June 2019 L Iyar / Sivan 5779 Learn

Kol K .I. June 2019 l Iyar / Sivan 5779 learn. inspire. grow. together.

16 Colt Road l Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201 l 413.445.4872 l knessetisrael.org • Rabbi David Weiner l Richard Simons, President

The 2019 Berkshire Jewish Film Festival …in the Berkshires Fourteen films from around the world highlighted in this season’s line-up Berkshire residents assist in this

Monday, July 8, marks the official kick- The festival will be held on six consec- year’s new & exciting format off of the 33rd season of the Berkshire utive Mondays and will feature films at The Jewish Theological Seminary Jewish Film Festival—one of the lon- 4 pm and 8 pm at the Duffin Theater, (JTS) in the Berkshires series will con- gest-running film festivals in the United Lenox Memorial High School, 197 East tinue their reputation of presenting States. This year the BJFF will feature 14 Street, Lenox. All presentations are open outstanding speakers and stimulating films from around the world, including to the public. subjects to our community. This year Holy Land, in which veteran actor James there will be a change in format— Caan delivers a spectacular performance This festival is the result of the work of with theater and musical presenta- alongside Rosanna Arquette. a dedicated team of K.I. members, co- ordinated by Judy Seaman, who work tions intertwined with scholarship. Join us this summer and you will also get to review and select the fine films to Berkshire residents, including the to know the women of the first all-fe- be presented. Benefits go to support Pittsfield High School orchestra, and male volunteer ambulance corps of New Hebrew education at the synagogue. two of K.I.’s talented members will as- York City, watch a young tattoo artist sist the presenters with accompany- from Appalachia cover over a swastika Tickets may be purchased between 3:15- ing music and dramatic readings. JTS on the skin of a former white supreme- 4 pm, and between 6:30-8 pm on the day programs are one of Knesset Israel’s cist, witness one of the last Nazi SS offi- of the show and are general admission. most popular venues, and are always cers on trial, and have your heartstrings There are no season passes this year. well attended. This new approach pulled by the relationship of a father Discount ticket coupons will be available should generate even more interest. (Dov Glickman, star of Shtisel) and his for carpoolers. once-estranged son. film descriptions on page 12 descriptions & schedule on pages 9 & 10 In This Issue Member Mitzvahs & Mazel Tovs

Berkshire Jewish Film Festival...... 1&12 n Mazel Tov to Elliot and Barbara n JTS in the Berkshires...... 1,8 &9 Paige L. E. Wright ...... June 11 Kronick Greenfeld, celebrating their 60th n Vivian Kasen ...... June 12 Member Mitzvahs...... 2 wedding anniversary on June 7. Elliot n June Calendar...... 4 and Barbara met during the summer of Joel Balizer ...... June 14 1958 while working in the Catskills. Elliot, n Ivan Caine ...... June 16 Community Shavout...... 5 of Brooklyn, New York (Bensonhurst) was n Brenda Landes ...... June 17 From the Rabbi...... 6 a dental student at NYU, and Barbara, of n Rachel Margolis ...... June 19 A Broadway Happenng Gala...... 6 North Adams, was a student at Skidmore College. They lived in Canarsie, Brook- n Harriet I. Samuels ...... June 20 Passover with Rosh Chodesh ...... 7 lyn after their marriage in 1959, where n Judith Weiss...... June 21 Spotlight On: Joel Curren...... 13 Barbara graduated from NYU and Elliot n Erika Weisbuch...... June 21 from dental school. They moved to Pitts- n Yahrzeits, Funds & Endowments.....15-17 field in 1963, setting up his Oral Surgery Steven Perles ...... June 21 ...... and more! office on North Street. We wish them n Albert Stern ...... June 22 many more happy and healthy years to- n Rick Robbins ...... June 22 gether. K.I. Staff n Ileen Cohen ...... June 23 n n OFFICE PHONE 413-445-4872 Rachel Zuckerman and Christopher Judith Kahn ...... June 23 Peifer were married on May 18, 2019 in n Jodi Sherman ...... June 23 the Crane Room within the Berkshire Mu- RABBI DAVID WEINER Ext. 10 n Jan Caryl Kaufman...... June 24 [email protected] seum. Rachel Zuckerman is the daughter of Susan Zukerman and David Zukerman n Henry Herzberg...... June 24 DIANA MACFARLANE Ext. 10 (z’il). Our hearty mazel tov goes to the n Hanan Caine ...... June 26 Office Manager happy couple as they set up their home [email protected] n Dvorah Gitlitz ...... June 28 in Washington Heights, NYC after their ED ROBINSON honeymoon in Spain. n Lisa Udel ...... June 28 [email protected] n Laura Ferber-Hazen ...... June 28 MYRNA HAMMERLING Ext. 16 Birthdays n Merle Ferber ...... June 29 Director of Adult Education n Lawrence Greenapple ...... June 30 and Programming n Allison Rosenthal...... June 30 [email protected] n Joan Grossman...... June 1 CHRIS GOETZE Ext. 20 n Inna Saltanovich ...... June 1 Facilities Director/Head Custodian Anniversaries n Samuel Oren Landes...... June 2 [email protected] n Trudy Balizer...... June 2 JUDITH WEINER Ext. 15 n David & Brandi Dahari...... June 1 Director of Families Together, and n Nancy Cook...... June 3 n Dawn & Gary Schecter...... June 6 Hebrew School Administrator n Anna Snyder...... June 4 [email protected] n Carol Silverman & n Theresa Pill ...... June 5 Shlomo Silman...... June 6 ELISA SNOWISE n Richard Holland ...... June 5 B’Nai Mitzvah Teacher /Coordinator n Dale & Richard Charkow...... June 8 n [email protected] Ed Udel ...... June 6 n Bonnie & Alvin Edelstein...... June 8 n Helene Berke...... June 7 LIZ DEMARCO, Web Administrator, n Eve & Bret Goldberg...... June 9 [email protected] n Joel Less ...... June 7 n Ann & Dave Krawet...... June 10 n Nancy Stoll ...... June 8 n Kayla & Evan Bellmore...... June 13 KNESSET ISRAEL n Gerald Hayden...... June 8 n 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201 n Brandi Dahari ...... June 10 Ruthie Frommer & Ken Amron...... June 13 413-445-4872 n Benjamin Eckstein...... June 10 413-496-9378 (fax) n n Richard Eckstein ...... June 10 Mona & Peter Lanzer...... June 14 knessetisrael.org n Scott Hochfelder ...... June 10 continued next page

2 n KOL K.I. • JUNE 2019 • IYAR / SIVAN 5779 From the Rabbi A Summer of Learning and Experiences We engage in celebration and responsibilty—together

The last few weeks of May Hebrew School End-of- Together” programming. Funded by the were a whirlwind of activ- Year Celebration Harold Grinspoon Foundation, these ity at Knesset Israel, as we programs have brought families into the dedicated our new Torah This year the count cul- synagogue for education for parents and covers and then celebrated minates the weekend children and meaningful tzedakah proj- the b’nai mitzvah of Robert of June 8-10, and we’re ects. Ferren, Leora Cook-Dubin, making the most of it. On and Joseph Weiner. What shabbat morning, June 8, I am grateful to the teachers—Elisa Sno- a wonderful way to kick off we will celebrate the end wise, Jilly Lederman, David Dahari, Ben the season! I am especially of the Hebrew School Strauss, Rebecca Cook-Dubin, Ellen Mas- grateful to everyone who year with a special fam- ters, Josh Weisbuch, Dana Siegel, Rabbi supported our family as ily service in the chapel Liz Hirsch, Jenny Gitlitz and Judith Wein- and an informal kiddush er; to the educators who advise on pro- we prepared for Joseph’s Rabbi David Weiner simha and all those who at- luncheon. Our students gramming—Amy Abramovich, Rebecca tended his bar mitzvah. Being in our com- in every grade have ad- Cook-Dubin, Marcie Greenfield Simons, munity for such a joyous occasion made it vanced significantly this year, taking Dara Kaufman and Judith Weiner; to the even more special. their Hebrew reading and tefilla (prayer) parent committee for Families Togeth- knowledge to the next level. While our er; to the Berkshire Jewish Film Festival K.I.’s busy summer season is just begin- younger students explored themes re- and the Jewish Federation of the Berk- ning. This is the time of year when we lated to the holidays, the weekly Torah shires for funding our Hebrew School; quite literally count every day. The sec- reading, prophets and Jewish values, to the congregation for supporting an ond night of Pesah doubles as the first classes for the middle grades delved into ever-evolving education program; to day of the omer, a forty-nine day period Jewish history using maps and current the parents who send their children and that connects Pesah and Shavuot, holi- events. High school students explored support their Jewish education; and es- days that mark planting and the harvest the field of Jewish ethics through a se- pecially to our director of Families To- of the first fruits of the season, as well as ries of conversations on contemporary gether, Judith Weiner. the Exodus from Mitzrayim and the giv- topics using a curriculum from the Jew- ing of the Torah. Each day during these ish Theological Seminary. And everyone Shavuot seven weeks gets marked with a blessing can see the accomplishments of our The festival of Shavuot commences the and a number, building towards the an- bar/bat mitzvah class. Plus this year we evening after our end-of-year celebration. niversary of the revelation at Sinai. celebrate our first full year of “Families continued on page 5

Anniversaries continued KOL K.I. Publication Notes n Joyce & Eric Glaberson...... June 15 Editor: Susan Miller • Production: Liz DeMarco • Photo Editor: Nan Bookless • Printer: Aldam Press n Gayle & Herman Rotenberg..... June 17 n Brenda & Barry Leeper...... June 18 DEADLINE: THE FIRST OF EVERY MONTH n Ileen & Leonard Cohen...... June 23 We welcome submissions. Publication will be at the discretion of the editoral staff, n Augusta & Eugene and may be subject to editing for clarity, facts, and length. Leibowitz...... June 23 Bulletin material and photographs will be accepted VIA EMAIL and sent to: n Cindy Mann & Brian Acker...... June 25 Susan Miller at [email protected] n Phoebe & Don Sugarman...... June 29

KOL K.I. • JUNE 2019 • IYAR / SIVAN 5779 n 3 June Calendar

SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING SPRING/SUMMER SERVICE SCHEDULE: Friday...... June 7...... 8:10 PM Sunday...... 8:45 AM & 7:00 PM Friday...... June 14...... 8:13 PM Tuesday...... 7:00 PM Friday...... June 21...... 8:16 PM Friday...... 5:45 PM Friday...... June 28...... 8:16 PM Saturday...... 9:30 AM Shirei Shabbat, June 21...... 5:30 PM

EVENTS & MEETINGS Families Together Service (KI chapel)...... Sat., June 8...... 10:30AM Cemetery Committee Meeting...... Tue., June 11...... 7:30 PM Shavuot, the Hebrew word for “weeks” occurs Shabbat Across the Berkshire...... Fri., June 14...... 6:00PM seven weeks after Passover. The holiday cel- K.I. Board Meeting...... Fri., June 19...... 7:30 PM ebrates G-d’s gift of the Torah to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. Like many other Jewish Shirei Shabbat...... Fri., June 21...... 5:30 PM holidays, Shavuot began as a harvest festival. Rabbi Yiscah Smith Program...... Thu., June 27...... 5:30 PM Today, it is a celebration of Torah, education, and First Aid Training...... Sun., June 30...... 10:00 AM–6:00 PM actively choosing to participate in Jewish life.

CLASSES Torah Portion of the Week (Library)...... Tue., June 4, 11, 18, 25...... 10:00–11:30 AM Please support Enhanced Prayer Study...... Wed., June 5, 12, 19, 26...... 10:00–11:30 AM Knesset Israel’s CHAI Community School (at K.I.)...... Wed., June 5...... 4:00–6:00 PM Hebrew School...... Thu., June 1, 8...... 9:00 AM –Noon Minyan Services Afternoon Study (at Anshe Amunim)...... Fri., June 9...... 3:00–5:30 PM

SHAVUOT WEEKEND, JUNE 7-10 SHAVUOT RITUAL TIMES Friday, June 7...... 5:45 PM Friday...... June 7...... 8:10 PM Saturday, June 8– Erev Shavuot Saturday...... June 8...... 9:10 PM Last Day of Hebrew School, Preschool to Grade 6 only...... 9:00 AM–Noon Sunday...... June 9...... 9:11 PM Shabbat Shaharit...... 9:30 AM Monday...... June 10...... Havdala no earlier than9:11 PM Tikkun Leyl Shavuot programming...... Evening, TBD Sunday, June 9 – First Day of Shavuot Festival Shaharit...... 9:30 AM Festival Minha only...... 7:00 PM Monday, June 10 – Second Day of Shavuot (Yizkor) Festival Shaharit...... 9:30 AM Torah Service & Yizkor...... approximately 10:30 AM

4 n KOL K.I. • JUNE 2019 • IYAR / SIVAN 5779 KOL K.I.

From the Rabbi (continued from page 2) together.

This year, in lieu of the usual late-night of our summer sabbatical, which begins cover pastoral responsibilities for Knes- Torah study the first night of Shavuot, gradually over the first couple of weeks set Israel. Myrna Hammerling has put to- we’ve joined together with Hevreh of of June. We are grateful to the commu- gether an astonishingly busy summer of Southern Berkshire and Temple Anshe nity for making this summer possible, educational and cultural programming. Amunim to arrange for an afternoon of enabling us to instill in our children a Knesset Israel leaders and the rabbis Torah study on Sunday, June 9, 3 p.m., at strong connection to Israel, a sense of who attend K.I. over the summer have Temple Anshe Amunim. As of this writ- the wider world and their place in it and come together to make sure our services ing, planning is still in progress, but the a love of travel. are consistent and moving throughout Rabbis Hirsch and I expect the afternoon the season. Thank you to all of them. to include both a full group learning While I am away, Marcie Greenfield Si- opportunity and breakout sessions for mons has agreed to officiate at funerals, Joseph and I will leave for Italy on June deeper study of themes and texts relat- with support from Jeffrey Siegel. When 11 and meet up with Judith, Ariel, and ed to Shavuot and the giving of the To- Marcie is out of town in June, Rabbi Liz Shira in Jerusalem later in the month. rah. I look forward to coming together Hirsch of Temple Anshe Amunim will as a community to celebrate this holiday. (see article at left for up-to-date information, ed.) Community Shavuot Celebration Knesset Israel will, as usual, host festival services on June 9 (9:30 a.m., 7 p.m.) and The rabbis collabrate to bring us learning sessions, a panel discussion, June 10 (9:30 a.m., with Yizkor around 10:45 a.m.). and of course, refreshments!

Upcoming Sabbatical & Coverage On Sunday, June 9, from 3-5:30 p.m., celebrate Shavuot—the holiday of community and Torah—as For the Weiners this year, the omer peri- we learn from the combined knowedge of Rabbis od is also a count towards the beginning David Weiner, Liz Hirsch, and Neil Hirsch. We will explore the relevance of Torah as a source for personal insights and life’s lessons. This is a joint event, sponsored by Hevreh, Knesset Israel, and Temple Anshe Amunim. Of course, there will be plenty of time for eating and spending time together!

The afternoon will begin with several options for learning sessions. Rabbi David Weiner will discuss “An Aramaean Sought to Kill My Father, but My Father Was a Wandering Aramaean!” Rabbi Liz Hirsch of Temple Anshe Amunim will present “Gadol HaShalom: Great is Peace.” Rabbi Neil Hirsch of Hevreh discusses Service and Picnic “Sinai or Auschwitz: What Guides You In Your Jewish Life?” Celebrate our students A panel discussion addressing the “Commandments for the 2019 Jew” will follow the Join us for the last day of Hebrew School individual learning sessions. —Saturday, June 8 at 10:30 a.m.—as we Registration for the event is encouraged, but not required. For more information or celebrate the achievements of our stu- to register, please contact Temple Anshe Amunim at 413-442-5910 or email templeof dents at a special family service, in the K.I. [email protected]. The event is free and open to the public. chapel. A Kiddush picnic lunch will follow at noon. Major funding provided by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. RSVP to Judith Weiner at jweiner@knes Ruth Reichl setisrael.org Life is so endlessly delicious. —

KOL K.I. • JUNE 2019 • IYAR / SIVAN 5779 n 5 From the President

The Search for Meaning CELEBRATE! Everything becomes easier when we do it together. Knesset Israel’s Gala–July 1, 2019

As I was sitting in the Berkshire Plaza Hotel on May 2nd taking part in the “Unity, Prayer, and Call To Action” gathering, I was struck by the posi- tive influence that people of faith can A bring into this world. Leaders of all six Berkshire congregations along with BROADWAY the Federation encouraged people to respond to the recent manifestations of hate by committing to do one righ- HAPPENING teous act. The phrase, “mitzvah gorre- Richard Simons ret mitzvah”, or “one good deed will lead to another good deed” was taught so that acts of love and kindness would multiply as a way to honor those we lost and to Honoring the past, celebrating the future allow our humanity and dignity to shine. The pleasure of your company is requested for what promises I acknowledge the truth that unfortunately many of the world’s to be an extraordinary evening. Because this year celebrates conflicts, wars, and massacres are conducted in the name the 125th anniversary of Knesset Israel, our Gala will reverber- of God. Some faith communities have little tolerance for the ate with heartfelt toasts to our wonderful synagogue. While “other”. People who do not fit within the expectations of the the Gala is always special, this one will be extra special! There community are at best not welcomed, and at worst ostracized will be premier entertainment, and an elegant meal. Dinner will and judged. be catered by Chef Goetze, followed by a musical performance starring Matt Doyle. I appreciate that we at Knesset Israel are a community who through our faith and traditions, work to make this world a bet- Matt recently starred in the world premiere of the Huey Lewis ter place. We seek to find purpose and meaning in our lives and musical The Heart of Rock & Roll at the Old Globe Theater in San afford opportunities to improve our communities. Our mission Diego, California. His Broadway, off-Broadway, and myriad other statement so aptly summarizes these tenets: performance credits are too many to include here. Google him! Experience this accomplished artist live by attending this exciting event.

Knesset Israel Statement of Purpose Monday, July 1 • 5:30pm • Knesset Israel Welcome. 16 Colt Road • Pittsfield, Masssachusetts We are here to nourish mind, heart, and soul. Dinner • Entertainment • Gala Celebration Tickets: $125 per person We are here to inspire through word and deed. We are here to accompany each other on life’s journey. By now you should have received your formal invitation in the We are here to celebrate in community. mail. If not, please contact Diana at the synagogue office. Make your reservations now! We are here to bring life to the wisdom and values of Torah. We are here to transform our world. The pomegranite is said to have 613 seeds, which corresponds with As we welcome the summer season, please stop by the shul for the 613 commandments prayer, community, discussion, socializing and learning. Every- of the Torah. thing becomes easier when we do it together.

6 n KOL K.I. • JUNE 2019 • IYAR / SIVAN 5779 Rosh Chodesh

A Passover Gathering Key Contacts CEMETERY Who would you invite to your Seder who could Don Sugarman...... 413-499-4478 [email protected] not possibly attend? DEVELOPMENT FUNDRAISING The umbrella topic for our April 14th gathering was A Taste of Passover. Members were Bobbi Cohn...... 413-443-6128 asked to bring their favorite Passover recipe for either charoset or dessert, each with FACILITIES/EQUIPMENT accompanying printed instructions. Similar to last year’s celebration, we decided to Don Sugarman...... 413-499-4478 forgo a full Seder meal—no brisket, no gefilte fish, no string beans—just one of the two requests. Offerings included olive charoset, charoset canapes, Nana’s Buns, Sep- MEMBERSHIP Jan Zimbler...... 4134488443 hardic charoset, coconut flan, matzoh chocolate chip cookies, and more. Jan Zimbler hosted the group of 25 women at her home—the welcoming ambience enhanced the MARKETING feeling of warmth and community. Kara Thornton...... 413-684-2298

Judith Weiner opened the discussion by asking “What exactly is a traditional seder”? It MUSIC COMMITTEE was interesting to notice, that while everyone answered differently, everyone believed Phil Coleman...... 413-329-9224 their’s was traditional. It became clear that the word traditional inspired personal in- MUSIC DIRECTOR terpretations made up of the memories that we each hold dear. Discussion continued Sherri Buxton...... 413-243-2709 with insights about the Four Questions, the Four Children, who was the ‘wandering ADMINISTRATION Aramaen,’ and the symbolism of items on the Passover plate and table—including the Diane Weinstein...... 413-442-7143 contemporary orange and Miriam’s cup. PROGRAMMING Stuart Masters...... 413-443-4386 How good it is, and how pleasant, RITUAL, GABBAIM, MINYAN When women dwell together in unity. Alan Metzger...... 413-443-4217 —Psalm 133 with a feminist twist TREASURY, FINANCE AND BUDGET Edwin Helitzer...... 413-499-1202 The Rosh Chodesh gatherings always conclude with each woman lighting a candle, YOUTH saying our Hebrew name, our mothers’ and grandmothers’ names, and answering a Marcie Greenfield Simons...413-464-1162 question related to the topic of our discussions. Answers are always thought provok- ing and heartwarming. This day we asked the question in the sub-title of this article: “Who would you invite to your Seder who could not possibly attend?” Many women, of Emergency Contacts course, wished their parents, grandparents, or other deceased love ones could attend. PASTORAL CARE. Ann Krawit embraced the Passover spirit by wishing each of us could host a migrant If you are in need of emergency pasto- family held at our southern border. ral care for any reason, please contact Rabbi Weiner, 413-445-4872, ext. 10. The K.I. Rosh Chodesh group hopes to make ‘A Taste of Passover’ an annual event— planning for it will begin this coming November. In the coming months, we will be FUNERALS. hosting K.I. member, artist Susan Miller, who will speak with us about her work and in- Knesset Israel’s funeral arrangements spirations. Ev Bastow is organizing a committee to rejuvenate the Bobby Braun garden are handled with Flynn-Dagnoli funeral at K.I.—please see details on page 10 of this KOL K.I. issue. home. Please call 413-663-6523 or 413- 442-1733. You can also email flynndag- New members are always welcomed to our gatherings and planning sessions. Please [email protected]. contact Maxine Bookless at [email protected], or Jan Zimbler at [email protected] CARE COMMITTEE. If you or another K.I. member you know is experiencing serious illness requiring “If you experience a lack of community, support, please contact the Care Com- it may mean you are called upon to build one.” mittee by calling the main office of Knes- set Israel, 413-445-4872, ext. 10 and we —Sherri Mandell will be in touch with you.

KOL K.I. • JUNE 2019 • IYAR / SIVAN 5779 n 7

JTS in the Berkshires (continued from page 1)

Dr. Gerald Cohen Dr. David Kraemer Dr. Stefanie Siegmund

LECTURE & PERFORMANCE: LECTURE & TEXT STUDY: LECTURE & DRAMATIC READING: Verdi in Terezin: What can the Bible Teach us about Matchmaking & Midrash: A Composer’s Inspiration Wagner? Jewish Views on the A Hebrew Comedy from the Time of Shakespeare Dr. Gerald Cohen, Imperfect Messanger Assistant Professor, H.L. Miller Cantorial Dr. David Kraemer, Dr. Stefanie Siegmund, School Joseph J. and Dora Abbell Librarian and Women’s League Chair in Jewish Gender Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics and Women’s Studies Friday, July 12, 2019 • 11am-12:30pm Friday July 26 • 11am-12:30pm Friday August 9, 2019 • 11am-12:30pm Nazis allowed some art and education to take place in Terezin, both as a way of oc- Richard Wagner, T.S. Eliot, Shakespeare. Dr. Stefanie Siegmund will introduce you cupying the prisoners and of deceiving Sometimes the most important or even to “The Comedy of Betrothal,” the oldest the world as to the nature of concentra- sublime messages are delivered by high- Hebrew play in existence, and its creator tion camps. Composer and cantor Gerald ly imperfect messengers. This is the case Leone de’Sommi, an Italian Jew from Cohen will tell how the performance of in the Jewish tradition as well, take for Mantua. Written in the 16th century in Verdi’s Requiem under the direction of example, David and Solomon. Does Ju- the style of an Italian Renaissance com- the dynamic conductor Rafael Schachter daism allow one to separate the “mes- edy, the play will surprise you with its was able to take place in Terezin. Cohen sage” from the “messenger?” Can the provocative themes and creative weav- will explore the thematic significance of handiwork of the sinner, if not the sinner ing of biblical and Talmudic texts with a Verdi’s work and discuss his string quar- himself, be allowed into the community? plot reminiscent of Shakespeare’s mar- tet, “Playing For Our Lives,” written as a Dr. David Kraemer will explore this trou- riage comedies. tribute to the Terezin effort. Alla Zernits- bling and very current question. kaya, inspiring teacher of the Pittsfield Helping Dr. Seigmund will be two tal- High School orchestra and Chamber ented Knesset Israel members who will Music program guides advanced string The JTS series will be deliver dramatic readings of key scenes players in the art of string quartet play- presented at the which will encourage interactive dis- ing. The following gifted students, new cussion: Amy Brentano is a theater art- graduates of PHS, will perform Dr. Co- Bernstein Theater ist who moved to the Berkshires from hen’s work: Chenyang Lin, violin1, Isa- Shakespeare & Company • Lenox New York City 17 years ago. Trained at belle Smith, violin 2, Johan Serrano, vio- NYU’s Experimental Theater Wing, she la, Joseph Cracolici, cello. NEW! discounted admission fee: performed, wrote, and directed profes- $15 per session; $45 for the series. sionally on stages in NYC for twenty- five Register at jtsa.edu/Berkshires years. Currently, she is the owner of The or purchase tickets at the door continued on page 10

KOL K.I. • JUNE 2019 • IYAR / SIVAN 5779 n 9 KOL K.I.

JTS in the Berkshires New Life for an Old Garden continued from page 9 Reviving the Bobby Braun garden—a Rosh Chodesh project Foundry, a new performing arts venue in West Stockbridge producing relevant How many of you know theater for diverse audiences. Amy is about the Bobby Braun Me- also a co-artistic director for the venue’s morial Garden on the east resident theater company, Bazaar Pro- side of the K.I. sanctuary? ductions/Berkshire Fringe and a teach- Planted in memory of Bob- ing artist with WAM Theater. by by the Braun family, the Steve Rosenthal, the second reader, is a garden is a faded beauty New York born, Boston educated, Becket just waiting for some TLC to resident. He is a second-generation K.I. bring it back to a beautiful, member. From his earliest days he has peaceful space that could be been fascinated with the spoken word. enjoyed by all members. He still listens to old time radio. Steve’s The K.I. Rosh Chodesh wom- early introduction to acting was at sum- en’s group has decided to mer camps. More recently he became initiate a project to restore active in the storytelling community, this treasure. We are looking eventually serving as head of the New for a few garden lovers to England Jewish Storytelling Coalition. work on a plan to revive the He has performed at various venues up garden. We need ideas and and down the east coast including Camp we need YOU! Eisner and here at Knesset Israel. Ev Bastow is organizing a committee to determine the course of our lovely, currently JTS in the Berkshires is presented in coop- unused garden. You don’t have to be a gardener to join, although knowledge and ex- eration with the Jewish Federation of the pertise is especially welcome. Berkshires, KI, JTS. Supported in part by a grant from the Hereld Institute for Jewish Please contact Ev Bastow at 413-464-9828 or email her at [email protected]. Studies of JTS. “Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who creates species of fragrance.”

Correction—First Aid Certification Your community wants to Please note a correction to the email address originally share in your good news! printed in May’s KOL K.I. featuring the Steve Rosenthal’s Send KOL K.I. editor, Su- First Aid certification. The corrected email address is shown san Miller the details about below. births, awards & honors, graduations, milestones, n Sunday, June 30—Earn your First Aid certification. anniversaries, accomplish- Be prepared! Plans are in the works for a day long First ments…any happy news we Aid, CPR, AED training class at Knesset Israel. Open to all can celebrate with you! ages. You will be ready to act when the need arises. Con- High resolution photos are tact Steve Rosenthal for details and to reserve your spot: welcome! Susan Miller: [email protected]. [email protected]

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Jewish Film Festival July 22, 8:00 p.m. – Holy Lands continued from page 1 James Caan and Rosanna Arquette star in this comedic family drama about a FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE retired American doctor who becomes a July 8, 4:00 p.m. – Beneath the Ink pig farmer in Israel. Inspired by current events, an Appala- July 29, 4:00 p.m. – Ask Dr. Ruth chia tattoo artist donates his services to erase symbols of hate from those seek- Documentary about the life of Dr. Ruth ing to reverse past, bigoted mistakes. Westheimer, Holocaust survivor and America’s most famous sex therapist. AND—The Barn A captivating film of a Holocaust survi- July 29, 8:00 p.m. – Leona Beneath the Ink – 7/8, 4 p.m. vor and his granddaughter who travel to A young Jewish woman from Mexico Poland and reunite with his savior. City finds herself torn between her family and her forbidden love. This film con- July 8, 8:00 p.m. – I Heart NY tains mature content. Graphic designer Milton Glaser shares August 5, 4:00 p.m. – Shoelaces the inspiration behind the creation of his iconic I ♥ NY logo. This tender family dramedy portrays the knotty relationship between an aging, AND—The Mambonicks irascible mechanic and the exuberant During the 1950s, free-spirited, most- special-needs son he abandoned long ly Jewish dancers from New York City before. fell head over heels for the mambo, a hot dance from Havana, Cuba. The film August 5, 8:00 p.m. – The Unorthodox Holy Lands – 7/22, 8 p.m. features this zany group of retirees, still A disenfranchised Sephardic father launch- dancing to the Latin rhythms. es the ultra-Orthodox Shas Party, a nascent challenge to the ruling Ashkenazi estab- July 15, 4:00 p.m. – Joseph Pulitzer: lishment in this lively, crowd-pleasing dra- Voice of the People ma. An inspiring American story recounting the life and times of modern journalism’s August 12, 4:00 p.m. – 93 Queen founding father, relevant to the ‘fake Rachel “Ruchie” Freier is a no-nonsense news’ era and heralding freedom of the Hasidic lawyer and mother of six who is press at a time when First Amendment determined to shake up the ‘boys club’ rights are challenged. in her community. She creates Ezras Nashim, the first all-female ambulance July 15, 8:00 p.m. – Rescue Bus 300 corps in NYC. 93 Queen –8/12, 4 p.m. A powerful and tense docudrama about the 1984 hijacking and rescue of Bus 300 August 12, 8:00 p.m. – The Other Story in Israel. Two rebellious young women, one flee- ing the chaos of secular hedonism for July 22, 4:00 p.m. – The Accountant at the comforts of faith, the other seeking Auschwitz to escape her oppressive religious up- More than 40 years after serving as an SS bringing for sexual and spiritual free- officer at Auschwitz, Oskar Gröning told dom, cross paths unexpectedly in Jeru- the world what he had done; his admis- salem in this empowering drama. sion led to his trial for complicity in the murder of 300,000 Jews. A new genera- BJFF is generously supported by Greylock tion is reopening investigations against Federal Credit Union, Berkshire Bank, the living perpetrators of some of histo- The Wolfson Family Foundation, and ry’s worst crimes. Spitz-Tuchman Charitable Trust. The Other Story – 12/12, 8 p.m.

12 n KOL K.I. • JUNE 2019 • IYAR / SIVAN 5779 Spotlight On

Accidental Artist Joel Curran on discovery and process—by Phil Coleman

Hello readers! This month I am delighted to have as my guest Joel Curran, longstanding member of Knesset Israel and a very creative guy. Check out my interview with him below!

Joel, so nice to have you as my guest this month! You are a prolific artist. I saw a lot of great pieces on your website. How did you end up choosing this later stage career after a first career in medicine?

Joel: My second career in art began totally by accident.

In a touristy shop in Great Barrington I saw a frame covered in small rolls of newspaper and decided to figure out how that Joel Curran was created. With no formal art training my move from interests in recycling, planning and designing together with a love of have long since discarded. This impulse also resulted in my in- color seems like it has been a natural progression to my “Works tention to preserve some of the old ark at Knesset Israel. with Paper.” What can you tell me about the materials and techniques you What are some of the inspirations and themes you evoke as use in the actual making of your pieces? you create your work? Joel: Along the way I learned a great deal about paper, how to Joel: I began experimenting with rolled magazine paper and take an image on a flat surface and discover the change when subsequently folded papers - both art and handmade - to cre- the form and depth are changed and how to preserve it in an ate geometric colorful designs. Some pieces I design, others are acid-free state. All pieces are framed with UV protective glass “copied”. The famous quote from Picasso is “Good artists bor- or acrylic. The best part is the creation and layout of the design. row, great artists steal”. The execution of cutting, folding, rolling and pasting paper is very time consuming and could be 6 to12 weeks. This led to the I see you were an early adapter of recycling and reuse. This discovery of how difficult it is to be an economically successful is a very timely subject today. How important is that to your artist! vision? Where do you exhibit and what’s coming up for this year? Joel: This technique merged with my activity as a major recy- cler, reusing and refinishing objects which family members Joel: When my children began to “commission” work it seemed that I must be doing something right. They encouraged me to seek professional venues. Museum Fac- similes was the first to display my work. For the past 10 years I have been associated with the Wit Gallery in Lenox.

My greatest pleasure is to know that someone enjoys and appreciates what I create!

Thanks Joel, it was great having you as my guest this month!

Joel’s work can be seen on his website jdanforthart.com, or at the Wit Gallery, 27 Church Street in Lenox.

“Black Tie”– 2010. Folded triangles, magazine papers, 10” x 15”

KOL K.I. • JUNE 2019 • IYAR / SIVAN 5779 n 13 Hebrew School / Families Together

On May 8, Families Together and others met in the K.I. kitchen to learn how to braid Challah. Susan Gordon made the dough and taught everyone the challenges of three, four, and round Challah braiding.

14 n KOL K.I. • JUNE 2019 • IYAR / SIVAN 5779 Yahrzeits • June 2019 • Iyar / Sivan • 5779

6/2 – 28 IYAR Reba Kaufman

6/3 - 29 IYAR Vladimir Zeygerman

6/4 - 1 SIVAN Theresa Levinson “In Hebrew, the words for create 6/5 - 2 SIVAN (bria) and health (briut) are similar. Alexander Hirshberg Helen Krawet Use your pain to create.” —Sherri Mandell learn. James Weisberg Lifelong learning at KI! Joseph Strul From Hebrew School for our children 6/16 - 13 SIVAN 6/25 - 22 SIVAN Meyer Paskowitz to stimulating classes Bertha Jacobs Samuel Levine 6/6 - 3 SIVAN and programs for adults… Shirley Hyman 6/17 - 14 SIVAN • Arthur Rosenstock Lunch & Learn / Discover your inner Torah Ida Edelstein Beatrice Safran 6/26 - 23 SIVAN Feed your spirit through artistic expression Marion Kahn Fannie Abramowitz Ann Herman Hilda Fass 6/7 - 4 SIVAN 5779 6/18 - 15 SIVAN • David Zuckerman Dr. Benjamin Rosenthal 6/27 - 24 SIVAN Ethel Krancer Rose Kauderer Lila Holland inspire. Ida Klein Robert Sugarman Connect with each generation 6/19 - 16 SIVAN William Abramowitz Samuel Weinstein Share through leadership Lillian Schechter Victor Feldstein Tikkun Olam…transform our world 6/8 - 5 SIVAN Samuel Adelson Jerome Goldenberg 6/28 - 25 SIVAN 6/20 - 17 SIVAN • Laeita Israelite Arnold Robbins Etta Stoll Bertha Zalutsky 6/9- 6 SIVAN Gertrude Wiederkehr Dr. Morris Harris grow. Ida Pill Herbert Lebowitz Reva Cassell Start where you are Jerome Frank Jacob Rosenblatt Rose Kobritz Lazerus Beam with new insights Norman M. Israelite Seek guides to the unfamiliar 6/21 - 18 SIVAN 6/29 - 26 SIVAN Nourish mind, heart & soul 6/11 - 8 SIVAN Marian Liverman Esther Lipton Bentze Rozenblyum Heinz Ronberg 6/23 - 20 SIVAN • Katherine Johnson Dave Goodheartz 6/30 - 27 SIVAN 6/12 - 9 SIVAN Linda Wood Ben Markowitz together. Alan Lipton Samuel Feldstein Joyfully stuff envelopes Herman Wolk 7/1 - 28 SIVAN 6/24 - 21 SIVAN with other mailing mavens! Larry Dubin Hanna Jawetz Be a GLEE star Norma Bell Rose Tarnower Israel Leavitt at Shriei Shabbat Samuel Simons 6/13 - 10 SIVAN Comfort a loss Alfred Kornbluth with Chevra Kaddisha Fae Model • Harry Aronovitz Minimum donation to funds is $5. Endowment fund minimum is $10. visit 6/14 - 11 SIVAN We welcome contributions in any amount. knessetisrael.org for opportunities! Bernard Udel Contributions of less than $5 not publicized. Eric Weeks

KOL K.I. • JUNE 2019 • IYAR / SIVAN 5779 n 15 Funds & Endowments

ACCESSIBILITY FUND BOBBI COHN REVITALIZATION JACOB AND LILLIAN KLEIN In memory of Theresa Pill ENDOWMENT ENDOWMENT Merle Ferber In memory of Selma Cohn In memory of Fanny Novick Bobbi and Mike Cohn In memory of Ida Klein In memory of Lillian Klein SAMUEL AND ANNA BOOKLESS Elaine Epstein ENDOWMENT GENERAL DONATIONS In memory of Anna Bookless Seth Wax Nan Bookless and Maxine Bookless KIDDUSH FUND With appreciation In memory of Gertrude Wiederkehr Liliya Dyakova CEMETERY FUND In memory of Ida Edelstein A new flag for KI Cemetery In memory of Samuel Rosenberg In memory of Louis Weiderkehr In memory of Sam Edelstein Charlene Kahn Myra Kressner Bonnie and Alvin Edelstein In memory of David Gordon Landa In memory of Murray Lipton In memory of Reba Kaufman The Landa Family Allan and Nan Lipton Jan Caryl Kaufman In memory of Betty Turetsky In memory of Moshe Mestechkin In memory of Temah Rashkes In memory of Rose Gelber Gary and Bernice Turestsky Viktor Rashkes Beth and Roger Kruvant CEMETERY GATE FUND In memory of Vera Gangel Barbara Gershen Swartz In memory of Theresa Pill MILTON KOLODKIN ENDOWMENT Amy Abramovich In memory of Morris Silver Susan and Michael Albert HEBREW SCHOOL FUND Barbara Kolodkin Ileen and Leonard Cohen In memory of Jacob Samuel Karlin Elaine Epstein In memory of Shoska Karolicki LIBRARY BOOK RESERVE Sharon, Sam, Joel and Eric Karlin Lori and Bruce Fish In memory of Semyon Berlin Laura and John Frankenthaler In memory of Irene Staskin Inna, Boris and Julia Saltanovich Diana Geller and Andy Geller Susan Staskin Susan Geller In memory of Vladimir Zeygerman Beth and Chris Goetze ROBERT AND ESTHER MARKOWITZ Cindy and Ed Helitzer Anna and Alec Yantovsky ENDOWMENT Mary Lou Jarvis In honor of Eliot Stern In memory of Isadore Goodheartz Sharon, Sam, Joel and Eric Karlin on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah In memory of Lena Goodheartz Lawrence, Sarah, Jacob & Kateah Klein In honor of Ellie Caine Robert Markowitz Brenda and Fred Landes on the occasion of her Bat Mitzvah Margery and Alan Metzger In honor of Joe Weiner RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Shiffra and Martin Perlmutter on the occasion of his Bar Mtizvah In memory of Betty Rich Arlene and Gary Schiff In honor of Leora Cook-Dubin With appreciation for Mishloach Manot Bea Selig and family on the occasion of her Bat Mitzvah Amy Abramovich Who occupies [her] himself with the needs of the Phoebe and Don Sugarman In honor of Robert Ferren In memory of Percy Marcus community is as though s/he occupies The Weiss family on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah Natalya and Sergey Yantovsky Natalya and Sergey Yantovsky Ev Bastow [her] himself with Torah.—Talmud Yerushalmi, Berakhot In memory of Anna Marcus In memory of Freida Newalk In memory of Miriam Zaitschek In memory of Ruth Lurinsky Sharon, Sam, Joel and Eric Karlin

CHEVRA KADISHA Honor or remember a special occasion or a loved one In memory of Shirley J. Bookless with a donation to the Bima Flower Fund. Nan Bookless and Maxine Bookless Call Naomi Schwartz at 413-841-0006.

16 n KOL K.I. • JUNE 2019 • IYAR / SIVAN 5779 In memory of Eve Lerner THE BOB AND ELAINE SHINDLER, WILLIAM AND MARILYN SIMONS Geraldine and Robert Becker KIZAYDE AND KIBUBBE ENDOWMENT ENDOWMENT In the spirit of Max, we thank Rabbi In memory of Louis Frankel Weiner for his generosity and insightful In memory of Theresa Pill Marilyn Simons reflection Elaine Shindler TORAH COVER FUND Nan Bookless and Maxine Bookless Marty and Roberta Shindler Amy Abramovich With appreciation for Mishloach Manot Maxine Bookless Linda and Burton Edelstein In honor of Rabbi Weiner being selected as a 40 under Forty honoree Susan Geller In memory of Bruce Havsy Suellen Havsy In honor of Brenda and Barry Leeper Bonnie and Richard Hyken In honor of Rabbi Weiner being selected as a 40 under Forty honoree Karen and Bruce Jacobs In memory of Sarah Kaplan Sharon, Sam, Joel and Eric Karlin In honor of Rabbi Weiner being selected as a 40 under Forty honoree Cecily Levine and Amy Levine In memory of Sylvia S. Flaster Barbara Mandler In memory of Isaak Kutik Tanya and Arnold Mazurenko In memory of David Weinstock Shiffra and Martin Perlmutter In memory of Bertha Rosenblatt Bob and Roz Rosenblatt In honor of Rabbi Weiner being selected as a 40 under Forty honoree Janet and David Rothstein In memory of Milton Seaman Judy Seaman In memory of Geraldine Weinstein In memory of Herman Wolk In memory of Lillian Wolk In memory of Samuel Weinstein Fran and Joel Wolk

SHARON AND IRA SIEGEL ENDOWMENT In memory of David Siegel Sharon Siegel and family

KOL K.I. • JUNE 2019 • IYAR / SIVAN 5779 n 17 Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Pittsfield, MA 01201 Permit # 70

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