Jewish Federation of the Berkshires     413-442-4360

Nadine Epstein: Moment Magazine Editor to Speak

At 7:30 pm on Wednesday, July 9, join Nadine Epstein, Editor and Executive Publisher of Moment Magazine, for a conversation on the importance of independent Jewish journalism.  The program co-sponsored by Moment and the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires will be held at Temple Anshe Amunim, 26 Broad Street, Pittsfield.

Hear the fascinating history of Moment, founded by Elie Wiesel and Leonard Fein in 1975 and share your insights and perspective on Jewish journalism.

Ms. Epstein was a journalist for twenty-five years before joining Moment in 2004.  Her articles, essays and op-ed pieces have appeared in publications including: The New York Times, The New York Times Magazine, The Washington Post, Smithsonian, The Christian Science Monitor, and Ms Magazine.

Moment Magazine is the largest independent Jewish magazine in North America. It is committed to being an independent forum in which disparate opinions and ideas are addressed in provocative ways.

For information, please contact Arlene D. Schiff, Executive Director, at 413-442-4360 ext. 12 or arlene.schiff@verizon.net

"Brian Bender & the Little Shop of Horas"

At Knesset Israel, August 18

At 7:30 p.m. on Monday, August 18, internationally hailed "Brian Bender and The Little Shop of Horas" will appear in a lively klezmer concert at Congregation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield, co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires.

Bender and his group will bring his signature brand of klezmer which blends original and traditional Jewish melodies with Latin Jazz, Reggae, Calypso, Samba, Middle Eastern, and African rhythms.

In addition to performing frequently at clubs, festivals, schools, and concerts throughout New England and New York, Bender has performed in the Cape Verde Islands, Egypt, Israel, France, Italy, the United Kingdom and throughout the United States.  He has peformed at Carnegie Hall as well as at President Bill Clinton's inauguration.

Light refreshments will follow the concert which is priced at $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For tickets and further information, please call 413-445-4872, ext. 11 or email receptionist@knessetisrael.org.

Opera on Tap Twice: July 29 and August 12

At 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, July 29 and August 12, the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, will sponsor programs focusing on opera and led by Peter Podol.

Free and open to the public, Podol's presentations will be held at Congregation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield, and follow the noon, Federation sponsored "Older Adult Kosher Hot Meal Program," which has a $2 suggested donation; $6 for those under 60 years of age.

Podol's July program is: "The Amazing Instrument That is The Human Voice" and will focus on the dynamics of opera singing and feature key singers such as Enrico Caruso.

The August session "Operatic Tenors and Ethnicity," will examine the quintessential sound of Italian, Scandinavian and Jewish tenors.

Peter Podol, an opera aficionado for forty-five years, has taught classes in opera appreciation at Elderhostel and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

For more information please call Nancy Maurice Rogers, Program Director, at 413-442-4360 ext. 15

The Kol Zimra Singers - in concert!

A Benefit for "The Jewish Agency Fund for Victims of Terror" Presented by the Jewish Federation of t

Sunday, July 27, 2008 at 7:30 pm.
Duffin Theater, Lenox High School, 197 East Street, Lenox

Kol Zimra, a world class vocal ensemble, has performed across North America, in Israel, and at the White House for the First Family.

Kol Zimra performs favorite Hebrew and English Jewish songs in stunning harmony and;

Kol Zimra combines remarkable rhythm, harmony, personality, and humor that will have you clapping and dancing the entire night!

For reservations and underwriting opportunities, please call: Arlene D. Schiff, Executive Director, 413-442-4360 ext. 12

Supported in part by a grant from the Jewish Arts & Culture Initiative of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.

Third Annual Jewish Music Festival: Boasts Renowned Peformers

Co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, Brian Bender's Yiddishkeit Klezmer Ensemble and husband-and-wife duo Sruli and Lisa will headline the third annual "Challapalooza," the annual Jewish music festival presented by Chabad of the Berkshires, which will be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 13 at the Duffin Theater at Lenox Memorial High School.

Supported in part by a grant from the Jewish Arts and Culture Initiative of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, "Challahpalooza" is a foot stomping, heart-pounding, spirit-lifting musical extravaganza, which has gained in popularity yearly among those who want to celebrate the joy of Jewish culture.

Seth Rogovoy, author of "The Essential Klezmer: A Music Lover's Guide to Jewish Roots and Soul Music," called Bender's group "One of the top klezmer bands on the East Coast."

Vocalists, Sruli and Lisa specialize in an interactive mix of song, dance, and humor, especially suited to family audiences.

Ticket prices are $20 per adult; $36 for VIP and $100 for sponsorship. For more information call Chabad of The Berkshires at 413-499-9899.