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Outreach: A Welcome TO INTERFAITH FAMILIES
and THose New to Judaism

Quick Links:
My Interfaith Journey: A Nice Lutheran Girl Raises Jewish Children
When You've Chosen Judaism, but Your Family Hasn't

Our Year of Outreach Programming
Contact Us for More Info
Read CBI Member Jewish Journey Stories
Outreach Web Page Wins A Second Belin Award
Outreach Web Links


Are You Curious
About Judiasm,
Considering Judaism,
Returning to Judaism,
Converting to Judaism,
Raising Jewish Children?


We'd like to welcome you! Please join us for our classes, discussion groups and programs. Our programming year runs from September through June and our programs and events are designed to give you an oppportunity to question and explore Judaism in a variety of ways. Our Outreach Committee members all know what it's like to be new to Judaism. We think you'll enjoy reading our Jewish Journey stories and look forward to hearing yours!

Thursdays, October 25-November 15 at 7:30 p.m.
TImes & Seasons: Interfaith Couples Discussions

Times and Seasons    
Interfaith couples joined in a supportive and inclusive environment to share the expectations and challenges they face in interfaith families. They explored questions about individual religious identity and that of their spouses, children and extended families. This group discussion was facilitated by Russ Gold, Ph.D. and Susan Sincoff, L.C.S.W.
Wednesday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m.
27th Annual Thanksgiving Eve Interfaith Service with
First United Methodist Church

Rabbi Berk Small
    
Rabbi Berk
For 27 years we have joined with First United Methodist Church (FUMC) in Mission Valley for an inspiring evening of interfaith worship and song, followed by a reception. CBI and FUMC sponsored a food collection for Mama's Kitchen and bins were available for donated items. The service alternates between CBI and FUMC each year and this year's service was held at FUMC with Rabbi Berk giving the sermon. The service was very well attended and Rabbi Berk's sermon was moving and meaningful to all.
Tuesday, January 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Synagogue Geography

Rabbi Michael Berk led participants on a facinating tour of CBI that began outside at the base of the grand staircase and worked it's way through the Sanctuary up to the bimah (altar). The behind-the-scenes tour included ritual items, the architecture of CBI and it's rich history. Afterwards everyone enjoyed refreshments as they connected with other interfaith families and individuals exploring Judaism and got to know Rabbi Berk.
Friday, February 15 at 7:30 p.m.
February Shabbat Kaleidoscope:
Annual Interfaith Dialogue and Kabbalat Shabbat Service

Interfaith Dialogue    
Our monthly Shabbat Kaleidoscope program is always a unique and memorable experience. This year's interfaith dialogue was both provacative and inspirational as Rabbi Berk and Monsignor Dennis Mikulanis offered insights into their respective religion's point of view on the topic "If God is Good, Why Do We Suffer?" The discussion followed an abbreviated Kabbalat Shabbat service and a Q&A moderated by our own Irv Kass followed the discussion. Co-sponsored by ALEINU.
Tuesday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Celebrating Passover: One Step at a Time

Passover Primer and Practice    
Director of Education Dr. Harvey Raben and Director of Education Emeritus Helene Schlafman help you prepare for Passover and de-mystify the Seder experience as they take you through a sample Seder. You'll experience the various rituals and traditions, sample traditional foods and take with you a guide, recipes and songs to use at home. You'll be more confident in your knowledge and able to design and lead your own Seder. There is no fee, but please RSVP for planning purposes to Program Director Bonnie Graff at 858-535-1111, ext. 3800. Open to all. All are welcome, including Basic Judaism students who will be attending as this class replaces the Basic Judaism class that would have taken place this evening.
Friday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Outreach and Basic Judaism Shabbat Dinner and Service

Outreach and Basic Judaism Shabbat    
This moving Shabbat service, accompanied by the CBI Adult Choir honored our interfaith families, Jews-by-choice and non-Jewish members who embrace Jewish traditions and often play a key role in raising Jewish children. Members of our community shared their personal storeis in sermonettes. The preceding dinner offered a great opportunity to get to know others who are new to Judaism and/or expanding their knowledge.
Various Times During the Year
Conversion Mentoring

Conversion Mentoring    
A helping hand on the road to becoming Jewish, Outreach Conversion Mentors are a friendly resource for those already working with our clergy toward conversion. They are specially trained volunteers, many of whom have been down the same path. For information. contact Rabbi Michael Berk at 858-535-1111, ext. 3110. There is no fee.
Various Sundays All Year at 10:00 a.m.
My Family and Me

My Family and Me    
This program, designed for families with chidren ages 6 months to 4 years, explores individual Jewish holidays thorugh theme-related songs, art and cooking. For information, contact 858-535-1144. There is no fee. The 2007-08 schedule included:

September 23: Sukkot March 9: Purim
October 28: Shabbat April 13: Passover
December 2: Chanukah May 4: Yom Ha'Atzmaut
February 10: Tu B'Shevat  


RSVP for an Outreach Event or Contact Us for More Information
The Outreach Co-Chairs are Karen Shein Christiansen and Elizabeth Cooper-Schultz. We're currently working on our fall 2008 programming. Check this Web site and the Tidings newsletter for information, or contact CBI Program Director Bonnie Graff at 858-535-1111 ext. 3800.