Newsletter – January 12

Your inside look at cbi’s upcoming events

Shabbat Services

Please note: we will not be having an 8:30 AM Torah service or discussion on Saturday, January 17th. Congregants are invited to attend the 10AM Bar Mitzvah with Kiddush or the 12PM Bat Mitzvah.

Interfaith Chardonnay Shabbat

Friday, January 16 | 7PM

Saturday Morning Service

Saturday, January 17 | 10AM

Friday Night Service

Friday, January 23 | 7PM

Saturday Morning Service

Saturday, January 24 | 8:30AM

Mazel Tov to Our B'nai Mitzvah!​

Brody Goldblatt

Saturday, January 17, 2026
10AM
Cohen/Friedkin Sanctuary

Jemma Rosenberg

Saturday, January 17, 2026
12PM
Cohen/Friedkin Sanctuary

Olivia Horowitz

Saturday, January 24, 2026
10AM
Cohen/Friedkin Sanctuary

Updates & Important Notices

Jason Alexander LIVE presented by The Rosenthal Speaker Series is coming to Congregation B’nai Israel for an unforgettable evening of conversation, comedy, and behind-the-scenes stories.

To learn more about tickets and sponsorship opportunities, click here.

Please note: The CBI campus will be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Linktree is a simple tool that puts all of our important links in one place. Instead of searching emails or the website, you can instantly find event registrations, calendars, program info, and more. How it works:

  1. Go to CBI’s Instagram profile.
  2. Tap the link in our bio that says 🔗 linktr.ee/cbiboca.
  3. Choose whatever you want to explore!

Use this whenever you see the words “link in our bio” on our Instagram stories!

Upcoming Events

Wednesday Jewish Forum with Rabbi David Greenberg

Wednesdays, beginning January 14 | 2:30PM

Take part in a three-week Wednesday Jewish Forum with Rabbi David Greenberg, returning for another series of thoughtful conversation on Jewish identity, peoplehood, and our relationship with Israel.

  • Wednesday, January 14, 2:30-4PM | The Stories We Tell About Ourselves
  • Wednesday, January 21, 2:30-4PM | The Chosen People:  Blessing or Curse
  • Wednesday, January 28, 2:30-4PM | Why We Love Israel

Interfaith Weekend and Chardonnay Shabbat

Friday, January 16 | 7PM

Congregation B’nai Israel partners with Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church for an inspiring weekend hosted by CBI clergy and Pastor Ronald Brown.

  • Cocktails and light bites at 6PM.
  • Oneg following Shabbat Service.
  • Registration is required.
  • Please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Little Free Pantry.

Tap In with the Bros

Wednesday, January 21 | 6:30PM

Enjoy a casual night out to connect, build community, and hear what’s ahead for Brotherhood; friends are welcome.

Tap 42 Craft Kitchen and Bar
5050 Town Center Circle
Boca Raton, FL 33486
In the Shops of Boca Center

No charge for members and guests.
Individual cash tabs required.

RSVP by Jan 20 to brotherhood@cbiboca.org or pwishna@gmail.com.

REFRESH X NCECE

Thursday, January 22 | 10AM

Kick off the new year with a mat workout with BVRN Body instructor, Melissa Barnard, post-workout treats, and a chance to shop local vendors.

Cost: $100 per person. Ticket is a donation to NCECE. Registration is capped at 50 guests.

Each ticketed guest will receive a mat to use during the workout and take home afterward, along with a water bottle, towel, and tote bag to complete the wellness experience.

Registration is required.

Nagle Family Film Festival
Dinner and a Movie

Wednesday, January 28 | 6:30PM​

Experience a screening of Who Will Write Our History? followed by reflection and conversation.

Who Will Write Our History tells the story of the secret Oyneg Shabes Archive, created in the Warsaw Ghetto by historian Emanuel Ringelblum and a group committed to documenting the truth and countering Nazi propaganda.

Hosted by CBI Member, Film Festival Founder Robin Nagle and Rabbi Rony Keller.

6:30PM movie & light snacks in the Hollander Family Chapel followed by dinner in North Social Hall catered by Ben’s.

$18 CBI Members
$25 Community Guests
Registration required.

Super Bowl Shabbat

Friday, February 6 | 6:30PM

Game day meets Shabbat as we turn the Cohen/Friedkin Sanctuary into a night full of Super Bowl energy!

Break out your favorite NFL jersey or sports team gear! CBI Clergy and SLJ 4th grade students will lead a lively Shabbat experience filled with community, food, and fun.

  • Complimentary for CBI Members and School families
  • $36 for Member Guests
  • Oneg for all after services

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.

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, February 2 | 10:30AM

Help spread warmth and comfort by assembling easy, no-sew blankets for hospital patients and community members in need.

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

January Book Club selection: The Night Sparrow by Shelly Sanders, with an in-person moderated discussion led by the author.

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.

Social Action

Mitzvah Makers January Social Action Initiative

Nourish the New Year

To begin 2026 with purpose and compassion, NCECE & SLJ Mitzvah Makers are invited to support our community by donating nourishing items for those in need. This month, we are focusing on simple, meaningful projects that make a real impact.

PB&J Sandwiches
• Loaves of bread (whole wheat or white)
• Jelly or jam (grape or strawberry)
• Sun butter (large jars preferred)
• Plastic sandwich bags

Soup in a Jar Mix
• Dried red lentils
• Dried vegetable soup mix
• Dried rice
• Garlic and onion powder
• Bouillon cubes or powdered soup base
• Dried parsley

Shabbat Kits
• Pairs of Shabbat candles
• Matches or small matchbooks
• Grape juice (small bottles)
• Tea lights

Order items directly from our Amazon Wishlist or drop donations off at CBI. NCECE and SLJ students may bring their monthly donation directly to their classroom.

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.

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.