Congregation B’nai Israel


“Judaism for Today In a Warm and Caring Environment.”

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COVID Statement

If you would like to sell your chametz, please respond to our recent email with the sale form attached. We must have the signed form back by 11:30 AM on Friday March 26, 2021.

All Shabbat and holiday services are held on ZOOM to ensure the safety of our congregants.  If you need a Siddur for Shabbat services please contact the office.  Adult education classes are held on ZOOM.   Select holiday events have been held in the B’nai Israel parking lot.  Rabbi Nebel leads monthly ZOOM dinners and ZOOM holiday events so we can stay connected.  Board meetings and committee meetings are held via ZOOM.  Religious School and Gan Shalom Preschool are closed until further notice.   Special arrangements can be made for children to study with Rabbi Nebel.

Announcements

  • Sale of Chametz
  • Upcoming Women’s Seder

WELCOME TO OUR NEW RABBI

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Rhonda Nebel is thrilled to be the new Rabbi at Congregation B’nai Israel. In her capacity as Rabbi since July 2020, her main challenge is keeping our congregation connected in the face of the current pandemic. Rabbi Nebel formerly presided as Rabbi and Religious School Principal at Temple Beth Chai in Hauppauge, NY for sixteen years. Her husband Robert and their daughter Samara, who lives in New York city, are both delighted to be part of the CBI community.

Rabbi Nebel adapted very well to the transition to online Zoom services. Many people who attended on Zoom had been unable to attend services in person due to illness, disability or advanced age. Therefore, the Zoom method of holding services has proven to be advantageous to many. “We are learning how best to come together for our services and special occasions,” says Rabbi Nebel, who worked with the Ritual Committee on this project. “We are expanding our commitment to reach out to our congregants in a different way during this pandemic,” she explained.

Rabbi Nebel enjoys reaching out to new congregants to get to know them. She is passionate, enthusiastic and committed to strengthening Jewish knowledge, understanding, beliefs and practices within diverse communities.

Now that the Rabbi has acclimated herself to B’nai Israel, many activities are underway. For example, adult education classes are being held on Zoom. (See details above and watch for emails.) Also Rabbi Nebel holds monthly Zoom dinners. "We invite you to join us as we navigate the new normal of Jewish life in Danbury,” says Rabbi Nebel. “We are determined to plan interesting events that will ensure the safety of our congregants.” See details on upcoming events and celebrations in membership emails, our Kayruv newsletter, our Facebook page, and this website.

Rabbi Nebel has many years of leadership experience as head Rabbi and leader of religious and public education programs. Besides performing traditional rabbinic roles, Rabbi Nebel has developed and coordinated outreach programs to recruit new members and foster relationships within the surrounding secular and religious communities.

Besides her position as Rabbi at Temple Beth Chai, Rabbi Nebel served as Education and Youth Director at Congregation Beth El in New London for ten years. She fostered inclusion for inter-faith families and initiated programming to encourage participation from children, teens and seniors. Rabbi Nebel brings compassion to her work with children, whether teaching and coordinating Religious School or preparing students for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

Rabbi Nebel welcomes communication with congregants. She also welcomes ideas for Zoom events. Those who wish to speak with Rabbi Nebel can contact her through the CBI office at (203) 792-6161 and leave a message, or send an email to cbicbi193clap@gmail.com. She is available every day except Wednesday and Saturday.

Who We Are

kids-star At CBI…
-We believe in transforming ourselves for the better through Judaism.
-We believe in transforming the world for the better through Judaism. [Continue Reading]

Gan Shalom Preschool Program

Click to register for this year's Women's Seder, sponsored by the Federation and featuring our own Rabbi Nebel! ... [Continue Reading]

We are here for you!

If you or anyone you know is ill or in need of support, please call our Bikur Cholim (Caring) Committee at 203-792-6161.

Adult Education

This fall explore the texts, traditions, people and beliefs that define Judaism and perhaps find your own Jewish identity in the process. Rabbi Rhonda Nebel, our new Rabbi, is proudly leading CBI’s Adult Education program. The topics will be interesting and diverse and discussion is encouraged. Join us for Adult Ed classes Mondays at 10:30 A.M. and 6:30 P.M. We are currently studying Pirke Avot. The ethical teachings of our Sages, Pirke Avot is a powerful section that provides universal guidance for all humankind. You may use Lev Shalem p. 235ff, Sim Shalom p. 602ff, or any siddur you have. Rabbi Nebel also sends out the texts and materials via email attachments on the Thursday prior to class on Monday.Each class is an individual unit so you can come to as many as you like. The Zoom link is the same link used for Shabbat services.The fall class will meet Mondays at 10:30 A.M. and 6:30 P.M on Zoom on November 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th*; and December 7th, 14th and 21st. The Winter schedule will be announced by email. *There will be no Adult Ed class on 11/30. Class will resume on 12/7. All are welcome!  No prior attendance or future commitment required.Come check us out Mondays at 10:30 A.M. or 6:30 P.M. You can even flip flop your times each week. ... [Continue Reading]

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Upcoming

March 13-Zoom Guest Speaker Dr. Roy Mittleman on Moroccan Jewry (after Torah study in Shabbat services 9:30am)
March 14-Zoom PJ Library event: Pre-Passover Pajama Party 6pm. Must RSVP. See flyer
March 16-Zoom Dinner with the Rabbi-Passover Potluck: Bring your favorite Passover recipes 6pm
March 18-Zoom Women’s Seder sponsored by Federation, led by Rabbi Nebel 7pm. Must RSVP. See flyer.
March 26-Deadline for Chamaytz Sale 11:50am (remember it is Pesachdic foods for Shabbat this year)
March 27 Zoom Shabbat Services 9:30am
                First Seder at night
March 28-Zoom Passover Services 9:30am
                Second Seder at night
March 29-Zoom Passover Services 9:30am

RSS Shabbat Times

  • Havdalah (50 min): 6:49pm
    Saturday, March 13, 2021
  • Shabbat HaChodesh
    Saturday, March 13, 2021
  • Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei
    Saturday, March 13, 2021
  • Candle lighting: 5:39pm
    Friday, March 12, 2021

Join our Congregation

We offer many membership opportunities for families, seniors/retirees, students and associate membership for people who want to support our synagogue ... [Continue Reading]

Congregation B’nai Israel
193 Clapboard Ridge Road
Danbury, CT 06811
(203) 792-6161
cbi193clap@gmail.com
Proud member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

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