Exploring Living Legacies at Hebrew Union College in the Berkshires

On August 1–2, 2025, alumni, faculty, and friends of Hebrew Union College gathered for the fourth annual weekend of learning, prayer, and connection at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire in the heart of the Berkshires.

Guided by the wisdom of Pirkei Avot, the weekend’s theme, Living Legacies, explored the enduring impact of Hebrew Union College’s visionaries and the future being shaped by its leaders today.

President Rehfeld greeted guests at the Welcome Reception

The weekend kicked off on Friday morning with Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ Knosh & Knowledge, featuring Michael A. Meyer, Ph.D., Adolph S. Ochs Emeritus Professor of Jewish History Emeritus, discussing his new biography Above All We Are Jews, which examines the complex life and influence of Rabbi Alexander Schindler, z”l. Through Rabbi Schindler’s speeches and writings, Dr. Meyer examined the influential and often controversial positions Rabbi Schindler took on issues like patrilineal descent, outreach, and Israel, offering insights into both his enduring impact and complex personality.

Dr. Meyer discussing his new book, Above All We Are Jews.

Later that evening, Erev Shabbat Services and Oneg at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire welcomed Shabbat with music, warmth, and spirit, led by Rabbi Jodie Gordon ’14, President Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D., Golden Hanassi Fellow Rabbi Mori Lidar ’19, and Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music third-year cantorial student Will Brockman.

Rabbi Jodie Gordon ’14 and Golden Hanassi Fellow Rabbi Mori Lidar at Knosh & Knowledge

The gathering continued on Saturday with Shabbat Morning Services and a Kiddush luncheon and panel in honor of Rabbi Schindler’s legacy. Reflections from Hebrew Union College leaders and alumni, including Dana Herman, Ph.D., Associate Director of Hebrew Union College’s Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives, Rabbi Judy Schindler ’95, Lydia Kukoff, Rabbi David Saperstein ’73, Paul Reichenbach, and Dr. Meyer, illuminated the lasting impact of Rabbi Schindler’s work and the ways his values continue to shape the Reform Movement and the College.

Weekend presenters included: Lydia Kukoff, Michael A. Meyer, Ph.D., Rabbi David Saperstein ’73, Rabbi Judy Schindler ’95, DHL ’25, Paul J. Reichenbach, Organizer Elisa Schindler Frankel, and Rabbi Jodie Gordon ’14.

Hebrew Union College is grateful to have celebrated this special weekend in the Berkshires for the fourth consecutive year, continuing a meaningful tradition that brings together community members for thoughtful conversations about Jewish life. With programming designed to be welcoming and inclusive, this event fosters connection through shared learning and deep engagement with Jewish culture—strengthening relationships that extend far beyond the weekend itself.

Thank you to Hevreh of Southern Berkshire for graciously hosting all of our programs in their beautiful home.

This gathering was made possible through the generous support of the Goldner-Panken Symposium Fund and produced in collaboration with the American Jewish Archives, Hevreh of Southern Berkshire, Temple Anshe Amunim, Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, and the Schindler family.

Host Committee

Rabbi Daniel Freelander ’79

Rabbi Elyse Frishman ’81

Rabbi Jodie Gordon ’14

Rabbi Rachel Hertzman ’85

Cantor Gail Hirschenfang ’81

Rabbi Howard Jaffe ’83

Rabbi Nancy Kasten ’89, ’90

Rabbi Valerie Lieber ’95

Daryl Messinger

Lisa Messinger

Rabbi Rex Perlmeter ’85

Rabbi Daniel Polish ’68

Mitchell Shames

Rabbi David Stern ’88, ’89

Richard L. Wasserman, M.D., Ph.D.

Tina Wasserman

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Watch Erev Shabbat Services and Oneg

Watch Shabbat Morning Services and Kiddush Luncheon