Welcome to Congregation Beth Israel

Beneath our dome is a spiritual home, a place of community and friendship, a place to be inspired through prayer, a place for lifelong learning, and a place where every person makes a difference.

CBI's Annual Women's Seder

Pre Women’s Seder Art Event
Tapestry of Our History
Saturday, March 16, 1:00 PM
In-Person ONLY
Art Room (Sherman Education Building)
RSVP Required

As we anticipate next month’s annual Women’s Seder, we invite you to gather for an evening of art and reflection on this year’s theme of A Tapestry of Our  History.  Led by Lolly Jamerson, we will reflect on which elements of the Passover story resonate most with us, explore these ideas in oil pastels, and attach these drawings to create a cohesive piece. 

Women’s Seder
Wednesday, April 3, 6:00 PM
In-Person ONLY
Goodman Hall
$36; Advance Registration Required

Tickets are now available for our annual Women’s Seder, which will take place in the lead up to the holiday. We welcome all members (and their guests) who identify as female for this much-loved CBI tradition of connection and creativity. Tickets are $36/per person and include a light Passover meal.
Scholarships are available; please email to inquire.

As part of CBI and the WRJ/Beth Israel Sisterhood’s ongoing advocacy for refugees in the Portland community and beyond, we ask that attendees bring diapers and wipes to donate to local organizations and partners in this work.

Watch Your Language

Yiddish and Ladino Programs with CBI's Adult Education Committee

 CBI’s Adult Education Committee continues our yearlong exploration of Jewish language and culture with programs exploring the beauty and impact of the Yiddish and Ladino languages. 

From Yiddish Book Rescue to Yiddish Renaissance 
Sunday, April 7, 4:00 PM

In-Person and online
Pollin Chapel

Experience an evening with Susan Bronson, Executive Director of the Yiddish Book center. The center–originally intended to be its founder’s two-year passion project–is now, forty-four years later one of the largest, liveliest Jewish organizations in America, and the catalyst for a new renaissance in Jewish literature.

Sephardic/Ashkenazic:  What’s the Difference?
Thursday, April 18, 1:00 PM
In-Person ONLY
Goodman Kitchen 
$5; register in advance 

Save the date—and come hungry!—for our Adult Education Committee’s and CBI 65+’s tasty upcoming Passover event. Congregant Joanne Treuhaft and Renee Ferrera from Congregation Ahavath Achim, Portland’s Sephardic Synagogue will present a program on Sephardic Judaism. Explore Sephardic history, culture, and Passover foods as we learn and prepare recipes together. Bring a sharp knife, a cutting board, and an apron.  $5 per person. Space is limited so reserve your spot today.

Ladino Shabbat: A Sermon in Song
Friday, May 31, 6:00 PM
In-Person and Online
Pollin Chapel

A moving service with musical guests, including Cantor Richard Botton.

The Jennifer Barnum Luria Early Childhood Center is Open

Enrollment at The Jennie is now open for full- and part-time care; click here to secure your child’s spot!

We are currently accepting registration for all age groups, and classrooms will be opened throughout 2024 as spaces are filled. Once our classrooms are full, our waitlist placement will prioritize families who are members of Congregation Beth Israel, as well as those who already have a sibling enrolled at The Jennie. 

We will hold an open house for prospective families on Saturday. March 16 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM; please let us know if you plan to join us.