HUC Berkshires 2024: Event Details

Berkshires 2024 / HUC Berkshires 2024: Event Details

We look forward to a meaningful weekend together! Details related to each event are provided below. Please arrive early to ensure there is enough time to check-in and get settled so the presentations can begin on time.

Given the recent increase in COVID cases, if you are not feeling well or are experiencing COVID symptoms, please refrain from attending the event. For more information, consult the CDC website (https://www.cdc.gov/covid/signs-symptoms/index.html).

If your plans have changed, please use your personalized guest kit (sent upon registration) or email events@huc.edu to modify your registration. If you have any questions on the day of the event, please call 212-824-2255.

Visit huc.edu/berkshires for general information about the sessions offered, event partners, speakers, and more.

Event Details PDF

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Creativity in a Time of Crisis: An Evening with Israeli Writer and Filmmaker Etgar Keret

7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Featuring Etgar Keret and Rabbi Wendy Zierler, Ph.D.

The event is in the Bernstein Theatre at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox. Upon arrival on site, follow signage to the Bernstein Theatre: bear right at the main traffic circle and then straight to the paved parking areas ahead. Once parked, walk the brick footpath alongside the pond to the lobby doors.

Inside the lobby, there are accessible public restrooms, concessions for sale, cafe tables, a check-in table for the event, and the theatre entrance near the end of the room. Note – tickets are general admission, so seats are on a first come basis.

In the theatre, the front row of seating is accessible (at stage height), and the remaining four rows require two steps up each; it is an intimate space with the last row only 5 rows away from the presenter.

The theatre and lobby are air-conditioned; a light outer layer is recommended for those that may get chilly easily. Only beverages with lids (such as bottled water) are permitted inside the theatre; food is not permitted in the theatre. The program will be mic’d, so there will not be a need for assistive listening devices as well.

Please limit photography during the session; no flash or video are allowed.

Venue Location, Parking, and Contact:
Shakespeare & Company (70 Kemble Street in Lenox, MA 01240)
Bernstein Theatre (follow signs for this theatre when parking)
Main Phone at Venue: (413) 637-1199

Friday, July 26, 2024

Yiddish Futures: Translation in the New Yiddish Moment

In collaboration with Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ Knosh and Knowledge program.
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Featuring Jordan Finkin, Ph.D. and Madeleine Cohen, Ph.D.

Join HUC-JIR and the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires for the Knosh and Knowledge program. Please check in at the table in the Hevreh entrance area. Light nosh is provided at the start of the program, before the discussion begins.

Venue Location, Parking, and Contact:
Hevreh of Southern Berkshire (270 State Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230) in the Sanctuary
Parking available in Hevreh lots on site
Main Phone at Venue: 413-528-6378

Alumni Only Event: Lunch and Learn

12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Featuring Etgar Keret and Rabbi Wendy Zierler, Ph.D.

Crissey Farm is located adjacent to Barrington Brewery & Restaurant. The front doors face the parking lot. Please follow “Crissey Farm” parking signs to the rear of the lot and check in once inside.

Lunch will be provided during the first portion of the event, which includes reading and study of Etgar Keret’s short-short stories led by Professor Zierler. Following, Keret will join us for a conversation about his writing and approach given the current moment.

During the session, we will discuss Etgar Keret’s “For Only $9.99 (Inc. Tax and Postage)” (English, Hebrew). Reading in advance is encouraged, but not required; printed copies will be available on-site.

Venue Location, Parking, and Contact:
Crissey Farm (426 Stockbridge Rd, Great Barrington, MA 01230)
Follow “Crissey Farm” parking signs to the rear of the lot
Main Phone at Venue: (413) 528-4844

Musical Kabbalat Shabbat and Welcome Reception

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Featuring Rabbi Jodie Gordon ’14, Cantor Jill Abramson ’02, Cantor Jenna Pearsall ’22, and HUC-JIR President Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D.

Before Kabbalat Shabbat, the Welcome Reception will be hosted in Hevreh’s lobby and courtyard area; please dress accordingly. Light kosher-style refreshments will be served prior to the evening service, where Rabbi Jodie Gordon will be joined by HUC-JIR for an uplifting musical shabbat and D’Var Torah by HUC-JIR President Andrew Rehfeld.

Parking attendants will help direct you to one of three Hevreh parking lots. Please check in at the table in the lobby when you enter the building.

If you are unable to join us in person, a vimeo live stream from Hevreh is available here.

Venue Location, Parking, and Contact:
Hevreh of Southern Berkshire (270 State Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230) in the lobby, courtyard, and sanctuary
Parking attendants will help direct you to one of three Hevreh parking lots
Main Phone at Venue: (413) 528-6378

Saturday, July 27, 2024

Trails and Torah with Hevreh of Southern Berkshire and Temple Anshe Amunim and

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Featuring Rabbi Rex Perlmeter ’85, Rabbi Nancy Kasten ’89, ’90, Rabbi Andrea Weiss, Ph.D. ’93, and Daniel Fisher-Livne, Ph.D.

Carpooling is encouraged, if possible, as limited parking is available in front of the sanctuary entrance, or in the overflow lot up the road. Upon arrival, find the HUC-JIR check-in table outside the education center (the green building at the beginning of BlueBird Trail, down the hill from the barn). View the Pleasant Valley map here.

The group will spend a few minutes together before separating for two sessions: hiking or meditation. The hike is planned for the ADA compliant All Persons Trail/Pike’s Pond Trail, a mostly flat and easy 20–30-minute walk (less than one mile) around Pike’s Pond. The torah study will be outdoors and we cannot guarantee seating.

Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, bug spray, and any other items you prefer for outdoor activities. Note that visitor services staff will open the visitor center and bathrooms at 9:00 a.m. A filtered water bottle station and water fountain are available in the barn.

Note: If the location needs to change due to inclement weather, an email will be sent by 7:15 a.m. on Saturday morning. Please make sure to check the email provided during registration the morning of the session.

Venue Location, Parking, and Contact:
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (472 West Mountain Road, Lenox, MA 01240)
Parking is available in front of the sanctuary entrance or in the overflow lot up the road
Main Phone at Venue: (413) 637-0320

Optional Time for Professional Organization Gathering

12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

CCAR has planned a meeting/gathering. If you are a member, please be in touch with them directly.

Afternoon Text Study

4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Featuring Alyssa M. Gray, J.D.

Please print this parking pass in advance, and display it on your dashboard to access the Upper West or West lot.

The program begins at 4:15 p.m., and you will be able to check-in with HUC-JIR beginning at 3:30 p.m on the grounds. Pick up your lawn seat ticket upon check in with HUC-JIR as you enter Tanglewood. If you would like to purchase shed tickets, you will take your lawn ticket to the box office to purchase your specific seat. Please arrive early to do this. The box office is open until 6:00 p.m.

Both the afternoon text study and Havdalah will be hosted in the Formal Gardens Tent.

Venue Location, Parking, and Contact:
Tanglewood Music Center in the Formal Gardens Tent (297 West Street, Lenox, MA 01240)
Print and display this parking pass on your dashboard to park in the Upper West or West lot
Main Phone at Venue: (617) 266-1200

Havdalah and Concert

5:30 p.m., concert begins at 8:00 p.m.
Featuring Cantor Jill Abramson ’02, Cantor Jeff Klepper ’80 and Rabbi Dan Freelander ’79

Please print this parking pass in advance, and display it on your dashboard to access the Upper West or West lot.

Havdalah begins at 5:30 p.m., and you will be able to check-in with HUC-JIR beginning at 3:30 p.m on the grounds. Pick up your lawn seat ticket upon check in with HUC-JIR as you enter Tanglewood. If you would like to purchase shed tickets, you will take your lawn ticket to the box office to purchase your specific seat. Please arrive early to do this. The box office is open until 6:00 p.m.

Both the afternoon text study and Havdalah will be hosted in the Formal Gardens Tent.

Sunday, July 28, 2024

Reform-ing Israel: HUC-JIR and Progressive Judaism Today

12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Featuring Nachman Shai, Ph.D., President Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D., and Rabbi Andrea L. Weiss, Ph.D. ’93

Park in the main parking lot and follow signs to check in with HUC-JIR in the Education Center. Click here to view a full map of the gardens; the Education Center is noted as number 10. Note that the garden is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Note: this session may be recorded and used in future HUC-JIR communications.

Venue Location, Contact, and Parking:
Berkshire Botanical Garden in the Education Center (5 W Stockbridge Rd, Stockbridge, MA 01262)
Park in the main parking lot and follow signs to the Education Center
Main Phone at Venue: (413) 298-3926

What, Me Jewish? MAD and Jewish Political and Cultural Engagement

2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Featuring Leah Hochman, Ph.D., Cantor Isaac Sonett-Assor ’23, and 5th year Rabbinical student Karen Martin

Click here for more information about driving to the Norman Rockwell Museum. Note: many GPS and online maps do not accurately place the museum; they suggest that you use the directions provided https://www.nrm.org/visit/#directions and this map image for reference.

Depending on your arrival time, check-in with either guest services or the HUC-JIR table in the main lobby to receive your ticket before proceeding to the terrace for the event. This program includes an “all day” ticket to the museum, so you are welcome to come early to view the exhibitions at your leisure. The museum opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m.

If you would like to tour any exhibitions or take a 20-minute guided tour of Rockwell’s Stockbridge studio where he spent the final two decades of his life at work, please plan accordingly. The last guided studio tour prior to the event is 2:30 p.m., and tours are limited to 15 people and typically sell out in advance. If interested, you can reserve a guided studio tour and note that you do not need to purchase your own museum entrance ticket as HUC-JIR is providing that as part of the event.

Venue Location, Parking, and Contact:
Norman Rockwell Museum (9 Glendale Road / Route 183, Stockbridge, MA 01262)
Main Phone at Venue: 413-298-4100

HUC-JIR in the Berkshires Event Details