Welcome to Congregation Beth Israel
Beneath our dome is a spiritual home, a place of community and friendship, a place to be inspired through prayer, a place for lifelong learning, and a place where every person makes a difference.
Mitzvah Day
Mitzvah Day
Sunday, May 19, 2024
9:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Click to sign up
Our Religious School year draws to a close May 19 with Mitzvah Day, a morning of service on and beyond our campus . Families and the CBI community at large will have the chance to make a direct impact with many of our community partners.
Honor the spirit of both tikkum olam and tzedakah through hands-on projects designed for congregants aged 1 to 101.You will make a difference, build community and have a blast!
We’ll meet at the Main Sanctuary at 9:30 AM for a delicious breakfast served by our wonderful WRJ/Beth Israel Sisterhood chefs and a brief program, including a performance by the CBI youth choir and band. We will then head off to our projects, either at the synagogue or off site.
This is a congregation-wide event. It is also a Religious School day with parent participation – no drop offs please. Though teachers will be assigned to various projects, we encourage you to sign up for the project(s) that works best for you and your family.
Questions? Let us know!
Mitzvah Day Donations
Donate liquid laundry detergent to our neighbors at NW Tower and toothpaste, toothbrushes & deodorant to New Avenues for Youth.
Drop off donations Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Sundays during Religious School, or on Mitzvah Day itself.
Changes for CBI
As you may have read via both via email and a letter to the congregation, last week we announced that Cantor Ida Rae Cahana plans to retire from her position as Senior Cantor in June of 2025, as well as Rabbi Michael Z. Cahana’s intention to retire in 2027. Last fall, the CBI Board of Trustees unanimously voted to move forward with Rabbi Rachel Joseph and Cantor Rayna Green as our new clergy leaders.
As Cantor Cahana said in her letter to the community, “as Jews, we are continually embracing life’s movement and changes.” To help us anticipate–and embrace–these upcoming shifts, the CBI Board of Trustees invites all members to join us for a Clergy Transition Meeting at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 8 to discuss the Board’s process and plans for the future.
CBI’s bylaws also require a congregational vote at a special meeting for the initial term of a Senior Rabbi. Because the Board is announcing Rabbi Joseph’s eventual succession to that role today, and in June plans to enter a contract with her that will encompass her first term as Senior Rabbi, the Board will hold that vote at a special meeting on May 23, 2024, at 5:15 PM, immediately before CBI’s 166th Annual Meeting. The meeting will be in person and online. Immediately after the Annual Meeting, there will be a champagne celebration to honor all our clergy.
The Jennifer Barnum Luria Early Childhood Center is Open
Enrollment at The Jennie is now open for full- and part-time care; click here to secure your child’s spot!
We are currently accepting registration for all age groups, and classrooms will be opened throughout 2024 as spaces are filled. Once our classrooms are full, our waitlist placement will prioritize families who are members of Congregation Beth Israel, as well as those who already have a sibling enrolled at The Jennie.
