Welcome to
Congregation Beth Israel
Corpus Christi
Congregation Beth Israel is a A Union of Temple Beth El & B'nai Israel Synagogue. We are a Reform and Conservative Synagogue located in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Shabbat Service Schedule
Fridays: 6:30 pm
Saturdays: 9:00 am
Visitor Policy for Congregation Beth Israel
Visitors are always welcome at our services. To help us serve you better, we hope you will let us know in advance of your arrival and provide some basic information.
With today’s growing security concerns, we want both our congregants and guests to gather for prayer and celebration with peace of mind. By completing our Visitor Information Card online before your visit, you will also save time at the door by not having to fill out a card upon arrival.
Please CLICK HERE to share your information, or call our temple office Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am-4:00 pm and on Friday 9:00 am-3:00 pm.
Office Hours
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Past, Present, and Future - South Texas has committed itself to continuing a strong sense of Jewish pride and a dedication to upholding the Jewish faith and cultural traditions. We offer a variety of enrichment classes, social outreach programs and mitzvah opportunities. Generations of families and friends have helped make the Jewish community in Corpus Christi and its surrounding areas the stronghold it is today. Today's families enthusiastically welcome tomorrow's new members.
Rabbi Gabrielle Cohn
“Learn to do good; seek justice, relieve the oppressed.” Isaiah 1:17
As our country continues to face turmoil and unrest, it is imperative that we lean on our Jewish values and morals. On February 14th, we read in Parshat Mishpatim: “You shall not oppress the stranger, for you know the soul of the stranger, having been strangers in the land of Egypt” (Exodus 23:9). History has shown us time and time again that we cannot stand idly by. When we witness injustice, we are called to speak out and stand up for those in need. It is when no one speaks up for the oppressed that human dignity is lost.
While we may hold different political opinions, our Jewish morals must guide us. Every person is created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of God. Every person deserves care, decency, and dignity.
With so much hatred around us, it can be difficult to know where to begin or how to make a meaningful difference. The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) has been helping refugees around the world for over 100 years and offers resources for contacting members of Congress to advocate for action during this critical moment in our country. Whether or not you agree with current events, voicing your concerns to your elected representatives can have a powerful impact.
It is easy to feel powerless in times like these, but we each have a voice and together, those voices are strong. If the current climate of our country does not align with our Jewish values, we must speak up and be heard. We must come together to protect the stranger, the poor, and the widow, as our Torah teaches us. We cannot stand idly by while our fellow human beings suffer.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Cohn
rabbigabriellecohn@bethisraelcc.com
Sue Williams, Congregation Beth Israel President
One of the greatest joys for me during my term as CBI President is seeing a great turnout at our events. Over the past few weeks, we have been fortunate to experience several wonderful gatherings that brought our community together.
In December, our Shabbat Hanukkah Hoedown was a huge success! A big thank-you to Venita Crow and Rikki Schmitchel for their outstanding planning and execution, pairing the event with a Chili Cook-Off that drew seven delicious entries. Congratulations to Matt Adler and Marjorie Boudreaux , the winners of what we hope will become an annual CBI tradition.
January brought another highlight: the Texas Jewish Historical Society’s visit, which included a pre-Shabbat dinner, service, and Oneg attended by over ninety-five people. Many thanks to Amy Krams for beautifully decorating and setting up the auditorium for the evening and to Leigh Sheinberg for pitching in as well. The weekend also included tours of both cemeteries led by Elizabeth Susser, David Loeb, and Gary Blum, followed by a meaningful program, luncheon, and panel discussion hosted by the Jewish Community Council. We capped off that weekend with a memorable tour, program, and dinner aboard the USS Lexington, honoring the late Joe Jessel, of blessed memory, who was instrumental in bringing the ship to Corpus Christi. Deep thanks to Phyllis Roseman, Chris Adler, Gary Blum, and Bryan Stone for organizing such a special and historically significant weekend for CBI.
By the time you receive this bulletin, we will have celebrated Shabbat Shira (Sabbath of Song) with a special weekend of music led by Cantor O’Desky and accompanied by Eliza Williams.
A heartfelt thank-you goes to Sisterhood for their extraordinarily generous $25,000 donation to CBI from their Food Festival proceeds. Your support makes a tremendous impact on our congregation.
We are saddened by the recent passing of longtime members Elinor Roosth and Nina Shannon. We will dearly miss them and remain deeply grateful for their steadfast support of our community.
Looking ahead, February and March are filled with meaningful events, including a memorial service for Nina Shannon, our Purim Spiel presented by Rabbi and the Religious School, and Sisterhood’s annual Community Passover Seder. There is truly something special planned for nearly every weekend and we hope you will join us.
On the facilities front, we’ve continued making progress under our FEMA security grant, replacing old cameras, installing new ones, and completing our bollard and fencing projects. Soon, you will see additional upgrades including a new secure front entrance and replacement steel doors for the auditorium and back hallway. We anticipate completing these projects by the end of May, after which we will pursue a new grant to address future security needs for 2026–2027.
Thank you all for your support over these past two months, and particularly to Sisterhood bakers who have had to step up for desserts for so many events! And to Donna Normand who has gone above and beyond with so many extra challahs for all these events! I look forward to seeing you all at our upcoming events. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or if I can be of assistance.
Warm regards, Sue Williams, President
2025-2026
CBI Officers
and Trustees
OFFICERS
President
Sue Williams
1st Vice-President
David Prewitt
2nd Vice-President
Dr. Gary Blum
Secretary
Jerri Osberg
Treasurer
David Loeb
Past President
David Krams
Sisterhood Co-Presidents
Leslie Levy & Fifi Kieschnick
TRUSTEES
Venita Crow
Joe Gazin
Josh Mintz
Elizabeth Susser
Jordan Hans
Fifi Kieschnick
Robert Schmitchel
Dr. Bryan Stone
Robert Schmitchel
Chris Adler
Leslie Levy
Suzy Hilliard
Phyllis Roseman
Sisterhood Organization
Sisterhood offers an opportunity for women to find spiritual, educational and friendship bonds within the congregation. For Sisterhood membership form, click here.
A tradition for over 30 years, the Sisterhood Organization's Annual Fundraiser serves delicious meals of Jewish Delicacies plus a sweet shop. This event usually takes place second weekend of November. CLICK HERE for more information.