We are a warm and welcoming community located in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts where people of many backgrounds and beliefs come together to worship and explore the richness of the Jewish tradition. Ahavath Sholom was founded in 1926 and is affiliated with the Jewish Reconstructionist Communities.
The mission of Congregation Ahavath Sholom is to support a completely participatory, egalitarian, and inclusive Reconstructionist Jewish community. While recognizing the dynamic and evolving nature of Judaism in modern life, we engage with our traditions to inspire our ethical and spiritual growth. We encourage study, prayer, and celebration, education of children, and acts of caring and social justice.
Chagall: Love, War and Exile
A Jewish Museum Virtual Tour with Rena Tobey
On Wednesday evening, December 14th at 7:00 p.m., Congregation Ahavath Sholom is proud to announce their third Virtual Museum Tour,” Chagall: Love, War and Exile,” with renowned lecturer Rena Tobey.
This 2014 ground breaking and courageous exhibit tackled what is easily the most vexing subject in the career of the most beloved of Jewish artists; Marc Chagall (1887-1985). Namely: his persistent, indeed obsessive, use of the crucifixion as a symbol of Jewish suffering and persecution. The exhibit traces Chagall’s lifelong fascination with the emblem of Christianity, especially in his work created during the Holocaust.
The cost for CAS members is $20 and $25 for non-members. Please register and make payment by clicking on the red button below:
Golgotha, painting by Marc Chagall 1912
Note: You will be automatically registered once you make your payment.
A Concert for a Winter Afternoon
Congregation Ahavath Sholom will be presenting a concert on December 26th at 2:30 p.m. This event will be held at the South Berkshire Friends Meetinghouse at 280 State Road in Great Barrington. We are privileged to have two accomplished young musicians, Philip and Meredith Thompson, performing a program of classical selections. Light refreshments to follow for the last day of Chanukah.
We would love you to tell us if you are coming. Please RSVP to casoffice15@gmail.com. Donations can be made on this website using the button, with a suggested donation of $20; please specify that this is for the concert. Donations can also be made at
the door.
Upcoming Services and Events - November
Saturday, December 3 at 10:00 AM: Shabbat Services at the synagogue
Wednesday, December 7 at 10:00 AM: Café Kehillah with Rabbi Barbara Cohen via Zoom
Friday, December 9 at 5:00 PM: Candle Lighting Service via Zoom
Monday, December 12 at 12:00 PM: Memoir Workshop
Wednesday, December 14 at 10:00 AM: Café Kehillah with Rabbi Barbara Cohen via Zoom
at 7:00 PM: Jewish Museum Virtual Tour via Zoom - Marc Chagall: Love, War and Exile
Sunday, December 18 at 10:00 AM: Rabbi's Study Session - location to be announced
Wednesday, December 21 at 10:00 AM: Café Kehillah with Rabbi Barbara Cohen via Zoom
Monday, December 26 at 2:30 PM: A Concert for a Winter Afternoon at the South Berkshire
Friends Meeting House, 280 State Road, Great Barrington
Wednesday, December 28 at 10:00 AM: Café Kehillah with Rabbi Barbara Cohen via Zoom
Thursday, December 29 at 7:00 PM: Photography Workshop
Autumn Spirits
On Sunday, October 30th at 4:00 p.m., via zoom, CAS presented “Autumn Spirits,” a reading of poems and short pieces celebrating the various shades of the season. Some of the writers featured were Keats, Oliver, Paley, Poe, Sexton, and Octavio Paz. CAS members Caroline Forsman, Barbara Janoff, Ellen Kanner, Carol Killian and Stephanie Sloane read. Our guest reader was Jim Frangione, Artistic Director of the Great Barrington Public Theatre. A video of the event is presented below. In lieu of a fee for this zoom presentation, we will be accepting donations for our local People’s Pantry (you can use the donate button on this page).
Listen to Rabbi Cohen's Religious Roundtable interview by clicking on the button above. The Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce
"CAS/Member Spotlight" February 28th interview with Barbara can be played by clicking the starter triangle below.
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