The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents: 
Knosh & Knowledge
Replicating the Gwozdziec Wooden Synagogue with sculptors Laura and Rick Brown

Have you seen the film Raise the Roof and have you walked the bridle trail at Chesterwood?  If not, no worries.  Please join us as we welcome Laura and Rick Brown, sculptors and educator-activists of Handhouse Studio whose sculptures are on site at Chesterwood and whose work appears in the film.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, a historically unique type of synagogue emerged in the Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth.  The wooden synagogue was an exquisite expression in timber and paint of Poland's historical diversity,  The Gwozdziec Synagogue was a magnificent example.  Nearly 200 of these wooden synagogues had been destroyed by the end of the Nazi invasion of Poland in WWII.

Handhouse Studio and the Association of the Jewish Historical Institute collaborated to replicate the 17th century Gwozdziec Synagogue roof and painted ceiling, to be the centerpiece of the Core Exhibition of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, Poland.  The Wooden Synagogue Replication Project was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students from many disciplines in 8 cities throughout Poland involving 58 professionals and 238 students.  Using the Handhouse Studio educational model of "learn by doing" they rebuilt this extraordinary example of Jewish/Polish art and architectural history.

Program only is free. $11 includes lunch following program. Advanced prepaid lunch reservations are required by Thursday, June 11 before noon by calling 413-442-4360, ext. 10 or federation@jewishberkshires.org