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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. 24, No. 5 Sivan/Tammuz 5776 July 1 to August 4, 2016 jewishberkshires.org Jewish Music’s Leading Lights to “We are on the map!” Headline the Federation’s Summer And so is the Berkshire Jewish Film Festival, this summer celebrating its 30th anniversary with a Concert typically compelling lineup of Jewish-themed films Josh Nelson and Neshama Carlebach to perform from around the world benefit for Victims of Terror Fund on July 31

LENOX – Two of the hottest stars in will take place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, the contemporary Jewish music scene, July 31 at the Duffin Theater at Lenox " vnpv! gk batrho utbjbu w vnpv gk "tbjbu Neshama Carlebach and Josh Nelson, Memorial High School. From the festival filmOn the Map: Basketball legend Tal Brody, who upon leading will come together at the Jewish Feder- This year, all concert proceeds will Maccabi Tel Aviv to an upset victory against a Soviet team in 1977 famously ation of the Berkshires’ annual benefit again benefit the Jewish Agency’s Vic- exclaimed: “We are on the map! And we are staying on the map – not only in sports, concert in a powerful evening of hope, tims of Terror Fund, which continues but in everything.” The quote, renowned for both its elated expression of Jewish unity, and spirituality. The concert to play a vital role in meeting the needs pride and unconventional locution in American-accented Hebrew, is cherished by of families and individuals injured by Israelis. Please see page 27 for the full Berkshire Jewish Film Festival lineup. senseless acts of violence in Israel. Inside Melding Two Traditions Your Federation Presents...... 4-11, 15 “The Prince and Princess of Jewish Music, Modern Dance, Merchant, Music Find New Love” is how The Local News...... 13-14, 17-19 Forward in 2014 announced the Motion Pictures, and a Museum burgeoning romance between Josh Berkshire Jewish Voices...... 22 Nelson and Neshama Carlebach – big Summertime is culture time in the Berkshires, Culture and Arts...... 24-28 SUMMER CONCERT, and this year’s busy season brings top-notch continued on page 5 Jewish artists to the region. See our expanded Culture and Arts section for stories on CBI’s Rabbi Barenblat Chosen One some of the Jewish actors, dancers, writers, filmmakers, of the Most Inspiring Rabbis in US curators, and other creative types who will be sharing work in the Berkshires this summer. After one year leading ALEPH, she and co-chair Rabbi David Evan Markus reflect on their experiences NORTH ADAMS – One year after her appointment to the high-profile post of co-chair of ALEPH: Alliance for Jew- ish Renewal, Rabbi Rachel Barenblat of Congregation Beth Israel has been recognized by The Forward as one of its Inspiring Rabbis of 2016. The spiritual leaders selected are nominated by individuals whose lives they have touched. Shoshanna Schech- ter-Shaffin wrote this about Rabbi Barenblat, who is also an accomplished poet and blogs as the Velveteen Rab- bi: “Rachel’s gifts with words have the ability to reach right into the deepest longings of my soul. Whether it be a re- flection on a specific Jewish practice or a poem on the changing of the seasons, Rachel always has the right words to make us all think a bit deeper…She Rabbi Rachel Barenblat inspires me every day.” G. LINDENMAIER PHOTO: AVA “It is humbling,” says Rabbi Baren- to say that these are the best rabbis, Above left, Jonathan Epstein rehearses the role of Shylock for blat, “to join such extraordinary com- or the most famous or most impactful, Shakespeare & Company’s The Merchant of Venice. Trumpeter Frank pany, not only in terms of the other but rather the most inspiring. London, above right, brings his band The Klezmatics to the Yiddish Book rabbis on this year’s list, but those “That means we’ve been fortunate Center for Yidstock in mid-July. For stories on these performers and much from previous years. What moves me more, please turn to page 24. most though is that no one is trying RABBI BARENBLAT HONORED, continued on page 12 Page 2 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 1 to August 4, 2016

In My View Creating the Jewish Community We Want to Live In Incoming Federation President Shares Her Berkshires Jewish Journey By Judy Usow When I called my parents to tell them that my attended in Cleveland after my grandfather passed away. I learned we gave money husband found a job in the Berkshires and we to the UMass Hillel. Most of all, I discovered that the Federation placed the high- were thinking of moving from New York City to est priority on supporting Jewish youth education and Jewish camping. Massachusetts with our 2 year old daughter, their I didn’t need to defend Sinai’s importance in our Jewish community. The peo- first question was “Are there any Jews there?” They ple around that table already knew what it took to create a vibrant, caring, and worried we were leaving a large, vibrant Jewish supportive Jewish community for my family and for so many others. That’s when community to raise our daughter in a small, rural I took notice. town with little or no Jewish life. Without giving it The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires had been helping and supporting my too much thought, I assured them that some of our family’s Jewish journey since the day we had arrived. I felt the same openness Jewish friends’ families had homes in the Berk- and generosity we had experienced earlier, but on a much larger scale and I was shires. But after I hung up the phone, I realized I deeply grateful. Committee members weren’t fighting over money or discussing really knew nothing about the Berkshire Jewish the amount a person contributed to the campaign. Instead, they were focused on Community. working together to find the best way to care for those in need, engage the next Looking back, I should have called the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires to generation and inspire a love of Jewish life and culture. They were committed to inquire, but instead I called our realtor (who wasn’t Jewish), who assured me his helping my family and so many others live meaningful Jewish lives. kids went to a Jewish preschool and there was a Jewish day school in Pittsfield. The next year I joined the Federation’s Board of Directors and became a mem- I also learned about a few of the synagogues in the area. That seemed enough at ber of the Allocations Committee. I have since served on the Executive Committee the time. as a vice president and as a treasurer, as well as serving on the Scholarship Com- When we came to the Berkshires in July 2000, a few extraordinarily generous mittee and the Finance Committee. people steered us toward Congregation Knesset Israel and its preschool, and then This past year I attended my first General Assembly, a gathering of 3000 to Sinai Academy. I had never lived in a small town but immediately recognized people representing 450 Jewish communities from across North America. The a difference in this community. In New York, I had to search for the appropri- opportunity to see how our small community fit into the larger picture of saving ate classes or play groups. There were so many resources to choose from. In the lives and transforming Jewish life in Israel and around the world was truly inspir- Berkshires, it required a bit more work, but everyone we met was incredibly help- ing and energizing. What we do matters and truly makes a difference in the lives ful. We were introduced to families with young children, included in playgroups, of others. and invited to people’s homes for the holidays and Shabbat. We felt more a part of I am very proud to be part of the Berkshire Jewish community and hope that this little Jewish community than we had ever felt in New York. I can inspire younger community members to step up into leadership roles. We We were busy raising our growing family, and I have to admit it took me some must all take an active role in creating the Jewish community we want to live in, time to recognize the importance of our Jewish Federation. I’m embarrassed to to raise our children in, retire in, and grow old in. share that when I received my first Super Sunday call inviting me to support the When I look at my two daughters, I see the proud Jewish women that they Federation’s efforts on behalf of the community, I responded “I’ll check with my are becoming. They are giving and caring. Their identity, values, and sense of husband and we’ll send in our donation,” knowing full well I had the authority to justice are deeply rooted in their Jewish heritage. I know that the support of this commit a reasonable amount without any consultation. community, through Federation, has helped shape who they are today. We must I knew the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires provided programs and finan- never forget that we are all impacted by Federation. We should be grateful for the cial support to the community, but my interest and awareness came a few years many opportunities provided to us and above all we should support this commu- later when my children were students at Sinai Academy of the Berkshires. I was nity effort with our time, our resources, and our hearts. asked to substitute for the regular representative at the Federation’s Allocations I appreciate and welcome the responsibility that comes with being president Committee. I went to the meeting prepared to defend Sinai Academy’s interests of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires. I look forward to hearing from each of within the broader Jewish community, ready to express why a Jewish day school you on what makes our community so special to you and how we can continue is of vital importance to the Berkshires, and why the Federation should commit to work together to create the future we want for ourselves and Jews everywhere. community resources to support it. It is a privilege and an honor to serve this community, and I thank you for this I sat and listened for most of that meeting, and learned that evening how vital opportunity. our Jewish Federation is to this community. I listened to congregants speaking on behalf of their religious schools. I heard from people in the community appealing Judy Usow, a resident of Lenox, is the incoming president of the Jewish Federation to the committee on behalf of life saving programs in Israel and around the world. of the Berkshires. I learned that we funded a kosher lunch program, similar to one my grandmother

Letters to the Editor

Jerusalem Seniors Supported by You A Home with a Heart Thanks a Community with Dear Jewish Federation of the Berkshires: a Heart We at Yad LaKashish gratefully Dear Wonderful Federation Friends: acknowledge receipt of your 2016 On behalf of all of the boys and girls at Neve grant. We are so grateful the commit- Michael Children’s Village (“A Home with a Heart”), tee decided to fulfill our request. thank you so much for your special donation. I am As you know, this year’s grant will so happy that you continue to love and care about go towards our bus pass program and our children. You must come and visit. You will be so will provide 100 bus passes for our proud of Israel – for the way that this country takes elderly. This program, in addition to care of the child at risk and makes such an effort to providing a way for the elderly to at- give each and every child the life that they deserve to tend Yad LaKashish, also goes a long have. way towards promoting independence Before Passover, new children came to us via the and battling social isolation among courts. Two little sisters had to be taken out of their the low income elderly we serve. Craft room at Yad LaKashish home because of serious physical abuse. One sweet little boy came to us due to We value our ongoing relationship extreme neglect. And we have lovely young girl who is still struggling with what with the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires and we look forward to continuing her stepfather did to her mother in front of her. our partnership in the future. None of our work would be possible without the What do these kids need? A chance. Your gift is enabling us to give them a continued support of our friends around the world, and we are so grateful for golden opportunity – many will succeed because of you. your help. I hope one day to come and visit and thank all of you personally for continual- We look forward to hosting you here at Yad LaKashish and showing you our ly helping the kids at Neve Michael. program in action. Thank you again. With love and lots of appreciation, Best wishes, Hava Levene Nava Ein-Mor Development Director Executive Director Neve Michael Children’s Village in Pardes Hanna is the only multidisciplinary Yad LaKashish is a non-profit organization that empowers and supports nearly children’s home in Israel. providing refuge and a loving home for over 250 children 300 elderly Jerusalem residents on a daily basis by providing them with creative and youth at risk. work opportunities in artistic workshops. MORE LETTERS on next page

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR DEADLINES The Berkshire Jewish Voice welcomes signed letters on subjects of interest to the Jewish community. Letters are printed upon space availability. The BJV reserves The next Berkshire Jewish Voice (Vol. 24, No. 6) will cover the period August 5, 2016 the right to edit all letters for content, length, and style. The BJV does not print through September 18, 2016. The following edition (Vol. 24, No. 7) covers September 19, anonymous letters, insults, libelous or defamatory statements. Published letters do 2016 through October 31, 2016. The deadline for press releases and other written not represent the views of the Federation, its board of directors, or the newspaper, submissions, all of which are subject to being edited, is August 22, 2016. Because but rather express the views of their authors. For verification purposes, please in- of limitations of space and time, please be so kind as to not submit lengthy articles clude full name, home address, and a day and evening telephone number. Send without first contacting the editor. Advertising deadline is August 31, 2016. For a letters to: Berkshire Jewish Voice, 196 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201, or email: complete Berkshire Jewish Voice schedule, contact (413) 442-4360, ext. 11, or e-mail [email protected]. [email protected]. Sivan-Tammuz 5776 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 3

Rabbi Reflections There Ain’t No Cure for the Tisha b’Av Blues By Rabbi Neil P.G. Hirsch Each year, as we approach the summertime, have returned to educate much of what our tradition has to teach, as a matter of I sense a struggle: Observe or don’t observe policy, the movement has not actively encouraged an observance of Tisha b’Av for Tisha b’Av? That is the question. 130 years now. But the Temples and their subsequent destructions were histor- Tisha b’Av, the 9th day of the month of Av, ical realities. Some have noted the positive outcomes of observing the holiday. It is the traditional commemoration of the de- allows us the opportunity to give voice to our sadness to other tragedies we have struction of the First and Second Temples in shared that are more recent in memory. To wipe Tisha b’Av from our historic col- Jerusalem. Understood as the saddest day in lective consciousness leaves a hole in our understanding of the Jewish narrative. Jewish history, the tradition instructs us to re- Yet so does an overemphasis of our suffering. frain from the most pleasurable activities from In 1982, Rabbi David Hartman z’’l published an article titled “Auschwitz or the beginning of the month. The day of Tisha Sinai?” There he notes the fundamental difference between yearning for our b’Av is a full fast day, as well. As on Yom Kip- people’s future, and maintaining judiciousness because of our history of suffer- pur, we are to refrain from food, drink, bathing, ing and tragedy. Instead of focusing on the lachrymose narrative, he looks to the leather, perfume, and sexual relations. Many power of renewal, writing, “The belief in the power of renewal is a central motif of us will gather in our congregations across in Judaism. Such concepts as psychological determinism, historical inevitability the Berkshires to hold services, in which we and fatalism are alien to our tradition’s understanding of human action. Belief in will publicly read the Book of Lamentations, a radical freedom, in an open future, in surprise and novelty is crucial element of biblical dirge written after the destruction of the Judaism’s vitality and perseverance.” First Temple. Many will observe the custom of Tisha b’Av is the saddest day on our calendar, calling us to remember what it sitting on the floor for the service, as though they were mourners. means to mourn the loss of our spiritual home in Jerusalem. Yet, we need to be Many within the Reform Movement, among the other liberal movements of our clear about the meaning of our observance of Tisha b’Av. We mourn in order to people, do not observe the holiday. We have not emphasized the destruction of the hope. We are sad so that we can work toward a fuller life for ourselves and our Temples as part of our Jewish lives. As Rabbi Mark Washofsky writes in Jewish Liv- people. If we are to believe in Hartman’s power of renewal, we must mourn with ing, “Reform theology has not generally looked upon the loss of the Temple and the the hope that renewal is possible – not renewal embodied in the actual form of the expulsion of the people of Israel from its land as a catastrophe to be lamented by lib- Messiah, but renewal by striving for that ideal world. eral Jews.” Rabbi Washofsky cites the 1885 initial platform drafted in by the Central Each Reform congregation today determines how it will observe Tisha b’Av. In Conference of American Rabbis, in which they announced, “We consider ourselves no our remembering our history, I would suggest, it is a call to continue the sacred longer a nation, but a religious community, and, therefore, expect neither a return to task of striving for a more perfect future for our people, our broader community, Palestine, nor a sacrificial worship under the sons of Aaron.” In fact, it was because for our world. of this view that many Reform synagogues were named Temple. It was a statement that these houses of worship would be our permanent spiritual homes. In that way, Rabbi Neil P.G. Hirsch is one of the spiritual leaders at Hevreh of Southern Berk- we moved away from a longing to reestablish the Temple in Jerusalem. shire. He marks his one year anniversary in the Berkshires this July. The Reform Movement continues to evolve. Reform is a verb, after all. While we

Letters to the Editor, continued

Group Formed to Record Sandisfield’s Destined to Go Far in Life, Scholarship Recipients Jewish History Will Stay in the Berkshires for Now To the Editor: Dear Jewish Federation Scholarship Dear members of the Jewish Federa- I’m writing to let you know about a in chapters about cultural assimila- Committee, tion Scholarship Committee, project starting in Sandisfield, namely tion, the chicken farms, the summer I want to thank you so much for I am very grateful that you chose to a proper history of the Jewish commu- resorts, religious and social life, and the $500 college scholarship. I’ve been award me a college scholarship. I am nity here between the late 1800s and the role of the marvelous synagogue fortunate to be raised with a strong looking forward to attending Williams late 1900s. This is something that is and Rabbi Cohen. There will be indi- Jewish identity through Sinai Acade- College in the fall and this money will long overdue and that I have wanted vidual chapters for as many families my, Congregation Knesset Israel, the help offset the significant cost. I appre- to tackle for some time. I was not sure as possible, and we are hoping to hear Berkshire Jewish community, and my ciate all of the support I have received how to go about it, but your recent vis- from members of the community with supportive family. This award will help from the Jewish community in my life, it and the farming articles in the April/ memories, memorabilia, genealogies, us with college expenses, and it means and I plan on being active in my Hillel May BJV were just the catalysts and photographs, and news stories of Jew- a lot to me to be recognized for my and college campus. inspiration needed to form a committee ish families from Sandisfield. hard work and involvement. to get going. Please visit www.sandisfieldtimes. Thank you, The group consists mostly of de- org and access the April 2016 issue on Sincerely, Jacob Lezberg scendants of eastern European Jewish the Library tab for a partial list of Jew- Emma Lezberg Williams College Class of 2020 families that settled here, and includes ish surnames of Sandisfield and more Williams College Class of 2020 amateur historians, researchers, and information about this undertaking. writers with an interest in this topic. You can also contact me at Ronber- With a working title of “A Century of [email protected] or at (413) 269-0012. Jewish Life in Sandisfield,” the book is expected to run about 250 pages and Sincerely, to be published by early 2018. Lorraine Ronald Bernard Berkshire German, whose mother-in-law Sylvia Sandisfield (Linder) German lived in Sandisfield and kept diaries about life there, will Ronald M. Bernard is the author of be the principal author. Members of Sandisfield Then and Now: 1762-2012, 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, the committee are myself, Nina Dry- which was published in commemora- CT and VT ansky Carr, Cindy Pinsky-Jennings, tion of the town’s 250th anniversary in Sandy and Flora Parisky, Lorraine and 2012. Published nine times a year by the Steve German, Charlotte Westhead, and Joanne Lazarowitz Olson. Jewish Federation of the Berkshires The overall story will be covered Dara Kaufman: Publisher and Managing Editor Albert Stern: Editor Rose Tannenbaum: Graphic Design & Layout Jenny Greenfeld: Advertising Sales Representative and Assistant Editor

Editorial opinions expressed in the Berkshire Jewish Voice are those of the newspa- per and not those of any individual. Signed editorials do not represent the view of the newspaper, but rather express the writer’s view. The Berkshire Jewish Voice is under no obligation to accept any advertisement. It does not guarantee the kashrut of any merchandise or service advertised. Serves the Jewish community in Berkshire County and neighboring New York, Connecticut, and Vermont. Voluntary subscription donations: $18, $36, $72, $108, other. Berkshire Jewish Voice e-mail: [email protected] Phone: (413) 442-4360, ext. 11 Fax (413) 443-6070

Paid advertisements do not necessarily represent the opinions of Some members of the Sandisfield book committee: Ron Bernard, Nina Carr, Cindy the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires or its members. Jennings, Sandy and Flora Parisky, and Lorraine and Steve German. Page 4 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 1 to August 4, 2016 Your Federation Presents

“Displaced Persons: Holocaust Survivors and the Paradoxical Lives They Built in Connecting With Community America” Series / Kosher Hot Lunch Author Joseph Berger to talk about the American lives of Programs in the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ Connecting With Community series are free and start at 10:45 Holocaust survivors at Knosh & Knowledge, August 12 a.m. most Mondays and Thursdays at Congregation Knesset GREAT BARRINGTON – On Israel (16 Colt Road, Pittsfield). Programs are followed by a Friday, August 12, Knosh & kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $2 suggested donation for adults Knowledge will host Joseph over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. Advance reservations Berger, author and veteran are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442- New York Times reporter, who 2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program. will reflect on the little-known For further information on all programs, please call Nancy story of the new lives 140,000 Maurice Rogers, program director, at (413) 442-4360, ext. 15. Holocaust survivors and For lunch menus, please see page 20. their children built in Amer- ica. Berger is the author of Displaced Persons: Growing Up American After the Holo- caust, which was published by Scribner in April 2001 and “New Beginnings at Jacob’s is a memoir about his family’s experience as refugees in New Pillow,” August 1 York in the 1950s and 1960s. This Jewish Federation of On Monday, August 1, the Berkshires program will Joseph Berger the Jewish Federation of the take place at Hevreh of South- Berkshires will host Norton ern Berkshire at 10:45 a.m., mately paid homage to their York Times, which called it Owen, who has been associ- and will be followed by lunch. parents’ extraordinary cour- ”an extraordinary memoir,” ated with the Jacob’s Pillow Berger was born in Russia age, luck, and hard work.” and was praised by Elie Wiesel Dance Festival for four de- in 1945, spent the postwar Berger was a reporter, as a “powerful and sweetly cades. He will speak about the years in displaced person editor, and columnist with the melancholic memoir, brilliantly festival’s history and its future camps in Germany and, after New York Times from 1984 written.” direction in a talk titled “New immigrating to the US, grew to 2015. Drawing on his own Beginnings at Jacob’s Pillow.” up in Manhattan and the experience as an immigrant, IF YOU GO This free program at Congre- Bronx. Writes Berger: “Like Berger spent three years as a gation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt many immigrants and chil- roving correspondent to New Sponsor: Jewish Federation of Road in Pittsfield is part of the dren of immigrants, Holocaust York neighborhoods, writing the Berkshires Federation’s Connecting With survivors’ children lived in two feature articles about the Venue: Hevreh of Southern Community series. worlds at the same time. On ethnic and cultural richness of Berkshire, 270 State Road, Great As a Berkshire landmark the one hand, there was this the city that became the core Barrington for more than 80 years, thrillingly rich American turf of two books, The World in a Date: Friday, August 12, at Jacob’s Pillow can boast of a DASHIELL PHOTO: DAVID to explore. On the other hand, City and The Pious Ones. Most 10:45 a.m. (lunch follows at historical dance legacy second Norton Owen they could never forget what recently, he chronicled the noon) to none. Longtime Director it was like to feel intractably building of a new Tappan Zee Advance lunch reservations of Preservation Norton Owen associated with Jacob’s Pillow rooted in another, incompat- Bridge, the first major bridge required for this event. asserts that it also prides itself Dance Festival since 1976 and ible world of refugee parents built in the New York area in on a tradition for new begin- has been Director of Preserva- Email jfb.officemanager@ who cannot speak English, half a century, in an occasion- nings, from its pioneering days tion since 1990, overseeing the verizon.net, or call a world of people dazed from al Times series. as the summer home for Ted PillowTalks series and proj- (413) 442-4360, ext. 10 unimaginable loss, and whose Displaced Persons: Growing Shawn and His Men Dancers ects involving documentation, loneliness was unrelenting. Up American After the Holo- Cost: $11 with fresh buffet to its current status at the exhibitions, audience engage- Yet the children came to terms caust was chosen as a notable lunch. Program only, $5. forefront of presenting major ment, and archival issues. with the paradox and ulti- book of the year by the New dance artists from through- He is the curator of Jacob’s out the world. As the Pillow Pillow Dance Interactive, an launches its 84th season with acclaimed online video re- a new director at the helm, source that reaches audiences Owen will trace the Festival’s worldwide. In 2000, Dance/ Proposals Sought for Grant Funds history of innovation and offer USA selected him for its Ernie The Jewish Women’s Foundation of Berkshire County, an associate of the Jewish Federation a taste of what might be ex- Award, honoring “unsung he- of the Berkshires, is soliciting grant proposals for projects or programs aimed at “fulfilling unmet pected in the future, drawing roes who have led exemplary needs in the Berkshire community.” upon some of the rich imagery lives in dance.” He has also re- Both Jewish and non-Jewish organizations are encouraged to apply for grants up to $3,500. found in the Jacob’s Pillow ceived awards from the Dance All proposals must be submitted by August 4, 2016 via an online grant application, a link to Archives. Films Association and the José which can be found at www.jewishberkshires.org. No paper applications will be accepted. Norton Owen has been Limón Dance Foundation, and Final decisions will be announced in late September or early October. he is a past chair of the Dance Questions should be directed to Phyllis Cohen, Grant Committee chair, at phyllis111cohen@ Heritage Coalition. gmail.com. In 2015, the new Norton In the spirit of tikkun olam, the Jewish Women’s Foundation of Berkshire County is dedicated to Owen Reading Room in Blake’s sharing Jewish values by meeting unmet needs in the community and supporting social action. For further informa- Barn was dedicated, honoring Foundation members contribute a minimum of $500 to the Foundation each year and are Owen for his career at Jacob’s offered the opportunity to serve on an advisory committee that decides how the funds are distrib- tion on all Jewish Pillow. uted. Federation of the IF YOU GO Berkshires programs, Sponsor: Jewish Federation please call Nancy of the Berkshires / Connecting With Community Maurice Rogers, Venue: Congregation Knesset Program Director, at Israel (413) 442-4360, ext. Date & Time: Monday, August 1, at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch 15. (see page 20). Linking Young Jewish Women in Their Fight Against Breast Cancer You may request that the Berkshire Jewish Voice be mailed to your home. (866) 474-2774 Just email us at [email protected] www.sharsheret.org for information. Sivan-Tammuz 5776 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 5 Your Federation Presents

SUMMER CONCERT, continued from page 1

children have been randomly stabbed. The Practical Power of Unfortunately, the suffering of the victims of such terror Gratitude ... To Make Life a does not end when the details of the attack are no longer in Little Easier! the news. Physical, emotional, economic, and psychological On Thursday, July 21, the rehabilitation is a long and Jewish Federation of the Berk- tedious process. The Fund for shires will host “motivational Victims of Terror plays a vital entertainer” Jerry Posner, who role in meeting the needs of will deliver a spirited talk he’s families and individuals in- calling “The Practical Power of jured by war and other acts of Gratitude.” This free program violence against Israel. at Congregation Knesset Isra- Founded in 2002, the Fund el, 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield, has provided financial assis- MA, is part of the Federation’s tance to thousands of victims Connecting With Community Neshama Carlebach and Josh Nelson of terror and related disasters. series. news indeed to fans of Jewish styles that she describes as Assistance through the Fund “Clearly, life can be difficult music. Both were ending “musically different, but that is fully coordinated with the and challenging,” says Posner. marriages, and became close share a certain ‘hamishness’ government of Israel to avoid “Modern science suggests that while recording music for an that is infused in both.” Both duplication of service. a little extra focus on ‘the good Positive guy Jerry Posner album of Debbie Friedman’s her father and Friedman wrote stuff’ can have significant pos- songs. “Josh and I have sim- songs that “when you first itive results over time.” Attend- founded and published “The ilar stories,” says Carlebach, hear them, feel like you’ve IF YOU GO ees will learn how intentional Positive Times” magazine and “but different backgrounds.” heard them before, and that gratitude practices (which Pos- hosted a weekly radio show, Their personal relationship you leave knowing that you Tickets for this concert may be ner has named “grati-tools”) “Positive Radio.” His books has continued, and their will sing them again later.” ordered in advance, and are can have a multitude of include, Attention Late Bloom- musical partnership contin- Given the way that the priced at $25, with $20 tickets positive results, including in- ers: You’re Right On Time! and ues to deepen. Nelson is a tunes from both the Carle- available for young adults under creased happiness, decreased Eternal Cosmic Wisdom at protégé of Debbie Friedman, bach and Friedman song- the age of 30. Children under 10 stress, improved relationships, Bargain Basement Prices. Jer- who released 22 albums of books have insinuated will be admitted free of charge. and a more positive perspec- ry, his wife Lynne, and their contemporary Jewish mu- themselves into Jewish life Please inquire about the variety tive. According to Posner, “For canine companions make their sic encompassing liturgical and liturgy, most listeners of underwriting opportunities a very small daily investment home in the Berkshires. and popular melodies and are likely to have first experi- also being offered. of time, the returns in wellbe- For more information, please themes. Her influence on enced them not in recordings ing and balance can be almost IF YOU GO Reform, Conservative, Re- or at concerts, but as songs call the Federation at (413) 442- miraculous. And for many, constructionist, and Renewal they learned to sing them- 4360, ext. 10. absolutely miraculous!” Sponsor: Jewish Federation liturgy was transformative, selves as part of their Jew- All tickets will be held at the Jerry Posner is a creative, of the Berkshires / Connecting with her songs now incor- ish lives within their Jewish door. The Duffin Theater is dynamic speaker and training With Community porated into many holiday communities. Carlebach says located at Lenox Memorial High specialist. Since 1993, he has Venue: Congregation Knesset prayer books and services. that gives her and Nelson, as School, 197 East Street in Lenox. inspired tens of thousands of Israel Her well-known version of “Mi performers, a unique con- people who aspire to positive Date & Time: Thursday, July 21, She’berach,” the prayer for nection to their audience. change in the workplace… and at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch healing, is used by hundreds “When we do a concert,” she in life. In the early 1990s, he (see page 20). of congregations each week. explains, “immediately it’s Carlebach is the daughter like we are all family, sharing of Orthodox rabbi Shlomo music that already binds all Carlebach, the most famous of us in the room together. It Puzzles and Solutions in Science and singer-songwriter of Jewish is in all of our heartbeats, a music of the 20th century. She music that takes us back and Torah, July 18 performed with him only once, also moves us forward to a On Monday, July 18, the show how many of them have as a teenager, before his un- place of holiness. This is not Jewish Federation of the been resolved without compro- timely death in 1994, and has music simply for the sake of Berkshires will present “Puz- mising scientific or religious developed a formidable career singing – it is music for the zles and Solutions in Science integrity. Examples include of her own, having released sake of healing.” and Torah,” a talk by Dr. Jon the identity of the Biblical seven albums and received a Carlebach says to expect Greenberg that will explore the “fruit of a beautiful tree” used Grammy nomination. She has moments of both “stillness and relationship between science on Sukkot; the classification of dedicated herself to preserving joy” that will leave the audi- and scripture. This free pro- living things; the structure of her father’s legacy, but also ence uplifted. gram at Congregation Knesset the solar system; the tree that works ecumenically within tra- Israel, 16 Colt Road in Pitts- Noah used to build his “gopher ditions outside Jewish music Fund for Victims of Terror field, is part of the Federation’s wood” ark; the source of the – for example, when she last This year, the people of Connecting With Community huge lumber used to build performed in the Berkshires Israel have suffered horrify- series. the Tabernacle; the supposed in 2014, she collaborated with ing random acts of terrorism. This illustrated lecture will medical basis of leaning to the Rev. Milton Vann and the Glo- People have been murdered highlight several examples of left on Passover; and some ry to God Singers. by open gun fire; others have apparent conflicts between strange Talmudic food cus- Carlebach and Nelson been mowed down as they wait science and Torah that have toms and Biblical metaphors will perform as a duo at the for a bus. Men, women, and arisen over the years, and related to olive trees. Through Federation concert, exploring these examples, science and Torah emerge as two different, but mutually enriching per- Dr. Jon Greenberg Wendy Wasserstein and The World Of Her spectives on the world. Dr. Jon Greenberg received Phoenix, he has taught at the his doctorate in agronomy Heschel School since 2008. He Women (And Some Men), August 4 from Cornell University. He is a frequent speaker at syna- On Thursday, August 4, the Jewish Fed- humously, will also be discussed. Audience has also studied with Rabbi gogues, schools, and botanical eration of the Berkshires presents Diane G. discussion will be welcomed. Chaim Brovender at Israel’s gardens. Steinbrink for a talk/performance titled “Wendy Diane G. Steinbrink is a graduate of Adelphi Yeshivat Hamivtar and con- Wasserstein and The World Of Her Women (And University with a BA in Speech and Drama. She ducted research on corn, IF YOU GO Some Men).” This free program at Congregation served as the coordinator of Philadelphia Plays alfalfa, and soybeans at Sponsor: Jewish Federation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield, is part for Living for 17 years. She was the producer/ Cornell, the US Department of of the Berkshires / Connecting of the Federation’s Connecting With Community facilitator of the Anne Frank Theater Project for Agriculture, and the University With Community series. Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Phila- of Pennsylvania’s Institute for In this program, Steinbrink will discuss the delphia. Cancer Research. Since 1989, Venue: Congregation Knesset uncommon family life, education, and works of he has been a science teacher Israel Wendy Wasserstein, one of the most influential IF YOU GO and educational consultant. Date & Time: Monday, July 18, contemporary Jewish American playwrights. Dr. Greenberg was senior at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch She will read monologues from some of her Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / editor of science textbooks at (see page 20). most famous plays, The Heidi Chronicles, The Connecting With Community Prentice Hall Publishing Co. Sisters Rosensweig, American Daughter, and Venue: Congregation Knesset Israel Previously on the faculty of Third, her last play. Her first and only novel, Date & Time: Thursday, August 4, at 10:45 a.m., Yeshivas Ohr Yosef, the School Elements of Style, which was published post- followed by lunch (see page 20). of Education at Indiana Uni- versity, and the University of Page 6 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 1 to August 4, 2016 Your Federation Presents “Tales Of a Judaic Artist: Weavings, Remember the Red Apple Wanderings, and Wonder,” July 14 Rest on Route 17? Memory

On Thursday, July 14, the Jewish Fed- Lane awaits on July 11 eration of the Berkshires hosts nationally known and locally based artist, Wendy A. On Monday, July 11, Rabinowitz, who will talk about her work the Jewish Federation of and Jewish journey in “Tales Of a Judaic the Berkshires takes a trip Artist: Weavings, Wanderings, and Won- down memory lane with der.” This free program at Congregation Elaine Freed Lindenblatt, the Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield, youngest daughter of Reuben is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Freed, a Russian immigrant Community series. who turned his remote road- Descended from a line of Sephardic side stop between New York rabbis from Cordoba, Spain and weavers City and the Catskill Moun- from Bielsk, Poland, Rabinowitz was raised tains into the celebrated Red on the South Side of Chicago. She works Apple Rest. She’ll talk about out of her light-filled LIVING THREADS her book Stop at the Red JUDAICA studio in the Berkshires, creat- Apple. This free program ing one-of-a-kind multilayered, textured, at Congregation Knesset and colorful artworks for beauty, rituals, Israel, 16 Colt Road in Wendy Rabinowitz celebrations, and the soul. Rabinowitz Pittsfield, is part of the Fed- will share her experiences to becoming a eration’s Connecting With “ba’al teshuvah,” returning to her Judaism through the gateway She is married to Jeffrey Community series. of creativity and art-making. In addition to Ms. Rabinowitz’s Borak, Arts and Entertain- Stop at the Red Apple Artist’s Talk, she will be exhibiting and discussing her weaving/ ment editor of the Berkshire details Ruben Freed’s 50-year mixed-media assemblage artworks based on Jewish themes of Eagle. Her website is at www. run with Red Apple Rest, peace, healing, the Earth, Jewish women in the Torah, and the LivingThreadsJudaica1.com. which annually served over Jewish mystical tradition. a million patrons on their Washington Post, 92 Street Y, Rabinowitz’s very successful one-woman exhibit, “YAHI OHR: IF YOU GO way to and from the city. The Bergen-Rockland Jewish Let There Be Light” was on view last summer at The Welles Gal- author will talk about the Standard, Tablet Magazine, Sponsor: Jewish Federation lery of the Lenox Library. Her artwork has also been included in restaurant’s shaky beginnings Museum of Jewish Heritage, of the Berkshires / Connecting numerous individual collections, and in solo and group exhibits during the Great Depression, Yiddish Book Center (podcast), With Community throughout the United States and Israel. She is also a workshop its unlikely proprietor, and and many regional outlets. leader on the themes of the power of Jewish art and the creative Venue: Congregation Knesset the colorful and bumpy trip process. She is an active member of Women of Spirit, The Jewish Israel through the decades. “It is an IF YOU GO Arts Salon (NYC), Jewish Caucus for Women in the Arts, Temple Date & Time: Thursday, July 14, only-in-America success story Anshe Amunim, and RIMON. at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch of a man, a family, and a busi- Sponsor: Jewish Federation (see page 20). ness that could be told only of the Berkshires / Connecting by someone who lived it,” says With Community Freed Lindenblatt. “And I did!” Venue: Congregation Knesset Upon its publication in Israel 2014, the book received Date & Time: Monday, July 11, extensive press coverage, at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch including the New York Times, (see page 20). Jewish Week, Newsday,

Jewish American History – “Major Mordecai Myers: An American-Jewish Hero of the War of 1812,” July 28

On Thursday, July 28, the only Jewish mayor of both the Jewish Federation of the Kinderhook and Schenectady. Berkshires will host Neil B. A prominent Freemason who Yetwin, a historian and lectur- became the Grand Master of er who will talk about the life the Grand Lodge of the State and career of “Major Mordecai of New York, Myers was also Myers: An American-Jewish the great-great-grandfather Hero of the War of 1812.” This of the Pulitzer Prize-winning free program at Congregation poet, Robert Lowell. Myers’ life Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road in was truly an incredible life of Pittsfield, is part of the Federa- historical “firsts” – this presen- tion’s Connecting With Com- tation will describe how it all munity series. happened. Major Mordecai Myers Neil B. Yetwin taught his- (1776-1871) led one of the tory, English and psychology most unusual, significant, and for 36 years. He has published Schenectady Vale Cemetery. In long (nearly 96 years) lives nearly 100 articles in a variety 2013, he published the book, in American-Jewish history. of journals and newspapers, “To My Son…”: The Life and Born in 1776 to poor Hungar- including Yankee Magazine. War Remembrances of Captain ian-Austrian refugees, Myers Yetwin was the 1989 recipient Mordecai Myers, 13th United spent his youth in Newport, of the Louis B. Yavner Award States Infantry, 1812-1815. New York City, and the wilder- of the New York State Regents ness of Nova Scotia and New for Excellence in Teaching the Brunswick, Canada. After win- Holocaust and Civil Rights, IF YOU GO ning and losing two fortunes and in 2005 was named Sponsor: Jewish Federation as an auctioneer and broker “Outstanding Citizen of Sche- of the Berkshires / Connecting in New York City, he fought nectady” by the Schenectady With Community in the War of 1812 as the sole City Council for his research Venue: Congregation Knesset Jewish officer on the Niagara and presentations about local Israel and St. Lawrence frontiers; en- history. He was also the 2011 Date & Time: Thursday, July 28, tered politics and served as the recipient of the “Preservation at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch first Jew in the New York State of History Award” for his con- (see page 20). Legislature; and went on to tributions to the African-Amer- become the first (and to date) ican Burial Ground Project at

www.jewishberkshires.org Sivan-Tammuz 5776 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 7 Your Federation Presents “Aging: A Lifelong Process” Victor Borge, by One of the People Who – An Intergenerational Dis- Knew Him Best, July 7 On Thursday, July 7, the Jewish Federation cussion and Support Group, of the Berkshires welcomes Frederikke Borge, daughter of acclaimed pianist and comedian July 25 Victor Borge. She’ll reminisce about her famous On Monday, July 25, at father, and screen some rare and entertaining 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Federa- footage. This free program at Congregation tion of the Berkshires presents Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield, is part “Aging: A Lifelong Process,” of the Federation’s Connecting With Community with therapist Maggie Bittman. series. This free program at Congre- “I hope to give an insight into the private gation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt and public life of my late father, Victor Borge,” Road in Pittsfield, is part of the says Frederikke. “It is my honor and privilege Federation’s Connecting With to share his story with as many people as I Community series. can. It is an inspiring tale.” Born Borge Rosen- Explaining her outlook and baum, the entertainer was born in Denmark approach, Bittman writes: and came to the United States in 1940 as a “From birth, we begin to age Maggie Bittman refuge from Europe not knowing English and with Time. Along the way, with only $20 in his pocket. He adapted his we develop strategies to help routines for American audiences, and became manage the stressors that based on the group’s prefer- one of the most popular radio, television, and come with living life – those ences. concert performers from the late 1940s on- ‘existence pains’ or ‘existential ward. He continued to tour until his last days, stressors. Along the way we IF YOU GO performing up to 60 times per year when he was 90 years old. find meaning and purpose, Sponsor: Jewish Federation Frederikke Borge is the youngest of the five experience aloneness, confront of the Berkshires / Connecting children of Victor Borge and his wife Sanna. mortality, and develop self will. With Community “Within this context, partic- She enjoyed a wonderful childhood, beautiful ipants will discuss, share, and Venue: Congregation Knesset homes, and no end of people who were glad offer support to one another.” Israel to see her (father). She spent school vacations Topics for discussion Date & Time: Monday, July 25, traveling on tour, selling programs at Borge change from month to month at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch shows all over the US and Europe. Apart from Frederikke Borge and her father Victor in a still and are open to suggestion (see page 20). being the daughter of a world famous music from a film made for the Danish Tourist Bureau and comedy icon, she has been an actress, horse train- er, dog rescuer, friend, sister, IF YOU GO For further information on all Jewish Feder- mother, and grandmother. Rikke lives with her daughter Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting With ation of the Berkshires programs, please call Hanne, and granddaughter Community Nancy Maurice Rogers, Program Director, at Jazmine in Southern Berk- Venue: Congregation Knesset Israel (413) 442-4360, ext. 15. shire County, where she has Date & Time: Thursday, July 7, at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (see been a resident for over 40 page 20). years. Page 8 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 1 to August 4, 2016 Your Federation Presents

At its Annual Meeting, Federation Celebrates a Year of Success Outgoing president and four special Jewish students receive accolades

LENOX – On the bright and generation of young Jewish worked at Hancock Shaker temperate evening of June activists working within their Village as a guide and as a 16, more than 175 commu- own countries. “They are bar mitzvah tutor at Congre- nity members attended the showing Europe what a car- gation Knesset Israel, in ad- Jewish Federation of the ing community is and what it dition to his many academic Berkshires’ 76th annual can accomplish. They are not pursuits and honors. He de- meeting at the Seven Hills giving up.” signed the website for Pitts- Inn. Innkeepers Robin Ger- field High’s online student son Wong and Denis Wong Scholarship Winners newspaper, and served as its graciously hosted this event Judith Cook, the Feder- managing editor, leaving a for the third straight year. ation’s scholarship chair, legacy for future students. Opening the meeting with introduced the recipients (Both Lezbergs, inciden- a d’var Torah, Rabbi Josh- of the Henry Simkin and tally, are karate black belts.) ua Breindel spoke movingly Frances Simkin Schiller Catherine May: Among about recent terrorist attack and Dr. Stanley and Faye the accolades Catie ac- in Orlando, and interfaith Simkin Scholarship. This crued during her senior vigils in the Berkshires year, an unprecedented four year at Waconah Regional held to mark the shocking high school seniors were High School were awards event. He summed up with deemed worthy, all of whom for calculus, science, and a message of unity reflecting demonstrated high academic arts and design. She has the mission of goodwill and Outgoing president Amy Lindner-Lesser and scholarship chair achievement and leadership led High Holiday services at support for those in peril un- Judy Cook flank scholarship winners Jacob Lezberg, Catherine in the Jewish and broader Congregation Knesset Israel dertaken by the Federation May, Emma Lezberg, and Shayna Sawyer. communities. for three years, working with movement and its partners. Receiving scholarships local cantors and singers to campaign, which exceeded Guest Speaker were: master the duties of shaliach President’s Message tzibbur. She’ll be attending $787,000 – our highest level The evening’s guest Emma Lezberg: A Pitts- Williams College in the fall. Outgoing president Amy ever. Together, we delivered speaker, Rebecca Neuwirth, field High honors student Shayna Sawyer: A grad- Lindner-Lesser reviewed the over 100 educational, cul- represented one of Federa- at the top of her class who uate of Mt. Everett Regional many successes of her two- tural, and holiday programs tion’s global partners, the will attend Williams College, High School, Shayna says and-a-half year stint at the bringing thousands of com- American Jewish Joint Dis- Emma works with farm ani- “Judaism has been the Federation’s helm. She cited munity members together in tribution Committee (JDC). mals at Hancock Shaker Vil- basis of my life for as long Federation’s efforts to build Jewish learning and celebra- As the organization’s director lage, as the National Yiddish as I can remember.” Active community among young tion. of Strategic Engagement, Book Center’s youngest book as president of Hevreh of people and their families “This increased funding Neuwirth has the pulse of collector, and as a volunteer Southern Berkshire’s HoTY through sponsorship of reli- has allowed us to increase the latest developments in for many Jewish community youth group, she also joined gious school subsidies, camp programming, utilize more Europe, and shared details events. Winner of numerous North American Federation and Israel scholarships, mu- community-based venues, about the JDC’s immediate awards for writing, Emma for Temple Youth (NFTY) and seum trips, and family out- expand opportunities for our and long-term development founded and edited Pittsfield connected with a community ings. She also showed how young people, and signifi- goals for the Jewish com- High’s online student news- of young people as passion- the organization additionally cantly increase our support munities there. She talked paper. ate about their Judaism as supported local Jewish youth of humanitarian and social about how the JDC’s post- Jacob Lezberg: Emma’s she is. She’ll attend Univer- by addressing incidences of service programs for the Iron Curtain youth initiatives twin brother Jacob, also a sity of Rhode Island to study anti-Semitism in the schools, most fragile Jews in need – instilling “a Judaism based Pittsfield High honors stu- Speech-Language Pathology. working with the ADL to pro- around the world...especially on the ethic of caring” – have dent (2nd in his class) who vide educational programs. for children and the elderly.” paid off with an engaged will attend Williams College, Lindner-Lesser also talk- ed about the many changes that occurred during her stewardship – new staff, A lovely evening at the enhanced Web and so- 7 Hills Inn cial media platforms, and strengthened commitment from the board of directors, major donors, and affiliate organizations. Finally, she recounted her role in visiting the Afula-Gil- boa region and paving the way for our Federation’s con- necting with that part of Is- rael by joining the Southern New England Consortium (SNEC). She also introduced her successor, Judy Usow, as president. At the meeting, the Fed- eration installed Usow and the new executive committee – vice presidents Jennifer Sacon and Judith Cook, Mi- chael Ury as treasurer, Ellen Heffan as secretary, and Amy Lindner-Lesser as past president. Kathy Fraker joins the board of directors, while Joel Colker, Sheila Donath, Gail Orenstein, and Alba Passarini were renewed for new terms.

Executive Director’s Report Executive Director Dara Kaufman took the podium to deliver the annual report. “With your support and spurred on by a generous matching grant,” she told the gathered, “we achieved a 6% growth in our 2015 Sivan-Tammuz 5776 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 9 Your Federation Presents

One Story – One Life Your Federation Dollars at Work

This past March, the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires allocated over $150,000 to help strengthen Jewish life and care for Jews in need in Israel and Overseas. The largest portion of those dollars went to support the critical services of the American Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), The Jewish Agency For Israel, and World ORT, but we also support smaller social services agencies throughout Israel, as well. Each month we highlight the story of one individual you have never met, but whose life has been changed forever due to your generosity – this time from one of those smaller scale agencies.

Federation Dollars Help Victims of Sexual Abuse Find Refuge and Recovery By Wendy Borodkin, Director, American Friends of ELI (Israel Association for Child Protection)

On behalf of the IDF sexually abused soldiers who are being provided Rona has a long way to full recovery. She is currently in therapy with ELI therapeutic intervention by ELI thanks to funding from Jewish Federation of and the army has given her a less demanding assignment. The goal of the the Berkshires, I am writing to share a couple of success stories of a soldier therapeutic intervention is to allow Rona to function normally. who is in therapy. At this point, ELI has 29 soldiers in therapy plus about 10 family mem- Rona is a 19-year-old soldier. She had been serving in a combat unit in bers. Intensive supervision is given to therapists who are officers in the a commanding role. From the outside, she’s a powerful young woman – in army. Training regarding the indicators to recognize sexual abuse is being control and a strong leader. At times, Rona’s assertiveness becomes overly aggressive and she uses more authority than what is required for the situation at hand. Rona hid that she was sexual- ly abused by a neighbor from the ages of 12-16. The abuse stopped when her family moved to a different town and no one even knew about her terrible experience. Her psychological wounds were never treated; she dealt with her victimiza- tion by repressing it as if it did not exist, since it was not visible. However, there was a huge price that Rona had to pay for this repression. The power that she had in the army, which given to IDF’s officers as well. she sometimes abused, turned her from a powerless passive victim having Thanks to the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires and other funders bad things being done to her, to a powerful active person who victimizes Rona and others like her are being given the opportunity to deal with their others. In this way, Rona found balance in her life. traumas and to learn the skills and tools they need to cope with challenges When Rona was sexually assaulted by a superior officer, this equilibrium and help them return to their normal lives. was disrupted, and the way she had been coping collapsed. Rona fell into a We look forward to a continued partnership. deep depression, spending most of her days in bed, refusing to eat, ignoring friends and colleagues. She was referred to an army mental health officer ELI is the only organization in Israel that deals specifically and exclusively who thankfully and coincidentally had attended ELI’s training session a few with all of the various aspects of child abuse. The organization works to in- weeks earlier. There he learned about the indicators which point to sexual crease awareness of the problem by educating the public at large, by training abuse. He referred Rona to ELI, and for the first time in her life, Rona was professionals, by lobbying policy decision makers, and by providing vital given the opportunity to deal with her past trauma; to process what she had information to potential victims and parents. been through and to work toward healing, instead of continuing to carry her past hurts with her as a constant trigger for a potential emotional break- down.

Berkshire

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Job#: BKF150501 De: mdk Colors Notes: Size: 3.66x5 Ae: kr C M Y K Publication: Date: 05.11.2015 Client: Kimball Farms Rnd~Ver: r01•vA NA NA NA NA 1017 TURNPIKE STREET, CANTON, MA 02021 • (P) 781.828.9290 • (F) 781.828.9419 • WWW.TRIADADVERTISING.COM Page 10 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 1 to August 4, 2016 Your Federation Presents Volunteers are Vital! Our Volunteer Coordinator Shares Locals’ Top 10 Reasons for Volunteering By Susan Frisch Lehrer, Coordinator of Volunteers

We’re in the midst of a busy summer and I don’t know about you, but I enjoy It gives them a schedule. Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and routine. visiting many of the cultural and educational venues in the Berkshires. I encoun- It’s healthy. Volunteering is good for everyone and studies show that it relieves ter many wonderful volunteers assisting in a variety of ways to help these organi- stress especially when providing direct service to those in need. zations, and I’m an active volunteer for several organizations myself. It’s easy to volunteer. Finding the right organization has never been easier as In many instances volunteers receive complimentary tickets to enjoy the ven- opportunities may be found through media, libraries and friends. ue as a perk for their volun- Helping others and doing good is teerism, but it’s more than important. Tikkun olam and gemulit that that entices people to vol- chasadim – literally repairing the world unteer for any organization. and acts of loving kindness are not Yes, the perk of getting free only Jewish values, but human values. tickets is a big one, but other Bored and looking for something to factors also attract volunteers. do. Volunteering looked interesting to I’ve informally asked a some while learning something new. number of people to share Because they were asked. Some their reasons for volunteering said they never thought about volun- in the Berkshires, and here teering until a friend asked them to is my list of 10 reasons they join them. give their time, presented in As most of you know from reading random order. my column, we have several oppor- Free tickets. Ushering and tunities for volunteers to assist the working during an event is Jewish Federation of the Berkshires. one way to enjoy a venue We are pleased that we have trained Meeting new and wonder- a dozen folks this year to assist with ful people. This is especially delivering meals. We use volunteers on true for those who live alone. a regular basis with our lunch pro- Making new friends who share grams, delivering the Berkshire Jewish similar interests was voiced Voice newspapers, mailings, special by many in my survey. events, delivering holiday packages to Knowing that they are help- Eric Greenberg packing challot Roman Rozenblyum preparing to deliver home bound folks, and, of course, our ing the organization. Volun- shaloch manot packages annual Super Sunday phone-a-thon teers provide needed staff support. and follow-up call dates. It feels good to give back. Some volunteers choose an organization that is near We could not operate without the talents of many volunteers who continue to and dear to their hearts and many will also donate funds knowing that those help those in our community and beyond. Consider lending us a hand – you’ll be funds will help others in need or offer more services and programs. glad you did! Please let me know if you are interested in volunteering with any of our Federation’s programs. Check our website www.jewishberkshires.org for more ideas.

Calling All Kids! B’shalom, The young Jews in our local community learn about tzedakah and helping others from an early Susan Frisch Lehrer, age. They “get it” and understand why it’s important to help others. I’m asking for kids to contact Coordinator of Volunteers me and share their volunteer experiences for an upcoming article. So, Berkshire kids – this next (413) 442-4360, ext. 10 one is for you and about you! Contact me at [email protected]. I’d love to see pictures, too. [email protected]

Learning Collaboratively Through Reflective Dialogue and the Arts, July 29 Knosh GREAT BARRINGTON – On Music in Common (MiC) creatively, and communicate Friday, July 29, Knosh & and Artsbridge, two Massa- constructively. The program Knowledge will host Deb chusetts based non-profits will conclude with a banquet Nathan of Artsbridge and that use the arts to bring and showcase of the partici- Todd Mack of Music in Com- people in conflict together, pants’ projects on July 30-31 mon, who will be joined by particularly Israelis and Pal- at the Buxton School. teens visiting the Berkshires estinians, will work collabora- Come and learn how two from the Middle East for the tively for this year’s Artsbridge creative non-profit organiza- month-long Artsbridge Sum- Summer Leadership Program tions collaborate to further mer Leadership Program. throughout the month of July transform young peoples’ lives This residential program for in Williamstown. through opportunities that up to 30 Israeli, Palestinian, Their model of dialogue bridge differences and teach and American teens focuses teaches students how to truly compassion. Participants in the Artsbridge Summer Leadership Program on various opportunities to listen to each other and to ask engage through a combination questions out of curiosity and of reflective dialogue, artistic interest. Through expressive IF YOU GO expression, and expressive therapy, Artsbridge works to Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires therapy to empower youth. provide healing and under- Venue: Hevreh of Southern Berkshire, 270 State Road, Great Barrington This Jewish Federation of standing for the difficulties the Berkshires program will that participants experience in Date: Friday, July 29, at 10:45 a.m. (lunch follows at noon) take place at Hevreh of South- their daily lives. The art com- Advance lunch reservations required for this event. ern Berkshire at 10:45 a.m., ponent teaches participants Email [email protected], or call (413) 442-4360, ext. 10 and will be followed by lunch. how to work together, think Cost: $11 with fresh buffet lunch. Program only, $5.

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Larry Gans Steinberg 72 Stockbridge Road 413-528-0023 68 Main Street Telephone: (413) 243-0242 Great Barrington, MA Lee, Massachusetts 01238 www.bensinlee.com 413-528-0317 fax 01230 [email protected] Sivan-Tammuz 5776 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 11 Your Federation Presents

Building Bridges Between the Berkshires and the Afula-Gilboa Region of Israel This spring, the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires hosted our first guests from the Afula-Gilboa region of Israel. Programs in Pittsfield, North Adams, and Great Barrington attracted hundreds of people from both the Jewish community and wider regional civic and arts communities. These events allowed us to share a positive message about Israel, and they were a lot of fun, as well. Food, Fun, and New Friends from Israel! Community members young and old had a wonderful time celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut with visiting chefs from our new Partnership 2gether program in Israel. Chefs Israel Odels and Tamar Digmi prepared fabulous tastings for the community at the Gateways Inn and cooked with religious school students from around the Berkshires. What a wonderful kickoff to the Berkshires’ new partner- ship with the Afula-Gilboa region of Northern Israel.

Olive Tree Project Draws a Crowd We were inspired by the powerful and hopeful messages of tolerance, compas- as well as Daniel Benn of the Wizo Afula Community Center. Together they are sion, and mutual respect brought to us by the Women of the Olive Tree Project. transforming perceptions and bringing social change, one brushstroke at a time, Over 400 people from the Berkshire community had a chance to view the exhi- to our partnership region of Afula-Gilboa. bition and meet the courageous women artists Gila, Mashchraz, Lina, and Nava,

A lovely event that felt like a family gathering, without politics. The artists say, and I believe them, we are all alike and all want the same things in life. — Sara Koffman, Great Barrington

Olive trees are like a mother, giving us blessings and everything good. They mean the same thing in both the Bible and the Koran. They are giving and for- giving, and, like us, stuck in the land. — Olive Tree artist Mashchraz Page 12 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 1 to August 4, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

RABBI BARENBLAT HONORED, continued from page 1 Jewish Music For a Summer enough to be able to share deep understanding in Jewish Sunday Morning, with our Torah – our learning, our life of what is most important ritual craft, our passion for to the heart and soul – the Singer-Songwriter Bernice the work we do – with some- meat and potatoes of Jewish one who needed it, who then spiritual life – is not what nec- took the time to write to The essarily what gets the most air Lewis Forward.” She is the second time in the public sphere.” He NORTH ADAMS – Bernice Berkshires spiritual leader cites Reb Zalman, who once Lewis has “a voice full of light to make the list in as many opined that it’s okay to view a and hope,” says country music years, joining Rabba Kaya synagogue as a business, so star Rosanne Cash. “She is Stern Kaufman of RIMON as long as you know what kind one of the keepers of the flame an honoree from this region. of business you are in. Natu- of Real Songwriting.” rally political issues are at the Enjoy her in concert at ALEPH Listening Tour fore, Rabbi Markus says, but Congregation Beth Israel on The previous year has been “the politics of identity are the July 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rabbi David Evan Markus a busy one for Rabbi Baren- politics of yesterday. Not to di- With stunning views of Mount blat, as she and her ALEPH minish the importance of these Williams as a backdrop, Lewis co-chair Rabbi David Evan issues, but they’re not the only says, “we are trying to learn will take the audience on a Markus have been engaged in ones. Jews increasingly report what might be the change that Jewish journey through song a listening tour on behalf of feeling marginalized in their this historical moment calls us and story that is both tra- Songwriter Bernice Lewis Jewish Renewal that has tak- own Jewish lives for lack of to create.” ditional and contemporary. en them from coast to coast, sufficient focus on meaning, Echoing his ALEPH co- Summer fruits, iced drinks, and to Canada, as well. Work- learning and real service to chair, Rabbi Markus says and sweet and savory delica- This event is co-sponsored ing to carry forward the legacy the world. Far more than tired that he believes that ALEPH’s cies will be served at this free by the Jewish Federation of of Jewish Renewal founder identity politics, opening the role is to ensure that “all the event. RSVPs are appreciated. the Berkshires. CBI is locat- Rabbi Zalman Schachter- Jewish heart and soul should changes have the energy need- Bernice Lewis has been ed at 53 Lois Street in North Shalomi (who passed in 2014), be the focus of Jewish spiritu- ed to succeed.” The pair will teaching annual credited Adams. Please contact CBI at the two have been visiting a al life – and that must be our share results of their findings courses on songwriting and [email protected] or call (413) diverse cross section of con- focus going forward.” at ALEPH’s Kallah gathering in performing at Williams College 663-5830 to RSVP and for gregations and Jewish groups Rabbi Barenblat says that Fort Collins, CO this July and and The Colorado College in more information. asking, as Barenblat puts it, what surprised her most will deliver a report titled “Re- Colorado Springs for over 15 “What is the Judaism you about the listening tour was newing Renewal” to ALEPH’s years. She has a strong Jewish Also from CBI – Save the most yearn for?” “how our travels brought us board in the fall, after which connection, delivering talks Date for Shabbat Across the Rabbi Barenblat and Rabbi into conversations that were a plan of action will be imple- nationally about her family’s Berkshires! mented. escape from Nazi Germany in Markus acknowledge that this more pastoral in nature” than This autumn’s Shabbat Closer to home, Rabbi the early 1940s. Other places has been an unsettled year the exchange of ideas and Across the Berkshires will Barenblat says that The For- she has taught include Omega for the Jewish community – information they expected to be at CBI on September 9 at ward selection has inspired Institute, Esalen, Kripa- political issues such as the engage in. “We found people 7 p.m. A Kabbalat Shabbat “some people to come daven lu, Warren Wilson College, Iran deal and turmoil in the still grieving over the loss of service led by Rabbi Rachel with us [at CBI], to see what Universe of Song, Star Island Middle East have roiled many Reb Zalman, as well as a more Barenblat will be followed by this place all about. What’s Writer’s Retreat, and Lamb’s communities, as did trying to complex grief of watching the an Oneg Shabbat. More infor- best about the honor from Retreat. understand and manage the world changing. People wanted mation to come. transition American Jewry has to know why many of the the Forward is that it calls made away from its traditional things we have been taught as attention to the places I serve, self-identity. Jews are not serving them.” both locally and on the bigger Says Rabbi Markus: “The By talking to other Jews, she stage.” Planned Parenthood and the Crisis of Reproductive Rights in the 1970s

PITTSFIELD – The culture wars have been heating up in this presidential election year and one organization in particular has come to be identified with its nastier dimensions. The orga- nization, of course, is Planned Parent- hood. On Thursday, July 7 at 7:00 p.m., Temple Anshe Amunim welcomes Dr. Robyn Rosen, who will talk about “Planned Parenthood and the Crisis of Reproductive Rights in the 1970s.” Villainized by the right and staunch- ly defended by the left, Planned Parent- hood’s fate may hang in the balance. Few know about this organization’s 100-year history and how it evolved out of a radical birth control movement, Dr. Robyn Rosen transformed itself into a respectable provider of family planning, and even- into the critical moment when the birth tually got wrapped up in the abortion control movement found itself having to controversy. grapple with the abortion rights move- Dr. Robyn L. Rosen, professor of ment and decide how to incorporate History at Marist College, has spent these new rights into its mission. her career studying the history of the Rosen’s lecture is free for Temple reproductive rights movement in the members, and $5 for non-members. United States. Author of Reproductive For more information, contact the Health, Reproductive Rights: Reformers Temple Anshe Amunim office at (413) Incredible education. and the Politics of Maternal Welfare, 442-5910, email templeoffice@an- 1916-1940, published by the Ohio sheamunim.org or visit www.anshean- State University Press, and other ar- umim.org. The Temple, located at 26 Vibrant community. ticles in academic journals, Dr. Rosen Broad Street, Pittsfield, is an accessible has recently turned her attention to the building. Quintessentially the Berkshires. transformative decade of the 1970s. Her talk is intended to offer insight Schedule a visit today. a a Create a Jewish Legacy Campaign Pre-K through Grade 9: Now Enrolling Please remember the Jewish Community in your will.

413 637 0755 BerkshireCountryDay.org Sivan-Tammuz 5776 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 13

LOCAL NEWS Interfaith Outreach – Saks on Lunch and Learn about “Becoming Allies with Sex and the Social Action and Zionism GREAT BARRINGTON – This Muslim Americans” Senior July, Hevreh of Southern GREAT BARRINGTON – On GREAT BARRINGTON – Berkshire is sponsoring two Saturday, July 23 from On Thursday, August 4 at compelling and relevant Lunch 10 a.m. to noon, Congrega- 3:30 p.m., Hevreh of Southern and Learns, one a multipart tion Ahavath Sholom hosts a Berkshire hosts Dr. Bonnie exploration of Zionism and presentation and discussion Saks, who will facilitate a Reform Judaism and the other entitled “Becoming Allies with thoughtful and fun discussion a stand-alone program about Muslim Americans” led by of sex and intimacy in the sil- anti-hunger policy in the Unit- Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer, ver and golden years. ed States. Ph.D. She is the director of Dr. Saks received under- the Department of Multifaith graduate and medical degrees “Zionism and American Studies and Initiatives and from Brown University. She Reform Jews from 1885 to associate professor of Religious was a clinical instructor at the Present” Studies at the Reconstruc- Yale in both the OB/GYN Led by Rabbi Neal Boro- tionist Rabbinical College in and Psychiatry departments. vitz, this program meets on Rabbi Neal Borovitz Wyncote, PA. She completed a sex therapy Wednesdays at 11:45 a.m. on Ann Appelbaum are mem- As daily news reports sadly fellowship at Yale sponsored by July 6, 13, 20, and 27. It will bers of Hevreh and are active demonstrate, the interfaith at- Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer the National Institute of Mental examine the evolution of the participants in the Berkshire mosphere in this country has Health. Dr. Saks is now a Clin- place of Zionism in American Minyan. Hevreh is located at become increasingly divisive answering questions on this ical Professor of Psychiatry at Reform Judaism. The focus 270 State Road in Great Bar- even though people of faith important issue. the University of South Florida will be to simultaneously look rington. want the opportunity to learn A short service will precede in Tampa. She is a Distin- at the impact that Zionism has and discuss ways to improve the presentation. The presen- guished Fellow of the Ameri- had upon American Reform Anti-Hunger Policy Update relationships between religious tation will be followed by coffee can Psychiatric Association, a Judaism, and the impact that from Washington groups. Rabbi Fuchs Kreimer and refreshments. Founding Fellow of the Amer- Reform Jews have continued On Tuesday, July 26, from is a nationally renowned For more information please ican Board of Sexology, and to have upon Zionism and the 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., join Josh author, scholar, and leader in contact us at info@ahavath- Past President of the Society State of Israel. The texts that Protas, the director of Gov- interfaith work, and will share sholom.com, by calling (413) for Sex Therapy and Research. will be studied are the four ernment Affairs for MAZON: A ways to increase sensitivity 528-4197, or visiting www. Dr. Saks has her own prac- “Statements of Principles of Jewish Response to Hunger. and understanding between ahavathsholom.com. tice in Tampa, and she and Reform Judaism.” He will offer an update on fed- the Jewish and Muslim com- Congregation Ahavath her husband Bradley Minnen Rabbi Borovitz is the Rabbi eral anti-hunger policy issues, munities of faith. She will be Sholom is located at 15 North are members of Hevreh. All are Emeritus of Temple Avodat the dynamics in Congress, and Street in Great Barrington. welcome to join this discussion. Shalom in River Edge, where implications of the upcoming Hevreh is located at 270 State he occupied the pulpit for 25 elections. Come join in the Road, Great Barrington. years. He currently serves discussion and learn about on the National Board of the the critical role of advocacy Jewish Council for Public to support and strengthen Affairs, the Rabbinic cabinet key federal nutrition safety of the Jewish Federations of net programs that provide North America, and the Foun- essential assistance to tens of website! dation Board of Bergen Re- millions of Americans. Check out our www.jewishberkshires.org gional Medical Center, and is All are welcome to lunch a frequent contributor to The and learn. Please bring a bag INCLUDES A CALENDAR OF PROGRAMS AND EVENTS Jewish Standard, The Times of lunch. Hevreh is located at Israel, and The Bergen Record. 270 State Road, Great Bar- SPONSORED BY THE BERKSHIRE JEWISH COMMUNITY Rabbi Borovitz and his wife rington. Page 14 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 1 to August 4, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

DONATE Chai Tea to Support Young Judea VOLUNTEER LEE – Inspiring young teens Also from Hadassah – Trees MAKE A DIFFERENCE to connect to Jewish life is the for Israel mission of the Young Judea Berkshire Hills Hadassah program of Hadassah, award- is the only Berkshires source ing scholarships to thousands for Jewish National Fund trees of American youth so that they planted in Israel, a meaning- can learn about and love a ful gift for someone who has Jewish life, or to travel to Isra- everything. el, or receive leadership schol- Hadassah plants trees in arships for study in Israel. The Centennial Garden near Berkshire Hills Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital to cele- is sponsoring its Chai Tea to brate the 100th anniversary support Young Judea on Tues- of Hadassah. Date trees, olive day, July 12 at noon in Lee trees and fig trees are just a (please call the number below few of the plant species that for venue information). Guest were added in the last few speaker will Robin Brickman, years. The Hadassah Forest an award winning children’s in Be’ersheva River Park has book illustrator specializing in transformed that locale. natural science, who creates 3-D illustration by Robin Brinkman Berkshire Hills Hadassah three-dimensional paintings will send a JNF certificate to for her books. and local programs encourag- For detailed information the recipient with the sender’s Young Judea reports that ing youth to learn about Israel about this event, including its own personal message. Over more than 2,000 campers and and all things Jewish. Hadas- location, please contact Pattie the last 100 years, JNF has staff attend day and overnight sah’s Young Judea program Lipman at (518) 281-7340 planted over 250 million trees summer camps each year and offers year round activities, or [email protected]. A in the land of Israel. that they have sponsored these summer camps, and Israel minimum donation of $18 is Just contact Marcia Tuler camps for 60 years. They offer programs to promote young requested. at: [email protected] or a variety of national, regional, leaders to inspire others. call (413) 329-1550 for more information. B’Tayavon – Learn Israeli Cooking with Julie Gale GREAT BARRINGTON – With a cavalcade book of memoirs and recipes. of new cookbooks and websites devoted First class recipes will focus on tradi- to it, Israeli cooking is enjoying a moment tional Sephardic cooking in Israel: Swiss in the sun. What better way to learn more Chard Pie, Eggplant Red Pepper Salad, about this popular cuisine than by work- Shakshoukah Eggs with Tomatoes. ing hands on with a master chef? Second class recipes will focus on On Thursdays, July 21 and August 4, modern Israeli cuisine: Typical Israeli Sal- from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., join Hevreh ad, Turkey Stuffed Zucchini with Apricot member Julie Gale for a hands-on cook- Sauce, Tahini Cookies ing experience. Owner and chef of At the Classes are limited to 12 people. Each Kitchen Table Cooking School, Julie has class is $25, Hevreh members: $20. been teaching both adults and students Please call the Hevreh office at (413) 528- the art of healthy cooking since 2001. She 6378 to make your reservation. All are co-authored I Want to Cook for children welcome. Hevreh is located at 270 State Julie Gale and is currently working on a second Road in Great Barrington.

www.jewishberkshires.org

entertainment THEATRE DANCE dining film festival CABARET coupons BOOKS Music Art

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[email protected] Sivan-Tammuz 5776 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 15

Superb Super Sunday Showing

More than 50 volunteers, with cell phones in hand and pledge cards in front of them, worked diligently last May 22 to reach out to hundreds of poten- tial donors to ask for their support. By mid-afternoon, callers in Pittsfield and Great Barrington had reached nearly 250 donors and successfully raised more than $43,000 for the 2016 An- nual Campaign to support community programs locally and help Jews in need overseas. Thank you to everyone who volun- teered and everyone who gave! You are supporting Jewish life across the Berk- shires and around the world! If you did not have the opportunity to answer the call on Super Sunday, please contact the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires at (413) 442-4360, ext. 10, or visit www.jewishberkshires.org. Special thanks to these partners: Page 16 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 1 to August 4, 2016

LOCAL NEWS Wildman Scholar-in-Residence Program Drama – “Georgia, Justice hosts Rabbi David Hoffman of JTS and Jews: The Leo Frank PITTSFIELD – The intellectu- Rabbi Hoffman earned a BA al legacy of long-time Jewish in political thought at Colum- Case” Berkshire community leaders bia University while pursuing PITTSFIELD – The scene is Carl and Dorothy Wildman, a BA in Talmud at JTS (List Atlanta, GA, in 1913. Mary managed by their children, is College). He has studied at the Phagan, 13 years old, is found a gift that endows the annual Hebrew University of Jerusa- murdered in the basement of Wildman Scholar-in-Resi- lem and Yeshivat Ha-Mivtar in the National Pencil Company, dence weekend at Congre- Efrat. He received his rabbinic where she had been employed. gation Knesset Israel. Each ordination and PhD in Talmud Suspicion falls on factory su- year, members of KI invite the from JTS. He is also a Wexner perintendent Leo Frank – the greater Jewish community to Fellow. boss man, a Yankee, a Jew. In deepen their Jewish knowl- In his role as vice chan- the heat of a Georgia summer, edge, and also break bread cellor and chief advancement a spectacular trial unfolds, at- together. officer at JTS, Rabbi Hoffman tracting the notice of the entire After the July 22 Shirei works closely with many of country. A determined crowd Shabbat service beginning at JTS’s supporters, including gathers daily outside the 5:30 p.m. (followed by dinner the Board of Trustees, and courtroom. The newspapers at 6:30), Rabbi David Hoff- serves as ambassador to the take sides, stirring emotions. man, vice chancellor and chief many communities served by Pressure is brought to bear. Leo Frank advancement officer at the JTS. He is an assistant pro- The careers of several promi- inspired the Anti-Defamation Jewish Theological Seminary, fessor in the fields of Talmu- Rabbi David Hoffman nent politicians, not to men- will begin the first of his three dic Studies and Jewish Law. tion the life of the defendant, League, helped rejuvenate the scheduled sessions. His topic Prior to his appointment, he catered by David Barile (On a hang in the balance. Ku Klux Klan, and continues is: “Google, God and Facebook: served as strategic advisor, Roll), will be provided by the Guilty or not guilty? to incite violent disagreement Challenges to Jewish Notions assistant professor, fundraiser endowment; attendees must On July 27 at 11:30 a.m., to this very day. The account of Intimacy in an Internet and scholar-in-residence for call (413) 445-4872, ext. 10 to Temple Anshe Amunim will will be illustrated by photo- Age.” JTS. He was also appointed reserve by July 20. host a two-hour dramatic graphs, diagrams, and read- During the Shabbat morn- by Chancellor Arnold Eisen Congregation Knesset Israel presentation by playwright/at- ings from Waldinger’s play The ing service on July 23, he will to serve on the Committee on is at 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield. torney Jesse Waldinger about Knights of Mary Phagan. explore, “Religious Passion Jewish Law and Standards. the Leo Frank case, which Guests are invited to bring and Religious Fundamen- To reserve for dinner on their own lunch to this pro- talism: The Dangers of the the Friday night of the Wild- gram, which is part of Temple Religious Experience.” After man Scholar-in-Residence Tap in to the Power of Anshe Amunim’s Lunch and lunch, Rabbi Hoffman con- weekend, please contact the Learn series. Beverages and cludes with a third provocative KI office at (413) 445-4872 or Prayer This Summer dessert will be provided. Ad- question for modernity: “Can a www.knessetisrael.org; pay- mission is $10.00. Kosher Restaurant Serve Milk ment in advance is required PITTSFIELD – Myrna Hammer- from this series will bring deep- Jesse Waldinger is a and Meat Together? You are for the meal between the ling, director of Adult Educa- er satisfaction to the extended prize-winning playwright not going to guess the correct Kabbalat Shabbat service and tion at Congregation Knesset prayer periods in synagogue whose work has been seen answer! A Strange but True the session with Rabbi Hoff- Israel, poses these questions: or temple.” Attendees who will locally at Stageworks/Hudson, Battle in Jewish Law.” man. The lunch on Shabbat, “Does attending a Jewish reli- benefit the most will be those Made in the Berkshires, and gious service evoke the range who can sound out Hebrew Hudson Opera House. Mum of inspiring to frustrating words— “even haltingly,” says Bett’s Minute was read at the reactions in today’s over-stim- Hammerling. Ashley House in Sheffield, and ulated screen-bound world? On Wednesday mornings at the Whitney Center for the One common query for adults from 10:00 to -11:30 a.m. Arts. Temple Anshe Amunim I hear is, ‘What does this from July 6 to August 24, the audiences have seen his Jew- mean to me today? How can I group will explore the texts ish-themed plays Rabbi Frank- better identify with or ‘get’ the and intentions of the classic lin’s Model T, The Finaly Affair, prayers of our people?’ Hebrew prayers. Tuition is $35 and most recently The Trial of Hammerling asserts that for the series, plus two books Aaron. He lives in Canaan, New this summer, the search for that can be ordered. Summer York, with his wife, director/ understanding the written and year-round residents teacher Barbara Waldinger. prayers will become more are welcome. The class will For more information, con- accessible for those attending resume in the fall. tact the Temple Anshe Amu- the 8-week course KI is offering To register, please con- nim office at (413) 442-5910, to introduce adult students to tact Myrna Hammerling at email templeoffice@ansheamu- paths of mindfulness and un- (413) 445-4872, ext. 16 or nim.org or visit www.anshean- derstanding of Jewish prayers. mhammerling@knessetisrael. umim.org. The Temple, located “When the High Holiday season org. Payment can be made at at 26 Broad Street, Pittsfield, arrives,” she says, “dividends the first class meeting. is an accessible building.

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.

Lawrence Berke Stuart M. Fischman Toby H. Levine Harold Sparr Lee & Sydelle Blatt Lynn & William Foggle Erna Lindner-Gilbert Lisa Fletcher-Udel Betty Braun Elaine Freidman Amy Lindner-Lesser Edward Udel Cipora Brown Eiran Gazit Helen Maislen Michael & Joan Ury Barbara Cohen Jeffrey Goldwasser & Jonquil Ellen Masters Mark & Judy Usow Mark Cohen Wolfson Stuart Masters Henry & Beate Voremberg, Mimi Cohen Jordan & Laura Green Estelle Miller of blessed memory C. Jeffrey & Judith Cook Harold Grinspoon Robert Newman, of blessed Alexandra Warshaw Gerry & Lynn Denmark Ellen Heffan memory Florence Wineberg, of blessed Jonathan & Lara Denmark Ed Jaffe, of blessed memory Ken & Fran Rubenstein memory Sheila K. Donath Elihu Katzman Stella Schecter Rabbi Deborah Zecher & Anonymous (9) Melva Eidelberg Marilyn Katzman Arlene D. Schiff Rabbi Dennis Ross Ed Abrahams Monroe England, in memory of Howard & Nancy Kaufman Gary Schiff Norman Avnet Monroe B. & Isabel England Lawrence Klein Stephen & Deborah Schreier Barbara Bashevkin Dr. Armand V. Feigenbaum, Sarah Klein Martin Silver Robert Bashevkin of blessed memory Arthur Kriger, of blessed Sylvia Silverberg, in memory of Linda J. L. Becker Dr. Donald S. Feigenbaum, memory Jerome Silverberg Robert Berend of blessed memory Fred & Brenda Landes Richard A. Simons & Marcie Shelley Berend Steven Feiner Beth Laster-Nathan Greenfield Simons Helene Berke Diana & Stanley Feld Andrew S. Levine Mark & Elisa Snowise Sivan-Tammuz 5776 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 17

LOCAL NEWS Family Fun – Camp at the Ballpark and Special Summer Shabbat Have a Ball at Camp Events at Hevreh GREAT BARRINGTON – This • Noon: Kiddush lunch and Hevreh of Southern Berk- July, Hevreh of Southern discussion shire is hosting two fun Berkshire will be welcoming family-friendly events this July. and celebrating Shabbat with Tanglewood Kabbalat Pittsfield Suns vs. the several distinctive programs. Shabbat Bristol Blues: Play Ball! Scholar-in-Residence On Friday, July 8 at 7 p.m., On Sunday, July 10, at Shabbaton with Rabbi Yonah Hevreh hosts a Tanglewood 4 p.m., the Kehillah Commu- Berman Shabbat. Come early (gates nity Connection of Hevreh of open at 4 p.m.) and look for the An Orthodox Rabbi walked Southern Berkshire is spon- blue and white balloons in the into a Reform synagogue… soring a family baseball game. middle of the lawn to set up a sounds like the start of a good Tickets include the baseball picnic dinner, and bring a des- story. In fact, it’s the story of game and all you can eat hot sert to share. Kabbalat Shab- this year’s Scholar-in-Resi- dogs, hamburgers, chicken bat will be held at the back dence Shabbaton, its theme sandwiches, sides, water, of the lawn at approximately “Denominationalism Today, lemonade, and soda. Gates 7 p.m. Please note, there will Denominationalism Tomor- open at 4 p.m. Food starts at be no services at Hevreh that row?” Join Rabbi Yonah the first pitch at 5 p.m., and Wahconah Park, home of the Pittsfield Suns evening. Please call the Tangle- Berman, Director of Recruit- continues until the 7th inning. wood Box Office to purchase ment and Associate Director of Seating is available under the lawn tickets at (888) 266-1200. Practical Rabbinics, Yeshivat picnic tent along home base Featured concert: Opening Chovevei Torah Rabbinical to first base side with picnic Night at Tanglewood: Jacques School in Riverdale, NY for tables. You can also sit in the Lacombe conducts Ravel, insights and lively discussion. general admission/grandstand Saint-Saëns, and Prokofiev, Rav Yonah and Rabbi Neil seats. featuring Joshua Bell, violin. Hirsch founded Siach, a group Adults are $20, children This event takes place at the that meets regularly in Bos- under 5 are free, and kids Tanglewood Lawn, 297 West ton to build relationships and 5 and older are $10. Please Street, Lenox. support for rabbis in congre- call the Hevreh office to RSVP gations. and purchase tickets at (413) Visiting Cantors The Shabbaton schedule is 528-6378. All are welcome to On Friday, July 15 at 7:30 as follows: join. This game takes place at p.m., Cantor Sarah Grabin- • Friday, July 15, 7:30 Wahconah Park, 105 Wahco- er takes the Hevreh bima for p.m.: Rabbi Berman nah Street in Pittsfield. Shabbat worship, bringing speaks at Kabbalat Shab- her gift to heighten the prayer bat. Kabbalat Shabbat at URJ service and to bring out voices Crane Lake Camp • Saturday, July 16, 9 in sacred song. Cantor Lilah Shabbat at URJ Crane Lake Camp a.m.: Breakfast and early Even for adults, celebrating Sugarman will lead services on morning study Shabbat at Jewish summer at URJ Crane Lake Camp. Please note, there will not August 6 at 6 p.m. camp can evoke great mem- This is a great opportunity to be a Shabbat service at Hevreh • 10 a.m.: Shabbat service ories. On Friday, July 29 at see the lovely campus in West that evening. All are welcome and Torah study 6:15 p.m., Hevreh of Southern Stockbridge. Please arrive at to join this program. URJ Berkshire celebrates Kabbalat the camp by 6:15 p.m.; park- Crane Lake Camp is located Shabbat along with campers ing is available in the visitor at 46 State Line Road, West and international counselors parking lot. Stockbridge.

Discussion – “Being Mortal: Do Make a Scene in Public – Acting Medicine and What Matters Workshop Will Show You How PITTSFIELD – Temple Anshe director and professor of The- Graphic Design in the End” Amunim will host a four-part atre. Dr. Waldinger has taught www.tgo.com GREAT BARRINGTON – On Sunday, July 31 at 10:30 a.m., the scene study class with Barba- at Hofstra University, Mary- People of the Book Club at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire will ra Waldinger on consecutiveBarbara Greenfeldmount College, Queens Col- meet and Rabbi Neil Hirsch will lead a discussion about the TuesdaysProof beginning of ad for: August ______2, lege, and is presently an OLLI Please respond by ______ideas in Dr. Atul Gawande’s important book, Being Mortal: Medi- meeting at10 a.m. instructor. She serves as artis- cine and What Matters in the End. StudentsPublication: will have ______theBJV May 2016tic director of HRC Showcase to: (Tel) 413/ 528-0328 (Fax) 413/ 528-0328 [email protected] Says Hirsch: “In the inevita- opportunity to prepare and Theatre, an Equity-approved ble condition of aging and death, perform Sendscenes to: from [email protected] company that performs staged ❏ Changes req’d. & new proof the goals of medicine seem too well-known and new plays readings of new plays in Hud- frequently to run counter to the in a supportiveNo. of pages atmosphere (inc. cover): ______son, NY.1 She also directs new ❏ Approved as is. ❏ Approved with corrections as noted. interest of the human spirit. that encourages creativity and plays for the Association of Gawande tackles the hardest individual interpretation. Each Theatre in Higher Education, Proof sent: ______4/25/16 Proof # ______1 Approved by: ______challenge of his profession: how week the instructor will assign the Kennedy Center Ameri- medicine can not only improve scenes to the students, work- can College Theatre Festival, ing in pairs or individually, to and the Hudson-based play life, but also the process of its Barbara Waldinger ending. He argues that quality of prepare and perform during development group Plays in life is the desired goal for pa- the subsequent session. The Progress. email templeoffice@ansheamu- tients and families. Dr. Gawande selections will challenge the The fee for the four-session nim.org or visit www.anshean- explores the varieties of hospice students to portray a variety of course is $40 for Temple mem- umim.org. The Temple, located care to demonstrate that a per- characters, and feedback will bers, $45 for non-members; or at 26 Broad Street in Pittsfield, son’s last weeks or months may be offered. Both new and expe- $15 for any individual session. is an accessible building. be rich and dignified.” rienced actors are welcome. For more information, con- All are welcome to join this The course will be taught tact the Temple Anshe Amu- discussion. Hevreh is located at by Dr. Barbara Waldinger, a nim office at (413) 442-5910, 270 State Road, Great Barrington.

New Home? Second Home? Retirement Home? Let me show you… The Berkshires Barbara K. Greenfeld ABR, C-CREC, CRS, GREEN, RSPS, SRES Broker Associate • Lic. in MA & NY 413-441-5986 [email protected] Roberts & Associates Realty, inc. Page 18 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 1 to August 4, 2016

LOCAL NEWS Summer Shabbat Experiences at Temple Wild West Jewish Cowboy Anshe Amunim Clowns in Music, Rodeos, PITTSFIELD – This summer, contacting the BSO at Temple Anshe Amunim will www.bso.org or by calling and Animation be reimagining the Kabbalat (413) 637-1666. PITTSFIELD – On August 3 at Shabbat experience at special For more information, con- 11:30 a.m., music historian services and events. tact the Temple Anshe Amu- Aaron Manela will give a multi- nim office at (413) 442-5910, media presentation sponsored A Tanglewood Shabbat email templeoffice@ansheamu- by the Jewish Federation of Rabbi Josh Breindel will nim.org or visit www.anshean- the Berkshires entitled “Khosn lead a Kabbalat Shabbat ser- umim.org. Cowboy Mazl Tov: Wild West vice followed by an evening of Jewish Cowboy Clowns in Mu- music at Tanglewood in Lenox Sabbath of Study sic, Rodeos and Animation” at on Friday, July 15 at 7 p.m. All are invited to the Temple Anshe Amunim. All those interested in ex- monthly Sabbath of Study ser- Manela, a Ph.D. candidate periencing a Kabbalat Shabbat vices, which begin on Friday, Rabbi Joshua Breindel in Musicology at Case West- service are invited to attend. July 1, at 5:30 p.m. Attendees ern University, will reveal the Aaron Manela Bring a picnic and look for will engage with the words of Sabbath of Stories previously untold story of people gathered on the lawn the siddur (prayer-book) to This summer, the Temple the comic Jewish cowboy in Jews and for Jews, they quickly with blue and white balloons. find modern relevance in an- initiates a new tradition of cel- American popular entertain- slipped the bounds of our A dessert to share is also wel- cient texts. Rabbi Breindel will ebrating Shabbat – Sabbath of ment. Mr. Manela’s research religious and ethnic group and come! bring historical notes, philo- Stories. An accomplished actor involves studying sheet music, were performed in anti-Semitic Pinchas Zuckerman sophical insights, contempo- and storyteller, Rabbi Breindel “magic lantern” novelty song ways. This is literally the begin- conducts and plays in an rary readings and even science will enrich the Friday evening slides, entertainment trade ning of self-deprecating Jewish all-Mozart program featuring facts to enliven the conversa- service with stories ranging magazines, newspaper ad- humor in the 20th Century, Symphony No. 23 in G. Minor, tion. Additional Sabbaths of from ancient sources to Hasid- vertisements, early animated which remains a double-edged Violin Concerto from Serenade Study will be held on August 5 ic tales, from Rabbinic myths cartoons, and more to find a sword for us.” in D, and Symphony No. 39. and September 2. to modern literature. Follow- forgotten chapter in the histo- Manela will show perfor- Tickets can be purchased by ing the story, participants will ry of Jewish life in America. mances of these songs and then be encouraged to share their “While we all know Mel discuss how the Cowboy Jew thoughts and use these sourc- Brooks’ Blazing Saddles and evolved and remained linked to es to find new insights into the some remember Kinky Fried- music that represented Jewish- nature of Shabbat. Sabbath of man,” Manela says, “both Jew- ness in the public mind. Stories will take place Fridays ish and non-Jewish entertain- The fee for the lecture is at 5:30 p.m. on July 29 and ers were experimenting with the $10 for Temple members and August 26 idea of Yiddish cowboys at the $15 for non-members. Bring All are welcome. For more very beginning of the twentieth a lunch – cold beverages/ information, contact the Tem- century, and vaudeville come- desserts will be served. For ple Anshe Amunim office at dians and rodeo clowns alike more information, contact the (413) 442-5910, email tem- took on this identity. But it was Temple Anshe Amunim office [email protected] not all fun and games. Not all at (413) 442-5910, email tem- or visit www.ansheanumim. the performers were Jewish, [email protected] org. The Temple, located at 26 nor was the audience. While or visit www.ansheanumim. Broad Street in Pittsfield is an characters like the Jewish Cow- org. The Temple, located at 26 accessible building. boy might have been created by Broad Street, Pittsfield, is an accessible building. Sivan-Tammuz 5776 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 19

LOCAL NEWS Renewal at Congregation Knesset Israel New Sanctuary, New Approaches, New Connections PITTSFIELD – Congregation silent witness to the rededica- tion initiatives, its outreach organizations in the Berk- “Tefilat Ha’Derech” (The Way- Knesset Israel, a Conservative tion, the example set by those to K’rovei Yisrael (non-Jewish shires and beyond. farer’s Prayer), the fixing of congregation with a 135-year people speaks loudly to us.” relatives of Jews) and its col- The June 5 ceremony mezuzot to the doorways, and history in the Berkshires, cul- Udel remembered the econom- laboration with other Jewish concluded with the singing of the recitation of the Shema. minated its 9-month, $1.2 mil- ic uncertainty that marked the lion renovation project on years when the building was June 5 with the rededication first erected. “Nevertheless, of its sanctuary. The physical they moved forward,” he said, changes are of a part with the and would be “more than sat- congregation’s overall push to isfied” with the congregation’s implement new approaches current achievement. Udel to its spiritual, liturgical, and then thanked Arthur Stein, the social practices, led by Rabbi president during the original David Weiner. dedication project four de- Hundreds were in atten- cades earlier, who was able to dance to mark the first major attend the rededication. refurbishment of the building “And yet a sanctuary is, since its construction in the on some level, just a room,” 1970s, a project that upgraded explains Rabbi Weiner. “Walls, the lighting, acoustics, and furniture and lighting do not handicapped access in the on their own create commu- soaring, canopy-like sanctu- nity or spiritual uplift.” So ary. Seating has been rein- simultaneously with the ren- stalled in a circular configura- ovation portion of its renewal tion that is both more intimate project, Knesset Israel has and more conducive to prayer. also embarked on a project to The design of the new ark calls renew its Shabbat morning to mind the branches of a tree, services. Cantor Sarah Levine, and incorporates two words: a fourth-year student at the “Aychah” (“Where are you?) H.L. Miller Cantorial School of and “Hineni” (“I am here”). the Jewish Theological Semi- Rabbi David Weiner at Congregation Knesset Israel’s new pulpit “The new ark evokes the nary, has been visiting Pitts- Tree of Life, the Burning Bush field periodically throughout and a person at prayer reach- the year to help the congrega- ing towards the heavens,” tion develop a new approach to explains Rabbi Weiner. “Its im- weaving melodies together and agery aims to help the people leading services. in the room hear God’s first Just as Knesset Israel question of humanity, ‘Where was renewing its space and are you?’ and to respond, its worship, the Conservative ‘Hineni. Here I am.’ Or to ask, Movement introduced a new ‘Where are you?’ and wait for Shabbat prayer book, which the divine response, ‘Hineni.’” Knesset Israel received just President Leonard Schiller days after its publication. was effusive in his praise the Siddur Lev Shalem meets 21st efforts of Pittsfield’s EDM Ar- century American Jews where chitecture, Tierney Construc- they are, offering a context for tion Company, and Presenta- deepening the role of prayer tions Gallery, which delivered in the life of individuals and the ark and pews. “They all the community. Additonally, worked to understand the Rabbi Weiner, spiritual leader culture of this congregation,” since 2009, has integrated the he said. Schiller singled out methods of Soulful Education, Arlene Schiff’s exempla- a technique pioneered by Rab- ry fundraising efforts that bi Aryeh Ben-David of Jerusa- enabled most of the funds for lem, into prayer and study at the renovation to be pledged the congregation. KI’s Hebrew school students led the congregation in song within a five-month period. “Continuing Drawing on his long family vibrancy re- connection to this region and quires continu- www.berkshireradon.com the synagogue, past president ous, thoughtful (413) 528-9700 Edward Udel spoke movingly change and in drawing attention to the growth,” says memorial plaques along the Weiner, who walls. The sanctuary renewal, adds that the he said, “embraces the future congregation but honors the past. While the will continue its Radon Testing ❑✓ names on the plaques bear youth educa- ✓ COMPETITIVE PRICING and Mitigation ❑ PROMPT SERVICE ❑✓ FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY NEHA & NRSB CERTIFIED

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47 CHURCH STREET LENOX, MA 413 637 1086 www.cohenwhiteassoc.com Page 20 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 1 to August 4, 2016

IMPORTANT NOTICE No Tuesday kosher lunch June-August

Beginning in June and through the summer months, Federation-spon- sored kosher lunches will not be served at Congre- gation Knesset Israel on Tuesdays. Lunch will be served on Mondays and ProgramsPrograms taketake placeplace MondaysMondays andand ThursdaysThursdays atat 10:4510:45 a.m.a.m. LunchLunch isis servedserved MondaysMonday and and Thursday Thursdays, in conjunction with the Connecting With Thursdaysat 12 p.m, atthrough noon through September the 3.summer Tuesday months. lunch resumes on September 8. Community series. Tues- Venue:Venue: CongregationCongregation KnessetKnesset Israel,Israel, 1616 ColtColt Rd,Rd, Pittsfield,Pittsfield, MA.MA. day lunches will resume in the autumn.

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• Jewish Federation JULY AUGUST of the Berkshires Monday, 4...... Closed for Independence Day Monday, 1...... 10:45 a.m., “New Beginnings at Jacob’s Pillow” with Director of Preservation, Norton • PJ Library Thursday, 7...... 10:45a.m., Frederikke “Rikke” Borge Owen. Lunch: Meat loaf**#, pineapple juice, mashed speaks of her father, Victor Borge. Lunch: Chicken rata- Berkshire County potatoes, Italian beans, rye bread, grapes, and tea. touille**#, rice pilaf, salad, Chef’s choice of bread, melon, and tea. Thursday, 4...... 10:45 a.m., “Wendy Wasserstein and the World of her Women (and some men)” with Diane Monday, 11...... 10:45a.m. ”A Stop at The Red Apple G. Steinbrink. Lunch: Egg salad and cottage cheese plat- Restaurant” with author Elaine Freed Lindenblatt. Lunch: ters**, tomato juice, coleslaw, potato bread, strawberry Meat loaf**#, tomato juice, mashed potatoes, peas & shortcake, coffee, tea, and milk for coffee. carrots, rye bread, pears, and tea. Monday, 8...... Program to be announced. Lunch: Thursday, 14...... 10:45a.m., “Tales of a Judaic Artist: Oriental tuna salad platters, borscht and potato, rolls, Weavings, Wanderings and Wonders” with Wendy Rab- watermelon, coffee, tea, and milk for coffee. inowitz. Lunch: Fresh fish**, borscht and potato, green beans, rice pilaf, whole wheat bread, peaches, coffee, Thursday, 11...... Program to be announced. Lunch: tea, and milk for coffee. Greek salad platters**, chef’s choice of juice, Italian bread, tropical fruit salad, coffee, tea, and milk for cof- Monday, 18...... 10:45 a.m., “Some Puzzles and fee. Solutions in Science and Torah” with agronomist, Dr. Jon Greenberg. Lunch: Salisbury steak**#, salad, oven roast- Monday, 15...... Program to be announced. Lunch: ed potatoes, broccoli, Challah, mango sorbet, and tea. Turkey tenders chef’s way**#, salad, mixed vegetables, rice pilaf, whole wheat bread, applesauce, and tea. Thursday, 21...... 10:45 a.m., “The Practical Power of Gratitude…To Make Life a Little Easier” with author and motivational speaker, Jerry Posner. Lunch: Chef’s choice of summer frittata, beets, cucumber salad, Farmer’s Loaf, ice cream and cookies, coffee, tea, and milk for coffee. Monday, 25...... 10:45 a.m., “The Process of Aging” with therapist, Maggie Bittman. Lunch: Roasted chick- en**#, apple juice, salad, asparagus cuts n tips, noodles and onions, pumpernickel bread, fruit cocktail, and tea. Thursday, 28...... 10:45 a.m., “Major Mordecai Myers: An American-Jewish Hero of the War of 1812” presented by author and historian, Neil Yetwin. Lunch: Black bean burgers#, gazpacho, sweet potato fries, Italian beans, hamburger buns, ice cream and cookies, coffee, tea, and milk for coffee. Sivan-Tammuz 5776 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 21

OBITUARIES

Helen Gallant, most at day, April 28 at Berkshire at Lowell High School, Class until 2012. He also served for Myril A. Filler, 96, and by his home in the garden Medical Center. of 1938, and Northeastern 47 years as a board member, son, Nick (Colleen) Filler of STOCKBRIDGE – Helen Born in Monterey, MA on University before volunteering president, and emeritus board Conway, MA, his daughter Gallant grew up in Brooklyn, May 3, 1917, she was the to join the Army in 1942. He member of the Northern Berk- Joan (Matt) Evangelista Filler NY where, when she was not daughter of David and Rebec- served with distinction in the shire Center for Mental Health of Ithaca, NY and by grand- doing chores, she spent time ca Nevins Liss. Mrs. Penziner Pacific Theatre in World War II and the Brien Center. He was children Marielle Evangelista with her friends. They called was educated in Great Bar- with the Signal Corps in New proud to have been recently Filler of Portland, OR, Clara themselves the “Sufolla Girls” rington. She married Jacob Guinea, the Philippines and, named an honorary member Evangelista Filler of Lima, (“all of us” backwards). Penziner and raised her family following the end of the war, as of the Gale Hose Company, in Peru, Caroline Kelly Filler of She always wore her hair of three, Bernice, Rodney, and part of the Occupation Forces recognition of his many years Conway, MA, Katherine Rose in braids, until her mother cut Susan, in Sheffield. in Japan, attaining the rank of of service to the town and his Filler of New York City, and them off when she was 16. Mrs. Penziner was devoted corporal. donation to the Company of Alexander Teasdale Filler of It was this new haircut that to her family, number one. She Upon returning to the US two antique pieces of 19th Vancouver, BC, Canada. He attracted the attention of her enjoyed fashion, gardening, and receiving his honorable Century fire equipment. is also survived by his cousin neighbor, Sol Gallant, who she sewing and knitting, and, most discharge, he continued his Mr. Filler co-edited a popu- Zelda Stern and her husband married a few years later. They of all, exercising. She drove education at Boston Universi- lar two-volume set of readings Ralph Bradburd of William- raised two children, Steven her white Jeep to Simon’s ty, obtaining both a bachelor’s in world history along with stown, their children, as well and Esta, in New York, while Rock and Berkshire South for degree and a master’s degree Williams professor Sidney as several nieces and nephews Helen kept the books for Sol’s many years for her exercise in Education and History. Eisen which was published by who have been a source of car shop. As their children classes, until she was 92 years During his post-war college Harcourt Brace and World and great pride and delight. grew older, the couple spent old. Her beauty and strength days, he was active in social used extensively in thousands Mr. Filler requested a sim- more time in the Berkshires were admired by all. justice movements and led the of high schools and colleges ple private burial ceremony at and then moved to Stock- She is survived by her Boston delegation of area col- around the country in the Southlawn Cemetery in South bridge. In her later years, she daughters: Bernice Bornstein lege and university students to 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Williamstown not far from spent half the year in Delray of Boynton Beach, FL and Pea- Washington, DC to urge Con- In 1954, Mr. and Mrs. where he had lived for the last Beach, FL. body, MA and Susan Lipton of gress to pass an anti-lynching Filler started Nicholas Books fifty years of his Williamstown After a series of medical Pittsfield; her grandchildren, bill. in a barn behind their Glen residency. problems, Mrs. Gallant had to Eric, Toni and Julian Born- Mr. Filler married Myril Street house. This mail-order remain in Florida year-round stein of Cambridge, MA, Robin Alpert of Revere, MA in New educational book business and spent the rest of her life Bornstein of Byfield, MA, Da- Hampshire on September sold publishers’ there, but she always missed vid, Julie, William and Rachel 8, 1948. Shortly thereafter, overstock to high the Berkshires. Wherever she Bornstein of Peabody, MA, they relocated from Boston school and college lived, she always felt most at Jeffrey Lipton of Boston, MA, to Williamstown, where Mr. libraries throughout home in a garden. She was a Michael, Christine, Alexandra Filler accepted a position as a the US and Canada. longtime volunteer “herb asso- and Emery Lipton of Pittsfield, history teacher and guidance In the 1970s, Mr. ciate” at the Berkshire Botani- Scott Penziner of Portsmouth, director/counselor at William- Filler started Corner cal Garden, as well as tending NH, Timothy, Suzanne and stown High School, while Mrs. House Publishers, her own land on Yale Hill. She Seth Penziner of Wakefield, Filler worked as a substitute reprinting and dis- also volunteered at Tangle- MA and Virginia Penziner of teacher there. Their intention tributing Americana wood, and enjoyed walking Peabody, MA; and her brother, was to remain in Williamstown books of historical Graphic Design the country roads and playing Joseph Liss of Naples, FL. for one or two years, while he significance. www.tgo.com bridge. Mrs. Penziner was prede- pursued a Ph.D. in Anthropol- Mr. Filler is Never one to hold her ceased by her husband Jacob; ogy and History from Colum- survived by his wife tongue, Mrs. Gallant could her sisters, Anna Goldberg of bia University during sum- of almost 67 years, always be counted on to give Longmeadow, MAProof and Milly of ad for:mer ______Great vacations. Barrington Instead, they Bagel Please respond by ______honest advice, even if it was Nevins of Harrison, NY; and remained residents of William- not what you wanted to hear. her son Rodney Penziner of stown for almost 67 years. When she was compelled to Housatonic. Publication: ______Mr.BJV Filler May taught 2016 and served to: (Tel) 413/ 528-0328 (Fax) 413/ 528-0328 [email protected] stay in Florida year-round, Funeral services were held as a counselor first at she lost touch with most of her Tuesday, May 3 at Finnerty the “old” Williamstown good friends in MA. If anyone & Stevens FuneralSend Home to: in ______HighKaren School Climountil 1961 [email protected] ❏ Changes req’d. & new proof that knew her would like to Great Barrington, conducted and thereafter at the share stories, or get more in- by Rabbi David Weiner. Burial “new” Mt. Greylock formation about her last years, followed at AhavathNo. Sholom of pages (inc.Regional cover): High School,______1 ❏ Approved as is. ❏ Approved with corrections as noted. they are welcome to contact Cemetery in Great Barrington. retiring as Director of her granddaughter Madeleine Donations may be made to GuidanceApril in27, 1984. 2016 He 1 by email at madkornfield@ the Berkshire HumaneProof Societysent: ______was the last of the “Old Proof # ______Approved by: ______gmail.com. through Finnerty & Stevens Guard” of WHS, attend- Funeral Home, 426 Main ing until recently many The Jewish Federation Street, Great Barrington, MA reunions of the high of the Berkshires offers 01230. school classes of the condolences to Linda late forties and fifties. Maurice Filler, 94, teach- Halpern, whose mother During these years er, director of guidance Edith Gross passed away he taught Driver Educa- in early May. WILLIAMSTOWN – Maurice tion, chaired the History Filler, 94, died peacefully on Department, and was Wednesday, June 1, at his Curriculum Coordinator Sara Liss Penziner, 98, home, surrounded by his fami- at the high school as devoted to her family ly. well as Guidance Di- PITTSFIELD – Sara Liss Pen- Born in Lowell, MA on July rector. He served as the ziner, 98, a longtime resident 27, 1921, the son of David founding Board Member of West Road in Sheffield, Filler and Rebecca Stern of the Williamstown more recently of Melbourne Filler, both Russian Jewish Community Fund from Place in Pittsfield, died Thurs- immigrants, he was educated its inception in 1953 Page 22 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 1 to August 4, 2016

MAZEL TOV BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES

Dalton residents Troy Middleton and his mom, Miriam, were among the winners of the Celebrating Pesach in Paris PJ Library’s #pjmatzah contest, receiving a t-shirt, tote bag, insulated lunch bag, note In the home of patisseries and baguettes, matzo is truly the pads, pens, and books. Enjoy your swag, Troy! bread of affliction c By Avi Dresner Mazel tov to bat mitzvah Halle Davies, and At the risk of getting in You see, Natasha, having to proud parents Justin Davies and Federation trouble for revealing this, my grown up in the former Soviet board member Mara Goodman-Davies. Strike a pose! wife, Natasha, turned 40 in Union, tends to avoid anything c April. Since we have a long- that smacks of communal standing family tradition of observance. For my part, hav- Mazel tov to Alison Lee, junior at Pratt taking birthday trips, it came ing lived in Israel and served Institute in Brooklyn, NY, who was named the as no surprise to her when in the IDF during a particu- recipient of the 2016 Charles Pratt Memo- I asked “Where?”, nor to me larly terrible wave of suicide rial Scholarship, an annual $35,000 award when she immediately an- bombings – including one at conferred to a third-year undergraduate in swered “Paris.” a hotel Seder – I try to avoid a given department. She was recognized for “Texas?” I replied and, anywhere large groups of Jews outstanding creative achievement in work that again, no surprise – she congregate in hostile territory. reflected her wide range of interests. Alison, punched me in the shoulder. With the Paris terror attacks who grew up in Great Barrington, was active What did come as a surprise, occurring less than six months Alison Lee at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire as a youth however – and, frankly, a before our departure and the leader and religious school teacher. major disappointment – was related Brussels attacks less Avi and Natasha Dresner when I checked the calendar, than a month before, I defi- c and discovered her birthday nitely considered Paris hostile Jewish response to the Novem- ber attacks. Mazel tov to Jerry Fischer, executive director at Jewish Feder- fell during Passover. territory. The main synagogue – ation of Eastern Connecticut, on the release of his filmHarvest - Paris seemed like the last What Natasha and I most there’s a smaller MJLF affiliate ing Stones: The Jewish Farmers of Eastern Connecticut. place in the world we’d want wanted was an invitation to a to spend and observe Pesach. family Seder, but without look- on the eastern edge of Paris – c After all, it may be “the City ing like schnorrers who were was located in a rather unat- Mazel tov to Daniel Munch, son of Joan Goldberg Munch of Light,” but it is no less trying to avoid paying for a tractive commercial district and Robert Munch, who celebrated his bar mitzvah at Hevreh of “the city of bread” and baked communal one. So, we hinted on the Left Bank, and took up Southern Berkshire on May 28. goods. The thought of being at our preference in our emails four narrow floors of an office there and not being able to eat to the various congregations. building that also housed a c any of that stuff recalled the Apparently – and probably due bowling alley. The small sanc- Mazel tov to Rabbi Jodie Gordon (of line from “The Rime of the An- to the language barrier – we tuary, which reminded me of Hevreh) and Federation board member cient Mariner” – “Water, water, were too subtle because, when an art-house movie theater, Josh Bloom on the birth of daughter everywhere, nor any drop to we arrived in Paris, four days was on one floor, administra- Goldie Belle Gordon-Bloom, who arrived drink.” Except, in this case, before the first Seder, we still tive offices on another, reli- on May 9. Goldie joins big sister, Lola. it was “baguette and pastry had no private invitation and gious school classrooms on a everywhere, nor any crumb to no idea where we’d be. third, and the kitchen and so- Goldie Belle cial hall on a fourth, where six c eat.” Over the next several days, After briefly considering in addition to all the usual long tables of twenty were set Mazel tov to Enid Fuhrman, a first time great-grandmother to writing “The Rime of the Mid- tourist sites, we saw other re- for the Seder. MJLF’s pres- Rylan Archer, born March 2. Ryan is the son of Kyla and Drew dle-aged Farbissener,” it oc- minders of terrorism, and even ident, Marc Konczaty, greeted Archer and grandson of Richard and Dolly Fuhrman. us, saying we’d be c sitting with him, his wife, Annie, Mazel tov to Nancy Cook on the birth of her grandson, Ben and several other Cook-Dubin, born March 25 in Sao English speakers. Paulo, Brazil. Parents are Noah and At this point, I Kika Cook-Dubin. should probably c say that Natasha’s French is non-exis- Mazel tov to Bart and Mar- tent and mine n’ex- shall Raser on the opening of a iste pas, which is to new Carr Hardware in Avon, CT, say I took one sum- and Carr-Brightwood Hardware in mer semester at Enfield, CT. Carr is also expanding Bart Raser (left) and Alliance Française its maintenance, repair, and op- Marshall Raser (third in New York City erations business into the Pioneer from left) with owners of nearly twenty-five Valley and northern Connecticut. Brightwood Hardware years ago. However, I didn’t let the fact c that I only under- stood about ten Congratulations to Jesse Cook-Dubin on being elected presi- percent of MJLF dent of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. senior Rabbi Yann c Boissière’s opening Mazel tov to Jackie Browner as she celebrates her 65th remarks stop me birthday and the 40th anniversary of her business, J.K. Browner from translating Associates, which helps small businesses market their key posi- From the MJLF Haggadah them for Natasha. tions, services, and products. If you’ve ever curred to me that, rather than more of anti-Semitism. Almost seen the scene in Life Is Beau- c being bitter about it, I could every time Natasha and I tiful, where Roberto Benigni Mazel tov to Koby and Tali Geller on the birth of daughter choose to look at Pesach in walked through one of Paris’s “translates” the “welcome” Annaelle Adira Geller on May 27. Annaelle is the first grand- Paris not as a limitation, but many beautiful neighborhood speech of the German con- daughter of Nate and Lyn Geller and the first great-granddaugh- an opportunity – not unlike parks, we would come across centration camp kommandant ter of Diana Geller. Mazel tov, too, to great uncle Andy Geller. the laws of kashrut them- a bronze plaque announcing it from German – which Benigni And further congratulations to Koby Geller on his graduation selves. I mean, how often do had been a deportation site for doesn’t speak a word of – into from Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School on June 8, and you get to celebrate the most Parisian Jews under the Nazis. Italian, then you’ll get the on assuming the position of director at the Hillel chapter of Drew communal of Jewish holidays It started to feel like a macabre idea. Basically, I told Natasha University in Madison, NJ. in a community so far and “Where’s Waldo?” exercise – we that the entire Seder was an elaborate drinking game at the c foreign from your own and, knew it would be there some- yet, fundamentally still your where; we just didn’t know end of which the winner would Congratulations to Debora Cole-Duffy who will be the next own? And so, after researching where. receive a tank. And, speaking president at Temple Anshe Amunim. Wendy Rabinowitz, Sharon airfares and apartment rent- In part, because of these of tanks, at this point, two Rawlings, and Joshua Hochberg are joining the board of direc- als, my next mission became plaques – or, maybe, in spite of French soldiers showed up in tors. Mazel tov and yasher koach to all. finding us a Seder in Paris. them – the day before the first combat fatigues brandishing c As the son of a Reform Seder, Natasha and I made assault rifles. This seemed rabbi, I checked out the web- the final decision to spend it to make Natasha feel more Hannah Wohl, daughter of Dr. Charles Wohl and Alba Passer- site of the World Union for with the vibrant communi- at ease, but I whispered, “I ini, has been informed by the Culture Section of the American Progressive Judaism, which ty of MJLF (Mouvement Juif can’t think of a better way for Sociological Association that she won the Peterson Award for the revealed six “Liberal” Pari- Libérale de France). We chose a terrorist to get into a Seder best graduate student paper for 2016. The award was given for sian synagogues, nearly all of them, in part, because we had than dressed as a soldier sent her article “Community Sense: The Cohesive Power of Aesthetic which had English versions seen a link to an article on there to protect it.” Yet another Judgment” which was published in the journal Sociological The- of their websites, and at least the MJLF website from The punch in the shoulder. ory. Hannah will receive the award at the annual meeting of the half of which advertised com- Forward – a publication I have The Hebrew parts of the American Sociological Association in Seattle this August. munity Seders. This, however, also written for – by one of was precisely what we didn’t MJLF’s three rabbis, Delphine PARIS, want. Horvilleur, about the French continued on page 23 Sivan-Tammuz 5776 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 23 Calendar – Ongoing Events Around the Community Continuous – Chabad of the Berkshires Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. – “Beginner He- lively study of Modern Hebrew with an friendly experience. Cost for dinner $18 “Smile on Seniors,” or “S.O.S.,” volunteer brew” Learn to speak Hebrew from a native expert instructor. Temple Anshe Amunim, per adult, $15 teens, $50 family maximum. program to serve senior citizens in the Israeli with Esther Benari-Altmann at Temple 26 Broad Street, Pittsfield. Open to the Dinner reservations are due by the Monday Berkshires. Information for families who Anshe Amunim, 26 Broad Street, Pittsfield. community at large. Information and reg- before services. Full information: (413) can benefit and volunteers: Rabbi Levi Open to the community at large. Regis- istration: (413) 442-5910, ext. 12 or eba@ 445-4872, ext 10. Volovik at (413) 499-9899 or visit www. tration, full information: (413) 442-5910, ansheanumim.org. Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. – “Torah Plus: jewishberkshires.com. extension 12, or [email protected]. Fridays, last of month, time varies Exploring Jewish Text and Culture.” Join New England Holocaust Institute & Tuesdays from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m., with candle lighting – Chabad of the Rabbi Josh Breindel for a conversation Museum – Artifacts from the collection of July 5 & 19 and August 2 – “Talmud Berkshires’ “Friday Night Live,” traditional based on the texts of the Jewish people and founder Darrell English are now on view Study” with Sid Freund at Hevreh. Read Kabbalat Shabbat service. Information: reflection on what it means to be Jewish. All at the Adams Free Library, 92 Park Street, Talmud (the Steinsaltz edition) and engage (413) 499-9899 or visit www.jewishberk- texts are offered in English. Temple Anshe Adams, telephone (413) 743-8345. Mr. in spirited debate on the merit of cases. shires.com. Amunim, 26 Broad Street, Pittsfield. Free. English remains available to bring selections Knowledge of Hebrew is not a prerequisite. Open to the public. Information (413) 442- Fridays, at 9:00 a.m. – Meditation with from his collection of Holocaust artifacts to Free and open to the public. Contact Hinda 5910 or [email protected]. Rabbi Rachel Barenblat in the Congregation presentations for organizations, schools, Bodinger (413) 528-3280 or hindacboding- Beth Israel sanctuary, 53 Lois Street, North and private functions. To schedule offsite [email protected]. Adams, overlooking the Berkshire moun- presentations, call Ed Udel at (413) 446- Congregation Knesset Israel Tuesdays from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m., July tains. Silence, chanting, and meditation 8409. 12 & 26 – “Personal Finance,” with Jay designed to help prepare for Shabbat. All 16 Colt Road, Monthly – Ruthie’s Lunch Bunch meets Weintraub and Stu Schweitzer. This discus- welcomed. Information: (413) 663-5830 Pittsfield at Congregation Beth Israel, or a local sion group will focus on personal financial and www.cbiweb.org. ONGOING MINYANS restaurant. Call for details. Congregation issues including taxes, investments, and Fridays, last of the month – The Berk- Beth Israel, 53 Lois Street, North Adams. retirement strategies. Free and open to Sunday...... 8:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. shire Hills Hadassah Summer Book Club Information: (413) 663-5830. the public. Contact Hinda Bodinger (413) Tuesday...... 7 p.m. discusses books with a Jewish theme. All 528-3280 or [email protected]. Friday...... 7 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. Monthly, fourth or fifth Sunday – Hadassah members – and those wishing to Saturday, 9:30 a.m. and evenings Volunteers from Congregation Beth Israel, Wednesdays, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. become members – are welcome to join. approximately 30 minutes before sunset 53 Lois Street, North Adams “Take and Eat” – optional meditation 11:30 a.m. to noon July 29: “The Jerusalem Maiden” by Talia program cook, package, and deliver hot – “Yoga @ KI” with instructor Jane Rosen Carner. For more information on time and CANDLE-LIGHTING meals for all North Adams clients of “Meals at Congregation Knesset Israel social hall, location, please contact Carol Goodman Friday, July 1...... 8:15 p.m. on Wheels.” Information: (413) 663-5830 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield. $5 per class for Kaufman at [email protected]. Friday, July 8...... 8:13 p.m. or [email protected]. Knesset Israel members; $10 for non-mem- Friday, July 15...... 8:09 p.m. Fridays, once a month at 5:30 p.m. bers. Open to the public. Information: Jane Friday, July 22 ...... 8:04 p.m. Monthly – One Monday a month (date (followed by a family style Shabbat Rosen at (413) 464-0173 or janerosen@ Friday, July 29...... 7:57 p.m. varies according to length of book), the dinner at 6:30 p.m.) – Congregation berkshire.rr.com. CBI Book Discussion Group meets at Con- Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield. See “Berkshire Jewish Congregations and gregation Beth Israel at 7:00 a.m. Check Wednesdays, from 10:30 to 11:30 Shirei Shabbat (“Songs of Shabbat”). Unique Organizations” on page 25 for information on the CBI Newsletter for current books and a.m. – Hevreh of Southern Berkshire, service combines melodies from Carlebach, all regularly scheduled services in the area. schedule. Information: Chaim Bronstein at 270 State Road, Great Barrington, offers Debbie Friedman, and Camp Ramah to Contact a congregation directly if you wish to (917) 609-6732. “an hour of morning stillness” with Nina create a “ruach” filled (“spirited”) family arrange an unscheduled minyan. Lipkowitz, a certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher. Sundays (second of each month) – Donation of $10 is asked for from non-mem- Berkshire Hills Society of Israeli Philatelists bers. Information: (413) 528-6378. meet. Discuss Israeli and American stamps. Coffee and donuts. Information: Ed Helitzer, Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m. – “Conversa- PARIS, continued from page 22 (413) 447-7622, daytime. tional Hebrew”. Practice speaking Hebrew with native Israeli Esther Benari-Altmann, Seder that followed were blessedly seeing my dad, a prominent Freedom Sundays, 10:15 a.m. (Approximately Temple Anshe Amunim, 26 Broad Street, familiar but, at the end of it, Benigni Rider, featured in a film about the Civil every six weeks) – Congregation Aha- Pittsfield. Open to the community at large. was again on my mind when Rabbi Rights Movement in the Paris Museum vath Sholom Book Club. Contact Diana Information and registration: (413) 442- Horvilleur led us in a gorgeous Ladino of Jewish Art & History. And when the Richter at [email protected] for titles, 5910 ext. 12 or [email protected]. version of “Who Knows One?” that any husband of the couple sitting opposite dates, and location. Sunday, July 10, “The Italian or Spanish speaker would have us, Robert Vitkine, found out we were Marriage of Opposites,” by Alice Hoffman. Wednesdays through August, 7-9 understood. Rabbi Boissière also led a from Massachusetts, he recounted a p.m. – The B’Shalom Chorale rehearses at Sundays, 10:30 a.m. (every seven raucous Hebrew version, complete with story from when he was at Harvard Hevreh for its August 10 concert. Contact weeks) – Congregation Ahavath Sholom’s pantomime, that made me and – from Business School and an older student Cantor Emily Sleeper Mekler at (413) 531- “Bagels and Brainstorms.” Contact Guy the looks of it – everyone else there feel invited a bunch of the foreign students 8706 or email BShalomChorale@gmail. Pancer, [email protected] or (860) like we were reliving our best moments to dinner at his home. That older stu- com. Chorale dues: $50. 435-2821 for topic and location. of Jewish summer camp. And, not un- dent’s name was Mitt Romney. Thursdays, 10:45-noon. – Congrega- like the camp experience, what Nata- Robert and his wife, Eveline, were Tuesdays, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – tion Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Rd, Pittsfield. sha and I will remember most from the nice enough to drive us back to our Torah Portion of the Week study group at The Book of Deuteronomy. Rabbi Weiner Seder are the people we spent it with. apartment, which was only obliquely Congregation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, guides conversations about the book in Naturally, we played the de rigeur on their way home. When we said our Pittsfield. Facilitator Myrna Hammerling its historical context. Discussions touch on Jewish geography, which seemed even au revoirs to them and then to Paris guides the group through the triennial comparisons to other parts of the Torah and more de rigeur in the land that gave itself a few days later, we were struck cycle, year-round in the K.I. Library. New- scripture, underlying philosophical issues us de rigeur. It turned out there wasn’t by the simple and beautiful power of comers always welcome to this gathering and spiritual implications. Full information even one degree of separation between breaking bread with brethren even – of students of diverse ages, backgrounds, and schedule: (413) 445-4872, ext 10. me and the woman to my immediate and especially – when you can’t eat and perspectives who search together to right, Jacqueline, who remembered any. deepen understanding of our foundational Thursdays (fourth of each month) – text. Free. Information: (413) 445-4872, Hadassah Book Club. For times, locations of ext. 16. meetings, and fur- ther information ERKSHIRE Tuesdays, July 5, 12, 19, & 26, from about the books: B 10:00-11:30 a.m. – Temple Anshe Amu- Roz Kolodny at OOFING & nim. “Play Analysis with Barbara Waldinger.” (413) 243-2077 R The topic is, “The Corrupting Influence of R or rozlk@yahoo. UTTER CO. Materialism in Plays by Arthur Miller and com. G David Mamet.” The cost for the four-session 413-298-1029413 298 1029 course is $40 for Temple members and $45 Thursdays at www.BGRCo.net for non-members; or $15 for any individual 6:15 p.m. – “In- CEDAR ROOF session. For more information, contact the termediate He- STANDING SEAM METAL ASPHALT SHINGLES Temple Anshe Amunim office at (413) 442- brew,” with Esther Written Estimates • Fully Insured • Owner Installed MA Lic. #145878 5910, email templeoffice@ansheamunim. Benari-Altmann. SEAMLESS GUTTERS org or visit www.ansheamunim.org. Teens and adults Copper • Aluminum • Gutter Covers

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The Mews, by the Red Lion Inn Courtyard Stockbridge, MA 413-298-4436 Page 24 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 1 to August 4, 2016 CULTURE AND ARTS Museum Innovator Brings a New Vision to BEHOLD! New Lebanon Ruth Abram of New York’s Tenement Museum fame illuminates local rural life with new museum concept NEW LEBANON, NY – Ruth II, though he later obtained a people for who they are, and I suffice it to say that “Mr. Abram sees things most people master’s degree from Oxford never wanted to be part of it. Teitelbaum Goes to Albany” don’t. For example, about New University). While serving in And I have essentially chosen did not end happily. Never- Lebanon, she says: “This is not the military, Morris Abram work that expresses that per- theless, it brought Abram a sleepy town where nothing became a member of the US spective.” to New Lebanon, allowing happens. Things are happen- staff at the Nuremberg Tribu- Her family moved to New her to focus her powers of ing at every turn!” nal, and became a passionate York when Abram was a high imagination on a town, as In New Lebanon? advocate for Jewish causes school senior – “free at last” is many people would tell her, In New Lebanon. In June, throughout his life. how she describes the feeling “that used to be extraor- Abram embarked on her While in the army, he – and she pursued an educa- dinary, but that just fell second season at the helm of married Abram’s mother, Jane tion and then embarked on a apart.” BEHOLD! New Lebanon, an McGuire, whose family was career squarely in the liberal As Abram investigated innovative living museum of socially prominent in Orlando, activism continuum. She mar- what New Lebanon was all contemporary rural life that FL. Ruth’s parents settled in ried husband Herbert Teitel- about, she learned about showcases the town’s farmers, Atlanta, where Morris worked baum the day after graduating its rich history in the 19th artisans, tradespeople, restau- as a corporate lawyer, but from college – she says that century. Known for its rateurs, naturalists, and en- also became active in the Civil “she didn’t want to be unclear waters, it was a famed spa trepreneurs. A “museum with- Rights movement, traveling the about Jewish identity,” and town where hydrother- out walls,” BEHOLD! features South “at considerable danger that it was important to her to apy was pioneered, and a lineup of events at different to himself” in order to advo- marry a Jewish man. Herbert was visited by luminaries Ruth Abram sites around town throughout cate for African Americans. As fit the bill, she says, but it was like Ulysses S. Grant and the summer months, inviting a result of these efforts, he be- only after they were married Charles Dickens. New Leba- shocked by all the things going visitors to experience rural life came acquainted with African that she recognized that his non was home to the first free on. I started going around in the locales in which it tran- American movers and shakers parents were avowed socialists library, the graduation of the town and asking people what spires. Guides perform demon- in Atlanta, and had enough of who cared little about Juda- thermometer was established do you know, or know how to strations in their workplaces a reputation of someone who ism, and that her husband’s there, and the Shakers made do, that urban and suburban Jewish education was no more New Lebanon their headquar- people don’t. And their an- developed than her own. She ters, advocating for feminism, swers filled page after page, I started going around town and asking says the two of them had to abolition of slavery, and veg- and when I looked at them discover a Jewish identity for anism. New Lebanon was also all together, it seemed to me people what do you know, or know how to themselves and their family. a center of religious revivalism like we had the makings of do, that urban and suburban people don’t. After obtaining a degree that attracted thousands of a museum – a museum like in policy planning in social visitors. The Tilden Phar- nobody had ever heard of, but And their answers filled page after page. welfare at Brandeis, Abram maceutical Company, which museum nonetheless.” She worked for the NAACP and built the first pharmaceutical formed a board and piloted — Ruth Abram ACLU, and was hired by factory in America, was based the program in 2014 to find feminist icon Gloria Steinem in town, and culled botanical out if it would work. BEHOLD! - in July, for example, visitors could move in white and black to run the Women’s Action Al- medicines from nearby woods launched its first success- can learn about cultivating circles that during the 1960 liance, which was dedicated to and wetlands. ful season in 2015, and as it hops or making sausage, tips presidential campaign, he was providing resources to women The town’s decline start- opens its second season, has for training a dog, renovating approached by John F. Kenne- working to change their lives ed after the Civil War, when received a nearly $90,000 historic homes, making kinetic dy’s father Joseph to see if he by overcoming gender discrim- Southern families who had Rural Development Grant art, glass blowing, or about the could arrange a call between ination. During her time there, summered there could no from the U.S. Department of ecology of Wyomanoc Creek, the candidate and Martin she came to the conclusion longer afford to do so. Sara- Agriculture. which follows the footprint Luther King, Jr., who had just that “advocacy was one way toga, a spa with the added While the idea met with of the once famed Rutland been jailed in Georgia. Abram to change the world, but that attraction of horse racing, also some resistance – the chief ob- Railroad. put Kennedy in touch with history was another.” She went siphoned off clientele. So by jection by the most vociferous BEHOLD! is Abram’s sec- King’s wife Coretta, a call that back to school for an American the time the early 21st cen- critics has been that she’s not ond foray as founder of a mu- some say drew much needed History degree at New York tury arrived, the town’s glory from New Lebanon, which she seum, the first being the Lower African American support to University, where she started days were well behind it, but admits is true and cannot be East Side Tenement Museum his campaign. Abram’s father to develop the idea of the Ten- Abram, following her historical helped – the local community in New York City. With both went on to lead the National ement Museum. “Lower East curiosity, recognized that all has by and large embraced projects, Abram drew on her Jewish Council and to serve as Side is inextricably entwined the elements that had engen- outsider Abram’s outsized awareness of history and her president of Brandeis Univer- in the public memory with vision, in no small part desire to tell the story of a sity, and was appointed by immigration, and I could because BEHOLD! has place and its people. While the Ronald Reagan to serve as the build on that and create a connected many people Tenement Museum’s narrative Representative of the United museum which would do who might not have is complex but straightforward States to the European Office something that no museum otherwise known about – it conveys the experience of of the United Nations. had tried to do – to start a what their neighbors immigrants arriving in Amer- conversation with the pub- were up to. “People ica, of outsiders making their From Advocacy to History lic about a contemporary have been surprised by each other,” says way in a difficult city – Abram Ruth Abram recalls her issue using history. That Abram, “and are has had to think outside the own journey of Jewish con- issue would be how we pleased to meet each box to convey the story of New sciousness beginning on a jar- treat a stranger in the land, other.” Lebanon’s past and present. ring note. At age 13, she was an outsider.” She says that at BEHOLD! reflects her own de- enrolled in an evangelical Pres- Located in what was outset, some of the sire to understand the nature byterian school with a reputa- then an extremely rough guides were nervous of the community she moved tion for academic excellence. neighborhood, the Tene- that they would be to in 2007, a place whose She recalls being scared, but ment Museum took a bit of the objects of ridicule workings were mysterious to “armored” with her poodle time to catch on, but has for visitors who did her and far outside her expe- skirt, saddle shoes, crinolines, since enjoyed success as not understand them, riences as an urbanite with Peter Pan collar, and, most the most visited histori- but who have found a life and career in rarified, importantly, a cadre of good cal museum in New York. out that the oppo- cosmopolitan milieus. friends, she forged ahead. On Her idea has served as a site is true, that their the first day of school, howev- template of how a museum guests are interest- Jewish Activist Roots er, her friends took her aside might convey a historical ed and respectful of Abram grew up in Atlan- and told her that “from this narrative, one that has their skills. “A lot of ta, and has deep roots in the day on, they could no lon- been used as a model for city people passing South. Her Romanian grand- ger invite me to their parties. other museums of its type through here may ask, father settled in the tiny town It wasn’t them, it was their around the world. ‘how could anybody of Fitzgerald, GA, operating parents and it was because I BEHOLD! guide Rhonda Leavitt, queen of live here, what do they an “always failing” dry goods was Jewish. I flew out into the A New Type of Museum the reptile rescuers, with a friend. Leavitt do?’ BEHOLD! New store there. Her grandmother world, and thought this was With BEHOLD! New Leb- will present a family-friendly program on Lebanon answers that was the daughter of a Reform such a betrayal of friendship.” anon, Abram is once again August 6. question. What they do rabbi, although Abram says What made things more innovating. She and her is very interesting, and they’ve her father, Morris, had no real confounding, Abram says husband arrived in the region dered the town’s great success done it to live successfully in Jewish education. Her father, that given her father’s lack of nine years ago, after he left the – the waters, the land – were this environment, and they are she says, had “one dream – to Jewish background and her world of corporate law to serve all still in place. She set out to experimenters and explorers. get out of that small town.” mother being outside the faith, as the executive director of uncover what the contempo- We’re living in a place that’s He succeeded admirably, she had no idea what it even New York’s State Commission rary residents of New Lebanon full of experimentation and attending the University of meant to be Jewish. She re- on Public Integrity during the were doing with the resources innovation.” Georgia and obtaining a law members her parents’ reaction governorships of Eliot Spitzer at hand. degree from University of Chi- was to enroll her in the local and David Patterson. New “As I got to know people For more information on cago, as well as being chosen temple school. “From that York State, politics, ethics, and saw what they did,” she BEHOLD! New Lebanon, visit as a Rhodes scholar (which he moment on, I understood the Eliot Spitzer – while the saga remembers, “some as a living, beholdnewlebanon.org. had to forgo due to World War hurt caused by differentiating is too involved to get into here, some as an avocation, I was Sivan-Tammuz 5776 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 25

CULTURE AND ARTS Yidstock Welcomes the Klezmatics on their 30th Anniversary World’s Premier Yiddish Music Festival to Feature Other Top Performers By Albert Stern AMHERST – First, a behind “Success is doing what you do the attendant Jewish culture the scenes story – when my for as long as you can do it. in which klezmer is imbedded. wife and I first started dating What we’re doing now is still There was “nothing culturally 13 years ago, she was friend- vital.” specific to Judaism that I grew ly with the wife of one of the Like so many Jewish sto- up with,” London says. A “hap- Klezmatics. We were invited to ries, that of the Klezmatics py fourth generation Reform one of their shows, and before starts on the Lower East Side Jew,” he remembers there the band went on, we chatted of New York City. In 1986, was no Yiddish spoken in his with her friend’s husband. says London, the musicians home, nor did he hear the nig- He was a bit downcast, who would form the band were gunim more connected Jews telling us how he wasn’t sure frequenting cutting edge ven- might have sung around the what direction the band was ues like the Knitting Factory, dinner table. The immersion heading in, or if it would even whose bookers were amenable in Jewish tradition necessary continue. He said they were to putting on everything from to properly understand and starting to work with some of the most far-out experimental play the music was “a great Woody Guthrie’s lost lyrics, sounds to overlooked styles of revelation, finding out about putting music to words that the past. the beautiful world of Eastern the folk singer had never London, a Long Island European Jewish life.” recorded. “If this Guthrie stuff native, was already steeped It was “serendipity,” says The Klezmatics doesn’t work,” I distinctly in traditional klezmer, having London, that the band’s remember him saying, “then played in the early 1980s with members, all from places and label allowed the Klezmat- Wheel, which came together we’re probably going to pack the pioneering Klezmer Con- other than New York, recog- ics to develop their unique 15 years into the journey, it in.” servatory Band founded by his nized each other as “musically approach. that London feels the band’s The “Guthrie stuff” became teacher at the New England Jewish, and came together to And thus the Klezmat- sound and identity truly co- Wonder Wheel, which won the Conservatory, Hankus Netsky. figure out where we were at.” ics embarked on what Lon- alesced. “Wonder Wheel was Grammy Award for Best Con- In the days before the internet The Klezmatics, following the don characterizes as “a long not a klezmer record, it was a temporary World Music Album facilitated access to rare music approach of their revivalist ongoing journey in which we Klezmatics record.” He says it in 2006, and also Woody Guth- of all stripes, finding klezmer predecessors, began by trying negotiate history, tradition, is “typical for the Klezmatics rie’s Happy Joyous Hanukkah, recordings involved a great to replicate the sound and feel peoplehood, authenticity, and jump around from a religious which featured holiday tunes deal of digging. “The scarcity of the old records, playing at relevance. Negotiating the song praising God to one of composed in the late 1940s. made it romantic and fun,” small clubs, parties, and wed- niche we found has always fighting for social justice,” like And this July, the Klezmatics remembers London. First wave dings. Their career veered in been tricky. Of all the klezmer the song perhaps most associ- will celebrate their 30th anni- klezmer revival musicians a different direction in 1988, groups, we are the most tradi- ated with the band, “Ale Brid- versary as a band at Yidstock, learned their craft by listening when they were invited to play tional of the experimental and er” (“All Brothers”). The lyrics the Yiddish Book Center’s an- to old 78 rpm records that had in Europe in festivals that the most experimental of the to this century-old Jewish nual festival of Jewish music, been transferred to cassette by showcased acts from the bur- traditional.” London is much socialist anthem hold “we’re all with a performance featuring Netsky. “We tried to sound like geoning World Music scene. in demand a sideman for art- brothers / and we pray from songs from their new album the old records,” says London, The concerts’ promoters also ists in a wide variety of styles the same prayer book / Reli- Apikorsim (“Heretics”). remembering the nascent operated a record label and, (he has played on over 300 gious and leftists, all united.” “How can any family stay scene as “cultish.” says London, “encouraged us albums), and also participates Says London: “That was 100 together without ups and As a young artist, London to put our own voice into the in several side projects that years ago, but these divisions downs?” asks trumpeter Frank not only had the challenge of music and not just replicate delve deeply into other aspects KLEZMATICS, London, the band’s founder, learning the conventions of what had gone before.” The of Jewish music. continued on page 27 responding to the anecdote. the music, but of absorbing relationship between the band It wasn’t until Wonder

BERKSHIRE JEWISH CONGREGATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS

Berkshire Hills Hadassah Hevreh of Southern Berkshire BEYOND THE BERKSHIRES P.O. Box 187, Pittsfield, MA Reform Congregation Anshe Emeth (413) 443-4386, 270 State Rd., Great Barrington, MA Conservative [email protected] (413) 528-6378, hevreh.org 240 Joslen Blvd., Hudson, NY Services: Fridays 7:30 p.m., except B’nai B’rith Lodge, No. 326 (518) 828-6848, first Friday of month, 6 p.m., congregationansheemeth.net Chabad of the Berkshires Saturdays, Torah Study at 9 a.m., Welcome to the Services: Fridays at 7:30 p.m., 450 South St., Pittsfield, MA services at 10 a.m. Call to confirm. Jewish Berkshires Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. (413) 499-9899, Everyone is welcome to attend Israel Philatelist Society jewishberkshires.com Congregation Beth El services and events at any of the c/o Rabbi Harold Salzmann Check website for service times and 107 Adams St., Bennington, VT organizations listed here. 24 Ann Dr., Pittsfield, MA locations. (802) 442-9645, cbevermont.org (413) 442-4312 Services: Saturdays at 10 a.m. Please call the organizations Congregation Ahavath Sholom Jewish Federation of the Berkshires directly to confirm service times Reconstructionist Nassau Jewish Community 196 South St., Pittsfield, MA or to inquire about membership. North St., Great Barrington, MA Center & Synagogue (413) 442-4360 jewishberkshires.org (413) 528-4197, ahavathsholom.com Route 20, Box 670, Nassau, NY Learn more about our Jewish Services: Fridays at 5:30 p.m., Jewish War Veterans (518) 766-9831 community and find great Saturdays at 10 a.m. Commander Robert Waldheim nassausynagogue.org events on the community Call to confirm services (413) 822-4546, [email protected] Services: Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. calendar at: Congregation Beth Israel RIMON – A Collaborative Temple Israel of Catskill JEWISHBERKSHIRES.ORG Reform Community for Jewish Spirituality Reform ______53 Lois St., North Adams, MA PO Box 502, Great Barrington, MA 220 Spring St., Catskill, NY (413) 663-5830, cbiweb.org (413) 274-1034, rimonberkshires.org (518) 943-5758, Services: Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. templeisraelofcatskill.org. Berkshire Minyan Temple Anshe Amunim Lay-led egalitarian minyan Congregation Knesset Israel Reform The Chatham Synagogue held at Hevreh of Southern Conservative 26 Broad St., Pittsfield, MA Route 28, Box 51, Chatham, NY Berkshire, 270 State Rd., 16 Colt Rd., Pittsfield, MA (413) 442-5910, ansheamunim.org (518) 392-0701, Great Barrington, MA (413) 445-4872, knessetisrael.org Services: Fridays at 5:30 p.m., chathamsynagogue.org (413) 229-3618, berkshireminyan.org Services: Fridays at 5:45 p.m., Saturdays, Torah Study at 9:30 a.m., Services: Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. Services: Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. services at 10:45 a.m. Page 26 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 1 to August 4, 2016 CULTURE AND ARTS Lies, Damn Lies, and … the Torah? Shakespeare & Company to

No one will ever love you and on and on. Throughout Tackle the Problematic honestly / No one will ever love the narrative, people lie to you for your honesty each other, to themselves, and Merchant of Venice — Stephen Merritt of even to God. Jewish Shylock and multi-ethnic cast The Magnetic Fields But it was the story of Abraham’s ruse while in Egypt “will not back off,” says director Tina “A court witness places a fleeing famine – misleading Packer hand on a Bible and promises Pharaoh that his wife Sarah ‘to tell the truth, the whole was in fact his sister – that Unfortunately, Shakespeare’s “The play is all about how truth, and nothing but the has bothered Rabbi Ross since intimations do not alleviate human beings can live in com- truth,’” writes Rabbi Dennis childhood. “What struck me the savagery of his portrait of plexity,” says Packer, who says Ross in the introduction to as a kid was being taught that the Jew, nor can we suppose she well understands that his latest book, When a Lie is everyone in the Torah was they were meant to, for Shake- on any given night given the Not a Sin: The Hebrew Bible’s supposed to be so holy and speare’s own audience any- demographics of Berkshires Framework for Deciding. “You pure.” This story, in partic- way. The Holocaust made and audiences, half of the 400 have to wonder if the faithful ular, alerted young Dennis The Hebrew Bible’s makes The Merchant of Venice people in the theater are likely Framework among them ever opened the that “there wasn’t full disclo- unplayable, at least in what to be Jewish. Many are likely for Deciding book they’re swearing on, let sure” in the way he was being appear to be its own terms. to be discomfited, particular- alone looked inside.” taught. RABBI DENNIS S. ROSS — Harold Bloom, Shakespeare: ly because, Packer says, “I’m Since his days as a yeshiva He says that after his ordi- The Invention of the Human asking my actors not to back student, Rabbi Ross has been nation and ongoing study of off and to report back on how delving deeply into the Torah the texts, he became increas- raise questions about LENOX – Whether or not one it feels not to back off.” and commentary about it, and ingly sensitive not only to the the integrity of the speaker. agrees with this assessment Packer says she never he distills his erudition into a abundance of lying, but to the Eventually, there is a larger about The Merchant of Ven- wanted to do the play until lively volume about the nature distinctive qualities of mis- moral question when you start ice, it is a point of view that she visited Venice decades ago. and meaning of prevarication truths. He identified white lies, convincing yourself that these anyone staging the play has to There she saw remnants of the in both the Bible and our daily embellishments, half-truths, harmless little lies don’t mat- grapple with, not only because multicultural society fostered lives. Early on, Rabbi Ross benevolent lies, self-protective ter. By then you are telling two of the echoes of historical an- during the city’s heyday as asserts his belief that “the lies, lying to get ahead, and lies in one – one to others, and ti-Semitism the work evokes, a mercantile powerhouse, a Hebrew Bible is true – there’s hurtful lies. One of the many one to yourself.” but also because of the cur- place where Christians, Mus- truth in each and every word pleasures of When a Lie is Not Nevertheless, sometimes rent international climate of lims, and Jews lived side by – as interpreted and taught by a Sin is the way Rabbi Ross the best decision to make is to hostility toward Jews and the side. She saw that the Vene- our rabbis. Now we ask: What employs just the right scrip- lie, he says, although he as- truth does the Hebrew Bible tural example to illuminate serts the key question to ask want us to know?” each different type of lie, and oneself first is: “What if I told Said Rabbi Ross to the then hones in on the elements the truth?” BJV: “Judaism teaches us to of those stories that anyone When a Lie is Not a Sin is always tell the truth, and the reading will relate to. an accessible blend of serious Torah is so truthful, it tells The book’s subtitle, “The scholarship and self-help ideas us about all the times when Hebrew Bible’s Framework for that manages to both illumi- people lie.” In the book, he Deciding,” reveals what Rabbi nate the peculiar nature of the demonstrates how lies drive Ross says is “the driver of this Torah and its protagonists, a large number of the best book – the idea that when you and also the peculiar nature known stories, particularly in reads Torah, you should have of our own lives and decisions. the Book of Genesis – think, more of those ‘Aha!’ moments You may never love someone for instance of Adam telling that speak to you in the way for their honesty, but you will Eve that God forbade even you live your life. It’s a hand- enjoy Rabbi Ross’s unflinching touching the fruit of the tree book for leading an examined look at dynamics of lying, the in the middle of the Garden Jewish life.” He writes that he reasons we mislead, and the of Eden (He didn’t); Jacob’s wants to “encourage deci- elusive nature of the truth.

trickery in usurping his broth- sion making within a Jewish G. LINDENMAIER PHOTO: AVA er Esau’s birthright; Jacob’s framework in order to arrive at Rabbi Dennis Ross will speak Israeli actor Shahar Isaac (Bassanio) and John Hadden (Antonio) sons asserting that wild beasts authentic Jewish living.” about When a Lie is Not a Sin killed their brother Joseph; Lying, he acknowledges, is at Hevreh of Southern Berk- State of Israel. As old anti-Se- tians had “worked out a way Rachel’s stealing her father La- an inevitably tricky business. shire on Friday, July 22 at mitic memes have been re- for people to live together and ban’s idols and telling him she “If someone keeps telling little 7:30 p.m., during the Kabbalat vived by contemporary villains work out their differences – didn’t know where they were; lies,” says Rabbi Ross, “it will Shabbat service. who not only voice their hate that was the Law,” which had but act upon it, the 1605 play to be obeyed even as it “left about literature’s most famous people with their prejudices.” Jewish antagonist feels raw She continues, “There was Chester Theatre Company to Stage Israeli and shockingly provocative. equality under the law, where Anyone who dimly remembers a bond was a bond,” a princi- Comedy OH GOD The Merchant of Venice as a ple Shylock doggedly adheres CHESTER, MA – The Chester Theatre Com- Globe: “What [playwright] Gov did was find a period piece about archaic to in demanding his pound pany, in partnership with Israeli Stage, will smart balance that allows both the laughs and attitudes – and Shylock’s “If of flesh from the character present Anat Gov’s OH GOD, a play about a ideas to land with roughly equal force. Without of Antonio. “But what the therapist who has only one session to cure her undermining the droll tenor of the play, OH Shylock is a realistic play is in part about is how newest client, God, of a depression so severe, GOD also makes room for genuine emotion. Shylock finds out that idea He is contemplating putting an end to his finest The play runs July 14 – 24. For more infor- creature from out of a is a boondoggle. The laws and most disappointing creation – humankind. mation on the play and scheduled talkbacks dream. of the land are the laws The production features Maureen Keller as and panel discussions, visit www.chesterthe- of the land until they are Ella, the therapist, and Norton prize honoree atre.org, or contact the box office at (413) 354- — Jonathan Epstein not.” Shylock is ultimately Will Lyman as the Almighty. Directed by Israeli 7771. The theater is located at 15 Middlefield thwarted and humiliated Stage Artistic Director Guy Ben-Aharon, the Road in Chester, MA. in court, losing wealth and play received positive notices from the Boston you prick us, do we not bleed” his daughter Jessica, and is speech as a proto-Kumbaya also forced to convert to Chris- let’s-all-get-along moment – tianity. would be advised to either see This production marks the play again, or start reading the second time Packer has the news more closely. staged Merchant. Eighteen This July, Shakespeare & years ago, she employed a Company will present theater- cast of nearly 50 actors, a goers with the opportunity to total that has been more than see Merchant in all its con- halved this time around. Her founding difficulty. Neither 19 actors are from “a slew Tina Packer, who is directing of different races,” she says, the play, nor Jonathan Ep- and include African-Ameri- stein, who stars as Shylock, cans, an Indian-American, agrees in the slightest with and three Israelis, many of Bloom’s dictum about the whom will play multiple roles. unplayability of the work. Not “Sometimes they’ll play to only that, both are working their ethnic backgrounds, to explore the less exposed, and sometimes not, as a way but equally challenging, ideas for those actors to make their about race, religion, and gen- way through the sexism and der that the play poses beyond MERCHANT, its anti-Semitism. continued on page 28 Sivan-Tammuz 5776 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 27 CULTURE AND ARTS Berkshire Jewish Film Festival Marks its 30th Anniversary

LENOX – The Berkshire Jew- The festival con- potent tribute to the slaugh- tor. Charlie Chaplin wrote, di- ish Film Festival, one of the tinues on July 25 at tered Charlie Hebdo cartoon- rected, and starred in his first longest running festivals of 4 p.m. with Zemene, ists chronicles the aftermath talkie, in which Dictator Ad- its kind in the USA, will host a feature documen- of the terrorist attack that enoid Hynkel tried to expand its 30th consecutive season of tary about an Ethio- galvanized France and much his empire while a poor Jewish Jewish themed cinema from pian girl who bravely of the free world. Very Semi-Se- barber tries to avoid persecu- around the world. Screen- struggles with poverty, rious at 8 p.m. is an offbeat tion from Hynkel’s regime. ings will be held on Mondays poor education, and documentary about humor, The Berkshire Jewish starting July 11 and continue potentially life threat- art and the genius of The New Film Festival is presented by through August 15 in the Duf- ening illness, and who Yorker cartoon. Mort Gerberg, Congregation Knesset Israel fin Theater, Lenox Memorial is saved by Dr. Rick cartoonist, will be on hand to and supported by the Grey- High School, 197 East Street. Hodes. Melissa Dono- share his experiences. lock Federal Credit Union, the Fourteen films will be featured van, the film’s director Broadway Musicals: A Harold Grinspoon Foundation, this year, including shorts and will answer questions Jewish Legacy at 4 p.m. on and the Spitz-Tuchman Chari- feature films. after the film. Love August 15 is a humorous and table Trust. The festival opens July and Taxes at 8 p.m. is provocative examination of the Tickets are $7 for matinees 11 at 4 p.m. with two films. a comedy of solo per- unique role of Jewish com- and $10 for evenings. Sea- Projections of America docu- formance and scripted posers and lyricists had in the son tickets are $90 and can ments the request from the scenes which tells the creation of the modern Ameri- be purchased in advance or Office of War Information to tale of seven years of can musical. the first night of the festival. create short, informative films tax avoidance. Josh In the evening of the 15th Seating is general admission. that would redefine the image Kornbluth, the film’s at 6:30 p.m., the Berkshire There will be a minyan each of America to the world during writer and star, will Jewish Film Festival will Monday evening at 6:45 for the darkest days of World War Great Dictator Adenoid Hynkel with his speak. celebrate the anniversary anyone who wishes to partic- II. Robert Raskin, Academy own ideas about being on the map Screening on of 30 years of summer film ipate. Award-winning screenwriter, tion of the silent routine of five August 1 at 4 p.m., headed this unique project nuns in the West Bank when the documentary Brundibar with the belief that “the power an Israeli settler’s car breaks Revisited is about a Berlin of movies” could reshape the down outside the convent based youth theater group world. Speaking will be Peter just as the Sabbath begins. A comprising children of vari- Miller, the film’s producer second film, Breakfast at Ina’s, ous ethnic backgrounds who and director. The Cummington pays an affectionate homage to live on the fringe. They learn Story, produced by the United a beloved Chicago eatery and powerful lessons as they stage States Information Service, its magnetic namesake. The the opera Brunidbar, which depicts the integration of WWII film chronicles the final days was performed fifty times by refugees into the small town of a restaurant as uniquely Jewish youth in Theresien- of Cummington, MA. Arnold individual as its founder Ina stadt. Sabena Hijacking: My Simmel, Cummington’s histo- Pinkney, who will be speaking Version is a striking reenact- rian, will be on hand to share following the film. At 8 p.m., ment combined with harrow- insights. At 8 p.m., On the Remember stars Academy ing testimonies in a true story Map relates the incredible true Award winner Christopher of a terrorist siege that forever story about a Tel Aviv basket- Plummer as a dementia-strick- shaped the Jewish State. Nati ball team that no one thought en Holocaust survivor out for Dinnar, the film’s creator, will could win, but who nonethe- revenge in master director talk about how he told the From Projections of America less toppled the four-time de- Atom Egoyan’s supremely story. fending European champions suspenseful thriller. Themes of At 4 p.m. on August 8, Je presentations with a special For information call and put Israel firmly on the mourning and self-denial are Suis Charlie addresses jour- reception. This will be followed Congregation Knesset Israel at map. This film is presented as braided together in an intense- nalistic freedom, the ongoing by the final film at 8 p.m., the (413) 445-4872, ext. 25 or visit a sneak preview screening. ly paced and intricately plotted threat of Islamic fundamen- cinema classic The Great Dicta- www.knessetisrael.org. On July 18 at 4 p.m., Acad- story. Following the screening, talism, and the larger ideals of emy Award short film nominee screenwriter Ben August will a democratic Ave Maria portrays the disrup- talk about the film. nation. This

KLEZMATICS, continued from page 25 still exist.” says he’s particularly excited about And the Klezmatics have no the Sunday afternoon concert pairing thoughts of packing it in any time Frank London and British clarinet- soon. At this year’s Yidstock, expect ist Merlin Shepherd, who “both bring the band to play highlights from its 30 virtuosity, and who will be working out years together, but with a focus on the their musical affinities and differences new CD, Apikorsim. “It’s always won- onstage.” derful playing the Yiddish Book Cen- Shepherd will perform with his ter,” says London. “Through touring, own band Sklamberg & the Shepherds I’ve learned that ‘Jewish’ means a lot of on Friday. Other performers include things that are not always connected the Klezmer Conservatory Orchestra, to Yiddishkeit. But at the Book Center, Yiddish cabaret singer Eleanor Rissa, the connection is real and palpable. We and first timers Paul Shapiro’s Ribs & don’t have to explain the basics – like, Brisket Revue, who play little known we don’t have to say ‘matza’ is a kind music from the 1940s and 1950s when of bread – which gives us the chance to black jazz musicians recorded Yiddish explain other things about the music in novelty songs. The Klezmatics’ 30th more depth.” anniversary concert takes place on Sat- urday, July 16. Numerous workshops The Festival and seminars will also be conducted In his fifth year as the program during the festival. director of Yidstock, Seth Rogovoy says he’s bringing back some of the festival’s Yidstock takes place July 14-17 at greatest hits, but also planning to mix the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst. things up in unexpected ways. “What For more information and tickets, visit I like to do is pair up two musicians www.yiddishbookcenter.org/yidstock, and ask them to do something no one or call (413) 256-4900. has ever heard before,” he says. He

Donate • Volunteer Make a Difference Page 28 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org July 1 to August 4, 2016 CULTURE AND ARTS Israeli-born Choreographer Zvi Gotheiner Brings ZviDance Back to to Jacob’s Pillow “Escher/Bacon/Rothko” will explore the power of visual art through dance

BECKET – By any stretch of growing up in on the kibbutz.” abstract until then,” remem- concerned with fundamen- the imagination, an Israeli Zvi started taking dance bers Zvi. “We took dance in tals,” the mechanics of how dancer’s journey from Kibbutz lessons at the local high another direction, reflecting on a body moved to achieve a Mesilot in the Beit She’an school, and had the good for- current issues.” Tamar Ramle specific effect. Valley to Jacob’s Pillow in the tune to have an early attempt Dance survived two years, and Despite positive notices Berkshire Hills is likely to have at choreographing seen by though the company tried to his dances started to receive been a twisty one. As choreog- Gertrude Kraus, a pioneer of reconstitute itself in Jerusalem in the press, Zvi says, “It was rapher Zvi Gotheiner tells the Israeli modern dance, who was in 1988, by then “the magic 10 years before I created piece story, it was an odyssey made visiting Mesilot. Impressed was gone,” says Zvi. That year, that was not a study anymore, possible through an intense by what she saw, she invited he was off to New York for one that came from my own passion for modern dance, a him to audition for a scholar- good, arriving with $60 in his voice.” Simultaneously, he relentless autodidactic fo- ship with the America-Israeli pocket. worked in “small marginalized cus in learning about dance Cultural Foundation, which theaters learning the business history, patience over years of he received in 1971. During Choreographer of how to maintain a compa- experimentation while honing his military service in the IDF At that point, Zvi’s efforts to ny.” Eventually, his work was his craft, and obtaining the at that time, he was stationed choreograph began in earnest. noticed by scouts from the Zvi Gotheiner business acumen to sustain in Tel Aviv, which gave him “I experimented and was not Joyce Theater, a dance Mecca a company that performs on access to dance classes in the sure I would be a success,” he in the Chelsea neighborhood guage for each artist in order some of the world’s most pres- city. of New York, and to evoke a specific response,” tigious stages. “I wanted to dance, his company was he says. The rationalistic It’s a journey that started, and more was more,” its way. Escher “pulled together an says Zvi, with a little help from says Zvi. “I would take “I never looked awareness of negative space,” his kibbutz and the State of three or four classes back,” says Zvi. while Bacon was “complex in Israel. in a day if I could, and a much different way, con- From July 20 through July always wanted to re- ZviDance at the trasting British propriety with 24, ZviDance will be at Ja- hearse more. Growing Pillow an animalistic, bestial uncon- cob’s Pillow to present a dance up isolated on the kib- In “On the Road” scious. He had the power of triptych titled “Escher/Bacon/ butz, I had no knowl- (presented at Mass using art as a mirror to society Rothko,” which explores the edge of dance history. MoCA last spring) to reveal its hypocrisies.” In choreographer’s responses to I didn’t even know how and a work called Rothko, Zvi sees “space, color, three giants of modern visual much I didn’t know.” “Surveillance,” and serenity. He found the art. The artists all affected Zvi incorporates vitality in the edges of things.” Modern Dancer him in such meaningful ways, multi-media Finding out how the 10 danc- he says “that I wanted to His service com- elements into the ers of ZviDance will transform create a process that reflects plete in 1974, Zvi dance performance, those qualities into movement their artistic processes.” The joined Batsheva which he says give on stage is bound to be a com- program will be the first time Dance, which took him him new creative pelling experience. ZviDance has performed at out of Israel and into opportunities. With “Dance is the oldest type of Jacob’s Pillow since 2004, al- the wider world for the “Escher/Bacon/ artistic expression,” Zvi says, though last April the company first time. His associa- Rothko” at the “but as an art form, it is the brought “On the Road,” a work tion with the company Pillow, however, youngest – certainly com- in development about the Beat initiated a period in he’ll be sticking pared to music, with sublime Generation, to North Adams which he was “con- with the funda- achievements going back to for a joint Pillow/Mass MoCA stantly growing” as a mentals: “dance, the 18th century. Dance is event. dancer, culminating in space, lighting, and young – it still has a lot of a 1978 grant from the PHOTO: HEIDI GUTMAN costumes – that’s room in which to experiment.” Kibbutznik America-Israeli Cultur- it.” The dancers will Born in 1952, Zvi de- al Foundation to study be accompanied by ZviDance will be at the Doris scribes his childhood in in New York City for Robert M. Valdez Jr. and Kuan Hui Chew of an original score by Duke Theatre at Jacob’s Pillow Kibbutz Mesilot (located below a year. New York was ZviDance composer Scott Killian. from July 20 through July Mount Gilboa) as “amazing in the midst of what Zvi says he’s re- 24. Purchase tickets online and tormented.” His parents, Zvi describes as the golden says. Aware of the gaps that sponding to the visual art of at www.jacobspillow.org, by member of the Hashomer age of modern dance, when remained in his understanding M.C. Escher, Francis Bacon, phone at (413) 243-0745, or at Hatzair (“Young Guard”) So- the city was the epicenter of of dance, he says, “I was not and Mark Rothko. “It’s been a the box office. cialist-Zionist secular Jew- the international dance scene. concerned with style. I was pleasure to tailor a dance lan- ish youth movement, made He branched out by studying aliyah in 1932 and settled in at the Martha Graham School the kibbutz, which is located and the Alvin Ailey School, precariously close to borders and took every opportunity to MERCHANT, continued from page 26 with Jordan and Syria. “In see the dances being staged that kind of experiment of and developed both at large racism of the play.” As regards of the echoes of Jewishness you’ll realize it’s also a Jewish socialism and nationalism,” venues and hole-in-the-wall the play’s sexism, Packer cites in the text. But I’m also aware nightmare – although we get to remembers Zvi, “I was lucky performance spaces. the way the heroine Portia, that I’m playing the role of a wake up from it.” to be singled out as an artistic After a year, he had to re- who formidably destroys Shy- Jew just as Shylock himself Tina Packer fully expects child.” The kibbutz sponsored turn to Israel to work as a pre- lock in court while disguised is playing the role of the Jew this production of The Mer- his earliest artistic endeavors. condition of his grant, “but by as a man, still is not allowed in the society he lives in. He chant of Venice to stir up He started as a violinist, then I was restless,” he says. “I by her father to choose her plays along.” passions by exposing the play’s becoming a soloist with the knew I’d go back to New York own husband. In his day in While some critics hold inflammatory nature – Shake- Young Kibbutzim Orchestra – it was a magnet.” He danced court, Shylock lays bare the that Shylock is a “real person” speare, after all, was not only and traveling from Mesilot to again for Batsheva, then ping- ugly truth of Venetian society in a comic play – “Willy Loman a great writer, but also a great Tel Aviv for weekly instruction ponged back to New York for – “it is built on the ownership wandering about in Kiss Me anti-Semitic writer, at least in at a time “when that trip took two years and then back to Is- of slaves,” Packer says, “and Kate,” is how Harold Bloom this play. The director says her all day.” His life changed when rael in 1983. During that time, Shylock is the only person puts it – Epstein disagrees. goal is to “try to find complexi- he was 17, and saw the Bat- he founded the Tamar Ramle who brings this up.” “Shylock is the embodiment of ty, but also hold it in love. If we sheva Dance Company – then Dance Company, considered This production also marks fears in our unconsciousness,” don’t, then we’ll all be lost.” “the only game in town for to be the progenitor of Israel’s the second time Jonathan he says. “He’s the nightmare It will be interesting to see modern dance in Israel,” but Fringe dance movement. Epstein has played Shylock dreamed by an oppressor – how Packer and Epstein cope a visionary company with a “Some of the Batsheva at Shakespeare and Compa- namely, that the oppressed with a character like Shylock, repertoire that included major dancers and I dreamed of ny, and his third time overall. would have a weapon. A real who might just be resistant to works by the heavy hitters creating a company in Israel Raised traditionally Jewish Jew wouldn’t make that deal. that sentiment. of the international dance outside the establishment,” (“more ethnic than religious”), A real Jew wouldn’t pursue scene. He had danced Israeli says Zvi. The dancers hatched the actor says playing Shy- that deal. It is a deal so in- The Merchant of Venice folk dance at the kibbutz, but the idea in New York and lock “hurts a lot because of flammatory, it would put his will run from July 1 through seeing Batsheva he immedi- upon returning to Israel, took my sense of Jewishness.” He whole community at risk. August 21 at the Tina Packer ately knew he wanted to dance up residence at a community remembers that his father “Shylock is a realistic crea- Playhouse on the campus of like that. “Dancing was sexy,” center in Ramle, a hardscrab- refused to see the play when ture,” he concludes, “from out Shakespeare & Company, 70 he says, “suggesting fantasy, a ble town 30 minutes from he first portrayed the charac- of a dream.” Kemble Street in Lenox. For world of the senses. There was Tel Aviv. There, the compa- ter 18 years ago because of Epstein thinks it “would be more information, visit the way men were with the ny enjoyed artistic freedom, its anti-Semitism, although, harder for a non-Jew to play www.shakepeare.org, or call women – there was seduction creating dances at outdoor health permitting, he’ll attend this role with full ferocity. The the box office at (413) 637- going on onstage. sites and with political over- a performance this time. big risk you take as an actor 3353. “It was a world that was tones. “Most of the work in As a Jewish actor, Epstein is that people will think this is different from the one I was Israel had been modern and says he “brings an awareness a real Jew. See the play and