Community

Getting Involved...

There are many ways to get involved and  become acquainted with other congregants.

During your membership process, you can tell us your interests and we will direct you to programs that meet your needs.

Through committees, educational programs and ritual observances, you will find a warm and inviting atmosphere in which to expand and explore your Jewish life.

Our Committees

Art & Interior Design, Budget, Bio-Ethics, Building and Grounds, Cemetery and Mausoleum, Continuing Jewish Education, Cultural Arts, Development, Education and Youth, Investments, Library, Book Group, Membership, Nominating, Technology and the Social Action Council which includes the following sub-committees: Allocations, Political Issues, Community Relations and the Mitzvah Corps. Click here for descriptions of our committees.

Auxiliaries

Women of Reform Judaism/Beth Israel Sisterhood

Membership is open to all women of the Congregation. Our Sisterhood is affiliated with the national organization Women of Reform Judaism, The Federation of Temple Sisterhoods. Its goal is to promote the highest ideals of women in Judaism through a program of religious commitment, education, social action and service to humanitarian causes. WRJ/BIS sponsors programs and projects that help strengthen and perpetuate Jewish values, Jewish family and congregational life.

Not only does it sponsor many of the programs at Congregation Beth Israel, its Judaica Gift Shop has many wonderful items to help you build a Jewish home and has become an important fundraiser.

CBI Brotherhood:  Community and Service

Brotherhood is an organization dedicated to service to the temple. Open to all men of the Congregation, it is also a social organization that promotes community among our members.  Brotherhood programs include the annual Purim carnival, raising the outdoor Sukkah, and a variety of lectures throughout the year.  For the latest information and event details, visit our Google Group.

Jews Next Dor

Welcome Shabbat and connect with other Jewish young adults with Jews Next Dor (Generation), Beth Israel’s 20-30 something group.  JND has held monthly Shabbat services and other social and religious gatherings that have been quite a draw, from within and beyond our congregational doors.  If you or someone you know would like to be a part of the vibrant JND community, please contact the Temple office 503-222-1069 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Chavurah: Adding Friendship to Membership

From the Hebrew word, Chavurah, meaning a group of friends, many Jewish organizations use chavurot to build deep personal connections within their greater community. A tremendous way to find fun, learning, and connection to others. We are currently forming new chavurot, bringing together CBI member couples, singles and/or families with similar interests for monthly get-togethers in each others’ homes.

Creating opportunities to come together in chavurot is part of CBI’s effort to help all of its members find the sense of family and groundedness that our fast-paced society so often lacks. Please fill out the form or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at 503-222-1069 for more information on how to become a part of a chavurah.

Youth Programming

"Portland Area Reform Temple Youth" (PARTY) is CBI's high school youth group. Participation gives high school students a chance to meet and socialize with other Jewish teenagers. The youth group sponsors programs involving social enrichment, worship and social action events. Dor Hadash is our youth group for 6th - 8th grade members. Monthly events allow them to share fun and educational activities with their Jewish peers outside the classroom.

Temple Book Group

The Temple Book Group meets monthly at CBI from September through May, Sundays at 9:30 am in the Shirley & Herbert Semler Board Room. If you like to read and talk (and eat!) you’ll like it! New members and visitors are always welcome. Morning snacks and coffee provided. (You needn’t have read the entire book to attend.) Call Ellen Rosenblum at 503-241-9040 for additional information.