Volunteer
For 120 years, CBI has run on volunteer support that allows us to strengthen our community and make an impact far beyond what staff alone can do. Whether you have been volunteering for decades, or are new to our community, your active engagement helps us build a vibrant and connected congregation. This page has information about ongoing tasks and projects around the synagogue, service-oriented committees, and holiday-related volunteering. We are beyond grateful for your time and energy!
Where You Are Needed Most Right Now
Kiddush
Sign up to assist with weekly Shabbat Kiddush! Help our staff by pouring wine and grape juice, cutting challah, and cleaning up after the meal.
Ushers & Door Greeters
Be a warm, friendly face at the front door, welcoming and orienting visitors to CBI. Use the volunteer form below to add your name to a list of individuals we notify when a need arises, or sign up for a specific Friday night shift.
Abundance Farm
Abundance Farm is a Jewish food justice farm, outdoor classroom, and community building space located just outside of our sanctuary. Nourished by Jewish values, our Farm is a beautiful oasis where people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds come together for community, learning, and spiritual growth. Get involved on the farm by visiting our farm website.
Chesed Committee
This committee focuses on helping others in our community in moments we need it most, such as those who have suffered a loss, the elderly, those suffering from illness, or those who are home bound, isolated and/or otherwise in distress. This committee is looking for volunteers.
Support The Community
Sign up here to volunteer at CBI
CBI is a sacred space that we build together. We invite you to be part of building and participating in vibrant, resilient, compassionate community and supporting a way of life where neighbors know and show up for each other. Whether you can offer one day per year, or several hours per week, we are so grateful for your commitment to the growth and vibrancy of our synagogue community.
There are a variety of ways to be involved:
Greeters
We are looking for greeters to welcome people as they arrive in the Sanctuary for Shabbat and holiday services, answer their questions, and help them find books and seats.
Event Set-up and Clean-up
With a full calendar of events and programs, and limited space available, we always need folks to help set up and break down tables, chairs, and other equipment so that the next users can enter the space.
Hosting Meals
Do you have an extra place at table for Shabbat dinner, major Jewish holidays, or Thanksgiving? Let us know! We can help connect you to members who are seeking a seat at a holiday meal table.
Open Committees
Chesed Committee
This committee focuses on helping others in our community in moments we we need it most, such as those who have suffered a loss, the elderly, those suffering from illness, or those who are home bound, isolated and/or otherwise in distress. Our committee is looking for volunteers. There are many ways you can help including:
1) Make a simple phone call to check in with someone who is not well;
2) Offer a short drive to an appointment;
3) Run an errand such as picking up some groceries;
4) Make a warm, home-cooked meal;
5) Support a family as they prepare for shiva.
Bikkur Holim Committee
Bikkur holim is the Jewish tradition of providing comfort and support to those who are ill. Our committee provides opportunities for volunteers to make short monthly visits to Jewish patients at Cooley Dickinson Hospital or to CBI seniors who would welcome such a visit.
Contact the front office for more information on any of our committees and to be put in touch
Tikkun Olam
Tikkun Olam
Looking for a way to engage in social justice?
Our Tikkun Olam Committee helps to lead our community in intensive engagement in the work of repairing the world. The full committee meets bi-monthly and then conducts its work largely organized by teams focused on priority issues.
New teams can form around these priority issues at any time, with any small group of interested members. Our priority issue areas include:
Check out the Tikkun Olam page for more info and how to join!
