Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Launches: Shine A Light On Antisemitism

PITTSFIELD, Mass. The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires has joined Shine A Light, a comprehensive national initiative to illuminate the dangers of antisemitism through education, engagement, and advocacy.

According to a press release, Shine A Light uses the story of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, to champion the message that light can dispel darkness. Through a coalition of more than 100 Jewish and non-Jewish organizations, Shine a Light seeks to catalyze conversations and raise awareness across communities, on school campuses, and in the workplace, so that people will better understand what constitutes antisemitism and take steps to respond.

As part of the coalition, Jewish Federation of the Berkshires will spotlight modern forms of antisemitism and share educational resources and advocacy opportunities through a targeted social media and online campaign through the end of Chanukah on December 26.

"With the global rise in antisemitism the need to stand up to the harmful prejudices and stereotypes against the Jewish community is more critical than ever," said Federation President Elisa Schindler Frankel. "We are proud to Shine A Light on antisemitism—which still exists today, both in polite conversation and in more dangerous and insidious forms. This campaign is meant to convey in no uncertain terms that it is up to all of us to be aware of antisemitism—and to take action against it."

In conjunction with its online campaign, Jewish Federation of the Berkshires will also host a community menorah lighting and Chanukah celebration on Dec.18 at The Mount, in conjunction with NightWood immersive outdoor sound and light experience. In addition, a virtual program on contemporary Jew hatred in the United States will explore antisemitism in American universities, popular culture, and hip hop, with respected scholar Dr. Charles Asher on Jan 26.

According to the Anti-Defamation League’s annual audit of antisemitic incidents released in March of 2022, antisemitic incidents in New England spiked 42 percent in 2021, with Massachusetts ranking as the worst offender. A 2021 survey of the American Jewish Committee found that one in every four American Jews has been targeted by antisemitism over the past year, and nearly four in ten report changing their behavior for fear of being identified as Jewish, or for their safety or comfort as Jews.

Visit Federation’s website (jewishberkshires.org) for additional information about events, resources, opportunities for advocacy, and ways individuals can get involved. 

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.