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

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.
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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.
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Friday ,
FebFebruary 28 , 2025

Community Shabbat Dinner
Friday, Feb 28th 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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Sunday ,
MarMarch 2 , 2025

Let’s Get Outdoors!
Sunday, Mar 2nd 10:00a to 12:00p
Fresh air heals and nature soothes your soul. The CBI Circle Let’s Get Outdoors! combines the beauty of our local parks, the health benefits of exercise, and the stress relief of socialization into Sunday morning joy!
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Wednesday ,
MarMarch 5 , 2025

Best Years Concert
Wednesday, Mar 5th 1:00p to 2:00p
Our “Best Years Program” Presents in Concert, Weds. March 5th from 1-2PM: “Echoes From Mizocz, A Shtetl Lost” with beloved musicians Pauline Troia and Reg Houston, featuring songs and music from Pauline’s family history: periods of immigration and later times of those that perished. A heartfelt journey through the fate of a family and their village, followed by a program featuring classic Yiddish folk songs from before, during, and after the Holocaust. Pauline studied at the Conservatory of the Chicago Musical College and at Northwestern University. With extensive experience in opera, symphony, choral, and chamber music, she has served as principal accompanist for I Cantori di Carmel and the Camerata Singers of Monterey County, and as longtime rehearsal pianist for the Carmel Bach Festival. She currently provides service music for CBI and the Compass Church in Salinas. Reg studied at the University of the Pacific Conservatory, the Universität der Stadt Wien, the Music Academy of the West and the Mozarteum in Salzburg. He was a principal singer with the Hamburg Opera, Germany. He has performed numerous musical theater roles around the Monterey Peninsula area for the last 50 years and is particularly known for his portrayal of Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. He was the founder of the Star Foundation of Monterey County which provided over $2 million to local theaters and schools supporting young people in the performing arts. He is the author of two books of poetry: Gray Matters, Reflections on Aging and The Scheme of Being. Please register on the CBI website or by calling the office at 831-624-2015.
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Wednesday ,
MarMarch 5 , 2025

Am I A Zionist?
Wednesday, Mar 5th 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.
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Saturday ,
MarMarch 15 , 2025

Purim After Dark
Shabbat, Mar 15th 7:00p to 10:00p
Join us at CBI on Saturday, March 15, from 7:00–10:00 PM for a festive adult Purim party! Come in costume (strongly encouraged but not required) and enjoy a lively evening of music, games, and fun. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available as we honor our tradition of celebrating victory over anti-Semitism. While this is not a full dinner, a delicious spread of finger foods and desserts will be provided. Admission is free, and RSVPs are requested.
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Sunday ,
MarMarch 16 , 2025

Let’s Get Outdoors!
Sunday, Mar 16th 10:00a to 12:00p
Fresh air heals and nature soothes your soul. The CBI Circle Let’s Get Outdoors! combines the beauty of our local parks, the health benefits of exercise, and the stress relief of socialization into Sunday morning joy!
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Wednesday ,
MarMarch 19 , 2025

Lunch with the Clergy
Wednesday, Mar 19th 12:00p to 1:00p
This month join Rabbi Greenbaum when he leads the discussion on Wednesday, March 19 at noon at Baja Cantina, located about one mile east of CBI. This month the discussion will focus on “Time in Jewish Tradition.” How do Jews make time sacred or holy? How important is time in our heritage? How might one find freedom using time? Why might Jews be supersensitive to time? Come prepared to offer your thoughts. RSVP either online or call the CBI office at 624-2015. We will order off their regular menu so expect lunch to cost approximately $25.
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