From The President

Dear Congregants and Friends,

A month ago, I returned from a trip to Central Europe, traveling on the Danube River and visiting Budapest, Bratislava, Salzburg, Vienna, and Prague. It was my first time in this part of the world, and the trip made a huge impression on me, especially my visits to synagogues, most of whose members were wiped out by the Nazis in WWII or by the Russians following the war during the Communist era. I was moved by the sights and descriptions of these lost communities and the beauty of their synagogues and ritual objects. I realized anew how fortunate we are to live in a time where we are free to practice our faith and be part of a thriving Jewish community.

I recently heard wonderful news from Carol Clingan that she has succeeded in raising the money needed to stabilize, restore, and move the mural in the attic of the Francis Street apartment building, which was CBI’s first house of worship in North Adams. It will be moved to a place of honor at its new home at the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst.

Here in our beautiful synagogue on Lois Street, we are busy planning for the fall and for High Holiday services and programs. Please be sure to check the calendar listings and announcements for details and RSVP early. We are also planning an exciting and engaging year for our students in our Jewish Journeys program. If you have school-age children in grades K-7, you will soon receive information about registering, or you can email [email protected] for more information.

If you are willing to volunteer occasionally as an usher and greeter at services, we’d be most appreciative and will provide training. This will ease the load that our Board members carry and would be a great service to our community.

Coming up soon, on Sunday, August 18 at 12:30pm, I invite you to join us on the Tanglewood lawn for a potluck picnic and concert, conducted by Earl Lee and featuring Yo-Yo Ma. We always have a wonderful time together. Please RSVP so we can text you with our exact location on the lawn. Bring lawn chairs, whatever you’d like to share, and your own beverages.

Wishing you a wonderful rest of your summer,

— Natalie Matus