At Temple B'nai Israel on Saturday, August 1, Rabbi Andy Bachman presented an amazing interactive talk entitled “Paths of Memory and Reconciliation” about his recent trip to Southern Germany, where he and his partner Yael visited Gunzenhausen, Ellwangen and Landsberg and met with local historians and teachers who remain committed to researching and preserving the memory of destroyed local Jewish life more than 80 years after the Holocaust and the defeat of Nazi Germany in the Second World War. Through this presentation, attendees explored the historical and cultural landscapes of the country, deepening our understanding of Jewish heritage and the complexities of its past. Through engaging with local communities and visiting important sites, Rabbi Bachman reflected on the lessons learned and the importance of remembrance in fostering dialogue and healing. Per Rabbi Bachman, "This trip is a profound one, to be sure. And the most heartening and important part of it is that despite the unimaginable devastations and dislocations of the Holocaust, we are learning from individuals and leaders who made incredible sacrifices to save others and help people survive. The glimmers of humanity amidst an historic catastrophe demonstrating "man's inhumanity to man" are necessary reminders, ballasts for our existence, that there is no greater principle, as Rabbi Akiva taught, than "to love thy neighbor as thyself.”"

TBI was pleased to welcome Cantor Sheila Nesis to the Bimah to enrich Shabbat Services with her beautiful voice. On the following morning, she provided a unique and interactive learning session about her own spiritual journey in the world of Jewish composition, cantorial traditions and spiritual expression from Europe and Argentina to Israel and the United States. 

Cantor Sheila Nesis is a singer, cantor and educator born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Inspired and trained by Rabbi Sergio Bergman and Fundacion Judaica, she served numerous Congregations including Temple NCI-Emanu-El and C.I.R.A (also known as “Temple Libertad”) the first and main Synagogue in Buenos Aires. During the years that followed the economic crisis in Argentina in 2001, Cantor Nesis worked with the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ) to help the Argentinian Jewish and non-Jewish communities in need by performing services and concerts in synagogues throughout the USA, and was featured in regional and national URJ Biennials. In 2007, she was invited to join the clergy of Temple Israel of NYC, under the leadership of Rabbi David Gelfand. She has served congregations in NYC, Arizona, Denver, Colorado and now serves the wider Maine Jewish community at Etz Chaim Synagogue in Portland and at the Center for Small Town Jewish Life at Colby College.

As a recording artist, Sheila brings a fresh sound to the world of contemporary Jewish music, with roots in Latin American, Israeli, Ladino and Middle Eastern music. Sheila is a contributor to various Jewish publications including Kveller, The Forward, and Ritualwell, on topics covering prayer and liturgy, music, motherhood, loss and grief.

TBI’s Sisterhood had a fantastic garden brunch at a member's home, filled with delicious food, great chats, and plenty of laughter. Everyone is excited for the next gathering in September!