Congregation B'nai Israel

Miryam will discuss the odyssey she has taken in finding the hidden communities of Orthodox and LGBTQ+ people, starting with Maimonides account of women in his midst. Miryam is Founder and Executive Director of Eshel, a national organization that supports LGBTQ+ Orthodox individuals and their families. Miryam is the editor of Keep Your Wives Away From Them: Orthodox Women, Unorthodox Desires (North Atlantic Books, May 2010) a collection of writings about the challenges and joys of LGBTQ+ Orthodox Jews. Previously, she was the national program director of AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps, Coordinator of LGBT programming at the JCC Manhattan, and the first social worker at Footsteps.

Monday, January 27, 2025 1 pm - 3 pm CBI Social Hall and via Livestream Our western MA legislative delegation will be in attendance, including Senator Jo Comerford, Senator John Velis, Senator Jake Oliveira, Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, Rep. Mindy Domb, Rep. Homar Gomez (new Representative serving Easthampton, Hadley and South Hadley), Rep. Natalie Blais, Rep. Aaron Saunders, and Rep. Susannah Whipps, along with Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra. We will advocate for our social justice priorities and gain insight from our legislators regarding their positions and strategies in the face of the incoming national Administration. And we will enjoy a meal together, too! Stay tuned for the full invitation and registration link later this month. For now, please save the date! In solidarity, the Tikkun Olam Democracy Action Team

Join us for the weekly minyan service to recite Kaddish and foster community. https://cbinorthampton-org.zoom.us/j/84396703450?pwd=F3FTJqH0up9HOOjdhMsvKCwD82zFmF.1

Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 beginning November 6 and ending April 9 (skipping Dec 25, Jan 1, Feb 19). With Rabbi Jacob Fine and Rabbi Ariella Rosen in the CBI Library. In Person & Virtual Options. Registration Required. In this 18-week course we will explore together many aspects of Jewish life: daily spiritual practices, the holiday cycle, Shabbat, eating practices, migration, history, and more. This class is geared toward anyone who wants to learn more about Jewish life: individuals exploring conversion, non-Jews part of Jewish families, and Jews of all stripes who want to learn more. If you think this class is for you, it is! Students are encouraged to come with questions, curiosity, and challenges. Ever wonder why Jewish do [insert curious custom here]? Ask us and we’ll cover it! Registration Required & Coming Soon

A morning prayer minyan to begin the new month in sacred tradition

On Zoom: https://cbinorthampton-org.zoom.us/j/88053695801?pwd=VVROSHJGN2tlLzFSNmxzU2ZNcmx5Zz09#success In the midst of our very busy lives, it is a wonderful gift to set aside this time each week for quiet contemplation.

Join Rabbi Ariella and Rabbi Jacob for a discussion of the weekly Torah portion from 12:00-1:00 pm. All are welcome, no prior knowledge or experience required. Each session will stand alone, feel free to come whenever it works for you. And please feel free to bring your own lunch!In person only. Drop in; no registration required.

Shabbat Shacharit Service https://us02web.zoom.us/j/548304022

Deborah Barer, Ph.D. will lead a discussion on The Ethics of Misunderstanding, looking at the way Talmudic figures misunderstand each other to help us navigate misunderstandings in our own lives. Light snacks, coffee and tea provided in Mayim Hall/Water Building

ALMA Classes

Shabbat Shabloom ALMA's Musical Shabbat Service for Young Families Saturdays @ 10:20 at Lander-Grinspoon Academy Come sing, dance, and celebrate Shabbat with songleader Aram Rubenstein Gillis. Shabbat Shabloom is a great way to have fun with your child while connecting with other young families and building community.