Congregation Beth Israel (CBI)

05/29/2026

We hope you will join us TONIGHT at 6:15 pm for a special "welcoming the stranger" Shabbat led by Cantor Sharon McCord. The is service centered around the key Jewish value of welcoming the stranger and showing compassion, kindness and generosity to our immigrant neighbors. At this service, we will hear from CBI member Amy Leider, who will share insights into her work and experience supporting a new refugee family that has just come to our area, and the very real and increasing challenges they face.

On Saturday at 10:00 am we hope you will join our traditional egalitarian service which will also be available on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/live/IXFs6FgXKEY?feature=share

05/22/2026

One day of rest, and three services! We hope you will join us tonight at 6:15 pm as we celebrate the many contributions of the Eitelberg family to the Jewish community of Charlottesville. On Saturday morning you are invited to either join our traditional egalitarian service or the Bat Mitzvah of Leni Smith - both at 10:00 am.

Eitelberg Kabbalat Shabbat on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/live/ubQDmeQ9udA?feature=share

Bat Mitzvah of Leni Smith on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/live/3rc-qio_FT0?feature=share

05/21/2026

CBI has had a big, joyful year - but don't just take our word for it; we have proof:

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/15/2026

Almost there, almost Shabbat! It's going to be gorgeous weekend, so start it off right and join us TONIGHT AT 6:15 PM for Rabbi Tom's Contemplative Shabbat ( on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/qGCZO6Wr31Q?feature=share ) and TOMORROW MORNING AT 10:00 AM for our traditional egalitarian service.

05/08/2026

As a beautiful spring week comes to a close, we'd love to have you to welcome Shabbat! TONIGHT you're invited to join our Graduation Shabbat in the park (more details and sign-up form can be found in this week's newsletter), and tomorrow morning at 10:00 am we hope you'll join us for the Bar Mitzvah of Avi Bolton

(On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/7nD8pe4IkZY )

05/01/2026

Shabbat is a delight - and we'd be delighted to have you:

Friday, May 1, 6:15 pm
Musical Kabbalat Shabbat
Service Leader: Cantor Sharon McCord
On YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/euvGlmnuryk?feature=share

If song gives prayer wings, imagine the power of prayer set to beautiful harmonies resonating in CBI's main sanctuary. For this service Cantor Sharon will be joined by the voices of Chutzpah and HarmoniYah, singers from the CBI community who transform prayer with fresh harmonies to new and old melodies.

Please come fill the sanctuary with transformative song. A festive Oneg will follow the service with plenty of sweet and savory delights!

Saturday, May 2, 9:00 am
Shiru Shabbat

Join our Shiru Shabbat Band for a fun, musical service geared toward families with children of all ages. This brief and joyful service has lots of singing, stories, and a little bit of learning!

Saturday, May 2, 10:00 am
Traditional Egalitarian (lay-led)

04/26/2026

This coming Shabbat, May 1 help us fill the sanctuary with joyful harmonies. Instruments welcome and there will be a festive oneg (food, yay!) 6:15 pm at CBI !

04/24/2026

Tick tock - (almost) Shabbat o' clock! We'd love to see you at the following services:

Friday, April 24, 6:15 pm

Kabbalat Shabbat (In-person & On YouTube)
Service Leader: Rabbi Ezra Leventhal
On YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/JbH1ZR--FjU?feature=share

Saturday, April 25, 10:00 am
Mishkan Tefilah - Bar Mitzvah Of Nathan Wasikowski
Service Leaders: Rabbi Tom Gutherz & Rabbi Ezra Leventhal
On YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/0FUk5-cZVHY?feature=share

Saturday, April 25, 10:00 am
Traditional Egalitarian (lay-led)

04/24/2026

Latkes & Ketchup IS BACK!

On YouTube: https://youtu.be/zuecrcrDS8U
On Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/hfua5kzd

We're excited to be back with a new episode of Latkes & Ketchup! Join our power panel of Rabbi Ezra and special guests Rabbi Tom and (future CBI Rabbi) David Elitzer as they dive deeper into an experience that not too many people get to have - rabbinic ordination. What advice do Rabbi Ezra and Rabbi Tom have for David whose ordination is taking place in early May, and what does the Talmud have to say? Tune in to find out!

04/22/2026

What a lovely weekend we had welcoming future CBI Assistant Rabbi David Elitzer back to Charlottesville as a scholar-in-residence - thank you to everyone who came, joined the fun and took time to meet David!