Welcome to Congregation B’nai Israel … a center of Jewish life where children thrive and families become lifelong friends.
Thank you for showing an interest in our congregation. Each day, we strive to make Congregation B’nai Israel a warm and welcoming synagogue, cultivating a nurturing atmosphere where our members feel comfortable participating fully in all aspects of synagogue life, including learning, prayer, social opportunities, and the holy work of chesed (acts of loving kindness).
CBI is also proudly inclusive, and we aim to weave belonging into the fabric of everything we do. Our members include people of diverse ages, backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, income levels, and approaches to religious practice and thought.
We are individuals. We are single parents, double parents, households comprised of more than one culture or faith, multiracial, empty nesters, blended families, and more.
To be sure, one of the most important and rewarding benefits of joining a k’hilla k’dosha (sacred community) is the warmth and meaning derived from marking all of life’s milestones with the beauty of Jewish tradition and community support. No matter what stage of life you find yourself, we are here for you in whatever way you need.
Our members – and future members! – are the heart of our community and we are always here to answer any questions that you may have. Give us a call to schedule a meeting with one of our clergy members, request a tour of the synagogue, meet current CBI families or to discuss membership, please reach out to us at cbimembership@cbi-nj.org.
We hope we will soon welcome you to CBI and look forward to seeing you often.
Shalom from Rabbi Isenberg
My family moved to Millburn in the summer of 2020 and we quickly discovered the many reasons why this greater community, and CBI specifically, make this area the right fit for us. From the strong Jewish communal structures and the excellent schools to the myriad of quality amenities and walkability of the area, this is the perfect place to lay down a foundation, especially if being on the train line and having access to the city is important.
There is so much about CBI that I am sure you will come to appreciate. CBI is a multi-generation congregation. In addition to our many new members joining, we also have in our ranks families who have been affiliated with the congregation for decades and, indeed, generations. We are also proudly inclusive, where congregants with different religious views, political views, different orientations of all kinds make this their home.
So please drop by … stop in … get in touch … and let’s see how CBI can deepen your connection to Judaism and enrich your life.
Shalom from Cantor Wallach
What I have consistently experienced throughout my years in this congregation, and what I have tried to foster as one of the Clergy members here, is that CBI is a community where our seats are filled with a diverse group of individuals but the goal is always to make each person feel welcomed, accepted and valued.
Whether we are sitting together engaged in prayer, learning, Tikkun Olam, celebrating a milestone or Jewish life cycle event, exploring Jewish ethics, discussing ways to support Israel, socializing, comforting a congregant who has suffered a loss, enjoying a meal together at a congregation-wide Shabbat dinner or in the Sukkah, or rehearsing with the CBI band or choir, creating community and meaning is always the essence.
Sitting with individual congregants over these past 23 years, I have engaged in enriching and meaningful conversations and have enjoyed building relationships rooted in openness, trust and shared experiences that I believe will be lasting.
We have a seat for you at CBI! Please come join us, we’d love to welcome you!
What are the benefits of becoming a member?
Relationships are the foundation of our community and we seek to help every member find a deep sense of belonging.
Membership benefits include:
- High Holy Day tickets for immediate family members
- Access to the clergy for pastoral counseling and life cycle milestones
- Tuition discounts for The CBI Preschool and Blanche Bayar Religious School
- Lifelong Learning opportunities
- Multiple services with different worship styles to choose from
- Discounted rates to rent CBI facilities for private events (Wedding reception, B’nai Mitzvah party, etc.)
- Reduced rates on cemetery plots in reserved CBI section of Beth Israel Cemetery, a Jewish cemetery located in Woodbridge, NJ
- The opportunity to serve on committees or volunteer to help guide the mission of the synagogue
Membership provides a meaningful home for children and adults to learn and grow as Jews.
Let’s connect … and stay connected!
One of the best ways to see all that CBI has to offer is to check out our calendar . For more detailed information, please sign up for our weekly emails by contacting the synagogue office at 973-379-3811 or mainoffice@cbi-nj.org.
Millburn/Short Hills is a great place to live!
CBI is located in the heart of Millburn/Short Hills, within a short drive of neighboring communities, including Maplewood, South Orange, Springfield, Summit, New Providence, Union, among others. Aside from the array of housing options and the stellar reputation of local schools (both public & private), CBI is a short walk to the town’s train station and the many amenities nearby. See below for a look at some of the highlights.
Our doors are open daily, both online and in person. Many of our services, learning opportunities, and programming are accessible remotely, so we look forward to welcoming you into our community, even before you complete your move to the area.