Your inside look at cbi’s upcoming events
Shabbat Services
Mazel Tov to Our Bat Mitzvah!
Maya Epstein
Saturday, December 13, 2025
4:45PM
Cohen/Friedkin Sanctuary
Updates & Important Notices
CBI Admin and Religious School Offices Winter Break Schedule:
CBI wishes you a bright and restful winter break! Whether you’re traveling, staying close to home, or enjoying the Florida sunshine, we hope it brings plenty of warmth, laughter, and relaxation.
Please note our holiday schedule:
- Sun, 12/21: No SLJ
- Mon, 12/22: NCECE Winter break begins | VIP, Babies & Toddlers In session
- Tue, 12/23: CBI Campus open ┃ VIP, Babies & Toddlers in session
- Wed, 12/24: CBI Campus open | VIP, Babies & Toddlers in session
- Thu, 12/25: CBI Campus closed
- Fri, 12/26: CBI Campus open | VIP, Babies & Toddlers in session | Shabbat Evening Services at 7PM
- Sat, 12/27: Shabbat Morning Services at 8:30 AM
- Mon, 12/29 – Tue, 12/30: CBI Campus open ┃ VIP, Babies & Toddlers in session
- Wed, 12/31: CBI Campus closes at 1PM | VIP, Babies & Toddlers closes at 1PM
- Thu, 1/1: CBI Campus closed
- Fri, 1/2: CBI Campus open | VIP, Babies & Toddlers in session | Shabbat Evening Services at 7PM
- Sat, 1/3: Shabbat Morning Services at 8:30 AM
- Mon, 1/5: NCECE classes resume | VIP, Babies & Toddlers in session
Upcoming Events
History of Hatred: The Ever-Present Threat of Antisemitism
Wednesday, December 10 | 10:30AM
Join Rabbi Silvers and Rabbi Keller for this eye-opening six-part course. You’ll journey through the roots and evolution of antisemitism, from ancient times to the present day.
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We will explore:
Encounters between Jews and early Christianity and Islam
The rise of antisemitism in medieval Europe
Racial ideologies leading to the Holocaust
The roles of communism and Islamism in shaping attitudes toward Jews
Today’s complex challenges across the political spectrum
6-week course | $179 (includes e-book)
Scholarships available
Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and engage in meaningful discussion with your rabbis and fellow learners.
Exploring Jewish and Christian Beliefs with Rabbi David Greenberg
Wednesday, December 10 | 2:30PM
This complimentary three-part series will explore the Jewish perspective on Jesus and the Messiah, offering a deeper understanding of why Jews historically, and today, do not accept Jesus as the Messiah.
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Together, we will examine Jewish texts, history, and theology to better understand how the idea of the Messiah has been interpreted over time.
Refreshments will be served.
The Magic of Disney Shabbat
Friday, December 12 | 6PM
Don’t forget to register for our special Friday night Shabbat Service. Our traditional prayers will be set to the tune of some of our favorite Disney music.
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Stay for a Disney-themed Oneg following services. We invite you to come dressed as your favorite Disney character!
Registration is Required.
Book Fair
Monday, December 15 - Thursday, December 18
Join us for the 2025 NCECE Scholastic Book Fair!
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- Monday, December 15 | 9AM-12PM
- Tuesday, December 16 | 9AM-6PM
- Wednesday, December 17 | 7:45AM- 12PM
- Thursday, December 18 | 9AM-12PM
Please join us in the North Social Hall before drop-off, after pickup, or immediately following your child’s holiday show to shop the Book Fair—or explore and shop online at your convenience!
A portion of all proceeds will be donated to benefit NCECE and CBI.
- Purchase for your class book exchange
- Purchase for your teacher’s wishlist
- Free gift wrapping!
Light Up Chanukah
Wednesday, December 17 | 5PM
Join your PJ Library® friends and the Jewish Community
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5150 Town Center Cir.
(On Military Trail 1 mile north of Palmetto Park Road – not at the Town Center Mall)- 5PM – Crafts & Storytime
- 6:15PM – Candle Lighting and Concert
- Chanukah concert featuring Rock N’ Roll Rabbi David Paskin!
RSVP in advance for a chance to win great prizes!
Book Club Discussion: My Friends
Thursday, December 18 | 7:30PM
Join us for our December Book Club Discussion via Zoom. Moderated by Toby Koritsky
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The Book: Louisa notices three hidden figures in a famous seascape and sets out to uncover their story. Her search reveals a long-ago summer of friendship and love, and takes her on a cross-country journey that celebrates the enduring power of art, memory, and human connection.
The author: Stockholm-born Fredrik Backman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove, Beartown, and Anxious People. His novels, translated into over forty languages, are cherished by readers worldwide.
Upcoming events:
- Jan 22
- Feb 19
- Mar 19
- Apr 16
- May 14
If you would like to facilitate a book discussion, please contact Maxine Cohen.
Book Fair
Friday, December 19 | 7PM
Join us for a special Chanukah Shabbat service as we light the Chanukiah and Shabbat candles, followed by a Sufganiyot (jelly donut) Oneg.
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Free raffle, gelt and dreidels! Registration is required!
Join us before services for a Shabbat dinner at 5:45PM:
- $18 for CBI Members & School Families
- $25 for Community Guests
- $12 for Children (12 and under)
Oneg and service are open to all. Please RSVP for Dinner before December 12th.
Please bring an unwrapped toy or gift card to support our Holiday Toy Drive.
ConnectingCBI Presents: A Fireside Chat with Brett Podolsky
Thursday, January 8 | 7-9PM
Join us for a conversation with CBI Member Brett Podolsky about how his personal struggle to save his dog Jada’s digestive issues led him to revolutionize the pet food industry and co-found The Farmer’s Dog.
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Hear about the challenges, setbacks, and successes behind his successful startup.
Open Bar & Bites included.
Seating is limited! RSVPs required!
Mitzvah Day
Sunday, January 11 | 9AM
Join us for the 33rd Annual Lori Sklar Mitzvah Day, an uplifting community event where CBI members of all ages come together to make a meaningful difference through acts of service.
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Mitzvah Day offers a variety of ways to get involved, including on-campus, off-campus and at-home volunteer projects, along with meaningful collection drives that support those in need.
Individuals and families can choose activities that fit their interests and schedules, making it easy for everyone to participate.
Donations may also be made to the Kantor Family Center for Justice to further support our collective impact.
Recurring Events
Mahjong Club
Tuesdays at 6:30PM | Thursdays at 10:30AM
Looking to learn Mahjong or dust off those tiles? Mahjong Club is for women who want to connect and play.
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Whether you’re brand new or CRAK-ing the Mahjong codes, this is a welcoming group to hang out with every week. Snacks and good conversation always included!
Blanket Buddies
Monday, January 5 | 10:30AM
Join us as we make easy-to-assemble, no sew blankets for hospital patients and those in need within our community.
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Who Can Join?
This event is open to our members and their guests.
While this is a free event, we ask that you please register in advance
CBI Book Club January Meeting
Thursday, January 22 | 7:30PM
Join us for our January Book Club reading: The Night Sparrow by Shelly Sanders, moderated in person by the author.
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About the Book: “Louisa notices three hidden figures in a famous seascape and sets out to uncover their story. Her search reveals a long-ago summer of friendship and love, and takes her on a cross-country journey that celebrates the enduring power of art, memory, and human connection.”
About the Author: Shelly Sanders is the author of The Night Sparrow (HarperCollins), the Canadian bestseller Daughters of the Occupation, and several other historical novels. Drawing inspiration from her Russian Jewish ancestry, she focuses on uncovering the untold stories of women who defy expectations.
December Social Action Initiatives
Ways to Support:
Little Free Pantry
Ways to Support:
CBI’s Little Free Pantry is located at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. Although the box “lives” on the church campus, it belongs to the community. Anyone is welcome to take items from the box and anyone is welcome to place items in the box. The box is accessible 24/7.
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Help us keep the pantries full with non-perishable items:
- Juice Boxes
- Peanut Butter Crackers
- Canned Vegetables
- Canned Tuna
- Canned Pasta
- Cheese Crackers
- Personal Care Items
Please drop off your donations between 9AM – 5PM in the blue bin in CBI’s Admin Circle.
Social Action