Shalom Congregants,
As we transition from Passover (Pesach), the celebration of our freedom as a people to Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom Hashoah), marking one of the darkest and most sorrowful times in our people’s history, to Israel Independence Day (Yom Ha’atzmaut), marking the miraculous rebirth of the sovereign State of Israel in our ancient homeland, I am reminded of the annual cycle of highs and lows that characterizes our Jewish calendar.
During the past two years, we have experienced these highs and lows even more acutely than usual, sensitized by the horrors of Oct 7th, the ongoing plight of the hostages and their families, the multifront war that Israel continues to fight against enemies determined to destroy her, the death and suffering of innocents caught in the crossfire, and the explosion of antisemitism here at home and around the world.
With all of these challenges weighing on us, CBI has been there to support and nurture us with beautiful and meaningful services throughout Pesach, with profound and moving Survivor testimony via leading edge technology on Yom Hashoah, and with an evening of singing songs of Israel (April 29) and an Israeli-themed dinner (May 2) to enhance our celebration of Yom Ha’atzma’ut.
It has been On My Mind that despite all the difficulties facing the Jewish community, we have so much to be grateful for. We are blessed to have our CBI community and to have Israel, our Jewish homeland that despite her flaws, enriches us, and makes us stronger and safer as a people. Keeping with our longstanding CBI tradition of advocating for Israel, coming up on May 18, we will have a special day of support for and solidarity with Israel. As we do every year, we will be marching in the Celebrate Israel Parade in New York City. We are proud to be one of the only synagogues that sends its own independent delegation to the parade, and we will continue that tradition again this year. Make sure to reserve your place on the bus. Click here. Also on May 18, in the evening we will be holding our Spring Fundraiser Concert Gala featuring the Israel Klezmer Band direct from Jerusalem, making there only area appearance. We selected this wonderful musical group for their talent, and as another way of demonstrating our support for Israel. By attending this event and being a sponsor, you will be supporting CBI and Israel. Please don’t miss out. Click here to register. I encourage you to participate in both events. The bus returning from the parade in NYC will be back in time for you to enjoy the concert.
Shabbat Shalom!
Henry Bloom
President
Congregation B’nai Israel
