HERE, YOU BELONG

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Reconstructionism is a relatively small movement within Judaism, but a big tent. No matter your Jewish background or your connection to the Jewish people, you will recognize yourself in our community, and you'll get to be yourself in the company of some pretty great other people.  Our approach to Judaism is creative, egalitarian, and focused on making strong connections among us. 

Reconstructionists hold diverse ideas about God, but we share an emphasis on Godliness--those hopes, beliefs, and values within us that impel us to work for a better world, that give us strength and solace in times of need, that challenge us to grow, and that deepen our joy. God is viewed as a creative energy and a force for good.  God isn’t talked about as a superhuman figure with an ego and emotions (or gender, for that matter, which makes pronouns tricky). God is seen as a spirit of love encompassing the universe and inhabiting its creatures.  In our liturgy, God is referred to by many names, such as Holy One, Source, Teacher, Boundless One, the Eternal, the Bountiful, to express the many ways this force expresses itself for good in our lives.

If you grew up in a different stream of Judaism, a few things at CBH may be different than you’re used to—like not using the words “chosen people” in our prayers or the collaborative relationship between the Rabbi and the congregation and the "values-based" democratic decision-making process we use.  At the same time, most people find plenty of the beloved traditions they grew up with, and they quickly grow comfortable with the unfamiliar aspects they encounter and enjoy the opportunity to refresh their Jewish experience.

Our services are accessible and meaningful.  They are filled with singing.  Everyone joins in--whether we can carry a tune or not.  We use a lot of Hebrew (the prayerbook contains transliteration in English so everyone can read along) and also a lot of English readings that make the connection between the traditional liturgy and our lives in very beautiful ways.  

Sometimes our prayerbook deviates from the traditional, either by offering an interpretive version of a prayer alongside the original or by changing or adding words to the original.  For example, in prayers like the Mourners Kaddish, where the traditional version asks God to make peace "for all Israel," we add the words "and for all who dwell on earth."  

Our rabbi offers wonderful little teachings throughout the service that bring home the meaning of what we're saying.  Sometimes she delivers a short, thoughtful sermon; sometimes we have a group discussion about an issue or subject of interest; sometimes a guest speaker makes a presentation.  Dress is informal.  

Rabbi Hannah Orden became our spiritual leader in 2014, and since then has blessed our community with her special blend of love, laughter, and dedication. She has an extensive background in Jewish education as well as a strong commitment to community building and social action, evident in her work with Summit Interfaith Council, of which she is President and  where she serves on the Anti-Racism Task Force.

Before coming to CBH, Rabbi Orden was the rabbi for Temple B’nai Israel in Laconia, New Hampshire and served on the adjunct faculty for Hebrew College in Newton, Massachusetts where she earned her rabbinic ordination and Master of Arts in Jewish Studies.

CBH Religious School classes for grades K-7 meet once a week on Saturday mornings (9-11:30). Starting in fourth grade, students receive individual Hebrew instruction via skype or in person - scheduled around your family’s life.

We educate by: making things, reading, going places, singing, writing, talking with each other.
Our kids feel the pride and happiness of what it is to be Jewish. And experience the joy of being a part of a Jewish community.

We offer a special introductory family membership of only $180/month for the first year. This includes a $1000 discount for one child for one year of religious school. We also have special pricing for singles and seniors. And no one is ever turned away for financial reasons. We will ask you to make a contribution that is comfortable for your household.

Yes. Many of our families are interfaith and have found a home at CBH. We couldn’t be happier to invite non-Jewish partners to become active members of our community. And we truly appreciate that they are willing to support being a Jewish household, even though it is not their faith.