Shalom Congregants,
In my article last month, I wrote about the special qualities of CBI that make it a second home for so many of us, a place where we mark personal milestones and connect with our community, a place where we share times of joy and sorrow grounded in the foundation of our Jewish heritage. I want to expand on that idea by sharing my thoughts on how CBI is place where we can learn and grow as individuals.
We need look no further than the broad array of classes offered through our Adult Learning program to find a variety of study opportunities. Yasher Koach to Debra Nevas and Wendy Kaplowitz who co-chair this important committee working with Cantor Wallach to bring a robust program of Adult Learning to CBI.
During the past year, Rabbi Isenberg has continued his class on Pirkei Avot, Ethics of our Ancestors, exploring the connection between ancient wisdom and modern life. And CBI member, Rabbi Akiba Lubow, has continued teaching Talmud one evening a week.
Our congregants play a major role in enriching our Adult Learning program. Len Hausman taught us about the origins of Pesach and Wendy Kaplowitz shared insights on the Ashkenazi and Sephardi Experience in our Passover series. Len also taught a series on Jewish customs around death and remembrance. Sara Sherman taught us about the Women of Genesis and Miriam in the Torah. She also led book discussions as part of Sisterhood’s Bookends series. Dr. Elynne Zucker was our featured speaker on Repro Shabbat. Susan Gordon and Karen Tucker taught a crash course in Hebrew reading. And on Shavuot, under the leadership of Susan Gordon and David Gutstein, once again we featured our Tikkun Leil Shavuot (Evening of Learning) with a series of congregant-led study sessions on the theme: Pick a Mitzvah. Any Mitzvah.
Music is always prominent in our lineup of adult learning offerings. Cantor Wallach led a program on celebrating the Miracle of Chanukah with songs and teachings, and Len Hausman led a program on Israeli Music in the Aftermath of October 7th and continued his series on The Story of the State of Israel Through Its Music.
We also welcomed guest scholars and teachers to CBI including Rachel Korazim from the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, who specializes in Holocaust education, poetry, and curriculum; Julie Seltzer, a scribe, artist and educator; and Rabbi Danny Nevins, Head of School at Golda Och Academy. Other guest speakers included Ben Ryberg from the Lawfare Project who educated us on The Legal Rights of Jewish Students in Combating Antisemitism on College Campuses, and David Harris who spoke at a program we hosted on behalf of the Jewish Parent Academy. We also hosted a community panel discussion on Responding to School Antisemitism that included clergy from other local synagogues, and we welcomed Rakhel Silverman-Gitin, who spoke about My Experience as a Proud Trans Jew on Pride Shabbat.
We can take great pride as a synagogue community in this robust program of adult learning. But we can also take great pride in our longstanding tradition of lay participation and leadership in worship services. CBI offers us ongoing opportunities to develop synagogue skills, enabling us to participate in new or renewed ways and helping us to feel more comfortable and confident in our Jewish practice. At the end of January more than 60 women from Sisterhood led our Shabbat services from start to finish, some participants trying a new skill for the first time. Men’s Club will do the same next month. Our Rabbi and Cantor are always ready and eager to work with congregants who want to develop their synagogue skills.
If you are interested in furthering your Jewish learning or developing your synagogue skills, there are opportunities galore at CBI. There’s something for everyone here.
Shabbat Shalom!
Henry Bloom
President
Congregation B’nai Israel
