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

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All Events

Thursday ,
AprApril 24 , 2025

Yom HaShoah Observance
Thursday, Apr 24th 7:00p to 8:00p
We will gather in our Sanctuary to honor and remember those who lost their lives and those who managed to survive the Holocaust. We will begin the evening with readings and the lighting of 6 Shiva candles, each candle representing 1 million lives lost. Following songs and poetry, the evening will conclude with the recitation of the Kaddish as we remember the 6 million Jews (and millions of others) who perished in the Holocaust.
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Friday ,
AprApril 25 , 2025

Community Shabbat Dinner
Friday, Apr 25th 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.
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Wednesday ,
AprApril 30 , 2025

Lunch with the Clergy
Wednesday, Apr 30th 12:00p to 1:00p
"Counting the Omer" is a Jewish practice when we literally count the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot. This period offers us a period of spiritual growth and introspection. Originally, the "omer" is a biblical measure of barley used in the Temple offering. Though we no longer have a Great Temple to bring our offerings, we are still commanded in the Torah to count. Since Temple times, our Rabbis haver created a spiritual path for us to count each day with blessings and focusing on a particular s’firot or soul trait based on the Kabbalistic system known as the Tree of Life. In focusing on these soul traits, or divine attributes, we draw closer to how the divine works in our own lives and a richer, more meaningful life. Please join Cantor Alisa at Baja Cantina if you’d like to learn more about this spiritual practice and way you can begin counting the omer.
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Thursday ,
MayMay 1 , 2025

Israel Day of Remembrance and Independence
Thursday, May 1st 7:00p to 9:00p
This year CBI will observe Yom HaZikaron (Israel’s Day of Remembrance) on Thursday, May 1. On this day Israel respectfully honors all those who have fallen while serving in the IDF and those who have been killed by terrorists. This sacred observance always takes place the day before Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel Independence Day). Please join us on Thursday evening, May 1 at 7:00 PM when we gather in our sanctuary to honor the memory of Israel’s soldiers and citizens who have lost their lives while dreaming of a secure Jewish homeland. Together we will light a memorial candle, be reminded of the dedication of Israel soldiers, and share prayers to honor them. Like those in Israel, we will stand and pause for a period of silence in their memory. Following our time in the sanctuary, we will transition to our social hall as we shift from honoring the deceased to celebrating Israel’s existence today. We will enjoy tastes of Israeli food, view pictures of Israelis and our beautiful homeland, and hear joyful Israeli folk songs. Please join us for this meaningful observance of both Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut.
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Sunday ,
MayMay 4 , 2025

Sardine Factory Wine Cellar Dinner
Sunday, May 4th 5:30p to 7:30p

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Wednesday ,
MayMay 14 , 2025

Lunch with the Clergy
Wednesday, May 14th 12:00p to 1:00p

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Sunday ,
MayMay 18 , 2025

Celebrate the return of the Carmel Jewish Film Festival
Sunday, May 18th 7:00p to 9:00p
A Preview CJFF Event! Family Treasures Lost and Found A film by Marcia Rock & Karen A. Frenkel
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Friday ,
MayMay 23 , 2025

Community Shabbat Dinner
Friday, May 23rd 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.
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Wednesday ,
MayMay 28 , 2025

Best Years, An Afternoon of Storytelling with Susan Newton
Wednesday, May 28th 2:00p to 3:00p
The art of storytelling connects us and allows us to shape our understanding of the world, expanding our beliefs and behaviors. Stories have the power to inspire us, bridge cultural and generational gaps, fostering empathy and understanding. We are most fortunate that beloved CBI member and masterful Storyteller Susan Newton will present a special program of stories on Weds, May 28th from 2-3PM in honor of the Jewish observances throughout the month of May and early June: Yom HaShoa, Yom Hazikaron, Yom HaAtzama'ut and the Festival of Shavuot! Light refreshments will be served following the program. All are welcome! Please register online or by calling the CBI office at 831-624-2015.
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