View a recording of CBI’s panel discussion, “Exploring Jewish topics in They Ain’t Ready For Me,” a documentary film:
Adults
Living Room Learning
What Jewish topic do you want to learn about or discuss?
What text have you always wanted to explore but never had the opportunity?
What current Jewish issue in on your mind?
With Living Room Learning you open up your home to a small group (around 8) of friends and neighbors, come up with a Jewish topic, and Rabbi Samuels will bring the materials to study. Start brainstorming Jewish topics your group would like to delve into, then contact Rabbi Samuels to schedule a date.
Caring For Our Members
Beth Israel’s Care Committee, in the spirit of Bikur Cholim, coordinates assistance and support for members experiencing illness/incapacity, loss, or major life changes. It is co-chaired by Else Sokol and Harriet Markell. Contact the synagogue office for more information.
Interfaith Family Resources
For over 30 years, Reform Judaism been committed to welcoming interfaith couples into our community. Interfaith issues impact entire families. Grandparents, parents and children all face challenges posed by differing religions and cultures. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. We are here to serve as a resource for you and your extended family. Learn more about Interfaith Family Resources.
Becoming a Jew
Please contact the Rabbi directly if you are interested in the process of becoming Jewish. Rabbi Samuels is constantly guiding individuals on this journey and will make sure to assist you on this sacred path.
Sisterhood
The Sisterhood of Beth Israel will not be an active auxiliary of CBI as of Fall 2019. The last several years has seen a decline in memberships and other than a very successful “New Kitchen Shower” in 2017, meetings/planned gathering have had minimal attendance.
Small groups, such as Book Group (see online calendar or Shofar newsletter for dates/locations and see a list of previously read books updated January 2024) and Knitting/handwork Group will continue. These have been Sisterhood sanctioned versus official Sisterhood events.
A walking group gets together weekly for easy trail walks. In September 2021 we visited Big Rock Garden Park, where a sculpture is dedicated to congregant Anne Brown, z”l.
The remaining monies in the Sisterhood account will be used to purchase kiddush cups for b’nei mitzvah through at least the next class, help offset some of the cost of the Break the Fast and purchase the annual calendar until such a time there are not sufficient funds.
We welcome your input but please, do not send us dues!
Thanks for all your support over the decades!
Respectfully,
Miriam Davids
Joan Wayne
Interfaith marriage at CBI
June 14, 2018
To the Congregation Beth Israel Community,
We write to share a significant outcome from our latest Board of Directors meeting. Two nights ago the members of our Board approved a new policy regarding interfaith weddings at our Beth Israel campus.
The policy reads as follows:
In regards to officiating at interfaith weddings in the Beth Israel synagogue and throughout its grounds, the Rabbi shall use his/her discretion in performing marriages between Jews and non-Jews. This is the sole decision of the Rabbi who has freedom of the pulpit.
With great respect to the customs and traditions of Congregation Beth Israel, the following are guidelines that CBI requires its clergy to follow when considering the officiation of a wedding between a Jew and a non-Jew at Congregation Beth Israel:
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