From The Rabbi

“…I noticed this year that Torah only begins to say God is with him once he’s in tough circumstances. Was God “not there” before, or was he just not aware of God until then? Did something change within him him that enabled him to live with awareness of the holy? …”

CBI Labyrinth

Several weeks ago, the CBI community came together for a joyous celebration of our beloved Rabbi Rachel Barenblat and her 13 years of service as spiritual leader of CBI. During the Shabbat service, co-led by Rabbi Rachel and her dear friend and colleague Rabbi David Markus, Rabbi Rachel was called to the Torah in recognition of her service, and various groups of members, friends, and family were called up for aliyot.

A mock filmstrip with four photos of Rabbi Rachel and other community members at the celebration of her 13th year at CBI.

As we enter December I’m still feeling the reverberations of the Shabbat in November when we celebrated my thirteen years (so far) of serving the CBI community.

“…The work of spiritual life is never done. The work of becoming is never done. As long as we’re here, we’re growing and changing – or we can be. My covenant with each of you is a promise to accompany you in whatever life brings your way…”

“Possibility lives in us. Hope lives in us. Kindness lives in us. Truth and justice live in us. No amount of cruelty or coercion, bullying or gaslighting, can take these away. They are our birthright, and they are eternal.”

CBI Labyrinth

Greetings from Hong Kong, where I am spending a few weeks visiting with my daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons. It’s been so much fun celebrating Sukkot and Simchat Torah with our grandsons on the other side of the world.

A venn diagram: the left circle says "To-Do List;" the right circle says "Election 2024;" the intersection of both circles says "Anxiety, So Much Anxiety."

As I write these words, the election is a scant week away. I’ve heard from many of you that it’s hard to think about much else right now. This election feels momentous and maybe even frightening in a way we’ve never experienced before.

“…Love is the point of Torah. It’s what Torah most deeply comes to teach us, year after year…”

CBI Labyrinth

Preparations are fully underway for our High Holy Day services and programs. I am looking forward to worshiping with you very soon. It is always wonderful to welcome you to our beautiful sanctuary. Thanks to those of you who have already RSVP’d for services.

High Holiday letter, Entering 5785 (Part Two)

I love Yom Kippur. I know that probably sounds weird to most folks, but it’s true. I love it because the day feels meaningful from start to finish. It’s a whole day of introspection and togetherness and song, and these are a few of my favorite things.