JFB @ K.I.

The following programs are sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires. The programs are free and open to the public. Please see the individual listings for the dates and times of the programs, some may vary. The programs are presented at Congregation Knesset Israel(unless otherwise specified) at 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield. Please come and let others know about these community oriented program opportunities. Additionally, there is a hot, kosher style meal cooked and served at Congregation Knesset Israel on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursday at 12PM. Please call 442-2200 to make an advance reservation. Senior lunches are $2.00 and non-senior lunches are $6.00.

May 8 and May 15, these two Thursdays at 1PM, mark the final 2 installments of the Spanish program. For those wishing to come to lunch on May 15, there will be a lunch served with a Spanish touch, with all 3 Spanish teachers there as well. At 1PM there will be a gathering to mark the last day of the Spanish class.

May 12, Monday, 10:30 – 11:30 AM: David Wade Smith,T’ai Chi teacher of 30 years, will demonstrate Laughing Dragon T’ai Chi movements that will lead into the opportunity for participation. Come and experience this movement program open for all levels and ages.

May 13, Tuesday, 1PM - Carole Owens, author of Pittsfield: Gem City in the Gilded Age, will speak about her book and the environs of Pittsfield during that Golden Age. Come and learn more about the city you think you already knew everything about. Books will be available for purchase and for Carole to sign.

May 20, Tuesday, 1PM – Lawrence Klein recently created the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art in SOHO in New York City. During this program Lawrence will about the museum, but also discuss why and how he was inspired to put together this project for the purpose of contributing to community and beyond.

May 22, Thursday, 1PM – Darlene White, Boston Symphony Orchestra Education Director and Blues guitarist, Robin O’Herin will present stories and music from the Harlem Renaissance. This is “Blues Storytelling” at its best.

May 27,Tuesday, 1PM - Megan Whilden, Director of the City of Pittsfield Office of Cultural Development, will speak about what’s happening for this Summer for downtown cultural Pittsfield. Come find out in person what’s in store for you this Summer.

May 29, Thursday, 1PM – Lynette Dukehart, will present an educational program about how healthy feet relate to a person’s whole body. Come find out how you can improve certain health issues through maintaining healthy foot care.

June 5, Thursday, 1PM – Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser, from Temple Beth Israel in North Adams, will present a program and discussion for the Holiday of Shavuot. This is a relaxed and informal program.

June 12, Thursday, 1PM – Pastor Natalie Shiras, from the Church on the Hill in Lenox, and Rabbi David Greenspoon, from Congregation Knesset Israel in Pittsfield, will present a dialogue on interfaith issues. This will be a stimulating and topical discussion that has many applications in our daily lives.

June 17, Tuesday, 1PM - Volunteers in Medicine, an organization based in Great Barrington, serves individual’s and families’ medical needs through the experienced care of medical practitioners. Two representatives will present how their program works in the communities that it serves.

June 19, Thursday, 1PM – Diana Feld, contralto singer, and Ruth Nodiff, piano player, will present a musical program that celebrates old Palestinian and modern Israeli music.

June 23, Monday, 1PM – Representative Smitty Pignatelli will present a dialogue with our community members about current events. Come be a part of this dialogue and hear it from your representative.

June 24, Tuesday, 1PM – Kinny Frelinghuysen, will present a program about the Frelinghuysen Morris House and Studio in Lenox. Before you go to the studios yourself, come and learn about it from someone who knows firsthand.

June 26, Thursday, 1PM - Nick Jacobs artist and violinist will take the audience on a journey with “Kroyt’s Camera”, a tale of the arts. This odyssey develops into the mystery of photography and music, from Klezmer to Schubert. Join Nick as he weaves his musical and visual story.