Join us for Shabbat Services: Friday at 6:00 pm, Saturday at 9:30 am
An egalitarian Conservative congregation serving the diverse Orange County Jewish Community

Welcome to Congregation B’nai Israel! We are delighted that you are considering joining our village.

We are an inclusive and family-friendly community, welcoming members at all levels of religious observance, those born Jewish, those who have chosen Judaism, and interfaith families. Our diverse, multi-generational congregation welcomes people of all ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those at any point on their Jewish journey.

Belonging to the community means taking an active role in shaping our future and demonstrating your commitment to helping Judaism to flourish in OC and beyond. In addition, members access clergy support throughout life’s ups and downs, Jewish education for children – from preschoolers to teens – participation in High Holy Day services and events year-round, and a precious and priceless sense of belonging and home.

We look forward to having you as a member of our congregation!

To learn more, please see our list of contacts. To schedule a conversation, please contact the office at cbi18@cbi18.org or (714) 730-9693. We look forward to welcoming you.

We also invite you to join us for upcoming events. Information is shared in our weekly e-newsletters. To receive updates: sign up here.

Click here for our new member information form.

July 2023 – June 2024 – Click here for our membership payment form

Family Category
(please note that financial assistance is available to those with need)
Donation Amount
Couple (ages 36-67)$3,550
Single (ages 36-67)$1,950
Senior Couple (age 68+)$2,100
Senior Single (age 68+)$1,250
Young Couple (ages 35 and younger)$600
Young Single (ages 35 and younger)$330
Sharon” Families (Building Maintenance)$525
“Friend of CBI” (associate membership for those outside our area, does not include High Holiday tickets)$360
Benefactor Membership: Platinum Chai Honors Circle*$18,000
Benefactor Membership: Golden Chai Honors Circle*$11,000
Benefactor Membership: Silver Chai Honors Circle*$8,000
Benefactor Membership: Bronze Chai Honors Circle*$6,000
Benefactor Membership: Copper Chai Honors Circle*$4,500
*Honors Circle membership is accompanied by event tickets and sponsorships throughout the year.
Specific details can be found within the membership forms and documents.

Membership at CBI includes many wonderful benefits including:

  • Belonging to a community with people to share life’s joys and ease life’s sorrows.
  • Our Rabbi, Cantor, and staff are there for you through important life cycle events and every day for counseling, teaching and care.
  • Opportunities for Jewish education for children, including B’nai Mitzvah training, and continuing education for adults.
  • Priority enrollment and reduced fees at our preschool.
  • High Holy Day tickets (unless otherwise noted)
  • Opportunities to live your Jewish values by caring for others in need.
  • Leadership opportunities to become a board or committee member, or to lead worship services.
  • A varied and rich offering of events, programming and classes to enrich and engage.
  • The ability to secure a place in CBI’s section at Harbor Lawn cemetery.

Passover Resources from Rabbi Spitz

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…

Vayakhel-Pekudei: Collective Efforts are Essential

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…

Ki Tissa: Moses’ Hidden Aura

“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

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…

CBI Hosts Coffee and Discussion for Interfaith Families

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…

Davening Workshop #2: Shabbat Shacharit

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…

CBI joins the HIAS Welcome Campaign

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…

“On Lying”: Torah and Tidbits: Yitro

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…

Davening Workshop #1: Shabbat Prelim with Amy Robinson Katz

Preliminary (Birchot HaShachar/Pesukei D’Zimrah) Watch the video of Amy’s workshop and then use the audio recordings below to practice! Click here for a pdf of the handout from Davening Workshop #1. 103 Birchot Hashachar http://www.cbi18.org/sermonaudio/103%20Birchot%20Hashachar.mp3 104 Uteneinu http://www.cbi18.org/sermonaudio/104%20Uteneinu.mp3 112 Psalm 92 http://www.cbi18.org/sermonaudio/112%20Psalm%2092.mp3 120 Psalm 30 http://www.cbi18.org/sermonaudio/120%20Psalm%2030.mp3 122 Baruch Sheamar http://www.cbi18.org/sermonaudio/122%20Baruch%20Sheamar.mp3 136 Ashrei http://www.cbi18.org/sermonaudio/136%20Ashrei.mp3 137 Psalm…