Welcome to Congregation Beth Israel

We are an inclusive Jewish community in the Merrimack Valley that offers an atmosphere of warmth and friendship to all. We cherish and uphold the traditions that give meaning and beauty to our present-day Jewish lives.

At Congregation Beth Israel, our members are engaged in all facets of synagogue life – ritual and prayer, social action (tikkun olam), education and learning, and social connection.

We embrace a membership that is varied and diverse. One of our most fervent commitments is to each other, both in times of joy and in times of grief. We believe that everyone in our synagogue community has something precious to offer and hope you will find your Jewish spiritual home with us.

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A Special Torah

CBI has the honor of owning a Torah scroll from the Czech Republic that was looted by the Nazis during 1939 – 1945. It and 1563 other Torahs were reclaimed by Holocaust survivors after the war and stored in a synagogue in Prague. Eventually, in 1964, these Torahs were moved to a synagogue in London. Our Torah (#464 of the group) was purchased by the Mizner family and generously donated to Temple Beth El in Lowell in memory of their parents.

In early 2024, the 60th anniversary of these Torahs’ journey to London was observed. Our Czech Torah has witnessed both the most ordinary and the most extraordinary events in history, both good and bad. This year, during our Yom Kippur Martyrology service, we took our special Torah out of it’s display case and gave the congregation an opportunity to view it up close. It was a poignant opportunity to reach into the past while praying for our future.

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On Thursday evening, January 9, 2025, from  7:00 to 8:00 pm, our congregant Jill Schoenberg will be giving a lecture at the Buttonwoods Museum at 240 Water Street,  Haverhill, MA. The topic will be ‘The Jewish Experience in Haverhill’.  This event is free and open to the public. 

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Join us on Sunday morning January 12, 2025,  for a Brunch and Olive Oil Tasting in our social hall while we listen to a presentation on Zoom from the olive oil producers in Israel. 

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SHABBAT on the Road will take place on Friday evening, January 31, 2025 at the home of Sarah Blumenstock and Kris Girrell.

A potluck (dairy or pareve) dinner will begin at 6:30, services at 7:30, please RSVP to Janet at 978-474-0450 or Office@BethIsraelMV.org to let her know what you will bring.

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On Thursday night, January 23, 2025, CBI will join the Lappin foundation in supporting a presentation in commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.  Dr. Hans Fisher, an escapee of the Holocaust and a passenger on the steamship the St. Louis in 1939, will give a testimony on Zoom. Everyone is welcome, but registration is required.

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The Book Club team identified four books for us to read and discuss in the 2024-2025 season. The second book discussion will be held on Sunday morning Feb 2, 2025 at 10:30 am. It will be a hybrid discussion of the book ‘Waking Lions’ by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen. In house participants will enjoy a brunch to accompany the book discussion, but the discussion will be available on Zoom as well.

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On Sunday morning, March 2, 2025, at 10:00 am, we will have a brunh and listen to a presentation by our spiritual leader, Rabbi Howard Mandell, on the topic of anti-semitism. The title is ‘No ifs, ands, or buts, Antisemitism always has been and remains indefensible.’  Brunch will be served. Everyone is welcome, but registration is required.

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Updated CBI Health and Safety Protocols

• No person should attend an in-person event if feeling ill.  Remember this can mean a sore throat or stuffed nose.
• All in-person attendees must be vaccinated , and boosters are highly recommended.
• Masking is recommended and may sometimes be mandated if a large group is present.
• Food will be served in a common room and each participant can decide if they care to partake.
• Ventilation will be maintained with open windows.
• Individuals should maintain a distance between each other during most of the participation.
• A roster of attendees will be maintained in the Sanctuary in case contact tracing is indicated.
• All events, when possible, should be offered in a hybrid model; exceptions may be a hike or other outdoor events. Some events may be better presented as only virtual.