The annual election for Board members will be online for all those members who have emails. For those without emails, a paper ballot will be mailed. Please look for this email next week.
Tikkun Olam
Stay connected to Tikkun Olam's social justice priorities: put yourself on the Tikkun Olam Action Alert e-mail list. Email Pamela at pschwartz77@gmail.comto get connected.
Community News
Healthy Community Emergency Fund
Funds are now available to help support individuals, families and institutions weather the impact of the pandemic. For additional information on donating or requesting assistance, please click here.
Jewish Historical Society of Western MA Videos
Here are two links that elder members of CBI will particularly enjoy and that will bring back memories of another time:
The Torah Siyyum from 2007 which portrays/profiles the members of CBI
Even during a time of crisis, we can find ways to have fun and make meaningful connections with others. What started in Greenfield quickly grew popular in Florence and other places in the area. People have been putting teddy bears outside their homes as part of a fun "bear hunt" to engage children as they walk and ride. I loved this so much, I put several out in different places in my front yard. I also look for new ones every time I go for a drive. It's a lovely symbol of hope and connection.
Neighborhood's around the Valley have also created their own activities and rituals to find connections. Some neighbors write messages to each other in chalk on their sidewalks. When Gillian was out for a walk, she found painted rocks that spelled out "Keep on going! You can do it!" and "There's no place like home!" In one neighborhood near CBI, families go out at the same time every evening to hoot and howl and bang on pots to get their energy out, to connect in a fun way, and to honor frontline workers.
Over the next few weeks, we offer you several ways to connect and have fun through humor, chanting, and music. Join with Rabbi David as he reveals humor in Jewish text during CBI Café. Celebrate with music during Shiru Shabbat and pray through chanting with Rabbi Andrew Hahn.
We also invite you to be a part of our Circles of Connection to feel supported by others in the community. If you are looking for a place to connect, join us in community.
Shalom.
Stay safe and healthy,
Cynthia and Gillian
Upcoming Highlights
Rabbi Jacob's Talmud Study for Everyone
Saturday, May 2, 10:00 am
The Talmud is a vast ocean. Within its 5,422 pages, it provides us with an extraordinary compendium of Jewish wisdom. During these Shabbat study sessions, we will dive into some important and fascinating sections. Class is free and open to everyone; no prior experience or language skills are necessary. Click on thisZoom link here to participate.
Caregivers Havurah
Saturday, May 2 at 12:45 pm
Are you a caregiver for your spouse, partner, child or loved one? Find comfort and connection during this havurah. Contact Naomi Tannen, Havurah Connector, attannenmahay@msn.com. To connect online for this month, click on this Zoom link.
Virtual CBI Café
Sundays, May 3, May 10
10:00 am
Humor in Jewish Tradition: Jonah, the Whale and his Gourd
Join Rabbi Justin David over the next few weeks as he explores humor found in Jewish text.
Join us weekly—or as often as you can— for an informal study of Jewish texts and lively discussions, now held online every Tuesday. Registration is not required, and there is no charge. Click on Zoom link here. Password:
955022
D'var Torah Parasha Study
Thursday, May 7, 10:00 am
Be a part of this robust, searching and joyous time to explore the weekly Torah portion with traditional sources and our own questions. Click on Zoom link here. Password: 710455
Save the Date
Kirtan Shabbat
Friday, May 8, 6:00 pm
Join Rabbi Andrew Hahn for this chant-infused evening Shabbat service. This musical and and prayer-filled service is for all ages. Zoom link will be available soon.
Save the Date
Shiru Shabbat
Friday, May 15, 6:00 pm
Join in on this musical Kabbalat Shabbat service led by Rabbi Justin David, Molly Bajgot, Rabbi Jacob Fine, and Aram Rubinstein-Gillis with original tunes as we explore dimensions of our communal spiritual life and deepen our relations to prayer and celebration.
Abundance Farm News
We'd like to thank all our donors from Valley Grows Day. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to call this day a success.
On the Farm: Rose has begun rototilling an area on the lawn that will soon be blossoming with flowers. Mulching, planting, and watering seedlings has occupied a lot of our Farmer's time, which means the growing season is growing closer!
Stay up-to-date with us on facebook.com/abundancefarmfor LIVE, interactive Farm tours every Tuesday at 1:00 pm on our Facebook page.
