Summertime, and the living is easy…it’s a quiet and restful time in Chico, and our Shabbat schedule slows down and becomes more flexible while the Rabbi is on summer break. Starting the weekend of June 25, our Ritual Committee (chaired by Keren Carter) has planned one fun and relaxing Shabbat event per weekend, except for Independence Day weekend. Events include: a Shabbat potluck at Loretta Steinke’s home on Friday, June 25 at 6:30 pm, a potluck Shabbat breakfast and Torah discussion at the Carter home on Saturday, July 10 at 10 a.m., and a Meditation Service led by Keren Carter at CBI on Friday, July 16 at 7:30 pm.

There are no Jewish holidays during the summer, but we do observe Tisha B’Av, the fast commemorating the destruction of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. To mark that occasion, Keren Carter will lead a study of the book of Lamentations at her home at 5:00 p.m. on July 19, the eve of the fast day. Shabbat Nahamu, the “Sabbath of Comfort” after Tisha B’Av, brings a Torah service at CBI on July 24 at 10:00 a.m.. It will be led by Keren Carter with Steve Margolin chanting Torah. A potluck Kiddush will follow. We’ll finish the summer schedule with a “splash” on Friday, July 30 at 6:30, with a potluck Shabbat dinner and pool party at the Edelmans. Bring your suits and towels as well as a meatless dish to share!

Rabbi Danan returns to lead Saturday morning services on Shabbat 7th  and 14th at 10:00 a.m. Our full, twice-a-week Shabbat schedule resumes with “Back to Shul and School Night,” on Friday, September 27 (moved back a week from Sept. 20, since that weekend is now the Religious School Shabbaton). Rabbi Danan will be out of the office from June 23 to August 3. Administrative Assistant Liz Bohn will be in the office on Monday, Tuesday and Friday afternoons from 1:00-5:00p.m.

For more details on the summer schedule, click on the “Newsletter” tab on this website, and you will be able to view the CBI June/July Newsletter.

Tuesday, May 18 is our Family Shavuot Celebration, the holiday of the giving of the Torah. Kids come at 3:30pm and have a hands-on education program to prepare for Shavuot. Everyone else joins us at 5:30pm for a Potluck holiday dinner and celebration. Traditional holiday foods include dairy delights (blintzes, quiche, kugel, cheesecake) and fruit The program will be short and sweet, including songs, “first fruit” baskets, and a presentation of the Bet Class Model Torah.

Friday, May 21 is our Confirmation Service at 7:30pm. Five of our teens will give speeches about their Jewish identities and beliefs, as the culmination of a three year post-B’nai Mitzvah educational program. The Confirmation families will host a festive dessert Oneg Shabbat. See our gallery in the lobby for a record of Confirmation from year to year.

Sunday, April 25 is our annual Haverot* Sisterhood Bagel Brunch at CBI, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The entire community is invited to a fabulous feast of Jewish soul food (bagels, lox, cream cheese, herring, homebaked sweets, great coffee and much more). Tickets are $18 for adults and $7 for children, and can be purchased from any Sisterhood member or at the door. Proceeds benefit the community through Sisterhood donations and projects. Don’t miss a lovely morning of yummy food, delightful ambiance, and great company at CBI.

(*Haverot is the Hebrew word for female friends.)

Sunday, May 2 CBI has chartered a bus to the “Jewish Heritage Festival” in Sacramento. Join us at 11 am for an easy ride to the capital and be part of a giant celebration of Jewish culture, with live music, Israeli dance performers, entertainment, cultural exhibits, ride and activities for kids and teens. The headline performer is celebrated Jewish Reggae performer Matisyahu. Bus cost is $5 per person, maximum of $15 per family (Festival admission is free, but bring cash for food and purchases). Advance bus reservations are required on a first-come, first served basis. Pick up a form in the lobby or newsletter and bring it to the office with your check to hold your place.

“The Forgotten Refugees,” a film about the Jewish communities of the Middle East and their journeys to Israel, will be shown at CBI on Monday, April 19, 7:00pm, moderated by Prof. Raphael Israeli from Hebrew University (visiting professor at Chico State). A native of Morocco, Dr. Israeli was interviewed in the film and acted as a consultant on the project. The film explores the 2,500 history of Middle Eastern and North African Jewish communities, and their fate during the 20th century. Free program, light refreshments served.

Sunday, April 11, 7 pm at CBI, we will hold our annual Yom Hashoah service to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust. This year’s theme is “The Rescuers.” Bert Schapelhouman of Magalia, who saved Jews during the Holocaust, will be recognized and honored with a reception after the service. A number of local dignitaries will be present, and the entire community is invited.

The Jewish Teens of Chico (JTC) will hold a large Rummage Sale at the synagogue, 14th Street and Hemock, from 8 am to 1 pm on Sunday, April 11. Proceeds benefit the teen service trip to Belize in June.

CBI has a community Passover Seder on Tuesday, March 30, at 6:00p.m. The food is delicious, the company is great, and our Seder service is joyful, festive, and fun for all ages. All the pertinent information is found in our newsletter (click the the Newsletter tab on this website to download a newsletter in PDF form). The newsletter also contains a reservation coupon that must be filled out and returned to the CBI office by March 24, along with your check, to hold your places at the Seder. Or just call the CBI office, 342-6146 and request a newsletter from Liz, our administrative assistant. Hope to see you there!