March 2023 | Adar 5783
Though winter has not yet lessened its grip, we know that under the snow and ice, early flowers are popping up and foreshadowing spring.
Entries by Natalie Matus
February 2023 | Shevat 5783
Though winter still has its grip on us here in the Berkshires, CBI continues to provide light and community with its ongoing Shabbat services and programs for adults, children, and families, both in-person and remotely via Zoom. I want to highlight some of what we have accomplished in recent months and what’s coming up.
December 2022 | Kislev 5783
In this season of gratitude, I want to thank all of you for being members of the CBI community and for all you do to strengthen and sustain our community. I also thank you for honoring me by re-electing me to my second one-year term as president at the recent Annual Meeting.
November 2022 | Cheshvan 5783
I have just returned from the General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), where 1,800 professionals and lay leaders met to discuss some of the critical issues facing our Jewish communities, locally and worldwide. I learned how people think about some of the significant issues facing us, whether we live in a smaller community, like the Berkshires, or a larger one. It was inspiring to meet with committed leaders from so many places.
October 2022 | Tishrei 5783
This is the speech that Natalie Matus offered at Rosh Hashanah services this year.
September 2022 | Elul 5782 & Tishrei 5783
As we approach the High Holy Days, we’ve entered a period of reflection and assessment. In addition to my own personal reflections, I am also very aware of the passing of one year and the beginning of the next in the communal life of Congregation Beth Israel. With a year under my belt as president, it is a time when I reflect both on what has gone well and what more we need to or can do.
August 2022 | Av 5782
As the summer flies by, I hope you are getting some rest & relaxation and enjoying all that the Berkshires offer this time of year. I have been blessed to have been able to finally see my daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons who live in Hong Kong. I hope many of you have also experienced sweet reunions with family and friends.
July 2022 | Tammuz 5782
I am pleased to share that Rabbi Rachel is recovering from her recent heart attack and has resumed her schedule, with the understanding that she is to take the time she needs to rest and to see medical specialists. The Board is working to lighten her load where we can.
June 2022 | Sivan 5782
Our congregation is growing and now exceeds 100 families. I think that it is due to our warm, welcoming community as well as our growing list of events and activities. Young families won’t want to miss the “Family Walk in the Woods” coming in late June. Everyone is welcome at our outdoor summer Shabbat services where we can join prayer and nature.
May 2022 | Iyar 5782
It’s truly spring now and CBI is blooming, both literally and figuratively. Everything is greening up, the grass is growing, perennials and spring bulbs are popping up, and our pollinator garden is coming alive. We have opened our doors to in-person worship services and programs, while maintaining a Zoom option for those who are far away or are more comfortable participating that way. It is delightful to see people again in-person after two long years of isolation.
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