2024 Summer Shelanu

shelanu

VOLUME XXXVV

MAY - JULY 2024 | NISSAN - TAMMUZ, 5784

LETTER FROM DIRECTOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD

LETTER FROM DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

SHABBAT SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS

LETTER FROM OUR MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT

COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING

ADULT EDUCATION

NCECE EVENTS

SLJ EVENTS

YOUTH & TEENS EVENTS

SAVE THESE DATES

SOCIAL ACTION UPDATE

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

SPRING B’NAI MITZVAH

OUR KITCHEN

H O W T O U S E

T H I S G U I D E

This online guide is digital and interactive! Look for videos and special links throughout that will lead you to learn more.

To register for programs, visit cbiboca.org/events or click on registration icons in this document.

Rony S. Keller, RJE, Senior Rabbi

Samantha Kahn, Senior Associate Rabbi

David Muchnick, Senior Cantor

Steve Allen, Executive Director

Linda B. Harris, Director of Lifelong Learning

Allison Sands, Director of Early Childhood Education

Carly Wallenstein, Director of Religious School

Robert A Silvers, Rabbi Emeritus

Sharon Landau, President

Andrea Cannon, VP of Social Action

Ira Ginsberg, VP of Financial & Asset Management

Gil Kaminer, VP of Membership

Phil Rothschild, VP of Strategic Planning

Robyn Rubinoff, VP of Education

Barry Schwartz, VP of Administration

Evan Appell, VP of Communications & Technology

Jeffrey Cannon, Immediate Past President

Annie Becker

Danitte Beegel

Jill Eisner

Dani Helitzer

Ali Myrick

Mollie O'Grady

Rachel Ostrovsky

Sean Tibor

Amanda Tillman

Taylor Weiss

Philip Wishna

2 0 2 3 - 2 4 S H O M R I M

Howard & Karolina Kanner

Richard & Rachel Ostrovsky

Ken & Lisa Rosen

Shai & Lauren Wolkowicki

Steven & Abbe Becker

Randall Elliott & Roberta Palestine

Lawrence & Diane Feldman

Lynn Garson Family Foundation

Jeffrey & Darcy Hollander

David & Leslie Kantor

Jerome & Fran Butwin

Renee Herskowitz

Ron & Sharon Landau

Arthur Schechner & Cynthia

Hollander Schnechner

Richard & Lois S Werner

Lewis & Lori Gold

Matthew & Hilary K Rosenthal

David & Robyn Rubinoff

Barry & Sally M Schwartz

Harry & Amy Seidman

Allan & Elaine Abrams

Howard & Deborah Belford

Marcia Davis

Feurring

Frankel

& Robynn Ginsburg

& Lauriel Klinghoffer Neil & Constance Meisel

Nadel & Harry Dubow

& Andrea Cannon

& Robin Ebstein Michael & Lynn Gross Robert & Auta Hendler

David & Julie Kirschner

Sydell Schubot

Corey Shapiro

Douglas & Jill Sherman

Spencer & Dara Siegel

Stanley (z”l) & Susan Silber

Gary & Vicky Weiner

Victor & Vicki Weinstein

Shirley Weisman

William & Barbara Weprin

Laurence & Robin Nagle

David & Amy Ross

Gary & Robin Rubin

Phyllis Sandler (z”l)

Larry & Andrea Schnurmacher

Shelanu is Hebrew for “ours” and is Congregation B’nai Israel’s quarterly magazine with a special High Holy Days print edition. It provides coverage of our congregation’s educational, religious, and social programming. Questions? Email marketing@cbiboca.org

A LETTER FROM ALLISON SANDS

One of the most rewarding parts of being the Early Childhood Director is having the privilege of watching our students learn and grow over the course of the year Some of our students began this year having never been apart from their families before, cautious about their new environment, but at the same time excited and curious to see what it had to offer

Soon, those teary eyes when Mom drove away became eyes filled with wonderment In the classroom, our students have continued to excel academically They have challenged themselves to learn new things and grown in their understanding of the world around them They have also developed strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills Not only did they grow as students, but they grew as individuals, too They explored their independence and began figuring out what it means to be a kind and caring student, classmate, and friend

In a year when our identities have been challenged, seeing our students learn about our culture and religion through hands-on, real-life activities with smiles on their faces is a testament to the strength of the Jewish people

I am so proud of all that our students have accomplished this year. They have made me proud to be their director. I want to thank our faculty and staff for their dedication and hard work this year They have gone above and beyond to provide our students with an outstanding education I am grateful for their commitment to our school and our students

I was also fortunate to work with a supportive and thoughtful Parent Organization team this year They worked tirelessly to organize events for our students, families, and staff to enjoy Thank you to all the volunteers who make our school the special place it is As we look ahead to the next school year, I am excited to see what our students will achieve I know that they will continue to grow and learn, and I am confident that they will make a positive impact on the world It is a privilege to be your director and partner with each of our families to nurture our world’s future Jewish leaders

mind, there’s no stopping you now! The future is so bright

All My Love,

Allison Sands Director of Early Childhood

To our Pre-K Graduates: As you venture off to various schools, I hope that you will carry all that you have learned with you and apply it toward your schoolwork, your friendships, and any other situations you may encounter With that in

A LETTER FROM CARLY WALLENSTEIN

As my first year as Director of Religious School comes to a close, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our families for being a part of this community and entrusting me with the education and growth of your children It has been an incredible year filled with joy, learning, and spiritual exploration Throughout the year, I have witnessed our families’ dedication to fostering a strong Jewish identity. From attending grade level Shabbatot and family programs to participating in holiday celebrations, your presence is key to the success of the Religious School program

I am proud of the progress students have made in their Judaic and Hebrew studies. I have watched the children in our School for Living Judaism and our Youth Groups continue their education and learn more about their Jewish life I see children develop a deeper understanding

of worship and who they are as Jews. I see their eyes open wide as they learn how to read words and translate meaning. I see them enter the sanctuary and pray and sing with a deeper understanding of what they are reading and why they are praying

Central to CBI, we are a Congregation with a Conscience. Our religious school encourages active involvement in community service projects, instilling in our students’ integral Jewish values like Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam We believe that education should not be limited to the classroom and encourage parents to be actively involved in their students’ Jewish education. On this year’s Mitzvah Day, our students and families participated in sandwich making for underprivileged youth, packaged hygiene kits for the homeless, assembled no-sew blankets for hospital patients, went to the beach and cleaned up litter, stocked the Jacobson Family Food Pantry, and spent time with residents at JARC.

To our 12th Grade Graduates: As the new Director, you made me feel welcome It has been an honor and privilege to get to know you As you begin the next phase of life, please remember the things you have learned and relationships you have built during your years at CBI. This place and these people will always be a part of who you are, and what shaped you into the strong, kind, and wonderful young adults we are sending off on this new adventure Congratu-

lations class of 2024!

To our amazing SLJ administrative team: Myriam, Annie and Sara None of this would be possible without your hard work and dedication to our students It is my honor and a great privilege to be on this amazing team of professionals

To our incredible SLJ teachers, your dedication and love for our students is inspiring. Thank you so much for a wonderful year of learning!

L’Shalom, Carly Wallenstein, RJE, MJED, MSNPM Director of Religious School

S H A B B A T S E R V I C E S 6:30 PM Cohen/Friedkin Sanctuary

In-person or via livestream on our CBI Boca Livestream Channel

S H A B B A T S E R V I C E S 8:30 AM Hollander Family Chapel

In-person or via livestream on our CBI Boca Livestream Channel

The Shabbat between Yom HaShoah and Yom HaAtzmaut honors the resilience of the Jewish people and the dramatic turnaround from the tragedy of the Holocaust to the realization of the Jewish state 6:30PM

This event is complimentary to all CBI Members 10AM F R I D A

T O R A H D I S C U S S I O N 9:00 AM

In-person or via Zoom

R S V P

T

P E R S O N : login cbiboca org/shabbatservices

L I V E S T R E A M S E R V I C E S : tinyurl com/CBILive

Livestreaming services are made possible by the Goldstein-Kestecher Family Livestreaming Fund

JUNE 8, 2024 MAY 17, 2024

We invite you to join us as our congregants are called to the Torah as B'nai Mitzvah followed by a Kiddush to celebrate their accomplishments

JULY 26, 2024

Join us for A Slice of Summer - come for Friday Evening Shabbat Services, then mix and mingle over wine, cheese and lite bites 6:30PM

You’re invited to a special event dedicated to celebrating our CBI volunteers Join us for a Shabbat service followed by a Chardonnay Shabbat Oneg for the installation of our new Board Member and to honor our CBI Volunteers

This event is complimentary to all CBI Members 6:30PM

JUNE 28, 2024

6:30PM

Join other 50+ singles who value the importance of spiritual growth as a foundation for building deeper relationships Come for Friday Evening Services and stay to mingle over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres

Complimentary for CBI Members $25 for community guests

JUNE 14 - AUGUST 9 AT 6:30PM Hollander Family Chapel

Family Chapel

REACH A PRIME AUDIENCE WITH YOUR MESSAGE

Shelanu is Hebrew for “ours” and is CBI’s full-color digital bi-annual magazine with a special High Holy Days print edition sent to our membership It provides coverage of our congregation’s educational, religious, and social programming.

Your business will be listed on a live thank-you page on the Congregation B’nai Israel website that links back to your business website.

Our email edition of Shelanu has over 5,000 views!

Businesses advertised on CBI’s social media platforms

All editions of Shelanu are shared on CBI’s social media platforms.

Our print version is mailed to over 2,000 households and available in the synagogue for guests to take home with them from our High Holy Days.

REQUIREMENTS & SPECIFICATIONS

For optimum reproduction quality, your materials should be sent according to these specifications:

All files should be high resolution; files and embedded images must be 300 dpi at 100% size Logos should be in vector format or line art at no less than 300 dpI

Ads must be properly sized according to our ad size specifications.

MATERIALS

We will accept the following file formats: .jpg, .png, .pdf

All color art must be converted to CMYK Please note: color variances may occur

SUBMISSIONS

Advertiser’s name, file name, and ad size must appear on all advertising items submitted. Ads should be emailed to: marketing@cbiboca org Specific page placements are not guaranteed unless noted in the agreement

Congregation B’nai Israel reserves the right to refuse any advertising.

SUBMIT YOUR ARTWORK BY:

Fall (High Holy Days) July 15, 2024 Spring December 1, 2024

Yamato Road Boca Raton, FL 33431 561 241 8118 marketing@cbiboca org www cbiboca org

PE M B E R S H

I’d like to begin by congratulating CBI on its 40th Anniversary. This significant milestone in the history of our synagogue marks 40 years of shared blessings, growth, and resilience

As we move forward into another vibrant season within our community, I'm thrilled to share some exciting updates and events that are sure to enrich our collective journey Membership renewal is right around the corner. Whether you’re joining for the first time or a founding member renewing for your fortieth year, your support is vitally important to ensure that we are here to pass on our Jewish legacy from generation to generation - "L'dor V’ador.”

No singular generation dominates our membership – we are comprised of young adults, families, empty nesters, and seniors There is something for everyone, and it is our hope that you will make lasting memories with your loved ones at our programs and events tailored to create a sense of belonging for all

Congregation B’nai Israel was built on a foundation of service to the community. The trademark, “Congregation with a Conscience” was approved this past fall. To this end, CBI offers a variety of opportunities for our members to perform mitzvot throughout South Florida and beyond through our social action arm, the Kantor Family Center for Justice (KFCJ). From volunteering opportunities to advocacy campaigns with RAC-FL, we invite you to join us in making a positive impact both within our community and beyond.

As stewards of our sacred space, we recognize the importance of ensuring that our synagogue remains a welcoming home for generations to come. With this in mind, we are embarking on a bold new phase focused on redesigning and revitalizing our building. From enhancing accessibility to moderniz-

ing our facilities, this initiative will allow us to better serve the evolving needs of our community. Your support and involvement in this endeavor are crucial, and we look forward to sharing more information about how you can contribute to this transformative project.

In closing, I want to express my gratitude for your ongoing dedication and involvement in our synagogue community Together, we have built a vibrant and inclusive home where all are welcome to find connection, meaning, and purpose. As we embark on this journey together, may we continue to be guided by the values of compassion, unity, and tikkun olam (repairing the world)

If you have any questions, suggestions, or would like to get involved in any of our upcoming programs or initiatives, please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly at minda.shaiman@cbiboca.org or 561.922.8980.

I am looking forward to seeing each of you soon Thank you for your continued commitment, generosity, and support

L'shalom, Minda Shaiman Membership/Special Projects Manager

HAS ITS

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

EDUCATION

Study with our clergy during various opportunities in which we explore a variety of meaningful topics

Attend lectures, events, and concerts that explore Jewish culture and tradition

Enroll students Pre-K through Twelfth Grade in our highly accredited Religious School (SLJ) and youth programs

Grow as a lifelong learner in our Adult B'nai Mitzvah program

WORSHIP

Access to Clergy for their services regarding religious needs, Jewish life cycle events and pastoral support

Partake in congregant-led Shabbats

Receive complimentary admission to all High Holy Days Services, plus reciprocal admission for High Holy Days tickets at any Reform Synagogue worldwide

COMMUNITY

Serve the congregation in a leadership position

Find camaraderie through our Brotherhood, Women of CBI, and Am Yisrael Chai experiential gatherings throughout the year

Travel with other CBI families and individuals to Israel, led by our clergy

Attend special events with advanced ticketing and discounted pricing

Engage in cultural and social programming, including complimentary admission where applicable

TIKKUN OLAM

Participate in social action programs that serve our greater community through the Kantor Family Center for Justice

Get involved in initiatives to build a more just and compassionate society

Come and enjoy a beautiful evening of celebrating Women with challah baking, cocktails and bites while bringing awareness to breast cancer. SAVE THE DATE!

WOME N O F CBI’S

SECOND ANNUAL

CHALLAH BAKE

THURS 26 SEPT 7 - 9PM

C O M M U N I T Y

PROGRAMMING

From welcoming Shabbat together to hearing guest speakers, CBI provides many opportunities to find personal connection and build community. Find your people through a plethora of community programs.

H O P E I N G O L D

MAY 9 AT 7PM

A night for women to raise funds and awareness for the organizations pioneering the future of research and supporting the Pediatric Cancer community

Featuring an open bar, dinner, guest speakers, raffle, art project, and more

This event is at capacity If you would like to make a donation to support the fight against Pediatric Cancer, please click the button below

DONATE

B L U E & W H I T E H A V D A L A H

MAY 11 AT 7PM

Celebrate Israel’s 76th birthday with a Blue and White field day and Havdalah service with the Women of CBI and NCECE

S U N D A Y A T T H E

B A L L P A R K

MAY 19

Brotherhood invites CBI Members to join them at Loan Depot Park for a day at the ballpark!

REGISTER

B O W L I N G W I T H

B R O T H E R H O O D

JUNE 9 AT 3:30PM

BOWLERO 21046 Commercial Trail, Boca Raton, FL 33486

Calling all men and women of CBI! Join us at Bowlero for 2 hours of bowling, food, drinks, and fun!

REGISTER

D I N N E R & A M O V I E

JULY 10 AT 6:30PM

The Nagle Family Jewish Film Festival presents “Hollywoodism: Jews, Movies, and the American Dream ” Based on Neal Gabler's best-selling book An Empire of Their Own, this is a vivid portrayal of Hollywood's Jewish history, emphasizing the importance of Jewish pioneers in the development of film

Registration information to come

S A V E T H E D A T E ! B A C K T O S H U L W E E K E N D

AUGUST 16 - 18

Kickoff the shul year with a BBQ and Friday Evening Services We’ll keep the fun going Sunday with our Annual Back to Shul event, featuring food trucks, bounce houses, and more!

M A H J O N G C L U B

TUESDAYS AT 6:30PM

THURSDAYS AT 10:30AM

Let’s get our Mahj on! Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned pro, join us Tuesdays and Thursdays for Mahjong This club is open to our members, school families, and community guests

Registration is requested

REGISTER

B L A N K E T M A K I N G

MAY 6 AT 10:30AM

JUNE 3 AT 10:30AM

JULY 1 AT 10:30AM

Help us make no-sew blankets for hospital patients and the underserved in our community

REGISTER

B O O K C L U B

MAY 16 AT 7PM

Join our book club for a virtual discussion discussion of Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt “A charming, witty and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope that traces a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus ”

REGISTER

C O N N E C T I N G C B I :

B U S I N E S S N E T W O R K I N G

MAY 22 AT 5:30PM

JUNE 26 AT 5:30PM

JULY 24 AT 5:30PM

Meet fellow congregants and community members in this monthly business networking group Market your business, expand your business opportunities, learn helpful business practices and share the latest technologies

REGISTER

C O M M U N I T Y

PROGRAMMING

“I joined

CBI on the recommendation of friends who were members. I had never belonged to a synagogue before. I came to find not only a spiritual home, but found friendship among the members.”

- Karen Bleier

A D U L T EDUCATION

S U M M E R T I M E C O F F E E & C O N V E R S A T I O N

WEDNESDAY JULY 31 AT 11AM

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 7 AT 11AM

The Hebrew Bible is full of animals from the full roster of species that God created on the fifth and sixth days of creation to the long lists of kosher and non-kosher animals outlined in Leviticus

Join Rabbi Silvers for this two-part class on the Seven Mythical Creatures found in the Torah and the Tanach with a bagel lunch

Registration is requested

Beat the heat of summer with our compelling classes, candid conversations, and engaging events S A V E T H E D A T E !

REGISTER

M E M B E R S O F T H E T R I B E ”

OCTOBER 30

NOVEMBER 6

NOVEMBER 13

NOVEMBER 20

DECEMBER 4

DECEMBER 11

Congregation B’nai Israel and The South Palm Beach Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning invite you to partake in “Members of the Tribe ”

In this short six-session quest, we’ll dive deep into a fundamental, challenging question: “What is the overarching purpose of living Jewishly?” We’ll discuss the responsibilities, pressures, and misconceptions that come with being called “the Chosen People ”

Lesson 1 – Living a Jewish Life Finding Purpose Through Reflection

Lesson 2 – Just Remember Symbols and Reminders in Judaism

Lesson 3 – Let My People Grow

The Exodus from Egypt as a Jewish Calling

Lesson 4 – Chosen People, Chosen Purpose The concept of “chosenness” through both a traditional and a contemporary lens

Lesson 5 – Holy Guacamole

What Does It Mean to Keep Kosher?

Lesson 6 – Jerusalem If I Forget You Israel and the Diaspora

If you would like to be notified when registration opens, please click the button below to submit an interest form

INTEREST FORM

PROCEEDS

STEVE ALLEN AT STEVE ALLEN@CBIBOCA ORG OR JESSICA APTMAN AT RUBYGALA@CBIBOCA ORG

S P E C I A L L A D I E S D A Y

APRIL 30 - MAY 2

Children of all ages bring a special lady in their life to school for an hour of fun and memories

Check with your child's teacher for your assigned day.

P E E W E E P R O M

THURSDAY MAY 16 AT 5PM

Pre-K students and their parents are invited to put on their fanciest attire to dance the evening away! Kid-friendly dinner, drinks, and dessert will be served

BUY TICKETS

M O V I N G U P C E R E M O N I E S

MAY 20 - 22

NCECE families are invited to celebrate our students' year and mark the transition to the next grade level!

Check with your child's teacher for your assigned day

G R A D U A T I O N

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024 AT 10AM

Oh! The places they’ll go Our Pre-K families are invited to celebrate graduation day in a big, big way!

Make your student’s graduation ceremony an unforgettable experience with roses and wands, which will be passed out at graduation

ORDER ITEMS

N A D E L CENTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

The Nadel Center for Early Childhood Education and its Parent Organization develop Family Programs that are a great way to try something new, strengthen family bonds, and connect with other families in the community.

B A R R Y I R A G R A F F

SCHOOL FOR LIVING JUDAISM

The Barry Ira Graff School for Living Judaism is dedicated to positive and engaging Jewish education to inspire lifelong participation in the Jewish community for all learners and their families.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SLJ PROGRAM, PLEASE CONTACT CARLY WALLENSTEIN, DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION, VIA EMAIL AT CARLY WALLENSTEIN@CBIBOCA ORG

MAY 17 AT 5:30PM

Our Pre-K and Kindergarten students will join our clergy on the bimah and participate in the Friday Night Shabbat Service All Pre-K and Kindergarten families are invited to join us for a kid-friendly Shabbat Dinner before services Dinner will start at 5:30 pm Dinner is complimentary for SLJ families Services begin at 6:30 pm with Oneg to follow

Our Graduating Seniors, who are saying farewell to their religious school and faculty that has been a home to students for years, are recognized at a Friday Night Shabbat Service 1

31 AT 6:30PM

JUNE 11 AT 7PM

The Confirmation Service is the culmination of a year of study in which 10th grade students explore and develop their own commitment to the covenant with the Jewish people

Save These Dates for 2024-25

B’nai Israel Youth

August 11

September 8

September 15

September 22

September 29

October 27

November 3

November 10

December 8

January 26

February 14

March 2

March 16

April 6

April 27

May 4

June 8

BISY (9th - 12th)

6th - 8th

3rd - 5th

BISY (9th - 12th)

Pre-K - 2nd

BISY (9th - 12th)

6th - 8th

Pre-K - 2nd

3rd - 5th

Pre-K - 2nd

6th - 8th

3rd - 5th

BISY (9th - 12th)

6th - 8th

Pre-K - 2nd

3rd - 5th

BISY (9th - 12th)

YOUTH & TEENS

CBI’s Youth Groups aim to create a path of continuous engagement for our elementary-age and teenage community members

FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ABOUT PROGRAMMING CONTACT ANNIE ROSENTHAL, YOUTH ENGAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL, VIA EMAIL AT ANNIE ROSENTHAL@CBIBOCA ORG

MAY

Special Ladies Day

Erev Yom HaShoah

Yom HaShoah

Blanket Buddies

Hope in Gold: A Night Bringing Awareness to Pediatric Cancer

Shabbat Tekumah: The Shabbat of Revival

Blue & White Havdalah

Mother’s Day

Erev Yom HaZikaron

Yom HaZikaron

Erev Yom Ha’atzmaut

Yom Ha’atzmaut

Annual Meeting

Pee Wee Prom

Book Club

Chardonnay Shabbat Honoring CBI Volunteers

Brotherhood Marlins Game

NCECE Moving Up Ceremonies

Rooms 2,3,4 & 7

Rooms 5,6,8,9 & 10

NCECE Moving Up Ceremonies

Rooms 107, 108, 109 & 12

Rooms 1, 105 & 106

NCECE Moving Up Ceremonies

Rooms 11, 101, 102 & 115

Rooms 103, 104 & 120

Connecting CBI: Business Networking

Pre-K Graduation Ceremonies

S A V E T H E S E D A T E S

Camp Yeladim Meet & Greet

First Day of Camp

Blanket

Adult B’nai Mitzvah Celebration

Bowling with Brotherhood

Erev Shavuot

10th Grade Confirmation

Shavuot

Father’s

Juneteenth,

Members oftheTribe withRabbiSilvers

6 WEDNESDAY SESSIONS 11AM

10/30 11/6 11/13 11/20 12/4 12/11

Congregation B’nai Israel and The South Palm Beach Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning invite you to partake in “Members of the Tribe.”

In this short six-session quest, we’ll dive deep into a fundamental, challenging question for Members of the Tribe: “What is the overarching purpose of Judaism?” Together, we’ll examine aspects of what might be considered the Jewish mission, a blend of practices that distinguish us as Jews, and what to do with this idea of being called the “Chosen People ” Prepare to explore how Big Jewish Ideas and lessons from our history serve to enrich our collective actions as individuals and as a people

Lesson 1: Living a Jewish Life Finding Purpose Through Reflection

Lesson 2: Just Remember Symbols and Reminders in Judaism

Lesson 3: Let My People Grow The Exodus from Egypt as a Jewish Calling

Lesson 4: Chosen People, Chosen Purpose

The concept of “chosenness” through both a traditional and a contemporary lens

Lesson 5: Holy Guacamole What Does It Mean to Keep Kosher?

Lesson 6: Jerusalem If I Forget You… Israel and the Diaspora

REGISTRATION INFORMATION TO COME. If you would like to be notified when registration opens, please click the button below to submit an interest form

Igottawearshades

2024 PRE-K GRADUATION ESSENTIALS

Pee

Wee Prom

Thursday, May 16, 2024

5 - 6:30 PM in the VIP Ballroom

Pre-K students and their parents are invited to put on their fanciest attire to dance the evening away! Kid-friendly dinner, drinks, and dessert will be served.

$25: student + 1 adult

$10: additional adult

CELEBRATORY ITEMS

All students wear their Pre-K Graduation Shirts on Fridays. Make your student’s graduation ceremony an unforgettable experience with roses and wands, which will be passed out at graduation.

Leave a lasting CBI legacy in the form of an etched brick (as seen in the walkways at CBI) by purchasing a Gift-A-Brick to commemorate this special time.

$5: light-up wands

$5: Roses

$180: Gift-a-Brick

PURCHASE TICKETS & ITEMS

N

SPRINGTIME

FEED TH COMMUNIT

On Thursday, March 28th, Congregation B’na partnered with Ebenezer Missionary Baptist to fill more than 300 bags of groceries with pounds of frozen and roasted chicken, 1,800 of fresh vegetables, and canned goods

CBI thanks all our members and staff for their monetary donations, participating in the food drive, delivering food to Ebenezer Church and volunteering the day of the event

This effort is also made possible by Pastor Ronald Brown and First Lady Wanda Brown and the volunteers of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church for sorting, bagging and setting up for the food distribution

RAC-FL UPDATE

RELIGIOUS ACTION CENTER OF REFORM JUDAISM

On Monday, April 1, 2024, the Florida Supreme Court announced that The Amendment to Limit Government Interference in Abortion (Amendment 4) is now in the hands of voters in November.

In partnership with Floridians Protecting Freedom, RAC-FL collected over 17,000 signatures, contributing to the over 1 million signatories needed to qualify the proposed constitutional amendment for the ballot

RAC-FL, along with its partner congregations, will focus on mobilizing turnout, hosting phone banks, post-carding, and texting with Florida voters to encourage voter turnout through continued education and awareness of the ballot measure

If you would like to get involved in this work, please reach out to Rabbi Kahn at rabbikahn@cbiboca org

SUMMER MITZVAH MAKERS

Inside the walls of our Synagogue, our volunteers usher, welcome, greet, assist our guests, and invite our community into a sacred space with their warmth and love. Outside the walls of our synagogue, CBI’s Kantor Family Center for Justice along with our volunteers continually help others by working with our community partners throughout the year

R E P U R P O S E Y O U R C R A Y O N S

THROUGHOUT MAY

As the school year ends and school supplies get sent home, we encourage you to drop off unwanted crayons at CBI Crayons will be sent to The Crayon Initiative to bring happiness to children who are facing the stress of hospitalization by giving them the freedom that comes with creative play

Crayons can be dropped off in the cardboard box next to the blue bin in the CBI Admin Circle.

B E A C H C L E A N U P

SUNDAY, JUNE 23 AT 9:30AM

Join us for a beach cleanup at Red Reef Park Spend the morning at the beach while helping the environment End up at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for a free tour and unique experience!

V O L U N T E E R

S U P E R M A R K E T S W E E P

DATE TBD

The summer months can be difficult for food pantries, so help us stock the Little Free Pantry! Team up with your friends and receive a list of our most-needed items and some challenges to complete. There are points up for grabs and the winning team walks away with a fun prize

Location and registration to follow

P A N T R Y P A L S

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 AT 10AM

Spend the morning assisting in the Jacobson Family Food Pantry, located in Delray Beach, restocking shelves and preparing food bags for home delivery for those in need

OPPORTUNITIES

Congregation B’nai Israel was built on a foundation of service to the community Together as a congregation, we have come together to use our voices and actions in a meaningful way to make a positive difference in our community For those looking to volunteer, CBI offers a number of ways to help others and to connect with fellow volunteers.

HOW CBI BENEFITS WHEN YOU VOLUNTEER…

Your energy invigorates us and inspires us to continue doing what we do

Your smiling face and compassionate attitude lift the spirits of our community

Your ideas and input help us help others

When you tell others about volunteering, you are a public relations asset

HOW YOU BENEFIT WHEN YOU VOLUNTEER…

You get satisfaction in knowing your time and effort connect you, our membership family, and the community to a holy place!

A R O U N D T H E O F F I C E

CBI is always looking to keep a list of names to have as a back-up volunteer for days our staff is out of the office.

C B I A M B A S S A D O R S

Volunteers are needed to assist with checking in and greeting guests at:

Shabbat Services

Programs

Special Events

High Holy Day Services

C

The Kantor Family Center for Justice sponsors various collections and hands-on opportunities throughout the year. Each month, members can volunteer to:

Assemble blankets

Make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches

Organize and deliver collections to the designated organizations and more!

SPRING 2024

B’NAI MITZVAH

The B’nai Mitzvah experience marks the transition from childhood to responsible adulthood. Judaism, both in belief and deed, is guided by mitzvot, those lessons of the ages that give structure, meaning, and purpose to our lives. In our congregation, this important chapter in a child’s life brings the entire family together to celebrate a timehonored tradition and create a memorable Jewish experience

LEOR KELLER

APRIL 6, 2024

Family: Son of Rabbi Rony & Lisa Keller, Brother of Aviv, Grandson of Rachel Keller, Thomas & Agnes Keller, and Richard & Elaine Solomon (z”l).

Hobbies: Basketball, cross-country running, video games, reading, watching Star Wars & Marvel movies, and trivia

School: Donna Klein Jewish Academy

Mitzvah Project: The Keller family's dog, Kylo, was found wandering the streets in Miami in very bad shape including a fractured tail, missing teeth, several infections, and an eye damaged so badly that it was later removed Wonder Paws Rescue nursed him back to health, and they adopted him in December 2020 Instead of a bar mitzvah gift, Leor would be honored if you considered a donation to Wonder Paws Rescue so they can help more animals, like Kylo, find their "furever" homes

BLAIR HALPERIN

APRIL 13, 2024

Family: Daughter of Brooke & Jonathan Halperin, Granddaughter of Michael & Victoria Meisner and James Halperin

Hobbies: Singing, playing guitar, acting/theater, dancing, Broadway shows, shopping, reading, fashion, movies, spending time with family and friends and traveling the world.

School: Saint Andrew’s School

Mitzvah Project: Blair started a business called “Glossip Girl”, where she made lipglosses from scratch, in 4 different scents, hand packaging and selling them for $12 each and donating 100% of proceeds to The American Cancer Society in honor of her father, who was recently diagnosed with lymphoma Blair named this company “Glossip Girl” as her Torah portion, Metzorah, is about gossiping Everything tied in beautifully, and she raised over $2,000 in 2 days, selling out of all products.

GABRIEL JACOB YORMAK

MAY 4, 2024

Family: Son of Steven and Agata Yormak, Brother of Spencer and Emily, Grandson of Barbara Iwanicki, Eleanor (z”l) & Herman (z”l) Yormak and Wiktor Iwanicki (z”l)

Hobbies: Playing trumpet, tennis, cooking, and spending time with friends School: Donna Klein Jewish Academy

Mitzvah Project: Gabriel is visiting the elderly at Sinai Residences, spending time learning about their past and traditions.

MASON MARKOFSKY

MAY 4, 2024

Family: Son of Jarrod & Courtney Markofsky and Brother of Liam and Dylan

Hobbies: Fishing and playing soccer and basketball School: Don Estridge High Tech Middle School

Mitzvah Project: Mason cares about making a difference in the world, which is why he chose to organize a Beach Cleanup Mason spent the day picking up trash on the beach.

JORIE BLAKE ROSEN

MAY 11, 2024

Family: Daughter of Austin & Randi Rosen, Sister of Saige, and Granddaughter of Stuart & Susan Rosenholtz and Dr. Richard & JoAnn Chaset

Hobbies: Jorie is a professional actress, singer and songwriter School: North Broward Preparatory School

Mitzvah Project: Jorie is on a mission to make a difference in the world as she prepares for her Bat Mitzvah. She's chosen the Find Your Voice Foundation as her Tzedakah project, reflecting her commitment to using her voice for good This nonprofit supports arts-focused initiatives that aim to create a more inclusive and empowered community Through her passion for performing, Jorie hopes to give back to an organization that shares her values With her heartfelt request for support, she invites everyone to join her in raising funds for a cause she deeply believes in, offering a special gift as a token of gratitude for contributions.

EVE CHODASH

MAY 18, 2024

Family: Daughter of Kim & Brian Chodash, Sister of Cora, Granddaughter of Larry & Jane Solomon and Ellyn Chodash

Hobbies: Competitive cheerleading at Cheer Florida Allstars, sideline cheerleading for Don Estridge High Tech Middle School’s basketball teams, and student representative for Don Estridge High Tech Middle School PTSA School: Don Estridge High Tech Middle School

Mitzvah Project: Helping with the Hope in Gold event at CBI benefiting pediatric cancer organizations and bringing awareness to the cause.

SARA NAPPI

MAY 25, 2024

Family: Daughter of Joe & Rochelle Nappi, Granddaughter of Arnold & Maxine Cohen and Richard & Jan Nappi

Hobbies: Volleyball, hanging with friends, and traveling School: Addison Mizner School

Mitzvah Project: Sara spent time Gleaning with CROS Ministries, allowing produce to be harvested and distributed to those with food insecurities, rather than plowing it back into the soil.

NATE REINGLASS

JUNE 1, 2024

Family: Son of Jenya & Todd Reinglass, Sister of Noa & Lila, Grandson of Stan & Lydia Sinelnikov and Susan Reinglass

Hobbies: Nate plays competitive travel soccer, also enjoys skiing, basketball and walking his dogs

School: Don Estridge High Tech Middle School

Mitzvah Project: Nate is working with BirdieLight, a physician-led national fentanyl safety education program The fentanyl crisis shows no sign of slowing down, and the fastest rising age demographic is 16-25 BirdieLight's mission is to educate on the dangers of fentanyl and distribute life-saving tools by placing fentanyl test strips in the hands of every high-school and college student in America. Nate is particularly connected to this cause, having lost a family member to a fentanyl death in 2021.

Do you want your child to be featured in an edition of the Shelanu or on Social Media? Click the button below to submit your child’s B’nai Mitzvah information!

August - December B’nai Mitzvah: Submit by July 1, 2024

January - June B’nai Mitzvah: Submit by November 1, 2024

Kadorei Shokolad

DIRECTIONS

Kadorei Shokolad (chocolate balls) is a popular Israeli dessert made from biscuits and chocolate and then rolled into small balls.

INGREDIENTS

8oz Kedem Original Tea Biscuits (2 packages)

6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup cocoa powder

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/3 cup milk, plus more if needed

Chocolate Melting Wafers

Optional Toppings:

sea salt flakes

shredded coconut sprinkles

2.

1 In a large bowl, whisk the crushed tea biscuits, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt together.

Start by grinding up your tea biscuits You can use a food processor, but if you don’t have one, just put them in a zip-loc bag and crush them with a rolling pin. You want really fine crumbs!

4

3. Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a 1-inch ball

5

Add the butter, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir until the batter comes together and easily holds together when formed into a ball If the mixture doesn’t bind, add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time

Place the scoops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 15 minutes to slightly harden

How to Melt Chocolate

1 Microwave for 30 seconds

Place chocolate in a dry, microwave-safe bowl

2 Stir the chocolate with a dry spoon.

3. Continue with 30-second intervals and stirring in between until all of the chips are just about melted and look very glossy. Stop now so the chocolate does not burn!

5

4. Finish by stirring until all pieces have melted

Coating & Toppings

1

Drop your scoops in the chocolate and spoon the chocolate over the top Use a fork to lift the ball out of the chocolate

2

Optional: Once melted chocolate has slightly hardened, lightly press and roll each ball into desired toppings

3

Transfer to a plate or tray, and place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour

4

Once chilled, the Kadorei Shokolad are ready to serve

SUNDAY AT THE BALLPARK

11:30AM: MEET AT CBI TO CARPOOL 1:40PM: GAME TIME with

SUNDAY, MAY 19

Join CBI Brotherhood for an afternoon of Bowling!

$15 for CBI Brotherhood Members

$25 for CBI Members

Pricing includes 2 games and shoes. JUNE 9,

Advanced Registration is Required to Reserve Your Lane Please RSVP by May 29th.

JNF-USA x CBI Volunteer in Israel Missions

JUNE 30 - July 4

Spend 4 meaningful days with us providing hands-on support to our beloved friends from communities across the Israel Envelope and the Galilee. When you help a community move back, watch a child walk into their school, dance with an IDF soldier, see the gratitude in a farmer’s eyes, you will never be the same. You will be part of history.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Work together on farms, picking vegetables and other crops to help prevent a massive shortage in the Israeli market and ensure that no farmer is left alone. Spend time with evacuees and the people who are providing lifesaving efforts to support them.

Rebuild Israel's southern communities affected by October 7, and lend a hand in continuing efforts to create a better future for the land and the people of Israel. Meet with Israelis, soldiers, survivors, and influential figures to hear firsthand about the ongoing situation and personal experiences.

LEARN MORE

CELEBRATING YEARSOFCBI