From The Rabbi

From the Rabbi – November 2023

From The Rabbi, Newsletter, response to tragedy, spiritual life

On the festival of Shemini Atzeret (October 7), our world tilted on its axis. Dancing with the Torah that night felt like an act of resistance, connectedness, and hope, even amidst our tears.

From Chaos to Light: Bereshit 5784 / 2023

divrei Torah, Israel, response to tragedy, tikkun olam

"...The primordial light shines in the darkness not of space but of spirit. And when God declares it good, God is saying that there is capacity for good in this world. God is saying that we can choose to create, not just to destroy..."

In response to what’s unfolding in Israel

Israel

I know that many of us are feeling helpless. My friend and colleague Rabbi Jay Michaelson notes that “The hopelessness feeds [the extremists’] narrative that there can be no peace.” I invite us therefore to resist hopelessness as best we can. There are things we can do to make things better. They may feel small, but they are real.

Israel

How can we rejoice with the Torah at a moment like this? And yet our tradition calls us to do precisely that.

An illustration of an open Torah scroll surrounded by Esrog and Luluv.

From the Rabbi – September 2023

days of awe, From The Rabbi, Newsletter, sukkot

Joy! Joy! Joy! As I write these words we’re about to enter into Sukkot – also known as Season Of Our Rejoicing.

Yizkor For Our World: Yom Kippur Morning 5784 / 2023

days of awe, sermons, Yizkor, Yom Kippur

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

days of awe, Jewish values, sermons

"... 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..."

Entering 5784: Rosh Hashanah Morning 2 with Tashich & Shofar. Services led by R. Rachel Barenblat & Cantorial Soloist Ziva Larson. D'var Torah by Emily Rogal.

Lost & Found: Rosh Hashanah Day 2, 5784 / 2023

days of awe, Rosh Hashanah, sermons

On the second day of Rosh Hashanah (Sunday, September 17, 2023), a sermon was offered by Jewish educator Emily Rogal, who will be teaching our Meaning & Mishnah class later this fall.

From The President | Rosh Hashanah 1, 5784 / 2023

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

On the first day of Rosh Hashanah (Saturday, September 16, 2023), a speech was offered by Natalie Matus, President of CBI.

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.”