Wow. Please. Sorry. Thanks. These are the emotions that prompted a person to bring a sacrifice to God and that are the wellsprings for our prayers. This week we begin Leviticus/ויקרא, the middle of the Five Books of Moses. The rabbis teach that children should begin their studies with Leviticus for child-like wonder is the…
Dear Friends, Our Pesech seders are a celebration of our collective identity. The following are some resources to help you prepare and to enrich your gathering of family and friends. 1.The Order of the Haggadah, a Program. When we read through the Haggadah its structure is unclear, which is ironic since the word “seder” means…
Why the three-fold description of construction of the building of the mishkan, the sacred tablernacle? Previously, we read God’s instructions for construction. Now the building process is described and a summing up at completion is provided. Repeatedly, we are told that Moses, the builders, and the Israelites did just as God commanded. The sages will explain…
“So Moses came down from Mount Sinai. And as Moses came down from the mountain bearing the two tablets of the Pact, Moses was not aware that the skin of his face was radiant [keren], since he had spoken to him [God]….And when Moses had finished speaking with them [the Israelites], he placed a veil over…
Torah: Terumah- Our Tables are Our Witnesses Why do we actually bless the table when we chant the traditional grace after meals? The words are as follows: “May the Merciful One send abundant blessings to this household and on this table that we have eaten upon.” The table is a repository of life memories. Around…
On January 29nd Rabbi Spitz led a discussion focusing on the experiences of interfaith families, and how Jewish traditions and celebrations can further enrich their lives. Parents and grandparents participated in the discussion, and childcare was offered for young children. Former CBI Child Development Center Director Lisa Heller has volunteered to continue the discussion with more Sunday morning…
Why does Judaism differ from Christianity on abortion? It all comes down to two missing nouns in this week’s Torah reading. Let’s take a look at that text to see the ambiguity: “When men fight and knock a pregnant woman, causing her to miscarry, if there is no tragedy [to whom?], the responsible party must…
Have been wanting to learn to lead Shabbat services? Are you interested in learning more about Davening for your personal practice? Would you like to add to your existing Davening repertoire? Then watch the video below to learn Shabbat Shacharit with CBI’s Baalat Tefillah, Amy Robinson Katz! Click here for a pdf of the handout from Davening…
The world is dealing with an enormous refugee crisis. Guided by Jewish values and history, the Hebrew Immigration Aid Society (HIAS) has been helping refugees for over 130 years. CBI has signed on to HIAS’ Welcome Campaign in support of local and global refugees. We plan to offer ways to take action and become involved…
When is lying permitted? This question comes to the foreground in our Torah’s unfolding story. Moses has misled Pharaoh. The Israelite leader did not say, “Let my people go for we refuse to serve as your slaves.” Rather he repeatedly said on behalf of God, “Let My people go to worship Me in the wilderness…