Sign In Forgot Password

Home

 

Welcome to Congregation Beth Elohim —

— an egalitarian, community synagogue located in Acton, Massachusetts. Independent and non-affiliated, we welcome diversity, including individuals and interfaith families, regardless of age, race, gender, economic or family status, ethnic background, mental or physical ability, or sexual orientation. We draw our membership from surrounding towns including Ayer, Bolton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, Stow, and Westford. As an oasis of Jewish life far from areas of high Jewish concentration, we embrace a progressive orientation, combining an appreciation for the sanctity of Jewish traditions with a sensitivity to the needs of a population which is religiously diverse. We commit to building and maintaining an anti-racist Jewish community.  We offer a Jewish-themed preschool, and a K–11th grade religious school. If you'd like to learn more about membership, click here.

Around the Shul

High Holiday Appeal 5782 ♦ Celebrating our CBE Heroes

Nominate a "CBE Hero" from our congregation or staff HERE that you believe reflects Jewish values like Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World)  and Gemilut Hasidim (Acts of Loving Kindness). As we celebrate and honor our heroes, please make a financial contribution in whatever amount you can so that CBE is able to grow and live up to our greatest values. See the list of nominated CBE heroes HERE.

Jewish Book Month Author Event with Rabbi Ariel Burger ♦ Sunday, November 7 ♦ 7:00 PM via ZOOM

Rabbi Ariel Burger, author of Witness: Lessons from Elie Wiesel’s Classroom, was Elie Wiesel's teaching assistant at Boston University.  He gives us a front-row seat to his remarkable exchanges with Elie Wiesel on matters of intellect, spirituality, and faith. Find more details and register HERE. By October 14th, email adulted@bethelohim.org if you want a copy of his book ($14).  

Brotherhood Breakfast with Dr. Corrie Painter ♦ Sunday November 14 via ZOOM ♦ 9:15 - 11:15 AM

Dr. Corrie Painter is a biomedical scientist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. As an eleven year survivor of a rare and 
aggressive cancer called Angiosarcoma, she works at the interface of advocacy and genomics cancer research. She will be telling us about her experiences as a rare cancer survivor and how she launched a nation-wide study in her own cancer that led to discoveries that have been practice changing. Check Star-Lite for ZOOM link & password and HERE to read about her story.

The Brotherhood Bagel Drive is back! ♦ Order now through November 16

Give the gift of bagels to friends, neighbors, relatives or yourself! Fresh bagels will be delivered by 9:00 AM on Sunday, November 21st. We deliver to towns surrounding CBE. Order now through November 16th.

Sisterhood Fall Fair Trade Caravan is back ♦ Order now through October 25th

ORDER HERE. You will find an assortment of coffee, accessories, jewelry, home goods, and gift ideas for the upcoming holidays . A portion of this year's sales will support CBE and the Acton Food Pantry. Ship or pick up at CBE on Thursday, November 18, 4 to 6 PM.

Conversation About Antisemitism ♦ Thursday, November 11 ♦  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM via ZOOM

Consistent with our value, Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh baZeh, (all Jews are responsible for each other), we must make our voices heard opposing antisemitism, incidents of racial and religious hate, in our community. A team which is informed about incidents and can respond or advocate for an appropriate response is forming. To participate, please contact Sarah at socialaction@bethelohim.org. 

Rabbi Mike is a speaker (Oct 6): A Better Future for Israelis and Palestinians - Affirming the Sacredness of All Human Life ♦ October 6,13,27, November 10 ♦ 7:30 to 9:00 PM 

The Islamic Council of New England [ICNE] and the Boston Workers Circle: Center for Jewish Culture & Social Justice sponsor this series. Rabbi Mike speaks on October 6th session: "Can We Talk/Listen? Reflections from a Rabbi & Imam". Full details and registration (required) can be found HERE. 

Kabbalah of Genesis: Studies in the Zohar led by Rabbi Mike ♦ Non B'nei Mitzvah Saturdays, October through December ♦ 10:45 to 11:45 AM

The Zohar is the best known text of Kabbalah, a mystical commentary on Torah. Join us following Shabbat morning services (non B'nei Mitzvah) as we introduce some main concepts in Kabbalah and look at select commentaries from the Zohar.  You may sign up HERE.

High Holidays 5782 Highlights

We've collected a few of the highlights from this year's High Holidays observance.  HERE, you will find the Co-President's speech, Kerri Garbis's D'var Torah, Cantor Sarra's moving Hineni interpretation, and Edwin Barker's gift of his rendition of Bruch's Kol Nidrei.

Into the Water on Dry Land: Navigating the Sea of Social Justice (without Drowning) ♦ 5 Tuesdays in November ♦ 7:00 to 8:30 PM

While pursuing justice is deeply Jewish, that doesn’t mean it’s easy.  In this class we’ll draw upon Jewish teachings to cultivate not just effectiveness, but also sensitivity and kindness in the struggle for justice.  You may sign up HERE.

Lunchtime Talmud with Rabbi Mike ♦ Thursdays starting September 23 through June, 2022 ♦ 12:00 to 1:00 PM

Lunchtime Talmud is back by popular demand! Join Rabbi Mike for some noontime learning and discussions for Talmud beginners and up. This may be held both in person and via ZOOM. Sign up and find details about obtaining the version of the Koren Talmud Bavli.

Sat, October 23 2021 17 Cheshvan 5782