Temple Anshe Amunim to Celebrate High Holy Days

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Temple Anshe Amunim, located at 26 Broad St., will celebrate the Jewish High Holy Days with a full schedule of services in a newly renovated temple.

“This new year marks a unique milestone for our community,” said Rabbi Josh Breindel. “Our sanctuary has been completely remodeled to reflect a modern esthetic. Even more importantly, with our new elevator and redesigned bimah (raised ritual space), everyone can participate equally in our worship.

Also new this year, Cantorial Soloist Dara Rosenblatt will join Rabbi Breindel and the temple choir to help lead the musical portions of the service.

The High Holy Days season begins with Selichot – a contemplative service featuring stories, music and guided meditations.

“Selichot is one of the most beautiful moments in our annual cycle,” Rabbi Josh said. “We all fall short of our own ethical standards from time to time. This service reminds me that I can make amends for my shortcomings. It reassures me that I have the strength to reach out and make things better.”

Selichot services will take place on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 7:30 p.m., followed by a dessert reception.  

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.