By Leora W. Isaacs, Ph.D.
DATELINE: August 15-18, 1969. Yasgur’s Farm, Bethel NY
During a summer of social unrest and upheaval, more than 400,000 people converged at Yasgur’s Farm in Bethel NY for the Woodstock Music and Art Fair, billed as an Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace and Music. 32 acts were performed outdoors including Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and Sha Na Na. The festival was both a pivotal moment in music history and a defining event for the counterculture generation. Max Yasgur, the owner of the farm, reflected: “Nearly half a million people spent the 3 days with music and peace on their minds…If we join them, we can turn those adversities that are the problems of America today into a hope for a brighter and more peaceful future.”
DATELINE: May 1, 2022. 7 PM. ZOOM.
Jewish Family Services of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties is thrilled to present BACKSTAGE PASS TO WOODSTOCK: The Music Festival that Changed the Soul of the Nation. This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from people who were on stage and behind the scenes at Woodstock about their experiences, their reflections about the event, and its impact on their lives and the world, and also to learn a bit about the “Jewish” story behind the event.
Dr. Alan Cooper, currently distinguished professor of biblical studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, appeared on the Woodstock stage as lead singer with Sha Na Na for “At the Hop” which was the lead-in to Jimi Hendrix who closed the festival. He also appeared in the Woodstock movie, The Tonight Show, and The Merv Griffin Show.
Elliot Landy was the official photographer at Woodstock, and his photographs are on permanent exhibit at the Museum at Bethel Woods Center. They are also published in: Woodstock Vision: The Spirit of a Generation, Woodstock Dream, Dylan in Woodstock, and Woodstock 1969 the First Festival: 3 Days of Peace and Music.
As a complement to the program, JFS is holding a curated raffle of distinctive memorabilia, merchandise and experiences related to Woodstock and the area. Raffle tickets are one for $36, four for $100.
Tickets for the online event are $36 per person. Event and raffle tickets are available from: www.jewishfamilysvc.org.
JFS is a not for profit, nonsectarian social service agency serving the needs of individuals and families in Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties since 1980. JFS is committed to serving the needs of the entire community and offers a continuum of programs and services including: individual, couple and family counseling; geriatric assessments, supportive counseling and case management services for home bound elderly; Career Counseling; a Family Mentor Program for vulnerable young families or elderly persons; social groups and parent groups for children with disabilities and their families; presentations, support groups, and individual spiritual counseling to address the health, wellness and healing needs of the community. Many programs are at no cost, on a sliding fee scale or payable through third party insurance. If you are interested in learning more about JFS’ programs, please contact us at (908)725-7799, email us at Admin@JewishFamilySvc.org, visit our website: www.JewishFamilySvc.org and like us on Facebook. Jewish Family Service of SHW, Inc. 150-A West High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876.