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.
Greetings from Hong Kong, where I am spending a few weeks visiting with my daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons. It’s been so much fun celebrating Sukkot and Simchat Torah with our grandsons on the other side of the world.
Preparations are fully underway for our High Holy Day services and programs. I am looking forward to worshiping with you very soon. It is always wonderful to welcome you to our beautiful sanctuary. Thanks to those of you who have already RSVP’d for services.
A month ago, I returned from a trip to Central Europe, traveling on the Danube River and visiting Budapest, Bratislava, Salzburg, Vienna, and Prague. It was my first time in this part of the world, and the trip made a huge impression on me, especially my visits to synagogues, most of whose members were wiped out by the Nazis in WWII or by the Russians following the war during the Communist era. I was moved by the sights and descriptions of these lost communities and the beauty of their synagogues and ritual objects. I realized anew how fortunate we are to live in a time where we are free to practice our faith and be part of a thriving Jewish community.
As the days get longer and summer beckons, CBI professional and lay leaders are busy planning for the summer and the year ahead.
Of all the holidays in the year, Shavuot often gets short shrift. Many Reform congregations hold Confirmation at this season, which is a lovely tradition, but doesn’t fully convey the depth of what this holiday can be. Shavuot isn’t just a graduation celebration for tenth graders; it’s one of the most profound anniversaries in the Jewish year. And this year, we’re celebrating it at CBI in a new way: with music, music, music!
As we move past Passover, I’d like to draw your attention to some of our upcoming events and programs. On Saturday, May 18 at 10am, you are all invited to a Jewish Journeys Shabbat morning service, during which we will celebrate Shabbat, our students and teachers, and will get a taste of what our students have learned over the course of the semester.
I am still kvelling about the wonderful Purim Party that we held on March 23, in conjunction with NEFESH. Over 80 people of all ages joined us in celebration and community, in spite of the winter storm that unfortunately meant that some folks were snowed in and unable to attend.
As the days get longer and we are awakened in the morning by the songs of birds newly arrived from points south, we are looking forward to all that spring brings to our community.
I am still kvelling about the wonderful Jewish Journeys Shabbat service last Saturday morning, when our community, including students, their parents, grandparents, and other congregants, gathered in our sanctuary to celebrate Shabbat together in song and prayer. Students’ work from their elective classes was featured, and the D’var Torah was given by one of our students. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a communal potluck kiddush.
