The Jewish Federation Connecting with Community presents "The Bondy Family, Their Unique School, and Conflicting Responses to Judaism." Max and Gertrude Bondy, both from Czech-German Jewish families, created a unique co-educational boarding school in Germany in 1920.  In 1924, they converted to Lutheranism.  After being forced out of Germany by the Nazis and re-establishing their school in Vermont, and then Lenox, they never shared their Jewish background with their students.

This talk, presented by Roselle K. Chartock, Professor Emerita of Education at MCLA, will focus on why the Bondys kept silent and the responses of other family members to their Jewish heritage.  Now retired from teaching, Dr. Chartock is currently an artist and writer.  Her book Windsor Mountain School, A Beloved Berkshire Institution, presents the fascinating history of a private progressive boarding school.  Chartock is author of three other books, two related to teaching and education and the other an anthology about Nazi Holocaust, her primary area of research.

This free program is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community Series and will be 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.