Summer at Congregation Beth Israel

After a chilly spring, we are so glad that summer is almost here, and have plenty of opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate this summer at CBI.

Please click the button below for a full listing of our nonseasonal and ongoing events (such as weekly Shabbat Evening and Morning Services, B’nei Mitzvah to Celebrate, ongoing committee work and other opportunities to connect) or read on for the many summer highlights we are anticipating!

Click here for all upcoming CBI events 

Native American roots of Forest Park: a Hike with Professor Tracy Prince 
Sunday, June 12, 10:00 AM
Meet at the CBI parking lot and carpool to trailhead

Join congregant and Native American history expert, Professor Tracy Prince at 10:00 am on June 12 for a hike in Forest Park that will focus on the significance of these woods to the Chinook and Kalapuya tribes. This is where they harvested cedar bark, an essential resource for these tribes.  This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn more, following up on Tracy’s discussion of our local tribes and reparations earlier this year.

The hike is 3.2 miles, with an elevation gain of 600 feet. It is a gentle to moderate trail. No dogs are allowed. The hike usually takes 1.5 hours. However, we will linger for discussion at a site of historical importance.

Portland Pride Parade 
Sunday, June 19, time TBD
Oregon Jewish Museum  and Center for Holocaust Education (724 NW Davis Street)

Pride Parade returns in person, and CBI will be showing up!  While details are still to be finalized, plan to meet outside the Oregon Jewish Museum  and Center for Holocaust Education (724 NW Davis Street) wearing your Mitzvah Day shirt. We’ll have a collection of signs ready for you to carry…or feel free to download and print your own! 

Early Bird Registration Deadline for CBI’s Religious School
Friday, July 1, 12:00 AM

Applications for the 2022-2023 Religious School program at CBI are now open; click here to begin yours, or get in touch with us with any questions you may have. Those who being their application prior to July 1 are eligible for discounted tuition.

Shabbat on the Plaza
Friday, July 15, 6:00 PM
CBI Plaza

The CBI Brotherhood sponsors our first Shabbat on the Plaza of the Year, so pack a picnic and meet us on the Plaza

Discussion with Professor Robert Miller
Thursday, July 7, 7:00 PM
Pollin Chapel

Professor Miller, who spoke earlier this year on Native American history, returns in-person to CBI.

Shabbat on the Plaza
Friday, August 19, 6:00 PM
CBI Plaza

The music and joy of Shabbat on the Plaza continues, sponsored this week by CBI’s Social Action Committee.

Shabbat on the Plaza
Friday, September 2, 6:00 PM
CBI Plaza

The WRJ/Beth Israel Sisterhood sponsors this summer’s final outdoor Shabbat Celebration

CBI Office Closed
Monday, July 18 to Friday, July 22
Shabbat Evening and Morning Services WILL be held despite office closure

In Judaism, there is a concept called shmita, which is used as a sabbatical year or year of rest where a farmer may grow no new crops to give the land a rest. Shmita translates directly to”‘release” and today that concept is used as a reflection of the importance of taking time to rest and renew on a regular basis to bring ourselves back to our best. With this in mind, we are closing the CBI Main Office from July 18 to July 22 as a recognition of the importance of rest and in support of the year-round hard work of our CBI staff.

Please note: despite the office closure, Shabbat Evening and Shabbat Morning Services WILL be held on Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23, respectively.