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Congregation Beth Israel
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North Adams, MA 01247
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September 2024 | Elul 5784
Days of Awe, From The President, Newsletter, VolunteeringAs summer turns to fall, we are getting our classrooms ready to welcome our students to an exciting new year of Jewish Journeys. We spent time this summer organizing our library and kitchen. We prepared for the busy season ahead. Rabbi Rachel, cantorial soloist Ziva Larson, and our choir are hard at work preparing for the High Holidays.
Three Practices for Now: Shoftim 5784 / 2024
Divrei Torah, Elul, From The Rabbi, Runway to the Days of Awe“…Pursue justice by approaching the world with the integrity of a juror.
Guard our gates, mindful of what we’re taking in and what we’re putting into the world.
And pour out our hearts – not to the vast indifferent universe, but to an imagined beloved Friend….”
If We Listen: Ekev 5784 / 2024
Divrei Torah“…Torah urges us to remove our protective calluses, a scant six weeks before the new year – all the better to do the work of teshuvah to which this season calls us. …”
Here, Right Here: Va’etchanan 5784 / 2024
Divrei Torah, Teshuvah“…I think it’s probably human nature to look past our reminders. How often do we stop at a door where there’s a mezuzah and touch it and kiss our fingers, reaffirming our commitment to the ethical covenant of mitzvot that is our inheritance? I’ll admit: I forget most of the time. And I forget mitzvot. And I forget the work of teshuvah. Which is why when we hit Tisha b’Av and start this seven-week runway to the high holidays, I start to feel a deep sense of urgency….”
August 2024 | Av 5784
Days of Awe, Education, Events, From The President, Newsletter, Spiritual LifeA month ago, I returned from a trip to Central Europe, traveling on the Danube River and visiting Budapest, Bratislava, Salzburg, Vienna, and Prague. It was my first time in this part of the world, and the trip made a huge impression on me, especially my visits to synagogues, most of whose members were wiped out by the Nazis in WWII or by the Russians following the war during the Communist era. I was moved by the sights and descriptions of these lost communities and the beauty of their synagogues and ritual objects. I realized anew how fortunate we are to live in a time where we are free to practice our faith and be part of a thriving Jewish community.
From the Rabbi – August 2024
Classes, Days of Awe, Education, From The Rabbi, Newsletter, Spiritual Life, TeshuvahI’m always reluctant to face the reality that summer will eventually end. I love the slower pace of a season without the pressures of school days. I love the vibrant green of our hills at this time of year. I love the profusion of produce (yes, even the excess of zucchini). I love the long days and warm evening light. If I could freeze time right here and now, I might be tempted to do it! Maybe fortunately, that power hasn’t been offered to me, so days keep ticking by at their usual pace.
The Red Heifer, and Gentleness Amidst Grief: Shabbat Parah 5784 / 2024
Divrei Torah, Israel, Response to Tragedy“…In times like these I’m grateful that our tradition is built on hope that no matter how broken our world has been, and this year we’re all aware that it is plenty broken, a better future is possible. Even if I don’t know how we’re going to get there..”
From the Rabbi – July 2024
Contemplative Practice, From The Rabbi, Newsletter, Spiritual LifeLately I’ve been humming the opening of the Simon and Garfunkel tune “The 59th Street Bridge Song.” Many of you probably know this one. It begins, “Slow down, you move too fast. Got to make the moment last!” It has an apt spiritual message for us at this time of year.
July 2024 | Tammuz 5784
Community, From The President, NewsletterAs I was sitting in the sanctuary last Saturday morning during Shabbat services, a rabbit was munching on a nice green blade of grass covered in morning dew and stared at me through the window… for a long time. Birds of various sizes landed on the grass near him. This beautiful sight reminded me that our property doesn’t belong solely to us – it is also part of the natural world, and we share it with many other creatures, who rely on it for food, protection, and water. Taking care of it in a responsible way is part of our mission.
Guest Post: Sh’lach L’cha: Learning Inclusion from the Scouts
Divrei Torah, Guest PostsThis guest post is adapted by cantorial soloist and CBI member Ziva Larson, who led Shabbat services on Saturday, June 29, 2024, from a d’var by Hazzan Sara Geffen Geller.
The Next Best Time: B’ha’alot’kha 5784
Divrei TorahFrom the Rabbi – June 2024
Events, From The Rabbi, Music, Newsletter, ShavuotOf all the holidays in the year, Shavuot often gets short shrift. Many Reform congregations hold Confirmation at this season, which is a lovely tradition, but doesn’t fully convey the depth of what this holiday can be. Shavuot isn’t just a graduation celebration for tenth graders; it’s one of the most profound anniversaries in the Jewish year. And this year, we’re celebrating it at CBI in a new way: with music, music, music!
June 2024 | Sivan 5784
Annual Meeting, Community, Events, From The President, Newsletter, ShavuotAs the days get longer and summer beckons, CBI professional and lay leaders are busy planning for the summer and the year ahead.
If: Behukotai 5784 / 2024
Divrei TorahFrom the Rabbi – May 2024
Community, From The Rabbi, Israel, NewsletterI know from speaking with y’all that the continuing conflict in Israel / Palestine is weighing heavy on many hearts. (Including my own.) Across our community we have many different relationships with that place and its peoples, and sometimes it is hard to know how to speak with each other given our range of views. This is true across the American Jewish community, and community divisions are emerging in many places. And yet, given rising antisemitism, now is a time when we need each other across Jewish community all the more.