JTS in the Berkshires

During our annual JTS in the Berkshires series in Lenox, MA, Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz and Vice Chancellor Rabbi Gordon Tucker led inspiring learning sessions. Presented in partnership with Knesset Israel and in cooperation with the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, their insightful sessions at Shakespeare & Company brought JTS learning to the Berkshire mountains.

Chancellor Schwartz’s session, “Jews and American Politics: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly,” focused on the unique role of Jews in American politics. Jews have participated in American politics as voters since its inception—a source of pride and distinction. During her lecture, Chancellor Schwartz considered what we can learn from our history about Jews and American politics as we contemplate an uncertain future.

Rabbi Tucker’s session “Finding Truth (and God), Without a Doubt” covered the many aspects of the quest for certainty in a world that is structured to make that goal elusive. He explored the roles of doubt and certainty in our aspirations for a spiritual life of faith. 

During her visit to the Berkshires, Chancellor Schwartz also spoke at a reception hosted by Letty Cottin Pogrebin and served as Scholar-in-Residence at Knesset Israel in Pittsfield, MA.

Read more about Chancellor Schwartz’s visit to New England.