Dear Congregants and Friends,

Good news — we are opening our doors to in-person worship and programs once again! The decreasing COVID-19 numbers in our community and the fact that the local risk level has moved from high to low means that we can once again meet in person. To ensure the safety of our most vulnerable, we will continue to require masks for everyone ages 2 and up. We will also keep seating spaced apart for those who wish to continue to practice social distancing. For those who are not able to attend in person for whatever reason, most services will continue to include a Zoom option.

The Board of Directors will revisit these guidelines regularly and adjust as needed. Our goal is to balance the needs of everyone in our community. Please check the weekly CBI Announcements for the latest information and Zoom links.

It is important that all those planning to attend services in person RSVP using the CBI website. (Please visit our calendar section at https://cbiberkshires.com/calendar-services/.) This is part of our new security procedure. The front door will remain locked and there will be an usher at every service. When you RSVP, you will immediately receive an email confirmation that you can show the usher on your cell phone at the door. If you don’t know you’re coming until the last moment, that’s fine — just take a minute to RSVP from your cell phone when your plans finalize.

Last Saturday, we were thrilled to welcome over 30 people — from babies in arms to grandparents — to our newly launched Family Services, led by Rabbi Jarah Greenfield. Our sanctuary rang with the voices and songs of the youngest members of our community, along with their families. We will hold these interactive services, appropriate for children of all ages, families, and adults, once a month through June, as a pilot. All are welcome to join in these joyous services.

We are thrilled to welcome two new families to CBI this month — Shaina Adams-El Guabli & Brahim El Guabli, and their children Ilyas and Naseem, from Williamstown; and Shira Sternberg & Kfir Kol, with their children Maple and Zoe, from North Bennington, VT. Shaina and Shira have jumped right in, helping us develop engaging programs for young families across the northern Berkshires and southern Vermont.

We would like to expand our programming and want to have your input into what programs you would like us to offer. Please look for a survey in your email in the next two weeks and complete it promptly. We’ll use these results to develop new programs.

I hope you’ll join us for our upcoming worship services and events. Wishing you chag sameach as Purim approaches.

Warmly,

— Natalie Matus, President

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If you would like to schedule a time to meet with our president, please email her directly using our contact us form.