The Pittsfield Federation of Temple Youth (PFTY), led by Advisor Rachel Alemany, has long been committed to encouraging Jewish students’ (grades 8 through 12) participation in Judaism and Social Action activities.  PFTY, is a member of the Northeast Region of the National Federation for Temple Youth.

This year, the members of PFTY have united with youth group members from Knesset Israel to form “Yachad”, a group which encourages tight-knit bonds between the youth of the Central Berkshire Jewish community, and will engage in several group dinners, projects, and holiday events together this year.

The members of PFTY frequently reach beyond Berkshire County and participate in NFTY regional Conclavettes and dances in order to encourage networking between fellow young Jews.

Each fall during the High Holy Day season, PFTY contributes to the Temple and the local community’s Social Action initiatives by running a food drive.  PFTY also takes part in the Temple’s annual Religious School Shabbat service.  In March of 2009, PFTY was featured in The Berkshire Eagle for their work on “Where Do You Live”, a Shabbat Service dedicated to exploring each individual’s place in their communities.

PFTY CALENDAR for 2010/2011

September 2010

9/5/2010  - Planning for High Holiday food drive.  Time: 11:30 am - 4:00 pm.

• Bagel brunch and organize bags for drive
• Ropes course at Jiminy Peak ($25)

9/19/2010 - Bring donated goods to food pantry.

9/26/2010 - Pumpkin Carving and BBQ at Rabbi Weiner's Home.  Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm.

October 2010

10/24/2010 - Lasagna Preparation for Italian Night at Temple Anshe Amunim.  Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.

November 2010

11/7/2010 - Italian Night at Temple Anshe Amunim.  Time: 3:30 pm - 7:45 pm.  All proceeds benefit Tikkun Olam.

• Kids and parents arrive at 3:30 pm
• Italian Night Dinner: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
• Cleanup: 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm

December 2010

12/3/2010 - Community Crib (Teens are collecting gifts for lower income families in Pittsfield).  We are collecting baby and child items/clothing to donate to the Christian Center to help families less fortunate during the holiday season of giving.

• At Knesset Israel - Shirei Shabbat.  All congregants asked to bring an unwrapped gift, for a child or baby, to the dinner.
• At Temple Anshe Amunim - Chanukah Dinner.  All congregants asked to bring an unwrapped gift, for a child or baby, to the dinner.

12/23/2010 - Volunteers needed to bring gifts to the Christian Center.

January 2011

1/9/2011 - TENTATIVE - Bagel Brunch with Rabbi Josh and Rabbi Weiner.   Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.  Location: Knesset Israel?

1/30/2011 - Ice Skating with Jr. Yachad at the Boys & Girls Club.

February 2011

2/6/2011 - Bowling.  Time: TBD

2/11 & 12/2011 - USY/Kadima led Shabbat.

• Friday: 5:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service, 6:30 Community Dinner
• Saturday: 9:30 am Shabbat Service, 12:00 pm celebratory Kiddush

March 2011

3/13/2011 - Purim Carnival Setup at Knesset Israel.  Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

3/15/2011 - Purim Carnival at Knesset Israel.

• Yachad arrive at 3:15 - 3:30 pm
• Carnival from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
• Cleanup from 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm

April 2011

4/3/2011 - Senior Prom at Melbourne Place  (A committee of kids is needed to plan this)

May 2011

5/15/2011 - Cemetery Cleanup (Lara will organize with Judy Cook)

June 2011

6/14/2011 - Pool Party and BBQ at Hanna Link's home (We need Carol Link's OK for this)