Welcome to
Congregation Beth Israel
Corpus Christi
Congregation Beth Israel is a A Union of Temple Beth El & B'nai Israel Synagogue. We are a Reform and Conservative Synagogue located in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Shabbat Service Schedule
Fridays: 6:30 pm
Saturdays: 9:00 am
Visitor Policy for Congregation Beth Israel
Visitors are always welcome at our services. To help us serve you better, we hope you will let us know in advance of your arrival and provide some basic information.
With today’s growing security concerns, we want both our congregants and guests to gather for prayer and celebration with peace of mind. By completing our Visitor Information Card online before your visit, you will also save time at the door by not having to fill out a card upon arrival.
Please CLICK HERE to share your information, or call our temple office Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am-4:00 pm and on Friday 9:00 am-3:00 pm.
Office Hours
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Past, Present, and Future - South Texas has committed itself to continuing a strong sense of Jewish pride and a dedication to upholding the Jewish faith and cultural traditions. We offer a variety of enrichment classes, social outreach programs and mitzvah opportunities. Generations of families and friends have helped make the Jewish community in Corpus Christi and its surrounding areas the stronghold it is today. Today's families enthusiastically welcome tomorrow's new members.
Rabbi Gabrielle Cohn
First, I’d like to thank everyone who was involved in our Food Fest and making this 40th year such a successful one. We could not have made it happen without each and every one of you. I would especially like to thank David Prewitt who stepped up to the role of chairing Food Fest and took the reins with a sense of calm and compassion.
As we enter the winter months here in Corpus, the daylight hours getting shorter and shorter, I am reminded of a quote from the Tanya, a Chasidic text from the 18th century , “A bit of light can displace a lot of darkness.” When we light our candles for Chanukah and Shabbat we are bringing just a little light into the darkness, but each candle shines a brighter flame than we could ever imagine. The holidays can be a hard season for people, a time of missing loved ones, empty chairs at our tables, or just feeling down when there is such an expectation to feel joyful. May we each find light even in these shorter days, where darkness takes a majority of our time. May we spread and share that light with our community and those around us. And may we, whether alone or with friends or family, find shimmers of love and light this holiday season. We look forward to seeing you at CBI for all the exciting events coming up!
Rabbi Gabrielle Cohn
rabbigabriellecohn@bethisraelcc.com
Sue Williams, Congregation Beth Israel President
Dear CBI Family and Friends,
As we enter the final weeks of 2025 and look ahead to a bright new year, I want to thank each of you for the extraordinary spirit you continue to bring to our CBI community. These past months have once again shown that our strength has always been our sense of community: how we show up for one another, how we celebrate together, and how we meet new challenges with resilience and heart.
We enjoyed a deeply meaningful High Holy Day season. Rabbi Cohn skillfully guided us through the new Mishkan HaNefesh, beautifully complemented by the music of Cantor Monica O’Desky and Eliza Williams. And of course, thanks to our Sisterhood Co-Presidents (Leslie and Fifi) and David Prewitt the Food Fest Chair, we celebrated our most successful Food Festival yet, with so many new members stepping forward to help build strong teams across all venues.
Our High Holy Day appeal remains open through December 31st. If you have not yet contributed, there is still time. We used savings to replace the AC in the library and classrooms, and I would very much like to replenish those funds. We are close, but not quite there.
December and January are seasons of light, learning, and connection at CBI. From Shabbat gatherings and Hanukkah celebrations to Bar Mitzvahs, adult learning, and our vibrant Religious School, there is renewed energy in every corner of our campus. January will be especially full as we host two weekend-long programs: the Texas Jewish Historical Society, and a special weekend of music beginning with Shabbat Shirah, the Sabbath of Song, on January 30th. Our committees, volunteers, and staff continue to pour their time and passion into creating meaningful and welcoming experiences for all of us.
As we prepare for the busy months ahead (including early planning for the 2026 Food Festival!), ongoing security improvements, and continued strengthening of our educational programs, I want to acknowledge how far we’ve come. You can feel the momentum. New faces are joining us, long-time members are re-engaging, and our leadership teams are working with clarity, compassion, and dedication.
My hope for the coming year is simple: that we continue to move forward with kindness and clarity, embracing opportunities and supporting one another in all the ways that make CBI such a special place. May this season bring warmth to your homes, meaning to your days, and hope for the year to come.
With gratitude and enthusiasm,
Sue Williams
President, Congregation Beth Israel
2025-2026
CBI Officers
and Trustees
OFFICERS
President
Sue Williams
1st Vice-President
David Prewitt
2nd Vice-President
Dr. Gary Blum
Secretary
Jerri Osberg
Treasurer
David Loeb
Past President
David Krams
Sisterhood Co-Presidents
Leslie Levy & Fifi Kieschnick
TRUSTEES
Venita Crow
Joe Gazin
Josh Mintz
Elizabeth Susser
Jordan Hans
Fifi Kieschnick
Robert Schmitchel
Dr. Bryan Stone
Robert Schmitchel
Chris Adler
Leslie Levy
Suzy Hilliard
Phyllis Roseman
Sisterhood Organization
Sisterhood offers an opportunity for women to find spiritual, educational and friendship bonds within the congregation. For Sisterhood membership form, click here.
A tradition for over 30 years, the Sisterhood Organization's Annual Fundraiser serves delicious meals of Jewish Delicacies plus a sweet shop. This event usually takes place second weekend of November. CLICK HERE for more information.