CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL OF SAN DIEGO
ALWAYS OPEN AT WWW.CBISD.ORG
LET'S SING A NEW SONG
CBI'S NEW WORSHIP SCHEDULE DEBUTS IN JUNE
By Rabbi Michael Berk
In a moment of religious fervor, the biblical poet gave us these words: “Shiru La’adonai shir chadash.” “Sing to God a new song.”
What does it mean
to sing a new song to God? I think it can mean many things. But
since we are heirs to a tradition which has handed down ancient prayers to us, one of the most important things it means to me is to find a way to infuse your worship, even when praying ancient words, with new meaning, new intention, new feelings, new vigor, new insight. It is to remain fresh and really alive in your worship of the God who gave you the breath with which to pray.
As a synagogue we are, or we ought to be,
constantly seeking ways of singing new songs; of refreshing our worship so that it continues to, or for some of us, begins to, draw us into prayer that is meaningful and inspiring; that is compelling, uplifting, and moving.
The goal of drawing you into worship that
can transform your life is something Cantor Bernstein, Rabbi Satz, and I always have before us. It is a passion of ours. It led us to discussions with many members and leaders of our
congregation that have culminated in our new worship schedule which we announced in the April issue of Tidings. The new schedule will begin in June (see page 3).
Change is not always something that is easy.
I hope you will approach our new worship schedule with an open heart and an open mind. By moving our services to 6:15 p.m. (with the exception of the first Friday of the month) we will experience assessable, participatory services with inspiring music along with a D’var Torah, a word of Torah from either Rabbi Satz or me. When we have Shabbat dinners, they will now follow our service and enable us to enjoy a meal together that is not rushed and gives us the chance to relax and enjoy the magic and rest of Shabbat together.
Shiru La’adonai shir chadash… Let’s see if
we can make our songs to God even more beautiful by coming together and really creating a spirited, enthusiastic congregation at prayer. If you are a regular service attendee I know you will find all that you love at these services. And if you haven’t been a regular at Friday night, try this new format – you may find there is a song to God in you that’s waiting to get out.
OUR MISSION:
Congregation Beth Israel, the historic center of Jewish life in San Diego, is an inclusive Reform congregation that offers a warm welcome and a nurturing home to all who seek a meaningful and enduring connection to Judaism.
INSIDE:
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
page 2
LIGHT THE WAY ANNUAL FUND APPEAL
page 3
NEW WORSHIP SERVICES
pages 1, 3
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
page 5
PROGRAMS
page 6-9
EDUCATION AND YOUTH
page 10-12
GOLF TOURNAMENT
back cover
Summer outdoor services at CBI will begin June 18. See article on page 3 for more information.
MAY 2009
IYAR/SIVAN 5770
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14