Welcome to
Congregation Beth Israel
Corpus Christi
Come see what
we're all about
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
~Due to ongoing security concerns, we request that visitors and newcomers to the community please contact us before attending services. We look forward to speaking with you and welcoming you to our congregation.
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
Dear Congregation Beth Israel,
Shanah tovah u’metukah! May you have a sweet and good new year!
It is hard to believe that the High Holidays are already here, even though they are later this year, it feels like summer just started yesterday. As we prepare for the Book of Life to be opened, we turn to those we have harmed in the past year and ask for their forgiveness. Judaism teaches that accepting forgiveness can be just as hard as asking for forgiveness. We are taught that we are to ask for sincere forgiveness three times, and if the person we are seeking forgiveness from does not forgive after the third time the burden of the sin is transferred to them. However, we must all still make an effort both to apologize and to forgive.
As we approach this season it is hard to not think of this time last year and just how much has changed in the world since Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur last year. Last year, right before Simchat Torah the October 7th attacks on communities in Israel occurred. This year, to commemorate the anniversary of the attacks as well as pray for those still being held hostage we will have a concert with Jewish musician Dan Nichols on October 6th. Due to capacity issues it is imperative that you register in advance for the concert and bring your ticket with you. We want to make sure we have seats for everyone.
I look forward to seeing you all at High Holiday services throughout October and Food Fest and our Thanksgiving Service in November. It is a busy time of year here at CBI, so remember to also take care of yourself and if you need anything from us please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Shanah Tovah,
Rabbi Cohn
David Krams, Congregation Beth Israel President
CBI Friends,
As we begin the second quarter of our fiscal year, I am pleased to announce and extend a warm welcome to our new members who have joined our Family of Families over the past few months. Whether you are new to the community, found your religious home, or returned to Corpus Christi, your presence enriches our congregation, and we are thrilled to have you with us.
This week we begin experiencing our first High Holy Days with Rabbi Cohn. The Rabbi will be joined by Cantor Monica O’Desky, and her accompanist, Eliza Williams; who, together, will ensure that our services are meaningful and filled with wonderful prayer, music and song. I look forward to seeing our sanctuary filled with our members, family, and guests over the next few weeks. Remember, it is your presence and participation that makes our gatherings so special.
October and November this year are busy and full of various programs and events including our annual Jewish Food Fest and the Joint Thanksgiving Service with the Church of Good Shepherd. Events like these do not just happen, we thank the Rabbi, Board of Trustees, Sisterhood, Committees, and fellow congregants that work hard to plan and provide these and other upcoming programs. So, please mark your calendars, show your support, and plan on attending. And, while these events are joyous, please also make your reservations to attend our evening of Healing and Remembrance on October 6, as we commemorate the anniversary of the October 7th attacks in Israel.
As we recall those horrific acts of violence, I want to reiterate the need for and request your participation in this year’s High Holy Day Appeal. The funds collected will address the health, safety, and security of our facility. Though some funds will be used to purchase a new AED and update our medical response and first aid kits, most of the funds will be used to provide improvement measures to fortify and secure our building. We have yet to be notified if we received the FEMA Security Grant, but we still need to move forward with some of the proposed enhancements that include improved access control, security systems, and building perimeter protection. Please do your part to meet our goal of 100% congregational participation and thank you to those who have already contributed to the Appeal.
If you have any CBI questions or have an issue or concern throughout the year, please feel free to contact me or a board member. In the meantime, please join us for Shabbat, the upcoming holidays and programs, and of course for the Jewish Food Fest.
Shalom, Be safe and Shanah Tovah
David Krams
CBI President
2024-2025
CBI Officers
and Trustees
OFFICERS
President
David Krams
1st Vice-President
Dr. Gary Blum
2nd Vice-President
Phyllis Roseman
Secretary
Leslie Levy
Treasurer
David Beck
Past President
Mike Trimyer
Sisterhood President
Amy Krams
TRUSTEES
Chris Adler
Roslyn Ferrell
Jordan Hans
Michael Hiatt
Fifi Kieschnick
Carol Kins
David Loeb
Robert Schmitchel
Dr. Bryan Stone
Jeffrey Pollack
Sue Williams,
Maury Wolfson
Sisterhood Organization
Sisterhood offers an opportunity for women to find spiritual, educational and friendship bonds within the congregation. For Sisterhood membership form, click here. For 2024-2025 Sisterhood Calendar, 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.
