Centennial Celebration

One hundred years may seem insignificant in the history of Judaism, but it represents a significant milestone in the life of a community. At Hannukah 2009 we celebrated our first one hundred years in Bennington, honoring both the history of our community and its present vibrancy, through a program of music, readings and reminiscences. A cross-section of our community shared their thoughts on what Beth El means to them. It was a remarkable evening, a moving tribute to our history, and a reflection of who we are and what the word “community” means to us.

In other centennial events, CBE member and noted author Jamaica Kincaid and friends gave a special reading to benefit the Pat Barr Fund, there was a timber-framing workshop to cut and raise Beth El’s unique old-world sukkah at the Bennington Museum, artist Emmett Leader’s powerful show, “Revisiting Traditions – Illuminating our Times” in celebration of the centennial and his family’s Jewish heritage in Bennington opened at the museum, and a new seven week “Counting the Omer” art/hasidic text study/kabbalistic class were offered. Stay tuned for 100 more years.