Hadassah Book Review for April
The April Book Club is scheduled for Monday – April 20, 2026, In Person at Synagogue and via ZOOM
The Secret Life Of Sunflowers: A gripping, inspiring novel based on the true story of Johanna Bonger, Vincent van Gogh’s sister-in-law by Marta Molnar, Dana Marton
When Hollywood auctioneer Emsley Wilson finds her famous grandmother’s diary while cleaning out her New York brownstone, the pages are full of surprises. The first surprise is, the diary isn’t her grandmother’s. It belongs to Johanna Bonger, Vincent van Gogh’s sister-in-law.
Johanna inherited Vincent van Gogh’s paintings. They were all she had, and they weren’t worth anything. She was a 28 year old widow with a baby in the 1800s, without any means of supporting herself, living in Paris where she barely spoke the language. Yet she managed to introduce Vincent’s legacy to the world.
The inspiration couldn’t come at a better time for Emsley. With her business failing, an unexpected love turning up in her life, and family secrets unraveling, can she find answers in the past?
04/20/2026 1:00 pm
Congregation Beth Shalom and via Zoom
Prayer and Beyond
(The group formerly known as What Are We Saying When We Are Praying?)
A Discussion Group Facilitated by Brenda.
Please bring a siddur with you. Delicious snacks will be served! Be part of this interesting and interactive discussion!
Please RSVP to Brenda whether you are planning to attend or not! Email Brenda or call her.
04/21/2026 2:00 pm
Brenda's Home
Community-Wide Yom Hazikaron Commemoration & Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration
Together in Remembrance: Community Yom Hazikaron Commemoration & Tekes with Special Guest Speakers
Family Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration – Join local families for dancing, crafts and play as we celebrate Israel Independence Day!
Jewish Federation, in partnership with The Capital District Board of Rabbis & Cantors, Amidah, CBAJ NCSY, Temple Israel & Camp Givah, and PJ Library, invites the entire community to join us on Tuesday, April 21, at 6 PM for the following: Together in Remembrance: Community Yom HaZikaron Commemoration & Tekes with Special Guest Speakers. Family Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration: Join local families for dancing, crafts, and play as we celebrate Israel Independence Day. ENHANCED SECURITY
TICKETS ARE REQUIRED; Yom Hazikaron & Yom Ha’atzmaut 2026
04/21/2026 6:00 pm
Temple Israel, 600 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY
CBS’s Special Yom Ha’Atzmaut Lunch and Learn
Congregational Beth Shalom of Clifton Park invites you to join us for a special Yom Ha’Atzmaut Lunch and Learn featuring meaningful discussion with special guests sharing their stories.
Lunch will be provided-pre-registration required – Congregation Beth Shalom: Lunch and Learn
Suggested Donation: $10.00 per person, to benefit Israel’s “Emissaries in Uniform” program.
Congregation Beth Shalom, 688 Clifton Park Center Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065
04/22/2026 12:00 pm
Congregation Beth Shalom
Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York Presents Community Shabbat
Friday-Night Services & Dinner! All are welcome.
6 PM Services. 7 PM Community Kiddush & Dinner catered by 518Kosher
Tickets: $10 per adult. $8 Per senior
Register at Jewish Federation or call; (518) 783-7800. Registration required by Friday, May 8th.
05/15/2026 6:00 pm
Albany JCC, 340 Whitehall Road, Albany
