Dear Congregants and Friends,

Though winter has not yet lessened its grip, we know that under the snow and ice, early flowers are popping up and foreshadowing spring. I want to thank our rabbinical leaders, our administrator Oliver Jones, and the Board of CBI, who continue to work through these cold months to bring you religious services, holiday celebrations, and interesting programming. I am especially grateful that they have filled in during my recent unexpected time away from the Berkshires to take care of a family emergency.

Our exciting collaboration with Kesher Shalom, a vibrant group of unaffiliated young families from southern Vermont and northern Berkshires, continues with an intergenerational Purim celebration this Sunday, March 5 from 10am to 1pm at the home of Shira Sternberg Kol in Shaftsbury, VT, featuring live music, hamantaschen, and falafel from Yalla Vermont! Enjoy live music with Joe Alpar and his band, a special art project, great food, and a spirited re-enactment of the Megillah (Book of Esther) led by Rabbi Jarah Greenfield. Come in costume, be in community, and embody the spirit of Purim! Please contact Shira Sternberg Kol to RSVP and receive the full address.

I also invite you to join our CBI Purim celebration on Monday, March 6 taking place during Hebrew School, from 3:30pm to 5pm. We will celebrate by baking (and eating) hamantaschen, acting out the Purim story and learning and singing Purim songs. All are welcome and we encourage parents to stay and participate. Come in costume, or choose something from our costume collection!

We will soon be sending out more information on our Community Passover Seder, led by Rabbi Rachel, on April 6 — the second night of the holiday. Jen Burt and her family will be catering. Please plan to join us and RSVP by Monday, March 27! We can’t wait to celebrate together.

Coming up on Sunday, March 12 at 1pm on Zoom, we’ll have special guest speaker Dr. John Grayzel talk about “The History of the Jews of India.” You’ll find more information in our weekly announcements, which are sent to you via email every Thursday. Hope you’ll join us!

Warmly,

— Natalie Matus