A 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.
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.
May 2024 | Iyar 5784
Annual Meeting, Community, Education, Events, From The President, Israel, NewsletterAs we move past Passover, I’d like to draw your attention to some of our upcoming events and programs. On Saturday, May 18 at 10am, you are all invited to a Jewish Journeys Shabbat morning service, during which we will celebrate Shabbat, our students and teachers, and will get a taste of what our students have learned over the course of the semester.
Attributes for Now
Divrei Torah, Omer“…Torah here names God as compassion and tenderness, and patience, forbearance, kindness, awareness. What if we could bring those qualities to bear on what we’re seeing on college campuses – could we respond from a more productive and meaningful place? How about bringing those qualities to bear on the experience of reading and discussing the news? How about bringing them to bear on how we treat each other, and ourselves?…”
Guest Post: Mistakes, Redemption, and the Burning Bush
Divrei Torah, Guest Posts, Pesach, TeshuvahThis guest post is from Drew Zuckerman, who gave this teaching at our Second Night Community Passover Seder on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
Getting Ready: pre-Pesach 5784 / 2024
Divrei Torah, Pesach“…This year, the question that keeps coming up is: how do we prepare for Pesach after everything we’ve witnessed and felt over the last six months? Our collective hearts are broken. It’s different from the individual grief of a personal loss. I’ve been thinking about how we are not the first generation to celebrate Pesach during a difficult time. The story of moving from Mitzrayim to freedom was a beacon and a comfort for our ancestors. It can be that for us, too…”