Apr
6
Thu
The Second Night Seder at CBI is now full – Thursday, April 6, 6:30pm
Join us for a meaningful and participatory Seder. Space is limited. Price $55/adult, $40/under 21. Please choose either a brisket or vegetarian entree.
Please let us know of any allergies/food sensitivities at admin@bethisraelnc.org.
The Seder is completely sold out, but if you’d like to be added to the waiting list in case of a cancellation, contact the CBI office at admin@bethisraelnc.org or (828) 252-8660.
Apr
7
Fri
Friday Noon Study Group March 17 12-1
Last Friday, we continued our discussion of the Epistle of James with a look at Chapter 1:22-27 and Chapter 2. In the concluding verses of the first chapter, James advises us to “look into the perfect law [later called the “royal law,” the law of compassion] and to be not only hearers (who may forget) but “doers who act.” James clearly seems to be emphasizing the importance of action here–caring for widows and orphans, keeping oneself “unstained”–as opposed to simply proclaiming one’s faith. Our group spent some time discussing some of the ways we can act–rather than just paying lip-service to action.
Chapter 2 of the Epistle opens with a caution about judging people based on their wealth, advice that harkens back to the suggestion in Matthew suggesting that the poor shall be heirs to the Godly Kingdom. The heart of this chapter then focuses on the significance of performing good works to go along with any declarations of faith. According to James, “faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead,” that faith is “brought to completion by the works,” and that “a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” Our group spent a good amount of time talking about how various denominations have chosen to unpack these statements:
-
Some Christian denominations believe in a doctrine of salvation by faith alone (sola fide): “we are accounted righteous before God . . . by faith and not for our work or deservings (Book of Common Prayer). Salvation comes by faith in Christ alone.
-
Some denominations believe that good works are an inevitable consequence of good works; they are evidence of true faith. “Faith, given time and opportunity, will result in good works” (United Methodist Doctrine). The suggestion here is that faith and good works should be perceived as a single unit.
-
Within Judaism, there is a concept that good works precede faith: when receiving the Torah at Sinai, the Israelites said, “We will act and we will hear” (i.e., understand/believe). Right belief may lead to right action, but right action is ultimately more important.
Needless to say, our discussion last week was quite rich.
This Friday, we will probably conclude our study of James’ Epistle of James with a consideration of Chapters 3-5. These are shorter chapters, but we won’t rush through our discussion and if we need an extra week to conclude we will take it.
Our discussion group meets via Zoom every Friday from 12-1 (see the CBI web site or Weekly Announcements for a Zoom link). All are welcome to join us, regardless of their level of expertise or attendance at previous Friday study group sessions.
Starting on April 7, the Friday Noon Study Group will begin discussion on a new topic: Rabbi David Cooper’s God Is A Verb: Kabbalah and the Practice of Mystical Judaism. This book may be purchased through a variety of internet resources. Stay tuned to this web site for more details in the weeks to come.
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Apr
8
Sat
Join us for Shabbat morning services in-person or via Zoom every Saturday morning at 9:30am.
Masks and social distancing are still required for all services that are likely to include singing and chanting.
Masks and social distancing are optional for all smaller, non-singing/chanting gatherings for fully vaccinated individuals.
Unvaccinated adults should always wear a mask.
Beginning with Saturday July 3rd, we will return to holding Shabbat morning services every Shabbat. You will still be required to register in advance to attend services in the event that contract tracing should become necessary. You can register online through the Wednesday weekly eblast. If you’d like to receive the weekly eblast, click here.
Join the Zoom service by going to Our Virtual Community page here, then scroll down and click on the blue Saturday Morning Service button.
Join us every Saturday at 6pm for havdalah ritual followed by intuitive artwork creation! The individual and collaborative pieces we make together will be part of a Shavuot art display on our “collective revelation” this Spring. Bring your own art supplies/project or just show up! !
Organized by Tikva Wolf (text her with questions: 919-5-TIKVAH).
Apr
14
Fri
Friday Noon Study Group March 17 12-1
Last Friday, we continued our discussion of the Epistle of James with a look at Chapter 1:22-27 and Chapter 2. In the concluding verses of the first chapter, James advises us to “look into the perfect law [later called the “royal law,” the law of compassion] and to be not only hearers (who may forget) but “doers who act.” James clearly seems to be emphasizing the importance of action here–caring for widows and orphans, keeping oneself “unstained”–as opposed to simply proclaiming one’s faith. Our group spent some time discussing some of the ways we can act–rather than just paying lip-service to action.
Chapter 2 of the Epistle opens with a caution about judging people based on their wealth, advice that harkens back to the suggestion in Matthew suggesting that the poor shall be heirs to the Godly Kingdom. The heart of this chapter then focuses on the significance of performing good works to go along with any declarations of faith. According to James, “faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead,” that faith is “brought to completion by the works,” and that “a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” Our group spent a good amount of time talking about how various denominations have chosen to unpack these statements:
-
Some Christian denominations believe in a doctrine of salvation by faith alone (sola fide): “we are accounted righteous before God . . . by faith and not for our work or deservings (Book of Common Prayer). Salvation comes by faith in Christ alone.
-
Some denominations believe that good works are an inevitable consequence of good works; they are evidence of true faith. “Faith, given time and opportunity, will result in good works” (United Methodist Doctrine). The suggestion here is that faith and good works should be perceived as a single unit.
-
Within Judaism, there is a concept that good works precede faith: when receiving the Torah at Sinai, the Israelites said, “We will act and we will hear” (i.e., understand/believe). Right belief may lead to right action, but right action is ultimately more important.
Needless to say, our discussion last week was quite rich.
This Friday, we will probably conclude our study of James’ Epistle of James with a consideration of Chapters 3-5. These are shorter chapters, but we won’t rush through our discussion and if we need an extra week to conclude we will take it.
Our discussion group meets via Zoom every Friday from 12-1 (see the CBI web site or Weekly Announcements for a Zoom link). All are welcome to join us, regardless of their level of expertise or attendance at previous Friday study group sessions.
Starting on April 7, the Friday Noon Study Group will begin discussion on a new topic: Rabbi David Cooper’s God Is A Verb: Kabbalah and the Practice of Mystical Judaism. This book may be purchased through a variety of internet resources. Stay tuned to this web site for more details in the weeks to come.
Sharing is caring
Apr
15
Sat
Awakening the Heart: Contemplative Shabbat Practice
Join us at CBI for an hour of chanting, meditation, and reflection. Using verses from several prayers, we’ll chant to begin opening our hearts. We’ll then move into a period of meditation with instructions to deepen our awareness of our inner lives. Finally, we’ll have a brief period to reflect on our experiences. Following our contemplative Shabbat practice, participants are welcome to join the regular Shabbat service taking place in the main sanctuary.
Join us for Shabbat morning services in-person or via Zoom every Saturday morning at 9:30am.
Masks and social distancing are still required for all services that are likely to include singing and chanting.
Masks and social distancing are optional for all smaller, non-singing/chanting gatherings for fully vaccinated individuals.
Unvaccinated adults should always wear a mask.
Beginning with Saturday July 3rd, we will return to holding Shabbat morning services every Shabbat. You will still be required to register in advance to attend services in the event that contract tracing should become necessary. You can register online through the Wednesday weekly eblast. If you’d like to receive the weekly eblast, click here.
Join the Zoom service by going to Our Virtual Community page here, then scroll down and click on the blue Saturday Morning Service button.
Join us every Saturday at 6pm for havdalah ritual followed by intuitive artwork creation! The individual and collaborative pieces we make together will be part of a Shavuot art display on our “collective revelation” this Spring. Bring your own art supplies/project or just show up! !
Organized by Tikva Wolf (text her with questions: 919-5-TIKVAH).
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