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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 independence in our practice of Judaism. We combine an appreciation for the sanctity of Jewish traditions with a sensitivity to the needs of a population which is religiously diverse.   We have a commitment to social justice that is informed by the core Jewish values that reflect the identity and priorities of our community and we strive everyday to build and maintain an anti-racist Jewish community. Our leadership is committed to the personal and spiritual growth of our members, providing guidance and support throughout life's journey.  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

Join us for our Chanukah 2021/ 5782 Celebration!

The week will include events for adults and for families of younger kids, including candle-lighting, donuts, and cocoa at the downtown Maynard "Chanukiah" outdoor menorah, a "simcha and sweetness" event with Rabbi Mike and Cantor Sarra, and a post-religious school Hanukkah party!  Find the schedule of all activities HERE.

Sisterhood Latke Vodka Night via ZOOM ♦ Saturday, December 4 ♦ 7:30 PM

Celebrate Chanukah, on ZOOM, with the CBE Sisterhood and Mixologist Ed Cuoco!  Sign up and pay HERE. $5 for Sisterhood members & $18 for non-members.

Brotherhood Breakfast on ZOOM: Erik J. Sontheimer, Ph.D.  "Editing the Genome with CRISPR" ♦ Sunday, December 5 ♦ 9:15 AM

Our speaker is Erik J. Sontheimer, Ph.D. -- the Pillar Chair in Biomedical Research and Professor in the RNA Therapeutics Institute at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He researches uses of RNA molecules in biomedical research and the treatment of human disease.  CRISPR allows us to “edit our genes”. Dr. Sontheimer will speak on applying this technology in treating diseases.  Check STAR-Lite for the Brotherhood ZOOM link and password..

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.

Spreading the Light Throughout December with Cantor Sarra ♦ Mondays December 6,13,20 ♦ 7:00 PM via ZOOM

With a little teaching and song, it's time to move out of the darkness and into the Light.  Family and friends are welcome! Attend 1, 2, or all 3 sessions. SIGN UP HERE. Check STAR-Lite or your confirmation email for ZOOM information.

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, Rabbi Mike's sermons, and Edwin Barker's gift of his rendition of Bruch's Kol Nidrei. Videos and transcripts included.

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.

Fri, December 3 2021 29 Kislev 5782