Thursday, May 01

Celebrating Israel

The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires will coordinate three events commemorating and celebrating the 60th anniversary of the 1948 founding of the state of Israel.

. Friday, May 2, 7:30 p.m., Hevreh of Southern Berkshire, 270 State Road Great Barrington: A community service will be held featuring Dr. Len Lyons, the author of "The Ethiopian Jews of Israel - Personal Stories of Life in the Promised Land," speaking on the trials and triumphs of immigrant Ethiopian "Jews" arriving in Israel and striving to become Ethiopian "Israelis." Info: 413-528-6378.

. Saturday, May 3, 7 p.m., Congregation Beth Israel, 53 Lois St., North Adams: A community service and dessert reception will be held, accompanied in both English and Hebrew by "Kolot," the acclaimed Jewish a capella group from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Info: 413-663-5830.

. Sunday, May 4, 4-6 p.m., Congregation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield: A "Community Celebration, with Klezamir" will be held, featuring Klezamir; Meretz, Berkshire County's teen Israeli dance troupe; displays by local organizations; the sale of Israeli foods and products; and crafts and other child-friendly

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activities.

Info: 413-445-4872. All events are free and open to the public.

Medicare workshop

PITTSFIELD - The SHINE program at Elder Services of Berkshire County will sponsor a Health Benefits University at Elder Services' offices at 66 Wendell Ave. Thursday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The program will include an overview of state health insurance counseling programs; a Medicare overview, including Part A, Part B and supplemental plans; prescription drug options including Medicare D and Prescription Advantage; and public benefit programs. New this year will be information on the new Medicare Advantage plans, which have recently become available in Berkshire County.

Health and human services professionals as well as caregivers can benefit from this course, which will be taught by Margaret Johnson Ware, Elder Services' regional SHINE director. Three social work CEUs will be available to qualified course participants. Registration is required by May 2. Info: 413-499-0524 or 800-544-5242.