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At A Glance
Program Details
 Film
Teen Filmmaking Opportunities
There are two opportunities for Jewish teens looking to explore the world of film. The Mosaic Colony is offering a one month intensive program, held in a professional studio facility in Manhattan. The curriculum is designed to educate the mind and enliven the spirit of the student through making an original video film exploring a cultural theme. No prior filmmaking background is required. Call Rabbi Dr. Abraham Unger, (212) 947-4770, email info@mosaiccolony.org The New Jewish Filmmaking Project, based in San Francisco, is looking for creative young people 15-19 years old. Teens will work with award-winning professionals to create a film with top-notch production values and guaranteed festival screenings. Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first serve basis. Only 10 teens will be selected. For more info: 415-206-1880, email: njfp@citizenfilm.org
www.citizenfilm.org/index.html
 Reading Jan 01 - Jun 01
Writers' Open Mic Night
FIRST PERSON, FIRST NIGHT! is an opportunity for writers of memoirs, spiritual journeys, and yizkor books to read before a small group. Readings will be held on the first evening of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. Join other writers at Modern Memoirs, 34 Main Street #9, Amherst, 3rd floor walk up. Bring refreshments. Free (suggested donation, $5). No smut.
First evening of EVERY month (Jan 1, Feb 1, March 1, etc.)
Kitty Axelson-Berry or Ali de Groot
253-2353
ali@modernmemoirs.com
www.modernmemoirs.com
 Adult Study Feb 04 - May 08
Mothers Circle: Springfield
The Mothers Circle is a supportive group of women who are not Jewish, but are raising their children in the Jewish faith. We will meet approximately twice a month for 14 sessions which cover holiday observances, home rituals, and your questions and challenges. The meeting time is yet to be determined, but the place is the Springfield JCC. The program was developed by the Jewish Outreach Institute and it provides guidance on Jewish parenting and observances in the home, drop-in discussions and family programs. It will be led by educator Elizabeth Berke and run from February through May. Free. To learn about the creators of this project visit the www.themotherscircle.org.
Elizabeth Berke
737-2601
LizBerke@themotherscircle.org
 Exhibit Mar 01 - Aug 31
In the Beginning...Was the Kheyder
This exhibit, which features text, images, and music, examines the role of the kheyder, or school, in Yiddish language and culture. The kheyder (kheyder means "room") curriculum remained essentially the same from the 16th century until the World War II. Children learned the Bible by laboriously translating each Hebrew word into Yiddish. This process, known as taytshn, infused the Yiddish language with countless biblical quotes, jokes and allusions. As a result, every Yiddish speaker relies on centuries of biblical interpretation to communicate. Equally important, modern Yiddish writers and readers acquired their literary language, rich in moral teaching and symbolism, in kheyder.
Kids Welcome!
National Yiddish Book Center / Amherst
256-4900
yiddish@bikher.org
www.nationalyiddishbookcenter.org
 Multidisciplinary Apr 01 - May 15
Beyond Genocide
"Beyond Genocide," a multi-media series, explores the history and legacy of genocide around the globe. The exhibition is a retrospective view of genocide through the art of the illuminated manuscript by regional artist Amy Fagin, with opening reception at Helen Hills Chapel (4/1, 7pm). Film screening of "Kabul Transit" & talkback with director David Edwards (4/1, 7:30pm); "Rain in a Dry Land" (4/8), "Beyond Genocide" workshop with author and artist Amy Fagin (4/15), dramatic reading "If The Whole Body Dies" directed by Penney Roberts & talk back with author Robert Skloot (4/23) , and "Stories of Peacemaking in Afghanistan" with Paula Green of the Karuna Peace Center (4/24). Closing service honoring Yom HaShoah.(4/30) at Helen Hills Hills Chapel.
Smith College / Helen Hills Chapel
978-544-2247
illuminate@hughes.net
www.20thcenturyilluminations.com
Download event PDF
 Women's Program Apr 08
New Mother’s Group
Come join the first gathering of new Jewish mom’s in their 30’s (and beyond). Drop in and say hello! We’ll be hanging out in the play area in the back. Email Judi for details. Organized by The PJ Library.
Kids Welcome!
11:00 AM
Cup & Top Cafe / Florence
Judi Wisch
judi@hgf.org
 Community Event May 18
Hoop it Up for Israel
Come out and Hoop it Up for Israel's 60th Birthday with Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball player's Tal Brody and Miki Berkovitch. Enjoy activities for all ages, including face painting, bouncehouse, arts and crafts projects, exhibition basketball, speakers, an Israeli dance performance, an exhibit on Basketball in Israel, delicious Israeli food and more.
Kids Welcome!
- Age Range: 0-5, 6-10,
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Basketball Hall of Fame / Springfield
Grae Sibelman
737-4313 x 143
gsibelman@jewishwesternmass.org
www.jewishwesternmass.org
Download event PDF
 Lecture May 18
Yiddish Theater & Film
Dr. Miriam Isaacs, visiting Associate Professor in Yiddish language and culture at the University of Maryland, discusses the use of the supernatural and imagination as reflected in H. Leivick’s The Golem, Jacob Gordin’s God, Man, and Devil, Peretz Hirshbein’s The Pledge, and S. Ansky’s The Dybbuk.
Kids Welcome!
2:00 PM
National Yiddish Book Center / Amherst
256-4900
yiddish@bikher.org
www.yiddishbookcenter.org/+calendar
 Singles Program May 23 - May 26
Jewish Singles Weekend
Spend your Memorial Day weekend with Basherte and Jewish singles at Wingdale University, at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. Imagine a long weekend in the country at a very large private resort that you have reserved for just you and your friends. It has the requisite green mountains, rolling lawns and a large beautiful lake. People find their own pace, whether hanging around the beach, reading and sunbathing, playing softball, hiking or participating in one of the many other activities. The only hint that you are on a singles weekend is the fact almost all of you are single. Learn more about this program and all of Basherte's programs at their web site: www.basherte.org
Camp Ramah / Wingdale, NY
Michael Brochstein
(212) 678-7881 (befo
Michael_Brochstein@MABsystems.com
www.wingdaleuniversity.org/
 Performance May 23 - May 30
Lenya
It is November 27,1981 the day the great singer /actress, Lotte Lenya, passed away. Anna, a German, Jewish immigrant, comes to the theatre to celebrate the life of her favorite performer, Like Lenya, Anna was forced to leave Germany when Hitler came into power. With prose, poetry and song, Anna shares her life and her devotion to Lenya, the foremost interpreter of Kurt Weill's music. Written by Holger Teschke, translated by Karen Remmler, directed by Rochelle Calhoun. Free and open to the public.
Age Range: 5/23 & 5/3
8:00 PM
Mt. Holyoke College / McCulloch Auditorium, Pratt Hall
538-2294
carmsull@mtholyoke.edu
 Film May 25
Stories of World War II
Screening of two documentaries celebrating the soldiers and resistance fighters of World War II. "From Philadelphia to the Front" focuses on six Philadelphia war veterans, their individual experiences during the war and their bittersweet reunion. "Poumy," a documentary by Sam Ball, recounts the WWII experience of a young Jewish mother who escaped the Nazis to join the French Resistance. $6
2:00 PM
National Yiddish Book Center / Amherst
256-4900
yiddish@bikher.org
www.nationalyiddishbookcenter.org
 Television May 29
Great Performances: Primo
Airing on WGBY-TV, this one-man play movingly recounts the Holocaust experiences of Primo Levi, whose young life was shattered and utterly transformed by his internment at Auschwitz. Featuring Antony Sher as Italian chemist and Holocaust survivor Primo Levi. The play is based on Levi's 1947 memoir, "If This is a Man," that chronicles the time he spent in a concentration camp during the final year of World War II.
10:00 PM
feedback@wbgy.org
www.wgby.org
 Travel Jun 01
Trip to the Newton Mikveh
Join others in a tour and educational workshop at Mayyim Hayyim, Community Mikveh and Education Center in Newton, MA, a unique center for Jewish spirituality and learning. Starts with lunch/shopping on your own in Jewish Brookline, followed by the workshop. For more about the center, visit www.mayyimhayyim.org. Open to anyone (over age 11) 10am - 5pm. Reserve space by May 15th. $15 per person. Sponsored by The Mothers Circle.
Brookline and Newton, MA
Shoshana Zonderman
413-439-1946
Shoshana@themotherscircle.org
 Adult Study Jun 01 - Jun 04
New Horizons: A Jewish Cultural Experience
The Springfield JCC Senior Adult Department proudly presents its 18th year of New Horizons, A Jewish Cultural Experience. This 3-day program is an educational seminar featuring spectacular entertainment and 8 prestigious, inspirational lecturers. The series begins on Sunday evening, June 1st, with a gala champagne punch and hors d’ouvres cocktail party, followed by a concert featuring ASCAP Award-winning singer/songwriter, Laura Wetzler. Her musical artistry draws from Uganda, Ethiopia, Poland, Calcutta, Italy, Morocco, Tunisia and the wilds of Brooklyn, as well as the great classics of American Song. Held at the JCC, the program includes a continental breakfast and lunch each day. Dowload the brochure, call or check our web site for details.
June 2-4, 10:30am - 2:30pm. Opening gala June 1, 6:30pm
Springfield JCC / 1160 Dickinson St.
Bobbie Levin
739-4715
bschiffman@springfieldjcc.org
www.SpringfieldJCC.org
Download event PDF
 Community Event Jun 01
2nd Annual Kosher Q
The Jewish Community of Amherst invites you to enjoy delicious food, live music and community. Menu includes barbecued chicken, hot dogs, cole slaw, chips, potato salad, veggie burgers, and home-made strawberry shortcake. Adults/$12 JCA members, $15 Non-Members, Children (7-12)/$6 JCA Members, $8 Non-Members. Send check to JCA, 742 Main Street, Amherst, MA, 01002. For more information call or email: Karen Loeb 253-0336 (kloeb@comcast.net) or Amy Mittelman 256-0883 (amittelman@hampshire.edu). Make reservations by May 20! Limited tickets available at the door.
Kids Welcome!
- Age Range: 0-5, 6-10,
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Jewish Community of Amherst / 742 Main St.
j-c-a.org
 Concert Jun 01
Israel@60 Concert: Mak'hela & Ne'imah
Mak'hela, the Jewish Chorus of Western Massachusetts will sing as guest performers at the 16th anniversary concert of Ne'imah Jewish Community Chorus, Inc. of Albany, NY. Each chorus will sing alone, and the choruses will sing together as well. General admission $14, senior/student $10.
Kids Welcome!
- Age Range: 6-10, 11-1
7:00 PM
Albany Jewish Community Center / 340 Whitehall Road, Albany, N
518-438-9561
www.saajcc.org/
Download event PDF
 Community Event Jun 21
Russian Cultural Festival Kalinka 2008
For the past two years the Russian Community Association of Massachusetts has held a festival celebrating the Russian culture called “Kalinka”. All are invited to join together with local businesses, craftspeople and the Russian community to celebrate this rich culture with a day of great entertainment, arts, food and fun!
Kids Welcome!
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
River Front Park / Springfield
Luba Kurbanova
(413) 726-1352
rcam-luba@comcast.net
 Conference Aug 10 - Aug 14
Eco-Judaism
The Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education--is offering an ECO-Track at its conference at the University of Vermont in Burlington. Immerse yourself in a wonderful array of 59 sessions on Judaism and ecology from the practical to the pleasurable to the sublime. You’re invited to daven outdoors; to learn in the Eco beit midrash, to study with pioneers in the field of Judaism and ecology, teachers who’ve been developing the field of Judaism and ecology for over 20 years. Open to all: you don’t need to be a Jewish educator to participate. Scholarships available; to learn more and register, go to www.caje.org or https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=185056
University of Vermont / Burlington
David Frank
dfrank@caje.org
 Community Event May 17 - May 28
Literary & Arts Trip to Israel
Explore Israel with a focus on the arts, literary and religious innovations of the Jewish State. Participants will engage directly with artists, writers, and religious innovators that give contemporary Israel its unique vibrancy. The tentative itinerary is online at www.j-c-a.org. This trip is open to any interested person in and outside of the JCA. Grants are available of up to $1000 through adult travel grants from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Join us for the trip of a lifetime!
Kids Welcome!
Karen Loeb
(413) 253-0336
kloeb@comcast.net
www.j-c-a.org
At A Glance
Program Details
Film
Teen Filmmaking Opportunities
There are two opportunities for Jewish teens looking to explore the world of film. The Mosaic Colony is offering a one month intensive program, held in a professional studio facility in Manhattan. The curriculum is designed to educate the mind and enliven the spirit of the student through making an original video film exploring a cultural theme. No prior filmmaking background is required. Call Rabbi Dr. Abraham Unger, (212) 947-4770, email info@mosaiccolony.org The New Jewish Filmmaking Project, based in San Francisco, is looking for creative young people 15-19 years old. Teens will work with award-winning professionals to create a film with top-notch production values and guaranteed festival screenings. Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first serve basis. Only 10 teens will be selected. For more info: 415-206-1880, email: njfp@citizenfilm.org
www.citizenfilm.org/index.html
 Adult Study Apr 08
Yoga With A Jewish Twist
A yoga class with a "Jewish twist" will be offered by instructor, massage therapist and nutritionist Chaya-Sharon Heller. The class will be held once a month on Tuesdays, beginning April 8. No yoga experience is necessary, all are welcome, but there's limited space and pre-registration is required. Requested donation $8.
Avavath Shalom / Great Barrington
528-4197
ahavathsholom@aol.com
www.chayayoga.com
 Film May 17
Love Comes Lately
The Berkshire International Film Festival will include a film based on the short stories “Alone,” “The Briefcase” and “Old Love” by the Yiddish writer and Nobel Prize-winner Isaac Bashevis Singer. “Love Comes Lately” is the utterly enchanting story of a charming old Jewish writer living in a state of “permanent confusion.” Cursed with an imagination so potent it gives him nightmares, the man’s fictions manifest all the deep desires and dark fears he manages to keep under the surface of his day-to-day routine. English subtitles. Northeast Premiere.
4:00 PM
Triplex Cinema / Great Barrington
Berkshire International Film Festival
(413) 528-8030
kelley@biffma.com
www.biffma.com
Singles Program May 23 - May 26
Jewish Singles Weekend
Spend your Memorial Day weekend with Basherte and Jewish singles at Wingdale University, at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. Imagine a long weekend in the country at a very large private resort that you have reserved for just you and your friends. It has the requisite green mountains, rolling lawns and a large beautiful lake. People find their own pace, whether hanging around the beach, reading and sunbathing, playing softball, hiking or participating in one of the many other activities. The only hint that you are on a singles weekend is the fact almost all of you are single. Learn more about this program and all of Basherte's programs at their web site: www.basherte.org
Camp Ramah / Wingdale, NY
Michael Brochstein
(212) 678-7881 (befo
Michael_Brochstein@MABsystems.com
www.wingdaleuniversity.org/
Television May 29
Great Performances: Primo
Airing on WGBY-TV, this one-man play movingly recounts the Holocaust experiences of Primo Levi, whose young life was shattered and utterly transformed by his internment at Auschwitz. Featuring Antony Sher as Italian chemist and Holocaust survivor Primo Levi. The play is based on Levi's 1947 memoir, "If This is a Man," that chronicles the time he spent in a concentration camp during the final year of World War II.
10:00 PM
feedback@wbgy.org
www.wgby.org
 Artist in Residence Jun 06 - Jun 07
Avodah Dance Ensemble
Friday evening, June 6, during Shabbat service Julie Gayer from the Avodah Dance Ensemble will lead "Dance Midrash," which uses movement to interpret the Torah and brings the images and stories to life, offering us a new perspective on sacred text. Saturday, June 7, Avodah will perform "Mayim: a ritual of transformation," a reclaiming of the ritual of mikvah and accompanied by musician/composer Newman Taylor Baker. Avodah will also perform "Hallelu," as well as two new pieces: "Layers," based on Avodah's work on women's correctional facilities, and a premiere of a work in progress born out of collaboration with student Rabbi Rebecca Epstein. As part of this special evening, Avodah will also lead a workshop for those attending the performance. Free & open to the public.
Kids Welcome!
Hevreh of Southern Berkshire / Gt. Barrington
528-6378
hevreh.temple@verizon.net
www.hevreh.org
 Concert Jun 19
The Robyn Helzner Trio
Robyn Helzner inspires Jewish audiencees to celebrate their cultural roots and non-Jewish listeners to appreciate a vital part of Jewish culture. With rich vocal harmonies and dynamic instrumental arrangements, the Trio presents a diverse collection of new and traditional songs that celebrate the exuberant melodies of modern Israel, the folk songs of Eastern Europe, the love songs of Spain and the eclectic compositions of contemporary North America. With Dov Weitman on mandolin and guitar, and Matt Holsen on bass and keyboard, this acclaimed ensemble brings our rich Jewish musical experience to life. $20 per person.
Kids Welcome!
7:30 PM
Hevreh of Southern Berkshires / Gt. Barrington
528-6378
hevreh.temple@verizon.net
www.hevreh.org
Download event PDF
 Open House Jun 20
Welcome to Hevreh
"Hevreh" comes from the Hebrew word for friendship and our name states our purpose, to be a community of friends in a Jewish context. Hevreh of Southern Berkshire still adheres to the goals of its founders, to be a supportive Jewish community based on egalitarian and non-authoritarian leadership. Hevreh continues to emphasize democratic decision-making and worship leadership. Everyone is invited to meet the Rabbi, Officers, Committee Chairs and take a tour of Hevreh.
Kids Welcome!
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Hevreh of Southern Berkshire / Gt. Barrington
528-6378
hevreh.temple@verizon.net
www.hevreh.org
 Concert Jun 28
Sruli & Lisa
Sruli and Lisa play the clarinet, violin, accordion, base recorder, cello and drum, and perform and teach Klezmer and Hasidic music and dance all over the country. They have been described as two people who sound like a whole orchestra and have performed with Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary. Sruli and Lisa Klezmer for Kids concerts are famous from coast to coast, and were created especially for the next generation of Klezmorim. $20, children under 12 FREE
Kids Welcome!
8:00 PM
Sandisfield Arts Center/ 5 Hammertown Rd
Box Office
258-4100
info@sandisfieldartscenter.org
www.sandisfieldartscenter.org
 Adult Study Jul 09
The Upright Stranger
Paula Hellman leads a day of learning called, "The Upright Stranger: Ethics Learned and Ethics Taught" Discover and discuss the dynamic interaction between some Biblical 'strangers' and the people of the covenant. Explore the character of individuals such as Hagar, Zipporah, Yitro. What does tradition say about them? How do their ethics inform Judaism? What can we learn today from re-examining their stories? A light breakfast and dairy lunch will be provided. $18 members/$25 non-members.
Kids Welcome!
10:00 AM
Hevreh of Southern Berkshires / Gt. Barrington
528-6378
hevreh.temple@verizon.net
www.hevreh.org
 Lecture Jul 24
Jewish Women's Archive Virtual Tour
Ellen Rothman will guide us on a "virtual" guided tour of the Jewish Women's Archive website with stops along the way to explore the online exhibits, including "Jewish Women and the Feminist Revolution," the oral histories and digital artifacts in the Katrina's Jewish Voices collection, and the personal reminiscences in "We Remember." $12 members/$15 non-members
Kids Welcome!
7:30 PM
Hevreh of Southern Berkshires / Gt. Barrington
528-6378
hevreh.temple@verizon.net
www.hevreh.org
 Performance Jul 27
Kol Zimra Singers
Kol Zimra is the world-class vocal ensemble that has performed across North America, in Israel and in the White House for the First Family. Kol Zimra performs favorite Hebrew and English Jewish songs in stunning harmony and rhythm, combined with personality and humor. With their remarkable blend of harmony and charm Kol Zimra will have you clapping and dancing the entire night! A benefit for the Jewish Agency Fund for Victims of Terror. Tickets are $36/person.
Kids Welcome!
- Age Range: 11-14, 14+
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Lenox High School/197 East Street/Lenox
Arlene D. Schiff
413-442-4360 ext. 12
arlene.schiff@verizon.net
Conference Aug 10 - Aug 14
Eco-Judaism
The Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education--is offering an ECO-Track at its conference at the University of Vermont in Burlington. Immerse yourself in a wonderful array of 59 sessions on Judaism and ecology from the practical to the pleasurable to the sublime. You’re invited to daven outdoors; to learn in the Eco beit midrash, to study with pioneers in the field of Judaism and ecology, teachers who’ve been developing the field of Judaism and ecology for over 20 years. Open to all: you don’t need to be a Jewish educator to participate. Scholarships available; to learn more and register, go to www.caje.org or https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=185056
University of Vermont / Burlington
David Frank
dfrank@caje.org
 Travel Nov 05 - Nov 14
JFB Community Mission to Israel
The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires will sponsor "A Community Mission to Israel," a nine-day excursion that will visit Tel Aviv, northern Israel, and Jerusalem, November 5 - November 14. Accommodations will be at the Inbal Hotel in Jerusalem, Pastoral Kfar Blum in the Upper Galilee, and Sheraton Moriah in Tel Aviv. The full cost is $4,053 double occupancy; however, participants may be eligible to apply to the Harold Grinspoon Foundation Israel Travel and Study Grants, which offer 50 percent reductions, up to $1,000. The mission is limited to 40 people. For a copy of the itinerary, check the web site or call.
Arlene D. Schiff, ExecutiveDirector
442-4360 ext. 12
arlene.schiff@verizon.net.
www.jewishberkshires.org
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