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עִבְדוּ אֶת יְהוָה בְּשִׂמְחָה
Serve the Divine, JOYOUSLY!
Psalms 100:2

These words, penned millennia ago by King David, ring as true today as when they first flew
from the strings of his harp. Joy is at the heart of every aspect of this wonderous thing we call
Yiddishkeit–of being Jewish and doing Jewish things.
And CBOI—in particular—is an exceptionally joyous Jewish community.
Simchah, the Hebrew word for joy, is not just a passing mood. It is a powerful force that has
enabled our people not only to survive, but to thrive, in whatever place we have found ourselves
or whatever challenges we have faced.
And I could not be more excited to welcome you to CBOI: a true home for every Jewish, Jewish-
adjacent, Jew-ish, and Jew-curious person from any and all backgrounds. A synagogue that is so
much more—where we not only explore, but also experiment with our personal connections to
Judaism, our particular place in the larger world, and our relationships with one another. On our
own terms, in our individual ways—but always together. Joyously.
In fact, it was this joyous and welcoming fire—burning in the hearts of everyone at CBOI—that
inspired me to join this unique family as their new rabbi.
If you’ve read anything about me, you know my Jewish journey has had many twists and turns.
It has taken me from the backwoods of Kentucky to the cobblestone streets of the Old City—and
even to the tropical rainforests of Taiwan—before landing me here in Bucks County. And even
with all of that, I found a true home here at CBOI.
Jewish spaces, all too often, can be intimidating and even somewhat painful. That’s why I
commit myself to building a Judaism that is kind, radically inclusive—and joyful. As I often
say: If your Judaism isn’t fun, you’re doing something wrong!
So, wherever you are on your Jewish journey, whatever you believe—or don’t believe—and
however you connect to Jewishness, there is a warm spot waiting for you here at CBOI. Whether
you attend services once a year, once a week, or haven’t been to services ever, there is joy
waiting for you here. Whether you come with questions or with conviction, whether you’re
seeking tradition, community, spirituality—or just a little peace—you are welcome. You belong.
I look forward to meeting you, learning, laughing, crying, and praying with you. Perhaps, more
than anything else, I am excited about us building something meaningful together. Joyously.

B’Shalom,
Rabbi Cody R. Bahir, Ph.D.