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.
“…This year I’m struck by the juxtaposition of blotting out the name of our adversary – and the entirely missing Name of that One we call God in the scroll we read at this season. Could there be a spiritual connection between the presence of the massacre in chapter 9 of Esther, and the absence of God’s name in this book? …”
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.
This year is a Leap Year… twice. On the Gregorian calendar, we get February 29th, an extra day added every four years to more or less keep our 365-day calendar aligned with the sun. On the Jewish calendar, we get not an extra day but a whole extra month.
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.
Who’s named and who’s not, what it means to remember (and forget) Amalek, and what this week’s Torah portion and Purim ask of us.
Though winter has not yet lessened its grip, we know that under the snow and ice, early flowers are popping up and foreshadowing spring.
This month brings Purim, our festival of costumes and masks and merriment.
When my son was little, he used to confuse the names Yom Kippur and Purim. One year he was very excited to wear a costume to Yom Kippur… until I regretfully informed him that Yom Kippur was not the costumes and silliness holiday!
He didn’t know it, but he was following in the footsteps of our sages.
Shavua tov!
Thanks to all who joined us for our masked and costumed Purim Parade yesterday, and especially to our storyteller and family educator Jane Shiyah. That was our first taste of Purim this year. Our next taste will come on Thursday evening (when Purim begins — except in ancient walled cities like Jerusalem, which celebrate Purim one day later.) Join us on Zoom for our annual Purim play.
Join us for our annual Purim play — this year, on Zoom, featuring glorious papier-mache puppets made by David Lane and kids in our community. The play will be performed by CBI members of many ages. We’ll re-tell the Purim story with laughter and merriment. BYO hamentaschen!
Join us in the CBI Zoom room at 9:30am on Saturday morning for Shabbat morning services led by Rabbi Pam Wax.
This week we’re reading from parashat Tetzaveh. If you’d like to read some commentaries on this week’s parsha, here are a few:
And here’s commentary from the URJ:
We hope to see you soon at CBI.
Join us in the CBI Zoom room at 9:30am on Saturday morning for Shabbat morning services led by Rabbi Rachel. This week has been designated as Reproductive Justice Shabbat by the National Council of Jewish Women. There will be special poems and readings in our Shabbat service relating to that theme, and Rabbi Pam Wax will offer a d’var Torah about reproductive justice and Jewish values.
This week we’re reading from parashat Mishpatim. If you’d like to read some commentaries on this week’s parsha, here are a few:
And here’s commentary from the URJ:
There’s also a special event happening on Saturday evening — havdalah (led by Rabbi Rachel) and a concert by acclaimed Jewish musician Neshama Carlebach!
Join community members from across the Berkshires for a special evening of inspiration and light featuring Neshama Carlebach. Complimentary Havdalah candles and spice kit are available for contactless pick up at the Jewish Federation while supplies last. Register here. Co-sponsors: Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Ahavath Sholom, Hevreh of Southern Berkshire, Knesset Israel, Temple Anshe Amunim, Hadassah, and the Berkshire Minyan.
There are two opportunities to celebrate Purim at CBI this year:
Join us for a masked costume parade — from the CBI parking lot, down the street and over to the suspension bridge, across the bridge, and back again. All kinds of costumes are welcome! And even if you’re not inclined to wear a costume, show up and applaud for our kids who are excited about an opportunity to dress up as someone else and shine.
And…
Join us for our annual Purim play — this year, on Zoom, featuring glorious papier-mache puppets made by David Lane and kids in our community. The play will be performed by CBI members of many ages. We’ll re-tell the Purim story with laughter and merriment. BYO hamentaschen!
We hope to see you soon at CBI.
