Welcome to our What's New page! Here we list events around the San Francisco Bay Area that are of interest to those who want to learn more about Judaism.
Online Learning
There are a LOT of online Jewish educational opportunities. Naturally, not all of them are good. Here are some that I trust.
My Jewish Learning This site has a wealth of information AND a newsletter with articles and workshops. Browse around it. I like that they have writers from different streams of Judaism so you get a broader view of Jewish thought and practice.
Aish This site is Orthodox and offers a traditional view on Judaism. What I like is that it is a good foundational viewpoint on the Parsha and Jewish practice.
Jewfaq This looks like a bare bones site - no pictures or fancy graphics. But it is phenomenal. A vast amount of information carefully spelled out. AND! Each page is ranked as: Gentile, Basic, Intermediate or Advanced. If you're finding a concept difficult then perhaps it is an Advanced page and you need to speak with your rabbi about it.
Send us YOUR suggestions for this list to dawn@buildingjewishbridges.org
My Jewish Learning This site has a wealth of information AND a newsletter with articles and workshops. Browse around it. I like that they have writers from different streams of Judaism so you get a broader view of Jewish thought and practice.
Aish This site is Orthodox and offers a traditional view on Judaism. What I like is that it is a good foundational viewpoint on the Parsha and Jewish practice.
Jewfaq This looks like a bare bones site - no pictures or fancy graphics. But it is phenomenal. A vast amount of information carefully spelled out. AND! Each page is ranked as: Gentile, Basic, Intermediate or Advanced. If you're finding a concept difficult then perhaps it is an Advanced page and you need to speak with your rabbi about it.
Send us YOUR suggestions for this list to dawn@buildingjewishbridges.org
Some Current Activities Around the Bay
A Shabbat of Reflection, Rejoicing and Renewal
Join us as we collaborate with our friends from St. Mark’s Episcopal Church choir and share a Shabbat of Reflection, Renewal and Rejoicing! This service will feature music from both faith traditions and is open to all!
Date: Friday, March 15
Time: 6:30pm
Place: Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland
www.oaklandsinai.org
Honoring Your Jewish Child’s Non-Jewish Heritage
Every child needs to understand where they come from. If you are raising your child as a Jew, but one parent is not Jewish it is essential that you teach your child about that side of their family. This is half of them! They need to be comfortable with how they put these parts together to make a whole person: themselves.
Jews may be concerned that learning about the non-Jewish parent means learning about another religion that will compete with Judaism. Not at all. There are hundreds of elements to another tradition or culture that are important and utterly without religious content:
There are cultural traditions which may include language, food, and music.
There are family traditions that include stories, memories, trips, games.
There are the traditions you create in your own nuclear family.
What if one parent has a religion? How can that be taught in a way that feels right to all members of the family – especially your child? Let’s discuss how to teach your child about BOTH sides of the family and how to integrate both parents into your child’s identity.
Date: March 21
Time: 7 to 8pm
Place: Online
Free, email me at dawn@buildingjewishbridges.org to receive the Zoom link.
The Terrifying Realm of the Possible:
With Author & Comedian Brett Gelman
Brett Gelman (Stranger Things, Fleabag) will present his daring, hilariously neurotic literary debut (published March 19).
Date: Thursday, March 21
Time: 8 - 9:30pm
Place: Oshman Family JCC, (Building F), 3921 Fabian Way Palo Alto, CA 94303
Cost: $25
Register here
Purim Carnival & Spiel Featuring the Barbie Megillah
Join Temple Sinai for a family friendly celebration of Purim! We'll have carnival games and attractions, food for sale and "The Barbie Megillah" Spiel! Don't miss out on all the fun!
9:00 - 9:50am: Early Purim Carnival
10:00 - 10:55am: Megillah Reading and Purim Spiel: “The Barbie Megillah!”
11:00am - 1:00pm: Late Purim Carnival
Cost: Each child needs a wristband for unlimited access to the carnival games and attractions. Wristbands are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Meal deals are $6 (includes hot dog, chips, fruit, drink and one hamentashen).
Questions? Contact Hadas Rave.
Register here.
Sunday, March 24
Time: 9 to 1pm
Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland
www.oaklandsinai.org
Tot Shabbat
Tot Shabbat is led by Mimi Greisman, a specialist in early childhood Jewish education. She brings fun and gentle activities filled with songs, puppets, and books, geared for children age 5 and under and their families. Gatherings are free to all, outside in an enclosed courtyard, and includes time for an art project and snacks. Great opportunity to connect with other parents for playdates and more. On-site security is present at Tot Shabbat.
Dates: These Saturdays, April 13, May 11
Time: 10:30 am
Place: Temple Israel Courtyard, 3183 Mecartney Road, Alameda
FREE
Questions: contact: Estee at totshabbat@templeisraelalameda.org
Dacher Keltner presents AWE: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life
In Conversation with Rabbi Stacy Friedman
Rodef Sholom is thrilled to host author, Professor Dacher Keltner, as a follow up to Rabbi Stacy’s Yom Kippur Sermon on Awe, to continue this important conversation at a time where we all need a little bit more awe in our life.
Professor Keltner’s research focuses on the biological and evolutionary origins of compassion, awe, love, beauty, power, social class, and inequality. As a Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and director of the Berkeley Social Interaction Lab, he is a leading scholar in the study of emotion, including a new project on awe around the globe, as well as power, class, and inequality. Professor Keltner also serves as the Faculty Director of the Berkeley Greater Good Science Center.
Date: Wednesday, April 17
Time: 7 to 9pm
Place: Rodef Sholom, 170 N. San Pedro Rd., San Rafael
ALSO VIRTUAL
RSVP HERE
Basic Judaism classes - Winter 2024
Introduction to Judaism
Join Emanu-El clergy to learn about the breadth and wonder of Jewish tradition. This class is a pathway for the adult learner who wishes to discover or deepen Jewish knowledge, non-Jews who are marrying a Jewish partner, and those who are considering conversion to Judaism. Participants register for each trimester separately.
Dates for each trimester:
Winter 2024: Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30; Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27
Spring 2024: April 2, 9, 16; May 3*, 7, 14, 21, 28
*Shabbat Service and Dinner experience (location TBD)
Dates: Tuesdays beginning Oct. 24
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Place: In person classes will be at Star of the Sea School (360 – 9th Avenue, between Clement and Geary); some classes will be on zoom.
Cost per trimester: Emanu-El Member $72; Non-Member: $118
Host: Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake Street, San Francisco
Register here for Fall
PLEASE NOTE: You will have to create an account on the Emanu-El website in order to sign up. It’s simple, but necessary.
Click here to view the 2023-2024 syllabus.
Judaism 101
Judaism 101 is an introduction to Judaism for people who are new or returning to Judaism and are looking for a starting point to dive into Jewish learning and/or Jewish practice. Anyone from any background is welcome. Our learning will be interactive and communal; come ready to be in the learning with us.
We offer three modules of our Introduction to Judaism class throughout the year. They each cover different material, and are independent-take one module or take them all! This winter module will focus on Torah, commandments, theology, and the lifecycle. The class format will be a combination of zoom-only and hybrid. Ask Cantor Bernstein any questions.
Date: Mondays, January 22 to March 18
Time: 7pm
Place: Sha’ar Zahav, 290 Dolores St, San Francisco
Cost: $149/person; no one turned away for lack of funds.
Register here
https://www.shaarzahav.org
2024 Introduction to Judaism
Taught by Rabbi Mark Bloom this class is open to anyone and everyone interested in learning about Judaism. Those interested in converting, those who are just exploring, or those who feel they have “gaps” in their Jewish learning are all welcome. It will run for approximately 12 weeks and will cover Jewish texts, holidays, the Jewish life cycle, prayer, the Holocaust, Israel, and other topics within Judaism.
Dates: January 24, 31 & February 7, 21, 28 & March 6, 13, 20, 27 & April 3, 17
(note that dates are subject to change)
Time: 7:30 to 8:30pm
Place: Beth Abraham, 327 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland
Cost: $36 (free for a significant other if they want to take it along with you), and one should purchase the book “How to Run a Traditional Jewish Household” on their own.
For any questions and to sign up, please contact Rabbi Bloom directly, rabbibloom@tbaoakland.org
Judaism: The Big Picture in 16 Parts
Learners are free to attend every session or only the classes of interest (regardless of whether they have attended prior course sessions). If people would like to use this class towards their study for conversion, they will also have individual meetings with Rabbi Chayva.
For a full list of topics to be covered see the Am Tikvah website.
This class is a hybrid. For the link for Zoom contact the synagogue at 415.586.8833.
Dates: Saturdays, Feb. 3 through May 13, details on website
Time: 2 to 3:30pm
Place: Am Tikvah, 625 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco
www.amtikvah.org
Exploring Judaism
This course is organized around the three pillars of Judaism mentioned in the Mishnah: Torah, Prayer, and Acts of Loving Kindness/Social Justice. We also cover the Jewish calendar, Shabbat practice, and holidays. This class welcomes individuals looking to explore Judaism, interested in conversion to Judaism, and partners.
Dates: Tuesdays, March 12, 19, 26; April 2, 9, 16, 30, and May 7
Time: 6:30-8pm
Place: On Zoom
Please contact Heidi Paul (heidi@rodefsholom.org) with any questions and/or to register for the series.
www.rodefsholom.org
Judaism 101
Classes forming on an ongoing basis.
Join Rabbi David Booth for our Introduction to Judaism class, where you can encounter the foundations and traditions of Judaism in a warm, non-judgmental environment. Class cohorts form on a rolling basis, and we welcome beginners and explorers of all backgrounds. Some details here.
To learn more about the class, or to find out when the next cohort will launch, please contact us.
Place: Kol Emeth, 4175 Manuela Avenue, Palo Alto
https://kolemeth.shulcloud.com
Introduction to Judaism
Join Emanu-El clergy to learn about the breadth and wonder of Jewish tradition. This class is a pathway for the adult learner who wishes to discover or deepen Jewish knowledge, non-Jews who are marrying a Jewish partner, and those who are considering conversion to Judaism. Participants register for each trimester separately.
Dates for each trimester:
Winter 2024: Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30; Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27
Spring 2024: April 2, 9, 16; May 3*, 7, 14, 21, 28
*Shabbat Service and Dinner experience (location TBD)
Dates: Tuesdays beginning Oct. 24
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Place: In person classes will be at Star of the Sea School (360 – 9th Avenue, between Clement and Geary); some classes will be on zoom.
Cost per trimester: Emanu-El Member $72; Non-Member: $118
Host: Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake Street, San Francisco
Register here for Fall
PLEASE NOTE: You will have to create an account on the Emanu-El website in order to sign up. It’s simple, but necessary.
Click here to view the 2023-2024 syllabus.
Judaism 101
Judaism 101 is an introduction to Judaism for people who are new or returning to Judaism and are looking for a starting point to dive into Jewish learning and/or Jewish practice. Anyone from any background is welcome. Our learning will be interactive and communal; come ready to be in the learning with us.
We offer three modules of our Introduction to Judaism class throughout the year. They each cover different material, and are independent-take one module or take them all! This winter module will focus on Torah, commandments, theology, and the lifecycle. The class format will be a combination of zoom-only and hybrid. Ask Cantor Bernstein any questions.
Date: Mondays, January 22 to March 18
Time: 7pm
Place: Sha’ar Zahav, 290 Dolores St, San Francisco
Cost: $149/person; no one turned away for lack of funds.
Register here
https://www.shaarzahav.org
2024 Introduction to Judaism
Taught by Rabbi Mark Bloom this class is open to anyone and everyone interested in learning about Judaism. Those interested in converting, those who are just exploring, or those who feel they have “gaps” in their Jewish learning are all welcome. It will run for approximately 12 weeks and will cover Jewish texts, holidays, the Jewish life cycle, prayer, the Holocaust, Israel, and other topics within Judaism.
Dates: January 24, 31 & February 7, 21, 28 & March 6, 13, 20, 27 & April 3, 17
(note that dates are subject to change)
Time: 7:30 to 8:30pm
Place: Beth Abraham, 327 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland
Cost: $36 (free for a significant other if they want to take it along with you), and one should purchase the book “How to Run a Traditional Jewish Household” on their own.
For any questions and to sign up, please contact Rabbi Bloom directly, rabbibloom@tbaoakland.org
Judaism: The Big Picture in 16 Parts
Learners are free to attend every session or only the classes of interest (regardless of whether they have attended prior course sessions). If people would like to use this class towards their study for conversion, they will also have individual meetings with Rabbi Chayva.
For a full list of topics to be covered see the Am Tikvah website.
This class is a hybrid. For the link for Zoom contact the synagogue at 415.586.8833.
Dates: Saturdays, Feb. 3 through May 13, details on website
Time: 2 to 3:30pm
Place: Am Tikvah, 625 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco
www.amtikvah.org
Exploring Judaism
This course is organized around the three pillars of Judaism mentioned in the Mishnah: Torah, Prayer, and Acts of Loving Kindness/Social Justice. We also cover the Jewish calendar, Shabbat practice, and holidays. This class welcomes individuals looking to explore Judaism, interested in conversion to Judaism, and partners.
Dates: Tuesdays, March 12, 19, 26; April 2, 9, 16, 30, and May 7
Time: 6:30-8pm
Place: On Zoom
Please contact Heidi Paul (heidi@rodefsholom.org) with any questions and/or to register for the series.
www.rodefsholom.org
Judaism 101
Classes forming on an ongoing basis.
Join Rabbi David Booth for our Introduction to Judaism class, where you can encounter the foundations and traditions of Judaism in a warm, non-judgmental environment. Class cohorts form on a rolling basis, and we welcome beginners and explorers of all backgrounds. Some details here.
To learn more about the class, or to find out when the next cohort will launch, please contact us.
Place: Kol Emeth, 4175 Manuela Avenue, Palo Alto
https://kolemeth.shulcloud.com
Got a baby?
Get support from the Bay Area's Jewish Baby Network
Connect Today!
The JBN Newsletter says, "We would love for you and your family to become part of the Jewish Baby Network community. Please let us know a little bit about you so we can help you connect to other families and resources near you.
Our programs are designed for families with children aged 0 – 36 months. We welcome everyone, including non-affiliated, interfaith, multi-ethnic, single parent, and LGBTQ families.
Find your region here"
This is a lovely group; I encourage you to get in touch.