Since 1922, Congregation B’nai Israel (CBI) located in Monmouth County, has served as a religious, cultural and educational synagogue for Jewish residents of the greater Red Bank area. Multi-generational and egalitarian, CBI is a place for prayer, spirituality, shared observance, Judaic learning and social mingling...a place to honor life-cycle events and celebrate Jewish holidays. A member of the conservative movement, CBI is dedicated to guiding our children and ourselves to appreciate the values, customs and history of our Jewish heritage, to live a life of mitzvot, to support Israel and to transmit the love of Judaism and pride in our Jewish identity to succeeding generations. This short documentary film is a further overview of our first 100 years, go to https://www.destinationspast.com. - L'Dor Va'Dor.

 

Tu bishvat (the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shvat)  begins Sunday eve the 5th of February

Tu bishvat is mentioned in the Mishnah, the ancient Jewish book of law and custom that dates back two thousand years. In the Mishnah, the 15th day of the month of Shvat is described as the day upon which “trees are judged”.  In reality, Tu bishvat was the agreed upon date by which the age of trees were determined, critical for observing the rule that only the fruit of trees three years old and older could be eaten,

In the kabbalah, the Jewish mystical tradition, Tu bishvat took upon itself a new significance. The fruit of trees was seen as symbolic of the hard shells that cover the spirit of G-d within every creature.  Eating fruits of trees symbolizes “peeling” away the cover that prohibits us from feeling G-d’s presence in our lives.  By eating fruits on Tu bishvat, we re-commit ourselves to finding the spark of the divine in each one of us, and in one another.

The mystical interpretation of Tu Bishvat reminds us that there is a spark of G-d in everyone, and when we encounter another human being, we should strive to “peel back” the hard shell which prevents us from seeing one another as G-d’s children, and treating one another accordingly.

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Tu Bishvat

Rabbi Doug Sagal

2022/5783 Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Services and Sermons

We thank all our CBI members and guests for joining us in-person and on live-stream during High Holy Day services this year. 

To see our services and hear the Rabbi's sermons, please follow the links below:

Rosh Hashanah Services and Sermons

• Erev Rosh Hashanah Service - Sunday, 9/25  https://vimeo.com/754491158
• Erev Rosh Hashanah Sermon - Sunday, 9/25  https://vimeo.com/754493262
• Rosh Hashanah Day 1 Service Monday, 9/26 9/26 https://vimeo.com/754080263
• Rosh Hashanah Day 1 Sermon Monday 9/26  https://vimeo.com/754497363
• Rosh Hashanah Day 1 Family Service  https://vimeo.com/753384565
• Rosh Hashanah Day 2 Service  Tuesday 9/27  https://vimeo.com/753950140
• Rosh Hashanah Day 2 Sermon - 9/27 https://vimeo.com/754509523

 Yom Kippur Services and Sermons

CBI Rumson

2022/5783 Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur Recorded Services and Sermons

• Erev Yom Kippur/Kol Nidre - October 4 https://vimeo.com/755273685
• Sermon - Kol Nidre https://vimeo.com/757706470
• Yom Kippur/ Wed, October 5 - Sanctuary Service https://vimeo.com/757165327  

• Sermon - Yom Kippur - Wednesday, October 5 https://vimeo.com/757674913

• Yom Kippur Family Service - Wednesday, October 5 https://vimeo.com/755284069
• Yom Kippur - Mincha and Neilah and Shofar Blowing https://vimeo.com/755285023