Kol K .I. February 2019 l Shevat-Adar 5779 learn. inspire. grow. together.

16 Colt Road l Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201 l 413.445.4872 l knessetisrael.org • David Weiner l Jonathan Denmark, President Pizmon in the Berkshires Concerts, workshops, joy! February 1-3 Save the first weekend in February for a wonder- ful uplift to the mid-winter blues! Knesset Israel, Anshe Amunim, Hevreh, the Jewish community of Williams College, Congregation Ahvath Sholom, The Berkshire Minyan Hadassah, Jewish Federa- tion of the Berkshires, and the Grinspoon Foun- dation are sponsoring a wonder-full weekend de- signed to bring smiles: music to sing with, music to swing with, and music to simply sit back and enjoy! Here’s solid proof that there are Jewish col- lege students who are inspired by and can inspire others to love ! From February 1-3rd, The Jewish Berkshires will be hosting Pizmon.

What is Pizmon? Pizmon is the co-ed, pluralistic Jewish a cappella group of Columbia University, Barnard College, and The Jewish Theological Sem- inary of America. Since its inception in 1987, Piz- mon has traveled to hundreds of communities in the and around the world to share The Jewish a`cappella ensemble, Pizmon will perform throughout Berkshire County. their love of Jewish music and culture. Their reper- For a schedule of events see page 6. Meet individual members on pages 6 and 7. toire ranges from classical liturgy to Israeli rock to children’s favorites to and Ladino classics, music to communities around the globe. As a Jewish pluralistic group, they and they are very responsive to their audiences. have members originating from nearly every Jewish background.

Why is this a cappella group different? Pizmon is Every year, Pizmon takes a spring break trip as their “Music Outreach Initiative.” the first collegiate Jewish a cappella group in the They visit communities that they are not able to reach during the school year. United States. They are a Jewish outreach group Fortunately for us, the Berkshires are a mere weekend roundtrip train-ride on whose mission is to bring ruach (spirit) and Jewish the Metro-North Harlem line. During our Pizmon weekend, continued page 6 In This Issue Member Mitzvahs & Mazel Tovs Pizmon in the Berkshires...... 1 From the Rabbi...... 3 n Myra & Larry Promisel would like to n Nan Bookless...... February 9 share the news of their grandson Reed n Eugene Leibowitz...... February 10 Notes From BIO...... 4 Spencer Promisel’s Bar Mitzvah that took Introducing Pizmon Members...... 1 place on November 3, 2018. The proud n Joseph Weinberg...... February 10 parents are Aimee & Brett Promisel. Ser- n Calendar...... 9 Susan Abramowitz...... February 11 vices took place at Temple Sharey Tefi- n Richard Hyken...... February 11 Key K.I. & Emergency Contacts...... 9 lo-Israel in South Orange, New Jersey. n Ashley Todd...... February 11 Advertsiers...... 10 n Audrey Salzman would like send her n Everett Lamm...... February 12 Musical Musings...... 11 thanks to all her Knesset Israel fam- n Alexandra Hochfelder...... February 14 K.I.’s 125th Anniversary...... 8 ily for the generosity and kindness they have shared in loving memory of n Adam Lehrer...... February 14 Notes From the Hebrew School...... 12 Rabbi Harold. On behalf of herself and n Deborah Caine...... February 16 Yahrzeits, Funds & Endowments.....15-19 her children, Ariel and Josh, she thanks all of her dear friends and family for their n Ronney Rosenberg...... February 16 show of honor paid in loving memory of n Carole Siegel...... February 17 Rabbi Harold Salzman. K.I. Staff n Don Sugarman...... February 17 OFFICE PHONE 413-445-4872 n A baby boy was born Thursday, n Jerome Socolof...... February 18 December 27, 2018, at Mt. Sinai Hos- RABBI DAVID WEINER Ext. 10 n Matthew Herzberg...... February 20 pital, NYC to Rebecca Frommer and [email protected] Ben Antelis. All, including grandparents n Laura Stoskin...... February 22 DIANA MACFARLANE Ext. 10 Ruthie Frommer and Ken Amron, are n Arthur Wasser...... February 22 Office Manager doing very well and are extremely proud. [email protected] n Ronald Rettner...... February 24 ED ROBINSON n Saul Cohen...... February 26 [email protected] Birthdays n Ronald Rettner...... February 24 MYRNA HAMMERLING Ext. 16 n Myra Promisel...... February 26 Director of Adult Education n n Evan Bellmore...... February 28 and Programming John Frankenthaler...... February 3 [email protected] n Kaetah Klein...... February 3 n Diana Geller...... February 28 CHRIS GOETZE Ext. 20 n Pam Wax...... February 3 n Estelle Leibowitz...... February 28 Facilities Director/Head Custodian n Leslie Fishbein...... February 4 [email protected] n Herman Rotenberg...... February 4 Anniversaries JUDITH WEINER Ext. 15 Director of Families Together, and n Gabriel Dahari...... February 5 Hebrew School Administrator n Beth Radsken...... February 5 n Ellie & Michael Geller...... February 7 [email protected] n Barbara Mandler...... February 6 n Laura & Sig Tobias...... February 13 ELISA SNOWISE n Elaine Shindler...... February 8 n Barbara & Michael Ende.....February 23 B’Nai Mitzvah Teacher /Coordinator [email protected] LIZ DEMARCO, Web Administrator, [email protected] A Special Year for K.I.—Benefit items Needed… This year marks the 125th anniversary of K.I. (Read about our history on page KNESSET ISRAEL 8). We’d like to make our summer benefit gala/auction exceptional this year, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201 and we need your help. If you have connections with any restaurants, hotels, 413-445-4872 businesses, vacation homes, etc., that could donate goods or services, please 413-496-9378 (fax) contact Marcia Mandel at 442-7088 or [email protected]. Let’s work together knessetisrael.org to make this the best year ever!!

2 n KOL K.I. • FEBRUARY 2019 • SHEVAT–ADAR 5779 From the Rabbi

The Pittsfield Emergency Recovery Committee You can help survivors when fire destroys everything

Community can be an in- ed more help than that, ment, the state emergency response credible support at a time and when they went to phone service, the Salvation Army, the of loss. Jewish wisdom City Hall, they were ad- district attorney’s office and the Brien affirms that through the vised to “call the Christian Center. Some people participated as po- way it approaches grief Center,” an ambitious and tential volunteers, others as resources for and mourning, but be- resourceful social service planning and training. I joined in on be- reavement is not the only agency on Pittsfield’s half of the Pittsfield Area Council of Con- kind of loss. I will never West Side. Staff and vol- gregations, Knesset Israel, and the broad- forget how the people unteers there scrambled er Jewish community. of Knesset Israel led our and helped as much as neighbors in respond- they could. But when the Together we learned that residential fires ing lovingly after fire de- dust settled, the organi- and floods are a reality of life in Pittsfield. stroyed our family home. In a city full of older, inconsistently main- Rabbi David Weiner zation realized it could Friends, congregants and not handle a similar crisis tained housing stock, it is only a matter sometimes strangers accompanied us again without community support. Its di- of time before the next appliance shorts on our journey of grief, healing and re- rector, Ellen Merritt, reached out to area out, pipe bursts or accident causes a building. Overwhelmed with gratitude, I elected officials, agencies, congregations devastating chain reaction. Lightning and swore at the time that I would be paying and not-for-profits to build a coalition to accidents can strike anywhere—however that kindness forward for the rest of my research what the gap actually was and the risks are greater in poorer neighbor- life. So I found opportunities to counsel ways we might respond differently. hoods. Several of us knew firsthand the several people after the destruction of their home or offer some no-strings-at- tached financial support. But especially …all of this happens during a time of acute grief after the Red Cross closed its Pittsfield [and trauma]. No survivor is at his or her best… office, there seemed to be no way to get after the destruction of a home. traction for a broader, more impactful project. The group that Ellen convened was di- daunting tasks that a survivor must ac- Fast-forward five years to the fall of 2017. verse and effective: Staff from the offices complish quickly: securing the damaged The White Terrace fire that September of State Representative Tricia Farley-Bou- property; replacing identity documents; displaced over a dozen households near vier and Mayor Linda Tyer, City Coun- restoring what can be salvaged; dealing Berkshire Medical Center. Some of the cil member Helen Moon; Pittsfield Fire with insurance; finding new housing, survivors received the requisite voucher Chief Czerwinski; local representatives perhaps several times; replacing med- from the Red Cross…in this case, two from city agencies including Ad-Lib, ication; shopping for everything. And nights in a hotel in Allendale. Most need- Berkshire Housing, the health depart- all this happens during a time of acute grief—denial, anger, tears, loss—accom- panied perhaps by symptoms of trauma KOL K.I. Publication Notes that develop and change in overwhelm- Editor: Susan Miller • Production: Liz DeMarco • Photo Editor: Nan Bookless • Printer: Aldam Press ing and frightening ways. No survivor is at his or her best in the weeks after the DEADLINE: THE FIRST OF EVERY MONTH destruction of a home. And the only concrete help available to a survivor is We welcome submissions. Publication will be at the discretion of the editoral staff, a Red Cross voucher for two nights in a and may be subject to editing for clarity, facts, and length. local hotel. After that, survivors are left Bulletin material and photographs will be accepted VIA EMAIL and sent to: to their own devices or, perhaps, to “call the Christian Center.” If they were not Susan Miller at [email protected] continued page 5

KOL K.I. • FEBRUARY 2019 • SHEVAT–ADAR 5779 n 3 KOL K.I.

Together We Can Make Meaningful Change Berkshire Interfaith Organizings’ Annual Meeting to be held at Knesset Israel

As founding members of BIO (Berkshire Interfaith Orga- nizing), Knesset Israel has been an integral part of im- proving the quality of life and making justice real for all residents of the Berkshires.

BIO is an organization with which members of K.I. have become increasingly familiar over the past two years, es- pecially since members Ellen Masters and Don Sugarman

have been honored at the annual Micah events. These Dondei Dean Photography: annual festive celebrations honor extraordinary, modest people who voluntarily and humbly do all sorts of mitzv- ot. What one can’t help noticing on these occasions is the broad cross-section of people from varied religions, races, livelihoods, and towns gathering to share gratitude for those who respect and care for others. It is uplifting and inspiring. But this is only one annual activity—only one of the community-enriching agendas of BIO.

Listening Campaign at Knesset Israel

Another of BIO’s big get-togethers—the Annual Meeting/Listening Campaign— will be held at Knesset Israel on Sunday, February 24, from 3:30-5:00 p.m. There is no fee for attending. While the Micah Top: Myrna Hammerling with Tora Huntington (South Congregational Church), event is a vital fundraiser, the Annual Left: Churchill Cotton (Second Congregational Church), Meeting focuses on BIO’s core functions and actions.. This is the time we identify Right: Charlene DiCicco (St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church) and unidentified BIO member. community issues on which to focus and act. B.I.O.’s first four years of effort have While new issues may be added, the pre- Suppose the state budget in Boston impacted food insecurity, public trans- vious year’s, if not resolved, are still being cuts back on food subsidies for the portation to accommodate people’s conscientiously worked. substantial food insecure population work shifts and professional appoint- of the Berkshires. Suppose, the clos- How do we make change? ments, and undocumented immigrants ing of a supermarket leaves many needing professional advice and shelter. elderly and poor people too far from Working together, stakeholders and BIO supermarkets to be able to buy and volunteers research the system; they plan Identifiying the issues carry food. Suppose the bus routes effective strategies for change and tac- do not go past remaining food mar- It all begins with the “Listening Cam- tics to engage the existing power struc- kets. Suppose there are many voices paign” at the Annual Meeting men- ture. For example, last year a newly add- of folks who have experienced in- tioned above. People from all parts of ed issue was the opioid epidemic. Some justices but do not know how to be the county attend to tell their stories. of you may know the retired physician, heard and how to change their situ- BIO provides this open forum for listen- Dr. Larry Pellish (who represents Tem- ations. ing to the challenges of those directly in ple Anshe Amunimon the BIO executive need—the true stakeholders. All those committee). Dr. Pellish has volunteered To meet these needs, BIO members present weigh the stories and vote on the to spearhead the research and direction have organized in state government areas of greatest concern. These become for BIO as we determine how to impact offices in Boston and helped restore new goals for BIO to research and tackle. this pervasive Berkshire County issue. millions of dollars to food subsidies;

4 n KOL K.I. • FEBRUARY 2019 • SHEVAT–ADAR 5779 KOL K.I. they have influenced the restoration of funds for homeless beds. The organoza- The Pittsfield Emergency tion has lobbied developers to include Recovery Committee food markets in several new develop- ments coming to Berkshire towns, thus From the Rabbi continued from page 3 considering residents with limited trans- portation. BIO has also influenced bus well-connected here before the event, routes to be re-routed to stop at food survivors of the destruction of a home markets after a major grocery store often simply leave town. closed. Informational meeting Ultimately the group that gathered decid- Calling all active, involved citizens ed to figure out how to share responsibil- Pittsfield Emergency ity for helping a local household recover Recovery Committee If you want to make a difference, you from a residential-scale disaster - with real are very likely to find a BIO project that information, basic supplies and compas- • meet the people involved needs your unique abilities. At the Annu- sionate support. Constituting ourselves • explore how you can help al Meeting, you will witness people shar- as a subsidiary of the Christian Center, we ing their challenging stories with com- began to develop an action plan: munity leaders—people in positions to Tuesday, February 12 • 1pm make changes. These people are either n We compiled a packet, “Now That the Berkshire Athenaeum* elected or appointed individuals—the Fire is Out, What Should I Do?” that the Berkshires’ movers and shakers—and fire department began distributing to regularly attend community meetings fire survivors as needed in December. On behalf of The Pittsfield Emergency and gatherings to assess support for This handbook contains essential infor- Recovery Committee, let me be the first the change being requested. Their pro- mation about how to proceed and avail- to invite anyone who is curious about fessions often include shaping policy able resources. this project to an information session on decsions, crafting change, and making Tuesday, February 12, at 1 p.m. (likely the decisions. n We will encourage churches, civic or- ganizations and businesses to collect kits Berkshire Athenaeum, but more infor- On February 24, we want to fill the —for kitchens, linens and basic house- mation will follow). There you will have Knesset Israel sanctuary seats with ac- hold supplies—that can be brought to a a chance to meet the people who are tive, involved citizens so that those in survivor’s new home. involved in the project and explore how charge can visibly see that there is gen- to become involved. As the project gains uine, grassroots support for improve- n We aim to collect funds to support our momentum, we hope to share it as a ment and change! operations as a project of the Christian model for emergency recovery for towns Center. and cities across the region and beyond. There will be people sharing their stories and people in powerful positions listen- n And we will train volunteer navigators Let’s work together to make sure that ing. Your presence will be seen and felt. to accompany and guide survivors as our neighbors are not abandoned at Come, be counted and consider joining they grieve, heal, and rebuild. Training is their time of greatest need but rather one of the committees working on a par- scheduled for two Tuesday afternoons in supported and embraced. We weave the ticular issue together with other commit- the spring—May 7 & 14. (Because most fabric of our community one relation- ted people determined to help make this of the volunteer role requires week- ship at a time. a better community, county, and state. day, daytime availability, the training is scheduled for weekday afternoons.) Please put this date, time, and location on your calendar: Your community wants to share in your good news! Sunday, February 24 Send KOL K.I. editor, Susan Miller the details about 3:30 pm • FREE • Knesset Israel births, awards & honors, graduations, milestones, 16 Colt Road • Pitttsfield, Mass. anniversaries, accomplishments…any happy news The agenda will specifically address we can celebrate with you! High resolution photos actions regarding immigrant justice, racial are welcome! Susan Miller: [email protected] justice and transportation.

KOL K.I. • FEBRUARY 2019 • SHEVAT–ADAR 5779 n 5 Pizmon

Pizmon continued from page 1 Introducing as is their mission, the group will aim to heighten the Jewish experience of the community, engage in community service oriented work, and spread their love of Jewish music to Hebrew schools, day schools, congregations, senior facilities, and hospitals.

In the past, the group has traveled overseas to countries including the Nether- lands, , Costa Rica, Panama, England, Wales, France, Ukraine, Canada, Isra- el, and Brazil, and domestically to New Mexico, Arizona, Washington, California, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. They have also performed in such venues as the White House and Lincoln Center.

Through their varied backgrounds and identities as —coupled with their love of music—Pizmon and its members strive to be role models for Jewish youth and enhance the religious experiences of all Jewish communities and denomina- Aliza Amselle (Alto, On-Campus Coordi- tions. nator) is a Junior studying Neuroscience and behavior at Barnard. Right before Schedule of Pizmon Events Aliza goes to bed at night, she likes to read the dictionary with a cup of pep- Workshops provide some of the most memorable moments of Pizmon’s visits. permint tea in order to develop her phe- They will be meeing with Williams College students, an intergenerational group nomenal pun game. on , and the teens, tweens, and children at Sunday Hebrew Schools. Piz- mon members will split up into groups, work with the students and participants, and have them performing for each other in no time.

Friday February 1 • 5:45-6:45 p.m. • Kabbalat Shabbat • Knesset Israel— Fol- lowing the service, Pizmon will join K.I.’s 7th-12th grade students for a Shabbat dinner. After dinner and zmirot, Rabbi David Weiner will lead a challenging dis- cussion encouraging all present to participate: “Is Lying Ethical?”

Saturday, February 2 • 5:45 pm: At Temple Anshe Emunim, Hevreh’s 8-12th grade senior youth group will join Anshe Amunim youth group. A program for Ezra Felder (Bass) is a junior in the School 6-12th grade participants will include dinner, a mitzvah project/social program of General Studies. Ezra is interested in prior to the community wide Havdalah service and concert. many things, but is still unsure of his ma- Saturday, February 2 • 7:15 pm—Havdalah & Concert • Temple Anshe Amunim. jor. On another note, he is deeply passion- FREE • All are welcome! A Williams College a cappella group will open the eve- ate about social justice and talks frequent- ning and warm up the audience., followed by the main attraction: Pizmon! Piz- ly about his not-so-recent trip to India in mon t-shirts and CD’s will be for sale after the concert. DON’T MISS THIS ONE! which he volunteered in the slums. Great family fare and you can’t beat the price!!!

In case you wondered

Pizmon (HEBREW, pl. ), a term transferred to Hebrew from Greek by way of Aramaic, meaning “adoration and praise,” i.e., a poem praising God. In modern Israel the word is used to mean a popular song.

Pizmonim (Hebrew (singular pizmon) are traditional Jewish songs and sung with the intention of praising God as well as learning certain aspects of tra- ditional religious teachings. Sara Friedman (Alto) is a sophomore at In Spain the one who sang or read the pizmon before the congregation was Barnard College majoring in Biology. called pizmanana. She can lick her elbow!

6 n KOL K.I. • FEBRUARY 2019 • SHEVAT–ADAR 5779 Pizmon

Eliana Gayle-Schneider (Soprano, Mu- Judah Hoffman (Tenor) is a sophomore Michael Kirschner (Bass, Music Direc- sic Outreach Initiative Coordinator) is a at List College studying neuroscience, tor) is a Junior in Columbia Engineering sophomore at Barnard studying English. pre-med at Columbia, and Talmud at studying Biomedical Engineering. When She knows every country of the world JTS. Judah is an avid stand-up paddle- he is not singing or arranging music, and owns multiple sets of NPR pajamas. boarder. Michael can be found climbing up a mountain, running along the Hudson, or “From their top-notch musicality, to their ease at interacting with every segment eating chocolate covered pretzels while of the congregation, to their contagious enthusiasm about Judaism and music, watching old seasons of reality TV shows. the members of Pizmon gave our congregation a Shabbat to remember.” — Rabbi Rob Scheinberg, (quoted on the pizmon.org website)

Gil Levitan (Bass) is a sophomore in the Joint Program studying Political Science and Modern Jewish Studies at Columbia Emily Herman (Soprano) is a sophomore Jonathan Kapilian (Business Director, and the Jewish Theological Seminary, re- at Barnard studying Biology. In addition Tenor) is a junior in Columbia’s School of spectfully. He is exceptional at catching to her studies, Emily is on the equestrian Engineering where he studies Biomedi- grapes in his mouth. team and does ballet. cal Engineering. He loves and plans to be a doctor and an astronaut.

Yaffa Muhlbaum (Tenor, Director of Internal Affairs) is in a joint program studying The Hebrew at the Jewish Avidan Halivni (Tenor, Executive Di- Rachel (Raykay) Kastner (Alto) is a Bar- Theological Seminary and archaeology rector) is a senior in Columbia College nard senior. She studies Political Science at Columbia University. Though her foci majoring in Religion. He once bargained and Film, and is a filmmaker. On top of of study are each rather archaic, her pup- down the price of a little goat from five that, Rachel is an actress, speaks 3.5 lan- py, Carlton, keeps her current. zuzim to two. guages, and loves her dog, Pepsi, very much! continued page 8

KOL K.I. • FEBRUARY 2019 • SHEVAT–ADAR 5779 n 7 From the President

125 Years of Community Introducing Pizmon From the “Gathering of Israel” to Knesset Israel cont. from page 7

125 years ago, Grover Cleveland was sworn in as the 24th President of the United States; Katharine Lee Bates wrote “American The Beautiful”; and a group of Jews in Pittsfield established the “Gathering of Israel”, later to be known as “Knesset Israel.” There have been tremendous changes in the American Jewish landscape over the past 125 years and many of those changes are reflected here in our shul community. What remains constant however, is the overall purpose of a shul to be a place where we gather for prayer, Lexi Orlinsky (Alto, Music Outreach educate our children, support each other in times of joy Initiative Coordinator) is a sophomore and grief, and allow ourselves to grow as Jews and citizens studying Biomedical Engineering at Co- Richard Simons of the world. lumbia University. Lexi is allergic to ses- ame, shellfish, watermelon, cats, dogs, Milestone celebrations, like the 125th anniversary of K.I.’s founding, provide us with an gerbils, horses, pollen, dust, grass and opportunity to pause and reflect on how grateful we are for the commitment of our non-Jewish music. founders and how fortunate we are to be here to reap the benefits of such a vibrant community. I imagine it was not easy to establish a in 1894 in the heart of the Berkshires. Pittsfield was not a community of tremendous wealth. What it had however, was a small group of Jews that understood the importance of community. Our founders saw that in order to sustain the local Jewish community, it needed a place that embraced modernity while nurturing Jewish learning and ritual. Over the years, buildings were purchased, land was acquired to establish a cemetery and Rab- bis were hired. Congregants were active in establishing all facets of synagogue life in- cluding chevreh kadisha, governance bodies, religious schools, sisterhood, and youth programs. K.I. was indeed a “Gathering of Israel”.

While much has changed in 125 years, we still are a group of individuals with great Margeaux Wolberg (Soprano) is in her spirit and ingenuity. We have the same commitment as our predecessors to insure that first-year at the Joint Program between K.I .remains a place where Jews living in or visiting the Berkshires, can learn, grow, and Columbia and the Jewish Theological enhance their spirit. Our long range planning committee headed by Vice President of Seminary, where she is studying Psychol- Long Range Planning, Everett Lamm, is beginning the process of looking forward to ogy and Jewish Gender and Women’s the next 25 years to insure KI’s future for our successors. Studies, respectively. Margeaux taught herself to read Braille, and is considering May we all go from strength to strength and Happy 125th! changing her middle name to “Pluralism.”

We have adapted our K.I. logo inspire. so that we can “brand” our Connect with each generation 125th Anniversary Year! Share through leadership Contact Nan Bookless at Tikkun Olam…repair our world [email protected] • if you need the logo on any visit materials you produce this year. knessetisrael.org for opportunities!

8 n KOL K.I. • FEBRUARY 2019 • SHEVAT–ADAR 5779 February Calendar

Key Contacts CEMETERY Don Sugarman...... 413-499-4478 [email protected] CANDLE LIGHTING DEVELOPMENT FUNDRAISING Friday...... February 1...... 4:49 PM Bobbi Cohn...... 413-443-6128 Friday...... Februar 8 ...... 4:58 PM FACILITIES/EQUIPMENT Friday...... February 15 ...... 5:07 PM FALL/WINTER SERVICE SCHEDULE Don Sugarman...... 413-499-4478 Friday...... February 22 ...... 5:16 PM Sunday...... 8:45 AM & 7:00 PM MEMBERSHIP Tuesday...... 7:00 PM Jan Zimbler...... 4134488443 Friday, May 18...... 5:45 PM MARKETING . Shirei Shabbat begins...... 5:30 PM Kara Thornton...... 413-684-2298 Saturday...... 9:30 AM MUSIC COMMITTEE 18-33 minutes before sunset Phil Coleman...... 413-329-9224 MUSIC DIRECTOR Sherri Buxton...... 413-243-2709 CLASSES ADMINISTRATION Torah Portion of the Week (Library)...... Tues., February 5, 12, 19, 26...... 10:00–11:30 AM Diane Weinstein...... 413-442-7143 Enhanced Prayer Study...... Wed., February 6, 13, 20, 27...... 10:00–11:30 AM PROGRAMMING CHAI Community School (Knesset Israel)...... Stuart Masters...... 413-443-4386 ...... Wed., February 6, 13, 27...... 4:00–6:00 PM RITUAL, GABBAIM, MINYAN Walking with Justice...... Thurs., February 7, 14, 21, 28.....10:45–12:00 PM Alan Metzger...... 413-443-4217 The Ethical Life (8-12 grade students).. Sat., February 2, 9...... 10:45–Noon TREASURY, FINANCE AND BUDGET Hebrew School...... Sat., February 2, 9...... 9:00 AM–12:00 PM Edwin Helitzer...... 413-499-1202 Haggadah Insights...... Sat., February 2, 9, 16, 23...... Times vary YOUTH with sundown Amy Abramovich...... 413-499-6388

EVENTS & MEETINGS Emergency Contacts Pizmon services & events...... February 1-3...... see page 6 PASTORAL CARE. If you are in need of emergency pasto- Shirei Shabbat...... Fri., February 1...... 5:30 PM ral care for any reason, please contact Cemetery Committee Meeting...... Tues., February 5...... 7:30 PM Rabbi Weiner, 413-445-4872, ext. 10. Mussar with Rabbi Pamela Wax...... Sun., February 10...... 7:30 PM FUNERALS. Rosh Chodesh (Lisa Green’s home)...... Sun., Feb 17 ...... 2:00 PM Knesset Israel’s funeral arrangements are handled with Flynn-Dagnoli funeral K.I. Board Meeting...... Wed., February 20...... 7:30 PM home. Please call 413-663-6523 or 413- 442-1733. You can also email flynndag- [email protected].

In compliance with United Conservative Synagogue guidelines, CARE COMMITTEE. If you or another K.I. member you know please refrain from conducting synagogue business via is experiencing serious illness requiring email and/or phone calls on Shabbat. support, please contact the Care Com- Thank you! mittee by calling the main office of Knes- set Israel, 413-445-4872, ext. 10 and we will be in touch with you.

KOL K.I. • FEBRUARY 2019 • SHEVAT–ADAR 5779 n 9 Local Leaders and Trusted Partners

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Musical Musings Finally, this October we were treated to a marvelous evening of live music to accompany our joyous Simchat Torah ser- The year in review vice. Congregation members Paul Green, Jonathan Denmark, Colin Ovitsky, and Colby Lederman were joined by journeyman Brian Bender for a memorable evening of live klezmer music which accompanied the members as the parade of Torahs cir- cled the synagogue and social hall. What a great evening for all! by Phil Coleman, K.I. is alive and well with music. Come out in 2019 and enjoy all Chairman K.I. Music Committee that we have to offer! Hello all, it has been another great year at K.I. for music and performance, as usua,l and I thought I would just review the year’s events while the Spotlight On…Yonaton Kaufman memories are still strong. This month I have the opportunity to interview one of our We started off the year with a terrific Purim retrospective, synagogue and community’s fine young gentlemen, and a celebrating the highlights of ten years of “musical costumes” terrific musician by the way—Yonatan Kaufman. Let me start by the K.I. Band. From the Beatles to Bob Dylan to Michael by asking you what kind of musical training you have had— Jackson, the hall rocked with what many believe was the best your teachers and what you’ve studied? concert ever put on by the band. The Rolling Stones never sounded so good! Yonatan: Hey Phil, thanks for having me! I took guitar lessons from age seven to around 16 and also was in a few jazz bands In May, Andy Kelly and his All Stars graced the social hall with a through middle and high school, but my most influential teach- fine tribute to Jews in Jazz. From Al Jolson to Burt Bacharach we er was definitely Andy Kelly. He really helped me with my im- were treated to a wonderful evening portraying the history of provising through jazz and opening up my knowledge of music jazz and the role of Jews in it. Andy did a tremendous amount theory. I also went to Rock On Summer camp at BCC for five of work to document that history and was very well prepared years. We would form a band for only a week and learn two to with background information, as well as leading his quartet in three which we would perform by the end of the week. It was a some fabulous music. Hats off to Andy and his group! really intense dive into all aspects of music from learning songs to performing, and even songwriting. Who can forget the incredible performance of the Bintel Brief continued page 14 program this summer? This staged reading harking back to the days of old when Jews lived in the of New York was expertly performed by members of the synagogue not once but twice! A wonderful time was had by all!

Performances by the Berkshire Jewish Musicians Collective also highlighted our summer and fall. This organization com- prised primarily of K.I. members rose to the occasion and played to packed houses twice this year.

The Four Freedoms concert in Pittsfield was a fantastic maiden voyage, while the year was capped by performing at the recent vigil, in the wake of the Pittsburgh shootings, that drew over 500 people to K.I.

Shirei Shabbat was a huge success as always. Nine services were conducted with a myriad of musicians including our young people for a terrific Hanukkah performance. Instruments included guitars, keyboard, bass, flute, , drums, and of course the wonderful voices of our highly trained vocalists. Al- ways a happy occasion, Shirei Shabbat is eagerly looked for- ward to by the congregation, drawing upwards of 150 people Yonaton Kaufman for a celebratory experience and a delicious dinner afterwards.

KOL K.I. • FEBRUARY 2019 • SHEVAT–ADAR 5779 n 11 Education

Notes from Hebrew School Keeping up with the younger generation…

We have had a wonderful first semester moneans. We explored how the Romans of our Hebrew School. Below are some came to occupy the land of Israel, and short vignettes from our teachers high- considered whether Herod the Great lighting our students’ achievements. was really all that great for the Jews. Af- ter a brief foray into the world of the Es- Pre-school senes and the , we are continuing on with our look at the Ro- This year the preschool class has enjoyed man occupation of Judea. ~Jilly learning about the with The Sammy Spider book series. Our ex- Grade 6 tended class schedule has allowed more time for crafts, games, songs and move- Second and third grade Hebrew school: Levi Exploring Modern Jewish History through ment. New this year is our weekly snack Social Issues. time with the kindergarten and first Denmark, Jacob Herzberg, and Asher Cook-Dubin At the beginning of the school year, the grade as well as guided, purposeful play. We are learning about various Mitzvah ~Dana Siegel students prioritized social issues that heroes and their impact on making this were meaningful to them. The first is- a better world. Last class we met Mitzvah sue we explored was “protecting the Dog, Ziva, and her partner Merle Ferber environment.” Our connection to Jewish upstairs at KI. It was a truly “hands on” history had its foundation in a discussion experience! about Bal Taschit and moved up to Isra- We are reading Jewish fairy tales from el’s continuing efforts in conservation the book Elijah’s Violin and Other Jewish and preservation (planting trees, etc.). Fairy Tales by Howard Schwartz. These We discussed several peripheral issues are 5th century Babylon, Morocco, and such as leadership (looking at Israeli Egypt, from, the oral tradition. Next se- leaders) and “building walls” (in the figu- mester we will explore other interesting rative and literal sense). Our latest efforts stories from the various countries where have been in discussing gender roles in Jewish communities have been for hun- traditional and modern Jewish families Kindergarten-1 dreds of generations. ~Ellen Masters

This year’s K-1 class has been learning Grades 2-3 Hebrew Hebrew letters, prayers and holidays. They know the letters in Shabbat and can Our students have been reviewing and sing the Shema. We have been learning growing their Hebrew letter combina- stories from the Bible and using them to tions and reading. We have just about talk about big questions like how do you finished our first book! I am in awe of treat others. We have also been explor- the students’ abilities to read accurate- ing our big ideas through guided, pur- ly and fluently. They are also learning poseful play. ~ Mr Weisbuch some basic vocabulary and grammar. ~Judith Weiner Grades 2-3 Grades 5-7 After a busy fall semester filled the Jew- ish holidays, the Shabbat morning sec- The past few weeks have been busy ones ond and third grade classes have been for students in the History through Maps studying the Parashah of the week be- course. After the dissolution of Alexan- fore joining Junior Congregation, a new der the Great’s empire, we transitioned Artists Gabe Henner, Parker Wright, experience for the students. to the rule of the Seleucids and the Has- and Morrie Fried

12 n KOL K.I. • FEBRUARY 2019 • SHEVAT–ADAR 5779 Education

which we will continue for the next few weeks. ~David Dahari

Grade 4-6 Hebrew

Our Hebrew curriculum is focused on reading skills. Our students have made much progress in their read- ing fluency this semester. They show great enthusiasm in all their hard work. working on photos & fillers ~Jenny Gitlitz and Judith Weiner.

Photo by Lavi Perchik on Unsplash From left to right: Leora Cook-Dubin, Ellie Caine, Joe Weiner, Robert Ferren and Eliot Stern Soul Bar Mitzvah This year’s Soul class for 4-6th graders is off to an impressive start. The students This year’s B’nai Mitzvah class consists of five incredible students all full of musical are practicing Hebrew reading in the ability and great interest in what we are learning in class. We are experimenting with and grappling with prayer mean- melodies and harmonies for certain prayers as they master many of our weekly Shab- ing—literal translations as well as the bat prayers and get ready to lead them for the congregation. idea/concept of prayer. Our very own Talmudic discourse is coming alive in the During the months of November and December, each student had the opportunity to classroom as we have begun our journey lead a Torah service for the congregation and they all did a wonderful job. As we head into segments of Talmud that discuss into the Holiday Vacation week, all five students are ready to move on from their Torah prayer. Soul has met 3 times this semes- readings and we will begin learning Haftorah trope in the new year. They are also all ter, and I look forward to 5 more exciting ready to polish the Pseukei D’Zimra part of the service and we will be beginning to sessions with these students next se- focus on Shacharit towards the end of January. mester. ~Ben Strauss This class is moving quickly and will be ready to impress the congregation in the late spring and early fall when all of their simchas will happen. Keep your eyes and ears open for this talented class! ~Elisa Snowise

"The world exists only because of the innocent breath of schoolchildren." ~~ Talmud

KOL K.I. • FEBRUARY 2019 • SHEVAT–ADAR 5779 n 13 KOL K.I.

Musical Musings continued from page 11

Who did you listen to grow- At K.I., we really honor music as central to what the syna- ing up? You must have some gogue has to offer. Do you have any memories of singing and influential bands and per- participating in some of the services or classes? formers who inspired you. Yonatan: I did participate in the Shirei Sabbat band a handful Yonatan: The music I listened of times which was a blast. Back when I was in high school I to growing up was pretty would also play guitar accompaniment with the Junior Con- sporadic. I had a big punk gregation on Saturday mornings. It was nice to connect phase and the biggest in- with the kids and help put a little more pep into the service. fluence out of that was It seemed like it made a service that may have been a little mo- Green Day. As I grew up I notonous to a 10 year-old a little more exciting and meaningful. gravitated to classic rock I enjoyed making connections with the kids and giving back my and of course took interest in guitar players, especially Carlos time to the community. Santana and Jimmy Page. They both had such a unique style that was immediately recognizable. I also have to include Obviously you have a day job. We all do. Hopefully you will the Beatles because they are just beyond compare. Their get out there and play for many years to come. What does the songwriting was so simple but effective and they really were future hold for you musically? pioneers in many facets of music recording. Yonatan: For the past five years I have been learning and exper- What are you listening to and playing these days? imenting with music production and recording. I’m interested in everything from electronic music and sound synthesis to live Yonatan: Lately I’ve been listening to the new Anderson Paak band studio recording. I have produced a few songs with local album, Mac Miller, and any new hip hop that incorporates rappers and even produced my own songs on occasion. I really jazzy/funky beats. I also still have a bunch of classic rock and enjoy collaborating and working with vocalists which is some- funk songs on heavy rotation. My favorite band these days thing I hope to do a lot more of in the future. I’d like to contin- though has to be Exmag—they are a really cool trio out of ue working with other musicians to help bring the songs they Harrisburg, Pennsylvania who fall under a genre called envision to fruition. I will also continue to write my own songs future soul. and you may even see some releases from me in the future!

14 n KOL K.I. • FEBRUARY 2019 • SHEVAT–ADAR 5779 Yahrzeits • February 2019 • Shevat/Adar 5779

“Those who live no more, whom we loved, echo Tips from the K.I. still within our thoughts, our words, our hearts. And what they did and who they were becomes Cemetery Committee a part of all we are, forever.” Plan ahead to make things easier

2/1 - 26 SHEVAT 2/7 - 2 ADAR 2/16 - 11 ADAR Estelle A. Landes Morduch Kirshteyn Robert Staskin Ruth Cushing Fishman Rabbi Morris Fuhrman Sylvia Klarik Kahn Hillson Rebecca Chesney 2/19 - 14 ADAR William Lipton Sara Cohen Anna Lebowitz Morris Goldstein 2/2/ - 27 SHEVAT 2/8 - 3 ADAR Delia Capriles Levi Abraham Goodman 2/20 - 15 ADAR Maduro Etta Cusick Samuel Widitor Fanny Berkwitz Joel Ziegler Sol Gallant When you are in need of Knesset Israel’s cem- Helen Weiss Rebecca Borke Leavitt etery, please note the following to make the Louis Lebowitz Sofie Servos 2/21 - 16 ADAR business end of a funeral and/or burial go Martin Friedland William Levin Beatrice Cohen smoothly: Robert Meirowitz Kobritz n Ronald Haft 2/9 - 4 ADAR Jacob Aronstein Keeping your membership in good stand- Ruth Schwartz Harriet Rivlin Schwartz Phyllis Gilner ing will avoid issues with member burial rates. Joel Mintz Rose Zuckerman n Members with military service should have 2/3 - 28 SHEVAT Samuel Tauber their discharge papers in a safe place and Bessie Silver 2/10- 5 ADAR easily accessible. The discharge papers are re- Dina Minsky Sally Galler 2/229 - 17 ADAR quired for ordering a military marker. Dr. Harry Minsky Lillian Cohen Harry Lefkowitz 2/11 - 6 ADAR n 2/23 - 18 ADAR If you anticipate or have complicated cir- Margaret Fleet Hyman Silver Eva Metropole cumstances or may need special arrange- Melvin Schwartz 2/4 - 29 SHEVAT ments, document your wishes legally, or Pauline Brecher 2/24 - 19 ADAR meet with our funeral director, Reno Dagnoli, Abram J. Berkwitz Rebekka Kirshteyn Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home, to document Harry Palefsky Stanley R. Weiss Peter Marvin your intentions. Morris Reder Zipora Bril William Bashevkin 2/12 - 7 ADAR Questions? Contact the Cemetery Commit- 2/25 - 20 ADAR Emma Mainker tee at [email protected] or Diana 2/5 - 30 SHEVAT Graubard Benjamin Novick Macfarlane, in the KI office, 413-445-4872. Ben Zion Cohen Myron Marvin Bessie F. Lippman David Sacks 2/13 - 8 ADAR 2/26 - 21 ADAR Herman B. Perlman 2019 Headstone Cleaning Isidor Rabinovitz Matthew Rich Samuel Lebovitz Martin Gelber Samuel Mones The Cemetery Committee announces our 2/14 - 9 ADAR third group discounted headstone clean- Sidney Solomon 2/27/ - 22 ADAR Esther Markowitz ing. The cost per monument is $65. Sign up 2/6/ - 1 ADAR Gertrude Budnick Beth Anne Zocchi now, and you will be billed when we have Esther Minnie Maislen Geneveive Goldblum Jennie Udel a minimum of 25 headstones. We’re hoping Rebecca Levine Barnett Sam Shusterman for a spring cleaning! Questions can be ad- Isodore Goodman dressed to Don Sugarman at cemetery@kne 2/15 - 10 ADAR 2/28- 23 ADAR Jack Widitor Abraham Adelson ssetisrael.org. • Please e-mail or call Diana Nellie Hiller Hinda Katz Harry Shenker with the name(s) on the monument(s) you Sarah Wildman Itshak Berman Philip Bass would like to have cleaned. 413-445-4872 or Solomon Genn [email protected]

KOL K.I. • FEBRUARY 2019 • SHEVAT–ADAR 5779 n 15 Funds & Endowments

ADULT EDUCATION FUND CEMETERY FUND FLOWER FUND In memory of Sara Bass Lazerus In memory of Doris Schifrin In memory of Muriel Bookless Medney Maxine Bookless and Nan Bookless In memory of John Sebestyen Maxine Bookless and Nan Bookless In memory of Ronald Haft Lawrence, Sarah, Jacob GENERAL DONATIONS and Kateah Klein Sheila Donath Alan and Marilyn Gordon In memory of Donato Dagnoli In memory of Andrea Lipton Becker Bonnie Heller In memory of Doris Schifrin In memory of Davis Whitcomb Juliane Hiam In memory of Janice Aikman Whitcomb In memory of Seymour Baer In memory of Doris Schifrin In memory of Joan Samuels Kaiser In memory of Stella Schecter In memory of Seymour Baer Nan and Allan Lipton In memory of Wendy Rabinowitz Barbara and Murray Akresh In memory of Loretta Skoletsky Myrna and Elie Hammerling In memory of Andrea Lipton Becker Margery and Alan Metzger Robert and Elisa Spungen Bildner In memory of Anna Yantovsky ALAN AND BONNIE LIPTON With gratitude for a warm welcome Natalya, Sergey, Ari and Ilya Yantovsky ENDOWMENT FUND Gary Block and Ellen Safran In memory of Vera Ganter In memory of Andrea Lipton Becker In memory of John Sebestyen In memory of Samuel Ganter Beth and Joel Radsken Patti and David Calarese Czapracki Gary and Bernice Turetsky In honor of George and Lizbeth Krupp ARTHUR AND TERRY WASSER Ronald Casty ENDOWMENT FUND CHARLES AND TILLIE ROBBINS In memory of Clinton Edelstein ENDOWMENT FUND In honor of Ellen Master’s for receiving Burton and Linda Edelstein the 2018 BIO Micah Award In memory of Larry Kronick In memory of Andrea Lipton Becker In memory of Tillie Robbins In honor of Eve Edwards In memory of Joshua Weinstein Lois Kronick and JoAnn Kronick Anna and Michael Elfenbaum Terry and Arthur Wasser In memory of Loretta Skoletsky Elaine Epstein CHESED FUND ARTHUR SAMEL ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of Ernest Ilberg In memory of John Sebestyen In memory of Sheila Gitlitz In memory of Arthur Samel Stephanie and Everett Ilberg Lamm Jenny Gitlitz Elaine Epstein In memory of Ben Hayden DEBRA DEROTHSCHILD In memory of Rose Hayden BUBBE AND ZAYDE SHINDLER ENDOWMENT FUND Barbara and Gerry Hayden ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of Andrea Lipton Becker In honor of Ed Udel In memory of Loretta Skoletsky In memory of our daughter Debra Elisa In honor of Ellen Master’s for receiving Marty, Roberta, Michael deRothschild the 2018 BIO Micah Award and Perri Shindler Ileen and Leonard Cohen Cindy and Ed Helitzer In honor of Ben Strauss CEMETERY GATE FUND EDWARD AND LORETTA SKOLETSKY In honor of Ed Udel In memory of Loretta Skoletsky ENDOWMENT FUND In honor of Ellen Master’s for receiving Diana Geller and Andy Geller In memory of Loretta Skoletsky the 2018 BIO Micah Award Cecily Levine and Amy Levine In honor of Jonathan Denmark In memory of Bessie Goldenberg In honor of Len Schiller Theresa Pill Karen and Bruce Jacobs In memory of Bessie Goldenberg Minimum donation to funds is $5. In memory of William Taubin In memory of Loretta Skolestky Endowment fund minimum is $10. Morton Taubin & Rochelle Leinwand David Pill We welcome contributions in any For feeling welcome at shul over the In memory of Loretta Skoletsky amount. Contributions of summer Louis Skoletsky and Barry Skoletsky less than $5 not publicized. William Levine and Sarah Levine

16 n KOL K.I. • FEBRUARY 2019 • SHEVAT–ADAR 5779 Funds & Endowments

In memory of Richard Sukel HARRY AND ENID FUHRMAN FUND In memory of Ceclia Fishman In memory of Sherry Sukel In memory of Benjamin Cohen In memory of Herbert Fishman Jane and Larry Pellish In memory of Harry Fuhrman In memory of Marcia Fishman In memory of Anne Kirsch In memory of Loretta Skoletsky Ben Fishman and Family Joel and Loretta Prives Enid Fuhrman In memory of Felicja Nowak (Rashkin), JACOB AND LILLIAN KLEIN Holocaust survivor, author of Memoirs HARRY AND RACHEL SMITH ENDOWMENT FUND “My Star” ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of Jacob Klein Viktor Rashkes In memory of Harry Smith Elaine Epstein In memory of Stella Schecter In memory of Rachel Goldstein Smith Ken and Linda Reinstein Ileen and Leonard Cohen JOEL AND PHYLLIS CURRAN In memory of Richard Sukel ENDOWMENT FUND Bradd & Syrene Robbins HARVEY AND JANIS ZIMBLER In honor of Len Schiller on the occasion In memory of Seymour Baer ENDOWMENT FUND of his birthday Robin and Mark Salsberg In honor of Dr. Harvey Zimbler In memory of Esther Schuman In honor of Steven and Florence Winter Carole Siegel In honor of Ed Udel In memory of Pearl Curran Dennis Sandler In memory of Andrea Lipton Becker In memory of Andrea Lipton Becker Jan and Harvey Zimbler Thank you to my wonderful friends, Phyllis and Joel Curran Amy Abramovich, Margo Golis, Margie Metzger, and Ellen Rosenblatt HEBREW SCHOOL FUND who helped me when I was sick in JOSEPH AND PAULINE SIEGEL November. I feel so lucky to be a part of Elaine Padilla ENDOWMENT FUND Margaret Ward the Knesset Israel family. In memory of Edith Karlin Elizabeth Ward Judy Seaman In memory of Sylvia Kaiman In memory of Stella Schecter In memory of Anta Regina Etscovitz In memory of Zelda Karlin Barbara and Bruce Shickmanter Ileen and Leonard Cohen Sharon, Sam, Joel and Eric Karlin In honor of Len Schiller’s In memory of Bruce Leavitt special birthday Helene Leavitt and Family KENNETH AND ELAINE LOVEMAN In memory of John Sebestyen In memory of William Schifrin ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of Loretta Skoletsky Gayle and Herman Rotenberg In memory of Kenneth Loveman In memory of Seymour Baer In memory of Debra deRothschild Elaine Loveman Phoebe and Don Sugarman In memory of Rabbi Harold Salzman In memory of Vera Gangel In memory of Richard Sukel CHALLENGE 2019 Barbara Gershen Swartz In memory of Seymour Baer Anonymous In memory of Frieda Tobias In memory of Sherry Sukel In memory of Bernard Charkow In memory of Ludwig Sussman In memory of Trudy Moskowitz Dale and Richard Charkow In memory of Moses Tobias Marvin Smith In memory of Selma Sussman In memory of Phyllis Rossomando In memory of Stella Schecter Lora and Sig Tobias Janet and David Rothstein Joanna Fribush In memory of Seymour Baer, an In memory of Andrea Lipton Becker In memory of Donato Dagnoli incomparable friend, mentor, and HERBERT AND CELIA FISHMAN In memory of Seymour Baer mensch. Zikhrono livrakhah. ENDOWMENT FUND Diana Geller and Andy Geller Hunter Wallace In honor of Joel Fishman on his In memory of Seymour Baer special birthday In memory of Elissa Landes Pamela Wax In honor of Shelley Fishman on In memory of Estelle Landes Brenda and Fred Landes In memory of Loretta Skoletsky her special birthday Molly Novick Ben Fishman continued next page

KOL K.I. • FEBRUARY 2019 • SHEVAT–ADAR 5779 n 17 Funds & Endowments

In memory of Jean Mandel PRAYERBOOK FUND In memory of John Sebestyen In memory of Shirley Solomon In memory of Robert Markovits Brenda and Fred Landes Charles and Marcia Mandel Ruth Lebovitz Markovits In memory of Leizer Tryster In memory of Michael Mass Rochelle Leinwand In memory of Shirley Metzger RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND In memory of Doris Schifrin Alan and Margery Metzger In memory of Doris Schifrin In memory of John Sebestyen In honor of Len Schiller on his birthday! Beth and Bernie Abramson Margery and Alan Metzger Beth and Joel Radsken In memory of Doris Schifrin In memory of Robert Nishman In memory of Feiga Drate In memory of Lillian Strul Judith Nishman Ellen and Allen Rosenblatt In memory of Loretta Skoletsky In memory of Ruth Lubin In memory of Sam Rothstein In memory of Seymour Baer In memory of Sidney Novick Janet and David Rothstein In memory of Stella Schecter Mildred Novick Ev Bastow In memory of Doris Schifrin LEONARD AND ELAINE LIPTON In memory of Sylvia Bender Joel and Loretta Prives ENDOWMENT FUND The Bender Family In memory of Isadore Secunda In memory of Simon Lipton In memory of Doris Schifrin In memory of Paul Rich In memory of Andrea Lipton Becker Robin Fleet and Phil Coleman Betty Rich In memory of Bernard Turiel In honor of Shelley and Bob Berend’s In memory of Ann Frank Ronberg Elaine and Leonard Lipton 25th anniversary In memory of John Sebestyen In memory of Doris Schifrin Yaacov and Nina Rone In memory of John Sebestyen MARCIE GREENFIELD SIMONS In memory of Lena Raphan Joel and Phyllis Curran ENDOWMENT FUND Bob and Roz Rosenblatt In memory of Seymour Baer In memory of Jordan B. Greenfield In memory of Doris Schifrin Sheila Donath Richard and Marcie Greenfield Simons Gayle and Herman Rotenberg In memory of Albert Finck In memory of Seymour Baer In memory of Ruth Finck MATTHEW RICH ENDOWMENT FUND Harriet I. Samuels David and Lea Finck In memory of Sadie Secunda In memory of Loretta Skoletsky In memory of Richard Sukel Betty Rich In memory of Stella Schecter Laura and John Frankenthaler Arlene and Gary Schiff In memory of Hazel Weinberger In memory of Helen Seaman MILTON KOLODKIN Ellie and Michael Geller ENDOWMENT FUND Judy Seaman In memory of Wendy Rabinowitz In memory of Gisela Ziskind In memory of Seymour Baer Susan Geller Barbara Kolodkin Beatrice Selig In memory of John Sebestyen In memory of Doris Schifrin Richard and Marcie Greenfield Simons MORRIS AND RACHEL In memory of John Sebestyen ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of Jeanette Rosenthal In memory of Seymour Baer In memory of Rachel Harris In memory of Leon Rosenthal In memory of Shirley Kravitz Joanna and Ellis Fribush Elaine Hantman and Paul Rosenthal In memory of Stella Schecter In memory of Leonard Gottlieb Carole Siegel Suellen Havsy In memory of John Sebestyen MURRAY AND CECILY LEVINE Susan Staskin ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of Doris Schifrin Karen and Bruce Jacobs In memory of Murray Levine In memory of Archie Snyder In memory of Sally Lienhoff In memory of Loretta Skoletsky In memory of Bernard Snyder In memory of Ruth Lubin Cecily Levine and Amy Levine Sharon, Sam, Joel and Eric Karlin In memory of Anna Bass In memory of Seymour Baer Ruth, Robert, Nicole, Alyssa Waldheim Ann and Dave Krawet

18 n KOL K.I. • FEBRUARY 2019 • SHEVAT–ADAR 5779 Funds & Endowments

In memory of Doris Schifrin Judith Frommer and Ken Amron In memory of John Sebestyen Diana Geller and Andy Geller

Diane Weinstein Ellie and Michael Geller In honor of Shelly and Bob Berend’s Cindy and Ed Helitzer together. 25th anniversary Alan and Margery Metzger Fran and Joel Wolk Susan Miller Joyfully stuff envelopes Gary and Arlene Schiff with other mailing mavens! With gratitude for Rabbi David Weiner Lewis Schiller Be a GLEE star Barry Skoletsky and Louis Skoletsky Marvin Smith at Shriei Shabbat In memory of Morris Goldner Alexandra Warshaw Comfort a loss Marian and Marshall Raser Fran and Joel Wolk Robby Zucker with Chevra Kaddisha • RENEWAL FUND In memory of visit Alberta Wasserman’s mother In memory of Doris Schifrin In memory of Rebecca Hirsch knessetisrael.org In memory of John Sebestyen In memory of Seymour Baer for opportunities! In memory of Seymour Baer Bobbi and Mike Cohn Ed and Cindy Helitzer In memory of Nathan Promisel ••••••••••••••••• In honor of Len Schiller on his birthday Myra Promisel Charles and Marcia Mandel In honor of Ed Udel In honor of Bob and Shelly Berend’s In honor of Len Schiller 25th anniversary learn. Beatrice Selig In honor of Stephanie Ilberg Lamm Lifelong learning at KI! and her new job From Hebrew School for our In memory of John Sebestyen WILLIAM AND MARILYN SIMONS children to stimulating classes In memory of Loretta Skoletsky ENDOWMENT FUND and programs for adults… In memory of Stella Schecter In memory of William Simons • Len and Alice Schiller Richard and Marcie Greenfield Simons Lunch & Learn Discover your inner Torah Feed your spirit through ROBERT AND ESTHER MARKOWITZ YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND ENDOWMENT FUND artistic expression In honor of Ed Udel • In honor of Fred Landes on the Sheila Donath visit the calendar page at occasion of his birthday knessetisrael.org Robert Markowitz

ROSH CHODESH FUND •••••••••••••••••

In memory of Doris Schifrin Nan Bookless grow. Start where you are SAMUEL AND ANNA BOOKLESS Beam with new insights ENDOWMENT FUND Seek guides to the unfamiliar In memory of Max Bookless Honor or remember your Nourish mind, heart & soul Maxine Bookless and Nan Bookless special occasion or a loved • one with a donation to the visit TORAH COVER FUND Bima Flower Fund. knessetisrael.org Robert Berend for opportunities! Nan Bookless Call Naomi Schwartz at Sheila Donath 413-841-0006. Joanna and Ellis Fribush

KOL K.I. • FEBRUARY 2019 • SHEVAT–ADAR 5779 n 19 Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Pittsfield, MA 01201 Permit # 70

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hamentashen time! It takes a village to make the thousands of n If you are a baker, want to learn to bake, can help clean up and pack hamentashen that roll out of Knesset Israel’s kitchen baked cookies, or just want to volunteer so you can get first every winter. dibs on warm cookies, please contact Cindy Helitzer at [email protected] or call 413-499-1202. This year the combined forces of Knesset Is- rael’s bakers, the late Joe Madison’s friends n If you would like to volunteer helping the kids from the Monday Morning Mountain Boys decorating bags (now until March 1); or packing (a men’s hiking group), Federation volun- mishloach manot bags and delivering them to teers, and K.I.’s Hebrew School students, will homebound Jewish seniors* (mid-March), please meet every Sunday 9:30am-noon and every contact Susan Frisch Lehrer at slehrer@jewishberk- Thursday 5:30pm-8:00pm starting January shires.org or 413-442-4360 X 14. 20th—February 28th. They will fill Knesset Israel with the warmth of volunteering and the wonderful aro- ma of just baked cookies. New pick up locations!—North and South County drop off/ pick up locations for prepaid orders n In North County — Volunteers needed! From the dough mak- Congregation Beth Israel, Monday, March 18 and Tuesday, March ers cracking hundreds of eggs to the preschoolers deco- 19, 10am-2pm. n In South County—Hevreh on Monday, March 18 rating bags for senior citizens, to baggers putting together and Tuesday, March 19 from noon to 4pm. Mishloat Manot bags, this project needs a lot of volunteers:

* The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ Joe’s Project was begun by the late Joe Madison, who first organized the baking and delivering of hamenstashen and Challot bags to homebound seniors).