Newsletter – January 26

Your inside look at cbi’s upcoming events

Shabbat Services

Shabbat Shirah

Friday, January 30 | 7PM

Saturday Morning Service

Saturday, January 31 | 8:30AM

Superbowl Shabbat

Friday, February 6 | 6:30PM

Saturday Morning Service

Saturday, February 7 | 8:30AM

Mazel Tov to Our Bar Mitzvah!

Aaron Schwartz

Saturday, February 7, 2026
10AM
Cohen/Friedkin Sanctuary

Updates & Important Notices

Tickets are selling fast to Jason Alexander LIVE presented by The Rosenthal Speaker Series! Don’t miss out on this unforgettable evening of conversation, comedy, and behind-the-scenes stories.

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

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

Wednesday, January 28 | 2:30PM

Take part in the final class of our Wednesday Jewish Forum with Rabbi David Greenberg. 

Join in for another series of thoughtful conversation on Jewish identity, peoplehood, and our relationship with Israel.

  • Wednesday, January 28, 2:30-4PM | Why We Love Israel

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.

Shabbat Shirah

Friday, January 30 | 7PM

Sing along with Cantor Muchnick and CBI’s volunteer choir during Shabbat Shirah, the Sabbath of Song!

Uplifting music will fill the Cohen/Friedkin Sanctuary as we recall the Israelites singing at the shores of the Red Sea, with Moses and Miriam leading them to freedom.

Spring Melton Classes

Wednesdays starting February 4 | 10:30AM-Noon

Attend Understanding Zionism: The Return to the Jewish Homeland with Rabbi Keller & Rabbi Silvers.

This course explores the many facets of Jewish Israeli identity—past and present. It begins with today’s cultural and social landscape, then traces its roots through early Zionist ideals, the creation of the “New Jew,” and the institutions that shaped modern Israel. Through this lens, students examine key themes such as religion and politics, Mizrachi–Ashkenazi relations, Israel’s connection with World Jewry, and the ongoing renewal of Jewish life in Israel.

  • Lesson 1: Seeds of Zionism
  • Lesson 2: Building a Jewish Homeland
  • Lesson 3: The Birth of the State of Israel
  • Lesson 4: Defining Zionism Today
  • Lesson 5: Zionism and the Diaspora
  • Lesson 6: Looking Ahead – The Challenges and Promises of Zionism

Cost per class (including e-book): $179. Scholarships are available for those who need.

Superbowl 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.

  • 5:30PM – Tailgate dinner: Kick back, grab a bite, and get into the Super Bowl spirit in the Pollock Family Courtyard before services begin.
  • Complimentary for CBI Members and School families

  • $36 for Member Guests

  • A spirited Shabbat service that leads straight into the end zone with a yummy Oneg for all after services.

Registration required. RSVP by February 2.

Empty Nesters Shabbat

Friday, February 13 | 7PM

Experience Shabbat with the Empty Nesters Club!

You are invited to join this group of CBI members ages 55+, chaired by Marcy Barrick and Lainie Cohen. Meet a fun, active group that engages in social, religious, philanthropic, and educational activities.

  • 5:45PM – Shabbat dinner and cocktails. $25 for CBI Members and Member Guests.

  • 7PM – Empty Nesters Chavurah will participate in Shabbat Services in the Cohen Freidkin Sanctuary.

Registration required. RSVP by Monday, February 9.

Women of CBI Shabbat

Friday, February 20 | 7PM

Rescheduled from January 30! Join us for an evening of connection and community. Women of CBI will join our clergy on the bimah to welcome Shabbat.

Want to become a part of Women of CBI? Join us at the Oneg to meet fellow women and explore how you can help strengthen a community grounded in connection, tradition, and Gemilut Chasidim.

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 February Read

Thursday, February 19 | 7:30PM

February Book Club selection: Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray.

About the Book:  Raised on tales of her revolutionary ancestors, Frances Perkins arrives in New York City determined to change the world. As she navigates life among reformers, artists, and politicians, a chance encounter with Franklin Delano Roosevelt sparks a complex partnership that will help shape history. The First Lady of Labor follows Frances’s rise as FDR’s most trusted ally, balancing ambition, love, and sacrifice in a nation on the brink of transformation.

About the Author: Stephanie Dray is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author of historical women’s fiction. Her award-winning work has been translated into many languages and tops lists for the most anticipated reads of the year. She lives in Maryland with her husband, cats, and history books.

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.