Shalom Congregants,
What makes CBI unique, and therefore irreplaceable?
This is a question I’ve been pondering as we approach our 100th anniversary and look to the future. For my family and me, CBI has been a second home for 22 years, the place where I have pursued my Jewish journey with the support of clergy and the community, the place we have shared the joy and sorrow of everyday moments of life.
Nothing stands out more than the b’nai mitzvah of our three children, Lyla, Yael, and Shai. Watching them learn and grow as they prepared and kvelling over their accomplishments on their big day was all the more special because we shared it with our CBI friends who were also kvelling because our kids were their kids. Other joyful moments have included participating in Men’s Club Shabbat, leading a service for the first time, reading Torah or Haftarah, helping someone or being helped to learn a skill, or performing in Dan Richter’s hilarious skits with the Parsha Players. Equally meaningful have been moments of sorrow; as I grieved the deaths of my parents, the CBI community was there, to lift me up, and see me to better times.
We all have had or may anticipate our own “CBI moments” that make our community unique and irreplaceable. As part of our Centennial celebration, I invite you to share your “CBI moments” to help us create a repository of memories that convey the very special roles CBI has played in our lives. To participate, click here. Stay tuned to see the replies of your CBI family!
Henry Bloom
President
Congregation B’nai Israel
Your replies:
- A warm and welcoming environment, a beautiful sanctuary filled with wonderful music and prayers, a landmark in Millburn.
- For me, CBI has become a spiritual home, a family, and a place of laughter, friendship, and comfort when I needed it most. It is truly an amazing group of intelligent, kind, loving, concerned, and helpful people. I have many, many stories of the ways my life has been touched by my CBI family.
- The people – clergy, congregants, friends and family – all together in one place for enjoyment in good times, and comfort in times of need.
- Special CBI memories for me include times we have joined together in song as a spirited community. Whether it was Cantor Lorna leading and inspiring us with prayer, Israeli folk songs, singing Hatikvah as a community or enjoying the melding of vocals with Rabbi Ari and others, I have felt the joy. I feel the connection and warmth of our congregation. Game nights, kiddish and social events stand out as fond moments enjoying the camaraderie of our CBI friends.
- I have so many wonderful memories of our years at CBI. First and foremost, the milestones of our children (graduating preschool and religious school; becoming B’nai mitzvah) top the list of things that bring a smile to my face. Also, although I had gone to day school, girls did not count for a minyan. It was so exciting for me to learn to read Torah from the Cantor. The encouragement and support my family has received from our clergy and our community also stick out in my mind – after having a health scare and after mourning the losses of our parents, CBI was there for us. I particularly enjoy listening to the Cantor and Rabbi harmonize – both have gorgeous voices and in combination they are simply amazing and invite the congregation to participate. Finally, the many friends that we have made are lifelong friends. May CBI continue to go from strength to strength.
- Hamish – if I had to describe CBI in a single word, I can’t think of anything that better describes its congregants, clergy, teachers, staff and all others that call CBI home. From our first Tot Shabbat, to Friday night dinners, high holiday services and other wonderful events, CBI creates such a wonderful positive Jewish experience for our entire family. The community is so warm, inviting and dedicated to CBI’s success and growth. We have already created so many wonderful memories at CBI and are very excited to create many more.
