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Upcoming Events
Community Program
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Berkshires
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Climate Adaptation Strategy for the Nature Conservancy
May 18
Frank Lowenstein heads up the Nature Conservancy's efforts regarding how natural systems can contribute to helping people adapt to climate change. Frank will speak abut human and natural communities already at great risk from natural hazards; a thre
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Family Program
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Berkshires
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Kabbalat Shabbat
May 18
On Friday afternoons at 2:00 pm, Sinai Academy opens its door wide to the larger community for Kabbalat Shabbat. Join the
Sinai faculty and students as we sing Jewish songs, honor important accomplishments, give “birthday books” which are adde
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Holiday Celebration
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Upper Pioneer Valley
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A Hamsa Anniversary
May 18
Please join us for a special Shabbat evening service...
A “Hamsa” Anniversary: Celebrating our Congregation’s Relationship with our Rabbi
A community-led Kabbalat Shabbat Service with Rabbi Riqi Kosovske...
*celebrating the last 5 years wi
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PJ Comes to Sinai
May 20
PJ Comes to Sinai - The PJ Library will offer a program at Sinai Academy of the Berkshires, 199 South Street, Pittsfield, MA, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon - Sunday, May 20
Yom Yerushalayim – Jerusalem Reunification Day – Come join us as we lear
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Spiritual Practice
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Upper Pioneer Valley
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Rabbi Nancy Flam - Revelation of the Soul
May 20
The JCA is honored to host Rabbi Nancy Flam, a beloved spiritual teacher in the Valley and beyond, for an afternoon program on the theme of revelation of the soul. Through text study, discussion, and gentle exploration, we will have the opportunity t
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Class
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Upper Pioneer Valley
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Prayer as Revelation of the Soul: A Contemplation for Shavuot
May 20
We don't usually think of prayer as revelation, but the Piasetzner Rebbe taught about prayer as gilui nefesh, as "revelation of the soul." During this afternoon of study and practice led by Nancy Flam, we will investigate the meaning of "prayer as r
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Family Program
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Berkshires
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Story Time at Sinai!
May 21
Join us for Story Time at Sinai, a free program for children from birth to 4 years old. Each week will feature a different author, illustrator, or theme and include songs, books, and craft time. Story Time at Sinai will take place on the 2nd and 4th
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Community Program
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Berkshires
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Hearing Loss and What to Do About It
May 21
At 1 p.m. on Monday, May 21, the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires will sponsor the program, "Hearing Loss and What to Do About It," with Stephen L. White, Ph. D. At a cost of $3, open to the public, and held at Congregation Knesset Israel, 16 Col
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History Alive
May 23
“History Alive” features the story of Bernice Lewis' family’s escape from Nazi Germany, along with artifacts, family photos, and original music. It combines storytelling with factual information, and emphasizes the importance of discovering fam
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Family Program
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Lower Pioneer Valley
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Tot Shabbat and Dinner at Sinai Temple
May 25
Tot Shabbat is a special, musical, and interactive service designed especially for young children. Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and young school-aged children are welcome to attend this service with their siblings and families. The service portion
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Holiday Celebration
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Lower Pioneer Valley
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Shavuot Luncheon
May 27
Come and celebrate the auspicious moment when Jews reaffirm their commitment to the Torah on Shavuot, at a festive holiday event at LYA. Jews will once again gather to celebrate the receiving of the Torah. Connect with Jews all around the world as t
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Holiday Celebration
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Upper Pioneer Valley
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Shavuot Services
May 27
Join us for an evening service followed by a Tikkun Leyl/evening Torah learning with teachers from the community. In the morning, we will join together for Hallel, Yizkor, and the reading from the Book of Ruth.
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Jewish/African-American Fusion Concert
May 29
A Summer Celebration of Jewish Music kicks off its third annual event with a Jewish/African-American Fusion concert with special guest Charles Neville of the Neville Brothers. A wide variety of music will illustrate the interaction between the two cu
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Lecture & Discussion
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Berkshires
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Relationship Between Jewish & African-American Music
May 30
A Summer Celebration of Jewish Music continues with "The Relationship Between Jewish and African-American Music: A Lecture and Performance with Paul Green and Charles Neville." The two musicians will trace the complex interaction between the two cult
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Community Program
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Berkshires
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"Where Harry Met Sally: The Jewish Deli in Pop Culture"
Jun 1
In many cities, the Jewish deli was a gathering place on par with the synagogue, a place where overstuffed sandwiches symboized nothing less than achievement of the American Dream. The Jewish deli became emblematic of Jewish culture for Jews and non
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Community Program
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Lower Pioneer Valley
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TBE Adult & Older Teen Shabbat Dinner & Musical Service
Jun 1
An Adult and Older Teen Shabbat Dinner and Service will be held on Friday, June 1 at Temple Beth El, 979 Dickinson Street, Springfield, MA. The evening will include a Special Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service with Rabbi Amy Wallk Katz and Cantor Elis
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Family Program
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Upper Pioneer Valley
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Tot Shabbat at Beit Ahavah
Jun 1
Tot Shabbat at Beit Ahavah!
A wonderful, musical hour welcoming the Sabbath & holidays for families of kids ages 0-6!
Jan 6, Feb 3, March 2, April 13, May 4, June 1
Please bring a healthy peanut-free snack to share at the Kids’ Kiddush.
* led
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Family Program
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Upper Pioneer Valley
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Tot Shabbat at CBI Northampton
Jun 2
Come join us for a lively Saturday morning program and their families,
celebrating the beautiful aspects of Shabbat through songs, stories, dance and creative movement. (for 3 to 5 year olds)
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Concert
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Upper Pioneer Valley
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The Golden Door
Jun 3
Mak'hela, the Jewish Chorus of Western Massachusetts, evokes the Jewish immigrant experience at its season-ending concert, "The Golden Door." The concert will feature works by several Jewish immigrant composers, along with a cantata, also entitled, "
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PJ Pals Program
Jun 4
Are you looking for free child-friendly activities to do with the family? Try PJ Pals, a Jewish book-based program for children (6 months -6 years) and parents/caregivers.
Join Jewish educator Vivian Newman for storytelling, crafts, music, snac
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Lecture & Discussion
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Berkshires
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Behind the scenes with Barrington Stage "Fiddler on the Roof"
Jun 4
We are delighted to present and work with Gary John La Rosa, Theatrical Director of "Fiddler on the Roof." He has worked as a theatre professional for over 25 years. A NYC native and UCLA graduate, his diverse career has brought him to 4 continents.
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Community Program
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Lower Pioneer Valley
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Florence Melton Adult Mini-School Welcomes Professor Gampel
Jun 4
The community is invited to celebrate yet another successful year of adult Jewish learning in the Lower Valley. Adult education is thriving in the community. Nearly 100 students have enrolled in various Florence Melton Adult Mini-School classes. In
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Chamber Music of Jewish Composers
Jun 6
The Celebration will present a concert of chamber music showcasing important chamber music by Jewish composers, including the exciting Sonatina for Clarinet and Piano by Paul Schoenfield; the lush, romantic Trio by 19th century Russian-Jewish compose
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Family Program
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Upper Pioneer Valley
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Caring for the Earth: We All Have a Place in the Garden
Jun 10
(Rain Date: June 17th) Join us for this fun-filled family event! First we will all work together on a child’s hands-on planting activity! Instruction, tools, plants, and supplies will be provided and wheel barrows and shovels will be available for
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Author Appearance
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Berkshires
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Seeking Safety
Jun 11
At 1 p.m. on Monday, June 11, the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires will sponsor the program, "Seeking Safety," with author Judy Weber. In Seeking Safety, a work for children, Weber recounts that in 1944, 982 refugees were brought to the US to liv
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Klezmer Evening With Paul Green & Friends
Jun 12
Clarinetist and co-director Paul Green and some of the Berkshires’ best Klezmer musicians will perform traditional tunes from the Eastern European Klezmer repertoire, the Sephardic repertoire and the Second Avenue Jewish music scene in New York.
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Jewish Choral Concert (Shabbat Across the Berkshires)
Jun 15
In conjunction with the Berkshire Jewish Community's "Shabbat Across the Berkshires," the Celebration will join a Sabbath worship augmented by outstanding choral music presented by The Cantilena Singers, under the direction of Andrea Goodman. The rep
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A Klezmer Afternoon with Paul Green & Friends
Jun 17
Klezmer music takes the stage as the Celebration continues in North Adams. Paul Green and some of the Berkshires’ best Klezmer musicians will perform traditional tunes from the Eastern European Klezmer repertoire, the Sephardic repertoire and the S
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Bread and Torah
Jun 20
Did you know that reading the Torah and eating are the only two activities that have a blessing before they are started and after they are concluded? Rabbi Linda Motzkin and Rabbi Jonathan Rubenstein will lead us in a special day of learning. Parti
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Lecture & Discussion
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Berkshires
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"Holy Ground: The Yiddish Connection"
Jun 24
Nora Guthrie discusses the artistic implications of her father Woody's relationship with his Jewish mother-in-law, Yiddish poet Aliza Greenblatt. The program includes a presentation of photographs, music excerpts from the Klezmatics, writings and ar
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Lecture & Discussion
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Berkshires
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Journeys of Transformation
Jul 11
The daughter of Holocaust Survivors, Rosalie Gerut will recount the story of how she transformed the pain of the past into hope for the future. She grew up in the "valley of the shadow of death." Her parents had endured ghetto/starvation, slave lab
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Freddie Roman's Friars Club Comedy Festival
Jul 15
Two years ago, stand-up comedian Freddie Roman’s Catskills on Broadway had Berkshire audience members in stitches. The “King of One Liners” returns to the Mahaiwe on Sunday, July 15 at 7:00pm with Freddie Roman’s Friars Club Comedy Festival,
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David Makovsky to speak
Jul 16
David Makovsky is the Ziegler distinguished fellow and director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy Project on the Middle East Peace Process. He will speak about the current situation in Israel and the Middle East.
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Author Appearance
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Berkshires
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Jews On The Chocolate Trail
Jul 24
"Jews on the Chocolate Trail" uniquely melds the popularity of chocolate with a fascination about Judaism. In combining age old passions for chocolate and religion, Rabbi Deborah Prinz unwraps delightful new themes using little information gathered
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Lecture & Discussion
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Berkshires
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Michael Ochs:Tailoring Operetta to Its Audience:Di goldene kale
Jul 27
Michael Ochs will discuss how the Yiddish operetta "Di goldene kale" (The Golden Bride), which premiered in NY in 1923, was carefully designed to amuse and move its audience of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. The work is clever, funny, thorou
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Zamir Chorale of Boston and pre-concert reception
Aug 19
Join us for a special evening featuring The Zamir Chorale of Boston, Joshua Jacobson, Artistic Director, and a pre-concert reception honoring Arlene D. Schiff's 10th year as Executive Director. Noted by American Record Guide as "America's foremost J
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Rabbi Deborah Zecher in Concert
Aug 20
Rodgers, Hart and Hammerstein: The Golden Age of the American Musical
Rodgers and Hammerstein's twenty-plus year collaboration brought to the world such classics as Carousel, South Pacific and The Sound of Music. But, Oscar Hammerstein was not Ri
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Benefit
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Upper Pioneer Valley
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UMass Hillel's Ride to Provide
Oct 14
The 6th annual Ride to Provide is a family-friendly bike ride to support the community service programs and environmentally friendly projects of UMass Hillel. Join riders from throughout New England on your choice of a 9, 18, or 36 mile scenic bike
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Ongoing Events
Class
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Upper Pioneer Valley
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What Yiddish Tells us about Being Jewish part II
Mar 25 - Jun 10
We will study works of great Yiddish poets and songwriters, including such topics as Torah, the Yiddish labor movement, Love, Jewish life and values, Children vs. parents, Resistance to oppression and the Holocaust. There will be study of vocabulary
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Exhibit
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Upper Pioneer Valley
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Once@9:53 Fotonovela Exhibit
Apr 29 - Nov 4
This fotonovela exhibit by Ilan Stavans and Marcelo Brodsky includes more than 100 visuals that trace the streets of Buenos Aires’ Jewish community several hours before a devastating terrorist attack, allowing the visitor to experience first-hand t
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Workshop
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Lower Pioneer Valley
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What You Need to Know About Alzhiemer's Disease
Apr 30 - Jun 4
Monday, April 30th, 2012 6:00-8:00pm: Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease
Description: This comprehensive program for families who care for someone with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia focuses on getting a diagnosis, understanding and addressing be
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Class
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Upper Pioneer Valley
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Mindfulness of the Torah
May 8-18
Mindfulness is the calm and direct awareness of what is now happening in our bodies, in our minds, and in the world around us. Buddhist meditation uses mindfulness to go beyond words. We will use mindfulness to play and wrestle with the words of the
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Performance
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Lower Pioneer Valley
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Oliver!
May 12-20
Oliver is a full length musical with a multi-generational, 51-person cast from many communities. Sheri Levson, Director; Frank Jackson, Music Director; Stephanie Simpson, Choreographer
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Community Program
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Berkshires
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Garden Sculpture Taught By Michel Paul Richard
May 31 - Jun 14
At 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, June 7, and June 14, the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires will sponsor the workshop series, "Garden Sculpture Taught By Michel Paul Richard." This is an opportunity for those of various experience to create their ow
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Lecture & Discussion
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Berkshires
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Scholar In Residence Rabbi Mary Zamore
Jun 8-10
The delicious and sometimes challenging intersection of food and judaism.
Rabbi Zamore is the editor of "The Sacred Table: Creating A Jewish Food Ethic," an anthology of diverse essays on Jewish dietary practice.
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Concert
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Upper Pioneer Valley
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Yidstock: the festival of new Yiddish music
Jul 11-15
Enjoy a phenomenal week of performances, music-related films, lectures, exhibitions and other events culminating in two days of concerts featuring top names in klezmer and Yiddish music: Socalled with Michael Winograd Trio, Hankus Netsky & Hebrew Nat
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Lecture Series
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Berkshires
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Modern Jewish Short Stories
Jul 18 - Aug 15
This summer, join rabbinic intern Jodie Gordon as we look through the lens of modern short stories, written by prolific authors such as Sholom Aleichem, SY Agnon, Isaac Babel, Hava Shapiro and others. Each week Jodie will use a different short story
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 Individual events are listed to the left. Scroll down for ongoing & series events. Discover the wide range of arts, culture and education opportunities in the Pioneer Valley, Berkshires and beyond. Enjoy the rich fabric of Jewish community in our region! |
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