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Outreach: Welcome TO INTERFAITH FAMILIES
and THose New to Judaism

CBI actively welcomes interfaith families and those exploring Judaism.
Our Outreach Committee members 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. We invite you to j
oin us for our award-winning programs. Most are free and do not require CBI membership. Questions? Contact Outreach chair Netanya Dayzie, or , or call 858 535-1111, ext 3800.

2009 - 2010 Schedule of Outreach Programs
Prospective and New Member Shabbabeque
Friday, August 28 at 5:30 p.m.

All members, new members, prospective members, friends and neighbors are invited to be our guests for an informal outdoor Shabbat service followed by an old-fashioned barbeque (food provided by CBI) at 6:30 p.m. RSVP online or to 858-535-1111, ext. 3500.
High Holy Days: Prepare to be Awed
Tuesday, September 9 at 7:00 p.m.

A class designed to encourage both High Holy Days first-timers and veterans to fully appreciate this incredible season of reflection and renewal. Topics include seasonal customs and rituals, the spiritual messages of the High Holy Days and creative ways to maximize their potential in your life. There is no fee. RSVP onine for planning purposes.
Beginning Hebrew: Jewish Wisdom and the Aleph Bet
Most Sundays, September 13 - April 25, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

An introduction to Hebrew and much more. You'll learn the Hebrew letters, gradually evolving into words used in blessings and prayers. You'll also get a taste of Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), Gematria (Hebrew numerology), Jewish history, rituals, liturgy, and more – all in an informal and engaging setting with popular teacher, Dr. Al Ray. Members: $60, Non-members: $90. RSVP and pay online.
Jumpstart Hebrew
Sundays, October 11 & 18, 9:00 - 12:00 p.m.

Interested in learning basic Hebrew in just two mornings? Cantor Arlene Bernstein will utilize the whole word language method to make learning to read Hebrew fast and fun. This is a great way to prepare for this year's Adult B'nai Mitzvah program (see October 29).
$30 per member; $40 per nonmember. 50% off for Adult B'nai Mitzvah
and Basic Judaism students. RSVP online for planning purposes. RSVP and pay online.
Basic Judaism
Every Tuesday, October 20 - March 16, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Appropriate for newcomers or as a refresher, this course is designed for adults who wish to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Judaism, its fundamental concepts and practices and learn how to participate in worship and ritual life. Taught by Rabbi Lenore Bohm and CBI clergy, this course is a prerequisite for conversion candidates and couples planning an interfaith marriage.

$200 per member; $250 per nonmember; $225 per member couple; $275 per nonmember couple. Couples register together and share a set of books. Fee includes Shabbat Dinner, Friday, March 26. RSVP to , or call to RSVP and for more information at 858-535-1111, ext. 3110.

For Basic Judaism Students:
In preparation for the High Holy Days, we encourage participation in “The High Holy Days: Prepare to Be Awed” (see September 9). 

Complementary High Holy Days tickets will be available to those registering for Basic Judaism before September 14.

Basic Judaism students who wish to enroll in Jumpstart Hebrew (see Oct. 11 and 18) are entitled to a 50 percent discount off the Jumpstart Hebrew fee. 


Adult B'nai Mitzvah
Thursdays, October 29 - May 6
at 6:30 p.m. (7:00 p.m. Feb. - May)

If you are a CBI member who missed celebrating your Bar or Bat Mitzvah as a teen, this class is for you. This inspirational and supportive program will culminate in a beautiful adult group B’nai Mitzvah service Saturday, May 15 at 4:00 p.m.
• Weekly instruction in Hebrew in preparation for the service, taught by Helene Schlafman, CBI's Director of Education Emerita
• Cantillation lessons and prayer study with Cantor Arlene Bernstein
• Weekly meetings with Senior Rabbi Michael Berk to prepare for the service
• Adult B’nai Mitzvah Shabbat service and dinner for celebrant and guest on Saturday, May 15, 2010

Fee: $200 (CBI members only). Those with no previous Hebrew are required to take JumpStart Hebrew (see above) and will receive a 50 percent discount off the JumpStart cost. RSVP and pay online.
The Shabbat Service: A Primer
Sunday, November 1 at 10:00 a.m..

Our clergy will take us through the basics of the Erev Shabbat, or Friday evening, service. We’ll learn the order of the service; the major parts; why we stand, sit, or bow at certain points of the service; and much more. Participants will come away from this one-session class feeling more confident about attending and participating in Shabbat worship at CBI. There is no fee. RSVP online for planning purposes.
Shared Roots: Interfaith Grandparenting
Sunday, November 15 at 10:00 a.m.

Are you a Jewish grandparent with interfaith grandchildren? This workshop will help you nurture your relationships with your adult children and your grandchildren. Discover how to balance sharing your heritage with being respectful of the choices of your interfaith family. RSVP online for planning purposes.
Light Up Your Chanukah
Tuesday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m.

Experience Chanukah, one of the most joyful celebrations of Judaism, in this fun-filled, hands-on workshop. You'll learn how to cook traditional foods, make your own menorah and learn about Chanukah rituals and history. Taught by Director of Education Emeritus Helene Schlafman and the Outreach Committee. There is no fee. RSVP online for planning purposes.
29th Annual Thanksgiving Eve Interfaith Service with First United Methodist Church
Wednesday, November 25 at 7:30 p.m.

This long-standing tradition with First United Methodist Church (FUMC) brings our two faith communities together to celebrate common blessings and shared traditions in song and sermon. This year's service will be at FUMC, 2111 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego. Our combined choirs will sing and Rabbi Berk will deliver the sermon. There is no fee and no need to RSVP.
Synagogue Geography: Exploring our Sacred Space
Tuesday, January 12 at 7:00 p.m.

Rabbi Michael Berk takes you on an engaging, behind-the-scenes tour that reveals little-known facts about our campus and takes the mystery out of the ritual items found in the sanctuary. Newcomers to Judaism, as well as long-time Jews and CBI members will be equally fascinated to learn details about the design of our campus, our history, and the story behind our ritual items. Afterwards you'll enjoy refreshments as you connect with others and have a chance to "schmooze" (socialize) with Rabbi Berk. There is no fee. RSVP online for planning purposes.
The Shabbat Service: A Primer II
Sunday, February 7 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

This class, taught by Rabbi Michael Satz and open to all, will focus on the Shabbat, or Saturday morning service. We’ll learn the order and parts of the service, explore rituals surrounding the use of the Torah scrolls, learn about Bar/Bat Mitzvah and much more. Participants will come away from this one-session class feeling more confident about attending and participating in Shabbat worship. There is no fee. RSVP online for planning purposes.
Shabbat and Havdalah 101
Tuesday, February 9 at 7:00 p.m.

This workshop, presented by Cantor Arlene Bernstein, will share the blessings, rituals, food, music and other creative ideas for a joyous Shabbat in your home. We will provide ideas for kid-friendly Shabbat activities as well. There is no fee. RSVP online for planning purposes.
Struggles with Belief in God
Tuesday, February 25 with Rabbi Michael Berk and
Dr. Sanford Feldman and Wednesday, March 24 with
Rabbi Aliza Berk, at 7:00 p.m.

"Israel" is one who "struggles with God." These two sessions will open us to struggling intellectually with our beliefs and experientially with feeling God's presence. There is no fee. RSVP online by Tuesday, February 18 for planning purposes.
Passover Step by Step
Tuesday, March 9 at 7:00 p.m.

After this fun evening of instruction, ideas, music, recipes and hands-on practice led by Director of Education Emeritus Helene Schlafman, you'll be comfortable attending a Passover Seder. In fact you'll be able to comfortably design and lead your own Seder! There is no fee. RSVP online for planning purposes.
Outreach and Basic Judaism Shabbat Dinner and Service
Friday, March 26, Dinner at 6:00 p.m., Service at 7:30 p.m.

This moving Shabbat service will honor our interfaith families, Jews by choice and those of other faiths who often play a key role in raising Jewish children. We are delighted to feature as our special guest speaker Rabbi William Berk, brother of Rabbi Berk. All are welcome to attend and the preceding dinner offers a great opportunity to get to know others who are new to Judaism and/or expanding their knowledge.

Dinner: $25 per person, $9 for children ages 2-12. No fee for individuals enrolled in Basic Judaism. RSVP and pay for dinner to at 858-535-1111, ext. 3110.
Times and Seasons
Sundays, April 11-May 2 at 10:00 a.m.

Join other interfaith couples in a supportive and inclusive environment to share expectations and challenges faced by interfaith families. How do you resolve questions about your religious identity and that of your spouse, children and extended family? Facilitated by Russ Gold, Ph.D. and Savannah Sincoff, L.C.S.W. RSVP online by Monday, April 5.
Annual Interfaith Dialogue
Wednesday, April 14 at 7:00 p.m.

Representatives of four faiths offer insights into their respective religion's point of view on the theme "What Happens When we Die?" A moderated Q & A will follow. There is no fee and no need to RSVP.
Taste of Judaism
Tuesdays , April 15, 22, 29 at 7:00 p.m.

This three-session class open to all will explore Jewish spirituallity, community and ethics. Co-sponsored by the United Jewish Federation. There is no fee. Co-sponsored by the United Jewish Federation. There is no fee. RSVP to Rachel Kitt at UJF at 858 571-3444, ext. 223.
Prayers and Verses that Speak to Us
Monday, April 19 at 7:00 p.m.

Following Rabbi Lenore Bohm's thoughful presentation on how prayer "works" she will lead a discussion on prayers and Biblical verses that speak to our hearts. $10 per member; $15 per nonmemeber. RSVP and pay online by Monday, April 12.
Pop-Up Shabbat
Friday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m.

This unique Shabbat service provides a complete explanation of a Friday night worship service as it happens, and encourages participants to interrupt with questions at any time! Held in the Chapel while the traditional service takes place in the sanctuary, this is the place for you if you've ever had questions about a Friday night service (and who hasn't?). All are welcome. There is no fee and no need to RSVP.
Conversion Q&A
Tuesday, May 4 at 7:00 p.m.

Have you or someone you know ever thought about becoming Jewish? Do you have questions, but have been afraid to ask? Conversion to Judaism is not mysterious - it is actually quite straightforward. Learn in a supportive environment with Rabbi Michael Berk, where all questions are welcome and there is no pressure. This is an important class for those who are just curious or are considering the possibility, but haven't decided yet. Individual meetings with Rabbi Berk are also available. No fee. RSVP online by April 22. For information contact Rabbi Berk's assistant, , or call 858 535-1111, ext.3110.
Conversion Mentor Program
Get a helping hand on the path to being Jewish. Conversion mentors are carefully selected CBI members who serve as a friendly resource for those working with our clergy toward conversion. If you would like to have a mentor, let your assigned clergy member know.
My Family and Me
Various Sundays all Year at 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

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 and no need to RSVP. The 2009-10 schedule consists of:


October 11: Shabbat February 21: Purim
November 15: Tzedakah March 14: Passover
December 6: Chanukah April 18: Yom Ha'Atzmaut
January 10: Tu B'Shevat May 16: Shavuot