What if I’m not (or my boyfriend / girlfriend / husband / wife / partner / child isn’t) Jewish?
All are welcome at CBI, period. There are a few rare instances in which we pay attention to whether or not someone is Jewish, having to do with certain formal roles in the Torah service and with who’s empowered to vote on matters of congregational religious practice. Otherwise, though, we don’t fret about who’s Jewish and who isn’t. What really matters is whether you want to “do Jewish”.
Does my sexual orientation or gender identity matter?
All are welcome at CBI, period. We are a very inclusive space and people of all sexual and gender identities are welcome and equal.
What if I don’t believe in God?
A-OK with us. If you want to talk about what you mean by “believe” and “God,” that’s cool, and if you don’t, that’s cool too. Belief in anything, in particular, is not a prerequisite for being part of the CBI community.
What if I don’t know the prayers? What if I don’t know Hebrew?
The prayers you need are written in your heart. If you don’t know our traditional prayers, we will lead you. At CBI you can pray in any language you want — and, beyond that, any mode you want: words, silence, chanting, yoga. All of these can be ways of connecting with something beyond yourself.
If you want to use traditional prayers, that’s great. We want to help. The words in the prayer book are amazing resources to help you access what is locked on the inside. Give it some time and keep an eye out for an intro to the siddur (prayer book) course, or schedule time to learn with Reb Rachel.
What type of synagogue is CBI? Does it belong to a denomination?
We’re affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism (a.k.a. the Reform movement). We are pluralistic, egalitarian, and eclectic.
What if I want to send my kids to learn at CBI but am not sure I want to join (yet)?
No problem. Our educational programs are open to members and non-members alike. At this time, we ask that families join by the time their children reach the b-mitzvah prep program, but if that raises concerns for you, talk with Rabbi Rachel and we’ll work it out.
What if I don’t keep kosher?
We don’t police anyone’s dietary habits. We do ask that you not bring treif (pork or shellfish) to the synagogue building or CBI events. Most of our events are vegetarian/dairy, and we’ll specify if an event is a meat event rather than a dairy one (our Passover seder, for instance, is usually a meat event because people want chicken soup with their matzah balls.)
What if I want to check out CBI to see if it’s right for me, but I’m not ready to commit to anything?
You’re welcome anytime. Check out the calendar, see what’s going on, and come on by! Come to a holiday party, a Saturday morning or Friday night Shabbat service, a first Friday Shabbat dinner or another program. While we depend on CBI members to keep our doors open as an institution, our events are open to all.
Who leads services at CBI?
Our rabbi and spiritual leader, Rabbi Rachel Barenblat leads davenen (prayer) two Shabbats each month, one Friday night and one Saturday Morning. On the other Shabbatot, our services are usually led by Rabbi Pam Wax or Rabbi Jarah Greenfield. Sometimes we have guest (prayer leaders) instead of, or in addition to, our usual leaders of prayer.
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