February 2004

Tu Bishvat

The Jewish Sweethearts day may fall in the summer, but this month still seemed like a good time to take out some of those Love Letters to CBI that I asked congregants to write on my first day at the synagogue (remember Tu B 'Av?) We collected pictures drawn by children, and letters from adults of all ages including a wonderful letter from an 80-years young member (see below). Here is just a sample of what members wrote about CBI last summer (we put them out in the CBI lobby this month):

"I love Congregation Beth Israel: yummy potlucks, beautiful gardens, great people, fun times,
community, newsletter, holidays, Purim carnivals, Sukkot Celebrations, Chanukah parties."

"Having an extended family when you don't have family nearby, seeing the lively children".

"I love all the people here at CBI. They are warm and loving and after many years here they
have become my family".

"I have never had so many loving and caring people in all my 80 years. It a pleasure to go to
temple every Friday evening and be with all of them and mingle. Being hugged and kissed makes my day and lifts my spirits so that the weeks fly by and loneliness and unhappiness disappear".

"Jews have been in Butte County since the Gold Rush and CBI represents to me in a physical
way that historical context".

"I love our shul because here I can continue the joyous work of carrying on, passing on . . .
our heritage, wisdom and our life as Jews. Here I do not have to explain myself; I am embraced supported, hocked, nudged and held accountable . . . I love to sing, to raise up our prayers, to see our babies become young men and women. I love to learn and be nourished by Torah".

"I have made many wonderful lifetime friends. I have been mentally stimulated and challenged".

"My 14 year-old daughter connects with other Jewish kids in Chico. I feel great, spiritually
connected with CBI".

"I have appreciated the congregation . . . for many reasons, mainly the accepting community for my family, a place to celebrate holidays, and a place of extended family".

Now that I've been here half a year, it's time to say a few words back. I love this congregation, too! CBI is a warm and welcoming community. I love the enthusiasm, the volunteer energy and spirit, the intellectual atmosphere and true love of learning, the commitment to tikkun 'olam (repairing the world), the openness to new ideas and experiences.
Since we celebrate Tu B'shvat (the new year of trees) this month, let me use a tree metaphor: The roots of this congregation date back over a century, but its branches extend far into the future. I see it growing, flowering and bearing fruit in delightful and nourishing ways. Although there is always room to improve and new things to try, let us not forget from time to time to reflect on why we love our community.

Happy Tu Bishvat,

Rabbi Julie Hilton Danan