Jewish Federation Hosts Program on Judaism, Tai Chi

11:45AM / Friday, July 24, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents Dr. Joel Friedman, who will lead a program on "Judaism and Tai Chi: Finding Balance in an Unbalanced World" on Thursday, July 30, at 10:45 a.m.

In this workshop, he explores how Judaism and tai chi can help cultivate a more balanced life by teaching effective responses to the constant stream of verbal, physical, and internal stresses of daily living. These skills, he emphasizes, must be learned and practiced, centering on a dynamic balance between what we take in and what we express outwardly — whether in conversation or conflict.

This free program will be presented as part of the Federation's Connecting With Community Series at Knesset Israel. The conversation will continue with a home-cooked lunch around the community table. All are welcome; advance lunch reservations are required by calling 413-442-2200 before 9 a.m. on Wednesday. Suggested donation of $3 for adults over age 60, $7 for all others.

Friedman is a research scientist and doctor of medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He brings a interdisciplinary perspective shaped by decades in science and medicine, more than 40 years of training and teaching Taoist-based internal martial and healing arts, and a deep commitment to Jewish learning.

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

Greylock Youth SummerFest

Come join in on the wealth building fun! August 3-8. Click for event details. Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield ConCom Sees Revised Work Plans for Wahconah Park

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
02:26PM / Thursday, August 13, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Conservation Commission will dig into the notice of intent application for Wahconah Park's overhaul.

The commission heard an update on the historic park's reconstruction during its regular meeting on July 23.

The grandstand is expected to be down by early September, and the city has been working with SK Design Group and the Department of Environmental Protection to revise work plans, which can be complex on a site located entirely in the floodplain.

The revised plan includes supplemental materials to address the DEP's comments, clarified riverfront area compliance, a separated wetland replication area floodplain, a fully documented stormwater conveyance and treatment approach, and addresses wetland floodplain and construction sequencing impacts.

It was continued to Aug. 13 so that commissioners can review the new documents and comment.

"The revised design will replace the aging and failed drainage infrastructure," explained James Scalise of SK Design Group, on behalf of the city.

"…We have avoided and minimized impacts to regulated resource areas. We've reduced the potential for erosion control, drainage failure, and uncontrolled discharges."

The over-a-quarter-century-old structure was deemed unsafe in 2022, and planners have determined that starting from square one is the best option; a $15 million rebuild is on the table.

The project team was before the ConCom in May after receiving several comments from the DEP. Because of the difficult permitting path, they requested a continuance and have spent that time responding.

View Full Story