Dear Friends, I am a child of refugees. With Auschwitz and forced labor behind them, my parents languished for two years in a Displaced Refugee camp in Stuttgart, Germany. Visas were hard to come by. Neither of my parents had a learned skill. Neither had finished high school amidst the disruption of war. Such visas…
Aleppo Falls- Tragic images of families leaving Aleppo are a reminder that “Never Again” remains an unfilled longing. As Elie Wiesel taught, “… True, we are often too weak to stop injustices; but the least we can do is to protest against them. True, we are too poor to eliminate hunger; but in feeding one…
On Hanukkah we identify with our distinctive history as a people and celebrate the gift of religious freedom. May the glow of the candles prompt blessing, gratitude, and song. On behalf of CBI, wishes to you of a Happy Hanukkah. Your rabbi, Elie Spitz Light the first Hanukkah candle the evening of December 24th. Second Candle –…
Please visit this link to register. $1,150.00 per person (if register prior to December 15, 2016) Discounted price of $975 per person for CBI Benefactors and CSP Patrons Join Rabbi Spitz and travel to NYC: CBI and CSP are partnering for an encore trip to New York (May 2-7, 2017). Some highlights of our trip: Opening night…
L’shanah tovah u’metukah– May you be blessed with a good and sweet new year! The rabbis explain that what is good may emerge from struggle and even pain. In looking forward we pray that the new year will allow that goodness to emerge from ease and joy. From my family and me to you: Blessings…
An Israel Travel Adventure: Touching the Spirit & Soul of Israel, 2.0 October 15 – 27, 2017 Sponsored by: Community Scholar Program, Congregation B’nai Israel & Temple Beth El of South Orange County Itinerary crafted by Arie Katz, Rabbi Elie Spitz and Rabbi Kvod Wieder Travel company – Makor Educational Journey – http://www.makorjourneys.com/about Sign up…
The Debate Sunday night CBI was fortunate to be able to host a remarkable debate on American Jews and Israel between Dr. Daniel Gordis and Peter Beinart, moderated by Rabbi Elie Spitz. The near-capacity crowd heard our speakers’ differing views on why young American Jews are less connected to Israel and what we should do…
Mazal Tov to our honorees and thank you to Gala committee and attendees for supporting our Annual Gala! Photos taken by Mindy Paskil of Mindy Fine Art Photography.
Torah and Tidbits from Rabbi Elie Spitz This week there are some opportunities to learn, memorialize, and create memories: Wednesday: Sweet Sleep: Jewish and Contemporary Views and Aides. For the last six months I have focused my attention on research and writing on sleep, an ongoing fascination of mine. Here are some examples of topics…
This coming Shabbat morning we will celebrate our new Shabbat siddur. This prayer book contains hundreds of insightful and uplifting commentaries and transliterations. This siddur is similar in format to our High Holyday prayer book, which has received rave reviews. We are grateful for this most recent gift to our community from Barbara and Joe…