Lindens and Shir Chadash going to camp in the Berkshires

The Linden family preparing for their camp themed sendoff to the Berkshires. (Photo courtesy Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation)

When Rabbi Ethan Linden and his wife Liba Kornfeld are welcomed to Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation on Sunday evening, the synagogue will be decorated to give attendees a feeling of being at a Jewish sleep away camp.

It is only appropriate since the rabbi arrived in 2009 after having served as a camp counselor and leader at Camp Ramah in New England and now will be starting work as the director at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. Jewish camping has informed much of his life as a youth and a Jewish professional, so it seems only right to bring the camping experience to friends and family gathering to thank him and his wife, who will be leaving her post as the Jewish Family Life director at the Jewish Community Center.

“We have all kinds of decorations that we’re excited about,” said Laura Fuhrman who along with her husband Dr. George Fuhrman and Sylvia and Israel finger are serving as event chairs. “We have murals that we’re putting up in the hallways that have trees and cabins and things like that.”

Red and white checkered tablecloths will lend a picnic feel to the event, which begins at 4:00 p.m.on Sunday, June 5 with passed hors d’oeuvres in the social hall. Signs noting “Arts and Crafts” and “Dining  Hall” will be posted. “It’s the kind of signs you see at a camp atmosphere,” Fuhrman continued.

A photo booth with background scenes of the woods will be taking posed pictures throughout the night, while musical entertainment will be heard throughout the event. Jennie and the Klezmorim, featuring newcomer clarinetist Jennie Lavine, will play klezmer music between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m.

Then, local favorites and national recording artists The Iguanas will take over the stage and keep the music flowing until the end of the event.

A special tribute program with a number of surprises will take place after the meal, which is to be catered by Andy Adelman.

The Fuhrmans and the Fingers were joined by a committee of between 20 and 25 individuals, who all contributed to this unique sendoff and celebration for the past seven years.