Congregation Beth Israel is observing the shelter in place order by closing the building. Rabbi Bruce Greenbaum is checking his emails and making phone calls. Julie Chase and Abby King are monitoring emails and checking for phone messages. As much as possible things are being taken care of.
Virtual Shabbat Services are being led by Rabbi Bruce Greenbaum and Cantorial Soloist Suzanne Guinane using Zoom. The link is in the weekly eblast or call and leave a message for an email link. Saturday Torah Study is led by Rabbi Bruce Greenbaum also on Zoom. Everyone is welcome to join in.
Congregation Beth Israel has an active caring community. If you are in need of help, please contact the office and someone will get in touch with you to see how we can help.
As we shelter in place, stay safe and wash your hands. Until we can be physically together again we pray for the world to heal and that our community will know that we are here for you, now and in the future.
In less than a week we will gather virtually for the High Holy Days. Our clergy are working hard to create a meaningful experience for you and we look forward to seeing you online.
Take a look at the attached holiday greeting from your CBI Clergy Team.
- All High Holy Day services and programs will be held on Zoom.
- If you would like to join us for services and are not currently a member of CBI, please email a request for the service links to shalomcbi@aol.com.
- Thank you to those who have made High Holy Day donations and submitted entries to the Book of Remembrance. We can continue to add your loved ones to the Book of Remembrance through Friday, September 18.
Tashlich Message
Dear CBI Family:
Every year on Rosh HaShanah afternoon we have gathered on Carmel Beach to cast away our sins. In the past we have brought bread crumbs to toss into the ocean to represent this task. In recent years we have often had a group of 75 or more people join together.
This year we are going to follow the advice of our medical experts and not plan this community gathering. Instead I am sharing with you the handout we have used in recent years. I encourage you to join with your family members, maybe your Chavurah, your closest friends, all those who are in your Covid-19 “safety bubble.” If you gather outside on a beach and you supervise the children, it might be okay to invite your children’s religious school classmates and their family members as well.
Share some of the readings and even sing a song or two together. Bring your bread crumbs and toss them into the water, symbolically ridding yourself of your sins.
May we all have sweet New Year, one filled with health and happiness.
MISSION
Congregation Beth Israel’s mission is to be a welcoming and inclusive center for Jewish life in the Monterey Peninsula area.
VISION
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.
CORE VALUES
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.
