CBE Small Groups are a great way for CBE members to build connections and be a part of each other’s lives.
In these member-led groups, participants come together on a regular or seasonal basis to find deeper meaning and joy in shared interests, identities, and life stages. Small groups might engage in activities, discussions, or other shared experiences. You could meet every month, twice a month, seasonally, or whatever the group decides is best. Depending on preference, groups meet in person, online, or a hybrid.
Find your group
Check out our ever-evolving list of Small Groups. See one or more that spark your interest? Click on them to learn more and sign up! Have an idea for a new small group? Use this form to let us know, and we’ll help you make it happen.
Support & Lifestages
In both our personal lives and our community, the ability to listen with presence, empathy, and curiosity is a powerful practice. Join group leader Christopher Howard and other members to create a space where participants can explore and strengthen these skills together—through discussion, practice exercises, and reflection, in the service of both personal growth and a way to deepen the culture of connection at CBE.
This group is currently forming and does not have regularly scheduled meetings yet.
Find support, camaraderie, and a safe space to reflect and share practical advice with other CBE members.
Find support, camaraderie, and a place to share practical advice with others who are caregivers to aging or disabled loved ones.
We are breaking the silence around pregnancy loss with support, connection, and Jewish ritual. If you’ve experienced a miscarriage at any point in your life, and at any stage of pregnancy (including a failed fertility treatment, early miscarriage, or medical termination), join us to find a caring community and a safe space to reflect together.
Join CBE seniors over coffee and tea and discuss how to cope with everyday challenges and the joys of facing aging.
Explore how to live your later years with spirit, resilience and wisdom. Activities include text studies and contemplative practices to explore the life questions that arise as we confront the challenges, opportunities, and wonder of aging.
Jewish Culture & Identity
Are you curious about Kabbalah and its wisdom for everyday life? Join other CBE members to study and reflect on this Jewish mystical tradition, which explores the nature of the soul, the universe, and our connection to the divine.
Join us to share family stories and explore how our connections to the Holocaust hold meaning in our lives.
Connect with other Jews of Color, People of Color, and Multiracial Families who are all part of our beautifully diverse CBE community.
Come together with Members of Mizrachi and Sephardi Background to share your histories and cultures with one another; as well as explore ways to further celebrate and integrate these cultures into the life and practices of CBE.
Mussar seeks to improve our relations with others and ourselves. Led by CBE member Gary Shaffer, this discussion group focuses on character traits, or middot, such as patience, generosity, gratitude, anger, and humility. The method is to study these traits and put into practice what we study. The goal is to make us not just more insightful, but to effect a change in behavior by making the heart feel what the mind knows. We draw upon both classic and modern Mussar writings, though no prior knowledge of Mussar or Hebrew is required.
Whether you’re fluent or just learning, join with others to practice Yiddish and celebrate Yiddish culture.
Join with fellow members to share techniques, stories, and explore challah baking as a spiritual practice or hobby.
Check back here in the fall for sign up.
Families & Neighbors
Connect and reflect together with other CBE members who are in this new life stage.
Get connected with other CBE expectant parents in this safe and welcoming space for navigating the excitements, challenges, and questions that come with preparing for a new baby. Along with getting and sharing practical information around topics like giving birth, becoming a new parent, and Jewish rituals for welcoming a new baby, we hope this new small group can help members find a support system and make friends who share this life stage.
Enhance your circle of neighborhood friends by informally connecting and meeting up for things like Sunday bagels, Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, and neighborhood activities.
Enhance your circle of LGBTQ+ families, by joining the Queer Parents group.
Get connected to occasionally share Shabbat dinners with members who live in your neighborhood or share your life stage.
Whether you’re separated, divorced, widowed, or a single/sole parent, find support, camaraderie, and fun with other CBE community members in this phase of life.
This group is currently forming and does not have regularly scheduled meetings yet.
Interests & Activities
The CBE Book Group has been privileged to welcome several acclaimed authors to speak about their works, including conversations with Francine Prose, Ross Benjamin, and Mary Morris. To view additional conversations with Jamie Bernstein, Matti Friedman, Yousef Bashir, David Maraniss, Helen Fremont, Julie Metz, Jeremy Eichler, Lauren Young, and Sherry Turkle, click here. This group is currently at capacity and seeking to form a second group.
Play and socialize with others who love a good game. Our Board Gamers Group is for you if you are in your twenties or older, single or a couple, a casual player or gaming geek.
Join us for a discussion of a book or books determined by this lay-led group. All are welcome! If you have any questions or would like meeting information, please sign up below or email cbebookgroup@cbebk.org.
Join CBE Knits for conversation, camaraderie, and skill sharing, as well as “knit for good” projects.
Why let Jewish life stop at the synagogue doors? City Outings ventures beyond Garfield Place into the rich cultural landscape of New York City. CBE members explore the city’s finest Jewish-themed offerings—from architecture, art exhibitions, theater, music, and dance to lectures, museums, historic sites, and walking tours. Whether we’re discovering a hidden gem or attending a major cultural event, City Outings offers a wonderful opportunity to learn, connect, and experience the vibrancy of Jewish culture as a community. Join us as we celebrate Jewish life throughout our city—together.
Connect with other entrepreneurs to share insights, experiences, challenges and strategies that can help you and your business thrive.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or want to learn from experienced gamers, Mah Jongg is a great way to connect with friends while having fun.