Caring Community
Click Here to Volunteer Need Help?
CBI’s Caring Community program is another way we connect with 
our members. Our volunteers work to bring our members closer together creating community where none exists, and bringing Judaism to those who are unable to come to us. These connections are helpful in times of sickness, health, joy and sadness. We realize there is no one-size-fits-all approach to helping people, therefore we respond to each person’s needs individually, reaching out to different members of our community to achieve this.
How to Get Started:
If You Need Assistance: Because of current privacy laws, synagogues are not notified when a congregant is in the hospital. Therefore, we rely on YOU to let us know when times are difficult or when someone you love is in the hospital. Please contact our Clergy Office to let us know if you need our assistance.
To Volunteer: One of the best ways to develop lasting relationships within our CBI community is to reach out to those in need. We are currently seeking volunteers for all types of opportunities. We will provide any training you may need to help fulfill these important mitzvot. Please contact CBI’s Clergy Office to get involved or fill out this interest form.
Here are some of the ways you may volunteer:
1. Writing Caring Cards is a simple gesture with a strong impact. These cards are used to keep in touch with people for a large variety of reasons: someone on the R’fuah (healing) list, anyone not on the list who is facing challenges in their life and appreciates support, members who recently observed a yarzheit, families who just had a simcha (happy event) like a B'nei Mitzvah, wedding, birth, to give CBI volunteers thanks and recognition for their efforts, or for a member’s birthday.
2. Phone Visits help develop relationships and are a friendly way to check in with someone who is in need of care, but may not want a visit in person. A call, or in some cases, regular phone calls, will help them feel less isolated.
3. Meals are an extra special way to show we care. Having a delicious, nutritious, ready-to-eat meal at home is a huge relief to those who are home because of an illness, disability, those who recently experienced a death in their family or who recently had a baby.
a) Making Meals: We need volunteers to make meals. Meals will need to be made at the volunteer's home. The meals may be stored in the CBI refrigerator or freezer for a short time before they are delivered.
b) Taking Meals: We need volunteers to take meals. Volunteers may deliver meals stored in the CBI Kitchen. Volunteers may also pick up a simple meal like rotisserie chicken, a side dish, and a bag of salad with an HEB gift card from CBI.
4. New Baby Gift Bags are a meaningful way to help connect new parents to CBI. Gift bags are filled with homemade and Jewish baby items, then delivered to the family’s home.
5. Knitting/Crocheting/Quilting: kippot, booties, hats, blankets, etc. for new babies is a fun way to use your skills and help others. These items will be put in the “new baby” bags. You may knit at home or we are happy to connect you with other knitters to make this a community building activity for you as well.
6. Hospital Visits: These include visiting members in nursing homes, rehab centers or at home. Visiting these members shows them someone outside their family cares and allows them to chat with someone new.
**If you see a need or know of a way we may be helpful, please let us know.
