Lech Lechah: To Be Blessed
12/22/2022 09:47:12 AM
What does it take, to be able to step out into the unknown, and go forward with faith that somehow everything will work out ok?
Cantor Barbara shared with our staff this week that many years ago, she was going through a very tough time in her life, and she asked her rabbi for guidance. He told her to remember Lech Lechah - God's command to Abraham. Leave your home and everything you know, and go to some unknown...Read more...
Chayei Sarah: Finding Resilience
11/28/2022 03:27:34 PM
I try to take a moment and reflect on the week as Shabbat approaches. I often find myself holding onto contrasting emotions. Part of me is so happy for Blair and her family and celebrates some wonderful celebrations in my family. At the same time, the ongoing litany of antisemitic episodes, polarized politics here and in Israel, and sad losses like the one experienced in our community...Read more...
Vayera: Revisiting Sinai and Environmental Obligation
11/28/2022 03:26:00 PM
I spent my Junior Year of college in Israel at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. During that year something significant occurred: Israel returned the entire Sinai Peninsula to Egypt as part of a peace treaty. I witnessed what must be sacrificed for potential peace. It meant dismantling settlements amidst opposition, leaving a place that had important strategic value, a place where oil had...Read more...
A Note From Our Leadership
11/17/2022 04:31:38 PM
This is an exciting time at CBJ. From the outside looking in you may be wondering how our organization is managing with all of these changes. We are hiring a new Executive Director. The Director of Engagement has left her position. Our Ritual Director, Bill, is on sabbatical for nine months.
These are big transitions. As we focus on the important work of CBJ, providing meaningful and spiritual opportunities for all members...Read more...
Noach: The Blessing of Uncertainty
11/07/2022 10:37:35 AM
These High Holidays our congregants Amy and Harold Keer were in London and attended the New London synagogue. Amy shared with me that the Rabbi, Jeremy Gordon gave a beautiful Kol Nidre sermon that echoes many of the themes I speak about. I read the sermon and loved it; my sermon today weaves in some of his sermon with my thoughts and today’s Torah portion, Noach.
Rabbi Gordon began with a poem by the famous contemporary...Read more...
CBJ Religious School is Thriving!
11/01/2022 09:52:16 AM
CBJ Religious School lives our community’s values. Every student is welcomed and accepted as they are, whatever their challenges, and every student is encouraged to grow to be more. To care more. To love more. To question and think more.
I am especially excited about our new Vav program this year, aimed primarily at sixth graders. Students are engaging in “Service Learning," participating in a different mitzvah each week. Their...Read more...
On Thanksgiving
10/31/2022 09:32:12 AM
I love Thanksgiving!
Yes, a piece of that response is the food; mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, pie, my mother in law’s sweet potato casserole with pecans on top; all my favorites. I also love the Macy’s parade and the loud cacophony of different conversations and generations coming together around the table.
The holiday resonates even more deeply in its connection with Jewish values.
Gathering together....Read more...
Lesson Learned
10/31/2022 09:30:30 AM
About a year ago I received an Apple Watch as a birthday present. I got this gift because I was often counting my steps and keeping track of my daily activity so, in theory, it was a good idea. However, I was resistant to wearing something that could monitor my every movement. Sure the technology was impressive, but I was skeptical that I really needed information like the time of the sunset or the UV index on my wrist.
More than...Read more...
A High Holiday Thank You to Our Staff!
10/31/2022 09:28:39 AM
A big huge heartfelt thank you to the CBJ staff for all of their hard work and dedication to ensure a smooth and successful High Holy Day season.
Ann Cauterucci, Preschool Director, for creating the family service booklet with Bill and for greeting parents and children at our family services.
Deborah Wahnich-Reitman, Operations & Experience Manager, for coordinating the deep cleaning of our building, setup of each space,...Read more...
Rockin' Shabbat Resumes!
10/31/2022 09:14:37 AM
After a long COVID enforced break, Rockin’ Shabbat, the live music Kabbalat Shabbat service returns starting on Friday, November 4, 2022. Save these other dates in your calendar, too: December 9, February 3, March 3, and May 5.
Rockin’ Shabbat started many years ago. When I came to CBJ in 2006, it was well-established. Its continuing evolution has been built with the dedication and love of our members. Musicians brought the music,...Read more...
Sukkot: Lessons About Joy
10/31/2022 09:08:51 AM
I spoke to a Middle School teacher last week and asked her how the year was beginning. She was so happy that the students are back in person, and then reflected on the some of the impact of the past several years. She shared that learning on a computer is so different than learning in person; the interactions, the thinking you can facilitate in person; rather than a quick click. She talked about the loss and...Read more...
Yizkor: Remembering Forgotten Stories
10/28/2022 01:01:17 PM
In a most recent Hadassah magazine article, journalist, and author Carol Saline writes poignantly about Yizkor. She writes that, “This will be the 41st time I’ve said these prayers for my father, the most important man in my life. He took me to parades and double-feature movies in two different theaters on the same afternoon. He instilled in me a love of books and language and a duty to give back to my...Read more...