Last week we talked beaches, and this week we’re heading west! Whether you pick a stop for the day or make a full weekend of it, the Berkshires is alive with arts and culture all summer long. It’s a perfect, relaxing Shabbat retreat with a little something for everyone.
Dance
If you’re into modern dance, LeeSaar The Company is bringing a contemporary Israeli sensibility to Jacob’s Pillow this year. The company is trained in Gaga (not Lady!), a dance style pioneered by the incredible Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin (you can see samples of this unique company here). They’ll be in the Berkshires Aug. 20-23 (tickets and info here).
Music
Pack up your folding chairs and bring a picnic for a relaxing evening with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, which also heads west for the summer and offers beautiful concerts at Tanglewood. Leonard Bernstein’s famous opera “Candide” is a great way to end Shabbat on Aug. 16.
Art
MASSMoCA is featuring “The Wandering Veil” by New York-based Israeli artist Izhar Patkin through September, straight from the Tel Aviv Museum (see photo at right). These mural-sized works on tulle are just begging to be walked through—it’s a must see!
Crafts
There’s an incredible assortment of artists showing ceramics, fibers, metalsmithing and more at the Berkshires Arts Festival on July 4-6. Head out on July Fourth and spend the weekend there. Given how many Jewish artists participate, I wouldn’t be surprised if you found a mezuzah or two!
Dining
Any place known for good art usually has great cuisine to follow. Depending on where you find yourself, the Berkshires is loaded with creative chefs using the freshest local ingredients, which is no surprise given the amount of land and farming. For a real taste of the Berkshires, check out a farm-to-table restaurant; you won’t be disappointed.
Theater
There are a lot of shows throughout the Berkshires all summer. Here are a few picks:
- If you’re a fan of the classics, Shakespeare & Company has been one of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the country since its founding in 1978. This year you can catch the incomparable Annette Miller in the classic “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” from June 21 to Aug. 30.
- The Berkshire Theatre Group has been putting on a variety of shows for over 85 years. From the comedic “50 Years of P.D.Q. Bach: A Triumph of Incompetence” and “Seussical The Musical” to “Classic Albums Live Performs Abbey Road” to “Poe” and much more, this line-up has great variety.
Looking for a contemporary and funky theater experience? Local boy Ilan Bachrach is artistic director for “L.A. Party and An Evening with William Shatner Asterisk” (for all you Trekkies!), two new shows that bring technology to the stage in surprising ways. Check it out July 24-26.
Since many of these places are over an hour away from one another, you may want to stay overnight to make the most of your trip. Airbnb has some fantastic house options, so live it up!
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