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Congregation Beth Israel
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North Adams, MA 01247
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Two Truths for Entering the Sea: Seventh Night of Pesach 5785
Divrei Torah, From The Rabbi, Nissan, PesachThe familiar words of the haggadah landed differently with me this year. We speak every year of freedom from Mitzrayim – meaning not only מִצְרַיִם / مصر / literal Egypt, but also more broadly all of life’s narrow places and times of constriction. But this year I’m keenly aware of constriction and lack of liberty in ways that go beyond the metaphorical.
From the Rabbi – April 2025
Events, From The Rabbi, Newsletter, PesachDuring the Passover seder, we name the ten plagues listed in Torah, and remove a droplet of wine or juice from our glasses as we recite each one. The tenth one is “death of the firstborn,” and Torah tells us that before that happened, our ancestors were instructed to kill a lamb and paint the doorposts with blood so that the angel of death would “pass over” our houses, leading to the name of the festival Passover. (The wordplay works in Hebrew too.)
April 2025 | Nissan 5785
Events, From The President, Newsletter, PesachIt is almost time for Passover, a time when we prepare our homes for the holiday, look forward to gathering with family and friends, and celebrating together as we tell the story of Passover. I am writing to you from Hong Kong, where I am visiting with my family. It is very interesting to celebrate in a country so different in many ways from our own.
Bloom: Shabbat M’varkhim Nissan 5785
Divrei Torah, From The Rabbi, Nissan, Pesach“This month shall mark for you the beginning of the months; it shall be the first of the months of the year for you.” (Ex. 12:2)
From the Rabbi – March 2025
Events, From The Rabbi, NewsletterAs we begin the month of March, we’re reading from a Torah portion that describes the vestments made for Aaron, the first High Priest, woven from blue, purple, and crimson yarns. One particular facet of his outfit is standing out to me this year: the breastplate that he wore over his heart, holding twelve cut gemstones to represent the twelve tribes of Israel.
Sanctuary: for Refugee Shabbat – Terumah 5785 / 2025
Divrei Torah, Inclusion & Diversity, Jewish Values, Social Action, Tikkun Olam“When we create sanctuary, God dwells within us. I think the inverse is also true: if we take sanctuary away – if we make someone unsafe; if we refuse them shelter and care – we are pushing God away. It is a fundamental tenet of Judaism that we are all made in the divine image and likeness. When we create a space where it’s safe to be who we are, we are making space for God. When it is unsafe to be our whole selves, God’s presence is diminished. ..”
People of Truth: Yitro 5785 / 2025
Divrei Torah, From The Rabbi“…All of us can be be anshe-hayil, people of valor, people whose word is worth something. All of us can be anshe emet, people who stand up for what’s true, people who call things what they are. All of us can live in a way that supports liberation: not just freedom from, from oppression and want and fear, but freedom to. Freedom to speak, to pray, to dream, to be. …”
The only way is together: Beshalah 5785 / 2025
Divrei Torah, From The Rabbi, Social Action, Tikkun Olam, Volunteering“…I know this may sound pollyanna. It is a drop in the bucket compared with everything that needs repair. But I believe it is how repair happens: each of us doing what we can to help others. Tikkun olam – “repairing the world” – is a Jewish imperative. It is our obligation as Jews…”
From the Rabbi – February 2025
Events, From The Rabbi, Music, Newsletter, Tu BiShvatIn the place where our traditions began, the almond trees are blooming. It’s the lunar month of Shvat, and at the full moon on the 15th of this month we celebrate Tu BiShvat, “the New Year of the Trees.”
February 2025 | Shevat 5785
Community, From The President, Guest Posts, Newsletter, VolunteeringA brief self-introduction by Wendy Penner, CBI’s new 1st Vice President.
Doing What’s Right: Sh’mot 5785
Divrei Torah, From The Rabbi, Jewish Values, Response to Tragedy, Social ActionHelp Us Care For Our Torahs
From The President, Jewish Values, Spiritual Life, VideoWe are writing to share news of our progress on raising funds for CBI’s Torah Restoration & Maintenance Fund as of January 2025.
For the Good: Vayehi 5785 / 2025
Divrei TorahFrom the Rabbi – January 2025
From The Rabbi, Jewish Values, Music, Newsletter, Spiritual Life, Tikkun Olam, Tu BiShvatA few days ago, I told my son that I was trying to figure out what to write about in my January newsletter column. Now that we’re done with Chanukah, there aren’t any Jewish holidays until next month. I know what I want to write about for February, but what is the wisdom we need now, as we begin a secular new year at a time when Jewishly life is just… going on?
January 2025 | Tevet 5785
Chanukah, Community, From The President, Newsletter, Tu BiShvat, VolunteeringAs we enter a new secular year, I am still glowing with the joy of celebrating Chanukah, first at CBI where we held a spirited songfest and dreidel spinning contest, and enjoyed delicious homemade pizza and sufganiyot. Later in the month, we lit our hanukkiahs and enjoyed latkes at a Chanukah party in southern Vermont, part of our program for families with the NEFESH community.