Congregation Beth Israel

Join Us We are an inclusive and welcoming Reform Jewish congregation from diverse backgrounds joined together to celebrate Jewish culture, education, and the arts MEMBERSHIP

Gather With Us Congregation Beth Israel’s mission is to be a welcoming and inclusive center for Jewish life in the Monterey Peninsula area.

Learn With Us As a center for Jewish life in our area, accessible to Jews of all backgrounds and their families, Congregation Beth Israel will serve as a house of prayer, a house of study, and a house of community, consistent with Jewish values and ethics. EDUCATION

Worship With Us Congregation Beth Israel is the dynamic, vibrant center for Jewish life in the Monterey Peninsula area. Our members celebrate and nurture relationships with God and with each other while respecting and wrestling with our Jewish tradition. Our doors are open to all who seek the guidance of our Jewish faith. We strive to make a positive impact on our community, the environment, and on the human condition through Tikkun Olam. WORSHIP

Join Us for These Special Events

Click Any Event Below for Information & Registration

All Events

Sunday ,
JanJanuary 26 , 2025

Songs of Hope, Harmony, & Healing
Sunday, Jan 26th 4:00p to 5:30p

MORE INFO
Thursday ,
JanJanuary 30 , 2025

Best Years Program: journalist and author Lisa Crawford-Watson
Thursday, Jan 30th 1:00p to 2:00p
CBI “Best Years” hosts it’s next program welcoming journalist and author Lisa Crawford-Watson to discuss her new book, “What We Wished For, An Adoption Story”, a woman’s quest to build a loving family, a tale of courage, perseverance, and what remains when things don’t go as imagined. This memoir speaks to anyone who has ever struggled with a life-altering decision. Lisa has published seven books and thousands of articles in local and national newspapers and magazines and teaches communications, writing and journalism at CSUMB. Copies of her new book will be available for sale after her talk. Please register online or call the office to let us know you are joining us.
Register Now

MORE INFO
Friday ,
JanJanuary 31 , 2025

Community Shabbat Dinner
Friday, Jan 31st 6:15p to 7:30p
Join us as we offer blessings for the bread and wine, enjoy a delicious dinner, and sing traditional music to begin our erev Shabbat. Evening services follow at 6:30 pm. The cost is $18 for adults and $10 for military & children. Online registration ends the evening before the dinner. Once online registration closes, please call the office to check availability.
Register Now

MORE INFO
Wednesday ,
FebFebruary 12 , 2025

Tu b’Shvat Seder
Wednesday, Feb 12th 5:00p to 6:15p
Please join us on Wednesday February 12th at 5:00 pm for a special community Seder and celebration of Tu b’Shvat, the festival of the New Year of the Trees. Tradition teaches that every tree celebrates its birthday on that day. Tu b’Shvat renews our relationship with ancient and contemporary wisdom, the natural world, and the seasons. The day invites us to take more meaningful steps into a deepening relationship with spiritual ecology, and what we can learn from the trees. And it brings us into alignment with the mystical Tree of Life; the flow of Divine energy that is revealed in both the physical and spiritual worlds, and within our own lives. The Kabbalistic Seder will be co-led by Rabbis Leah Novick and Jeff Schulman, Cantor Alisa Fineman and David Novick.
Register Now

MORE INFO
Saturday ,
FebFebruary 15 , 2025

Women's Shabbaton
Shabbat, Feb 15th 3:00p to 4:45p
Our next Women’s Shabbaton “S’udat Shlisheet” Gathering takes place from 3:00 to 4:45 PM at CBI with Cantor Alisa and guest teacher Eli Cohen, beloved Rabbi of Chadeish Yameinu in Santa Cruz. We welcome our Women’s Shabbaton’s first “male” teacher and learn why the concept of the divine feminine in Judaism is a subject near and dear to him through “the wisdom of the bubbies.” His soulful teachings always offer us new and fresh insights. Expect songs, lullabies, shared stories and conversation and light refreshments, concluding with Havdalah, our farewell to Shabbat. There is a suggested donation of $18.00 to offset costs. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Kindly register online at below or call the office at 831-624-2015 so we can plan accordingly!
Register Now

MORE INFO
Wednesday ,
FebFebruary 19 , 2025

Lunch with the Clergy
Wednesday, Feb 19th 12:00p to 1:00p

MORE INFO
Wednesday ,
FebFebruary 19 , 2025

Am I A Zionist?
Wednesday, Feb 19th 7:00p to 8:30p
The purpose of this 3-part series is to help participants stake out their own position on Zionism and to explore the connections between Zionism and Judaism. We will not be examining Israeli politics or the current war. Topics we will cover include Jewish peoplehood, conceptions of Zion in Jewish history, the birth of modern Zionism, and current misconceptions about what Zionism is (and isn’t). Our time together will reflect our tradition of dialogue and respectful debate “for the sake of heaven.” While attendance at all three 90-minute sessions is ideal, learners are welcome to participate in any and all meetings.
Register Now

MORE INFO
Wednesday ,
FebFebruary 26 , 2025

Am I A Zionist?
Wednesday, Feb 26th 7:00p to 8:30p
The purpose of this 3-part series is to help participants stake out their own position on Zionism and to explore the connections between Zionism and Judaism. We will not be examining Israeli politics or the current war. Topics we will cover include Jewish peoplehood, conceptions of Zion in Jewish history, the birth of modern Zionism, and current misconceptions about what Zionism is (and isn’t). Our time together will reflect our tradition of dialogue and respectful debate “for the sake of heaven.” While attendance at all three 90-minute sessions is ideal, learners are welcome to participate in any and all meetings.
MORE INFO
Thursday ,
FebFebruary 27 , 2025

Best Years Lunch
Thursday, Feb 27th 12:00p to 1:00p
Join us on Thursday, February 27 at noon as we enjoy what is one of the most popular Best Years events, enjoying a nice lunch at a local restaurant. This month let’s try the Lalla Grill in the Del Monte Center. Interested in a tasty salad or delicious sandwich? We will meet at the restaurant in Del Monte. If it is easier for you, call the synagogue to carpool with the rabbi. This free lunch, paid by the CBI Senior Endowment Fund is always a fun gathering. Please bring ideas for future Best Years events. Please let us know if you need a ride for this event.
Register Now

MORE INFO