The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires cares for those in need and nurtures and sustains the Jewish community locally, in Israel and around the world, today and for future generations. 

The Federation is where the values of compassion, charity, generosity and responsibility inspire us to improve the quality of life for people in our community - everyday.  A place where all of us, including you, can make a world of difference. Read more about what the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires does. 
Or, contact us at  413-442-4360

PJ Library Family Shabbat at KI

Please join us for a FREE PJ Library Family Shabbat on Saturday, May 18 at Congregation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield.  From 10am-11am, ages 5 and younger (pre-kindergarten) and from 11am-noon, ages 6-8 (kindergarten).  Open free to all children and their families!  More

Watercolor Class with Michel Paul Richard

From 1 to 3 p.m. on Monday May 20, the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires will offer a watercolor course with noted artist Michel Paul Richard.  At a cost of $40 for the course, plus a $5 model's fee, a materials list will be provided at the time of registration.  Open to the public, the course will be held at Congregation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield. More

Jewish Resistance

At 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents the program "Beyond Courage:  The Untold Story of Jewish Resistance During the Holocaust," with award-winning author Doreen Rappaport.  Open to the public, and at a cost of $3, the program, for all ages, will be held at Congregation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield.  More

Polanski's Pianist

At 1 p.m. on Monday, June 10, the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents the program "Polanski's The Pianist" with Berkshire Eagle columnist Porfessor Leonard Quart.  Open to the public, and at a cost of $3, the program, for all ages, will be held at Congregation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield.  More

Poetry and Drama

At 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents "Poetry and Drama:  A Celebration of Life and Spirit," - songs, poems, and stories with Leslie Elias.  Open to the public, and at a cost of $3, the program, for all ages, will be held at Congregation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield. More

The Chosen

A presentation of its South County Lunch Program, at 10:45am on Friday, June 14, the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents an in-depth, behind the scenes look at Chaim Potok's "The Chosen" with Barrington Stage Company Artistic Director Julianne Boyd.  The program will be held at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire, 270 State Road, Great Barrington. More

Eleanor Roosevelt and the Jews

At 1 p.m. on Monday, June 17, the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents the program "Eleanor Roosevelt and the Fate of the Jews, 1933 to 1945," with John F. Sears, Ph.D.  Open to the public, and at a cost of $3, the program, for all ages, will be held at Congregation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield.  More

New Israel/New England

At 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents the program "New Israel/New England:  Jews and Puritans in Early America," with Michael Hoberman, Associate Professor of English and Folklore at Fitchburg State University.  Open to the public, and at a cost of $3, the program, for all ages, will be held at Congregation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield.  More

The Yiddish Book Center

At 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents a program on the Yiddish Book Center with Lisa Newman, Director of Communications.  Open to the public, and at a cost of $3, the program, for all ages, will be held at Congregation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield.  More

Chamber Music of Jewish Composers at Hevreh

A Summer Celebration of Jewish Music, co-directed by Paul Green and Robert Scherr will feature The Multi-faceted Jewish Experience:  Different Genres, Different Languages, Different Nationalities - A Chamber Music Concert on Sunday, June 23 at 3pm at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire, 270 State Road, Great Barrington. More

Transposing Broadway: Jewish Influences on the Broadway Musical

A Summer Celebration of Jewish Music continues on Sunday, July 7 at 3:00 pm with Transposing Broadway: Jewish Influences on the Broadway Musical.  Presented by Stuart Hecht, Professor of Theatre at Boston College where he teaches and directs.  Held at Congregation Beth Israel, 53 Lois Street, North Adams. More

Come to the Cabaret!

A Summer Celebration of Jewish Music continues on Sunday, July 14 at 7:30 pm with Come to the Cabaret!  Jazz and Cabaret singer Sherri James Buxton joins clarinetist Paul Green to perform the Great Amercan Songbook.  Come to listen, dance and enjoy food and drink.  Held at Congregation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield.  More

Contact us

by calling

413-442-4360 ext. 10

The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires is seeking a dynamic community leader

Must be skilled in fundraising, programming, management and administration.  Able to motivate both lay leaders and staff.  Have exceptional interpersonal skills. For a detailed job description click here.

Jewish Women's Foundation Meeting and Brunch

Chair Jane Glaser has announced that at 10:30am on Thursday, June 27, the Jewish Women's Foundation of Berkshire County will hold its Fourth Annual Meeting at Gedney Farm, Route 57, New Marlborough.  Glaser will discuss the work of the Foundation since it was founded four years ago as well as its mission driven activities moving forward.  The event's special guest speaker is Rabbi Leonard A. Sharzer, MD, Associate Director of Bioethics of the Finkelstein Institute for Religious and Social Studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary.  More 

A Celebration of Jewish Music in America

Please join us for a fundraiser for the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires at A Celebration of Jewish Music in America on Sunday, August 11 at 7:30pm at the Duffin Theater at Lenox High School, 197 East Street, Lenox.  Musical Director Paul Green, clarinet, will be joined by Sherri James Buxton, Spiritual Leader Barbara Cohen, Rabbi Deborah Zecher, Cantor Robert Scherr, all vocals, Charles Neville, saxophone and Joe Rose, pianist.  More 

Volunteer!

There are other ways to help besides donating money. Volunteering your time is a rewarding experience and helps the Federation run vital programs that benefit your neighbors and the Berkshires community. Sign up here.

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