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LENOX, Mass. – The rolling hills and artistic allure of the Berkshires are now home too a burgeoning Jewish revival, marked by the recent opening of a modern Chabad center in Lenox. This advancement reflects a broader trend of renewed Jewish life in Western Massachusetts.
Jewish community blossoms in picturesque Berkshires
A wave of professionals and families are seeking a spiritual and communal haven in Western Massachusetts, leading to an expansion of Jewish life and facilities.
- A new, modern Chabad center has opened in Lenox, Massachusetts.
- This signifies a broader rebirth of Jewish life in the Berkshires region.
- The growth is attributed to an influx of professionals,academics,philanthropists,and rabbis seeking refuge from urban centers.
- The area is becoming a vibrant hub for Jewish culture and community in a post-pandemic world.
The new Chabad of the Berkshires facility boasts prayer rooms, ritual baths, guest accommodations, a space for commemorating October 7, and versatile community areas that blend synagogue and community center functions. This opening is a tangible symbol of a wider phenomenon: the revitalization of Jewish engagement in Western Massachusetts.
This conversion is being actively fueled by individuals, including professionals, academics, philanthropists, and rabbis, who are discovering the Berkshires as a desirable seasonal retreat from the hustle of Boston and New York.The area offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural vibrancy. The influx began noticeably after the pandemic, as people sought less densely populated areas with access to outdoor activities and cultural events. Rabbi Mendel Feller, director of Chabad of the Berkshires, spearheaded the effort to establish the new center, recognizing the growing need for Jewish communal infrastructure.
The Chabad center’s opening wasn’t simply about building a structure; it was about responding to a clear demand. Over the past five years, Rabbi Feller observed a critically important increase in jewish families relocating to the Berkshires, many seeking a stronger sense of community and Jewish identity. Fundraising for the center, which cost approximately $2.5 million, was largely successful due to donations from both local residents and those with ties to the area. The center aims to serve not only Lenox but the entire Berkshire County.
The shift in the Berkshires is more than just a demographic change; it’s a cultural and spiritual evolution.In an era where urban and rural distinctions are increasingly blurred, the Berkshires are emerging as a setting where Judaism is being celebrated openly.This includes integration with local activities like summer concerts and outdoor excursions, fostering discussions on identity and community. The center is already hosting events that blend Jewish traditions with Berkshire culture, such as Shabbat hikes and holiday celebrations in local parks. This integration is seen as key to building bridges with the wider community.
The revitalization isn’t limited to Chabad. Other Jewish congregations in the area, including Reform and Conservative synagogues, are also reporting increased attendance and engagement. The Berkshires are becoming a model for how Jewish life can flourish in unexpected places, offering a compelling option to traditional
