From The President

CBI Labyrinth

August 2023 | Av & Elul 5783

events, From The President, Newsletter

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new CBI after-school program, renamed Jewish Journeys, for children in grades K–7 beginning on Monday, September 11. Jewish Journeys is the outgrowth of a year of collaboration among CBI and NEFESH, which is a burgeoning group of Jewish families in Southern Vermont and Western Massachusetts run by Shira Sternberg Kol and Rabbi Jarah Greenfield.

CBI Labyrinth

July 2023 | Tammuz & Av 5783

community, From The President, Newsletter

As we begin the summer and a new fiscal year at CBI, the Board and CBI staff are focused on planning a spiritually fulfilling, interesting and productive year for adults, families and children in our community. There will be opportunities to study and learn, worship and have fun together. We are excited about new collaborations both within and external to CBI.

Congregation Beth Israel & New Hope United Methodist Church

Announcing a New Interfaith Collaboration

community, From The President, From The Rabbi, Jewish values, spiritual life

We’re writing with delight to share news of a new interfaith collaboration happening at CBI.

CBI Labyrinth

June 2023 | Sivan & Tammuz 5783

community, From The President, Newsletter

As summer approaches and we look back at the year, it has been a very busy and exciting time at CBI. We are pleased that we’ve been able to bring back many in-person activities, including kiddushes after services, an in-person Community Seder, and much more.

Caring for Our Earth

From The President, From The Rabbi, pollinator garden, tikkun olam

"...Wise and compassionate stewardship of our land has been a Jewish value ever since the Garden of Eden. In this era of climate crisis, it’s important to care not only for our grounds, but also for the local ecosystem of which we are a part. Here at CBI we’re doing a few different things to live out this Jewish value..."

CBI Labyrinth

April 2023 | Nissan 5783

From The President, Newsletter, Pesach

I am writing to you from Hong Kong, where Roger and I are spending a delightful month visiting our daughter, son-in-law, and young grandsons. After a 4 year pause in being able to travel here, it is wonderful to spend time with them and to celebrate Passover together. We look forward to being part of their synagogue’s Community Seder at the same time as we will miss being with you at the CBI Seder. Happily, our enduring Jewish traditions bind us all together, wherever we may be across the globe.

CBI Labyrinth

March 2023 | Adar 5783

From The President, Newsletter, Pesach, Purim

Though winter has not yet lessened its grip, we know that under the snow and ice, early flowers are popping up and foreshadowing spring.

CBI Labyrinth

February 2023 | Shevat 5783

From The President, Newsletter, Shevat

Though winter still has its grip on us here in the Berkshires, CBI continues to provide light and community with its ongoing Shabbat services and programs for adults, children, and families, both in-person and remotely via Zoom. I want to highlight some of what we have accomplished in recent months and what’s coming up.

CBI Labyrinth

December 2022 | Kislev 5783

Chanukah, From The President, Newsletter

In this season of gratitude, I want to thank all of you for being members of the CBI community and for all you do to strengthen and sustain our community. I also thank you for honoring me by re-electing me to my second one-year term as president at the recent Annual Meeting.

CBI Labyrinth

November 2022 | Cheshvan 5783

Annual Meeting, community, From The President, Newsletter

I have just returned from the General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), where 1,800 professionals and lay leaders met to discuss some of the critical issues facing our Jewish communities, locally and worldwide. I learned how people think about some of the significant issues facing us, whether we live in a smaller community, like the Berkshires, or a larger one. It was inspiring to meet with committed leaders from so many places.

CBI Labyrinth

October 2022 | Tishrei 5783

days of awe, From The President, Newsletter, Rosh Hashanah

This is the speech that Natalie Matus offered at Rosh Hashanah services this year.

CBI Labyrinth

September 2022 | Elul 5782 & Tishrei 5783

community, days of awe, From The President, Newsletter, spiritual life

As we approach the High Holy Days, we’ve entered a period of reflection and assessment. In addition to my own personal reflections, I am also very aware of the passing of one year and the beginning of the next in the communal life of Congregation Beth Israel. With a year under my belt as president, it is a time when I reflect both on what has gone well and what more we need to or can do.

CBI Labyrinth

August 2022 | Av 5782

Av, From The President, Newsletter

As the summer flies by, I hope you are getting some rest & relaxation and enjoying all that the Berkshires offer this time of year. I have been blessed to have been able to finally see my daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons who live in Hong Kong. I hope many of you have also experienced sweet reunions with family and friends.

CBI Labyrinth

July 2022 | Tammuz 5782

From The President, Newsletter, Tammuz

I am pleased to share that Rabbi Rachel is recovering from her recent heart attack and has resumed her schedule, with the understanding that she is to take the time she needs to rest and to see medical specialists. The Board is working to lighten her load where we can.

June 2022 | Sivan 5782

From The President, Newsletter, Sivan

Our congregation is growing and now exceeds 100 families. I think that it is due to our warm, welcoming community as well as our growing list of events and activities. Young families won’t want to miss the “Family Walk in the Woods” coming in late June. Everyone is welcome at our outdoor summer Shabbat services where we can join prayer and nature.