Discovering Jewish Roots and Reinventions at HUC-JIR’s Berkshires Weekend

HUC-JIR in the Berkshires brought the Jewish community together for an unforgettable extended weekend of engagement, reflection, and learning. Taking place this year from July 25 - 28, 2024, the annual event - brimming with excitement and intellectual stimulation - centered around the theme of roots and reinventions in Jewish life.

This year's theme explored ideas that are core to the work done at HUC-JIR and to Jewish culture, Jewish roots and Jewish reinvention.

"At HUC-JIR, we thrive in the creative tension between these two ideas. We are deeply rooted in Jewish texts and traditions," said Daniel Fisher-Livne, Ph.D., Creative Director of HUC-JIR in the Berkshires. "We are always reinventing, rethinking and, yes, re-forming cultural life and evolving with it."

The programs kicked off with opportunities to explore the works of Israeli author, Etgar Keret. The opening event, "Creativity in a Time of Crisis: An Evening with Israeli Writer and Filmmaker Etgar Keret," set the tone for HUC-JIR in the Berkshires' theme, highlighting how creativity can be a powerful tool for reinvention. Following Keret's talk, he was joined on stage by Rabbi Wendy Zierler, Ph.D., Sigmund Falk Professor of Modern Jewish Literature and Feminist Studies, for a discussion about his innovative voice and perspective across his body of work. As a scholar of and advocate for modern Jewish literature, Zierler has long taught Keret's work, and her expertise and deep engagement with the material made for a particularly elucidating and timely discussion. This set the stage for the next day's continued conversation especially for alumni on writing and filmmaking in the current moment, led by Keret and Zierler.

At Hevreh of Southern Berkshires on Friday, participants explored the relevance of language resurfacing in the thought-provoking session, "Yiddish Futures: Translation in the New Yiddish Moment." In collaboration with the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires' Knosh and Knowledge program, the program featured acclaimed scholars and translators Jordan Finkin, Ph.D., Deputy Director of Libraries and Rare Book Manuscript Librarian, and Madeleine Cohen, Academic Director at the Yiddish Book Center. They engaged the audience in a profound discussion of the challenges and responsibilities of Yiddish translation in America today. Dr. Finkin and Dr. Cohen highlighted how Yiddish translations not only preserve the cultural roots of Jewish literature but also contribute to its reinvention in modern times. Their insights underscored the importance of Yiddish literature to maintain a connection to Jewish heritage while adapting to contemporary contexts. The program was a testament to the enduring relevance of Yiddish culture.

Exploring the natural beauty of the Berkshires, "Trails and Torah" offered participants two enriching options: a Torah study and gentle hike, or a meditative exploration of nature and Jewish thought. Led by HUC-JIR faculty, Rabbi Andrea Weiss, Ph.D. '93 (Provost), Daniel Fisher-Livne, Ph.D., and alumni, Rabbi Rex Perlmeter '85 and Rabbi Nancy Kasten '89, this Shabbat morning experience seamlessly integrated spirituality, nature, and Jewish learning, reinforcing the weekend's theme in a serene setting. It flowed into an alumni-focused afternoon text study with Alyssa M. Gray, J.D., Ph.D., Emily S. and Rabbi Bernard H. Mehlman Chair in Rabbinics, discussing how the theme of roots and reinventions plays out within rabbinic literature.

Music and spirituality took center stage throughout the program at the Musical Kabbalat Shabbat and Welcome Reception for Friday night services and Havdalah at Tanglewood on Saturday. Cantor Jill Abramson, Director, HUC-JIR's Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music, opened both evenings, first with Rabbi Jodie Gordon '14 at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire on Friday and on Saturday with a conversation with Rabbi Dan Freelander '79 and Cantor Jeff Klepper '80, about their new work and collection celebrating 50 years of songwriting on Saturday. Rabbis Freelander and Klepper's collaboration, which began at HUC-JIR as students in the 1970s, underscores the lasting impact and constant innovation in sacred music. This event exemplified how roots in tradition can lead to ongoing reinvention in contemporary Jewish music. Following the conversation the group joined together for a particularly beautiful Havdalah service in a Tanglewood glade.

A significant highlight was "Reform-ing Israel: HUC-JIR and Progressive Judaism Today," featuring Nachman Shai, Ph.D. the new Dean of HUC-JIR's Taube Family Campus in Jerusalem. His discussion on the challenges of the current cultural and political moment in Israeli society and the potential contributions of HUC-JIR and progressive Judaism to its core values provided a profound reflection on the theme. Moderated by Provost Rabbi Andrea L. Weiss, Ph.D. '93 this conversation demonstrated alumni and the Jewish community's commitment to supporting a safe and pluralistic Israel.

The weekend ended on a high note at the Norman Rockwell Museum with "What, Me Jewish? MAD and Jewish Political and Cultural Engagement." This panel, featuring experts such as Leah Hochman, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Jewish Thought, Cantor Isaac Sonett-Assor '23, and fifth-year rabbinical student Karen Martin explored MAD Magazine within the context of Jewish cultural expression, exploring its varied roots and reinventions across time and space. The lively panel discussion highlighted the lasting impact of Jewish thought on popular culture, tying together the weekend's theme in a creative and engaging manner.

HUC-JIR in the Berkshires, generously funded in part by the Goldner-Panken Symposium Fund, showcased a dynamic range of programs and discussions. This program not only celebrated Jewish heritage but also looked forward to innovative future contributions, cementing HUC-JIR as a source of Jewish leadership and thought.

By advancing scholarship, educating leadership, celebrating alumni, and fostering public dialogue, HUC-JIR continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Jewish life and learning. HUC-JIR in the Berkshires was a testament to the community's commitment to these values, leaving participants inspired and eager for more.

HUC-JIR in the Berkshires would not be possible without the help of our Host Committee:

Rabbi Daniel Freelander '79
Rabbi Elyse Frishman '81
Rabbi Jodie Gordon '14
Rabbi Rachel Hertzman '85
Rabbi Howard Jaffe '83
Rabbi Nancy Kasten '89, '90
Rabbi Joy Levitt
Daryl Messinger
Lisa Messinger
Rabbi Rex Perlmeter '85
Rabbi Scott Saulson '76
Mitchell Shames
Rabbi David Stern '88, '89
Rabbi Michael Strassfeld
Richard L. Wasserman, M.D., Ph.D.
Tina Wasserman

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.