Entries by Natalie Matus

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July 2025 | Tammuz 5785

Here we are-happy summer! I write to you for the first time in my new role as CBI co-President with Natalie Matus who has served our community so beautifully for 5 years. I have witnessed firsthand her dedication, commitment, hard work, and passionate support for our community and we are beyond blessed that she found us! I am honored to work alongside her, and our wonderful board members this year, at a time when the need for community, and in particular Jewish community, is so evident.

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June 2025 | Sivan 5785

I am delighted to welcome Wendy Penner as co-president of CBI for the coming year! Wendy has been a true partner over the past year, taking on numerous responsibilities and acting as a valued thought partner. I am so pleased that she has decided to take on the official role of co-president. Together, we look forward to serving the CBI community in the year to come.

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May 2025 | Iyar 5785

Roger and I had the wonderful opportunity a week ago to attend a reception at the Yiddish Book Center for the installation of the 25 foot long House of Israel mural at the main entrance to the Center. This mural is deeply connected with CBI’s history – it was painted by artist Noah Levin above the ark at our predecessor synagogue on Francis Street in North Adams.

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April 2025 | Nissan 5785

It is almost time for Passover, a time when we prepare our homes for the holiday, look forward to gathering with family and friends, and celebrating together as we tell the story of Passover. I am writing to you from Hong Kong, where I am visiting with my family. It is very interesting to celebrate in a country so different in many ways from our own.

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January 2025 | Tevet 5785

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.

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December 2024 | Kislev 5785

Several weeks ago, the CBI community came together for a joyous celebration of our beloved Rabbi Rachel Barenblat and her 13 years of service as spiritual leader of CBI. During the Shabbat service, co-led by Rabbi Rachel and her dear friend and colleague Rabbi David Markus, Rabbi Rachel was called to the Torah in recognition of her service, and various groups of members, friends, and family were called up for aliyot.

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