Dear Congregants and Friends,

It’s truly spring now and CBI is blooming, both literally and figuratively. Everything is greening up, the grass is growing, perennials and spring bulbs are popping up, and our pollinator garden is coming alive. We have opened our doors to in-person worship services and programs, while maintaining a Zoom option for those who are far away or are more comfortable participating that way. It is delightful to see people again in-person after two long years of isolation.

You’ll notice new fruit trees lining the driveway — we have planted now for our future and look forward to picking their fruit in coming years. While they are getting stronger, we’ve protected them with deer fencing, which will be removed in several years when they are bigger. I invite you to join us on Saturday, May 7 at 9:30am for Shabbat Morning Service, during which Rabbi Rachel will take us outside for a special blessing of these new cherry, peach, Asian pear, and medlar trees. (Click here to RSVP.)

We are actively planning for Hebrew School next year and are delighted to announce the re-opening of Aleph Tav — our class for children in kindergarten through second grade, taught by beloved teacher Jane Shiyah. We will be sending out Hebrew School enrollment forms in the next two months to everyone who has indicated interest. If you haven’t been in touch yet, please contact the office to ask for a registration form.

A new CBI book club, led by our own Suzanne Levy Graver — John Hawley Roberts Professor of English, Emerita at Williams College — will launch on Wednesday, June 15 at 7:30pm on Zoom. If you are interested in participating or in learning more, please contact Sheila Roman. (Click here to RSVP.)

I hope to see you on Sunday, May 15 at 2pm–4pm for Get the Scoop — Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Community Day at High Lawn Farms! This will be a fun, free, family-friendly afternoon for all and a chance to see Jewish friends from across the Berkshires. (Click here to RSVP.)

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE! Celebrate Independence Day with a CBI picnic on Monday, July 4! Details to follow. If you are willing to help, please contact Sheila Roman.

Warmly,

— Natalie Matus, President