The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Connecting with Community will screen Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags, the 2009 documentary directed by Mark Levin.   

A look at the demise of New York’s garment industry, where the loss of manufacturing jobs to nations with cheaper labor represents “a microcosm of everything that’s going on in this country”. The film neatly frames the story not just with the bustling streets of Manhattan but with the Triangle Factory fire of 1911.  Coming full circle, it zeroes in on decades later in Bangladesh and sweatshops overseas. This film is sobering look at the rise and fall of the garment center as we knew it. We will begin promptly at 10:45 to view the film in its entirety.

This free program is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community Series and will be followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $2 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. Advance reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program.