Jewish V ice Berkshire
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A publication of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, serving the Berkshires and surrounding NY, CT and VT
Vol. 24, No. 7
Elul 5776/Tishri 5777
September 19 to October 31, 2016
jewishberkshires.org
Family program to explore Native American artifacts, stories, and traditions through a Jewish lens
If We Show Up, We’re Gonna Shofar
PITTSFIELD – On Sunday, October 29 at 2 p.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires and PJ Library will be hosting “Finding Raven & Our Jewish Values” at the Berkshire Museum. The
Inside Your Federation Presents................5-11, 17 High Holy Days.....................................12-13 Local News......................................15, 19-21 Berkshire Jewish Voices......................25-27 News.......................................................28-31
program will focus on the museum’s current exhibition of Pacific Northwest Native American art, “Finding Raven: Art and Stories from the Northwest Coast.” By examining the art on view and sharing the stories behind them, children and parents in attendance will explore the similarities of Northwest Coast customs such as the hamatsa ceremony (a rite of passage) and the potlatch (an extravagant gift-giving feast) to Jewish traditions. Join museum educators in exploring FINDING RAVEN, continued on page 5
PHOTO COURTESY: SOLOMON SOUZA
High Holy Days 5777
COURTESY OF THE BERKSHIRE MUSEUM.
Finding Raven & Our Jewish Values
The holiday season is upon us, and the BJV welcomes 5777 with a straight masterpiece by Israeli artist Solomon Souza, who for the past 18 months has worked (along with partner Berel Hahn) to transform the look of Jerusalem’s Machane Yehuda Market with hundreds of graffiti-influenced portraits of inspiring individuals. In the image above, Souza depicts Rabbi Shlomo Goren (in 1967 an IDF brigadier general and later Israel’s chief rabbi) blowing the shofar at the Western Wall following the liberation of Jerusalem during the Six Day War. For more on Machane Yehuda, please see page 32.
Connecting with the Jewish World Beyond the Berkshires Federation can help – or you can ask your neighbors how they’ve done it By Albert Stern, BJV Editor
GREAT BARRINGTON – On Friday, October 14, Knosh & Knowledge will host Randy F. Weinstein, owner of North Star Rare Books and founder of the W.E.B. Du Bois Center-Great Barrington, who will present a talk titled “Ulysses S. Grant, the Law and Order President: Did Black Lives Matter?” This Jewish Federation of the Berkshires program will take place at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire at 10:45 a.m., and will be followed by lunch. Through an exhibition of artifacts and readings from his upcoming book on Civil War general and United States president Ulysses S. Grant, Weinstein will examine various facts and myths relating to the Randy F. Weinstein 18th president as slaveholder, expansionist, anti-intellectual, battleAmerica, then and now. field butcher, nativist, and anti-Semite. A longtime Berkshire County resiHe will discuss Grant’s views and poldent, Randy F. Weinstein has directed icies regarding the politics of race and U.S. GRANT TALK, the law within the context of a divided continued on page 11
PHOTO: COURTESY OF HADASSAH WOMEN’S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION
The Career of Ulysses S. Grant Examined at October 14 Knosh & Knowledge
Meir Shfeyah Youth Village: A place to call home.
One of the recurring themes that appears in this newspaper’s articles and editorials, as well as the Federation’s messaging during its campaign and community outreach, is how we live in a small Jewish community with all the needs of a large Jewish community. We explain the challenges this community faces in sustaining Jewish life, providing our youth with positive Jewish identity and experiences, and taking care of those in need, and share the ways that the Federation works
effectively on behalf of Jews in the Berkshires and beyond. All true, but far from the only story. What is not always shared as directly is that this community is also home (full time or part time) to so many people who are deeply involved in the wider Jewish world, many through the Federation network and through other groups, as well. Some of them hold high-level positions at major Jewish institutions with national and international COMMUNITY, continued on page 20
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Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org
September 19 to October 31, 2016
In My View No Time Like the Present to Consider the Future Legacy giving creates paths for change and growth By Dara Kaufman As I sit and write this on my back porch, it is provided a roadmap to where we are today. Today, the Jewish Federation of the already the last day of the Berkshires summer seaBerkshire is a strong and vibrant organization that does a tremendous job servson. The time passed in the blink of an eye. ing our Jewish community and helping Jews in need around the world. But as As summer comes to an end, there are some recipients of the community’s philanthropy and trust, we must always strive to do changes happening in our home. My 11 year old better, to be responsive but also proactive, to constantly assess and evaluate the daughter Maya will be starting middle school this needs of our community, and to carefully use the funds that have been entrusted year. This little girl with a head full of floppy curls, to us. who used to hand out homemade tickets to her Changing demographics, an aging and declining donor base, and changes in dance performances on the fireplace hearth, has giving patterns – especially among younger donors - are affecting Jewish commusomehow morphed into a tall, curvy adolescent nities across the country, including ours. A good plan will allow us to consider the who now prefers to make fashion-forward music impact these challenges will have on our community and help us make choices videos using the music.ly app on her iPod. My 20 today that will help us to continue to achieve our goals in the future. year old son, Yonaton, whose entire life fit into two One key component of our past plan that will remain essential to our future is duffel bags just two years ago, recently rented a U-Haul truck to move his and his the growth of the Federation’s endowment through our Create a Jewish Legacy Proroommate’s furniture into their first apartment. gram. A community is only as strong and as stable as its permanent resources. I am particularly aware of the passing of time as the summer comes to an end. To date, over 97 members of our community have joined the Federation’s LegAccording to the Torah, time is a sacred and holy concept. Of the Torah’s 613 mitzacy Circle by including the Federation in estate plans. Each of these individuals vot, many direct us on how to sanctify time. Shabbat is probably the most obvious has in one way or another helped to build, strengthen, and care for our Jewish example of this. The high holy days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom community. Both being Jewish and caring for others are Kippur bring a different perspective of time, as we are required to Looking back, in order important to them. think about our actions in the past year and prepare ourselves to For some, their passion centers around making sure to move forward, is do better in the new year. young people receive a meaningful Jewish education In its infinite wisdom, the Torah tells us that it is good, even necand have the opportunity to go to Jewish summer camp essential to growth essary, to take a time out. In fact we are commanded to take stock of or travel to Israel. For others, ensuring that our eldest and change. So is who we are, think about who we want to be in the future, and then community members have a place to enjoy a nutritious take concrete steps to get there. Looking back, in order to move forfind companionship, and receive emotional support thinking and planning. meal, ward, is essential to growth and change. So is thinking and planning. is deeply important. And for so many, making sure that The Board of Directors of the Federation also recognizes the Federation is there with a safety net to help fragile memimportance of taking such a time out. This past year, directors began a conversabers of our community, as well as those in need in Israel and around the world, is tion around strategic planning. imperative. Strategic planning is a process of thinking about who we are as an organizaWhatever their reason, each of these individuals, through their legacy committion and planning for the future. It is critical to any non-profit organization, as ment, will help the Federation continue to provide its vital programs and services it sets the tone for how board members govern, how professionals manage, how for many years to come. In doing so, they have planted the seeds for future generfunds are raised, and how change and growth will occur. ations to ensure the continuity and care of the Jewish People. The Board began its conversation by seeing what it could learn from past FedThe Jewish values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), tzedakah (righteous eration strategic plans developed in 2005 and revisited in 2011. giving), and gemilut chasidim (acts of loving kindness) are expressed by our work It was clear from the Board’s evaluation that both plans had successfully together through Federation every single day. These are the values that I live by and I hope my children will live by, too. Growing up in the Berkshires, it was Federation that helped educate me, that sent me on my first trip to Israel, that supported my grandmother after my grandfather’s passing, and that is helping me raise my own Jewish children. This community has been here for me, and I want to it to be there for those that come after me. That is why I have chosen to make my personal commitment to join the Legacy Circle. As we approach the High Holy Days, the Torah reminds us that time is fleeting. The actions we take today will determine our future. I hope that each of you will take this holy moment in time to think about what part of Jewish life is most important to you. Then, take action to ensure that it will still be here for future generations. Wishing you all a sweet New Year filled with good health, joy, peace, and prosperity. L’shana Tovah! Dara Kaufman is the executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires.
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Jewish V ice Berkshire
A publication of Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, serving the Berkshires and surrounding NY, CT and VTand surrounding NY, CT and VT A publication ofthethe Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, serving the Berkshires
The color photography in this issue of the Berkshire Jewish Voice is made possible through the generosity of Stuart Fischman, honorary publisher. The staff of the Federation and the BJV are deeply grateful.
Elul 5776-Tishri 5777
Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org
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Rabbi Reflections The Song of Nature By Rabbi Joshua Breindel As the seasons begin to change, my focus narrows to a single point: the High Holy Days are almost here! It’s an exciting time for me – beyond the power and awe of the festivals, this is one of the few moments when Jewish tradition leads us explicitly to celebrate our connection to nature. The festival season is bookended by Rosh Ha-Shanah and Sukkot, both of which are integrally connected to the harvest patterns of Israel. Among its other themes, the Jewish New Year commemorates the creation of the earth (and humankind), while Sukkot helps us express our thanks for its bounty. In both of these holy moments, we acknowledge our indelible connection to the natural world. One of the customs of Rosh Ha-Shanah that I especially enjoy is tashlich – the ritual of “casting away” our sins. Even as a child, it struck me that this practice was nearly unique in our tradition. After spending all day in services (or so it felt at the time), we actually went outside for this awesome – almost magical – experience. My earliest memories of tashlich are very clear. My family and I would go down to the Providence River laden with the stale ends of bread that we had saved over the preceding months. After making sure that my brother and I had exactly the same amount of bread, we would sing together…pause for a silent breath…and hurl them away with all of our strength! Standing at the river’s edge, I felt liberated and purified, free from life’s persistent anxieties. Even more, I felt a sense of wonder. How distinct was this ritual from my normal experiences of Judaism! Instead of simply reading about the natural world, we were actually out in it. Rather than sitting with an open book, we were engaged in activity. Here was a fully embodied way to express my Jewish identity and it felt wonderful! Tashlich has only grown in importance to me over the years. During my time as rabbinic intern at the University of Vermont Hillel, I learned how this practice could help to create a sense of unity. It was awesome to witness the Jewish community of the Burlington area join together at the banks of Lake Champlain. To the sound of song and the shofar, we would open our hearts both to the reality of our shortcomings and also to the possibility of our Creator’s forgiveness. I feel a similar sense of community cohesion as we escort our Community Hebrew Afterschool Initiative (CHAI) students to the Fred Gardner Park to cast our bread upon the water. The Jewish festival season helps draw my attention to the natural world. At their far end, we observe Sukkot – a time when we’re commanded to “dwell in suk-
kot for seven days,” (Lev. 23:42). I can imagine no holiday when we draw closer to the earth. For a week, our focus is on the weather as we eat in the embrace of our sukkah. As you may have gathered, I feel a particular attraction to nature. Part of the reason that Stephanie and I chose to make our home in the Berkshires was the beauty that exists around us. As my children continue to grow, I take increasing delight in introducing them to the many ways in which we can honor our Creator in the greater world. As we welcomed 5776, I expressed to my community that I was going to try to find ways to bring my Jewish identity and love for nature into relationship. As we moved through the year, I made an effort not only to speak about nature and host events that raised environmental awareness, but I also held programs and services outdoors (I’m still thrilled to have welcomed Shabbat overlooking the Stockbridge Bowl at Tanglewood). I’ve been guided in this project by a teaching that I discovered while studying at Hebrew College: One summer day, Rebbe Nachman davened very early and suggested that he take a walk with a favored student. They left the town and went walking through the fields. After reflecting for some time, the Rebbe said, “If only the people could merit hear the song of the plants and grasses! Each leaf sings out to G-d without expecting any reward. It is so wonderful to listen to their song and worship our Creator among them!” (Adapted from Sichot Ha-Ran, 163) I plan to share this story at my community’s outdoor Second Day of Rosh Ha-Shanah service. While this ritual has become important to my congregation (and all are welcome to join us), it’s become the ultimate expression of this holiday for me. Gathering at the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, we celebrate the creation of the world in the embrace of the Berkshire Hills. Hearing the shofar echo off Lenox Mountain is a moment of transcendent power, just as the nature walk that follows our worship helps me to realize the marvels of our Creator. This is a time when I actually experience nature in all is glory – it’s the way in which I most fully celebrate my dual identity as a member of the Jewish community and an inhabitant of the Berkshires. As we prepare to welcome 5777, I encourage you to enter this season with the goal of discovering ways to both honor our Creator and also to become aware of the miracles of the world around us. In this beautiful season and evocative festival period, let’s acknowledge turn of seasons as we cultivate a sense of gratitude for the many gifts that we have been given. Ketivah v’chatima tovah, my friends – may we all be written and sealed for a year of goodness! Rabbi Josh Breindel is the spiritual leader of Temple Anshe Amunim in Pittsfield.
Letters to the Editor Not One Thing About Camp She Didn’t Like
Sleeping In at Camp was Nice, In a Way
Dear Federation of the Berkshires: Thank you so much for helping me go to Camp Eden Village in Putnam Valley, NY. This was my second time going there and I can’t wait to go back next summer! There wasn’t one thing about camp that I didn’t like. Every morning, we had Modeh Ani, which is when we chose an activity to start the day and show we are grateful. I normally chose yoga or meditation, but there were so many options. Shabbat is always very fun at Eden Village. Unfortunately, it rained on both Shabbats, so we had to have the parade and services inside, but we still had a great time. Each group would do
Dear Jewish Federation: This year, I went back to JCC Camp Kingswood in Maine and it was so much fun. I especially liked Ruach. At Ruach you danced to camp songs, like a song called “One Day,” and “Redemption Song.” You would also hear more familiar songs, like “Wonderwall” and “Sweet Caroline.” Friday nights I liked a lot because the prayers were really nice and our Shabbat dinners were really good. On
something to help set up for Shabbat. My group, Yesod, braided the challah. On Saturday morning, we had services and after that, we had discussion circles which is when we could talk about bullying, gender, or how we eat, like choosing to be a vegetarian or vegan for example. At camp, I feel like I can be myself. There’s a rule of no “body talk” which makes everyone feel accepted. In general, camp is a great place. Thanks so much for giving us a scholarship. Sincerely, Maayan Rosenberg New Lebanon, NY
DEADLINES The next Berkshire Jewish Voice (Vol. 24, No. 8) will cover the period November 1, 2016 through December 15, 2016. The following edition (Vol. 24, No. 9) covers December 16, 2016 through January 30, 2017. The deadline for press releases and other written submissions, all of which are subject to being edited, is November 10, 2016. Because of limitations of space and time, please be so kind as to not submit lengthy articles without first contacting the editor. Advertising deadline is November 29, 2016. For a complete Berkshire Jewish Voice schedule, contact (413) 442-4360, ext. 11, or e-mail jfb.berkshirevoice@verizon.net.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Berkshire Jewish Voice welcomes signed letters on subjects of interest to the Jewish community. Letters are printed upon space availability. The BJV reserves the right to edit all letters for content, length, and style. The BJV does not print anonymous letters, insults, libelous or defamatory statements. Published letters do not represent the views of the Federation, its board of directors, or the newspaper, but rather express the views of their authors. For verification purposes, please include full name, home address, and a day and evening telephone number. Send letters to: Berkshire Jewish Voice, 196 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201, or email: jfb.berkshirevoice@verizon.net.
Saturday mornings, we got to sleep in, which is nice, in a way. Services on Shabbat were just as much fun as our Friday night service. This year was so fun! Thank you for helping me go! Sincerely, Eliot Stern Pittsfield MORE LETTERS FROM CAMPERS, continued on page 6
Jewish V ice Berkshire
A publication Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, serving the Berkshires A publication ofof thethe Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, serving the Berkshires and surrounding NY, CT andand VT surrounding NY, CT and VT
Published nine times a year by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Dara Kaufman: Publisher and Managing Editor Stuart Fischman: Honorary Publisher 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 newspaper and not those of any individual. Signed editorials do not represent the view of the newspaper, but rather express the writer’s view. The Berkshire Jewish Voice is under no obligation to accept any advertisement. It does not guarantee the kashrut of any merchandise or service advertised. Serves the Jewish community in Berkshire County and neighboring New York, Connecticut, and Vermont. Voluntary subscription donations: $18, $36, $72, $108, other.
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Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org
September 19 to October 31, 2016
Guest Editorial Reflections on the Life of Elie Wiesel, Friend and Mentor By Irwin Cotler The passing of Elie Wiesel in July was a personal and profound loss. It is akin to the passing of one of the legendary “Lamed Vavniks,” the 36 righteous people living in the world. Their just lives, at any given moment, redeem humanity. This is how I always felt about the person who was my teacher, mentor, role model, and friend of 50 years – in a word, the most remarkable and inspirational human being I have ever encountered and had the honor to work with in common cause. In remembering Elie Wiesel, we remember and celebrate the life of a tzaddik, a just and righteous person who has come to symbolize and embody the conscience of humanity – not only by and for Jews, but by and for humanity as a whole. Accordingly, when the Nobel Prize Committee awarded Elie the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986, the choice was greeted with international acclaim, for it was difficult to imagine any other person in the world who had so commanded the respect of political leaders and the people themselves, who had become our collective moral compass in a world devoid of moral leadership, our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper in a world of amoral international bystanders. His eloquence was all the more remarkable, because as he would often put it, the Holocaust was beyond vocabulary. Yet the man who felt that Auschwitz and Buchenwald were beyond communication and comprehension not only conveyed the particularity of things too terrible to be believed but not too terrible to have happened, but also transmitted the universality of the lessons that we continue to ignore at our peril.
The danger of forgetting — The imperative of remembrance
us, the power of the Nuremberg Tribunal – not unlike the International Criminal Tribunals for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda – lies also in the bearing of witness. Indeed, it lies in the affirmation of memory, of fidelity to truth, in the “triumph of memory” and where memory allowed justice to be served. Elie captured the paradox – and the pain – of selective justice redeemed by memory in his own bearing of witness: Justice was served, but, above everything else, in a strange way, in a dark poetic way, it was memory that was confronted and celebrated at Nuremberg. When hundreds and hundreds of witnesses emerged to piece together a story – a story that we all must remember, although our memory and our mind and our soul are too small to comprehend it, to take it all in. Our sanity was at stake. If we remembered everything, we would lose our minds. But then, if we don’t remember everything, we also lose our minds.
The vulnerability of the powerless and the powerlessness of the vulnerable – The protection of the vulnerable as the test of a just society It is our responsibility, as Elie taught and demonstrated in his good deeds, whether we be government representatives or citoyen du monde, to give voice to the voiceless, as we seek to empower the powerless, be they the disabled, the poor, the refugee, the elderly, the women victims of violence, the vulnerable child, whoever and wherever they may be. Elie emerged as the leading melitz yosher (“advocate”) for children — for the brutalized children of the killing fields of the Balkans, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Darfur – just as he was a leading advocate for Ethiopian Jewish children in Israel.
President Obama described Elie Wiesel as having told him during his visit to the Buchenwald death camp that “Memory has become a sacred duty of all people of goodwill,” Israel as an antidote to Jewish powerlessness adding that “upholding that sacred duty was the purpose of Simply put, it is not the case, as we are sometimes told, Elie’s life.” As Elie wrote in Night, his 1960 classic memoir that if there had not been a Holocaust, there would not be a Elie Wiesel, by Jeff Kramer of Holocaust remembrance depicting the horrors of AusState of Israel. It is the other way around – that if there had chwitz: “to forget would not only be dangerous but offenbeen an Israel, there might well not have been a Holocaust, sive; to forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time.” or the horrors of Jewish history. As Elie put it: At least there would have been a place for refuge. At the Evian conference in The danger of silence in the face of evil – The imperative of standing up 1938 and beyond, Europe was divided into two places – those where the Jews against injustice could not leave – or even live – and those where they could not enter. As Elie Wiesel put it in his 1986 Nobel Prize lecture, “We must always take At least there would have been universes that could have been saved, an ansides. Neuåtrality helps the oppressor never the victim, silence encourages the tidote to the radical evil of the Shoah. tormentor never the tormented… wherever men or women are persecuted because At least there would have been an old-new state, an “ancient homeland for an of their race, religion or political views that place must – at that moment – become ancient people,” for the ingathering of the exiles. the centre of the universe.” And he added: “there may be times when we are powAt least there would have been a living expression of “zachor” – remembrance, erless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time where we fail to protest as an antidote to the oldest and enduring hatred of anti-Semitism. against injustice.” At least there would have been a state founded – however imperfectly it may act – on “tzedek, tzedek tirdof” – “justice, justice, shall you pursue”
The danger of state sanctioned cultures of hate – The responsibility to prevent
The enduring lessons of the Holocaust, and the genocides that followed in Srebrenica, Rwanda and Darfur – during which Elie sounded the alarm again and again – is that the Shoah, and these genocides, occurred not only because of the machinery of death but because of state sanctioned ideologies of hate.
The danger of indifference and inaction in the face of mass atrocity and genocide – The responsibility to protect What made the Holocaust and the genocide in Rwanda so unspeakable was not only the horror of the genocides themselves but that these genocides were preventable. We knew and we did not act, just as we knew and did not act in the genocide in Darfur, and just as we know and have not acted in the mass atrocities in Syria. As Elie warned us again and again, indifference in the face of evil is acquiescence with evil itself – it is complicity with evil.
The danger of evil masked under the cover of law – Our responsibility to unmask and confront evil As Elie reminded us always: “It is our responsibility to confront evil, as Raoul Wallenberg did, to resist it, to expose it – particularly when evil masks itself under the cover of law.” The Nazis committed mass murder under the cover of law – aided and abetted by Nuremberg elites – doctors, lawyers, judges, educators, engineers, architects and the like – la trahison des clercs. As Elie succinctly put it: Why was the Nazi era so horrifying? Because the law itself was immoral. The killers were convinced that they were obeying the law. And indeed it was the law to kill children, parents, old men, and women, all those who needed protection. It was the law to be inhuman…Cold blooded murder and culture did not exclude each other. If the Holocaust proved anything, it is that a person could love poems and kill children.
The danger of anti-Semitism, old and new — The responsibility to combat Simply put, 1.3 million people were deported to Auschwitz – 1.1 million of them were Jews – of which Elie Wiesel was one. One million of them were murdered, including Elie’s parents and sister. But let there be no mistake about it, as Elie would remind us again and again, Jews were murdered at Auschwitz because of anti-Semitism, but anti-Semitism itself did not die at Auschwitz. As we have learned only too tragically, and all too well, while it begins with Jews it does not end with Jews. Jew-hatred remains the canary in the mineshaft of global evil that threatens us all. At the dawn of the 21st Century, even before the latest dramatic global escalation in anti-Semitism, Elie repeatedly spoke out with a growing sense of urgency: I have not felt the way I do now since 1945. There are reasons to feel concerned and alarmed. Now is the time to mobilize the efforts of all of humanity.
The danger of impunity — The imperative of bringing war criminals to justice If the 20th century was the age of atrocity (these horrors continuing into the 21st), it has also been the age of impunity. Few of the perpetrators of state sanctioned mass killings have been brought to justice. But as Elie would remind
May I close on a personal note: As my colleague John Roth once wrote – “in allowing me to enter his life, Elie has given meaning to mine.” Elie Wiesel as a conscience of humanity has impacted all of humanity – not as an abstraction but on people individually in their daily lives – as he has in my own life and work. Where in 1962 I read Night for the first time on the eve of my first-ever visit to Auschwitz, where I was shocked and outraged when our guide referenced all the nationalities murdered Auschwitz but omitted the word “Jew”; Where, as a student, I became involved in the struggle for Soviet Jewry on reading Elie Wiesel’s classic 1966 work on The Jews of Silence. That book served as a wakeup call for the struggle for Soviet Jewry, referring not just to the Jews silenced in the Soviet Union, but to the silence of Jews in the free world who were not standing up to that injustice; Where, as a law professor, I was profoundly influenced by Elie’s writings, suffused as they were with the pursuit of justice; Where, as a human rights lawyer, I was inspired by his passion and commitment to tikkun olam – the betterment of the human condition – in the best sense of the word; Where, as counsel to prisoners of conscience, Elie’s voice and testimony was our most powerful ally; Where, as an MP, he was for me, as for parliamentarians worldwide, an inspiration in our work; Where as a citoyen du monde, whenever I would feel despair about the human condition, or about what we could do about it, or feel overwhelmed by evil – or the indifference that would accompany it – I would remember Elie Wiesel’s words on receiving the Nobel Peace Prize: There’s so much injustice and suffering crying out for our attention: victims of hunger, of racism, and of political persecutions… prisoners in so many lands governed by the Left and the Right… more people oppressed than free. But then, always, the call to action. In Elie’s words: There’s much to be done, there’s much that can be done. One person – Raoul Wallenberg – one person of integrity, can make a difference, a difference of life and death. As long as one dissident is in prison, our freedom will not be true. As long as one child is hungry, our lives will be filled with anguish and shame. What all these victims need above all is to know that they are not alone; that we are not forgetting them, that when their voices are stifled we shall lend them ours, that while their freedom depends on ours, the quality of our freedom depends on theirs. Irwin Cotler is Professor of Law Emeritus at McGill University and Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. He recently founded and chairs the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, where Elie Wiesel was honorary cochair and guiding inspiration. This article was adapted, with the author’s permission, from a post on the Times of Israel blog.
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Your Federation Presents FINDING RAVEN, continued from page 1
About the Collection “Finding Raven” features artifacts from the collection of Drs. Joan and Paul Gluck, who split their time between South Florida and the Berkshires, and are active in our local Jewish community. (Paul Gluck was the featured speaker at the Federation’s 2015 Maimonides Society event.) Collectors for four decades, the Glucks were cited by Art and Antiques magazine in 2000 as having one of the top 100 private art collections with a genre-specific focus. “That was cool,” says Paul, “but what was cooler was seeing our name listed alphabetically among some of the other people whose collections were cited – [Bill] Gates, [David] Geffen, and [casino mogul] Arthur Goldberg.” Unlike the others on the list, the Glucks don’t command a vast fortune, yet they have managed to accumulate a museum-quality collection of art by following their passion. The BJV spoke with Paul Gluck, who shared a few thoughts about collecting and connoisseurship. Decide what to collect That can be harder than it seems, says Paul, in that many people with the impulse to collect enjoy buying a little of this and a little of that. Before the Glucks started to collect, they were advised by a college instructor of Joan’s to focus on one genre they
were passionate about in order to accumulate the knowledge and aesthetic eye necessary to assemble a collection of distinction. Paul says he and his wife, who studied anthropology, decided on Northwest Coast Native American art, not only because of its visual appeal, but “because of the stories and folklore behind the art.” The market value of the art was such that they could obtain fine pieces at prices they could afford. At its height, their collection included approximately 250 pieces, and now contains artifacts significant enough that curators from the most prestigious museums of Native American art have traveled to see the work. Educate Yourself For the Glucks, this meant not only assembling a library of more than 150 books about Northwest Coast art, but also developing relationships with dealers, auction houses, and contemporary artists still working in the genre. Paul says it took him between five and ten years of collecting and also studying auction catalogues and results to obtain a strong grasp of the market. By connecting with the artists, they were able to learn more intimately about the cultural significance of the artworks to the members of the culture that created it. They have also commissioned original pieces by these working artists, several which are on view in “Finding Raven.” Buy What Delights You One of the very fine ladles on view at the Berkshire Museum came from Andy Warhol’s vast collection of Native American art (examples of which used to be housed in the old Dakota Restaurant in Pittsfield). Paul says he first encountered the object at Pittsburgh’s Warhol Museum in an exhibition called “Obsession With Possession.” Warhol was the kind of collector who, if he saw something he liked, “grabbed the whole thing,” says Paul, and had
warehouses filled with art and ephemera at the time of his death. Paul says he and Joan are guided by the aesthetic appreciation of an object. He is often approached by dealers offering historically significant pieces; though these works might add to the profile of the collection, the Glucks will pass unless the art speaks to them. That way, he says, even if an object’s market value fluctuates, the artwork retains its personal appeal. Paul makes this distinction between “possessors” and “collectors.” The former category consists of people who want to collect objects cumulatively, he says while a collector “has a passion, but sharing that passion is a big part of what it’s all about.” With “Finding Raven,” the Glucks have succeeded in doing just that. The Federation and PJ Library would like to thank the Glucks
Glenda Hanouse, Thunderbird button blanket. Collection of Joan and Paul Gluck for sharing their collection and helping us develop this engaging family program. “Finding Raven” will be on view at The Berkshire Museum, 39 South Street in Pittsfield, through
October 31. PJ Library, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, is offered locally by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires thanks to generous funding from local donors.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BERKSHIRE MUSEUM.
the stories of totem poles and fantastic tales of wild places and the creatures that inhabit them, all the while comparing the culture of Pacific Northwest Indians with Jewish culture. There will be handson activities, storytelling, and a scavenger hunt at this event appropriate for children of all ages. Admission of $10 per family includes an educational program and admission to the museum. For more information, contact Susan Frisch Lehrer, (413) 442-4360, ext. 14 or jfb.volunteer@verizon. net.
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Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org
September 19 to October 31, 2016
Your Federation Presents Forgotten History: Four Unknown Jewish Men and How they Changed America and the World On Monday, September 26 at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires welcomes David Rutstein, who will speak about four Jewish men who changed history. Who are they? You’ll have to attend in order to find out. This free program at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield, is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community series. Part of the fun of David Rutstein’s talk will be finding out the identities of these four men, who in their own individual ways, were responsible for Czarist Russia losing a war; for Russia, an ally of Britain and France, withdrawing from the First World War; for American recognition of the new State of Israel; for a special tribute from President George Washington to the Jewish people that is still with us today; and for saving thousands of Jewish lives from the Holocaust. David Rutstein holds a Master of Arts degree in American history from the State University of New York at Albany and has taught history in high schools in New York and in the Berkshires. For 30 years until he retired, he was in the antiques business, specializing in buying and selling fine and collectable ephemera of the popular culture, much of which was used in movies, the theatre, television, and in advertising. He is a past president of the Great Barrington Historical Society and serves on the Great Barrington Historical Commission. He is
David Rutstein, with a statue of Harry S. Truman the author of A History of Searles High School, 1898-1967, Great Barrington, Massachusetts, soon to be published.
IF YOU GO Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting With Community Venue: Knesset Israel Date & Time: Monday, September 26 at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (see page 22).
“The Process of Aging” – An Intergenerational Discussion and Support Group, October 10 On Monday, October 10 at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents “The Process of Aging,” with therapist Maggie Bittman. This free program at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community series. Explaining her outlook and approach, Bittman writes: “From birth, we begin to age with Time. Along the way, we develop strategies to help manage the stressors that come with living life – those ‘existence pains’ or ‘existential stressors. Along the way we find meaning and purpose, experience aloneness, confront mortality, and develop self will. “Within this context, participants will discuss, share, and offer support to one another.” These discussions are open to anyone interested in sharing in this universal topic. This is a monthly program that Maggie leads and the discussions broadly range from
Maggie Bittman “Should I Remain in My Home or Downsize” to “Aloneness” to “Staying Active in Your Community” and many more beyond.
IF YOU GO Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting With Community Venue: Knesset Israel Date & Time: Monday, October 10 at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (see page 22).
Letters to the Editor, continued Camper Feels Free, Prepared, and Happily Himself Dear Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, Thank you so much for the opportunity to go to Camp Eden Village again this year. I thank you profusely and really appreciate the scholarship. You gave me this great chance to expand my Jewish education and I had a great time this summer at camp. Once again, I really had a marvelous experience. I was able to learn some Hebrew from my two Israeli counselors, go running, hiking, boating and I played a lot of Gaga (a great Israeli ball game played in a pit). Also I was taught how to play a few chords on the guitar and how to practice the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira. Furthermore, my knowledge of Torah, Jewish mysticism and kabbalistic teachings was enhanced. The food at E.V.C. was also wonderful – certainly not your everyday camp food! Every Shabbat, everyone at camp would dress in white and join together for a parade and a very modern service that lasted about an hour, and
included modern dilemmas and discussions about how to fix them. After was an incredible dinner with fresh baked challah. On Saturday mornings, the campers read the Torah, and Pesach Stadlin, the service leader, gave sermons that were easy to relate to the real world. Then we would go into conversation circles and talk about issues and how to make the world a better place. At night was the best Havdallah ceremony that I have ever experienced. It included fire spinning, dancing, singing... Quite fun! All in all, my experience at Eden Village Camp was truly wonderful and I was able to happily be myself. Because of all the aspects of camp, I feel free and prepared to make the world a more equal and peaceful place. None of this could have happened if it was not for you, the Jewish Federation, and I appreciate what you have done with all of my heart. Sincerely, Ezra Rosenberg New Lebanon, NY
Fun and Exciting – Animal Farm, Dance, and Krav Maga Dear Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, Thank you so much for letting me enjoy the amazing experience of spending some of my summer at URJ Camp Eisner. I made many new friends in my unit, Ofarim. I also enjoyed the fun and exciting activities. Some of my favorites were the animal farm, dance,
and Krav Maga. I also really liked Teva, which is where you take hikes, make food, play games, and sleep in tents with your bunk. I am looking forward to hopefully going back next year. Sincerely, Emma Adelson Lee
She Made a Bowl with Her Buddy Dear Jewish Federation: Thank you so much for your contribution to my summer. I attended Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, and it was a summer I will never forget. I was able to reconnect with old friends and make many new ones. The Eisner community is welcoming and made up of some of the best people I know. Being in Olim really gave me the full experience of camp. Since we are the oldest campers, we have the most freedom, but with that freedom comes responsibility. Each one of us was buddied with one of the youngest campers. My buddy’s name was Gila. She is entering 4th grade and lived in Israel for ten months. This meant that
Shabbats of Song, Weekdays of Krav Maga Dear Jewish Federation Thank you for helping with the funds for the scholarship so I could go to camp. I like Camp Ramah so much, it is fun on Shabbat when your whole bunk sings together and has the best times. Also playing against Ramah Berkshires, which was a blast, being the home team and hearing everyone cheer. And having bunk activities which included Krav Maga was the best. I can’t wait to go back to camp next year!! Cormac Duffy (right)
she was fluent in Hebrew and English, and she also danced hip hop and played the guitar. She and I hung out together and during our free time, we made a bowl together in the ceramic studio. Olim also had the chance to go on a 4-day trip to Montreal. We went to the Biodome, the Holocaust Museum, ice skating, and jet boating, and on the way home we stopped at the Ben & Jerry’s factory in Burlington. I had an amazing time at camp and am going to visit my friends as often as I can. Thank you again. Charlotte Adelson Lee
Final Summer as a Chanich the “Most Magical” Dear Jewish Federation: Thank you so much for sending me to camp Ramah for my final summer as a chanich. I did so much and made so many friends and lasting memories over all the years you have sent me there and I truly appreciate that. I got to run Yom Sport (Color War), do the Niv play which was School of Rock, and perform live music during the show. I got to dance and sing with other young Jews, in a way that cannot be mirrored or copied in any capacity. This unique summer was the best one of my life, the lessons I learned and the amazing activities and programming that I participated in made me grow as a young Jewish adult. From Frisbee practice to Saturday night shira, to swimming in the agam, and havdallah. I thank you all for the most magical experience of my life. Sincerely, Caleb Duffy (below)
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Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org
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Your Federation Presents Summer Concert a Fundraising Success More than 375 community members came together to hear Josh Nelson and Neshama Carlebach at the Federation’s annual benefit concert on July 31. Together we raised more than $10,000 to help victims of terror attacks in Israel. A special thank you to concert co-chairs, Norman Michaels and Judy Cook, as well as the many underwriters and attendees for their support of this very special community event.
Victor Borge, by One of the People Who Knew Him Best, September 22 On Thursday, September 22, the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires welcomes Frederikke Borge, daughter of acclaimed pianist and comedian Victor Borge. She’ll reminisce about her famous father, and screen some rare and entertaining footage. This free program (postponed from an earlier date) at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield, is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community series. “I hope to give an insight into the private and public life of my late father, Victor Borge,” says Frederikke. “It is my honor and privilege to share his story with as many people as I can, it is an inspiring tale.” Born Borge Rosenbaum, the entertainer was born in Denmark and came to the United States in 1940 as a refuge from Europe not knowing English and with only $20 in his pocket. He adapted his routines for American audiences, and became one of the most popular radio, television, and concert performers from the late 1940s onward. He continued to tour until his last days, performing up to 60 times per year when he was 90 years old.
Frederikke Borge is the youngest of the five children of Victor Borge and his wife Sanna. She enjoyed a wonderful childhood, beautiful homes, and no end of people who were glad to see her (father). She spent school vacations traveling on tour, selling programs at Borge shows all over the US and Europe. Apart from being the daughter of a world famous music and comedy icon, she has been an actress, horse trainer, dog rescuer, friend, sister, mother, and grandmother. Rikke lives with her daughter Hanne, and granddaughter Jazmine in Southern Berkshire County, where she has been a resident for over 40 years.
IF YOU GO Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting With Community Venue: Knesset Israel Date & Time: Thursday, September 22, at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (see page 22). Frederikke Borge and her father Victor in a still from a film made for the Danish Tourist Bureau
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Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org
September 19 to October 31, 2016
Your Federation Presents Chair Yoga with KripaluCertified Instructor Robin Seeley, October 31 On Monday, October 31 at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents a chair yoga class led by Kripalu-certified instructor Robin Seeley. This free program at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield, is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community series. Chair yoga is a gentle and unique practice performed while sitting on a chair. Students are able to warm up the body safely and perform yoga poses with more support and stability. Students learn a variety of yoga postures and breathing techniques that help increase flexibility, strength, and health. Chair yoga is suitable for all ages, fitness levels, and physical conditions. Robin Seeley has studied and practiced yoga for the last 12 years. She says: “I believe in a compassionate approach to yoga and I guide my students in creating a connection between the mind and body while offering a safe and supported space to gain confidence from the inside out. My ultimate goal as a yoga instructor is to empower my students to become more skillful in listening to their inner
Connecting With Community Programs / Kosher Hot Lunch Programs in the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ Connecting with Community series are free and start at 10:45 a.m. most Mondays and Thursdays at Knesset Israel (16 Colt Road, Pittsfield). Programs are followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $2 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. Advance reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program. For further information on all programs, please call Nancy Maurice Rogers, program director, at (413) 442-4360, ext. 15. For lunch menus, please see page 22.
CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY
Frederikke Borge................................................ Thursday, September 22 David Rutstein.................................................... Monday, September 26 Rabbi Jan Caryl Kaufman.................................. Thursday, September 29 Lyla Blake Ward....................................................... Thursday, October 6 Maggie Bittman........................................................Monday, October 10 Melissa Rosen/Sharsheret...................................... Thursday, October 13 Rev. Sheila Sholes-Ross........................................... Thursday, October 20 Rep. Paul Mark....................................................... Thursday, October 27 Robin Seeley/Chair Yoga.........................................Monday, October 31 Robin Seeley and daughter
KNOSH & KNOWLEDGE
Randy F. Weinstein...................................................... Friday, October 14
wisdom that guides them in the flow of their lives both on and off the mat.”
IF YOU GO Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting With Community Venue: Knesset Israel Date & Time: Monday, October 31 at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (see page 22).
“Race Matters: Why Not Speak and Live the Truth in Love?” on Oct. 20 On Thursday, October 20 at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires welcomes the Reverend Sheila D. SholesRoss, pastor at the First Baptist Church of Pittsfield. Her topic will be “Race Matters: Why Not Speak and Live the Truth in Love?”. This free program at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield, is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community series. Reverend Sholes-Ross is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and spent 20 years in North Carolina where she finally accepted God’s Call to “Feed God’s Sheep.” Rev. Sholes-Ross has earned a Master of Divinity from James Walker Hood Theological Seminary and was ordained by American Baptist Churches. Rev. Sholes-Ross became the 30th pastor of Pittsfield’s First Baptist Church in 2014, its first female and first African-American pastor. She has a Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Master of Administration and Supervision from Xavier University of the South. She holds a Bachelor or Music Therapy from Loyola University of the South, along with a Bachelor of Music from Xavier University of the South. She also has a non-profit management certificate from Duke University. As an advocate on behalf of female clergy across denominations and ethnicities to attain senior pastorates in churches, Rev. Sholes-Ross co-chairs the ecumenical non-profit “Equity for Women in the Church Community.” She is married to her supportive husband, Nelson Ross, a hairstylist in Pittsfield, who is now becoming a true “New Englander” although his heart remains in the South. Rev. Sholes-Ross was the invited speaker for the Berkshire Human Rights Speaker Series chaired by Ricky Bernstein. The series focus for
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Reverend Sheila D. Sholes-Ross the 2015/16 year was “Black Lives Matter.” She was invited again this year to present for the Berkshire Human Rights Speaker Series on December 1, 2016 with “Hard Truths.”
IF YOU GO Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting With Community Venue: Knesset Israel Date & Time: Thursday, October 20 at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (see page 22).
Elul 5776-Tishri 5777
Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org
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Your Federation Presents One Story – O ne 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. Each month we will highlight the story of people you have never met, but whose lives have been changed forever due to your generosity.
Macedonian Jewish Community Joins JDC in Aiding Thousands of Flood Survivors After Catastrophic August Storms Relief efforts a partnership between JDC, The Jewish Community of the Republic of Macedonia, and the Holocaust Fund of the Jews from Macedonia A week after disastrous floods struck Macedonia in August, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) together with The Jewish Community of the Republic of Macedonia and the Holocaust Fund of the Jews from Macedonia, have assisted thousands of flood survivors by creating and distributing 1,000 hygiene relief kits throughout the hardest-hit areas of the Balkan nation. The packages, created at a Jewish community volunteer event on Sunday, August 14, helped address personal and household hygiene needs, a critical component in flood recovery zones. “Our response puts into action the Jewish teaching that every individual life has value and it is our duty to offer care and relief in in times of disaster, no matter a person’s background or faith. We’re honored to join our partners in the Macedonian Jewish community to deliver life-saving aid, and a sense of hope, to those Macedonians who have lost everything,” said Alan H. Gill, CEO of the JDC. “Our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones, and cherished possessions, as a result of this tragedy.” In the wake of the sudden floods, JDC partnered with the Macedonian Jewish community to both assess needs and strategically target aid to the most vulnerable. To address growing needs
among flood survivors, 1,000 hygiene relief kits – including medical soap, disinfection solutions, and cleaning supplies to sanitize homes filled with flood debris – were assembled by the Jewish community, including the local youth group, and distributed to aid approximately 5,000 people in Stajkovci, Smiljkovci, Brnjarci, Indzikovo, and Chento. “We have come together to help victims in need, regardless of religious or ethnic background, in the spirit of tikkun olam, repairing the world,” said the Boards of Directors of The Jewish Community in the Republic of Macedonia and the Holocaust Fund of the Jews from Macedonia. Macedonia is home to approximately 250 Jews, mostly of Sephardic heritage, with an extensive network of social welfare services, and Jewish educational and religious programming. This is the second time that JDC and the Macedonian Jewish community have provided humanitarian relief in response to a local crisis. In 1999, JDC and the Macedonian Jewish community created an organization called Dobre Volje, or Good Will, to provide nonsectarian humanitarian aid to Albanian, Serbian, and Gypsy refugees who fled to Macedonia during and after the Kosovo War. JDC, which has a longstanding partnership with the Macedonian Jewish community since the 1930s, focuses its work today on empowering and training Macedonian Jewish leaders and including them in pan-European Jewish cultural and educational activities. These activities include regional Jewish leadership seminars; Macedonian Jewish youth attending the JDC-Lauder International Jewish Summer Camp at Szarvas, Hungary; and a program for Macedonian Jewish teens to network with their Jewish peers globally and engage in service work through JDC’s partnership with BBYO, the pluralistic Jewish teen movement.
For further information on all Jewish Federation of the Berkshires programs, please call Nancy Maurice Rogers, Program Director, at (413) 442-4360, ext. 15.
SOCIAL WORKER, PART-TIME NEEDED Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts is seeking a Social Worker with experience providing services to older adults. This position is located in Berkshire County and is in collaboration with the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires. The position is primarily outreach and care management but also includes collaboration with community providers. Flexible 12 hours a week, knowledge of Jewish values and traditions a plus but not required. LCSW is required. Competitive salary. AA/EOE.
L’Shana Tova 5777 Let us help you prepare! Holiday Menus for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
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Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org
September 19 to October 31, 2016
Your Federation Presents Massachusetts State Rep to Share Impressions of Israel, October 27 On Thursday, October 27, at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires welcomes Paul W. Mark, the State Representative for the 2nd Berkshire District of Massachusetts, who will share his impressions of Israel in a talk titled “It’s Complicated-An Eye Opening Visit.” This free program at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield, is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community series. Says Rep. Mark: “I had the honor of joining a delegation of State Representatives and City Councilors from all over Massachusetts on an official visit to Israel in 2014. This ten-day intensive trip brought me to places I never thought I would get the chance to visit, and opened my eyes to a beautiful, yet fractured region of the world. I will share my experiences with members of the Jewish community, explain how this trip changed how I think about that part of the world, and relate what I saw in Israel to what I know of how our region and Massachusetts.” The 2nd Berkshire District is comprised of sixteen cities
Rep. Mark in Jerusalem and towns in Berkshire and Franklin Counties. Rep. Mark is currently in his third term in office and serves as the Vice Chair of the Rules Committee. He previously was employed as a telephone company lineman, holds a law degree from Suffolk University Law School and is licensed to practice as an attorney in Massachusetts, and holds a doctoral degree in Law and Public Policy from Northeastern University. He
lives with his wife Cassandra in the Berkshire County town of Peru.
IF YOU GO Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting With Community Venue: Knesset Israel Date & Time: Thursday, October 27 at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (see page 22).
Book Talk – A “Slightly Jewish” Upbringing on New York’s Upper West Side, Oct. 6 On Thursday, October 6 at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires welcomes Lyla Blake Ward, author of Broadway, Schrafft’s and Seeded Rye—Growing Up Slightly Jewish on the Upper West Side. This free program at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield, is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community series. Lyla Blake Ward will be talking about her book, why she wrote it, and how the atmosphere and the culture of this singular New York City neighborhood remain with her to this day. The book is made up of essays and poems, histo-
ries, and more than 50 vintage photos. Lyla Blake Ward’s writing career officially began in 1949, when she sold her first poem to Collier’s magazine: Betrayal at Plymouth Greasy gizzards, flying feathers Oh the difference it would make, If the Pilgrims had decided To give thanks with sirloin steak. Over the past 65 years, numerous magazines and newspapers have published
SHANA TOVA FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOU AND YOURS!
her work. Her humorous verse, op-eds, personal essays, and social commentary have appeared in Good Housekeeping, The Wall Street Journal, Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Family Circle, the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, the Christian Science Monitor, and Newsday, among many others.
IF YOU GO Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting With Community Venue: Knesset Israel Date & Time: Thursday, October 6 at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (see page 22).
“What’s Jewish About Breast Cancer?” – Sharsheret Rep Offers Some Insight, Oct. 13 On Thursday, October 13 at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires hosts Melissa Rosen, Director of National Outreach for Sharsheret, a national not-forprofit organization that supports women and families, of all Jewish backgrounds facing breast cancer, at every stage – before, during and after diagnosis. This free program at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield, is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community series. Why is breast cancer an issue for the Jewish community? Melissa Rosen will discuss why the Jewish community should commit to both awareness and action. Herself a breast cancer survivor, she is passionate about the Jewish community and cancer support and advocacy. Explore genetics, healthy living, community support, and much more during this special Breast Cancer Awareness Month program.
Rosen has a master’s degree in Jewish Communal Service from Brandeis University and has been working in the non-profit sector for over 25 years. Her professional experience includes informal education, advocacy and community outreach. Rosen’s work has allowed her to facilitate unique and lasting connections among organizations in the diverse American Jewish community. Rosen oversees outreach efforts throughout the country, amplifying Sharsheret’s reach and connecting as many as possible to the support and resources of Sharsheret.
IF YOU GO Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting With Community Venue: Knesset Israel Date & Time: Thursday, October 13 at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (see page 22).
Rabbi Talk – “Innovations in the High Holiday Mahzor,” September 29 On Thursday, September 29, at 10:45 a.m., join Rabbi Jan Caryl Kaufman for “Innovations in the High Holiday Mahzor.” She will examine some innovations in Mahzor Lev Shalem for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur published by the Rabbinical Assembly for Conservative synagogues. This free program at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield, is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community series. Rabbi Kaufman will discuss some of the choices that led to changes in the Conservative prayer book, which include: A prayer for those who can’t fast; a Yizkor prayer for an abusive parent; a new ending for the traditional Al Het prayer; an alternative Avinu Malkeinu; a new way to look at the Unetaneh Tokef; and a prayer for brokenness and wholeness during the shofar service when we sound both broken and whole notes. Lev Shalem, published in 2010 was edited by Rabbi Edward Feld of Northampton, MA. Rabbi Kaufman served as the staff person for the mahzor since its inception in 1998 until its publication – 12 years of work. In 2015, Rabbi Jan Caryl
Rabbi Jan Caryl Kaufman Kaufman was among those honored at the Rabbinical Assembly’s celebration at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City commemorating the 30th Anniversary of women in the Conservative rabbinate. Rabbi Kaufman received ordination from Hebrew Union College in 1979, and obtained her RA ordination in 1985.
IF YOU GO Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting With Community Venue: Knesset Israel Date & Time: Monday, September 29, at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (see page 22).
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INCLUDES A CALENDAR OF PROGRAMS AND EVENTS SPONSORED BY THE BERKSHIRE JEWISH COMMUNITY
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Your Federation Presents Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ 2016 Annual Campaign GOAL $790,000 320
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DOING YOUR ANNUAL EXTRAORDINARY IMPACT CAMPAIGN THINGS
U.S. GRANT, continued from page 1 a residential treatment center for challenged students, published works on African-American history and Reconstruction, established North Star Rare Books (Great Barrington), and lectures on race relations throughout the county. Weinstein is the founder of the W.E.B. Du Bois Center-Great Barrington, a nonprofit organization providing educational programs that honestly examine historical and contemporary aspects of social justice. His current work-in-progress is The Best Kept Secret: The Education of Ulysses S. Grant.
IF YOU GO Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Venue: Hevreh of Southern Berkshire, 270 State Road, Great Barrington Date: Friday, October 14 at 10:45 a.m. (lunch follows at noon) Advance lunch reservations required for this event. Email jfb.officemanager@verizon.net, or call (413) 442-4360, ext. 10 Cost: $11 with fresh buffet lunch. Program only, $5.
IS REAL 2016
Jewish V ice Berkshire
A publication of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, serving the Berkshires and surrounding NY, CT and VT
Thank you to our supporters! The Berkshire Jewish Voice extends a very special “thank you” for the generosity extended thus far by 77 households who have sent in their contributions for voluntary subscriptions to the paper. Anonymous (3) Connee and Dick Bandes Robert and Barbara Bashevkin Ev Bastow Leonard and Barbara Blum Rabbi Kenneth Brickman Harriet Bussel Sheila Donath Alexander and Aline Drescher Marilyn Dukoff Elaine Epstein Eitan and Malka Evan Laura and Bob Friedman Betsy and Richard Gaberman Rik and Nancy Gagnon Lee and Ruth Glazerman Ed and Cindy Helitzer Peter Herman and Jerri Chaplin Mara Herskowitz Harold and Elaine Isaacson Lynn and Michael Jacobson Martin and Alice Jonas Sharon Karlin Alan Kaufman and Deborah Roth Linda Kaye-Moses Rabbi Ralph and Brenda Kingsley Larry and Sondra Klein Tatyana Knaster Ed and Roz Kolodny Allen and Ros Kopfstein Barbara Lafer Enrico and Cookie Lamet
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Page 12
Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org
September 19 to October 31, 2016
l HIGH HOLY DAY SERVICES AND CELEBRATIONS l The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires wishes all a happy and healthy 5777 The schedules that appear were provided by local congregations, which should be contacted directly for more information, confirmation of times and events, and details about other planned holiday season programming that may not be listed. The congregational directory with contact information and addresses is on page 29. Services will take place at the locations listed in the directory, except as noted in the listings that follow. Candle lighting and havdalah times are for Pittsfield and were taken from the Knesset Israel calendar.
High Holy Day Dates Holiday
Date
Selichot
Saturday, September 24
Erev Rosh Hashanah
Sunday, October 2
6:13 p.m.
Rosh Hashanah – First Day
Monday, October 3
7:41 p.m.
Rosh Hashanah – Second Day
Tuesday, October 4
Yom Kippur/Kol Nidre
Tuesday, October 11
Yom Kippur
Wednesday, October 12
Erev Sukkot
Sunday, October 16
5:49 p.m.
Sukkot – First Day Yom Tov
Monday, October 17
6:48 p.m.
Sukkot – Second Day Yom Tov
Tuesday, October 18
Sukkot – Chol Ha’Moed
Wednesday, October 19 – Saturday, October 22
Hoshanah Rabbah
Sunday, October 23
5:39 p.m.
Shemini Atzeret
Monday, October 24
6:37 p.m.
Simchat Torah
Tuesday, October 25
Hevreh of Southern Berkshire Rabbi Neil P.G. Hirsch, Rabbi Jodie Gordon, cantorial soloist Joshua Zecher-Ross, the Hevreh Choir, and the Hevreh community will celebrate 5777 with a Reform service rich in song, prayer, and celebration.
SERVICES Selichot – Service with Rabbi Everett Gendler at 8 p.m. (See related story on page 21.) Erev Rosh Hashanah – Service at 8 p.m. Rosh Hashanah 1st Day – Service at 10:30 a.m. Family service at 9 a.m. Tashlich/Great Barrington river walk at 4 p.m.. Rosh Hashanah 2nd Day – Service at 10:30 a.m. Yom Kippur/Kol Nidre – Service at 8 p.m. Yom Kippur – Service at 10:30 a.m. Family service at 9 a.m. Special programs will be held starting at 1:15 p.m. Afternoon service (with Yizkor and
Ne’ilah) at 2:45 p.m., followed by break-the-fast. Other events: Sukkot pizza party on Wednesday, 8/19 at 5:15 p.m. Simchat Torah celebration and new Religious School student consecration on Sunday, 10/23 at 6 p.m.
Congregation Beth Israel Congregation Beth Israel’s services will be led by Rabbi Rachel Barenblat and visiting student-hazzan Randall Miller. This Reform congregation will use Days of Awe, the machzor put together by Rabbi Barenblat, co-chair of ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal. Childcare will be available as noted, but please confirm with CBI.
SERVICES Selichot – Service at 8-9 p.m., followed by pot luck dinner. A cemetery service will take place on Sunday, 9/25 at 2 p.m. (call for location). Erev Rosh Hashanah – Service at 7:30 p.m. Rosh Hashanah 1st Day – Service at 9:30 a.m., children’s service 10 a.m. Tashlich follows service, with offsite lunch following (please RSVP). Childcare provided. Rosh Hashanah 2nd Day – Service at 9:30 a.m. Yom Kippur/Kol Nidre – Service at 6 p.m., preceded by musical service at 5:30 p.m. Childcare provided.
Yom Kippur – Service at 9:30 a.m., children’s service at 10 a.m. Yizkor takes place at the end of the morning service. Introduction to Jewish contemplative practice at 3 p.m., followed by mincha and avodah service at 4 p.m. Ne’ilah at 6 p.m., followed by break-the-fast (please RSVP). Shmini Atzeret – Service (with Yizkor) at 10 a.m. Other events: Sukkot/Shabbat potluck, Friday, 10/21 at 5:30 p.m.
Candle Lighting
Havdalah
7:09 p.m.
5:58 p.m. 6:56 p.m.
6:46 p.m.
6:36 p.m.
Temple Anshe Amunim “Our sanctuary has been completely remodeled to reflect a modern esthetic. Even more importantly, with our new elevator and redesigned bimah everyone can participate equally in our worship,” says Rabbi Josh Breindel, who will lead the congregation’s Reform service. In addition, cantorial soloist Dara Rosenblatt returns to TAA to lend her musical talents and spiritual insights to the High Holy Days. Temple members leave the synagogue on the second day of Rosh Hashanah for a special outdoor service at an Audubon nature preserve in Lenox. Temple Anshe Amunim offers babysitting during both days of Rosh Hashanah, as well as Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur. Please RSVP.
SERVICES Selichot – Contemplative service featuring stories, music, and guided meditations at 7:30 p.m., followed by dessert reception. Erev Rosh Hashanah – Service at 7:30 p.m., followed by oneg. Rosh Hashanah 1st Day – Congregational service at 10:30 a.m. Two family services (pre-school/grade school) at 9 a.m. Rosh Hashanah 2nd Day – “Rosh Hashanah in Nature,” with special liturgy and readings, at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Road, Lenox. 10:30 a.m. Yom Kippur/Kol Nidre – Service at 7:30 p.m., with violinist Yevgeny Kutik performing Kol Nidre. Yom Kippur – Service at 10:30 a.m. Study session at 1:30 p.m. Afternoon service led by Temple Youth Group and Religious School students at 3 p.m. Yizkor/Ne’ilah at 5 p.m., followed by break-thefast (please RSVP). Erev Sukkot – Sukkah decoration at 10 a.m., followed by pizza lunch. Please RSVP. Sukkot Yom Tov – Monday only. Study session at 9:30 a.m., service at 10:45 Simchat Torah Celebration – Family-friendly service on Sunday, 10/23 at 5:00 p.m. Shmini Azeret – Study session at 9:30 a.m. Service (with Yizkor) at 10:45 a.m. Other Events: Memorial Service of Faith, October 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Pittsfield Cemetery.
Israeli Jewelry
The Mews, by the Red Lion Inn Courtyard Stockbridge, MA 413-298-4436
Elul 5776-Tishri 5777
Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org
Page 13
l HIGH HOLY DAY SERVICES AND CELEBRATIONS l Knesset Israel
Congregation Ahavath Sholom myriad ways. Congregants deliver divrai Torah, and help Spiritual Leader Barbara Cohen create an atmosphere of intimacy with each other, the prayers, the music, and the spiritual atmosphere of this awe-filled time.
SERVICES
This Jewish holiday season at Knesset Israel will be the first one in the new sanctuary. Families and guests are welcomed at the tuneful, lay-led services, with commentaries on significant Torah themes by Rabbi David Weiner and members of this Conservative congregation.
SERVICES
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services take place at Berkshire South Community Center, 15 Crissey Road, Great Barrington. High Holy Day worship with the Reconstructionist Ahavath Sholom community is an inclusive experience, with members participating in
Selichot – Minchah/study session at 6:15 p.m. Service at 7:30 p.m. Erev Rosh Hashanah – Service at 6:15 p.m. Rosh Hashanah 1st Day – Service at 8:15 a.m. Children’s programming 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Babysitting (please RSVP) 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tashlich at Pomeroy Ave. bridge at 5:30 p.m. Evening service at 6:15 p.m. Rosh Hashanah 2nd Day – Morning same as Rosh Hashanah 1st Day. Evening service 7 High Holy Day services will be held at the Friends (Quaker) p.m. Meeting House, 280 State Road (Route 23), Great Barrington, a Yom Kippur/Kol Nidre – Mincha few hundred yards east of the Berkshire Minyan’s regular home at 5:30 p.m., Kol Nidre at 5:45 at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire. Sukkot services will be held in p.m. the Hevreh library. Yom Kippur – Service at 9 a.m. Torah service and Yizkor after 10:45 a.m. Children’s programming 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The egalitarian Berkshire Minyan conducts traditional serBabysitting (please RSVP) 9:30 vices with interactive discussions around personal themes, using a.m. to 1 p.m. Afternoon service the Conservative movement’s Lev Shalem machzor with the addiat 4:10 p.m. and Ne’ilah at 5:35 tion of different readings and kavvanot. p.m. Erev Sukkot – Service at 6:15. SERVICES Sukkot Yom Tov – Services (lulav and etrog) both days at 9:30. Erev Rosh Hashanah – Service at 6:00 p.m. Hoshanah Rabbah – Morning Rosh Hashanah 1st Day – Services at 9:30 a.m., followed by commuservice at 8 a.m. Evening service nity potluck lunch and tashlich. 6:15 p.m. Rosh Hashanah 2nd Day – Same as Rosh Hashanah 1st day, sans Shemini Atzeret – Service (with potluck and tashlich. Yizkor) at 9:30 a.m. Simchat ToYom Kippur/Kol Nidre – Service at 6:00 p.m. rah dinner at 5:30 p.m. (please Yom Kippur – Service at 9:30 a.m. Afternoon service and Ne’ilah at RSVP), followed by hakafot/des4:30 p.m., followed by community break-the-fast. sert at 6:30. Sukkot Yom Tov, Day 1 – Service at 9:30 a.m. (No service on day 2). Simchat Torah – Service at 9:30 Shemini Atzeret/Simhat Torah (combined): Monday, October 5, at a.m. 9:30 a.m.
Berkshire Minyan
The Woodstock (N.Y.) Jewish Congregation seeks an Executive Director to lead, manage, and coordinate the administrative operation of our synagogue. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and works closely with the Board, the Rabbi, the staff and the congregation. We seek a joyful, creative, innovative and organized leader who is able to solve complex problems and exercise considerable independent judgment. Please send cover letter and resume to: ExecDirSearch@WJCSHUL.ORG
Selichot – Service at 8 p.m. Erev Rosh Hashanah – Service at 7:00 p.m. Rosh Hashanah 1st Day – Service at 10 a.m., followed by tashlich. Rosh Hashanah 2nd Day – Same as Rosh Hashanah 1st Day, sans tashlich. Yom Kippur/Kol Nidre – Doors open 6:30 p.m., with Kol Nidre at 7 p.m. Yom Kippur – Service at 10 a.m. Ne’ilah at 5:00 p.m., followed by potluck break-the-fast. Other events: Shabbat Shuvah service on 10/8, at 10 a.m.
Chabad of the Berkshires Now in its 12th year, Chabad of the Berkshires welcomes all to its friendly traditional services at its Pittsfield location. Co-directors Rabbi Levi and Sara Volovik say membership is not required – “According to tradition, at the New Year the Doors of Heaven are open – G-d accepts all prayers, from anyone. We open our doors, as well.”
SERVICES Selichot – Melavah Malka at 9:30 p.m., followed by Selichot at 10 p.m. Erev Rosh Hashanah – Service at 6 p.m., followed by traditional dinner at 6:30 p.m. (please RSVP by 9/2 – $36 adult/$12 under 12). Rosh Hashanah 1st Day – Service at 9:30 a.m. Children’s program time TBD. Kiddush buffet following service. Tashlich at 1:30 p.m. Rosh Hashanah 2nd Day – Same as Rosh Hashanah 1st Day, sans tashlich. Yom Kippur/Kol Nidre – Service at 6:15 p.m. Yom Kippur – Service at 9:30 a.m. (Yizkor at 11:30 a.m.) Children’s service TBD. Afternoon service and Ne’ilah at 5:00 p.m., followed by break-the-fast. Sukkot Yom Tov – Services both days at 10 a.m. Hoshanah Rabbah – Please contact Chabad. Shemini Atzeret – Service at 10 a.m. Simchat Torah – Morning service at 10 a.m. Hakafot dancing at 6:30 p.m., with New York deli buffet.
Page 14
Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org
September 19 to October 31, 2016
Wishing You A Sweet New Year L’Shana Tova Tikatevu 2016-5777
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Elul 5776-Tishri 5777
Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org
Page 15
LOCAL NEWS
New Art-Making Hand in Hand Family Programs Expanding at CBI North Adams NORTH ADAMS – Families have new art-making opportunities at Congregation Beth Israel this year. The CBI Community Hebrew School will offer monthly family programs throughout the year with the theme ‘People of the Book/People of the Story.’ “Along with book-making, traditional Hebrew calligraphy and simple illuminated manuscripts, we will do a lot of storytelling,” says education director Maggid David Arfa. “We’ll be collecting family stories, storyMother and daughter enjoy puppet making telling games and learning to tell together at the CBI Community our favorite Jewish stories too. The goal of all of our programs mittee. “Not only is Laura a master is to build Jewish community for chilin connecting values education and art-making, she is excited to create dren and their families.” Both Arfa and Jane Shiyah, the K-3rd grade teacher programming at Mass MoCA for our school,” says Arfa. are professional storytellers and will bring their experience to these proFor more information, please visit grams. Pre-schoolers and their families www.cbihebrewschool.weebly.com. For are invited for special Hand in Hand questions, please contact education director Maggid (storyteller) David Arfa programming the first hour. This year, CBI is welcoming Lauat CBI in North Adams, david@maggiddavid.net or call (413) 663-5830. ra Thompson, director of Kidspace at Mass MoCA, to its education com-
2016 · 5777
A LAND
A LEGACY
Introduction to Judaism Class at CBI – Beginning in November NORTH ADAMS – Congregation Beth Israel has announced it will be presenting “Introduction to Judaism,” a new program in Jewish engagement aimed at all interested regardless of religion or background. It will be offered in partnership with the Louis & Judith Miller Introduction to Judaism Program at American Jewish University. This class, taught by Rabbi Rachel Barenblat, will have eighteen sessions over the course of the fall and winter, beginning in November 2016. (The final schedule will be determined after the Days of Awe.) The class is free for CBI members; $60 for non-members. To sign up and find out schedule, contact rabbibarenblat@gmail.com. The required textbook is $20; let the rabbi know if this is a hardship.
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Page 16
Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org
September 19 to October 31, 2016
Wishing You & Yours a Shana Tova. A Happy, Healthy & Sweet New Year! Thank you to 97 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 have set inspire others to create their own Jewish Legacy.
Anonymous (9) Ed Abrahams Norman Avnet Barbara Bashevkin Robert Bashevkin Linda J. L. Becker Robert Berend Shelley Berend Helene Berke Lawrence Berke Lee & Sydelle Blatt Betty Braun, of blessed memory Cipora Brown
Barbara Cohen Mark Cohen Mimi Cohen C. Jeffrey & Judith Cook Gerry & Lynn Denmark Jonathan & Lara Denmark Sheila K. Donath Melva Eidelberg Monroe England, in memory of Monroe B. & Isabel England Dr. Armand V. Feigenbaum, of blessed memory Dr. Donald S. Feigenbaum, of blessed memory Steven Feiner Diana & Stanley Feld Stuart M. Fischman Lynn & William Foggle Elaine Friedman
Eiran Gazit Jeffrey Goldwasser & Jonquil Wolfson Jordan & Laura Green Harold Grinspoon Ellen Heffan Ed Jaffe, of blessed memory Elihu Katzman Marilyn Katzman Dara Kaufman Howard & Nancy Kaufman Lawrence Klein Sarah Klein Arthur Kriger, of blessed memory Fred & Brenda Landes Beth Laster-Nathan Andrew S. Levine Toby H. Levine Erna Lindner-Gilbert
Amy Lindner-Lesser Helen Maislen Ellen Masters Stuart Masters Estelle Miller Robert Newman, of blessed memory Ken & Fran Rubenstein Stella Schecter Arlene D. Schiff Gary Schiff Stephen & Deborah Schreier Martin Silver Sylvia Silverberg, in memory of Jerome Silverberg Richard A. Simons & Marcie Greenfield Simons Mark & Elisa Snowise Harold Sparr, of blessed memory
Lisa Fletcher-Udel Edward Udel Michael & Joan Ury Mark & Judy Usow Henry & Beate Voremberg, of blessed memory Alexandra Warshaw Florence Wineberg, of blessed memory Rabbi Deborah Zecher & Rabbi Dennis Ross
The Legacy Circle of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires
What Will You Pass Down To Future Generations? In one way or another, you’ve no doubt enjoyed the warmth, traditions and support of a vibrant Jewish community throughout your life. Who will keep these values and traditions alive? Jewish tradition teaches us that it is our responsibility to make the world a better place for future generations. Chances are you have spent a lifetime helping people. A legacy gift is a great way to perpetuate your annual support for the work of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires and other organizations that are important to you. Creating your own Jewish legacy ensures that the work of your heart and your values will continue beyond your lifetime. It also serves as an example to your loved ones, teaching them the value you’ve placed on caring for those in need and supporting Jewish community. First Steps to Creating your Legacy Your legacy can be structured to fit your lifestyle, goals and your family’s financial needs. Your financial planner can help you choose the right vehicle. Here are few to consider: • A bequest in your will or trust • An outright legacy gift of appreciated stock or cash • A life insurance policy • An IRA or pension plan • A charitable remainder trust or gift annuity A Community is only as Strong as its Resources A legacy gift to the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires will assure a vibrant and flourishing Jewish community for many generations. Getting started is as easy as completing a Declaration of Intent form and making provisions in your estate plan. Learn more about Legacy giving by contacting Margo Golos, Development Officer, at (413) 442-4360, ext. 19.
“Growing up in the Berkshires, the Federation was always a presence in our lives. We fondly remember going to the JCC for sports and activities. Now that we are raising our children here, we want to ensure that there will always be programs available for them and for future generations. In our wills, we simply earmarked funds to be given to the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires for children’s activities and events. We strongly urge community members to participate in the Legacy program. It’s easy to do and it will ensure that our Jewish values are passed on from generation to generation.” Lara & Jonathan Denmark “What concerns me is whether there will be a network of local people to pull this Jewish Community together in the future. The Jewish Federation is out there working hard and my legacy gift will help them ensure a Jewish future for the Berkshires for years to come.” Moe England “In 2012 we decided to make our vacation home in the Berkshires into our permanent residence. We thankfully are able to give annually to the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, but in order to make this permanent we felt it was important to recognize our desire to benefit our community in our estate plans.” Elihu & Marilyn Katzman
“I did not find the world desolate when I entered it. As my parents planted for me before I was born, so do I plant for those who will come after me.” — Talmud
Elul 5776-Tishri 5777
Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org
Page 17
Your Federation Presents Maimonides Society in the Berkshires Local Jewish healthcare professionals gathered to hear world-renowned neurologist and geneticist, Dr. Edwin Kolodny share tales of Gaucher disease at the Maimonides Society’s 3rd annual meeting, presented by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires.
Page 18
Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org
September 19 to October 31, 2016
Elul 5776-Tishri 5777
Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org
Page 19
LOCAL NEWS
GREAT BARRINGTON – Hinda Bodinger, a member of Hevreh of Southern Berkshire, has launched Berkshire Baby Box, a non-profit that provides a special gift for newborns — a box, which doubles as a safe sleeping space, filled with supplies to ease the transition to new parenthood. Bodinger says this effort is a reaction to the anti-immigrant rhetoric she has perceived. “We hope this gift will show, in a tangible way, that all of the moms and their babies in our community are valued and welcome,” says the South Egremont resident, who started Berkshire Baby Box with her husband Bill. “Initially, we are reaching out to farm-worker, immigrant, and low-income families, while we are working hard to obtain enough funds to make this a treasured rite of passage for all new Berkshire moms.” Board members include Rabbi Jodie Gordon of Hevreh (whose new baby received her very own Berkshire Baby Box) and Linda Baxter, CNM, MSN, who delivered over 1500 of
our community’s children as a midwife during her 27 years at Fairview Hospital and the CHP Health CenterBerkshire. Baby Box is partnering with the Family Center of Northern Berkshire County in North Adams, Childcare of the Berkshires in Pittsfield, and Community Health The Bodingers with a Baby Box Programs (CHP) in Great Barrington sheet, provides a safe space where boxes are distributed to for newborns to sleep. expectant moms at infant care To learn more, go to: www. workshops. berkshirebabybox.org or The initiative is a collabvisit Berkshire Baby Box on orative effort and is modeled Facebook. To contact Hinda after the Baby Box that has Bodinger, president: hinda. been given to every new baby bodinger@berkshirebabybox. born in Finland for over 75 org or (413) 591-8029. years. Each box, with its firm, waterproof mattress and fitted
Local Jewish War Veterans to Meet on September 29 Veterans Day, scholarships, and Park Square flags on the agenda PITTSFIELD – Post Commander Bob Waldheim invites members of the local Louis Green Post 140 of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America and other Jewish veterans to attend a planning meeting on Thursday, September 29 at 10:30 a.m. The meeting will be at the Federation offices, 196 South Street in Pittsfield. On the agenda: • Preparing for Veterans Day, which this year is on Friday, November 11. Post members will join the Veterans Day march, which usually begins at Pittsfield’s City Hall and concludes at Memorial Park on Veterans Way off South Street. • A ceremony to commemorate veterans at Knesset Israel’s Shabbat service on November 12.
• The “Classmates Today – Neighbors Tomorrow” scholarship program for local high schools presented by the JWV, which also will hold an awards ceremony • Honoring Bob Waldheim veterans through Louis Green Post 140 of the sponsorship of flags at Jewish War Veterans of Amerthe Kiwanis Club of Pittsica is an affiliate of the Jewish field’s Flags of Honor inFederation of the Berkshires. stallation, on view in Park In addition to participating in Square from late October annual commemoration cerethrough November. monies, Jewish War Veterans For more information, also perform the flag ceremony please contact Bob Waldheim at the funerals of members of at (413) 684-3679 or at sellit@ the Armed Forces. aol.com.
“Are American Jews on Campus Still Singing Hatikvah?” NORTH ADAMS - On Tuesday, September 27 at 7:30 p.m., Congregation Beth Israel will host Robert Scherr, Jewish Chaplain at Williams College, for a talk and discussion titled “Are American Jews on Campus Still Singing Hatikvah?” Israel is a hot-button issue on many college campuses. While Williams College is not a hotbed of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, nor are there regular anti-Israel demonstrations at Williams, these kinds of activities are common on many college campuses these days. What would the future of Israel be, if today’s college students are ambivalent, or afraid, or angry
about Israel’s place as a core Jewish value? Has a generation abandoned Israel? Is the “Israel Debate” a matter within the family, or are we taking this controversy public? Are Jewish values threatened within the Jewish State? Are adults, and our children in college, still singing in one voice: “As long as the heart of the Jew beats, and as long as the eyes of the Jew look eastward, then our two-thousand-year hope is not lost.” Cantor Bob Scherr came to Williams College in 2004, after a career as a pulpit chazzan for 35 years. In addition to several leadership positions with the Cantors Assembly,
including important work on the Placement Commission, Cantor Scherr served as Director of Placement and Human Resources for the Cantors Assembly from 2006-2016. Since moving to the Berkshires, he has partnered with clarinetist Paul Green in directing seven seasons of The Summer Celebration of Jewish Music. He is in his thirteenth year of service to Williams College as the Jewish Chaplain for the College. CBI is at 53 Lois Street, North Adams. For Cantor Scherr’s reflections on a recent trip to Poland, please see to page 27.
Sarah Aroeste and Friends Rock the Ladino at a Free Family Concert
PHOTO: BILL BODINGER
Hevreh Member Brings the Baby Box Concept to the Berkshires
GREAT BARRINGTON – On Sunday, October 23 at 11:30 a.m., Hevreh of Southern Berkshire hosts recording artist Sarah Aroeste and friends for a rockin’, musical Ladino time! Families are invited to encounter this vibrant part of Sephardic culture in an interactive workshop and performance. Sharing music from her brand-new all-original Ladino children’s album, Ora de Despertar (Time to Wake Up!), Aroeste will get young and old on their feet singing about brushing teeth, meals of the day, body parts, animals on a farm and more— all in Ladino! The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires and PJ Library
Sarah Aroeste are co-sponsors of this fun family event. Hevreh is located at 270 State Road in Great Barrington. For more on Sarah, visit www.saraharoeste.com.
New Israel Scholarship for Western Massachusetts High Schoolers Announced Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI) has announced its establishment of a a scholarship for five local teens from Western Massachusetts. This program will send teens to Israel for the February 2017 Alexander Muss High School in Israel 8-week session. The Alexander Muss High School in Israel program is designed to provide an intense encounter with Israel—without losing any ground academically as far as college preparation and studies back home. AMHSI implements a curriculum that addresses the students’ home academic needs while providing an extensive introduction to the history, culture, and civilization of Israel from the Middle Bronze Age or Biblical period through present day. Not only do students earn high school credit, AMHSI is recognized by the University of Miami, and students can earn 6 college credits. During the 8-week session, the country becomes the classroom. AMHSI’s educators are passionate about history and become the student’s mentors, inspiring them to live outside the books, encounter new ideas, and challenge themselves in unexpected ways. The scholarship, which includes everything from on-campus housing to field trip costs, was established to provide teens from Western Massachusetts with the opportunity to discover and explore their connection to the land, people, history, and culture of Israel. AMHSI is a college preparatory program for high school students using Israel as the classroom for an amazing experience filled with fun and memories. “By establishing this scholarship, the donor knows that upon return, these teens will have connected to the land
and people of Israel and will be ambassadors to the land of Israel,” said Dana Gerbie Klein, AMHSI Director of Admissions. “I can hardly imagine a greater legacy for this donor to leave than the investment in the future of the local Jewish community and Israel.” To be considered, students
must be entering their sophomore or junior year of high school this fall and attend a public or non-Jewish private school. Eligible students must fill out an application at www. amhsi.org. All applications must be received by September 28, 2016. For more information contact Dana Gerbie Klein at (617) 438-8775 or dklein@amhsi.org. AMHSI’s mission is to promote, build and strengthen lifelong bonds between youth and Israel through study of the history and culture of Israel. The only non-denominational, pluralistic, English language academic experience in Israel for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, AMHSI instills in its students a lifelong sense of pride in their Jewish heritage by strengthening Jewish identity while developing deep-rooted connections to Jewish life, to the Jewish people, and to Israel. AMHSI has been an important contributor to the leadership and educational fabric of the North American Jewish community and boasts more than 24,000 alumni.
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LOCAL NEWS COMMUNITY, continued from page 1 reach; some are thought leaders in the clergy, academia, and the arts; and others have worked passionately and impactfully as grassroots volunteers, donors, and fundraisers for philanthropies and other worthy organizations. While it remains true that this small Jewish community has to work hard for itself, it is equally true that the doors are wide open for those seeking to follow their interests and engage meaningfully with the wider Jewish world. It has been a wonder to behold, for example, my own Federation mentor Ellen Masters working the room at the JFNA General Assembly and having her introduce me to Knesset members, major philanthropists, CEOs, non-profit executives, diplomats, rabbis, writers, and on and
Judith Nishman, Rosalind Kopfstein, Sherry Boullt, and Ellen Masters represent the Berkshires at the 98th Hadassah Convention in Atlanta in July. on – all of whom know her well and are happy to spend a few minutes of their time talking to the editor of a small community newspaper because Ellen was the person who introduced me. While few of us (okay – none of us) are blessed with Ellen’s drive and energy, we all have the opportunity to draw on the experiences and connections that she and others like her in our community have to follow our own passions in giving back. It may sometimes feel like we are far removed from the Jewish mainstream, but in reality, thanks to these individuals and organizations like the Federation, the mainstream is no further away than a phone call, an email, a volunteer experience, or a chat over coffee. With this issue of the BJV, we will begin an occasional series of stories that feature members of our community who live locally, but whose work has a far-reaching impact. We’ll write about what they are up to, but also how they make it happen – how they balance jobs and family with their outside work, how they engage with and function within organizations outside the region, and much more. Our first subject is someone familiar to readers of this paper, our food editor and “Traveling with Jewish Taste” correspondent Carol Goodman Kaufman, who last spring was named chair of Youth Aliyah for Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America. Also read about Laura Ferber Hazen’s story on the facing page.
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Avodah to Ensure that Youth Aliyah’s Vital Mission to Rescue Children at Risk Can Continue WEST STOCKBRIDGE – When speaking about Hadassah’s Youth Aliyah program, Carol Goodman Kaufman is mindful of the venerable history of the Jewish women’s organization and the leadership position she has assumed. “Hadassah started before women were able to vote,” she says, and Henrietta Szold, its founder, was also the first chair of Youth Aliyah, its initial mission to rescue children from Nazi Germany and resettle them in Israel. Since 1934, over 300,000 young people from 80 lands have graduated from its programs. Today, Youth Aliyah continues the important work of providing a safe haven for young people, removing them from situations of political or personal turmoil and offering opportunities for education and advancement in a stable, nurturing environment. Youth Aliyah sponsors three youth villages in Israel – Meir Shfeyah, Ramat Hadassah Szold, and Hadassah Neurim. Youngsters receive not only shelter and food, but counseling, education, and other supportive services that help them develop the life skills they will need to become productive members of Israeli society. Of interest to the participants in the Southern New England Consortium of Jewish federations: among the populations of these villages are students from the Partnership2gether communities of the AfulaGilboa area. Carol says that participants in Youth Aliyah today fall into roughly three categories: approximately 1/3rd are young European Jews whose lives have become untenable in their countries of origin, 1/3rd are Ethiopian Jews, and the remainder are Israeli Jews of other ethnicities who have suffered abuse and neglect at home. Many have learning disabilities. Programs provide structure, education, counseling, vocational training, cultural enrichment, sports, and other support services. “What I’m trying to do as chair of Youth Aliyah,” says Carol, “is to get people as passionate as I am. Youth Aliyah is literally saving children’s
Louis, who was resettled from Eritrea at the Hadassah Neurim Village lives. These are children who have been abused, orphaned, and some even prostituted.” She cites some of the social problems Israel faces that are not routinely reported. “In Israel, 450,000 children are considered at high risk.” A native of Pittsfield, she grew up attending Congregation Knesset Israel and went to Camp Ramah. She got involved with Hadassah while living in San Francisco soon after she wed her husband, Joel. Enlisted by a woman she knew, she says, “From my first experience with Hadassah, I fell in love. It was Jewish and Zionist, and I liked Jewish and Zionist.” She sold Israel Bonds and got involved in education. Moving back east to the Boston area, she became a chapter president and became involved in Ivrit L’Hadassah, a course of study that teaches Hebrew to adults, and also edited the national newsletter for teachers. A project that achieved national scope started small, when as chapter president she invited a Hadassah-trained transplant surgeon working at the University of Massachusetts to speak. One hundred people showed up on a bitter cold November night, some coming from out of town – far more than she expected. The second program drew people from all across New England, the third from the entire Northeast. Then, at its annual convention in July of 2000, the national organization launched Pikuah Nefesh (“to save a life”). The initiative has been replicated throughout the United States and Israel. Carol says that Pikuah Nefesh exemplified the transformative power of an organization like Hadassah. “It’s a big organization that at its heart is a grass roots organization,” she says. “You can have an idea and run with it, as long as it fits in with the mission.” Before she assumed her volunteer role with Youth
Aliyah, Carol was chair of Hadassah Academic College. She expects her new job as fundraiser and advocate will take about 15 hours a week, which she’ll fit in to her busy schedule of writing, blogging, traveling, and, of course, preparing new recipes to try out on husband Joel (and their extended family of three children, their spouses, and four grandchildren) and share with BJV readers. She visited the youth villages in April, and chokes up when talks about the challenges the youngsters face. The day she was at the Meir Shfeyah Youth Village also happened to be Parents’ Day. She describes a mother exiting the parent-staff meeting and descending the stairs. The woman’s daughter, a victim of sexual abuse, had come to the village because her acting out had become so extreme that professional intervention was necessary. With her hand over her heart and tears in her eyes, the mother whispered, “Thank you for giving me my daughter back.” Carol shares another story about the past Hadassah National President, the late June Walker who, while on a visit to the Hadassah Neurim village, met a young Ethiopian immigrant in one of the dormitories. Walker asked the boy how he liked living in the village, and to her surprise he said it was wonderful. “Why?” she asked, looking around at his meager belongings: a couple of pairs of slacks, a couple of shirts. In other words, nothing at all like what American kids own, but certainly much more than he had possessed in the poverty stricken and dangerous Gondar region of Ethiopia from which he had come. Why indeed? The boy looked up at her with his big brown eyes wide as he answered, “Because here I feel safe.” She says about her new role: “I feel like an evangelist. What I care about is doing avodah (work) on their behalf.”
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LOCAL NEWS
Berkshires Resident Laura Ferber Hazen Rabbi Everett Gendler, Appointed to Help Herzog Hospital in Israel Pioneer of Jewish EnvironNEW YORK – Anthony Berago when Harriet Samuels, a her great uncle Julius Rosenmentalism, at Hevreh for kowitz, Chairman of the Board summertime resident of the wald, CEO of Sears & Roebuck, of American Friends of Herzog Berkshires, engaged her during who helped save her immediSelichot Study Service Hospital and Dr. Yehezkel the search for a new home for ate family in Seigen, Germany Caine, CEO of Herzog Hospital in Jerusalem, have announced that Laura Ferber Hazen of Lenox has joined their team at American Friends of Herzog Hospital as Development Executive. “Laura brings a special passion and level of experience that will help promote the work at Herzog, and strengthen our efforts throughout the US,” said Dr. Caine. In her new full-time role, Ferber Hazan will help raise funds to support the dramatic increase in size of Herzog Hospital, as well as spread awareness of the facility. She will remain based in the Berkshires. Ferber Hazen has a strong background in theatre and film production, and also built a successful career in local real estate. She also worked as a volunteer fundraiser for the Berkshires Visitors Bureau and other local institutions but, she admits, she was restless. The way in which she was connected with Herzog Hospital illustrates the way things can sometimes happen in the Jewish Berkshires, a small community with many members who are active in the wider Jewish world and its major institutions. Ferber Hazen recalls being in her real estate office a few years
the New England Holocaust Institute & Museum. Ferber Hazen shared her family’s Holocaust story with Samuels, relating how her family escaped Europe before the war. These family stories have been the basis of Ferber Hazen’s theater work, and she invited Samuels to some performances. A friendship developed, and Samuels encouraged Ferber Hazen’s desire for a new career. “Harriet told me she thought I could do more,” said Ferber Hazen. Active herself as a supporter of Herzog Hospital, Samuels connected the hospital’s search committee with Ferber Hazen when it announced a search for a development executive. Ferber Hazen said that the search had focused on candidates in major metropolitan areas, but that during the interview process, she was able to secure the job. “My passion and commitment in asserting myself to help Israel has led to this opportunity for me to excel in expanding the circle of people who support Herzog Hospital,” said Ferber Hazen. Her family has a long standing tradition in the Jewish world of philanthropy. They are known for bringing together diverse cultures with common bonds. Laura is especially inspired by
during the Holocaust.
About Herzog Hospital Herzog Hospital, established in 1894, is Israel’s foremost center for geriatric, respiratory, mental health, and psychotrauma care, treatment and research. With 330 beds, it is the third largest hospital in Jerusalem. A children’s chronic respiratory care department treats children ranging in age from 3 months to 21 years. Herzog’s Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma treats children and adult victims of terror attacks, war, domestic violence, and other causes of trauma, as well as providing training in Israel and internationally. The Hospital’s Clinical Research Center for Brain Sciences concentrates on neurodegenerative diseases with a special emphasis on Parkinson’s Disease, schizophrenia, and other brain disorders and related diseases. Due to the dramatic growth of Herzog Hospital, a new pavilion has been constructed that is adding 270 much-needed beds that uses green architectural principles. Ferber Hazen will visit and speak throughout the US, and is eager to share her message locally. She can be contacted at lauraferberhazen@gmail.com or (413) 770-3858.
GREAT BARRINGTON – On Saturday, September 24 at 8 p.m., Hevreh of Southern Berkshire will hold a Selichot study service, at which Rabbi Neil P.G. Hirsch and Rabbi Jodie Gordon will be joined Rabbi Everett Gendler, who is known for his involvement in progressive causes, including the American civil rights movement, Jewish nonviolence, and the egalitarian Jewish Havurah movement. “We will learn together, as well as spend some time in prayer and song,” says Rabbi Hirsch. “Selichot is the service held prior to Rosh Hashanah, that begins the process of t’shuvah (repentance), one of the main purposes for gathering during the High Holy Days. The service is held late in the evening, a time when we are at our most vulnerable, when we can be fully present to our raw spiritual selves.” Rabbi Gendler advocates the position that religious nonviolence is as much a part of Judaism as it is of other religions. He has served on the board of the Jewish Peace Fellowship and currently serves
Rabbi Everett Gendler on the board of the Shomer Shalom Institute for Jewish Nonviolence. In 2013, he was honored with a Human Rights Hero Award by the T’ruah Foundation in recognition of a lifetime of work on behalf of nonviolence, human rights, and the environment. His work was recognized through the creation of the Gendler Grapevine Project, a six-year initiative designed to celebrate and perpetuate his work. Hevreh is located at 270 State Road in Great Barrington.
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September 19 to October 31, 2016
Connecting with Community Nourish Your Body, Mind, and Soul!
Enjoy an educational program followed by a delicious kosher hot lunch!
Programs take place Mondays and Thursdays at 10:45 a.m. Lunch served Monday and Thursday Programs Tuesdays Programstake take place placeMondays Mondaysand andThursdays Thursdaysat at10:45 10:45a.m. a.m.Lunch Lunchisisisserved servedMondays, Monday, Tuesday, and at 12Thursdays p.m, through September 3. Tuesday lunch resumes on September 8. and at noon. Thursday at 12 p.m. Venue: Congregation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Rd, Pittsfield, MA. Venue: Knesset Congregation Israel, 16 ColtMA. Rd, Pittsfield, MA. Venue: Israel, Knesset 16 Colt Rd, Pittsfield,
Advanced reservations are required to attend lunch.
Please call (413) 442-2200 no later than 9 am on the day you would like to attend. Open to the public. All are welcome! Adults 60 and over: $2 suggested donation Adults under 60: $7 per person Program only is free! When making a reservation please inform us if a person in your party has a food allergy. The Federation’s kosher hot lunch program is offered in collaboration with Elder Services of Berkshire County.
_________ What’s for Lunch? _________ Like us on Facebook: • Jewish Federation of the Berkshires • PJ Library Berkshire County
# Dairy Free, ** Gluten Free Main Entrée For more information on specific programs please see “Your Federation Presents” section of this paper.
SEPTEMBER Monday, 19................ 10:45 a.m., “The Process of Aging” with therapist, Maggie Bittman. Lunch: Spaghetti and meat sauce#, noodle soup, green beans, Italian bread, mandarin oranges, and tea. Tuesday, 20................ Turkey piccatta**#, salad, rice pilaf, mixed vegetables, multi-grain bread, apricots, and tea. Thursday, 22.............. 10:45a.m., Frederikke Borge speaks of her father, Victor Borge. Lunch: Fresh fish**, mushroom soup, asparagus cuts n tips, noodle kugel, rolls, ice cream and cookies, coffee, tea, and milk for coffee. Monday, 26................ 10:45a.m., “Four Unknown Jewish Men and How They Changed America and the World” with historian, teacher and author, David Rutstein. Lunch: Meat loaf, minestrone soup, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, rye bread, grapes, and tea. Tuesday, 27................ Orange flavored chicken**#, pineapple juice, whole wheat bread, sorbet, and tea. Thursday, 29.............. 10:45a.m., Rabbi Jan C. Kaufman on “Innovation in the High Holiday Mahzor.” Lunch: Roasted turkey**#, cranberry juice, apples & honey, mashed potatoes, peas & carrots, salad, Challah, honey cake, and tea. OCTOBER Monday, 3.................. Closed for Rosh Hashanah Tuesday, 4.................. Closed for Rosh Hashanah Thursday, 6................ 10:45a.m., Author Lyla Blake Ward on her book “Broadway, Schrafft’s and Seeded Rye – Growing Up Slightly Jewish on the Upper West Side.” Lunch: Tuna noodle casserole, salad, chive scones, ice cream and cookies, coffee, tea, and milk for coffee. Monday, 10................ 10:45 a.m., “The Process of Aging” with therapist, Maggie Bittman. Lunch: Roasted chicken, noodle soup, broccoli, oven roasted potatoes, chef’s choice of bread, fruit cocktail, and tea. Tuesday, 11................ Whole wheat spaghetti and meat sauce#, green beans, salad, Italian bread, applesauce, and tea.
Thursday, 13................10:45a.m. “Why is Breast Cancer an Issue for the Jewish Community? with Melissa K. Rosen, Director of National Outreach for Sharsheret. Lunch: Baked ziti casserole, minestrone soup, Italian beans, bread sticks, butterscotch pudding, coffee, tea, and milk for coffee. Monday, 17................ Closed for Sukkot Tuesday, 18................ Closed for Sukkot Thursday, 20.............. 10:45a.m., “Race Matters: Why Not Speak and Live the Truth in Love” with Reverend Sheila D. Sholes-Ross of First Baptist Church in Pittsfield. Lunch: Fish sticks, French fries, peas, salad, potato bread, ginger snaps, coffee, tea, and milk for coffee. Monday, 24................ Closed for Shemini Atzeret Tuesday, 25................ Closed for Simchat Torah Thursday, 27.............. “It’s Complicated – An Eye Opening Visit to Israel” with State Representative, Paul W. Mark. Lunch: Hot dogs and beans**#, tomato juice, salad, hot dog rolls, pineapple tidbits, and tea. Monday, 31................ 10:45a.m., Chair Yoga with Robin Seeley. Lunch: Chicken pot pie#, vegetable soup, rice, farmer’s loaf, tropical fruit salad, and tea. November Tuesday, 1.................. Algerian lamb stew with prunes**#, Israeli couscous, baby carrots, salad, pumpernickel bread, apricots, and tea. Thursday, 3................ Program to be Announced. Lunch: Vegetable lasagna, zucchini rice soup, beets, salad, rolls, pears, coffee, tea, and milk for coffee. Monday, 7.................. Program to be Announced. Lunch: Meat loaf**#, grain and bean soup, mashed potatoes, peas & carrots, marble rye bread, applesauce and tea. Tuesday, 8.................. Persian chicken#, salad, chef’s choice of bread, walnut cake, and tea. Thursday, 10................. Program to be Announced. Lunch: Fresh fish**, mushroom soup, broccoli, baby carrots, Challah, chocolate pudding, coffee, tea, and milk for coffee. Monday, 14................ Program to be Announced. Lunch: Chili con Carne**#, salad, brown rice, corn bread, peaches, and tea.
Homebound or recovering from an illness or injury? Let us help you arrange for a kosher lunch to be delivered through our Kosher Meals on Wheels Program. Call (413) 442-4360, ext 17
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OBITUARIES Don Victor, 82, unofficial community photographer WESTERVILLE, OH – Don Victor, a warm-hearted resident of Great Barrington since 1976, was best known as the town’s unofficial community photographer. He was constantly snapping up-close and personal candid pictures of local people and places, but steadfastly kept both his photos and details about his personal life in a darkroom. Mr. Victor passed away on Wednesday morning, July 20 in an assisted living facility in Westerville, OH, after a brief illness, according to his son, Keith Bailey. After suffering a stroke last year, he spent several months recuperating in Fairview Commons before moving to Ohio to be near his son. Mr. Victor spent 27 years in the United States Air Force, where he served as a master sergeant in communications during the Korean War and spent many years doing aerial photography. After his retirement in 1976, he moved to Great Barrington, where he lived an extremely active life and was always on the go. He rode his bike, attended services at Congregation Ahavath Sholom, participated in a host of local civic and culture groups, and was seldom without at least one camera around his neck. “Only a handful of people were ever in his house,” Keith said. “A lot of folks joked that maybe he’d never had any film in his camera because they never saw what he’d taken. But when we went in there to clean it out we found 48 floorto-ceiling bookcases, crammed with shoeboxes full of photos, all of them labeled by subject. It was unbelievable.” Several local families were allowed to take away the ones featuring themselves and a huge collection was donated to the Great Barrington Historical Society.
Susan Jane Pevzner, 66, ran family business Jack’s Country Squire GREAT BARRINGTON – Susan Jane Pevzner, 66, of Haley Road passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her children on Saturday, August 13.
Born September 8, 1949 in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of Marilyn Mamroth Glucksman and the late Henry Glucksman. At the age of 13, she moved with her family to Stockbridge where she graduated from the former Williams High School in 1967. Mrs. Pevzner married the love of her life, the late David R. Pevzner, on February 4, 1970. They were singularly devoted to one another. In addition to raising 4 children, they worked side by side at Jack’s Country Squire, their clothing store on Main Street that opened in 1970. Following the death of her husband in 2007, she continued to operate the family business. First and foremost, Mrs. Pevzner’s life revolved around her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister. She loved to cook, play scrabble, was an avid golfer, and enjoyed ballroom dancing. She was a member of the Berkshire Chapter of USA Dance and a past member of Wyantenuck Country Club. She will be remembered for her exceptionally kind, gracious and generous spirit. Her calming presence will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and many in the downtown community of which she was an integral member for so many years. She personified both gentle strength and strong character. Along with her mother, Marilyn Glucksman of Venice, FL, Mrs. Pevzner is survived by her four children, Daniel Pevzner of Ukiah, CA, Lisa Pevzner and Matthew Pevzner of Great Barrington, and Amy Pevzner of Walnut Creek, CA. She also leaves her brother William Glucksman of Sunderland, MA and two granddaughters, Elizabeth and Victoria Pevzner. She was predeceased by her husband of 37 years, David, on February 13, 2007. Funeral services were held Tuesday August 16 at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington, conducted by Rabbi Jodie Gordon. Burial followed at Ahavath Sholom Cemetery in Great Barrington. Memorial contributions may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires through Finnerty
& Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires mourns the passing of Beverly Zeif who passed away on Sunday, July 24. A graveside service was held on Thursday, July 28 at Sharon Gardens, Valhalla, NY. Mrs. Zeif leaves her husband, Jay, daughter Suzannah Zeif Van Schaick, her husband Pieter, and family.
Linda Robbins, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother PITTSFIELD – Linda Robbins passed away on Monday morning, July 25, surrounded by her family. “Today we lost our beautiful mother, Linda. She has left us with no words. We are shocked saddened and broken heartened by her death.” After a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer, she fought heroically. Mrs. Robbins was the daughter of Erma Raflowitz of Miami Beach, 102 years old, and the late William Raflowitz. She leaves behind a significant number of family and friends. She is survived by her three adoring children Jamie, Tammy and Ira, and Rick and Renee; ten grandchildren, Tyler and Stephanie, Todd and Jessi, Shaun, Sunny, Amanda, Randi, Dani, and Ryan; and great granddaughter, Eliana. She also leaves her sister-inlaw, Lois Kronick and nieces and nephews Stephen, Nancy, Larry and Joanne Kronick; brother Sheldon and wife Linda Raflowitz of Texas. In addition to her family, Mrs. Robbins leaves hundreds of loving friends whom she adored and who will miss her terribly. She will now be with her beloved husband, Arnie Robbins, with whom she shared an incredible life since the age of 21. She loved her husband, her children, and her life. Funeral services took place Wednesday, July 27 at Congregation Knesset Israel, with Rabbi David Weiner, Spiritual Leader, officiating. Burial followed in Knesset Israel Cemetery. Memorial donations may
Affiliate with a Congregation. You, the congregation, and the Jewish community benefit when you do.
• YOU GET the Jewish enrichment and spiritual nourishment you are seeking. • YOU GET the rabbinical support you need in times of joy and sorrow. • YOU RECONNECT with your community and your Jewish roots. • YOU CAN PARTICIPATE in a variety of services, classes, and programs that keep Judaism alive and flourishing in Berkshire County. • THE CONGREGATION IS THE INSTITUTION that has sustained the Jewish people for two millenia throughout the world. Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist, or Reform, the Jewish community wins when you join the congregation of your choice.
The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires encourages you to affiliate.
be made to Ovarian Cancer in care of the Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home, 5 Elm St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires mourns the passing of Philip Baron of West Stockbridge. A graveside funeral was held at the Knesset Israel Cemetery on Tuesday, August 23. Donations may be made in Philip Baron’s memory to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Iris D. Schwartz, 84, involved in the community LENOX – Iris D. Schwartz, 84, passed away on Saturday, July 30, at Kimball Farms surrounded by members of her family. Born in Perth Amboy, NJ on January 4, 1932, the daughter of Betty and Hyman Davidson, she graduated from Utica College. Mrs. Schwartz was a member of the first women’s basketball team. She taught elementary school in New Jersey and moved to the Berkshires in 1958. Mrs. Schwartz was involved in numerous community organizations including Dawes School PTA, Literacy Volunteers of America, VISTA, Berkshire Bike Path Council, and Temple Anshe Amunim where she was “Member of the Year” in 1994. She was a mentor to teachers at the former DeSisto School in Stockbridge and founder of a successful SAT prep course. She loved to travel and went on three European bike trips with her husband. Mrs. Schwartz is survived by her loving husband Seymour Schwartz, whom she married on December 15, 1957; her daughter Hannah and her partner Roslyn Orrock of Sydney, Australia; her son Louis and his wife Carolyn of Dobbs Ferry, NY; and three grandchildren Emma Orrock-Schwartz, Daniel Schwartz, and Adam Schwartz. Donations may be made to the Kids 4 Harmony Program at Berkshire Children & Families, 480 West Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.
The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires offers condolences to Rabbi Jan Caryl Kaufman on the passing of her mother, Dr. Joyce Jacobson Kaufman, Friday, August 26. The funeral took place in Baltimore, MD on Sunday, August 28.
Lee Morgenlander, 85, skilled statistician, master bridge player, and theater enthusiast SARASOTA, FL – Lee Morgenlander, longtime summer resident of the Berkshires, passed away on July 8 in Sarasota. Mr. Morgenlander is mourned by his beloved wife of 45 years, Linda; his three children, Melissa, Nina, and Hugh; his sons-in-law, Michael and Peter; and his four grandchildren, Quentin, Fiona, Clark, and Annabelle. Born and bred in Brooklyn, Mr. Morgenlander will be remembered as a skilled statistician, a Life Master bridge player, and a loving father and husband. Lee attended Brooklyn College and then NYU Stern School of Business. He worked at a variety of research firms before becoming vice president at Nielsen Media Research. His retirement was spent traveling between Sarasota and the Berkshires, where he pursued his love of bridge and going to the theater in both places.
Barbara A. Henschel, 78, adored her family LENOX – Barbara A. Henschel, 78, (nee Raphael) passed away on Tuesday, August 23. She resided in Boca Raton, FL and Lenox. Mrs. Henschel is survived by her loving husband, Neal, three sons, two daughters-inlaw, ten grandchildren, and her brother. She adored her family more than anything and will be forever missed. She supported the Arts, Tanglewood, and loved New York City. Donations may be made to the National Psoriasis Foundation Victor Henschel Biobank in her honor.
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Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org
September 19 to October 31, 2016
Calendar – Ongoing Events Around the Community Continuous – Chabad of the Berkshires “Smile on Seniors,” or “S.O.S.,” volunteer program to serve senior citizens in the Berkshires. Information for families who can benefit and volunteers: Rabbi Levi Volovik at (413) 499-9899 or visit www. jewishberkshires.com. New England Holocaust Institute & Museum – Artifacts from the collection of founder Darrell English are now on view at the Adams Free Library, 92 Park Street, Adams, telephone (413) 743-8345. Mr. English remains available to bring selections from his collection of Holocaust artifacts to presentations for organizations, schools, and private functions. To schedule offsite presentations, call Ed Udel at (413) 4468409.
Sundays (second of each month) – Berkshire Hills Society of Israeli Philatelists meet. Discuss Israeli and American stamps. Coffee and donuts. Information: Ed Helitzer, (413) 447-7622, daytime.
Road, Great Barrington, offers “an hour of morning stillness” with Nina Lipkowitz, a certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher. Donation of $10 is asked for from non-members. Information: (413) 528-6378.
Sundays, 10:30 a.m. (every seven weeks) – Congregation Ahavath Sholom’s “Bagels and Brainstorms.” Contact Guy Pancer, GPancer2@sbcglobal.net or (860) 435-2821 for topic and location.
Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m. – “Conversational Hebrew”. Practice speaking Hebrew with native Israeli Esther Benari-Altmann, Temple Anshe Amunim, 26 Broad Street, Pittsfield. Open to the community at large. Information and registration: (413) 4425910 ext. 12 or eba@ansheanumim.org.
Sunday, 10:15 a.m. – Congregation Ahavath Sholom’s Book Club. Next meeting October 9. The book will be “The Director of Minor Tragedies” by Ronald Pies. For further information, please contact Diana Richter (drpajama1@gmail.com). Location: The Great Barrington Bagel Company, 777 Main St. Great Barrington.
Monthly – Ruthie’s Lunch Bunch meets at Congregation Beth Israel, or a local restaurant. Call for details. Congregation Beth Israel, 53 Lois Street, North Adams. Information: (413) 663-5830. Monthly, fourth or fifth Sunday – Volunteers from Congregation Beth Israel, 53 Lois Street, North Adams “Take and Eat” program cook, package, and deliver hot meals for all North Adams clients of “Meals on Wheels.” Information: (413) 663-5830 or office@cbiweb.org.
Tuesdays, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Torah Portion of the Week study group at Congregation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield. Facilitator Myrna Hammerling guides the group through the triennial cycle, year-round in the KI Library. Newcomers always welcome to this gathering of students of diverse ages, backgrounds, and perspectives who search together to deepen understanding of our foundational text. Free. Information: (413) 445-4872, ext. 16.
Monthly – One Monday a month (date varies according to length of book), the CBI Book Discussion Group meets at Congregation Beth Israel at 7:00 a.m. Check the CBI Newsletter for current books and schedule. Information: Chaim Bronstein at (917) 609-6732.
Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. – “Beginner Hebrew” Learn to speak Hebrew from a native Israeli with Esther Benari-Altmann at Temple Anshe Amunim, 26 Broad Street, Pittsfield. Open to the community at large. Registration, full information: (413) 442-5910, extension 12, or eba@ansheamumim.org.
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Thursdays, 10:45-noon. – Congregation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Rd, Pittsfield. The Book of Deuteronomy. Rabbi Weiner guides conversations about the book in its historical context. Discussions touch on comparisons to other parts of the Torah and scripture, underlying philosophical issues and spiritual implications. Full information and schedule: (413) 445-4872, ext 10. Thursdays (fourth of each month) – Hadassah Book Club. For times, locations of meetings, and further information about the books: Roz Kolodny at (413) 243-2077 or rozlk@yahoo.com. Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. – “Intermediate Hebrew,” with Esther Benari-Altmann. Teens and adults join together for lively study of Modern Hebrew with an expert instructor. Temple Anshe Amunim, 26 Broad Street, Pittsfield. Open to the community at large. Information and registration: (413) 442-5910, ext. 12 or eba@ansheanumim. org. Fridays, last of month, time varies with candle lighting – Chabad of the Berkshires’ “Friday Night Live,” traditional Kabbalat Shabbat service. Information: (413) 499-9899 or visit www.jewishberkshires.com. Fridays, at 9:00 a.m. – Meditation with Rabbi Rachel Barenblat in the Congregation Beth Israel sanctuary, 53 Lois Street, North Adams, overlooking the Berkshire mountains. Silence, chanting, and meditation designed to help prepare for Shabbat. All welcomed. Information: (413) 663-5830 and www.cbiweb.org.
Fridays, once a month at 5:30 p.m. (followed by a family style Shabbat dinner at 6:30 p.m.) – Congregation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield. Shirei Shabbat (“Songs of Shabbat”). Unique service combines melodies from Carlebach, Debbie Friedman, and Camp Ramah to create a ruach filled (“spirited”) family friendly experience. Cost for dinner $18 per adult, $15 teens, $50 family maximum. Dinner reservations are due by the Monday before services. Full information: (413) 445-4872, ext 10. Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. – “Torah Plus: Exploring Jewish Text and Culture.” Join Rabbi Josh Breindel for a conversation based on the texts of the Jewish people and reflection on what it means to be Jewish. All texts are offered in English. Temple Anshe Amunim, 26 Broad Street, Pittsfield. Free. Open to the public. Information (413) 4425910 or templeoffice@ansheamunim.org.
Congregation Knesset Israel 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield ONGOING MINYANS Sunday 8:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday 7 p.m. Friday 7 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. Saturday 9:30 a.m. and evenings approximately 30 minutes before sunset CANDLE-LIGHTING
Note – For holiday candle lighting times, please see page 12. September 23...........................6:29 p.m. September 30...........................6:16 p.m. October 7.................................6:04 p.m. October 14...............................5:53 p.m. October 21...............................5:42 p.m. October 28...............................5:32 p.m. See “Berkshire Jewish Congregations and Organizations” on page 29 for information on all regularly scheduled services in the area. Contact a congregation directly if you wish to arrange an unscheduled minyan.
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Elul 5776-Tishri 5777
Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org
MAZEL TOV Mazel Tov to… Ellen and Stuart Masters, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August. The Federation would like to use the occasion of this gantse simcha to thank this special couple for their selfless devotion to our organization and Jewish life in the Berkshires and beyond. Congratulations! c Ilse Browner, for organizing another successful Lenox Library Book Sale. Founded by Ilse in 1995, the sale now raises roughly $40,000 a year for the library. c Erin Rosalie Ostheimer, daughter of Dr. Ronna Tulgan Ostheimer and Thomas Ostheimer of Williamstown and granddaughter of Norma Propp Tulgan and Dr. Henry Tulgan of Pittsfield, on graduating magna cum laude on in June from Union College in Schenectady, NY. She was elected to Alpha Kappa Delta,for outstanding work in Sociology and to Phi Alpha Theta for an outstanding academic record in history. During her Junior Year, she participated in a Birthright Israel trip. Erin has taken a position with Good Shepherd Services in New York City. c Seth Rogovoy on being honored by the American Jewish Press Association with a Simon Rockower Award for “Excellence in Arts and Criticism” for his portrait of musician Leonard Cohen published in Hadassah Magazine in its April/May 2015 issue. The article, “Leonard Cohen’s Mystical Midrash,” traces the deep Jewish affinities in Cohen’s life and work and explores the inspiration he draws from Jewish scripture. Rogovoy, a former board member of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, is the author of The Essential Klezmer and Bob Dylan: Prophet Mystic Poet, and the artistic director of the annual YIDSTOCK: The Festival of New Yiddish Music, at the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst. The AJPA award will be bestowed at the 35th Annual Simon Rockower Awards banquet on November 15 in Washington, DC. c David Halley on opening Healing Hands Bodywork in Stockbridge, MA. David, a teacher of Judaic studies at Hevreh, has studied energy and body work for 20 years and is certified in integrated energy therapy, positional therapy, Reiki, and myofascial release. c Emma Lezberg on winning the age 15-18 category of the Short Story Writing Contest for Children and Young Adults sponsored by the Berkshire Athenaeum. Emma, a freshman at Williams College, was one recipient of this year’s Henry Simkin and Frances Simkin Schiller and Dr. Stanley and Faye Simkin Scholarship. c Cantor Emily Mekler and the B’Shalom Chorale on their successful 2016 summer concert at Hevreh.
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BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES
Traveling with Jewish Taste “…VeTzivanu LeHachniso BeBrito Shel Avraham Avinu… Okay, Let’s Eat.” By Carol Goodman Kaufman
As we begin the new year with a clean slate and fresh expectations, this may be an apt time to discuss other beginnings. As in new babies. But this is a food column, you say. True, but what better way to welcome a new member into The Tribe and the fullness and beauty of Jewish culture than with food? After all, the Talmud itself instructs us to prepare a festive meal – seudat mitzvah – after fulfilling a commandment, and a brit milah (aka bris) or baby naming is a perfect opportunity to do so. The infant guest of honor will probably be sleeping and won’t see solid food for months but, hey, let’s have a party. As one would expect when dealing with Jews, customs vary, and not just because we like to argue…er, discuss. Scattered throughout the Diaspora over the centuries, we have picked up recipes and traditions from the countries in which we have found haven. Some parents serve dairy, some meat. Those who choose dairy may do so as a nod to baby’s first nourishment. Of course, these days the increasing popularity of the vegetarian diet may also have something to do with the menu. When it comes to fleishig, however, meat-eaters can be vociferous in their advocacy, and go so far as to cite the Talmud for justification of their views. Hamodia, the Daily Newspaper for Torah Jewry, cites multiple rabbinic sources mandating a meat meal since the joy experienced at a brit milah is on an equal footing to that of festivals. The paper also refers to the Cheshinover Rav, who “is said to have stated that eating fish at a bris helps ensure that the child will
learn Chumash; eating meat helps ensure that the child will learn Gemara.” The seudat mitzvah at first grandson’s brit milah was dairy and I made a seviche, probably not the fish the Rav anticipated, but fish nonetheless. The birth of a child is so happy an occasion that those who opt for the fleishig even serve it during the days leading up to the Tisha B’Av fast, a period in which the observant usually refrain from eating meat. Regardless of the dishes chosen, there are some basics for the seudat mitzvah: wine for a kiddush and bread for HaMotzi. Among Ashkenazim, that bread is usually challah. But, there’s absolutely no reason not to include tradi-
tions from other branches of our extended family. Ethiopian dabo, Yemenite lechuch, or even a chewy crusted Eastern European rye bread would all be welcome. Many of the symbolic foods on an Ashekenazi seudat mitzvah table are round, such as hard-boiled eggs, bagels, chickpeas, and lentils. According to Jonathan
Deutsch and Rachel Saks’s book, Jewish American Food Culture, “the only food that is traditional to serve at a bris is nahit, a chickpea dish. The roundness of the chickpeas are (sic) meant to symbolize fertility and the cyclical nature of life.” My Ashkenazi Bubbie called this dish “bub,” chick peas as they are eaten in Russia and Poland, while other Eastern Europeans call it “arbes.” In Poland, it was traditional for Jews to eat these on the birth of a child. Legumes (both chickpeas and lentils) are also associated with Purim because Queen Esther was reputed to have maintained kashrut while in the king’s palace by following vegetarian diet. Of course, dessert is a must to finish the meal. In reference to the Yiddish lullaby, “Rozhinkes mit Mandlen,” many Ashkenazim put out raisins and almonds. The mixture of the two is a symbol of the hope of sweetness and tenderness we hold for the new child. Our cousins from Mizrahi, or Middle Eastern, lands love to serve knafeh, a delectable Middle Eastern cheese pastry topped with crushed pistachios and drenched with a sweet rose water or orange water syrup. Persian families put out a tray of apples. I imagine that adding a little honey to them would bring a lovely symbol of a sweet new life in the child’s first new year.
Nahit, Bub, or Arbes (Chickpeas) My Yiddishe bubbie served bub at every holiday meal that I can remember. Recipes vary, from boiled to crunchy roasted, sweet to savory, but this very simple one is closest to Bubbie’s. Ingredients: 2 cups dried chickpeas 6 cups water Salt Pepper Directions: In a large pot, soak chickpeas overnight in water. Drain and wash carefully. In another 6 cups of salted water, cook for another 2 hours. Check to see that chickpeas are soft but still retain their shape. Drain and spread chickpeas out onto a clean towel. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!
Carol Goodman Kaufman is a psychologist and author with a passion for travel and food. She is currently at work on a food history/cookbook, tracing the paths that some of our favorite foods have taken from their origins to appear on dinner plates and in cultural rites and artifacts around the world. She invites readers to read her blog at carolgoodmankaufman.com and to follow her on Twitter @goodmankaufman.
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Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org
September 19 to October 31, 2016
BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES
Young Judaism When Israel Ceases to be about Touring and Traveling Berkshires teen learns about Israeli life off the tourist circuit By Alex Lederman This summer, I traveled to Israel for 5 weeks with Camp Seneca Lake, a Jewish summer camp in upstate New York affiliated with the JCC of Rochester, NY. Exploring the country with 30 of my closest friends from CSL, we visited Eilat, Tzfat, Tiberias, Nazareth, Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem. I experienced Jewish and Israeli culture in myriad ways, visiting religious sites, kibbutzim, museums, enjoying seminars, and attending local Shabbat services. Despite the novelty of travelling with my camp friends, about halfway through the five weeks, I found myself growing weary of touring. Since this was my second time in Israel, many activities were ones that I had done already. We were tourists in the most classic sense: a loud, conspicuous group of selfie-snapping Americans, whisked from site to site by an obnoxiously-large bus. Although I certainly had fun swimming in the Dead Sea, jeeping through the Golan Heights, and touring Jerusalem’s Old City, I realized that I still no idea what it was actually like to be an Israeli, to be a part of Israeli society. While I appreciated the need for the Jewish State and valued Israel as the land of my people, I always saw it as a place to visit, a place where I didn’t neces-
sarily want or need to live. One section of the trip, however, provided new insights. For our third Shabbat in Israel, we were sent to live with Israeli host families in Modi’in, Rochester’s sister city. My homestay experience got off to a wobbly start: the family I was assigned to neglected to show up at the meeting point. In the end, I was reassigned. My new family consisted of a middle-aged couple, their 17-year-old daughter, Amit, and their dog, Oscar. They lived in a small apartment in a quiet, peaceful area, known as the Flower Neighborhood. The kitchen was full of Israeli electronic appliances I had never seen before, including a smart water dispenser and a smart garbage can. The family was extremely hospitable and friendly, immediately offering to feed us and let us shower before Shabbat. I was struck by the lack of awkwardness; I enjoyed talking to them about life in Israel, learning about their perspectives on Judaism and life in Israel. Their English was not perfect, and I completely enjoyed listening to them try to pronounce ‘Massachusetts.’ We attended Friday night services at Modi’in’s Reform shul. Despite being in a foreign country, one where I didn’t speak the language,
I found myself perfectly at home. I knew most of the prayers and melodies from leading Friday night services at Knesset Israel, and in that moment I felt as if I could just as easily have been in a Reform or Conservative synagogue in the States. Following the service, we returned to the house for Shabbat dinner. At this point in the trip, I had grown rather weary of eating mediocre schnitzel at kibbutzim every night, and I relished the opportunity to enjoy a home-cooked meal. Extended members of the host family from Tel Aviv joined us for dinner, as well. It was identical to the way I’ve celebrated Shabbats at home. I felt honored to have been welcomed into another’s house to share a meal and exchange views on current events, educational systems and family. Later that night, Amit invited me to go with her to a gathering to meet some of her friends. I was lucky to have the unique opportunity to speak with a group of Israeli teens who were eager to practice their English and hear about life in America. As we added each other as friends on Snapchat, it struck me how hanging out with these Israelis felt so similar to being with my friends. We had so much fun that we lost track of time,
The view in Haifa, by Alex Lederman and after an hour of walking through the city, we made it home around 2:30 a.m. At no point, did I ever feel unsafe as we navigated the silent streets of Modi’in. Yet in the end I realized that the Jewish connection I shared with this family superseded any linguistic or cultural differences. I finally felt a deep connection with Israel I was looking for, and saw myself living a happy, comfortable, modern, Jewish life in the State of Israel, a life at least as meaningful as one I could live in the United States. It was at this moment when my experience in Israel ceased being about touring and travelling. Israel is the centre of the unbreakable bond which
has united the Jewish people for thousands of years, allowing us to endure exile, Diaspora, persecution, expulsion, discrimination, and genocide. Regardless of the language I speak or the land in which I live, as a member of the international Jewish community, Israel is my country. Israel is my country. Alex Lederman is a sophomore at Simon’s Rock College of Bard. The experience he describes was made possible in part through an Israel travel scholarship provided by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, one of the many ways our Federation enables young Jews from this region to engage with Israel.
Elul 5776-Tishri 5777
Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org
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BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES
Witness to Darkness and Light By Cantor Bob Scherr least three decades of totalitarian domination during which armies marched back and forth across Poland, left the havoc of ethnic and political destruction. Much of our touring was about this destruction. In Warsaw, we traced the remains of the Jewish ghetto, where today Soviet-era apartment blocks cannot disguise that death that lies beneath. During our brief afternoon in Lodz, the industrial city in central Poland, we saw a memorial to its ghetto, as well. The ghetto once held 160,000 people in a few blocks defined by barbed wire fencing, and is today another neighborhood composed of multi-story Soviet-era apartment blocks. Residents of the ghetto did forced labor in a number of manufacturing plants in support of the German war effort. Nearby, the railroad station still stands, reminding us of its mission in the transport of victims to Chelmno and Treblinka. It’s a horrific challenge to visit Auschwitz and Birkenau, the largest of Hitler’s death camps. I felt each of us steeling ourselves in anticipation of experiencing for ourselves what we had known from a safe distance. We had an excellent guide, who wanted to show us the full picture. As we walked through the barracks, we learned how many slept in each bed, how sanitation was non-existent, how various tortures and cruel and sadis-
Monument to Warsaw Ghetto Resistance, Warsaw, Poland
Center. It functions as a synaentrance, that I felt I was in synagogues, which are tourist gogue for a small community, a Fellini film; in a place that I sights today, for there are no its modern life the result of knew was going to be horrific, active communities who study outreach between the Fr. Jan I craved quiet and reverence. or pray within their walls. Skarbek and Rabbi Eliyahu Birkenau, the massive In cities like Krakow, where Bombach of the Jewish comkilling factory, best viewed the destruction of the Jewish munity. During the interwar from the watch tower of the neighborhood of Kazmierz period, the cooperation and iconic entrance through which did not occur, many beautimutual support of the comthe rail cars would pass. It is ful buildings still exist. One munities was exemplary. After massive, beyond my imaginacan visit, and try to hear the the war, Christians and Jews tion. There were fields of barvoices that would have floated mourned together. Today, racks, as far as my eye could to tall ceilings in joyful prayer, the synagogue is a center of see...maybe further. At the or that searched for solace in inter-religious dialogue, with far end were those the face of destruction that community programs and art notorious “changing threatened. Cemeteries bear Our words and songs exhibits and small perforrooms” where victims witness to the great scholars mances dedicated to humaniwere first robbed of and community leaders who were not for “closure,” tarian understanding. their clothing and represented a truly glorious but only a liturgical way Today, the hopeful message any possessions, past of Jewish life. These that emerges from all that then robbed of their cemeteries are by and large to express that we had death and darkness of Ausnames as a tattoo well-maintained, so one can at seen enough to bear our chwitz-Birkenau is that when was quickly imleast appreciate the past, devJews feel responsible for their printed onto their astatingly absent from Poland witness, and comfort one neighbors’ lives, and when our bodies; and then for in the 21st century. neighbors feel responsible for most, those “showThis has been a tale of another… our lives, such horrors as the ers” of death. My darkness, stories that must death of millions of Jews and group shared a brief be told and cherished, lest we more millions of others will not memorial service at the end of forget. But before I conclude tic routines of punishments happen. our visit. Our words and songs part one of my journey, I want quickly diminished everyone’s were not for “closure,” but only to return to the small town of humanity. I felt assaulted by Cantor Bob Scherr is the a liturgical way to express that Oswiecim (Auschwitz is the the statistics and the physical Jewish Chaplain for Williams we had seen enough to bear Germanized name for this setting. We saw photos of the College. Part 2 of his story will our witness, and comfort one town), to anticipate the stories lines of new arrivals, underappear in the next BJV. another as we made the long of light which I’ll share in Part going the selection process walk to the exit. 2. The synagogue in this town by which the old and the very We visited a number of is called the Auschwitz Jewish young, and most women, were taken to death immediately upon arrival. Some of us felt physically ill. While our guide wanted us to see “everything”, there was a limit to what I could experience, and I noticed that a number of us would take breaks, knowing that (JNS.org) Ancient metal artifacts as old as 3,500 years were recently given to the Israel Antiquities it was not necessary to hear Authority (IAA) by a family whose father had collected them from the sea in Hadera, a city in northevery last story, or personally ern Israel. see every building open for our IAA discovered the objects had fallen inspection. overboard from a metal merchant’s ship in A word about visiting the early Islamic period. Auschwitz-Birkenau: the site “The finds include a toggle pin and the of the camps is a huge tourhead of a knife from the Middle Bronze ist attraction. Tour buses Age (from more than 3,500 years ago). The disgorge passengers, groups other items include two mortars and two organize themselves, there are pestles and fragments of candlesticks that snacks and water for purdate to the Fatimid period in the 11th cenchase, the pay toilets cost 1.5 tury CE. The items were apparently made zlotys. I understand these are in Syria and brought to Israel. The finds simply part of the necessary are evidence of the metal trade that was arrangements for this expeconducted during this period, said IAA’s rience. Some families toured curator Ayala Lester. with very young children. I The Mazliah family will receive a certifThe metal artifacts, the earliest of which are wondered why? There were icate of appreciation from the IAA for turning 3,500 years old, which were recently presented moments, particularly at the over the artifacts. to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).
3,500-year-old Artifacts from Israeli Sea Returned
CREDIT: DIEGO BARKAN/IAA.
[This essay is the first of two reflections that will appear in the BJV, in which Cantor Scherr will share some of “the wonders and challenges of learning this summer about Jewish life in Poland.”] I’ve recently returned from a two-week study mission to Poland organized by the Taube Foundation, a project dedicated to supporting the rebirth of Jewish life in Poland. You know, in Jewish tradition, we are called upon to witness important events. Witnesses confirm the marriage of two people in love, and witnesses are honored to stand with the Torah scroll to confirm that the reader is chanting the written text. I have witnessed the state of Jewish life in Poland, from Warsaw to Krakow. During a packed two weeks I participated in the Taube Foundation’s Seminar-On-Wheels, joining 11 colleagues from the United States and Europe, some remarkable local faculty and guides, and local citizens and academics who are literally breathing life back into the Polish Jewish community. A dark cloud is still evident in Poland, because the stories of the 20th century will not disappear. Remembrance, and the need to encounter the sadness and darkness of Jewish Polish history, was present in almost every step we took, from Warsaw, to Lodz, to Wraclaw, and finally to Kracow. But against the darkness, we saw a rising light we saw in Poland, which will be the subject of my next essay for the BJV. We were an eclectic group, including Hillel professionals, university professors, a journalist/filmmaker/chef, two doctoral students (one from UC Berkeley, and one originally from Mexico, who now lives in London where she is writing her PhD thesis in Yiddish literature), an Israeli who now is a guide in Lublin, a director of a contemporary Jewish museum, and an actor/theatre producer. As one who frequently travels with students, I found it quite a twist to be on the receiving end of guiding and teaching. Our Seminar-On-Wheels [I think it should more properly have been called Seminar-On-Feet] began in Warsaw, where we met one another, and immediately began to explore a history that few of us knew well. Jewish life in Poland covers a thousand years, within borders that changed frequently as Germany, Russia, Austria-Hungary, Sweden, Ukraine, and Belarus, not only controlled “Poland,” but set forth shifting borders that skewed the meaning of national identity. It’s as if for centuries, Poles had to double check if they still were living in Poland, or if again, their corner of this land had come under the control of another nation. During the 1930s and well into the 1950s, Poland’s experience of the lethal madness of World War II, followed by at
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September 19 to October 31, 2016
WORLD NEWS
Why Tel Aviv is So Crazy about Dogs By Andrew Tobin TEL AVIV (JTA) – It’s not every of them off-leash regardless of an informal country, where day you see a dog getting a regulations. T-shirts and sandals are massage. But in this Israeli True, most of Israel’s nearly appropriate attire at most city, somehow it seems expect400,000 dogs don’t live in Tel restaurants, not to mention ed. Aviv. But like elsewhere in the weddings. Even Hotel MonteAt Tel Aviv’s first official world, an increasing number fiore, a premier local restaudog festival, hundreds of dogs of Israelis are migrating to the rant and hotel, welcomes dogs. took over Yehoshua Park and city, and many of them want Many businesses leave its dog park on Friday afterdogs. The number of dogs in out bowls of water for thirsty noon. As canine customers Tel Aviv has more than tripled dogs. Some go even further. wandered among vendors since 1996, according to the Asaf Gorelik, 34, was at Keselling dog-related products city. laviv with his girlfriend, Dana and services, a DJ kept tails Israeli experts on huGalant, and his two adopted wagging with pop hits. man-dog relations said the andogs, Nelly and Rahat. Gorelik One of the longest massagimals play the role of children owns a trendy Tel Aviv barber es of the day went to a luxuin the lives of urban millenshop chain called Barberia, riating yellow Labrador mix. nials, who are waiting longer where next month he will be Nearby, a pair of well-kept than ever to marry. For Israeselling posters of rescued pit poodles snacked on maki tuna lis, whose national culture bulls sitting in his retro barber rolls and posed for professionhas roots in the ethos of the chairs to raise money for a al photos. Leashed shoppers kibbutz, dogs may also help charity that rehabilitates the sampled organic gluten-free ease the isolation of urban life, animals. kibble, tried on boutique collars and leashes, and eyed “Perhaps more than other urbanites, bespoke dog tags and local dog-themed art. Tel Avivians demand that their dogs be Orange Tel Aviv-branded dog bowls were regularly reaccommodated.” filled with bottled water. Meanwhile, the dogs’ owners mingled and forked over they said. “I love dogs, and I always the necessary shekels, seem“We still have a very strong wanted to help,” Gorelik told ingly unfazed by their reduced memory of our collectivist JTA. “Dogs are an accepted role in the whole affair. After past, and dogs help us cope part of Tel Aviv. When I leave all, Tel Aviv is a dog city. The with the loneliness of the the city, people are like, ‘What reasons for that are both globpostmodern present,” Orit are you doing bringing dogs in al and local. Hirsch-Matsioulas, a doctoral here?’” “Everywhere in the world is student in anthropology at More and more Tel Avivfighting for the creative class, Ben-Gurion University of the based businesses exist specifand one of the ways to do that Negev, told JTA. “We opened ically to serve dogs. You can’t is to make life better for those the apartment door to dogs walk more than a few blocks people in the city,” Mira Marand made them part of the in the city without coming cus, Tel Aviv’s international press director, told JTA. “I think many creative people are dog owners. Many times, when I walk into a startup company in Tel Aviv, there are dogs everywhere. It’s very, very common for people to bring their dogs to work here.” This city is home to 25,000 registered dogs, along with more than Hod Kashtan, left, with his dog Chuni, and Florencia Aventuriny with her dog 400,000 people. Sandy at the Kelaviv dog festival in Tel Aviv, Aug. 26, 2016. (Andrew Tobin) Ahead of its dog festival, called Kelaviv (a portmanteau family. People understand across a pet store. Many such of “kelev,” Hebrew for “dog,” their dogs as their own chilbusinesses were at Kelaviv, and Tel Aviv), Tel Aviv declared dren.” including high-tech startups itself the friendliest world city Florencia Aventuriny, a like DogMen, a fast-growing for dogs, with the most dogs 27-year-old media manager, dog walking service that sends per capita. and Hod Kashtan, a 31-year owners photographs of their (New York City’s Economold software engineer, each dogs on Whatsapp, and Dogiz, ic Development Corporation had a dog in tow at Kelaviv. In an app that helps owners find might beg to differ, putting the the month the two Tel Avivians dog walkers in their neighbornumber of dogs in the Big Aphave been dating, their dogs, hood and lets them track the ple at 600,000 with a populaSandy and Chuni, have been walks in real time. tion of 8.4 million humans, or part of the relationship. “The market is growing 1 percentage point higher than “I grew up with a dog outalong with the urban popTel Aviv – but who’s counting?) side Tel Aviv, and it was nice, ulation,” Dogiz CEO Alon Dogs crowd the streets of but not the same,” Aventuriny Zlatkin told JTA, noting there Tel Aviv, encouraged by its said. “In Tel Aviv you take are now six dog walking and year-round sunshine and your dog everywhere, and he’s doggie day care companies in walkability. They’re allowed part of your community.” the city. “Our research shows in most cafes, stores, and Perhaps more than othmillennials in Tel Aviv, as in even high-end restaurants, er urbanites, Tel Avivians Europe, are more focused on as well as on city buses and demand that their dogs be their careers. Their dogs are trains and in taxi vans. Tel accommodated. Businesses like their kids, and they need a Aviv boasts 70 dog parks and know barring dogs means solution while they’re working four dog beaches. The regulosing business and that they long hours.” lar parks and legally dog-free would likely hear about it on The city of Tel Aviv must beaches have their fair share Facebook. It helps that Tel answer to dog owners, too. of canine visitors, too, many Aviv is an informal city, in Though there is more than one
Mira Marcus, the city of Tel Aviv’s director of international press, with her dog Cali at the Kelaviv dog festival in Tel Aviv, Aug. 26, 2016. (Andrew Tobin) dog park every square kilometer, according to the city, some Tel Aviv residents complained that they had to walk 15 minutes to reach one and they would like more greenery for their pooches to play in. Dog parks have even become part of political campaigns in municipal elections. Kelaviv was the brainchild of Tal Hollander, a Tel Aviv resident who was in Yehoshua Park with his dog when he was struck with inspiration. He contacted the city, which helped him plan the event over several months. “Many people had doubts about this,” Hollander told JTA. “How will the dogs behave? That was the biggest question. But I had faith in the dogs, and I was lucky to find a nice girl at the city who wanted to help.” In 2017, the city plans to launch a service called DigiDog to give pet owners in Tel Aviv personalized updates on pet-friendly events and services, as well as deals from local pet companies. The service will be based on the city’s award-winning Digitel service for human residents. “It can be a new dog park that’s opening in your area. It can be a reminder for your annual rabies shot that’s mandatory in Israel. It can be a discount on dog food in a dog store in your area that’s participating in the program,” Marcus said. Dogs also have cultural cache in Tel Aviv. Rescuing them from shelters is a fullblown trend. Several shelters were represented at Kelaviv.
And at least two set up shop on the streets of the city every weekend, lining up dogs to be adopted or fostered, or to recruit donations and volunteers. In the Florentine neighborhood in south Tel Aviv, which many call the city’s hippest enclave, the city estimates every third person has a dog. “People think we can’t really do anything about all the horrible things that are going on around us, some of which we’re partly responsible for. Even if we become activists, helping Palestinians or whatever, it would be hard to make a change” in the political situation, Dafna Shir-Vertesh, an anthropologist who studies human-animal relations at Ben-Gurion University, told JTA. “But maybe this is our way of making a change in the world.” By flaunting their dog friendliness, secular Tel Avivians also distinguish themselves from Israel’s poorest communities, Arabs and haredi Orthodox Jews, for whom dog ownership is rare. That’s partly because there are traditional taboos about dogs in both Judaism and Islam, according to Shir-Vertesh. But don’t tell that to Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel, a member of the religious Zionist Jewish Home political party’s more religious faction, Tkuma. Along a doggy red carpet at Kelaviv where mutts and purebreds could strut their stuff, he was among the politicians who appeared on a series of posters promoting animal adoption.
Elul 5776-Tishri 5777
Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org
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BERKSHIRE JEWISH CONGREGATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS
Welcome to the Jewish Berkshires Everyone is welcome to attend services and events at any of the organizations listed here. Please call the organizations directly to confirm service times or to inquire about membership. Learn more about our Jewish community and find great events on the community calendar at: JEWISHBERKSHIRES.ORG ________________________ Berkshire Minyan Lay-led egalitarian minyan held at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire, 270 State Rd., Great Barrington, MA (413) 229-3618, berkshireminyan.org Services: Saturdays at 9:30 a.m.
Berkshire Hills Hadassah P.O. Box 187, Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-4386, Berkshirehillshadassah@gmail.com
Israel Philatelist Society c/o Rabbi Harold Salzmann 24 Ann Dr., Pittsfield, MA (413) 442-4312
B’nai B’rith Lodge, No. 326
Jewish Federation of the Berkshires 196 South St., Pittsfield, MA (413) 442-4360 jewishberkshires.org
Chabad of the Berkshires 450 South St., Pittsfield, MA (413) 499-9899, jewishberkshires.com Check website for service times and locations. Congregation Ahavath Sholom Reconstructionist North St., Great Barrington, MA (413) 528-4197, ahavathsholom.com Services: Fridays at 5:30 p.m., Saturdays at 10 a.m. Call to confirm services Congregation Beth Israel Reform 53 Lois St., North Adams, MA (413) 663-5830, cbiweb.org Services: Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. Hevreh of Southern Berkshire Reform 270 State Rd., Great Barrington, MA (413) 528-6378, hevreh.org Services: Fridays 7:30 p.m., except first Friday of month, 6 p.m., Saturdays, Torah Study at 9 a.m., services at 10 a.m. Call to confirm.
Jewish War Veterans Commander Robert Waldheim (413) 822-4546, sellit4@aol.com Knesset Israel Conservative 16 Colt Rd., Pittsfield, MA (413) 445-4872, knessetisrael.org Services: Fridays at 5:45 p.m., Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. RIMON – A Collaborative Community for Jewish Spirituality PO Box 502, Great Barrington, MA rimonberkshires.org ellyns@gmail.com Temple Anshe Amunim Reform 26 Broad St., Pittsfield, MA (413) 442-5910, ansheamunim.org Services: Fridays at 5:30 p.m., Saturdays, Torah Study at 9:30 a.m., services at 10:45 a.m.
BEYOND THE BERKSHIRES Congregation Anshe Emeth Conservative 240 Joslen Blvd., Hudson, NY (518) 828-6848, congregationansheemeth.net Services: Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. Congregation Beth El 107 Adams St., Bennington, VT (802) 442-9645, cbevermont.org Services: Saturdays at 10 a.m. Nassau Jewish Community Center & Synagogue Route 20, Box 670, Nassau, NY (518) 766-9831 nassausynagogue.org Services: Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. Temple Israel of Catskill Reform 220 Spring St., Catskill, NY (518) 943-5758, templeisraelofcatskill.org. The Chatham Synagogue Route 28, Box 51, Chatham, NY (518) 392-0701, chathamsynagogue.org Services: Saturdays at 9:30 a.m.
WORLD NEWS
Scottish Prisoners Request Kosher Meals Believing They are ‘Nicer’ (JTA) – More than 100 inmates in a Scottish prison have signed up to receive kosher meals, despite the fact that there were officially nine Jewish prisoners in Scottish jails from 2013-14. An official at Glenochil Prison in Clackmannanshire in Scotland said the prison must provide the kosher meals to the prisoners if they claim to have converted to Judaism, the London-based Jewish Chronicle reported August 31. “Where previously we have always had a very minimal Jewish prison population we have seen a huge rise,” prison spokesman Tom Fox said. Prison officials believe the inmates think the kosher meals are “nicer.” “I don’t think the prisoners themselves understand the preparation that has to go into providing a kosher meal,” Fox said. The meals are outsourced since the prison does not have a kosher kitchen. The meals cost much more than regular prison fare. “I think there is the assumption that by identifying as a particular religion, that you will get you better food in prison but that is not always the case,” Fox said. “And we have to do what we have to do; if someone says they are a particular religion we are not allowed to question that.” In July, the state of Florida appealed a 2015 decision by a Miami judge requiring kosher food for anyone who requests it, including Jews, Muslims, Seventh-day Adventists and people of other faiths, accounting for about 10,000 — or 10 percent — of all inmates. The kosher meals program is estimated to cost the Florida Not kosher: A Scottish meal of haggis, neeps, and Department of Corrections tatties $12.3 million a year.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Make a difference by becoming part of our caring community! Pack & Deliver Rosh Hashanah Care Packages We will be preparing over 350 packages for seniors in assisted living facilities, hospitals, and homebound. Packers needed on September 26. Deliverers needed September 27-30. Families are welcome to help deliver.
Help Prepare & Serve Meals
Periodically we need extra hands to help Federation staff cook and serve meals at Connecting with Community kosher lunch and Meals on Wheels program in Pittsfield. Hours are Mon, Tues and Thurs from 9am-1 pm. Add your name to the call list of able individuals and we will reach out to you as the need arises.
Office Support Needed Federation has periodic needs for help with mailings, filing and other office functions. Hours are flexible and volunteering for even an hour at a time is most helpful! Add your name to the call list and we will reach out to you as the need arises. For more information contact Susan Frisch Lehrer at (413) 442-4360, ext. 14 jfb.volunteer@verizon.net
The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires' Tikkun Olam Volunteer (TOV) Network connects community members of all ages with Mitzvah opportunities to make a difference in our community.
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September 19 to October 31, 2016
WORLD NEWS
Meet the Accent Coach who Taught Natalie Portman to Sound Like an Israeli for Her New Film By Ben Sales NEW YORK (JTA) – While making the film A Tale of Love and Darkness, Natalie Portman had to put her palm in front of her mouth, repeat Hebrew words and feel how the air hit her skin. If Portman felt her breath, it meant she was saying the words in an Israeli accent — or something close to it. Along with directing, writing and starring in the 2015 Hebrew-language film, which hits U.S. screens on Friday, Portman had to learn how to speak like an Israeli housewife in the 1940s. Portman was born in Jerusalem but grew up in the United States, so her fluent Hebrew came with a heavy American inflection. In the movie, an adaptation of Amos Oz’s 2002 autobiographical novel of the same name, Portman plays Oz’s mother, Fania, a Russian immigrant living in Jerusalem during the time surrounding Israel’s independence in 1948. To study the accent, Portman hired Neta Riskin, 39, an Israeli actor known for her role in “Shtisel,” an Israeli show about a haredi Orthodox family. For three months during filming, Riskin and Portman practiced daily, covering vowels, consonants, syllable emphasis and sentence flow. Riskin said she read the film’s script 200 times. “I can’t tell you how hard it is to act not in your language,” said Riskin, who spoke to JTA while on an acting stint in Germany, where she was performing in both German and English. “It’s like walking with crutches. They’re not your legs. They’re artificial. To do a full movie in that is amazing.” What made the project more difficult was that prestate Israelis spoke differently 70 years ago than their
descendants do today. Back then, Riskin said, the population had a “mixed multitude” of accents, from local Middle Eastern pronunciations to different shades of European. The contemporary Israeli accent, Riskin said, emerged as a composite of all those. To be true to her character, who originally is from present-day Ukraine, Portman would have had to adopt a Russian accent. But Riskin thought that would sound like a parody next to the neutral accents of the other actors, who were native Israelis. “The problem with Natalie is that there were Israeli Russian, Polish, Arabic accents that were legitimate accents, [but] there was only one accent that wouldn’t work and it was American,” Riskin said. “We decided to leave something that sounded foreign, but you don’t know where it comes from.” Most observers, said Riskin, assume the hardest part of an Israeli accent is pronouncing guttural consonants like the “het” and “resh,” which aren’t so much pronounced as gargled. But Portman had no problem with that; she got hung up on the vowels. While American English has an array of vowel sounds, the Israeli vowel range is limited. So when Americans pronounce a Hebrew word that features the same vowel twice, like “keshet,” which means rainbow, they tend to change the second “e” into a short “i,” so the word almost becomes “keshit.” “You need to know how to connect the words in a way
Neta Riskin is an actress who has been featured in popular Israeli shows such as “Shtisel.”
that it sounds natural, so you don’t sound like a robot,” Riskin said. “In Israel it sounds much simpler to have one vowel, but for Americans it’s a lot harder to get used to.” Israeli vowels are pronounced near the front of the mouth, Riskin said, while American sounds come from further back. By putting her palm in front of her lips, Portman could tell how her breath was flowing and where the sounds were coming from. Riskin also made sure Portman was emphasizing the right syllables and parts of a sentence. While English intonation tends to stay level, Hebrew words and sentences have the emphasis on the last syllable and word. To coach Portman through her word flow, Riskin would have her move her hand along with the word’s undulations, as if she were a symphony conductor. When a word in the script was difficult for Portman to pronounce correctly, she and Riskin would try to find an
easier synonym. The changes fit with Portman’s character, who was meant to speak a relatively basic Hebrew. Her husband, a librarian and author, used more complex words. Language itself is a theme of the movie. Portman’s character tells stories throughout the film, which also focuses on how words are related. The narrator, Fania’s son Amos, notes the similarity between the Hebrew words for earth (“adamah”), man (“adam”), blood (“dam”), the color red (“adom”) and silence (“d’mamah”). “We wanted her Hebrew to not be at a high level,” Riskin said. “We wanted everyone to have something a little strange in their language.” This isn’t the first time Riskin has helped an actor perfect an Israeli accent, but she said the job isn’t in high demand. Hebrew isn’t a widely spoken language outside Israel, and some other actors who portray Israelis don’t seem to care whether they get it right. Riskin was particularly irked by Adam Sandler’s turn in You
Don’t Mess With the Zohan, a 2008 comedy in which he plays a Mossad agent. “That drove me crazy,” she said. “That was a Yiddish accent, not an Israeli accent. They speak that way in Brooklyn or in a shtetl, but not in Israel.” Native speakers of a language, said Riskin, have a quality called “Sprachgefuhl” in German, which means a natural feel for the language’s idioms. It’s impossible to get anyone there in a matter of months, Riskin said, but Portman came close. Riskin said she was “in awe” that Portman not only acted but directed a full film in her second language. “She needed superpowers to do this all together,” Riskin said. “Even if we cleaned up all of the American characteristics, there would still be a shade of foreignness. If Natalie had stayed in Israel another year, she would have sounded like a sabra.”
insults and assaults” against Jews because of their ethnicity, and to the simultaneous growth of the Jewish education system. Whereas most anti-Semitic incidents feature taunts and insults that often are not even reported to authorities, some cases involve death threats and armed assaults. In one incident from 2013, several students reportedly cornered a Jewish classmate as he was leaving their public school in western Paris. One allegedly called him a “dirty Jew” and threatened to stab the boy with a knife. A passer-by intervened and rescued the Jewish child. The increase in schoolyard anti-Semitism in France, first noted in an internal Education Ministry report in 2004, coincided with an increase in anti-Semitic incidents overall. Prior to 2000, only a few dozen incidents were record-
ed annually in France. Since then, however, hundreds have been reported annually. Many attacks — and a majority of violent ones — are committed by people with a Muslim background, who target Jews as such or as payback for Israel’s actions in what is known as the “new anti-Semitism.” In 2012, payback for Israel’s actions in Gaza was the stated motivation of a jihadist who killed three children and a rabbi at a Jewish school in Toulouse. Since then, Jewish institutions across Europe and French Jewish schools especially have been protected by armed guards – most often soldiers toting automatic rifles. In neighboring Belgium, the Belgian League Against Anti-Semitism has documented multiple incidents that it said were rapidly making Bel-
How Paris Public Schools Became No-Go Zones for Jews By Cnaan Liphshiz PARIS (JTA) – Twenty-five years after he graduated from a public high school in the French capital, Stephane Tayar recalls favorably his time in one of the world’s most thorough education systems. As for many other French Jews his age, the state-subsidized upbringing has worked out well for Tayar, a 43-yearold communications and computers specialist. Eloquent but down to earth, he seems as comfortable discussing the complexities of French society as he is adept at fighting — curses, threats and all — for his motorcycle’s place in the brutal traffic here. “You learn to get along with all kinds of people – Muslims, Christians, poor, rich,” Tayar said in recalling his school years. “You debate, you study, you get into fistfights. It’s a pretty round education.” But when the time came for Tayar and his wife to enroll
their own boy and girl, the couple opted for Jewish institutions — part of a network of dozens of private establishments with state recognition, hefty tuition and student bodies that are made up almost exclusively of Jews. “Enrolling a Jewish kid into a public school was normal when I was growing up,” Tayar said in a recent interview as he waited with two helmets in hand to pick up his youngest from her Jewish elementary school in eastern Paris. “Nowadays forget it; no longer realistically possible. Anti-Semitic bullying means it would be too damaging for any Jewish kid you put there.” This common impression and growing religiosity among Jews in France are responsible for the departure from public schools of tens of thousands of young French and Belgian Jews, who at a time of unprecedented sectarian tensions
in their countries are being brought up in a far more insular fashion than previous generations. Whereas 30 years ago the majority of French Jews enrolled their children in public schools, now only a third of them do so. The remaining two-thirds are divided equally between Jewish schools and private schools that are not Jewish, including Catholic and Protestant institutions, according to Francis Kalifat, the newly elected president of the CRIF umbrella group of French Jewish communities. The change has been especially dramatic in the Paris area, which is home to some 350,000 Jews, or an estimated 65 percent of French Jewry. “In the Paris region, there are virtually no more Jewish pupils attending public schools,” said Kalifat, attributing their absence to “a bad atmosphere of harassment,
PARIS SCHOOLS, continued on next page
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WORLD NEWS
Rabbi Seeks Royalties for Japanese Olympic Gymnast’s ‘Immodest’ Use of his Melody (JTA) – A Jerusalem rabbi said he would seek royalties from Japan’s delegation to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro for its allegedly unauthorized use of a melody he composed. Rabbi Baruch Chait, according to the Shirunt website of Israeli songs, composed the melody to the popular song “Kol Ha’Olam Kulo Gesher Tzar Me’od” to words attributed to the late founder of the Breslover Hasidic movement, Rabbi Nachman. A recording of the melody, played by a klezmer band, featured in the performance of Sae Miyakawa, a 16-year-old Japanese gymnast in the Rio Olympics that ended August 22. But in an interview published September 1 by Ynet, Chait said that the gymnast never asked his permission to use the song, which he added he never would have granted because he considers her performance immodest
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and incompatible with the values promoted by the 18th-century rabbi who is believed to have been the author of the lyrics. “It’s a disgrace,” the 70-year-old rabbi told Ynet, adding he will “fight for what he is owed” in terms of royalties. “This was not exactly the intention of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, to have his words play at the Olympics,” he said of the routine, which featured only the melody of the song. “And it’s not very modest.” As a head of a yeshiva, a religious seminary, he said, he finds the use of his melody “inappropriate.” “Clearly this is a matter of sanctity that cannot be used for just anything. It is known in Hasidic circles that melody also has sanctity,” Chait said. The lyrics of the song translate as, “The world is a narrow bridge; the important thing is not to be afraid.”
PARIS SCHOOLS, continued from page 30 gian public schools “Jew-free.” Some blamed Belgian schools for being more reluctant than their French counterparts to punish pupils for anti-Semitic behavior. The latest incident there involved a 12-year-old boy at a public school outside Brussels. Classmates allegedly sprayed him with deodorant cans in the shower to simulate a gas chamber. The boy’s mother said it was an elaborate prank that also caused him burns from the deodorant nozzles. In April, another Jewish mother said a public school in the affluent Brussels district of Uccle was deliberately ignoring systematic anti-Semitic abuse of her son, Samuel, in order to hide it. She enrolled him specifically at a non-Jewish school because she did not want him to be raised parochially, the mother said, but she had to transfer him to a Jewish school due to the abuse. In addition to charting anti-Semitism among students, watchdogs in France and Belgium are seeing for the first time in decades a growing number of incidents involving teachers – as victims and perpetrators. Last month, the Education Ministry in France began probing a high school teacher who shared with her students anti-Semitic conspiracy theories on Facebook — including ones about the clout of the Jewish lobby in the United States and another about French President Francois Hollande’s Jewish roots (he has none). In 2012, a teacher from a suburb of Lyon said she was forced to resign after her bosses learned that she had suffered anti-Semitic abuse by students. Days later, two teenagers were arrested near Marseilles on suspicion of setting off an explosion near a teacher who had reported receiving anti-Semitic threats at school. The atmosphere is pushing many French Jewish parents to leave for Israel, which is seeing record levels of immigration from France. Since 2012, 20,000 Jews have made the move. Their absence is already being felt in Jewish schools and beyond, said Kalifat, because “the people who are leaving are exactly the people who are
involved in the Jewish community.” Some of those who left were responsible for developing France’s Jewish education system long before anti-Semitism became a daily reality for French Jews, said Kalifat. More than 30 years ago he enrolled his own two children in a Jewish school “not because of anti-Semitism, which was not a problem back then, but simply to give them a more Jewish education,” he said. Jewish immigrants from North Africa to France had a major role in the growth of Jewish schools from a handful in the 1950s and ’60s to the formation of Jewish education networks with dozens of institutions, said Kalifat — himself an Algeria-born Jew and the first North African Sephardi to be elected CRIF president. Arriving in a country where a quarter of the Jews were murdered in the Holocaust, the Jewish newcomers from former colonies of France were more traditional and religious than many French-born Jews. “They developed all sectors of Jewish life, but Jewish schools more than anything,” Kalifat said. The effort has paid off in several ways. Last year, Jewish schools topped two French media rankings of the country’s approximately 4,300 high schools. One was a Chabad institution; the other was part of the more liberal Alliance network. Some French Jews, including Yeshaya Dalsace, a Conservative rabbi from Paris, say the rise of Orthodox religious schools and other institutions is part of a trend toward insularity that comes at the expense of openness at a time when Jews should be more engaged in French society than ever. But to Tayar, the growth of Jewish schools amid anti-Semitism is a much-needed silver lining. “That parents like me effectively can’t send their children to public schools is tragic,” he said. “The only positive aspect I can see here is that anti-Semitic hatred drives us to make the financial sacrifice that will raise a generation that has much more Jewish culture and knowledge than our own.”
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September 19 to October 31, 2016
CULTURE AND ARTS
JERUSALEM – One of the challenges of trailblazing in Jerusalem is that the city exists in two realms – one is the material realm in which the city situated at latitude 31.7719 and longitude 35.2170 is located, while the second realm is the immaterial “Jerusalem of the Imagination.” The challenge in a nutshell – there is one physical city and innumerable Jerusalems of the Imagination that people feel very strongly about. Trailblazers in the ancient city might therefore be advised to move slowly and cautiously so as not to make waves, but that’s not how partners Berel Hahn and artist Solomon Souza have decided play it. For the past 18 months, they’ve worked to transform Mahane Yehuda Market with vibrant graffiti art-influenced portraits of individuals Hahn describes as “inspirational figures” – among them Golda Meir, Hannah Senesh, Menachem Begin, Henrietta Szold, Daniel Pearl, Albert Einstein, and Steven Spielberg. The approximately 180 (and counting) artworks appear on the formerly nondescript shutters that are rolled down at the end of the day and on Shabbat, but that now serve as the backdrop for a rollicking nightlife scene that has developed at the shuk, once desolate after hours. The art is only one aspect of a far grander vision that Hahn, the duo’s promotional dynamo, has for his own Jerusalem of the Imagination. In quasi-mystical terms, he describes how his plan for Mahane Yehuda hatched as he walked through the shuttered market on Shabbat. “I suddenly envisioned the shuk exploding with color and people,” he says. He imagined an art gallery, and then, on Shabbat, “a multi-cultural celebration of Jewish life. There would be a table from each segment of our community, all celebrating.” Hahn, 26, was raised in the Chabad community in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, though he says “Now I don’t fit into any box, except to say I identify with the early Hasidic movement, the Ba’al Shem Tov and his disciples.” His first experience in Israel was a 10-day tour in 2011 that turned into a 10-month visit, during which he so fell in love with the country, when he returned to the United States, “I couldn’t
hack it. I returned to Israel.” Hahn met Solomon Souza in Nachlaot, where he was studying natural healing methods and transforming himself, losing 50 pounds via a regimen of yoga, hiking, and eating healthy. Hahn describes the London-born Souza as “a prodigy,” his mother a talented artist and his grandfather Francis Newton Souza, internationally recognized as the pioneer of avant garde art in India, a trailblazer who brought Western Modernist ideas into Indian painting. Using spray paint, the largely self-taught Souza, 22, is able to complete as many as four portraits a night. He has completely absorbed the “Wild Style” street art approach born in New York City during the late 1970s and early 1980s, and his portraits, mostly drawn from photographs, are characterized by vibrant color, a bit of urban grit, and a playful (though respectful) attitude toward those depicted. In the early stages of the project, says Hahn, shopkeepers were indecisive about participating and certainly about funding it. Once the pair “got a few shekels together, we got eight paintings up in the shuk so people could see what we were made of.” Some of the shopkeepers wanted Souza to paint portraits of their grand-
PHOTO: RAFI KOGLE
A Dynamic Duo Using Art to Transform the Look of the Mahane Yehuda Market
Mahne Yehuda Market at night voices from many quarters quickly chimed in to say the two were going about things in the wrong way. This surprised him and Souza, who like all trailblazers “were just figuring out how to do this as we went along.” Hahn is still clearly rankled by the response they got from City Hall, which he initially thought would sup-
acteristic of City Hall – zero tolerance of Jewish themes. They wanted things that were more pluralistic, more multicultural.” The duo took a new tack – going forward, the paintings would be of mostly Jewish inspirational figures, and Hahn says they find “inspiration anywhere. Solomon has paint-
Moses Montefiore fathers, while others gave him free reign. Souza wouldn’t do pure advertising for the shops, preferring to work with Jewish themes. Almost immediately, “it attracted harsh criticism,” says Hahn, remembering how
port the project. One of the early murals featured imagery of a High Priest lighting a menorah, but when it was presented to city officials, they deemed it “too Jewish,” according to Hahn. “That was char-
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, z”l
ed left-wing figures, right-wing figures, Arabs.” Even as they are in the midst of creating these works, they are also engaged in preserving it – some shutters have been defaced, while others have been put out with the trash after they have broken down. With the painting half complete, Souza and Hahn are still scrambling to find funding that will both finance the remaining work and serve as a springboard to achieve other aspects of Hahn’s original vision – an art gallery and shop that will serve as a focal point for the community. Hahn says they are still searching for a community funding strategy that will work for them, and that to keep in touch with the project, the best way for now is to follow Solomon Souza on Facebook. Or better yet, visit Mahane Yehuda after dark. Berel Hahn and Solomon Souza have been written up in many prominent publications, including the Washington Post, JTA, and Hadassah Magazine. But for the best representation of their work, see the images captured by photographer Abir Sultan/EPA at www.theguardian.com (type “mahane yehuda guardian” in your browser, and you will get there).
PHOTOS COURTESY SLOMON SOUZA