I am delighted to welcome Wendy Penner as co-president of CBI for the coming year! Wendy has been a true partner over the past year, taking on numerous responsibilities and acting as a valued thought partner. I am so pleased that she has decided to take on the official role of co-president. Together, we look forward to serving the CBI community in the year to come.
Summer is a quiet time on the Jewish calendar. Now that Shavuot is behind us, the next big thing on the horizon is Tisha b’Av in late August, followed by the seven-week runway to the Days of Awe.
https://cbiberkshires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CBI-Labyrinth-2025.jpg600800Rachel Barenblathttps://cbiberkshires.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CBI-Logo-70h-2.pngRachel Barenblat2025-06-03 12:00:002025-06-03 13:27:18From the Rabbi – June 2025
During 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.)
https://cbiberkshires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CBI-Ducks.jpg800600Rachel Barenblathttps://cbiberkshires.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CBI-Logo-70h-2.pngRachel Barenblat2025-05-05 17:00:002025-05-05 15:37:43From the Rabbi – May 2025
Roger and I had the wonderful opportunity a week ago to attend a reception at the Yiddish Book Center for the installation of the 25 foot long House of Israel mural at the main entrance to the Center. This mural is deeply connected with CBI’s history – it was painted by artist Noah Levin above the ark at our predecessor synagogue on Francis Street in North Adams.
It 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.
June 2025 | Sivan 5785
Annual Meeting, Events, From The President, NewsletterI am delighted to welcome Wendy Penner as co-president of CBI for the coming year! Wendy has been a true partner over the past year, taking on numerous responsibilities and acting as a valued thought partner. I am so pleased that she has decided to take on the official role of co-president. Together, we look forward to serving the CBI community in the year to come.
From the Rabbi – June 2025
From The Rabbi, Newsletter, ShabbatSummer is a quiet time on the Jewish calendar. Now that Shavuot is behind us, the next big thing on the horizon is Tisha b’Av in late August, followed by the seven-week runway to the Days of Awe.
From the Rabbi – May 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.)
May 2025 | Iyar 5785
From The President, NewsletterRoger and I had the wonderful opportunity a week ago to attend a reception at the Yiddish Book Center for the installation of the 25 foot long House of Israel mural at the main entrance to the Center. This mural is deeply connected with CBI’s history – it was painted by artist Noah Levin above the ark at our predecessor synagogue on Francis Street in North Adams.
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.