FAQs

Question

Where do I go when I arrive?

Answer

The address to the property is: Berkshire Hills Eisenberg Camp 159 Empire Rd Copake, NY 12516 There is a very large sign visible from the road. Turn there. Once you arrive, please see posted signs on the property to find where you need to go. For those staying on site, drive through to the retreat center side (toward the back of the property) where you will find your rooming assignment. Unload your things, then bring your car back to the front to park. For those who are not staying, you may park your car in the designated lot (there will be signs) and then take a short walk to the back side of the lake.

Question

What is the dress code?

Answer

The wedding ceremony will be formal. Parts of the wedding will be outdoors, and it is the end of August, so it may be hot. Lightweight clothing and grass-appropriate shoes are encouraged. If you are staying through the course of the weekend, please feel free to wear what you are comfortable in for Shabbat and spending time with others. There will be options for kayaking and swimming, so bring your bathing suit and perhaps a towel if you plan on going in the water. Some people may want to go on a walk, play frisbee, or do yoga, among other activities, so bring what you may need.

Question

Is there anything I should bring?

Answer

Brief packing list: - Clothing for the weekend. Include a swimsuit and activewear for activities. - Beach towel - Sunscreen and bug spray, if you want - Specific toiletries (hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner) - Warm clothing for the evenings and the bonfire -- it may be chilly - Dancing shoes! - A healthy appetite (this is a Jewish event, after all)

Question

What are the accommodations like?

Answer

All the rooms are comfortable and have A/C, WiFi, and private bathrooms. While not a traditional hotel experience, we expect all guests who stay will have an enjoyable time. The lodging is akin to a lakeside retreat cabin. Linens and shower towels are provided, but if you'd like a separate one for the pool we advise bringing an extra. We consider the lodging at the venue as our "hotel block." Should you feel that separate lodging is required (though we'd absolutely love for you to stay with us at the venue!), you may look for places to stay independently. There are some small boutique hotels/motels in the area, with the closest chain hotel roughly an hour away.

Question

I keep Kosher/Shabbat. Does the venue accommodate this?

Answer

Yes! The venue has a Kosher kitchen and dining facility. There will be options for dairy and meat meals. The venue has an Eruv that is maintained throughout the year. The dining facility has lights on 24/7 for those who may need access, and there are hot pots for people who need coffee or tea Saturday morning.

Question

I have dietary restrictions. What are my options?

Answer

All food will be kosher throughout the weekend. The facility is able to accommodate dietary restrictions, and there is separate staff responsible for ensuring that specific meals are made allergen-free. The facility is nut-aware. We have passed along all reported allergies to the venue. When you arrive, please identify yourself to the staff so they can get you what you need.

Question

I am not Jewish. Is it ok to be there for Shabbat?

Answer

Yes, of course! We are inviting everybody to celebrate Shabbat (Friday night to Saturday night) with us before the wedding as a way to rest, unwind, and have fun before the big day. You don't have to participate in all customs, but we kindly ask that you be mindful of others who may not be using their phones or have other restrictions.

Question

I don't know these Hebrew/Yiddish words! What do they mean?

Answer

No problem! A lot of people have not encountered a lot of Hebrew or Yiddish in their lives, and then they're met with a ton of them at a Jewish wedding. Here are some of the common words you will be hearing this weekend: Simcha | A joyous occasion! This word is attributed to many happy lifecycle events. Kallah | Bride Chosson/Chatan | Groom (both are fine, the first is Yiddish and the second is Hebrew) Chuppah | Specifically, this is the canopy under which a Jewish couple is married. Generally, you will hear people refer to the wedding ceremony itself as "the chuppah." Tisch | The pre-Chuppah ceremony where the Ketubah (marriage contract) is read, people dance, and celebrate the couple. Bedeken | Held during the Tisch, this is the Jewish veiling ceremony. Similar to the "first look," the Chosson sees the Kallah for the first time. He confirms the identity of his bride (see story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel), and then veils her for the Chuppah. Shabbat | The Jewish sabbath. It spans from Friday night to Saturday night, and is considered a weekly Jewish holiday/a day of rest. People celebrate it with varying traditions. Havdallah | The end of Shabbat on Saturday night.