From The President

Dear Congregants and Friends,

As we enter a new secular year, I am still glowing with the joy of celebrating Chanukah, first at CBI where we held a spirited songfest and dreidel spinning contest, and enjoyed delicious homemade pizza and sufganiyot. Later in the month, we lit our hanukkiahs and enjoyed latkes at a Chanukah party in southern Vermont, part of our program for families with the NEFESH community. This year, CBI also participated in three public, community-wide menorah lightings in North Adams, Williamstown, and North Bennington. It was wonderful to come together to celebrate with members of the larger community, and I am grateful to Rabbi Rachel and Rabbi Jarah for the key roles they played.

At a special Shabbat morning service in December, our Jewish Journeys students shared their learning with parents, siblings, grandparents, and the congregation. We are so proud of how hard they worked, and all they have learned. I hope you’ll join us at future Jewish Journeys Shabbats.

Looking forward, I invite you to attend our special Tu Bishvat Concert, featuring our CBI choir, on Sunday, February 9 at 2pm at CBI. Come celebrate the natural world with a musical journey through the four seasons, following the progression of the Tu BiShvat seder from winter to spring to summer to fall. There will be light refreshments of fruits and nuts following the concert’s conclusion.

I am pleased to share that at our December Board meeting, the Board appointed Board member Wendy Penner to the vacant position of 1st Vice President. Wendy has been taking on increased responsibilities on the Board, including as chair of the planning committee for the recent celebration of Rabbi Rachel and as a member of the ad hoc committee planning for learning about the Middle East. I am excited to be partnering with her as we move into the second half of our year.

Are you interested in becoming more involved at CBI? If so, we’d love to have a conversation with you to find a match with your interests and talents. Our strength as a congregation lies with all of you – and we welcome your participation, whether it is to join a committee, join the Board, brainstorm ideas, host or attend services, bring a potluck dish, or plan or help with events. Please contact me and let’s meet – either in person or on the phone.

Please be sure to check the CBI calendar and weekly announcements for the latest information on services and programs. If there is a storm and there is a chance we have to cancel, check the CBI Facebook page and the calendar.

Wishing you and your families a very happy and healthy new year,

— Natalie Matus