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Dear Friends,

It has been heartwarming to see so many of you at CBI over the last couple of days as we distributed High Holy Day packages. We are opening one last distribution window this Friday, September 18 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. There is no need to register in advance. Come to the CBI parking lot and we will provide you with everything you need to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. CBI board members and volunteers (pre-screened and wearing masks and gloves) will place the following items in the trunk of your car:

• A copy of our 5781 High Holy Day Guide (includes service and program schedule)
• Machzorim (high holiday prayer books) for you to borrow and return after Yom Kippur
• A sweet holiday gift from CBI
• A paper shopping bag to fill and return to CBI as part of our food drive to benefit the Northampton Survival Center
• Shofarot (for those who reserved them)
• Siddurim (prayer books for Shabbat and holidays) for you to borrow if you'd like.

PLUS

• Abundance Farm Round Challah. I'm thrilled to share that our Abundance Farm Bakery is preparing to bake traditional round challot for Rosh Hashanah. Quantity is limited; reserve yours here. Pick up will be in the CBI parking lot this Friday from 2:00pm-4:00pm.

Finally, you may still have questions about how the High Holy Days will work this year. Below, please find answers to some frequently asked questions. 

Wishing you and your family a sweet, healthy, and safe new year.

Warmly.

Emily

Frequently Asked Questions:

When will I receive the link to access Rosh Hashanah services?

The CBI office will email all CBI members (and guests who have registered) with the link on Thursday, September 17.

What if the link doesn't work? We had technical difficulties with [insert name of Zoom program here].

The link has already been tested, and it works! On Thursday we will also share a phone number that you can call throughout the High Holy Days if you run into any challenges with technology. We will have staff and volunteers on standby for you.

When do I return the machzor that I borrowed?

Please plan to return your machzor to CBI on Tuesday, September 29 (the day after Yom Kippur) between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. We will have volunteers on hand to assist with contact-free returns.

When can I return my Food Drive bag to CBI? Also, I heard that the Survival Center is not taking food donations.

You can return your filled grocery bag to the entryway vestibule at CBI any time that is convenient for you between now September 30. You're welcome to drop it off while returning your machzor. We have been in touch with the Survival Center and they will accept our donations after our volunteers have safely sorted them at CBI. Want to help with sorting? Let us know!

How do I sign up for my (or my family's) private moment in the CBI sanctuary?

Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we are welcoming community members into the CBI sanctuary for 15-minute time slots for private prayer and reflection. We will be sharing the sign-up form and more information about how this will work in the coming days. 

When and where is tashlikh? Will we be able to gather in person?

Our communal tashlikh will be on Sunday, September 20, the second day of Rosh Hashanah, from 1:00-4:00pm. We will begin at CBI and walk to Child's Park. You can begin any time you want. Instructions can be found on the CBI blog here.

What is the deadline to submit names for the Yizkor Book?

Please submit names of loved ones for our Yizkor Book of Remembrance by filling out our online form here. We suggest a minimum donation of $10 per name. The deadline for submissions is September 18.

How do I order a Lulav & Etrog set? 

You can order your lulav & etrog set directly through our website by clicking here. Sets cost $40 each. Please place your order by September 25.