From The Rabbi

A view from behind of several people with their arms around each other. The group includes a variety of genders, racial backgrounds, and clothing styles.

Responsible: Kol Nidre 5784 / 2023

"... I’m not interested in guilt. I think it’s much more productive to focus on responsibility. And Judaism has much to say about our responsibility to make someone whole after harm..."

Moroccan-style tile design; a local mountain landscape; the word "Connect"

Connect: Rosh Hashanah Day 1, 5784 / 2023

days of awe, sermons

Entering 5784: Erev Rosh Hashanah. Service led by R. Rachel Barenblat & Cantorial Soloist Ziva Larson. Mini-sermonettes by Dr. Suzanne Graver, Sandy Ryan, & Dr. Len Radin on the theme of "Returning."

On Returning: Erev Rosh Hashanah 5784

community, D'vrei Torah, days of awe, divrei Torah, From The Rabbi, guest posts, Rosh Hashanah, sermons

In our tradition of inviting CBI members to speak during our Erev Rosh Hashanah service, Sandy Ryan, Dr. Len Radin, & Dr. Suzanne Graver offered mini-sermonettes on September 15, 2023 on the the theme of “Returning.”

If We Had to Choose: Re’eh 2023 / 5783

divrei Torah

Runway to the Days of Awe 5784: Tisha b'Av; 7 Weeks / Limbering Up; Rosh Hashanah; 10 Days of Teshuvah; Yom Kippur; Sukkot.

From the Rabbi – August 2023

days of awe, From The Rabbi, Newsletter, Reverse Omer, Runway to the Days of Awe

We’re on the runway: the Days of Awe are approaching. We’ve entered the Limbering Up time.

Return to Your Heart: Va’etchanan 5783 / 2023

divrei Torah

Guest Post: Getting “Unstuck”: Moving from Awareness and Knowledge to Action

D'vrei Torah, divrei Torah, guest posts, Jewish values, social action

This guest post is the D’var Torah that CBI member and cantorial soloist Ziva Larson offered at Shabbat Morning Services on Saturday, July 22, 2023.

The Journeys: Matot-Masei 5783 / 2023

divrei Torah, Jewish values, tikkun olam

"...Torah's list of stops along our journey is a metaphor for the journey of an individual soul. The forty-two stops evoke the twists and turns of every human life: leaving Mitzrayim / places of constriction, seeking sustenance and purpose and our hopes fulfilled. And for us as for our ancient ancestors, the trajectory of the journey probably won't be linear..."

From the Rabbi – July 2023

days of awe, From The Rabbi, Newsletter, Runway to the Days of Awe, Teshuvah, Tisha bAv

July is upon us. All winter long I anticipate summer’s long daylight: the luscious green curves of our hillsides, how the pollinator garden behind the synagogue becomes a riot of color and leaf. And we’re here! We made it! This place where we are blessed to live is beautiful in all seasons, but this is the season I love the most. And… spiritual life never stands still. The wheel is always already turning toward the holidays to come.

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.

Taking Turns Holding Hope: Shlach 5783

divrei Torah

"...When we despair we need someone to walk with us, to feel with us, and to remind us that when we feel most stuck, change can be waiting in the wings – even (or especially) if we can’t see it...."

The Congregation Beth Israel choir sings to honor Yom HaShoah.

Photo courtesy of Len Radin

From the Rabbi – June 2023

community, From The Rabbi, music, Newsletter, Shabbat, spiritual life, Yom HaShoah

“We have fallen into the place where everything is music.” These are words from the Sufi mystic poet Rumi, whose work I love. In the translations I’ve seen, he is one of the most profound spiritual poets there is. For another version of those lines, here’s how western-Mass-based folksinger Kris Delmhorst sings them: “Now we’ve come to the place where everything is music — everything is music, (so) let it play!”

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.

From The Rabbi

Categories

Yizkor For Our World: Yom Kippur Morning 5784 / 2023

Responsible: Kol Nidre 5784 / 2023

Connect: Rosh Hashanah Day 1, 5784 / 2023

On Returning: Erev Rosh Hashanah 5784

If We Had to Choose: Re’eh 2023 / 5783

From the Rabbi – August 2023

Return to Your Heart: Va’etchanan 5783 / 2023

Guest Post: Getting “Unstuck”: Moving from Awareness and Knowledge to Action

The Journeys: Matot-Masei 5783 / 2023

From the Rabbi – July 2023

July 2023 | Tammuz & Av 5783

Announcing a New Interfaith Collaboration

Taking Turns Holding Hope: Shlach 5783

From the Rabbi – June 2023

June 2023 | Sivan & Tammuz 5783

Congregation Beth Israel

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