Community Wide
Campership Scholarships Available. The Bureau of Jewish Education’s scholarship program, administered on behalf of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund, distributes over $1 million in financial aid each year. There's still time to apply for:
Teen trips to Israel (application due April 1, 2009)
Jewish Day Camps (application due April 1, 2009)
Family specialty camp weekends (application due 3 weeks prior to session)
Apply online at www.bjesf.org/financialaid.htm. Contact: 415.751.6983 ext 107 or finaid@bjesf.org.
Special Needs Family Camp Weekend. Friday, June 5, 3:00pm – Sunday, June 7, 1:00pm. Special needs family camp weekend for children with disabilities, their siblings, and their parents to experience the joys of Jewish family camping in a nurturing, supportive and inclusive environment. A large staff ensures lots of individual attention and interaction. Cost: $200 adults, $140 youth (3-18). Camp Newman, 4800 Porter Creek Rd, Santa Rosa. Contact: Flora Kupferman at 415.751.6983 ext 122, fkupferman@bjesf.org. www.bjesf.org/families_specialneeds.htm.
The PJ Library®: Jewish Bedtime Stories & Songs for Families. Sign up for The PJ Library® at www.pjlibrary.org and you'll receive free high quality children's books or CDs each month for children ages 6 months to 5 ½ years in the San Francisco Bay Area. Cost: free. Contact: Vivien Braly at 415.499.1223 ext 8106 or vivienb@sfjcf.org.
Chai Baby. Welcoming newborns and their families into our Jewish community by providing free gifts and educational materials that will assist in creating a Jewish home, and identifying opportunities for involvement in the local Jewish community. Cost: free. Register online at www.sfjcf.org/resources/chaibaby.
San Francisco
Creating an Interfaith Wedding Ceremony. Sunday, March 29, 10:00 am. Explore ways to create a beautiful and meaningful interfaith wedding ceremony honoring the backgrounds of both partners, while including elements of the traditional Jewish wedding and contemporary innovations. A light buffet brunch will be served. Cost: $10/couple. JCCSF, 3200 California (at Presidio). Contact: 415.292.1252 for information; 415.292.1200 for registration.
Social Justice Seder: In Support of the People of Darfur and Their Journey to Freedom. Monday, April 13, 6:00 - 8:00 pm. A light dairy dinner will be served. Reservations are required. Cost: $10 suggested contribution for the AJWS Darfur Relief and Advocacy Fund. University of San Francisco Main Campus, McLaren Conference Center 250-251, (Golden Gate Ave. between Masonic Ave and Parker Ave). Contact: RSVP to Stephanie Tholand no later than April 7 at 415.593.3298 or stholand@ajws.org.
San Francisco Freedom Seder: Marriage Equality. Tuesday, April 14, 6:30 pm. Join us for a multicultural Passover Seder filled with education, dialogue, and celebration. We honor the historical and continuing struggle for justice as we work toward marriage equality. Cost: $35 for members; $40 for public, includes a kosher meal. Jewish Community Center, 3200 California Street, SF. Contact: 415.292.1233 to reserve tickets; Margee at 415.977.7419 or mchurchon@jcrc.org for more information.
Ongoing Events
For the Love of Hebrew. Monday and Thursday evenings, April 2, 23, 30 (Level II), 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Introduction to reading and understanding prayer book and Modern Hebrew. Congregation B’nai Emunah is an egalitarian, inclusive community that welcomes interfaith and unaffiliated Jews interested in learning. Cost: $18 per class. Congregation B’nai Emunah, 3595 Taraval St (at 46th Ave), SF. Contact: Alberta at 415.664.7373 or bnaiemunah@sbcglobal.net.
Musar (Jewish Ethical Teachings): More True Joy. Mondays, continuing April 6 & 27, 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Introduction to studying and putting into practice such concepts as patience, order and honesty, using a combination of Jewish ethical sources, personal reflection and practice. Cost: $18 per class. Congregation B’nai Emunah, 3595 Taraval St (at 46th Ave), SF. Contact: Alberta at 415.664.7373 or bnaiemunah@sbcglobal.net.
Chosen Family: A Discussion Series for LGBT Interfaith Couples. Seven weekly evening sessions, start day and date to be determined, 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Discuss relationships, community and creating meaningful ritual, and discover new ways to address important and sensitive issues. All genders welcome. Cost: $275 couple. Financial assistance is available; call for details. JCC of San Francisco, 3200 California St (at Presidio), SF. Contact: Helena McMahon, LMFT, at 415.292.1252 or 415.292.1200 to register for the group.
Mishpacha Shabbat. Last Friday of the month, April 24, 5:30 - 6:30 pm. Shabbat service for families with small children: songs, dancing, arts and crafts, and Shabbat blessings, plus a dairy/vegetarian potluck dinner in the company of families just like yours. Congregation B'nai Emunah, 3595 Taraval Ave (at 46th Ave), SF. Contact: 415.664.7373.
If your synagogue or organization is sponsoring an activity of particular interest to interfaith families, please let us know at bridges@sfjcf.org.
North Bay Preppin’ for Passover. Sunday, March 29, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Join us for a fun day of Passover prep with activities for all! Cost: free. Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Rd, San Rafael. Contact: www.marinjcc.org for full schedule of events.
Marin Freedom Seder: Freedom from Poverty. Monday, April 13, 6:30 pm. Enjoy a delicious, vegetarian dinner, traditional and new music and a gathering of friends new and old. Cost: $25 adults; $20 students; $15 children 12 & under. Reserve your seat by Wednesday, April 8. Congregation Rodef Sholom, 200 N. San Pedro Rd, San Rafael. Contact: Suzan Berns or 415.472.5128 or sberns@jcrc.org.
Parenting Matters: Jewish Wisdom for Mindful Parenting. Tuesday mornings, April 21 – June 9, 9:30 - 10:45 am. Interactive 8-week adult learning program for Jewish and interfaith parents raising young children five years and younger. Cost: $75 per person (scholarships are available upon request). Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Rd, San Rafael. Contact: Vivien Braly at 415.499.1223 ext 8106 or vivienb@sfjcf.org. www.sfjcf.org.
Ongoing Events
Tot Shabbat. First and third Saturday monthly, 9:30 - 10:15 am. Shabbat prayers using movement and song for children ages 2-5. No RSVP needed. Congregation Rodef Sholom, 170 N. San Pedro Rd, San Rafael. Contact: 415.479.3441. www.rodefsholom.org.
If your synagogue or organization is sponsoring an activity of particular interest to interfaith families, please let us know at bridges@sfjcf.org.
Peninsula
Peninsula Freedom Seder: Exodus from Poverty. Sunday, March 29, 4:00 - 6:30 pm.
Celebrate freedom and learn how you can help others make an exodus from poverty. Cost: $18 per person, includes a Kosher meal. Seating is limited. Peninsula Temple Beth El, 1700 Alameda De Las Pulgas, San Mateo. Contact: Karen Stiller at 650.961.1922 or kstiller@jcrc.org.
Grandparents Circle Course. Sundays, continuing April 5 & 26, 7:30 - 8:45 pm. Program for grandparents of interfaith families, offering skills and techniques for fostering Jewish memories for your family and sharing Jewish ritual and tradition with your grandchildren in a positive and supportive way. Cost: free. Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos. Contact: Nadine@shirhadash.org or 408.358.1751 ext 5 to register; rabbiaron@shirhadash.org or 408.358.1751 ext 4 for information.
Keddem Congregation Community Seder. Saturday, April 11, 6:00 pm. Join us for good food, stimulating conversation and an overall enjoyable and friendly Passover experience at our child-friendly catered community seder. Cost: Members $40.00 (13 and older); children 5-12, $25.00; under 5 no charge. Non-members $45.00 (13 and older); children 5-12, $29.00, under 5 no charge. Kehillah Jewish High School, Multipurpose Room, 3900 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. Contact: 650.494.6400 or download the registration form at www.keddem.org. and mail in with payment.
Feeling at Home with Your Judaism. Sunday, April 19, 9:30 - 11:00 am. Basic Jewish Lexicon: You’ll learn common Hebrew & Yiddish words from Adonai to zayda. Cost: free. Peninsula Temple Beth El, 1700 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo. Contact: Cindi Serbin at cserbin@ptbe.org or 650.341.7701.
How I Decided to Raise My Kids Jewish. Wednesday, April 22, 7:30 pm. Join a panel of non-Jewish parents as they discuss their decision to raise their children as Jews. Cost: free. Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Rd, Los Altos Hills. Contact: Dawn Kepler at 510.845.6420 ext 11. www.buildingjewishbridges.org
Interfaith Couples Workshop. Sundays, continuing April 19 & May 17, 4:00 pm. The group provides a safe forum to explore and discuss issues facing couples with different religious backgrounds. Cost: free. Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos. Contact: Rabbi Aron at rabbiaron@shirhadash.org or 408.358.1751 ext 4.
Magical Moment. Friday, May 8, 9:30 am - 2:00 pm. Enjoy a feast for the intellect, the palate, the ears and the soul as we celebrate our special members who have been with us through the years. Cost: $45. Michael’s at Shoreline Restaurant, 2960 Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View. Contact: Elisheva Salamo at 650.852.3518 or esalamo@paloaltojcc.org. www.paloaltojcc.org
Ongoing Events
Hebrew for Adults. Continuing Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Learn prayerbook Hebrew with teacher Patti Moskovitz. No prior knowledge of Hebrew necessary. Cost: call for details. Peninsula Temple Beth El, 1700 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo. Contact: Cindi Serbin at 650.341.7701 or cserbin@ptbe.org.
Torah Study. Saturday mornings through May 23, 9:30 – 10:20 am. Study of the weekly Torah portion for anyone who is interested in in-depth Torah study, regardless of their level of knowledge. Cost: free and open to the public. Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos. Contact: Rabbi Melanie Aron at 408.358.1751 ext 5 or rabbiaron@shirhadash.org.
Tot Shabbat. Third Saturday of the month, April 18, 9:00 am. A morning service filled with songs, stories, snack and fun activities for young children. Cost: free. Peninsula Temple Beth El, 1700 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo. Contact: 650.341.7701 or cserbin@ptbe.org. www.ptbe.org.
Tot Shabbat. Third Saturday of the month, April 18, 10:30 am. Stories, songs and Torah for families with children up to age six. All are welcome. Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos. Contact: 408.358.1751 or office@shirhadash.org. www.shirhadash.org.
Monthly Torah Study with Keddem Congregation. Fourth Saturday of the month, April 25, 10:00 am - 12:00 p.m. Enjoy bagels and coffee beginning at 9:45, then read and discuss the week's Torah portion. Copies of the Torah text (in English) are available, or bring any English translation of the Torah or Bible you enjoy reading. Kehillah Jewish High School, 3900 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. Contact: Elise at torah_study_chair@keddem.org.
If your synagogue or organization is sponsoring an activity of particular interest to interfaith families, please let us know at bridges@sfjcf.org.
East Bay
Passover Celebration for Young Children. Saturday, April 4, 10:30 am – 12:00 noon. Join other families with young children to hear the exciting Passover story and enjoy puppets, songs, and holiday treats! Cost: free. Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty St, El Cerrito. Contact: Rabbi Bridget Wynne at 510.559.8140 or rabbibridget@jewishgateways.org. www.jewishgateways.org
Community Potluck Passover Seder. Saturday, April 11, 5:00 pm. Tri-Valley Cultural Jews' child-friendly seder and potluck (not kosher-for-Pesach) provides a welcoming community for those who identify with the Jewish People through family, culture and history, rather than through religion. Cost: $10 suggested donation for non-member adults (over 13). Bothwell Center, 2688 8th St, Livermore. Contact: Jamie at 510.888.1404 or reservations@Tri-ValleyCulturalJews.org.
Ongoing Events
Welcoming Your Jewish Baby Whether You’re Jewish or Not. Five Wednesdays beginning March 4, 1:00 – 2:30 pm. Join other new mamas for conversation and support, discussing such topics as finding resources, adjusting to the new normal, exploring Jewish options for your family, and making family memories. Cost: $36 for 5 sessions. Contra Costa JCC, 2071 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek. Contact: Dawn Kepler at 510.845.6420 ext 11 or dawn@buildingjewishbridges.org. www.buildingjewishbridges.org.
Beth Emek Preschool. 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Developmentally appropriate play-based program offering a warm, secure and stimulating Jewish environment in which children are free to explore and learn. Children aged 2 years 9 months to 5 years are welcome. Serving families in Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore and San Ramon. Congregation Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada Court, Pleasanton. Contact: Mel at 925.931.1055 ext 21 or visit www.bethemek.org.
Tot Shabbat. Friday mornings, 9:30 - 11:30 am. This playgroup, geared towards children ages birth to preschool, meets once a week when our preschool is in session. Beverages and snacks are provided. Congregation Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada Court, Pleasanton. Contact: totshabbat@bethemek.org or 925.931.1055.
If your synagogue or organization is sponsoring an activity of particular interest to interfaith families, please let us know at bridges@sfjcf.org.
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