Rabbi Neil P.G. Hirsch

Rabbi Neil Hirsch

Rabbi Neil P.G. Hirsch (he/him) is a rabbi at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire. Originally from Houston, Texas, he originally came to the Northeast for college and stayed for the weather and the hiking. He earned his bachelor degrees in Art History and Classics from Tufts University. He was ordained from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City in 2010. Before coming to Great Barrington, Rabbi Hirsch served as one of the rabbis at Temple Shalom in Newton, Massachusetts.

Rabbi Hirsch is passionate about teaching Torah, whether during services on Saturday morning, in one of our adult learning courses, with our teens on a Confirmation Class trip, or over a good cup of coffee. He loves exploring the ways that our tradition speaks into an individual’s life, informing one’s spiritual development.

He serves on the Board of Trustees for Construct, Inc, a local organization that provides transitional and affordable housing, along with other wrap-around services to support its clients. Rabbi Hirsch is a founder of BASIC, a network of faith-based and human services organizations who ensure access to resources for our local immigrant community.

Shavuot and Criminal Justice Reform

Rabbi Neil P.G. Hirsch

Shavuot marks the end of the counting of the Omer, the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot. Many view the counting of the Omer as a spiritual and conscientious practice—but while the Reform Jewish community conscientiously counts through 49 days, we know that there are many who count days, weeks, and years as they serve time in the criminal justice system.

The Stars Must be in Alignment

Rabbi Neil P.G. Hirsch

The stars must be in alignment. A few thoughts have come together, and they leave me with a sense of awe.

Recently, I was catching up on some of podcasts that I listen to with regularity.