CBI was a major pull towards our decision to relocate to Berkeley in 2017. We were both raised in LA and were looking for a new place to settle. We researched and visited various cities all over the country, trying to figure out what was most important to us in a community and synagogue.  After spending a Shabbat at CBI we both felt excited that we had found our new home. Our daughter, Ayala, was born in Berkeley two years ago and we feel very blessed to raise her in this community.

[Ori] I joined the CBI board as treasurer in 2019. It’s been a great experience and a unique opportunity for me to use some of my financial and business skills to give back to the community. It has also been such a special group of people to work with. Every time I walk through the doors of CBI, I am overwhelmed with a sense of peace and being at home. I love our shul and our community. In my free time, I enjoy running (especially in the hills or the by the water) and playing board games.

[Rena] Before COVID hit, I joined a group of volunteers devoted to hosting and welcoming newcomers to the shul. I feel passionate about helping new people integrate and find their place in the community. Although CBI is composed of many unique individuals there’s a general sense of honesty, desire to grow, a love for learning, and a Joie de vivre that unites us.  I have really enjoyed the educational programming in the synagogue – from the Shabbat lecture with Blu Greenberg on her personal journey as a Jewish Feminist to the family fermentation hands-on class. In my free time, I enjoy spending time in the nature of   the East Bay. I particularly love Tilden Park and foraging for berries with my daughter around our neighborhood.