film A panel discussion and Q&A with special guests: ultra-Orthodox Jews led by a remark- directed by Oscar-nominated film- able woman named Recha Sterbuch. maker Stephen Frears. Wallace has Jennifer Michaels, MD Wallace, a New York Times bestsell- been a guest columnist for the Sunday Medical Director, Brien Center and Assistant Professor of ing author who worked for Steven New York Times, and has also contrib- Spielberg’s Shoah Foundation, will uted to the BBC. Psychiatry at UMASS Medical School reveal newly discovered archival doc- Please RSVP to jewishberkshires. uments proving that the Committee com and/or call (413) 499-9899. Andrea Harrington, JD deceived SS chief Heinrich Himmler Suggested donation is $18. into destroying the gas chambers at District Attorney, Berkshire County, MA Auschwitz-Birkenau and terminating A Review Of The Liberators – the Final Solution in November 1944, Eyewitness Accounts of the Open to the Public a full six months before the end of the Liberation of the Concentration war, thus saving tens of thousands of Camps Jews. This live activity will receive a maximum of two hours of AMA PRA Stuart D. Feigenblatt is a former The Canadian Jewish News Category 1 Credit through the Joint Providership of Berkshire Health Systems research scholar on the Holocaust described his book as “an impressive and will be addressing the community and the Maimonides Society piece of historical scholarship and a on Tisha B’Av, Sunday, August 11 at very compelling chapter of Holocaust Couvert $15 11 a.m., at Chabad of the Berkshires. history.” The book was recently awarded Bagels and spread will be served Stuart will share his extensive research the 2018 Canadian Jewish Literary on eyewitness accounts of the libera- RSVP BY AUG 14 Award for Holocaust History. tion of the concentration camps. Max Wallace is a journalist, film- (413) 442-4360, ext. 10 There is no cost, but an RSVP is maker and Holocaust historian. [email protected] required. Wallace’s previous books include The Chabad of the Berkshires is located American Axis: Henry Ford, Charles NO SOLICITATION OF FUNDS at 450 South Street in Pittsfield. Lindbergh and the Rise of the Third

Page 10 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 29 to September 15, 2019 LOCAL NEWS Deborah Lipstadt to Speak at 52nd Annual Feigenbaum Memorial Foundation Lecture PITTSFIELD – The 52nd Temple Anshe Amunim in commemoration of the States Holocaust Memorial Annual Hilda Vallin Feigenbaum Lecture 50th anniversary of Adolf Museum, and helped design Feigenbaum Memorial Endowment, is free and open Eichmann’s trial, was “a pen- the section of the Museum Foundation Lecture will be to the public. etrating and authoritative dedicated to the American held on Sunday, August 25 Dr. Lipstadt has pub- dissection of a landmark case Response to the Holocaust. at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Anshe lished and taught about the and its after effects.” On April 11, 2011, the 50th Amunim, 26 Broad Street in Holocaust and the effects of Her 2005 book History on anniversary of the start of the Pittsfield. The speaker will hatred for almost 40 years. Trial: My Day in Court with a Eichmann Trial, Dr. Lipstadt be Deborah Lipstadt, a Dorot Her most recent book, pub- Holocaust Denier is the story gave a public address at the Professor of Modern Jewish lished in 2019, Antisemitism: of her libel trial in London State Department on the and Holocaust Studies at Here and Now, is an inquiry against David Irving who impact of the trial. Emory University in Atlanta into contemporary manifes- sued her for calling him a Dr. Lipstadt is often called and a historical consultant to tations of anti-Semitism. Her Holocaust denier and right- upon by the media to com- the United States Holocaust previous book, Holocaust: wing extremist. The film ment on a variety of top- Deborah Lipstadt Memorial Museum. An American Understanding, Denial, starring Rachel Weisz, ics. She has spoken at the The topic will be “Assault explores how America has Tom Wilkinson, and Timothy Chautauqua Institute and memory), who established on Truth and Memory: processed and interpreted the Spall, was based on the book. appeared on Good Morning the Hilda Vallin Feigenbaum Lessons from History.” The Holocaust since 1945. The Dr. Lipstadt was an histor- America, NPR’s Fresh Air, Lecture Series in perpetuity lecture, sponsored by the Eichmann Trial, published ical consultant to the United and the BBC. She is also a as a living memorial to their frequent contributor to and is mother’s spirit.” widely quoted in newspapers The Hilda Vallin and journals including the Feigenbaum Memorial Washington Post and The New Foundation continues to York Times. enhance the spiritual and She has held, and currently intellectual life of Temple holds, a Presidential appoint- Anshe Amunim and the larger ment to the United States community. The Foundation Holocaust Memorial Council has sponsored lectures by (from Presidents Clinton and leaders in American govern- Obama) and was asked by ment, literature, theology, President George W. Bush to and journalism including represent the White House at such personalities as Julian the 60th anniversary of the Bond, Representative Barney liberation of Auschwitz. At Frank, Isaac Bashevis Singer, the US Holocaust Museum Bernard Kalb, Ambassadors Lipstadt chairs the Committee Daniel Kurtzer and Martin on Antisemitism and State Indyk, Steven Emerson, Mara Sponsored Holocaust Denial. Liasson, Howard Dean, Bret About the Hilda Vallin Stephens and David Gergen. Refreshments will be served Feigenbaum Lecture Series after the lecture. Andy Hochberg, lecture Seating will be limited committee co-chairman, notes and early arrival is recom- that “This is the 52nd year of mended. The doors may the Hilda Vallin Feigenbaum close before the lecture Memorial Foundation Lecture begins. series and it presents an For more information, opportunity to emphasize the please call the Temple office: civic and spiritual legacy of (413) 442-5910 or visit the this outstanding woman. The website at www.ansheamu- series would not be possible nim.org. Temple Anshe without her sons Dr. Armand Amunim is an accessible Feigenbaum and Dr. Donald building. Feigenbaum (both of blessed Shirei Shabbat at Knesset Israel with Dr. Leon Chameides PITTSFIELD – On September 20, Knesset Israel presents its monthly family-friendly Kabbalat Shabbat service featuring gifted musicians and musical arrangements leading the interactive prayers. Shabbat dinner cooked by enthusiastic volunteers will follow. After dessert, Dr. Leon Chameides will speak. In addition to many medical publications, Dr. Chameides has published two books, Strangers in Many Lands, which traces his family history and his own experiences during and after the Shoah in Poland and England, and On the Edge of the Abyss, a translation of his father’s essays written between 1932 and 1936 as rabbi in Katowice, Poland. He will give a reading and analysis of one of these essays, “A Seder in Bnei Brak,” after dinner. Dr. Chameides will discuss the Sanhedrin, events surrounding the fall of Jerusalem to the Romans, and some of the rabbis of the Mishna, as well as the events of 1933, the year his father wrote the essay, which provided the seed for the unique interpre- tation of the well-known Haggadah story. Dr. Leon Chameides is Emeritus Director of Pediatric Cardiology at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Connecticut’s School of Medicine. He is a graduate of Yeshiva College and the Teacher’s Institute of Yeshiva University, as well as the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He received his medical education at the University of Rochester and Boston Children’s Hospital. Since coming to Hartford in 1967, he has been active in its Jewish community and has delivered numerous lectures on Jewish history, the Shoah, and a variety of Biblical topics. The service begins at 5:30 p.m. Dinner reservations ($20 adults, $15 teens, free for children) may be called in, mailed, or brought directly to the synagogue office by Tuesday, September 17, to ensure sufficient seating and plentiful serving platters for all attending. Call (413) 445-4872, ext. 10, for more information. Tammuz/Av/Elul 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 11 LOCAL NEWS Jews, Israel, and the United Nations – Good Health…120!!! Behind the Scenes and New Perspectives Berkshire Hills Hadassah Annual Donor Dinner LENOX – On Saturday, August governments. 24 at noon, Chabad of the He has also served as a PITTSFIELD – On Tuesday, beneficial to one’s health. Both Berkshires will host Dr. Efraim Global Fellow at New York August 27, Berkshire Hills bring joy, provide a sense Chalamish, an international University, exploring global Hadassah will hold their of purpose, counteract the economic law professor, advi- governance of corporations Annual Donor Dinner. This effects of stress and anxiety, sor, and commentator whose and multilateral institutions, year the event will be dealing and contribute to a longer life. topic will be “Jews, Israel, the intersection of business with the power of laughter, This year’s honor- and the United Nations – and national security, energy volunteering, and donating. ees are three very special Behind the Scenes and New and sovereign wealth funds’ The featured speaker this women: Beth Abramson, Perspectives.” economics and policy, inter- year will be Hilary B. Price, a Beth Radsken, and Phoebe This talk will be held fol- national investment arbitra- cartoonist and educator. Since Sugarman. Between them they lowing Shabbat services at the tion, and global governance 1995, Hilary has been writing have 120 years of volunteering Lenox Community Center (65 and financial regulation. He her award-winning newspa- and donating to Hadassah! Walker Street), Chabad’s sum- has advised the Israeli gov- per comic strip, “Rhymes with Berkshire Hills Hadassah mer home. Services begin at ernment and Israel’s Prime Orange.” Watch her create a invites everyone to an evening 9:30 a.m. Minister’s Office on related comic strip and be prepared to of good food, laughter, and Dr. Chalamish has had an matters, such as the oil Dr. Efraim Chalamish laugh. sharing in the joy of being international legal practice in and natural gas industry in Security, and has contributed Laughter releases endor- donors! New York, Paris, and Israel, Israel. His articles have been to the Huffington Post, Project phins in our brain, reducing This event will take place at and has performed research published in leading journals Syndicate, The Gulf Times, the level of stress in the body the Country Club of Pittsfield, and analysis of public and and magazines in the Unites Jerusalem Post, The Marker, and strengthening the immune 639 South Street, Pittsfield, at private international eco- States and Europe, such Haaretz, and Jewish Week. system. It has been proven 6 p.m. nomic law. His work included as the European Journal of For more information: that laughter can reduce neg- Please contact chapter both international arbitration International Law. Jewishberkshires.com and/or ativity, emotional stress, and president, Ros Kopfstein, at disputes and cross-border He is the founder and pres- call (413) 499-9899. physical discomfort. [email protected] transactions for multina- ident of the Global Center for It’s also true that volun- for more information. tional clients and sovereign Economic Development and teering and donating are JTS in the Berkshires The Game of Life – And Lecture Series Continues to Death GREAT BARRINGTON – On Tuesday, August 6 at 9:30 a.m., Lenox Hevreh is sponsoring two opportunities to play “Hello,” a game designed to open doors of exploration and help identify what is LENOX – This summer’s JTS in the Berkshires series continues most important to you. at the Bernstein Theater at Shakespeare & Company, on Friday, “Hello” is a conversation game about living and dying and August 9, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with admission reduced to what matters most. $15 per session. Organizers say that you will laugh, cry, and discover new Register at www.jtsa.edu/Berkshires or buy tickets at the things about yourself and the people you care about. Plus, they’ll door. Presented in cooperation with the Jewish Federation of the be serving a light breakfast of danishes. Berkshires, Knesset Israel, and the Jewish Theological Seminary, Please RSVP in advance, although walk-ins are welcome. Call as well as by a grant from the Herald Institute for Jewish Studies Hevreh at (413) 528-6378 to let Hevreh know you’ll be there. of JTS. “Matchmaking and Midrash: A Hebrew Comedy from The Time Of Shakespeare” Dr. Stefanie Siegmund, Women’s League Chair in Jewish Gender and Women’s Studies will introduce you to The Comedy of Betrothal, the oldest Hebrew play in existence, and its creator Leone de’Sommi, an Italian Jew from Mantua. Written in the 16th century in the style of an Italian Renaissance comedy, the play will surprise with its provocative themes and creative weaving of biblical and Talmudic texts with a plot rem- iniscent of Shakespeare’s marriage comedies. Helping Dr. Seigmund will be two talented Knesset Israel members, Amy Brentano and Steve Rosenthal, who will deliver dramatic readings of key scenes that will encourage interactive discussion. Tanglewood with Hevreh LENOX – On Friday, August 2 at 7 p.m., Hevreh’s second Tanglewood Shabbat of the summer – open to all – will lift Shabbat in song at the Berkshires’ premier music venue. Look for the blue and white balloons in the middle of the lawn to set up your picnic dinner, and bring a dessert to share. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and Hevreh will gather for Kabbalat Shabbat at the back of the lawn at approximately 7 p.m. The show for this evening is the Boston Symphony Orchestra with Ken-David Masur conducting Martinů and Dvořák featuring violinist Joshua Bell. Call the Tanglewood box office to purchase lawn tickets at (888) 266-1200. Services will not be held at Hevreh this evening. Tanglewood is at 297 West Street in Lenox. Page 12 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 29 to September 15, 2019 LOCAL NEWS Berkshire Jewish Musicians Collective Makes A Surprise Tribute to Philanthropist Harold Grinspoon

The Berkshire Jewish Musicians Collective made a surprise appearance at the 2019 Life and Legacy Gathering at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel on May 19. While the event, sponsored by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, was aimed at building skills, sharing best practices, and providing networking opportunities for the participants Harold Grinspoon (center) with The Berkshire Jewish Musicians in order to continue to create Collective, (from left) Paul Green, Sherri James Buxton, Colin sustainable legacy giving pro- Ovitsky, Matt Mozian, Colby Lederman, and Jonathan Denmark grams in their local communities, national director Arlene Collective was formed in be considered “Jewish music,” Schiff extended an invite to December 2017, originally to and to share all of this music perform as part of a January with the wider community. He the Collective. Harold Grinspoon dancing with his wife, Diane Troderman Says Schiff, “Harold will be 2018 event in Pittsfield notes the powerful univer- 90 this July and so, in honor called “Songs & Sounds of sality of the themes of peace, of this important occasion, Seneca Lake, but this sum- About the Berkshire Jewish Solidarity.” This interfaith solidarity, brother/sisterhood, I invited the members of the mer he is helping me to go to Musicians Collective community concert, was freedom, and protest against Berkshire Jewish Musicians Israel. I’m thrilled to be able to attended by over 400 people oppression, all of which are The Collective’s musi- Collective to celebrate this bring a little smile to him on and focused on social justice so prevalent in Jewish music, cians are members of both milestone in Harold’s life and his birthday,” added percus- and building solidarity among from ancient liturgical texts Knesset Israel in Pittsfield and the fact that we have all jour- sionist Colby Lederman. people of different faith back- to klezmer to contemporary Hevreh of Southern Berkshire neyed here from near and far The ten-song setlist ranged grounds, the immigrant com- selections. in Great Barrington. With to connect with others engaged from classics such as “Hine munity, people of color and While the original inspira- vocals provided by Sherri in the important work of leg- Ma Tov” and “Oseh Shalom” to under-resourced populations. tion for the formation of the James Buxton and guitarist acy giving. Tonight’s group the k lezmer favorite, “Odessa Their initial four-song set Collective was a socio-polit- Jonathan Denmark, the group features the original lineup of Bulgarisch.” But when the was enthusiastically received ical one, the multi-genera- also consists of pianist and the Collective, all friends of Collective launched into and generated performance tional group also just enjoys guitarist Matt Mozian and Paul mine, and all who have been the concluding trio of “Yom requests from a diverse array playing together. “For me, the Green on clarinet. The rhythm touched, in some way, by Huledet Sameach,” “I Want of community groups. Since best part about being in the section is rounded out by Harold’s philanthropy.” You Back,” and “Hava Nagila,” then, multiple iterations of group is the chance to explore percussionist Colby Lederman “I was honored to be asked the audience broke into a the group, with members Jewish music with people who and bassist Colin Ovitsky. to play at Harold’s celebration. rousing hora in celebration of from three different Berkshire are so musically and emotion- According to Ovitsky, The He has not only supported me Harold Grinspoon’s birthday. County congregations, have ally committed to it. I think Berkshire Jewish Musicians in my many years at Camp performed at a variety of the spirit of the group is really events, including a fundraiser thrilling for me,” remarked for local young women of color Green. Vocalist Buxton echoes to spend their spring break on this sentiment. “Singing with a service learning trip to South this group is wonderful. They Africa, and a community-wide are all great musicians and interfaith vigil following the terrific people, but the spark Tree of Life synagogue attack. between us when we make Ovitsky describes the musi- music together is magical.” cal inspirations for the group As the youngest member as manifold, as are the many of the Collective, Lederman roots and branches of Jewish noted, “It’s great for me as music. Part of the Collective’s a learning musician to work goal is to demonstrate the with people who have been breadth and depth of what can playing their entire lives.”

A Tanglewood Havdallah with TAA LENOX – Join Temple Anshe Amunim for a Havdallah service at Tanglewood on Saturday, August 3 at 7 p.m. followed by the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Asher Fisch conducting Schumann, Dorman, Beethoven and Mendelssohn, with violinist Pinchas Zukerman and cellist Amanda Forsyth. All are warmly invited to attend this beautiful and engaging evening with the Temple Anshe Amunim community! Bring your picnic and look for people with blue-and-white balloons gathered on the lawn near the Visitor’s Center. The service is held overlooking Stockbridge Bowl before the evening’s performance. Feel free to bring a dessert to share! Knesset Israel Tickets can be purchased by con- 16 Colt Road tacting the BSO at www.bso.org or by Pittsfield calling (413) 637-1666. For more information about the ONGOING MINYANS event, contact the Temple Anshe Amunim office at (413) 442-5910, email Sunday 8:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. [email protected] or visit Tuesday 7 p.m. www.ansheamunim.org. Friday 7 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. Saturday 9:30 a.m. and evenings approximately 30 minutes before sunset

CANDLE-LIGHTING Friday, August 2...... 7:57 p.m. Friday, August 9...... 7:48 p.m. Friday, August 16...... 7: 38 p.m. Friday, August 23...... 7:28 p.m. Friday, August 30...... 7:12 p.m. Friday, September 6...... 7:04 p.m. Friday, September 13...... 6:52 p.m. Tammuz/Av/Elul 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 13

Jewish Women's Foundation Brunch On June 21, more than 100 women gathered to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Jewish Women’s Foundation and honor its founder, Jane Glaser

Jane Glaser

Jewish Bluegrass Sensations NEFESH MOUNTAIN “BLUEGRASS AND JEWISH MUSIC MEET AND FALL IN LOVE”

-BLUEGRASS TODAY-

SUN AUG 4  7:30 PM  DUFFIN THEATER, LENOX High School

General Admission $25, Under 30, $20, kids under 10 free Tickets at jewishberkshires.org or (413) 442-4360, ext 10 Funded in part by a grant from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation To benefit the ADL World of Difference Program in Berkshire County Schools

Page 14 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 29 to September 15, 2019

The Jewish Federation is all of us – the members of our Jewish community – working together to repair the world, and keep Jewish life strong and thriving in the Berkshires, in Israel and around the world.

Please answer the call of our community and give

generously to the 2019 Campaign – Thank You!

It all adds up. You make the difference. 1

$1,000 $54 Jewish overnight Three kosher Camp Scholarship meals for a for a local child Your gift to the homebound senior in the Berkshires Jewish Federation touches lives across the Berkshires and $100 Jewish day across the globe- Camp Scholarship for a local child for a week helping vulnerable people, responding to crises, inspiring Jewish life and learning and assuring our collective $150 $40 1 hour of case An educational lecture Jewish Future management from the in our Connecting with Federation social worker Community program

series

Your acts of caring join with thousands $350 1 year of tuition subsidy for of others. a student in a Berkshire county religious school

$36 Textbooks and school supplies for a student in Eastern Europe

$40 12 Jewish content books for a local child in PJ Library

Your generosity extends comfort, care, and connection to those $36 Blankets and heating fuel who need it most. for a Holocaust survivor in the Ukraine

Tammuz/Av/Elul 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 15

Thank You, Major Donors! Our Major Donors Breakfast at Country Club of Pittsfield on July 14 was Superintendents Roundtable) and Robert Trestan, executive director of the an inspiring morning that brought together 200 of our key supporters to cele- Anti-Defamation League’s New England office, talked about the impact our brate the impact Federation has on the lives of others, as well as its advocacy partnership with the ADL’s WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute peer train- in local high schools. Honorary co-chairs were David and Lorna Strassler. ing is having on educating young people in the local middle and high schools Super Sunday co-chairs Larry Frankel and Elisa Schindler-Frankel spoke throughout the Berkshires about bias behaviors. about why they give to Federation. “I believe that tzedakah, in whatever form Domenica Gomez, a recent graduate of Lenox Memorial High School, it takes, creates a sacred space between the giver and the receiver,” said shared how her experiences as a participant in the program taught leader- Larry. “It is in that space between that the real work of repairing our world ship skills that will make her an effective advocate for fairness and tolerance happens. Today as we consider our support of the Federation, we will create a among her peers. sacred space between our community and ourselves.” Thank you again, major donors and David and Lorna Strassler, for all you Federation Executive Director Dara Kaufman, Jason McCandless (superin- do! Your generosity lifts our entire community and transforms the lives of tendent of the Pittsfield Public Schools and president of the Berkshire County individuals across the Berkshires and around the world. Page 16 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 29 to September 15, 2019

Family Fun at High Lawn Farm By Susan Frisch Lehrer, Coordinator of Volunteers and PJ Library

PJ Library families had the best morning at High Lawn Farm in Lee on June 21. It rained a little, but that didn't stop us. We saw baby calves – some born yesterday! There were moms ready to deliver – cows sleeping on waterbeds! We learned about caring for animals – tz'ar ba'alei chayim – and read a PJ Library book, The Littlest Pair. And, while Shavuot was earlier in the month we talked about the holiday and why we eat dairy products – all while enjoying delicious chocolate milk produced at the farm! Thank you High Lawn Farm, Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, Jewish Women's Foundation of Berkshire County, and the The Spitz-Tuchman Fund for our PJ Library programs.

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Brian P. Astorino, CRPC® Michael B. DuPont Michael A. Fazio, CFP® LPL Financial Advisor LPL Financial Advisor Senior Vice President Securities offered through LPL Financial, (413) 236-4837 (413) 236-4130 LPL Financial Advisor Member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products offered 660 Merrill Road 250 Stockbridge Road (413) 236-4835 through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. Pittsfield, MA 01201 Great Barrington, MA 01201 150 West Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 Tammuz/Av/Elul 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 17 Federation Annual Meeting Celebrates Youth Outreach with Our Partners in the US and Abroad On the evening of June 18, more than 175 community members attended the This year’s recipients are: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ 79th annual meeting at The Mount in Lenox. Liat Friedman Opening the meeting with a d’var Torah was Rabbi Neil P.G. Hirsch. Secretary of the National Honor Society and a representative on the Northeast Judy Usow, who will conclude her term as Federation president in 2020, regional board of North American Federation, Liat will be attending Simmons shared a recap of Federation’s accomplishments over the past year, and rec- University this fall to pursue the study of psychology. She hopes to join Hillel to ognized those who have stepped up to assume leadership positions on the further her Jewish journey and help others in college understand the culture and Federation’s executive board and board of directors. Joining the Federation’s community of Judaism. board of directors for their first 3-year terms were Elisa Schindler-Frankel, Sandy Jacob Munch Rubin, Michael Wasserman, and Stuart Masters. President of the Hevreh of Temple Youth, also known as HOTY, and trea- At the meeting, the Federation installed Kathy Fraker to its executive board surer of the National Honor Society, Jacob shares his love of Judaism and Jewish as vice president. Continuing their service are Gail Orenstein as vice-president, community with young students as a “Madrich” or young teacher in the religious Jennifer Sacon as secretary, Michael Ury as treasurer, and Amy Lindner-Lesser school program at Hevreh. He credits his participation in NYFTY New England as immediate past president. Elected to serve an additional two-year term in his with helping him become more open minded and learning how to have deeper and current position was Joshua Bloom as vice-president. more thoughtful conversations around Judaism. Jacob will attend either UMASS Amherst or Temple University this fall, and he would like to pursue a degree in Community Engagement sports management. Executive Director Dara Kaufman took the podium to describe another year of community service and achievement for our Federation. “With your loyal support, “Youth Impact 2019: Russia, Israel, and USA” our 2018 campaign raised over $885,000, our highest level ever,” she said, “This This year, we welcomed representatives of two of our major partners in engag- funding has allowed us to increase programming, utilize more community based ing youth in the Jewish world. venues, expand opportunities for our young people, and increase our support Misha Libkin, director of ORT Russia, shared his personal story of how his of humanitarian and social service programs for the most fragile Jews in need education in ORT schools changed the direction of his life, and how the dollars around the world.” contributed by our donors are making a difference in the lives of young Jews in Russia today. Star Students Freda Baram, delegation director (Northeast Region) for The Jewish Agency for Judith Cook, the Federation’s scholarship chair, introduced the recipients of Israel (JAFI), shared stories about her family’s aliyah from Turkey in the 1980s, the Henry Simkin and Frances Simkin Schiller and Dr. Stanley and Faye Simkin and how she built a career as an emissary in Canada and the United States for Scholarship, given to Jewish high school seniors who have demonstrated high several Jewish non-profits. academic achievement and leadership in the Jewish and broader communities.

Freda Baram (JAFI) and Misha Libkin (ORT Russia)

Liat Friedman with Judith Cook Page 18 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 29 to September 15, 2019 LOCAL NEWS Summer Learning Opportunities at Hevreh Lunch and Learn this GREAT BARRINGTON – This The Commission, headed by Summer with Temple Anshe summer, Hevreh of Southern former Supreme Court Justice Berkshire taps its members’ Arthur Goldberg, broke up expertise for two interesting for a time in an internal clash Amunim talks. over criticism of former Jewish PITTSFIELD – This summer, leaders.” Temple Anshe Amunim hosts Perspectives on US Jewry Schweitzer will provide “Lunch and Learn” sessions. and the Holocaust some background on the Guests are invited to bring On Thursday, August 1 at controversy and then pose their own lunch; beverages 4 p.m., join Stu Schweitzer questions for attendees to and dessert will be pro- for a talk that examines the discuss. Stu is a docent vided. Admission is free for actions of the Jewish com- at the Holocaust Museum Temple members and $5 for munity in the United States and Education Center of not-yet-members. during the Holocaust. Writes SW Florida, and has been Schweitzer: “American Jews a speaker at Hevreh on The Old is New and the New and the past leadership of Holocaust issues in recent is Holy: Preparing for the the U.S. Jewish commu- summers. Stu Schweitzer High Holy Days nity have come under fire in On Wednesdays, August 7, An Early Look at the 2020 can tell us about the race recent decades for failing to 14, and 21 at 11:30 a.m., Race for President moving forward. do all they could on behalf of prepare for the High Holy Kirsch is a decades-long European Jewry during the On Thursday, August 8 at Days with Rabbi Liz Hirsch. Hevreh member who has Holocaust. What could and 4 p.m., Richard Kirsch will This year, TAA will begin using Dr. Barbara Viniar helped us analyze the 2016 should they have done? This explain the key dynamics that Mishkan Hanefesh, the Reform presidential election and the topic is fraught with peril, may play out in the primary movement’s new High Holy led by Dr. Barbara Viniar. 2018 midterms. He brings a as the luminaries on the US race for president in 2020 and Day prayer book. The new Dr. Lipstadt will be this year’s lifetime of work in progressive Jewish Commission on the the dynamics in 2019 that book will serve as the guide speaker at the annual Hilda political organizing at the state Holocaust discovered to their are driving the race. He’ll step for the spiritual journey into Vallin Feigenbaum Lecture on and national level. dismay in the early 1980s. back to look at what history 5780. August 25 (see story on page 10). The discussion will enable The Rosenberg Case: An participants to explore the Theatrical Exploration of Two Episodes of Illustrated Lecture issues Lipstadt will discuss On Tuesday, August 6 at and formulate questions they Anti-Semitism in French History 11:30 a.m., Temple Anshe may want to ask. Amunim will host an illus- Dr. Barbara Viniar, for- PITTSFIELD – On Sunday, belong to the Church. The Hudson-based play develop- mer President of Berkshire September 15, at 2 p.m. ensuing struggle pitted the ment group Plays in Progress. trated lecture by Jesse Waldinger about Julius and Community College, recently Temple Anshe Amunim, in French judicial system against Restoration: Anti-Semitism attended the Religious Action conjunction with Knesset the Catholic establishment, in France will be directed Ethel Rosenberg, who on June 19, 1953, having been con- Center of Reform Judaism’s Israel, will present Restoration: with Pope Pius XII himself by Dr. Barbara Waldinger, “Consultation on Conscience” Anti-Semitism in France, a dou- exerting influence. The play a director and professor of victed of conspiracy to commit espionage, were strapped into conference and came away ble bill by Jesse Waldinger, a depicts the confrontation Theatre who presently an OLLI with a renewed understanding playwright who specializes in between the woman, the boys’ instructor and co-founder the electric chair and electro- cuted. Their execution was of the centrality of anti-Sem- historical dramas. uncle and aunt, and a con- of OLLI’s Performing Arts itism to the contemporary The first play, The flicted Cardinal. Initiative. For the past two and still is controversial: to some the Rosenbergs were surge of racial violence here Esterhazy Draft, depicts a piv- The professional actors per- decades she has served and worldwide. She is eager otal moment in the infamous forming in the staged readings as artistic director of HRC traitors and to others martyrs. Were they guilty of spying for to join with others in using Dreyfus Affair, when Colonel are Andrew Joffe, Carla Lewis, Showcase Theatre, an Equity- Lipstadt’s scholarship to better Georges Picquart brings to Annette Miller, and James approved company that per- the Soviet Union? Did they deserve the death penalty? understand what is needed for the attention of his superiors Occhino. At the discussion forms staged readings of new action. that the Jewish soldier Alfred following the reading, there plays in Hudson, New York. Book Discussion – The Temple, located at Dreyfus was wrongfully con- will be two very special guests: She is also a theatre critic 26 Broad Street, Pittsfield, is victed of treason. Instructed Suzanne Vromen, Professor for the online publication Antisemitism Here and Now, by Deborah Lipstadt an accessible building. For not to make waves, Picquart Emerita of Sociology at Bard Berkshire on Stage. more information, contact the experiences a crisis of con- College and founder of their The production, jointly On Monday, July 29 at Temple Anshe Amunim office science. Even before the entry Women’s Studies program, sponsored by Temple Anshe 12:30 p.m. Temple Anshe at (413) 442-5910, email tem- of the famous novelist Emile who was herself protected Amunim and Knesset Israel, Amunim will host a discus- [email protected] or Zola into the fray, this less- by Belgian nuns during the will be staged at Temple Anshe sion of Antisemitism Here and visit www.ansheanumim.org. known military officer stands Nazi regime; and Joyce Block Amunim, 26 Broad Street, Now, by Deborah Lipstadt, in a position to blow a whistle, Lazarus, the author of In the Pittsfield. Refreshments will be if he so chooses – but at huge Shadow of Vichy: The Finaly served. personal cost. Affair, which was a resource For reservations or for The Finaly Affair, originally for Waldinger when research- more information, contact the seen at Temple Anshe Amunim ing the story. Temple Anshe Amunim office as part of a Kristallnacht pro- Jesse Waldinger, a retired at (413) 442-5910, email tem- gram in 2014, tells the true attorney, is the author of [email protected] or story of two young brothers numerous plays. His interac- visit www.ansheamunim.org. who were successfully hidden tive Biblical drama The Trial of You may also contact Knesset from the Nazis by a Catholic Aaron enjoyed two readings at Israel’s Myrna Hammerling woman. After the war, having Temple Anshe Amunim, most at (413) 445-4872, ext. 16 or baptized the boys, the woman recently in 2016. A collection mhammerling@knessetisrael. refused to return them to their of four of his short historical org. surviving Jewish relatives. pieces was mounted under the Donation is $20. Admission Under canon law, once bap- rubric Created Equal at TAA in for students is free. tized, the children irrevocably 2017. He is co-director of the

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OBITUARIES

George H. Sorter, 91, one Key, FL, the Board of the American Dental Association, and very concerned about the and individual counseling. of the most-favored busi- Pierian Spring Academy for the Massachusetts and number of families suffering She loved literature, ballet ness school professors Senior Learning, and a math Berkshire District Dental from food insecurity in the and music, film and theatre, NEW YORK, NY – George H. tutor at Booker Middle School Societies, the Vermont State community. Not one to let Tanglewood and Saratoga and Sorter, 91, died Thursday, May in Sarasota. After his retire- Dental Society, and a mem- a problem go unaddressed, was an avid world traveler 23 at his home in New York ment he lived for portions of ber of the honorary Omicron Mel launched a series of ‘food with William and their friends. City. the year in Sarasota, Chevy Kappa Upsilon Dental Society. rescue’ programs. The first She loved the Berkshires, ten- Born in Vienna on Chase (MD), and Lenox. He was a longtime of these, Berkshires Bounty, nis, and their wonderful home December 2, 1927, George Mr. Hamovit is survived active member of the for- was started with help from in Menands, which evoked and his mother fled Austria in by his wife of 62 years, Joelle mer North Adams Kiwanis his dear friend Phyllis Weiss. memories of their years at 1938. He attended school in Hamovit; two children, Lloyd Club and served on its Board For 25 years, Mel, along with Fort Ord in Monterey, CA as Chicago, earned a Ph.D. from Hamovit and wife, Maud, and of Directors for ten years many helpers and his well- newlyweds. the University of Chicago, and Ellen Sweny and husband, during the 1970s. He became worn pickup, drove to the As a devoted alumna of joined the faculty. In 1974, he Mike Sweny. A second son, a life member of Kiwanis markets, bakeries and cafes Wellesley, Mrs. Sands was became the Vincent C. Ross, David, died in 1993. He also International in 1980. His of Great Barrington each week thrilled to celebrate her Professor of Accounting and had five grandchildren. friends knew him as a quiet collecting food donations and 70th reunion by watching Chairman of the Accounting Memorial services were man. distributing them to a vari- her daughter-in-law, Paula Department at NYU’s held at Temple Beth Israel on He was a member of the ety of organizations includ- Johnson, be inaugurated as Graduate School of Business Longboat Key, FL on May 14. Congregation Beth Israel in ing the People’s Pantry, WIC, the 14th president of Wellesley and later, University Professor. Contributions in his memory North Adams. He leaves two and Railroad Street Youth College. He joined the NYU Law School can be made to the charity of nieces, Joele Frank of New Programs. Mrs. Sands is survived faculty in 1990, retired as your choice. York City and Wendy Frank For the past 15 years, by her daughters, Beth and Professor Emeritus in 2003, Higgins of Newburyport, MA; he also worked closely with Wendy; sons, Bob and Peter Marcia Hochberg, 77, but continued to teach there a grandniece and two grand- Breaking Bread Kitchen to and their spouses Paula wife, mother, grand- until 2013. nephews. He was predeceased provide weekly dinners to Johnson and Lisa Sands; mother Winner of the American by his sister, Ruth D. Frank, those in need. Finally, realiz- brother George Rosenthal and Accounting Association’s LENOX – Marcia Hochberg, in November, 2006. ing the difficulties that many sister Jane Fanburg; grand- Outstanding Educator Award 77, passed away on Tuesday, Private graveside services senior citizens in the West children, Jonathan, Eliot and and NYU Law School’s Great June 11. were held on Sunday, June Berkshires face due to physi- Kate. She was predeceased by Teacher Award, he was also Born November 23, 1941, 23 at Beth Israel Cemetery, cal isolation, Mel also orga- her husband. cited in Fortune magazine as Marcia was a psychiatric Clarksburg. Friends may nized, in conjunction with Funeral services were held one of the eight most-favored social worker. She was a lov- donate to Congregation Beth the Great Barrington Senior Friday, July 5 at Congregation business school professors. ing, kind, considerate person Israel, 53 Lois Street, North Center, a phone call, check-in, Beth Israel, North Adams. George had been a bridge who always thought of others Adams, MA 01247 or to the and transport service for Burial followed in Beth champion, giving that up before herself. charity of choice through the seniors living on their own. Israel Cemetery, Clarksburg. in favor of family and aca- Marcia was the beloved Flynn and Dagnoli-Montagna Mel loved animals and Memorial donations may be demia, authoring a textbook wife for 49 years to Dr. Fred Home for Funerals, 74 enjoyed working with his sent to Wellesley College, and dozens of articles on his Hochberg; devoted mother of Marshall Street, North Adams, hands. He got much joy Congregation Beth Israel, 53 Events Approach to Accounting. Elizabeth Hochberg and Ian MA 01247. working with his Morgan Lois St., North Adams, MA, George was also known for his Hochberg; mother-in-law of horses in Vermont, and doing 01247, or the charity of your Melvin Greenberg, 86, uncanny wit. Michael Schloff; dear sister of daily chores with his beloved choice. passionate advocate and He is survived by his wife, Barbara Greenblatt and her Bouviers, Jackie and Cowboy. activist for social justice Melvin “Mel” Robert Dorienne (Lachman) Sorter; husband, Phil; loving grand- He also loved singing and Blieberg, 89, teacher, son, Ivan Lindgren (Patti); mother of Noah and Gabriella. ALFORD – Melvin Greenberg, listening to folk music, par- principal, superintendent daughter, Adrienne Fisher Service and interment took 86, died Thursday, June 27 at ticularly socially conscious (Zac), and grandchildren, place on Thursday, June 13. Fairview Commons. troubadours including The WILLIAMSTOWN – Melvin Samantha, Daniel, Michael, Tzedakah should be directed Born in New York City Weavers and Joan Baez (and “Mel” Robert Blieberg, 89, Julia, Eli and Kathryn. He was to the Dana Farber Cancer on December 26, 1932, the played the banjo for many died peacefully at his home on predeceased by his son, David Institute, 450 Brookline first son of Irving and Ethel years). Running and skiing Tuesday, July 2. Sorter (Amy). Donations may Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 Greenberg, he grew up in the were his go-to sports and he Born in Brooklyn, NY on be sent to Marlboro Music or https://www.dana-far- city where he attended public was an enthusiastic chef. March 2, 1930, son of Anna Festival at https://www. ber.org/how-you-can-help/ schools and was a graduate Mel is survived by his wife Parver and Joseph Blieberg, marlboromusic.org/support/ ways-to-give/. of Lafayette High School. Mel Ellen; four children David, he received his BS from donate/ or Jewish Federation attended City College where he Josh, Toby and Jill; three sib- SUNY Oswego and Master’s of the Berkshires, 196 South Dr. Mitchell J. Burgin, 94, studied electrical engineering. lings Noah, Anna and Rachel. in Education from Hofstra Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201. local orthodontist Mel was founder and He also leaves several nieces, University. PEABODY, MA – Dr. Mitchell CEO of Aluminum Louvre nephews and grandchildren. Mel began his teaching Jerry M. Hamovit, 91, J. Burgin, 94,of Brooksby Corporation in Plainview, Long He was predeceased by his days in the sixth grade at the attorney and served on Village Drive, Peabody, for- Island, along with his part- brother Saul. Old Main Street School in several boards merly of Williamstown, died ner Frank Marchart. After A memorial service was Islip, NY, later serving as the SARASOTA, FL – Jerry M. on Friday, June 21 at Kaplan transplanting from Great Neck held on Tuesday, July 2 at first principal of Sherwood Hamovit passed away on House, Danvers, MA. to the Berkshires in 1993, Hevreh of Southern Berkshire Elementary School and sub- Thursday, May 9 in Sarasota, Born in Boston on October he enjoyed a second career in Great Barrington. Memorial sequently serving for sixteen FL. 16, 1924, the son of Dr. Joel as a real estate agent and gifts can be made to Berkshire years as Superintendent Born in Tulsa, OK on and Mrs. Anna (Rudnick) appraiser, developing, in part- Bounty or Hospice Care in of Islip Public Schools. He October 6, 1927 to Frank Ginsburg, he attended and nership with his wife Ellen, the Berkshires c/o Finnerty also served as President of and Rose Hamovit, he spent graduated from schools in a thriving brokerage, Alford & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 the Suffolk County School his early years in Florida and Boston in 1941. He graduated Farms Realty, with its signa- Main Street, Great Barrington, Executives Association and New York, and then moved to from New York University in ture llama farm and logo. MA 01230. taught for the MA of Education Houston, TX with his parents 1945 and received his dental Mel was a passionate advo- program at NYU. Mel contrib- degree from the University cate and activist for social Phyllis Rosenthal Sands, uted to the betterment of his and younger sister, Sheila, in 94, devoted psychiatric 1939. of Maryland Dental School justice his entire life. From community not only through social worker Mr. Hamovit graduated in 1949. After practicing his early years at Wo-Chi-Ca, the education of its youth, but from Rice University in 1947. dentistry for two years, he a progressive summer camp, NORTH ADAMS – Phyllis by his active involvement in He received his law degree attended the University of to joining the courageous Rosenthal Sands MSW, 94, community organizations. in 1950 from Harvard Law Pennsylvania for post-gradu- volunteers registering African- died on Tuesday, July 2. At various times he was School. From 1950-53 he was ate training in orthodontics. American voters in Mississippi Born in North Adams in President of the Islip Rotary in the U.S. Army, serving in Dr. Burgin served as a during Freedom Summer. 1924, she was the daughter of Club, President of the Islip the Judge Advocate General dental officer in the U.S. Army From his support and fund- Arthur and Edith Rosenthal, Heart Association, Director of Corps. Upon returning to Dental Corps from 1953-1955, raising for SNCC, to his work prominent leaders of medical the Little League of the Islips, Houston, he was in private primarily based at the former with the Vietnam Peace move- and civic groups in that city. President of the Islip Parent- practice as a lawyer before Fort Devens Army Post, and ment, Mel demonstrated with Mrs. Sands was the 1942 vale- Teacher Association, President moving to Washington, D.C. in in the Army Reserves until words and actions the Jewish dictorian at Drury High School of Easter Seals, Chairman of January, 1959. 1958. In 1957, he established principle of Tikkun Olam (mak- and then graduated from the United Jewish Appeal and He was employed by his own orthodontic practice ing the world a better place). Wellesley College and trained member of B’nai B’rith. the Tax Division of the in North Adams, where he After arriving in the at Columbia University and After retiring to the Department of Justice and practiced on Main Street until Berkshires, Mel and Ellen Bellevue Hospital in New York Berkshires in 1990, Mel subsequently on the personal 1993. A satellite office was joined the young and growing City as a social worker. continued his public ser- staff of the Assistant Secretary located in Bennington, VT, on reform Jewish community of Introduced by Laura and vice as a consultant to the of the Treasury for Tax Policy. Union Street, which he opened Hevreh, eventually becoming a Teddy Koven when they were Rensselaer-Columbia-Greene Between those two periods of in 1958 and where he prac- driving force in the congrega- both training in New York Counties BOCES (Questar III) government employment, he ticed until his retirement in tion’s social action committee, City, Mrs. Sands married her and later as interim super- was employed by a law firm 1996. an indispensable volunteer husband, Dr. William Sands intendent of Williamstown in Cleveland, OH. In 1967, he Dr. Burgin was a member for the URJ Eisner Summer at Blantyre in Lenox in 1947. School District. He also joined the law firm of Melrod, of the American Association Camp, and a member of Mrs. Sands was a devoted served a number of commu- Redman and Gartlan, and and Northeastern Society Hevreh’s Legacy Circle. psychiatric social worker for nity and professional orga- retired as a senior partner in of Orthodontists, and the Although he loved the 50 years in Albany, branch- nizations in the Berkshires 1990. He was on the Planning Massachusetts and Vermont physical beauty and cultural ing out into family therapy and New York including: amenities of his adopted and Zoning Board of Longboat Associations of Orthodontists. OBITUARIES, continued on next page He was a life member of the home, Mel became aware of Page 20 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 29 to September 15, 2019 OBITUARIES, CONTINUED Calendar – Ongoing Events

NYS Council of School Marlayne was born in Superintendents (President); Queens, NY to George Keosian Around the Community Richmond Consolidated and Pauline (Weinstein) Continuous – Chabad of the Wednesdays at Knesset Isra- Thursdays August 1, 8, 15, School Committee (Board Keosian on March 15, 1934. Berkshires “Smile on Seniors,” el – “Enhanced Prayer Class for 22, and 29 at 1:15 p.m. – Join Member and 3rd grade school She graduated from Hunter or “S.O.S.,” volunteer program Adults” 10 -11:30 a.m. at 16 Colt Rabbi Liz Hirsch at Temple Anshe mentoring program); Temple College. In 1962, she mar- to serve senior citizens in the Road, Pittsfield, KI library. What Amunim for open meditation Anshe Amunim (Trustee); ried Benjamin Weinberg in Berkshires. Information for are we saying when we read and light yoga for all ages and Boston Symphony Orchestra New York City. Marlayne and families who can benefit and prayers at a service? How does abilities. No prior experience or Association of Volunteers – Benjamin moved to North volunteers: Rabbi Levi Volovik the siddur language connect athletic clothing necessary! Tanglewood (Chair); Berkshire Adams in 1976, raised her at (413) 499-9899 or visit www. with my life today? How can I Historical Society (Board two children, and eventu- Fridays, at 9 a.m. – Meditation jewishberkshires.com. build my Hebrew reading fluency Member) and the Literacy ally ran International Outlet, with Rabbi Rachel Barenblat in and practice my reading skills? Network of South Berkshire which sold gourmet cookware, Monthly, fourth or fifth Sun- the Congregation Beth Israel How can I be more comfortable (Board Member). household items and gifts, day – Volunteers from Con- sanctuary, 53 Lois Street, North with the language and process He will be remembered for and brought quality and style gregation Beth Israel, 53 Lois Adams, overlooking the Berk- of prayer? Facilitated by Myrna his love of plaid, music, cows to homes across northern Street, North Adams “Take and shire mountains. Silence, chant- Hammerling. Newcomers always and dogs and his compassion, Berkshire County and beyond. Eat” program cook, package, ing, and meditation designed welcome. Information: (413) wisdom and persistent humor. When her husband was and deliver hot meals for all to help prepare for Shabbat. All Mel is survived by his diagnosed in 1995 with 445-4872, ext. 16. North Adams clients of “Meals welcomed. Information: (413) loving wife, Rita Blieberg; Parkinson’s Disease, she was seven children, Wynn Blieberg his primary, loving caretaker on Wheels.” Information: (413) Wednesdays at Hevreh – Lunch 663-5830 and www.cbiweb.org. 663-5830 or [email protected]. N Learn” with Rabbi Neil Hirsch (Doreen), Jon Blieberg until his passing in 2018. Fridays, once a month at at 11:45 a.m. is open to anyone (Michelle), Peter Blieberg Together they moved to Lenox Sundays (second of each 5:30 p.m. (followed by a who wants to deepen their rela- (Gaby), Rick Qualliotine in 2012 for his benefit and to month) – Berkshire Hills Society family style Shabbat dinner tionship to Jewish study through (Angela Stanley), Peter be closer to family. of Israeli Philatelists meet. Discuss at 6:30 p.m.) – Knesset Israel, text and discussion. Says Rabbi Qualliotine (Cailin), Gina She was actively involved in Israeli and American stamps. 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield. Shirei Qualliotine (Richard Green), the Pittsfield/Lenox commu- Hirsch: “Our tradition teaches Coffee and donuts. Information: Shabbat (“Songs of Shabbat”). Laura Macklin (David nity, volunteering at Conte that when two (or more) sit Ed Helitzer, (413) 447-7622, Unique service combines mel- Macklin). He is also survived Elementary School and par- together, and discuss words of daytime. odies from Carlebach, Debbie by sister Pearl Lustig; brother ticipating in activities at the Torah, God dwells with them. Friedman, and Camp Ramah to Gary Blieberg; nieces, Marla, Pittsfield Senior Center and Tuesdays, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Study is one of the many ways create a ruach filled (“spirited”) Julie and Jodi; nine grandchil- Lenox Community Center. – Torah Portion of the Week we as a Jewish community expe- family friendly experience. Cost dren, Jesse Blieberg, Derek Marlayne was a voracious study group at Knesset Israel, 16 rience the sacred and the spiri- for dinner $20 adult; $15 teen, Blieberg, Lee Bly (Claire Bly), reader, library visitor, the- Colt Road, Pittsfield. Facilitator tual.” Classes available via video Alec Blieberg (Katie Blieberg), atergoer, hiker, and adven- children free. Dinner reservations Myrna Hammerling guides the conference or conference call. Amanda Blieberg, Iona Green, ture-seeker who was always are due by the Monday before group through the triennial cy- Email Rabbi Hirsch a nhirsch@ Finn Green, Michael Blieberg, quick with a laugh and a services. Full information: (413) cle, year-round in the KI Library. hevreh.org to find out how to Emily Blieberg; great-grand- smile. She enjoyed her friends 445-4872, ext 10. daughter, Taylor Jean Bly and in the area and their fun out- Newcomers always welcome to join remotely. this gathering of students of Saturdays at 8:45 a.m. at many loving friends. ings. She was also a devoted, Thursdays (fourth of each diverse ages, backgrounds, and Hevreh – 270 State Road in Funeral services were fun-loving grandmother to her month) – Hadassah Book Club. perspectives who search togeth- Great Barrington. Every Shabbat held Friday, July 5 at Temple two grandchildren who will For times, locations of meetings, er to deepen understanding of morning, gather in Rabbi Neil Anshe Amunim, Pittsfield, with miss her greatly. and further information about burial at Pittsfield Cemetery. She is survived by her our foundational text. Free. Infor- Hirsch’s study and dive into the the books: Pattie Lipman plip- Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch offi- son Adam Weinberg (Amy mation: (413) 445-4872, ext. 16. less-often read books of the [email protected]. ciated. Contributions can Brentano) and grandchildren Bible. All are welcome to begin Wednesdays, from 10:30 to be made to Temple Anshe Molly and Joseph Weinberg Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.– Janet the day with coffee while study- 11:30 a.m. – Hevreh of South- Amunim, 26 Broad Street, of Richmond; daughter Leslie Lee will continue to teach an ing and relaxing on Shabbat. ern Berkshire, 270 State Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Weinberg of San Francisco, intermediate mat Pilates class at Sessions will be between 45 and Great Barrington, offers an CA; sister Sandy Kahn of Hevreh every Thursday through 60 minutes. Please be in touch Marlayne Weinberg, 85, hour of “Shalom Yoga, Gentle Denver, CO; brother Kenneth the summer into fall. Bring a mat with Rabbi Hirsch for further in- actively involved in the Keosian of Santa Barbara, CA; Stretch and Meditation” with and water. Contact Janet Lee at formation: [email protected]. Pittsfield/Lenox and many nieces, nephews Nina Lipkowitz a certified Kripalu [email protected] to learn more, community and friends. and Jewish yoga and meditation Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. Tem- and check hevreh.org/calendar LENOX- Marlayne Weinberg, A celebration of her life teacher. Check https://hevreh. ple Anshe Amunim, 26 Broad for any weekly changes. 85, passed away Sunday, June was planned for July 14. The org/calendar/ for updates. All Street, Pittsfield – Rabbi Liz P.G. 23 at Baystate Medical Center family suggests donations to levels welcome. Contact Nina at Hirsch leads Spiritual Physical in Springfield with her son and Hospice Berkshire County or [email protected] with Fitness sessions. Hike (August 3); daughter by her side. Mass Audubon. any questions. Learn (August 17); Mindfulness (August 10). Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. Temple 52ND ANNUAL Anshe Amunim, 26 Broad Street, Pittsfield – “Torah Plus: Exploring Jewish Text and Cul- HILDA VALLIN FEIGENBAUM ture.” Join Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch MEMORIAL FOUNDATION LECTURE for a conversation based on the texts of the Jewish people and SUNDAY – AUGUST 25, 2019 – 7:30 PM reflect on Jewish values and thinking and what it means “to be Jewish.” All texts are offered in English. Free and open to the public. Information (413) Assault on Truth and Memory: 442-5910 or templeoffice@ Lessons From History ansheamunim.org. with Guest Speaker Deborah Lipstadt Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish and Holocaust Studies at Emory University in Atlanta and an historical consultant to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Like us on Sponsored by Facebook: The Hilda Vallin Feigenbaum Lecture Endowment • Jewish Federation The lecture is free and open to the public. A reception follows the lecture. of the Berkshires Limited seating – arrive early. The doors may close before the lecture begins. • PJ Library Temple Anshe Amunim is an accessible building. Berkshire County Temple Anshe Amunim – 26 Broad Street – Pittsfield, MA – 413-442-5910 Tammuz/Av/Elul 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 21

BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES Traveling with Jewish Taste Spice Up Your Summer with “The Head of the Israeli Fish Kebabs Shop” – Ras el Hanout Serves 4 By Carol Goodman Kaufman

It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy, but we still have to eat. Do we really want to be in the kitchen cooking heavy meals? Experts tell us that we should be eating clean (i.e., unpro- cessed) foods, and light and healthy meals are just the ticket for the season. The easier they are to prepare, the more likely we are to try something new. The “something new” in this article is Ras el Hanout, one of the variety of spice blends brought to Israel by immigrants from around the world, in this case from North Africa. The name is Arabic for “head of the shop,” and Ingredients: refers to the best spices available in the spice ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black trader’s store. In Morocco, the spice blend carries the moniker “lazy cook’s spice” ½ pound tilapia fillet, ground pepper as it is used in dishes ranging from broth to tagines to rubs. It is beloved, and for coarsely 2 fresh cloves garlic, minced good reason. The aroma alone will make you swoon. ½ pound haddock fillet, ground 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley While Ras el Hanout is available in Middle Eastern groceries, you can also coarsely ½ teaspoon dried cilantro make your own. As with other spice blends we’ve discussed, from baharat to ½ cup breadcrumbs 1 scallion, chopped, white and pale hawaij, cooks have their own favorite recipes, and they don’t share them. The 1 tablespoon pine nuts green parts only mixtures I’ve seen tend to include a combination of cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon cumin ¼ small white onion, peeled, finely coriander, cumin, paprika, mace, nutmeg, peppercorns, and turmeric, but they ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika chopped can include up to fifty different spices. ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper extra-virgin olive oil Ras el Hanout is so much a part of Berber culture that there is even a leg- ¼ teaspoon Ras el Hanout tehina sauce for serving end about how the spice blend came to be. As the story goes, there once was a ¼ teaspoon baking soda despotic sultan who made unreasonable orders of his servants, and punished ¼ teaspoon salt them cruelly if they failed Directions: to deliver. One day he Place the ground fish into a medium bowl. sent one of his servants to the market for spices. Add the breadcrumbs, pine nuts, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, Ras el Unfortunately, the sul- Hanout, baking soda, salt, pepper, garlic, parsley, cilantro, scallion, and onion. tan’s wife also sent him on Mix gently. an errand, so by the time With gloves or oiled hands, knead the mass until it combines and holds to- he reached the spice shop gether, but don’t over-knead or the fish will be chewy. he was frantic and out of Dampen your hands. Divide mixture into 8 portions; shape each into a kebab breath. form, like a small egg. Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a medium skillet over The spice trader asked medium heat. Cook the kebabs until golden on all sides, 4-6 minutes total, him what he wanted, but turning until colored on all sides and cooked through. the servant was breathing Ras el Hanout Serve 2 kebabs per plate with tehina sauce. so hard that he could only croak out the words, “Please, sidi, just give me a little of everything.” Wanting to accommodate the customer’s wishes, the spice trader put a tiny bit of every spice he had into one large packet. When the servant brought the packet An Israeli Treat for “Afters” of spices back to the cook, the cook went into a frenzy, worrying about what he And then there’s dessert. A platter with a selection of melons and berries is could possibly make with the mess of spices, and knowing that both he and the just the thing to lend a light ending to a summer meal. But if you need some- servant would be punished severely if dinner wasn’t delicious and on time. He thing with a bigger sugar punch, I recommend a treat that I enjoyed while added a pinch of the mixture to the pot and prayed. living in Israel: ice café. Not your standard iced coffee, this was a singularly When sultan smelled the aroma coming from his dinner, he was suspicious creamy and delicious drink enjoyed with friends at a sidewalk table outside and growled, causing the servant and cook to tremble in fear. But then the sultan the Strauss Milk Bar on King George Street in Jerusalem. took a taste of the dish. Then he took another taste, and yet another. “This is the best couscous I have ever tasted!” he proclaimed. There’s no formal recipe for ice café that I can find, but who needs one? It In relief, the servant collapsed on the floor. takes all of two ingredients: cof- From that day on, the sultan demanded that his food be flavored with Ras el fee and vanilla ice cream — but Hanout. be sure that the frozen treat I think you will enjoy these fish kebabs, redolent of the Moroccan souk. you get is of the best quality. Pour hot coffee into a tall glass (to make it authentic, the glass should have a handle) and place it on a plate. Drop a large scoop of the ice Carol Goodman Kaufman is a psychologist and author with a passion for travel cream into the glass. and food. She is currently at work on a food history/cookbook, tracing the paths Serve and enjoy! that some of our favorite foods have taken from their origins to appear on dinner plates and in cultural rites and artifacts around the world. She invites readers to read her blog at carolgoodmankaufman.com and to follow her on Twitter @goodmankaufman. Page 22 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 29 to September 15, 2019 BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES Memoir Excerpt: Choosing Joy – Alzheimer’s: A Book of Hope Transcending a devastating disease through exploration and discovery, peace and acceptance By Helene Berger / Special to the BJV Helene Berger will appear at the Friday, September 20 Knosh & Knowledge to talk about her memoir, Choosing Joy – Alzheimer’s: A Book of Hope, about the ways her husband Ady’s Alzheimer’s Disease diagnosis changed their lives. Writes Susan Wissler, executive director of The Mount’s writers-in-residence program: “Choosing Joy is a rare work in that it is both inspirational and practical. Beautifully written and organized, it is an account of commitment, courage, and hope...Helene and Ady’s story is a testament to the profound impact of love and patience and a beautiful example of a life well lived.” About her journey, Berger writes: “Books on Alzheimer’s and dementia often describe the caregiver as having debilitating feelings of helplessness. My experience during the early stages was that even though I felt powerless to make the kind of difference that would stop or slow the disease, I was clearly not helpless. It is hugely empowering to understand that one might be able to alter the outcome.” While Berger cautions that everyone’s experience of Alzheimer’s will be different, she will share insights gained as a devoted wife and caregiver that she hopes will educate and inspire others in a similar situation. Please see page 5 for details about her Knosh & Knowledge talk. For more about the book, plus and podcast and television interviews with Helene, visit her website: www.heleneberger.com The following excerpts from Choosing Joy are reprinted by permission of the author.

A Friend’s Guidance That Helped to ful, gave me enormous relief. It opened ligence to provide the best physical and Sustain Me up new worlds of communication for mental health possible, whether through me, enabling me to learn from others’ new and ever-expanding medications, I remember a conversation that experience. Ady himself made it easier, bringing more doctors into the loop, helped to shape our lives going forward. as he began to admit openly that “My seeking appropriate help books, provid- This was in the early years of Ady’s incip- memory’s not so good anymore.” In the ing daily aerobic activity with a trainer or ient Alzheimer’s, before the official diag- early years, we are often unwilling to taking daily walks or a swim, or learning nosis, when I had probably expressed my acknowledge to our friends the reality from other’s experiences in many differ- concerns about Ady to none but my clos- of what we are living through. Though ent ways. est friends. We were out to dinner with a this may be understandable, it burdens The journey is a far different matter. jobs than giving your mate the abun- lovely couple whom we knew quite well. us with an unnecessary level of sadness The journey, I came to understand, is the dance of love and appreciation and care The husband was a widely published and pain. Just as important, we lose out emotional side of the equation. It means he deserves. If your marriage is not ideal, author and well known authority in his on the wise counsel and compassion drawing on all our resources to make the this can be an opportunity to change the field. Ady, sitting next to him, turned and that friends can offer. In two six-word final years together as beautiful as they tone of your relationship. said, “So, Sam, what do you do?” sentences, Lynn’s honesty and compas- can be. It means remembering the love The rewards of positive reinforcement I blanched and tried to come to Ady’s sion changed my life. I shall were startling. I am convinced that the rescue, rushing in to remind Ady of Sam’s always be grateful to her. reason for his peace of mind and won- prestigious accomplishments. His wife, In the early years, we are often derful smile is that he was surrounded, Lynn, took my hand and said, “Helene, “Fight the Disease, Not not by disappointment, judgment, and everybody loves Ady for Ady. Don’t try to unwilling to acknowledge to our the Journey” annoyance, but by respect and apprecia- cover for him.” tion and an abiding love from me, from I read or heard those friends the reality of what we My eyes filled with tears. Living with his children, from friends, and even from words when Ady was first the myriad problems that Alzheimer’s are living through. Though this the best of the caregivers that he needed diagnosed: I jotted them was already beginning to inflict upon us in the last few years (whom he thanked a down because they sounded may be understandable, it bur- was hard enough. Trying to keep secret hundred times a day). People may expe- interesting:, “Fight the what had clearly become obvious to oth- dens us with an unnecessary rience loss of memory, of movement, of disease, not the journey.” ers only made it harder. Lynn’s guidance balance, of inhibitions and control. But At the time, I did not really level of sadness and pain. was my first step toward open, public they know instinctively when they are understand what they meant, acceptance of our new reality. It was eas- loved. but gradually the concept ier after that for me to acknowledge our As time went on, I began to realize I became clearer. problem openly, to shed the burden of was getting great satisfaction out of my The first part is obvious: we must of past years and not trashing it now pretending that everything was normal. new role. More and more, I discovered fight the disease with every weapon we with annoyance, frustration, impatience, Publically acknowledging what Ady that those old thoughts of “Why is this possess or uncover. We cannot take a bitterness, or self-pity. It means being and I were experiencing, rather than difficult, ugly disease happening to my back seat and watch the decline unfold. aware every minute that your loved treating it as embarrassing and shame- husband? To me?” were being replaced We must fight with full power and intel- one did not choose this condition – for themselves or for you. It means reaching by feelings of satisfaction of being able deep within yourself to empathize with to give him all the warmth he craved. what your patient is going through. If So today I would word the adage dif- their memory fails them, we can connect ferently: Fight the disease. Embrace the to how we feel when our own mem- journey. Embracing the journey invites ory slips, when we forget the name of you to use every bit of creativity to find Berkshire someone we know well – the frustration ways to help your mate be the best he and annoyance with ourselves and the now can be; to encourage him to try doubt and uncertainty about our own areas he never ventured into before; to minds. We can magnify those feelings reinforce abilities that have laid dor- JewishA publication of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, serving V the Berkshires and surrounding ice NY, CT and VT many times over, imagining this loss as mant – with a musical instrument, with a constant state imagining what it must drawing, with singing or dancing; to be like to feel diminished countless times believe that quality of life is still possi- Thank you to our supporters! a day, to have to depend on others for ble; to harness all that residual good in The Berkshire Jewish Voice extends a very special “thank you” for the generosity virtually everything when you’re used to yourself and your loved one, and bring it extended thus far by 19 households as of today who have sent in their running your own life. In doing so, we to the fore. contributions for voluntary subscriptions to the paper in 2019. lay the foundations of empathy. This can be a difficult approach to As some faculties are lost, new accept. In the months after Ady’s diagno- Anonymous (1) heightened qualities can reveal them- sis, I found a rare guide book expressing BurrellesLuce selves. These, too, can seem like chal- the notion that life with your loved one Joel and Susan Cartun lenges at first, but they can also be could be deeply gratifying, even a time Mitch and Susan Halpert opportunities. Yes, Ady’s memory was to explore new avenues, and a time of creativity. At the time, that sounded so Tamara Jasper slipping – but I found that his emotional sensitivity was greatly heightened. He preposterous that I was furious. These Stephen and Leslie Jerome reacted with uncanny awareness to the books were often written by doctors who Eliot Kalman slightest hint of disappointment in me. had, I thought, no experience of living Rose Lederman He crumbled with any raised eyebrow with a spouse afflicted with Alzheimer’s. or sharp intake of breath. I had to learn Why would they give such false hope? to refrain from any body language that How could they make such Pollyannaish statements without living through it SEED WHAT YOU READ! BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY! suggested disappointment. This was far from easy, but it became easier with themselves? How could this possibly be Yes, I support the Berkshire Jewish Voice! Please accept my voluntary time. After all, this was the man with a happy time? I apologize for my lack of tax-deductible subscription contribution. whom I had spent close to three-quarters faith. Over the years, this initially terrify- _____ $360 Mensch & Honorary Publisher of my life. If you are fortunate enough to ing period turned into a tranquil, nurtur- (Supports color printing in one edition of the Voice) be in a good marriage, there are harder ing time of exploration and discovery. It _____ $180 Sponsor became a time of peace and acceptance. Mail check payable to: _____ $72 Patron Jewish Federation of the Berkshires _____ $36 Friend 196 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 _____ $18 Supporter (Please add Berkshire Jewish Voice in the memo) Donate • Volunteer Name to be listed: ______p I wish to remain anonymous Make a Difference Tammuz/Av/Elul 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 23

BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES Retracing a Path of Liberation in the Shadow of Auschwitz Ride for the Living honors the past, celebrates a contemporary revival of Jewish life in Krakow By Sandy Ashendorf / Special to the BJV In 2016, my husband Ron Auschwitz-Birkenau to the paying respects and honor- and I were planning a trip to JCC Krakow. The ride retraces ing the memory of all of the Eastern Europe that included the path that upon libera- victims of the Holocaust. It a few days in Krakow. As the tion was walked by many provides a unique way to bear trip neared and we were put- survivors, including Marcel witness. ting last minute touches on Zielinski, who has participated From a symbolic perspec- our itinerary, we were told to in the ride since the second tive, the riders leave one of the make sure to have Shabbat time it was held. We commit- preeminent Nazi killing fields dinner at the JCC Krakow. ted to come back to Krakow as free Jews able to celebrate “There’s no JCC in Krakow,” for the 2017 ride and recently life and, in bike jerseys embla- was our collective response. returned again, completing it zoned with Stars of David, How was it possible that the for the third consecutive time. head toward a place where city that Hitler sought to make Ride for The Living was a Jewish future has been Judenfrei had enough Jews to inspired by Robert Desmond, imagined and is taking shape. support a Community Center? who rode his bicycle 1,350 From an immersive perspec- Who was there to attend miles from London to tive, riders spend time learn- Shabbat dinner? Where was Auschwitz visiting WWII sites ing details about Auschwitz, this mythical place an hour’s of liberation along his jour- and attend lectures, screen- drive from Auschwitz? ney. After joining the JCC and ings, and other activities as Sandy and Ron Ashendorf on the Ride For the Living When we walked into the becoming an active member, part of Krakow’s two-week- JCC Krakow, we were over- he realized his ride should not long Jewish Culture Festival violence, tragedy, and some- of Crematorium No. 2, we whelmed. There were about have ended in a place of loss, during which the ride (and a times indifference to what remembered not only the souls 200 people in attendance that but rather at a place of hope, Shabbat dinner for 750 people) occurred – there is always a whose lives were taken there, night – a fairly average show- namely JCC Krakow. Since his takes place. And from a tac- sense of determination and but we also recited the names ing for an early spring week- first ride, will to move forward. It’s hard of the victims of the very end. Kibbitzing in a some- Robert has not to look around and won- recent anti-Semitic attacks in times incomprehensible mix of been joined All of [us] are there to celebrate der which houses had been Pittsburgh and Poway. We live English, Hebrew, Yiddish and annually by the revival of Jewish life in seized by the Nazis, displac- at a time when the number Polish, the crowd ranged in members of ing the families that had been of hate crimes being commit- age from college freshmen vis- the Jewish Poland in the face of the the rightful owners? Which ted is increasing, when white iting from the United States to commu- ones had been inhabited by supremacists denounce Jews Mr. Mundick, a nonagenarian nity and unimaginable atrocities of Righteous Gentiles who risked as they march through an Holocaust survivor who had friends from the Shoah 70 years ago their own lives by hiding Jews American city where slavery returned to Krakow after he around the from almost certain death? was the norm, and when US was liberated from the camps world. Which ones had been inhab- detention centers are creating and, as best he could, picked In addition to Marcel and tical perspective, the ride is a ited by people who turned in a human rights crisis aimed up the life he had begun his family, those friends have fundraiser that allows the JCC their neighbors to the Nazis at refugees because of their before the war. included: three-time Tour de Krakow to serve its constitu- and the SS? Which portions countries of origin. What bet- Scattered about the room, France winner Greg Lemond; ents – Holocaust survivors in of the forest had been the ter time to honor the victims of serving food, cleaning plates, US Ambassador to Poland Paul Krakow, Poles who are discov- transient homes to Jews using the Shoah and make a differ- and generally making sure the Jones; US Consul General of ering their Jewish roots, and their resolve every moment of ence for the future? evening ran smoothly were the Krakow Walter Braunohler; children who are being taught every day just to stay alive? Sandy Ashendorf is a mem- thirty or so Polish Christians Holocaust survivors Zofia at the JCC’s Frajda preschool, The first year we rode, rain ber of the Berkshire Minyan who comprise the volunteers Radzikowska and Bernard the first of its kind in Krakow poured down for about half in Great Barrington. She and and staff at the JCC. Gen- Offen; members of the Israel since before the War. the ride, recreating just one her husband Ron (and their Xers and Millennials, they Cycling Academy; Holocaust In the three years that element of the conditions dog, Harry) divide their time grew up long after World War scholar Michael Berenbaum; we’ve participated, we’ve our ancestors endured – but, between New York City’s II and Communism had for- and Chief Rabbi of Poland cycled with people from unlike them, we knew there Upper West Side and South ever changed the world. They Michael Schudric. The ride Poland, the US, Canada, would be a hot shower, a County. For more information sensed something missing has grown from 15 partici- Israel, the UK, Australia, hearty meal, a comfortable bed or to donate to the Ride for the from the Poland that had pants in the first year to over Colombia and other parts of and smiles and hugs at the Living, visit https://rideforth- existed for 1000 years until 250 in 2019 and, with a docu- the world, all of whom are end. And we knew there was, eliving.org/, or contact Sandy the mid-20th century – Jews mentary in the works, it shows there to celebrate the revival in fact, an end. directly at sandy@uwsstrate- and Jewish culture. Together no sign of slowing down. of Jewish life in Poland in the This year, as we said gies.com. Graphic Design with Jonathan Ornstein, the At first blush, it might seem face of the unimaginable atroc- kaddish at the remnants www.tgo.com founder and executive director disrespectful to the memory ities of the Shoah 70 years of the JCC Krakow, this dedi- of the Six Million (including ago. The messages of overBarbara- Greenfeld cated group continues hard at the 1.5 million murdered at coming unspeakableProof of ad for: horrors ______Please respond by ______work to ensure that Krakow’s the site where the ride begins) to rebuild and do tikkun olam future is one that definitively to be wearing spandex biking are alwaysPublication: at the foundation ______BJV May of 2016 Check out our website!to: (Tel) 413/ 528-0328 (Fax) 413/ 528-0328 [email protected] includes Jews. clothes and embarking on a our journey. It was at that Shabbat wind-through-your-hair jaunt As weSend cycle to: the [email protected] and ❏ Changes req’d. & new proof dinner that we learned across the Polish country- pass what was once and is www.jewishberkshires.org about Ride for the Living, side. To the contrary, Ride for again bucolicNo. of countrysidepages (inc. cover): – ______1 For calendar listings ❏and Approved events as is. ❏ Approved with corrections as noted. a 60-mile bicycle ride from the Living is a tangible way of forever marred by the horror, Proof sent: ______4/25/16 Proof # ______1 Approved by: ______BERKSHIRE ROOFING & GUTTER CO. 413-298-1029413 298 1029 Full Rental Depts. at www.BGRCo.net Pittsfield, N. Adams & Lee CEDAR ROOF STANDING SEAM METAL ASPHALT SHINGLES Written Estimates • Fully Insured • Owner Installed MA Lic. #145878 SEAMLESS GUTTERS Copper • Aluminum • Gutter Covers

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BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES Our Zealot Thoughts on the problematic Parshat Pinchas By Albert Stern / BJV Editor

This year, Parshat Pinchas Chumash): “And they were of Meeting, the logic being that that both the Children of Israel he reappears in the Book of was read on July 27. This weeping. They were at a loss. Pinchas, as grandson of an on the scene and readers of Joshua…we will get to that. essay is adapted from a d’var Moses forgot that the law idolater who supposedly mis- the Torah down through the While Pinchas himself is Torah delivered in 2018 at regarding one who publicly treated animals, was unworthy ages are within their rights to a dubious character, Parshat Knesset Israel. violates the Torah’s prohibi- of performing the sacred deed. abhor the sheer brutality of Pinchas is one of the most Pinchas is one of the most tion against cohabiting with A Freudian might analyze his Pinchas’s action. The abject remarkable and consequential problematical figures in our a gentile is ‘a zealous one murderous act — piercing an murderousness of Pinchas’s portions in the Torah. After the Torah. He is the grandson may slay him.’ Providence Israelite man like his father deed provides one reason that flux and chaos that marked of Aaron, appointed by God caused Moses to forget so and Midianite woman like his the Torah cites his connec- the earlier sections of Sefer to be the third kohen gadol that Pinchas could act and mother through their lower tion to Aaron repeatedly, BaMidbar (Book of Numbers), (high priest) of the Israelites, be worthy of the blessing God bodies as they sin — as the at least according to Rashi. Parshat Pinchas establishes a as well as the progenitor of gave him” - that is to say, the social order that the Hebrews the hereditary line of future fatherhood of the priestly line. will take with them as they high priests. The first curious The sage Ibn Ezra, on the enter the Land of Israel. thing one notices about this other hand, recognizes that Consider what it establishes: pivotal character is that he is perhaps Moses and the elders We find out, through God’s not introduced in the Torah are weeping in hopes of God’s reward of Pinchas, that: portion that bears his name, compassion. The priesthood will be but rather in the one that pre- I think the latter expla- hereditary cedes it, Parshat Balak. And nation is the more plausible A new census of the he makes an unforgettably — Moses, for example, had a tribes realigns the social disturbing entrance. firsthand experience of kill- order The episode that closes ing a man in a zealous rage In chapter 26, verse Parshat Balak is the apos- (remember that Egyptian back 65, we find out that God tasy of Ba’al Peor — although in Exodus 2:12?) and may considers punishment of on the verge of entering the have recognized the problems the generation who left Promised Land, Israelite inherent in that approach. Egypt to be complete — all men take up with Midianite Further, his experience as but Caleb and Joshua are women, worshiping their gods a leader was marked by dead and engaging in all manner repeated petitioning of God on Moses appoints Joshua of licentiousness. Incensed, behalf of transgressing and as his successor, indicat- God sends down a plague and ungrateful Israelites, and per- ing that leadership will orders Moses to impale all the haps Moses wanted to plead not (for the time being) be chiefs of the people. Moses, on their behalf again. hereditary however, instructs the judges So who, then, is Pinchas? The anecdote about the to kill only those who partici- His name translates approx- daughters of Zelophehad pated; but before anyone can imately as “bronze colored establishes a groundwork act, an Israelite man brings one,” or “dark one.” He is the for property rights in the his Midianite paramour in grandson of Aaron and the Land of Israel front of the Tent of Meeting son of Eleazar, who took as a And finally, there is and sins in public view, wife a daughter of Yitro, who, the schedule of festivals causing general weeping and although also the father-in- that orders time itself — despair. law of Moses, was an idolater we don’t meaninglessly At that, Pinchas, son of and priest of Midian. Pinchas pass through this world Eleazar the high priest, grabs is identified as the product of adrift on endless seasonal a spear and with zeal runs it that union in Sefer Shemot cycles, but rather we move through the abdomens of the (6:23). purposefully from one sinning couple, killing them. According to midrashic symbolic annihilation of his Nevertheless, in Parshat milestone to the next in The plague abates. explication, this mongrelized own parents, and thus a man- Pinchas God Himself rewards order to worship our God. This is rough stuff. How lineage causes the Children of ifestation his own desire for Pinchas’s zeal – Pinchas and And with all this conse- to justify it? Rashi’s take is Israel to chastise Pinchas for self-abnegation. his descendants will be the quential ordering of space and as follows (from the Stone killing the couple at the Tent It is fair to say, however, high priests of Israel for all time, what is the haftarah to time. Parshat Pinchas about? An What is also quite inter- episode from the life of the esting is the association in zealous prophet Elijah. MAZEL TOV midrash of Pinchas with the Certainly, the rabbis who prophet Elijah, the zealot’s determined the schedule of Mazel Tov to… zealot. According to the view haftarot in the early Christian of Talmudic sages in Baba era could have found passages Harold Grinspoon on Mara Goodman-Davies Bobbi and Mike Cohn Metzia 114, Pinchas and Elijah in the books of the Prophets celebrating his 90th birthday on her promotion to early on their new grandson, Milo are identical. When Pinchas to correspond with the resto- (see related article on page 12). childhood coordinator at The Alexander Cohn. is last mentioned in the Book ration of order taking place in c Brien Center for its Head Start c of Judges and in Chronicles, Parshat Pinchas. But instead, Ellie Caine on her August Program. Dr. Len Radin on being there is no record of his death, they made a connection to 31 bat mitzvah at Knesset c selected as grand marshal for which has allowed some to Elijah, which signals that they Israel. Eliot Stern on his the upcoming 64th annual conflate him with Elijah, who wanted us, going forward, to c September 7 bar mitzvah at Fall Foliage parade in North does not die but is instead consider the nature of zeal- Peter and Judy Menikoff Knesset Israel. Adams. borne away in a chariot of fire. otry, just as by breaking off on both being elected to c c Pinchas himself is a cipher. the Pinchas episode into two the executive leadership of Keren and Ron Rettner Molly Drennan on receiv- He says literally nothing to parshyot — one with Pinchas’s the board of directors ORT on the arrival of grandson ing a “Moonlight Mile” grant announce his actions or justify deed, the next with his reward America. Benjamin Noah. for professional training in his motivations. I’ve always — also invites us to reflect on c c equestrian dressage compe- found it valuable to examine fanatic devotion. Suze Goldman who was Lanny Zuckerman on tition and instruction. This the first and last words of each I think that the midrashic elected as member of the being honored by Temple grant is administered by the biblical figure, as entrances connection between Elijah and board of directors of ORT Anshe Amunim as its 2019 Berkshire Taconic Community and exits are inevitably reveal- Pinchas is the first of three America. Member of the Year. Foundation in memory of ing about their inner lives. messages about the Zealot the c c Deborah Reich, a high-level Pinchas, however, is silent. Bible has for us— the Zealot is equestrian competitor from We finally do, in a way, hear always with us, and is always, Sheffield. the voice of Pinchas when PINCHAS, continued on next page

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BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES

PINCHAS, continued from page 24 the party arrives in Gilead, building yourselves an altar subsequent battle to wipe out more or less, a manifestation of sacrifices daily. for the first time, we hear other than the altar of the Lord the Midianites a glory which the same type of person. When we first encounter the voice of Pinchas — and our God. Did not Achan son of he hopes to relive. The second message comes Pinchas, he uses a spear to here the Tanach, in all of its Zerah break faith in the mat- And here is the sub- with Pinchas’s reappearance in pierce an Israelite apostate brilliant subtlety, provides its ter of the devoted things, and tle genius of our Tanach. It Parshat Mattot, which follows and a Midianite Baal wor- third and last essential insight wrath fell upon all the congre- doesn’t relate that Pinchas Parshat Pinchas and continues shiper engaged in sexual con- into the nature of the Zealot: gation of Israel? And he did not said these words, but that the story of Israel versus the gress through their abdomens, They came to the perish alone for his iniquity! “they” — the whole reconnais- Midianites. God commands an image that would have Reubenites, the Gadites, and In other words — “Nice sance party — speaks them. Moses to “avenge the Israelite resonated in a meaningful the half-tribe of Manasseh, in altar you got here. It would Pinchas has infected their people on the Midianites; then way with the Torah’s initial the land of Gilead, and they be a shame if something were minds with his own hatred you [Moses] shall be gathered audience — Iron Age people said to them, “Thus says the to happen to it.” We hear and zealotry, to the point that to your kin.” Moses, contra- living amidst cultures whose whole congregation of the Lord, the voice of the Zealot here Israelites are ready to go to vening God’s command to him, cultic practices include human ‘What is this treachery that you very clearly. “The WHOLE war with their fellow Israelites delegates the job of leading the sacrifice. And while what I’m have committed against the of community of the LORD!” before they even ask about the army to tribal commanders, alluding to might seem to God of Israel in turning away “Treachery you HAVE com- altar. (The east bank Israelites, and to Pinchas, who sallies some of you as a fervid inter- today from following the Lord, mitted this day.” And then a by the way, are blameless.) forth with the army “equipped pretation of Pinchas’s actions by building yourselves an altar reference to what can only be And that is the third lesson with the sacred utensils and at Baal-Peor, let me share today in rebellion against the described as the particular the story Pinchas conveys: the trumpets for sounding the another citation from Numbers Lord? Have we not had enough obsession of Pinchas. “Have The Zealot may be useful when blasts.” According to midrash Rabbah: “Reading the words of of the sin at Peor from which we not had enough of the sin doing our bidding, but the dan- (Numbers Rabba), Pinchas was Numbers 25:13 that Pinchas even yet we have not cleansed at Peor from which EVEN ger is that the rest of us might, assigned this role so that he ‘made atonement for the ourselves, and for which a YET we have not cleansed with zeal, soon start doing could finish the sacred task children of Israel,’ a midrash plague came upon the congre- ourselves.” Are these iniqui- theirs. that began when he smote the taught that although he did gation of the Lord, that you ties never over? In the mind When I was a kid, I was Midianite woman in the affair not strictly offer a sacrifice to must turn away today from of Pinchas, human iniquity entranced by the BBC doc- of Baal-Peor. justify the expression ‘atone- following the Lord! is not, and never will be, over umentary Civilization — I The Torah does establish ment, his shedding the blood It continues: or forgiven. The incident at still have Kenneth Clark’s a key role for the priesthood of the wicked was as though Do not rebel against the Baal-Peor is the high water PINCHAS, continued on in battle, specifically in the he had offered a sacrifice.’” Lord, or rebel against us by mark of his existence, and the next page Book of Deuteronomy (20:2–4). This is unpleasant stuff, Jewish armies were led out to and you can see why rabbis war by a special kohen called might have decided to separate the mashuach milchamah (the Pinchas’s act and Pinchas’s CULTURE AND ARTS one anointed for war), who reward into two separate par- was designated for this task; shiyot. But, along with Moses but his job is not to fight, but sending Pinchas to war at Berkshire Jewish Film Festival Continues rather to encourage the sol- the head of an army, it also LENOX – The Berkshire diers to battle bravely, telling suggests what I believe is the Jewish Film Festival (BJFF), them that God was surely on Torah’s second message about one of the longest-running film their side. the Zealot, which is this — festivals in the United States, This is not how Pinchas Sometimes the Zealot is useful. continues its 33rd season on appears in the battle described In other words, he may be a Mondays through August 12 in Parshat Mattot, which — zealot, but he’s our zealot. in the Duffin Theater, Lenox if not quite a fiasco — is a And what’s the problem Memorial High School, 197 bloody mess in which God’s with that, precisely? Well, the East Street. wishes are not completely ful- Torah has an answer for that, All presentations are open filled, infuriating Moses. And too, and in my view that is the to the public. Tickets to the Pinchas is on the front lines. third important lesson about 4 p.m. screenings are $7, and He’s shaking the holy vessels, the zealot it has to impart. 8 p.m. screenings are $10. All he’s blowing trumpets, he is We last encounter Pinchas seating is general admission. out to finish the job he started in the Book of Joshua, The Berkshire Jewish Film in slaying the evildoers — he is Chapter 22, which takes place Festival is generously sup- Scene from The Other Story whipped up and out for blood. after the Hebrews have taken ported by the Greylock Federal This is not the image possession of the Land of Credit Union, Berkshire Bank, the Wolfson ruling Ashkenazi establishment in this lively, befitting a kohen gadol, or Israel. Hearing that the tribes Family Foundation, and the Spitz-Tuchman crowd-pleasing drama. a mashuach milchamah, of Reuben and Gad and the Charitable Trust. Information at August 12 for that matter. For half-tribe of Manasseh, who www.berkshirejewishfilmfestival.org or At 4 p.m.: 93Queen relates the life of Rachel one, kohanim are prohibited reside east of the Jordan River, (413) 445-4872, ext. 10. “Ruchie” Freier, a no-nonsense Hasidic lawyer from being in contact with have erected a great and con- August 5 and mother of six who is determined to shake human corpses — Pinchas spicuous altar, the Israelites At 4 p.m.: Shoelaces is a tender family up the ‘boys club’ in her community. She cre- rides out with the warriors into living to the west of the Jordan dramedy that portrays the knotty relationship ates Ezras Nashim, the first all-female ambu- battle to, as Numbers Rabba assemble for war against their between an aging, irascible mechanic and the lance corps in NYC. puts it, to finish the sacred brethren over this presumed exuberant special-needs son he abandoned long At 8 p.m.: In The Other Story, two rebel- task he began at Baal-Peor. apostasy. But before they act, before. lious young women, one fleeing the chaos of But also keep in mind also however, they send a recon- At 8 p.m.: In The Unorthodox, a disenfran- secular hedonism for the comforts of faith, the that a kohen’s role, generally naissance party to investi- chised Sephardic father, whose daughter is other seeking to escape her oppressive religious speaking, was a blood-soaked gate, one that is composed of expelled from a prestigious religious school upbringing for sexual and spiritual freedom, avocation — in the time of the ten tribal chiefs and led by just for her ethnicity, launches the ultra-Or- cross paths unexpectedly in Jerusalem in this Temple, kohanim performed Pinchas, son of Eleazar. When thodox Shas Party, a nascent challenge to the empowering drama.

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 Berkshire, 270 State Rd., (413) 528-4197, ahavathsholom.com Everyone is welcome to attend Jewish War Veterans services and events at any of the Great Barrington, MA (413) 229-3618, berkshireminyan.org Congregation Beth Israel Commander Robert Waldheim organizations listed here. Reform (413) 822-4546, [email protected] Berkshire Hills Hadassah 53 Lois St., North Adams, MA Please call the organizations P.O. Box 187, Pittsfield, MA (413) 663-5830, cbiweb.org Knesset Israel Conservative directly to confirm service times (413) 443-4386, Hevreh of Southern Berkshire 16 Colt Rd., Pittsfield, MA or to inquire about membership. [email protected] Reform (413) 445-4872, knessetisrael.org B’nai B’rith Lodge, No. 326 270 State Rd., Great Barrington, MA Learn more about our Jewish (413) 528-6378, hevreh.org Temple Anshe Amunim community and find great 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 (413) 447-7622 JEWISHBERKSHIRES.ORG jewishberkshires.com ______Page 26 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 29 to September 15, 2019

PINCHAS, continued from page 25 companion book in my library, and periodically dip into it, always with great pleasure. One of the chapters is titled, “The Smile of Reason,” and features a photo of a bust of Voltaire sculpted by Houdon that perfectly embodies that conception of civilization — the great writer’s visage conveys engagement, bemusement, serenity, and resolve.

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, andat 12 Thursdays p.m, through at noon. September Beginning 3. Tuesday on June lunch 3 and resumes continuing on September through the 8. summer months, the Tuesday kosherVenue: lunchKnesset will Israel, be on 16 hiatus. Colt Rd, Tuesday Pittsfield, lunches MA. will resume in the fall.

Today, whenever I engage Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield, MA. in public discourse – online and in person – I too often encounter the other kind of face, the one that doesn’t have its own chapter in Kenneth Clark’s Civilization. One with narrowed eyes flashing sus- picion and anger. Lips curling into sneers. Faces reddened with rage. Gaping mouths unleashing bitter invective. No civility. No smiles. Most of these angry people are not zealots. But, like our ancestors in the wilderness, we have been living through JULY Schindler’s List. Film begins at 10:45, breaks for lunch at a chaotic time, getting on Monday, 29...... 10:45 a.m., Dr. Fedora Horowitz dis- noon, and continues at 12:30 to end. Lunch: Barbecued two decades marked by war, cusses the novel, All The Rivers by Dorit Rabinyan. Lunch: chicken**#, corn cobettes, salad, potato salad, corn terrorism, economic uncer- bread, watermelon, and tea. tainty, and fear of external and Turkey salad platters**#, gazpacho, coleslaw, pumpernickel bread, apricots and tea. internal enemies, both real Thursday, 29...... 10:45 a.m., Annual play readings and imagined. In this moment in history, when longstand- AUGUST directed by Milton Lestz. Lunch: Hot dogs and beans**#, ing political and social norms Thursday, 1...... 10:45 a.m., “Robert Frost: New Light coleslaw, mixed vegetables, grapes, and tea. have seemingly been upended, on Old Poems,” with Phil Holland, Ph.D. Lunch: Tomato SEPTEMBER we are all easy prey for the basil quiche, mango juice , beets, salad, multi-grain true zealots, who are with us Monday, 2...... Closed for Labor Day always. These zealots seem bread, ice cream and cookies, coffee, tea and milk for aligned with our interests as coffee. Tuesday, 3...... Tuna salad and cottage cheese plat- they goad us to join battle ters**, macaroni salad, bread TBA, gluten free brownies, Monday, 5...... 10:45 a.m., “Intergenerational: The against each other. They urge coffee, tea, and milk for coffee. us to impugn others’ motives Process of Aging,” with therapist Maggie Bittman. Lunch: without first trying to under- Macaroni and cheese, chef’s choice of juice, salad, Thursday, 5...... 10:45 a.m., “Schindler’s List: Books stand them. And in taking Italian beans, oat bread, sorbet, coffee, tea and milk and Film Talk,” with Hugh Black. Lunch: Fish sticks#, zuc- the bait, in raging against one for coffee. another, we serve the purpose chini rice soup, sweet potato fries, salad, multi-grain bread, pudding, coffee, tea, and milk for coffee. of today’s zealots — those who Thursday, 8...... 10:45 a.m., “A Jewish Mystic’s Ap- wish to tear down institutions and eviscerate social bonds proach to Loving God,” with Rabbi Seth Wax. Lunch: Ori- Monday, 9...... 10:45 a.m., “Intergenerational: The that have long sustained both ental tuna salad, passion fruit juice, coleslaw, Italian Process of Aging,” with therapist Maggie Bittman. Lunch: our Jewish community and bread, peaches, coffee, tea, and milk for coffee. Meat loaf**#, tomato juice, mashed potatoes, peas & the broader culture of which carrots, rye bread, applesauce, and tea. we are a part. Monday, 12...... 10:45 a.m., “H.G. Adler: A Life I think we all need to tread in Many Worlds,” with Peter Filkins. Lunch: Salisbury Tuesday, 10...... Stir fried chicken**#, mixed vegeta- carefully in this kind of envi- steak**#, French fries, green beans, rye bread, man- bles, whole wheat bread, pineapple, and tea. ronment, not lose sight that darin oranges, and tea. there are no zealots who are Thursday, 12...... 10:45 a.m., “Bullying in the Older PINCHAS, continued on Thursday, 15...... 10:45 a.m., “Guidance from the Adult Population,” with Torrie Dearborn. Lunch: Tex-Mex next page Plant Kingdom in Preparing for the High Holidays,” with casserole, refried pinto beans, yellow rice, salsa and Jon Greenberg, Ph. D. Lunch: Fresh fish**, salad, aspar- sour cream, salad, pumpernickel bread, apricots, cof- agus cuts n tips, rice pilaf, whole wheat bread, ice fee, tea, and milk for coffee. cream and cookies, coffee, tea, and milk for coffee. Monday, 16...... 10:45 a.m., Program to be An- Monday, 19...... 10:45 a.m., “Presidents, Life and nounced. Lunch: Spaghetti and sauce#, salad, Italian Sports,” with Evan Weiner. Lunch: Cinnamon honey beans, garlic bread, pears, and tea. chicken**#, spinach salad, green beans, rice pilaf, Challah, pineapple, and tea. Tuesday, 17...... Turkey piccatta**#, mango juice, salad, rice pilaf, asparagus cuts n tips, rye bread, tropical fruit Thursday, 22...... 10:45 a.m., “Current Affairs,” with salad, and tea. Steven Rubin. Lunch: Ratatouille with cheese**, rice, salad, farmer’s loaf, pears, coffee, tea, and milk for Thursday, 19...... 10:45 a.m., Program to be An- coffee. nounced. Lunch: Fresh fish**, celery rice soup, noodle kugel, broccoli, Challah, ice cream and cookies, coffee, Monday, 26...... 10:45 a.m., Screening of film tea, and milk for coffee. Tammuz/Av/Elul 5779 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 27

BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES Young Judaism Despite Imperfections, Israel Needs Our Support By Aviva Skoblow / Special to the BJV

While we were preparing for my spring semester at the Alexander Muss other through what some call God, High School in Israel, my mom found an article addressing my exact situation ancestry, or practice. We are strongly – masses of Jewish American teenagers are flying to Israel enrolled in programs bonded through a unique, historic like mine, focusing on touring, exploring and reconnecting to their Jewish roots. human experience, and my semester According to this article, the push to send so many kids to Israel was so that they abroad helped me to embrace that. would bring back the love of Israel to the States. At Alexander Muss High School, Over the last couple of decades, caught up in the monsoon of social justice we toured Israel in chronological advocacy, Jewish American opinion on Israel has fallen to a place of uncomfort- historical order. Visiting sights that able uncertainty. Don’t get me wrong, I am a social justice advocate. Like many, I aligned with our curriculum, we try to stand up for those without a voice, with the aim of bringing the power back started at Tel Gezer, where Avraham to the people. I am eager to find who needs help, and to use my privilege to serve found the Canaanites worshipping others. This attitude is necessary to create a just world, but we activists have to fire and sacrificing their children. We be aware of what we’re fighting for. walked the land where he saw their Movements like BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions), a Palestinian- sinning, and with God’s instruction rooted anti-Israel group, are infiltrating American colleges disguised as social of “lech lecha,” collected followers justice groups. People assume that because a group stands for social justice, for a brand new concept: monothe- they are completely in the right. This automatic attitude encourages people not ism. Moving forward in the Torah, to think critically, but to jump on the bandwagon, endangering causes that they we trekked down Mt. Gilboa, hearing might actually be more aligned with. stories of Dvorah and King Saul. We are all expected to have the back of the underdog, fight oppression and We visited Poland for a week to seek justice, but with the media so dangerously skewed to make Israel out to be immerse ourselves in Holocaust the big bad wolf, people hear about Palestinians who are struggling, and they studies, painfully walking through decide to side with them, and against Israel. With so many American Jews hop- Auschwitz, Treblinka, Majdanek, and ping on this bandwagon, Israel advocacy and the State of Israel itself is in danger. forests of mass graves, forced to face Aviva Skoblow in Eilat Anti-Semitism is on the rise, and we owe it to our ancestors and to ourselves to our tragic past. Flying back to Israel take a deeper look and get involved. after that was the ultimate homecoming – a bold reminder that we are still here, We must acknowledge that people in Gaza and certain parts of the West Bank that we survived. In our last week, we spoke with victims of Hamas terror, stand- are indeed struggling. As a result of terrorism coming from these places, and ing at the Gaza overlook in Sderot, all wondering what we could do to bring peace, for the safety of Israel and surrounding areas, Israel has imposed restrictions deciding how we felt. on people’s movements and has imposed economic sanctions, making employ- Before my trip, I was unaware of the importance of having a Jewish homeland. ment scarce and daily tensions high for many living in the West Bank and Gaza. Now I understand. Hiking, swimming, learning, and just being in Israel was joy- Gazans especially, under the thumb of Hamas, are not allowed proper rights by ous and beautiful. I felt sad and lost when we discussed the Palestinian conflict, their leaders, who withhold funds from basic needs such as electricity and water but I understood why Zionism must be taken so seriously. The Muss program is to fuel their constant stream of terror. These struggling civilians, although taught well set up to teach the broad history of the conflict, and from many angles. I feel from birth to hate Israel and its Jewish population, are not to be confused with that I deeply understand it and I do love Israel! This doesn’t mean I will stop ask- the leaders whose only goal is to destroy the State and prevent peace. This is the ing questions to expand my perspective. attitude that causes Israel to take a defensive, and at times aggressive, approach. To anyone questioning if they should support Israel, or if they should go there, Although the official Israeli policy on Palestinian relations is not as geared I strongly urge you to say yes! You cannot fully learn if you do not go. There is so towards peace as many people would like, there are in fact numerous Israeli much to see firsthand, and so much that the media leaves out. I encourage you to organizations and individuals focused on aiding Palestinians. When speaking to look into your love of Israel, and I thank the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Jewish Israelis, a common theme I heard was that we must not dwell on guilt, but for making this educational, complicated, beautiful, and unforgettable trip hap- continue to be socially-conscious and caring, trying to provide aid to Palestinians pen for me. or vote in leaders who will work for peace. I learned that you can Aviva Skoblow is a rising senior at Pittsfield High School. She enjoys running, and Before my trip, I was unaware love Israel and disagree with cur- is interested in sustainable agriculture. of the importance of having rent government’s policies. Yes, Zionists and early Israelis a Jewish homeland. made mistakes in dealing with Now I understand. Palestinians, and I believe there are more forms of action that could be taken to build peace- ful relations with them, but we must acknowledge the history of the Palestinian HevrehHevreh MeansMeans Authority and Hamas of declining our peace offers. Being uncomfortable with not only Israeli mistakes, but the whole conflict, does not mean we have to turn our back on Israel itself. We are better served by supporting Israel and voicing our dissatisfaction with government policies that hurt Palestinians. FriendshipFriendship Jews need Israel. We take for granted our freedoms in America, but we cannot turn the other cheek when it comes to rising anti-Semitism, here and throughout the world. We need a safe haven if, God forbid, we are gravely threatened again as a people. On the lighter side of things, Israel is an outstanding place. In less than a century, the nation became leaders in entrepreneurship, art and music, space exploration, sustainability, and humanitarian aid. Israel is often the first group to touch ground after a natural disaster. The people are filled with passion and the We look forward to welcoming new and old land is rich in history. friends back for another year of learning, I didn’t realize the magic I’d feel being surrounded by Jews. When I overheard conversations in the dorm of kids using Jewish terminology, I almost joined in to growing and fun in our innovative Religious say “Wait, you’re Jewish too?!” But then I remembered, “Oh, of course they are; School and Hebrew Skills programs. that’s why I’m here.” The comfort I felt when connecting over this shared identity helped me appreciate not just Israel, but my own Judaism. At many points, when I saw hundreds of Hasidim gathering at the Western Wall, or at the Isaac’s Sunday, September 15 Synagogue in Krakow, Poland, I realized the web of life that Jews share with each 1st Day of School for Kindergarden-7th Grade

PINCHAS, continued from page 26 zealous for the cause of reasonableness. And what, in the end, makes the zealot Sunday, September 22 so problematical? For that, I turned to another great font of wisdom about human 1st Day of Tiny Talmidim, a monthly family program nature — Charles Schultz’s Peanuts. Most appropriate for our littlest learners, ages 3 and 4 The action unfolds as Lucy, once again, entices Charlie Brown to kick the football she balances against the ground with her finger. Charlie Brown walks away, muttering: “She thinks I’m stupid…She plans to pull the ball away as I come run- Registration is now open. ning up to kick it, but this year I’m going to fool her. This year, I’m going to make Visit www.hevreh.org/school for more her wait! If I have to sit here in the house until midnight, I’m going to make her information or contact Jodie Friedman at wait.” [email protected] With the moon high in the sky, Charlie Brown sees Lucy continuing to hold the football, snoring with her eyes closed. Charlie Brown goes out to her and says: “Well I’ll be! She’s sound asleep! This is my big chance…” Running forward to kick the ball, Charlie Brown says with a triumphant smile: “She really slipped up this time.” www.hevreh.org As Charlie Brown kicks at the football, Lucy – as always – pulls it away at 413-528-6378 the last second. Charlie Brown goes airborne, then lands on his back with an 270 State Road emphatic “WHAM!” Great Barrington MA Holding the football, Lucy stands over her hapless friend and with a smile explains: “We fanatics are light sleepers, Charlie Brown.” Page 28 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 29 to September 15, 2019 CULTURE AND ARTS “The Posthumous Landscape: Jewish Historical Sites in Poland and Western Ukraine” Documenting evidence of centuries of Jewish life in Eastern Europe

AMHERST – “The Posthumous fall of Communism, Jews of the post- Landscape: Jewish Historical Sites in war generations in North America and Poland and Western Ukraine” is an Israel have been “returning” to Eastern exhibition of photographs taken by Europe in ever-increasing numbers. David Kaufman that is on view through For most the quest is to set foot in the September 30 at the Yiddish Book ancestral home, to visit family burial Center. Kaufman is a Toronto-based sites if they exist, and to uncover family architectural photographer and doc- records in provincial archives. umentary filmmaker who made nine My interest in what remains of trips to Poland and western Ukraine to Jewish life in Eastern Europe as a pho- photograph the remnants of Jewish life tographic subject was sparked by sev- following the destruction of local Jewish eral trips to Poland to make documen- communities under the Nazis and in tary films concerning the Holocaust. the Soviet era. Kaufman’s large scale, On all those occasions I was unexpect- highly-detailed images of synagogues edly surprised and deeply moved by and cemeteries, architecture and street- both the quality and quantity of Jewish scapes, are a testament to the rich, var- material culture—remnants of Jewish ied lives led by Jews in cities and towns life—that I saw wherever I went. over centuries and a reminder of the Although the great Jewish com- challenges in preserving Jewish mate- munities of Eastern Europe were rial culture in countries that have few destroyed by the Nazis, and the sur- Jews today and meager resources. Here vivors persecuted and cast out in Yurij Davidovitch in the Decaying, Post-war Synagogue in Khotyn (Ukraine), 2016 Kaufman describes his project. the Soviet era, evidence of centuries The landscapes of Poland and west- of Jewish life remains in abundance ruins. But my motivation for engaging The Yiddish Book Center is at 1021 almost everywhere. in this work goes beyond the aesthetic West Street, Amherst, MA. The Center Since 2007, I have rewards of creating and exhibiting is open Sunday to Friday from 10 a.m. “I see myself working in the spirit traveled to Poland striking images. to 4 p.m. For more information see the of Eugene Atget, who, before World eight times for still The remnants of Jewish life before Center’s website: photography, and the Holocaust are the treasures of a www.yiddishbookcenter.org. War One, photographed the Paris in 2016, I explored lost Jewish civilization. However, the that was already old when he was the cities of Lviv and quantity of Jewish material culture is Chernivtsi and their vast, the task of cataloguing, preserv- young.” — David Kaufman surroundings in ing and restoring Jewish artifacts is western Ukraine. My seemingly limitless, and the resources purpose is to docu- available are largely inadequate. It is ern Ukraine offer substantial rewards to ment the physical remains of Jewish my hope that photographic documen- the Jewish traveler seeking a connec- communal life: synagogues, cemeteries, tation will raise awareness of these tion with what existed before the great memorials, architecture and street- artifacts and promote greater efforts catastrophe of the Hitler years. Since scapes, Holocaust sites, some func- of preservation and restoration. There the late 1970s and especially since the tioning, some repurposed and some in is no question, if previous experience is any indication, that as time goes on these Jewish historical sites will change, many will deteriorate and be lost, and decades from now photographs will be all that remain to remind us of many of these places in a Meylakh Sheykhet, Radical Jewish vanished Jewish world. Activist, Lviv (Ukraine), June, 2016

Interior of Historic Fortress Synagogue, Zhovkva (Ukraine), June, 2016

Historic Yiddish Commercial Signage in Central Lviv, June 2016

Cultural Centre of Vyzhnytsia (Ukraine), Formerly the Town's Largest Synagogue, June, 2016 Crumbling “Beit Tehara” (funeral home), Zelana Street Jewish Cemetery, Chernivtsi (Ukraine), 2016 PHOTOGRAPHS AND TEXT BY DAVID KAUFMAN / COURTESY OF THE YIDDISH BOOK CENTER