About Us
Worship
At Congregation Beth Israel, our services are song-filled, intimate and lively, innovative and authentic. People who are familiar with Reform Judaism will recognize the warmth and joyfulness of our participatory services. Those familiar with more traditional styles will feel at home with our respect for the beauty of the Hebrew language and the ancient structure of Jewish worship.
Learning
Congregation Beth Israel is a learning community where we delve deeply into our tradition. We offer a full program of learning opportunities for members of all ages, from our preschool Aleph Garten Hebrew class to the diverse courses in our adult education program. Please join us! Read more about our Education Programs.
Families
Congregation Beth Israel is a family made up of many families. We know that families come in all different shapes and sizes. We are a community that includes young families and old, teens and empty-nesters. We welcome all, Jewish families and interfaith families, gay and straight, singles and non-traditional families. As in any healthy family, at CBI all are accepted and valued just as they are. Read more about our Outreach policies
History
Congregation Beth Israel was founded in 1893. Over the decades we have gone through many changes to become the congregation we are today. Our community is forward-looking and embraces innovations, yet we are also proud of our past. Read more about our congregation's History.
Mission
Congregation Beth Israel adopted this statement of our mission in 2005. It guides or community in making decisions about our programing and policies:
The mission of Congregation Beth Israel is to build a strong, unified Jewish community in order to ensure the well-being and continuity of the Jewish people in Northern Berkshire and its environs. We welcome people of all backgrounds and circumstances to join us to worship, study, and socialize in the spirit of Reform Judaism.
We strive to:
* Share and support one another in life's joys and sorrows
* Create an environment of acceptance and trust among all our congregants
* Value the dignity of all people
* Promote Jewish ethical values and the life of Torah
* Provide Jewish education for children and adults
* Seek meaning and divinity in our lives
* Take action to redress poverty, injustice, and other social ills
* Advocate for the welfare of Jewish communities beyond our own, especially in the Land of Israel
CBI on the web
Congregation Beth Israel is a supporting member of:
633 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017-6778
(212)650.4000
Northern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce
57 Main Street
North Adams, MA 01247
(413)663-3735
Berkshire Food Pantry
Northern Berkshire Community Action
85 Main Street, Suite 410
North Adams, MA 01247
(413)663-8279
Dara Kaufman, Executive Director
196 South Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413)442-4360
