Community Wide
The PJ Library™: Jewish Bedtime Stories & Songs for Families. The PJ Library™ sends high quality Jewish themed books and music to participating families once a month for two years - and it’s absolutely free for families with children from six months to 5½ years of age. Register at www.pjlibrary.org and you will receive a book or CD each month mailed to your home. Cost: free. Contact: Vivien Braly at 415.499.1223 ext.8106, vivienb@sfjcf.org or visit our website www.pjlibrary.org. Generously funded by The Jim Joseph Foundation, with additional support from the Jewish Community Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties.
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. Funded by the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties.
San Francisco
Hanukah Bazaar and Crafts Sale. Sunday, December 7, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Don't miss our festive and fun-filled family Hanukah bazaar with children’s games, arts and crafts, and a Jumpy house. Hanukah gifts, toys, and Judaica, along with beautiful jewelry, as well as home-baked goodies for sale, including latkes from the kitchen with all the trimmings! Raffle with terrific prizes. Cost: Free. Congregation B’nai Emunah, 3595 Taraval (at 46th Ave.), SF. Contact: for more information call 415.664.7373. www.sfbnaiemunah.org.
Ongoing Events
Introduction to Judaism. Continues Mondays, through December 22, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. An in-depth, hands-on approach to the basics of Jewish thought and practice through study, discussion and practical experiences. Topics include holiday and life cycle events, theology and prayer, Israeli history and Hebrew. Cost: $50 materials fee. Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California St., SF. Contact: Gabi Moskowitz at gmoskowitz@sherithisrael.org or 415.346.1720 ext.24.
Mothers Circle. Every other Friday, continues December 5 and 19, 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. An educational course for a small group of non-Jewish mothers who are raising Jewish children. Topics include Shabbat, Jewish holidays, how to discuss God with your children, and more. Facilitated by a psychologist. Cost: Free. Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California St., SF. Contact: Carrie Rice at 415.346.1720 ext.18 or crice@sherithisrael.org.
Chosen Family: A Discussion Series for LGBT and Queer Interfaith Couples. Seven weekly sessions, beginning Monday, December 1, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Interfaith couples who are also part of the LGBT community face unique challenges and opportunities in creating a chosen family. Join us for discussions about relationships, creating meaningful ritual and community, and discover new ways to address important and often sensitive issues that arise. Couples of all genders, races, ethnicities and religions are welcome. Facilitated by Karen Erlichman, LCSW and Helena McMahon, LMFT. Cost: $275 per couple for the entire series; sliding fee scale also available upon request. JCC of San Francisco, 3200 California St., SF (at Presidio). Contact: Helena McMahon at 415.292.1252 or hmcmahon@jccsf.org. www.jccsf.org.
Mishpacha Shabbat. Last Friday of each month, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. 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 Ongoing Events
Parenting Matters: Jewish Wisdom for Mindful Parenting. Thursday mornings through December 18, 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. Parenting Matters is a parenting discussion group for Jewish and interfaith parents raising young children (5 years and younger). This interactive 8-week learning program from the Jewish Community Federation will explore basic Jewish principles and apply them to our modern parenting concerns. All levels of learners are welcome. Reservations recommended. Cost: $75 per person (scholarships 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.jcfparentingmatters.org.
Tot Shabbat. First and third Saturday monthly, 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Shabbat prayers using movement and song for children ages 2-5. With Jonathan Bayer. No RSVP needed. Congregation Rodef Sholom, 170 N. San Pedro Rd., San Rafael. Contact: 415.479.3441. www.rodefsholom.org.
Osher Marin JCC Preschool 2008-2009. A full range of pre-school programs for children ages 2-5. Tours available. Osher Marin JCC ECE, 200 N. San Pedro Rd., San Rafael. Contact: 415.444.8042 or sfarael@marinjcc.org. www.marinjcc.org
Penina Maier Jewish School. Sunday mornings, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Gan HaLev's Sunday School welcomes children (toddlers through B'nai Mitzvah) and their families for a culturally enriched program of Jewish education and celebration, including our Kinder Class of music and movement for toddlers. Classes are held at the San Geronimo Valley Community Center, 6350 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Geronimo. Contact: Gan Halev at 415.488.4524.
Gan Israel Preschool 2008-2009. Program offers a Jewish education to children of all faiths between the ages of 2-5. Gan Israel currently has many young interfaith families in the Petaluma, Novato and Rohnert Park area. Gan Israel Preschool, B'nai Israel Jewish Center, 740 Western Ave., Petaluma. Contact: Preschool office at 707.763.5136, or Leslee Lauritzen at leslee@bnaiisrael.net.
If your synagogue or organization is sponsoring an activity of particular interest to interfaith families, please let us know at bridges@sfjcf.org.
Peninsula
Interfaith Couples Workshop. Sunday, December 7, 2:00 p.m. This group provides a safe forum to explore and discuss all the issues that couples who come together from different religious and ethnic backgrounds and traditions bring to their relationships. Co-led by Rabbi Melanie Aron and social worker, Eleanor Intrator. Babysitting will be provided upon request. Cost: free. Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos. Contact: RSVP to Patty at 408.358.1751 ext. 7 or patty@shirhadash.org; for information, contact Rabbi Melanie Aron at 408.358.1751 ext. 5 or rabbiaron@shirhadash.org.
Chopshticks. Wednesday, December 24, 7:00 p.m. and Thursday, December 25, 6:00 p.m. Don’t miss Gary Gulman of Last Comic Standing, performing live……at a Chinese restaurant! Feast on a heaping serving of gourmet Chinese food and gut-busting comedy instead of spending the holidays alone. Tables for ten are available as well, so why not hold your holiday party with us? Though Gary is most well known for his breakthrough success on NBC's hit, Last Comic Standing, he has also appeared on such television shows as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Late Show with David Letterman. His clever, original comedy appeals to audiences of all ages. Cost: $70. Ming’s Restaurant, 1700 Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto. Contact: Visit our website, www.paloaltojcc.org/chopshticks to purchase tickets; for tables of ten, contact Boris Vladimirsky at 650.852.3509 or bvladimirsky@paloaltojcc.org.
Ongoing Events
Torah Trope Class for Adults. Wednesdays, December 3, 10, and 17, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Learn Torah Trope so you can chant from Torah. Knowledge of Hebrew is required. Cost: $56/members; $75/non-members. Peninsula Temple Beth El, 1700 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo. Contact: Cindi Serbin at 650.341.7701 or cserbin@ptbe.org.
Parenting Matters: Jewish Wisdom for Mindful Parenting. Friday mornings, through December 19, 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. Parenting Matters is a parenting discussion group for Jewish and interfaith parents raising young children (5 years and younger). This interactive 8-week learning program from the Jewish Community Federation will explore basic Jewish principles and apply them to our modern parenting concerns. All levels of learners are welcome. Reservations recommended. Cost: $75 per person (scholarships available upon request). Peninsula JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. Contact: Vivien Braly, 415.499.1223 ext. 8106 or vivienb@sfjcf.org. www.jcfparentingmatters.org.
Shabbat Hallelu . . . Erev Shabbat Hallelu Service. First Friday of the month, 6:15 p.m. Sway and pray to the music of Elana Jagoda and the all-new Hallelu Band. Cost: Free. 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, 2009, 9:30 – 10:20 a.m. This study of the weekly Torah portion, led by Rabbi Melanie Aron, will be illuminating for anyone who is interested in in-depth Torah study, regardless of their level of knowledge. These weekly discussions will be enriched by the use of the newly published Women’s Torah Commentary, which is by, but not just for, women. The study of the commentaries by well known Biblical commentator Nechama Leibowitz will be added to the discussion in the spring. 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, 9:00 a.m. A morning service filled with songs, stories, snack and fun activities. Cost: Free. Peninsula Temple Beth El, 1700 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo. Contact: Sigal Kletter at 650.341.7701.
Tot Shabbat. Third Saturday of the month, 10:30 a.m. 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.
Hebrew for Adults. Thursdays, beginning January 8, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Learn prayerbook Hebrew with teacher, Patti Moskovitz. No prior knowledge of Hebrew necessary. Cost: for details. Peninsula Temple Beth El, 1700 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo. Contact: Cindi Serbin at 650.341.7701 or cserbin@ptbe.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
Beth Emek Gift Shop Hanukkah Sales. Sunday, December 7 and Sunday, December 14,
8:30 a.m. - 12 noon and 4:00 -7:00 p.m. Shop Locally. Impact Globally. Support Israel and Jewish artists worldwide: hand painted silk scarves, glassware, candles, and jewelry from Israel; Judaic collages, journals, hand made cards, and bookmarks from South Africa. Also Jewish wooden toys and music, AHAVA and Dead Sea bath products, Menorahs, Jerusalem stone candlesticks, mezuzot, and baby gift items by Jewish artists. Something for everyone and for every occasion. Cost: None. Congregation Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada Court, Pleasanton. Contact: Ellen Kiefer at bethemek@bethemek.org or 925.931.1055 ext.10. www.bethemek.org.
What is Jewish Spirituality? Friday, December 12, 6:15 p.m. Can Jewish tradition help us to connect with the divine? Search our own souls? Gain inspiration? Join us to explore these questions and to enjoy a delicious, no-experience necessary Shabbat dinner. We’ll eat, laugh, learn. Everyone is welcome! Childcare is available. Cost: Free (if you bring a dish to share) or $7 (if you are unable to bring a dish to share). Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty St, El Cerrito. Contact: Rabbi Bridget Wynne at 510.559.8140 or rabbibridget@jewishgateways.org or www.jewishgateways.org.
Chanukah Celebration for Very Young Children. Sunday, December 14, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Puppets, crafts, songs, menorah lighting, and latkes! Open to all children 0-5 and those who love them, whether you’re Jewish or just curious. Join our festive Chanukah gathering and share the holiday story and traditions with other families with young children. Led by wonderful early childhood specialist, Mimi Greisman. Cost: Free. Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty Street, El Cerrito. Contact: Rabbi Bridget Wynne at 510.559.8140 or rabbibridget@jewishgateways.org or www.jewishgateways.org.
Ongoing Events
Deepening Intimacy for Couples. Mondays, December 1, 8, and 15, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. In the Torah, profound intimacy is articulated by the Hebrew verb “to know.” The willingness of two people to know and be known is at the heart of yichud, a celebration of intimacy. Utilizing teachings, exercises and meditations drawn from the Jewish wedding ceremony, Jewish texts and many years of couples counseling and therapeutic work, this class will be a journey for couples wishing to invigorate and deepen their intimacy. Led by Rabbi Dan Goldblatt and Yael Goldblatt, Ph.D. Cost: $60 per couple/members; $90 per couple/non-members. Beth Chaim Congregation, 1800 Holbrook Dr., Danville. Contact: 925.736.7146, admin@bethchaim.com, or www.bethchaim.com.
Simple Jewish Practices That Can Change Your Life. Wednesdays; December 3, 10, and 17, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Each day is filled with opportunities to connect with Jewish practice and time. In this class, we will explore easy-to-do Jewish spiritual practices that can help us find a deeper meaning in our lives as well as help us cope with the challenges we face. Led by Rabbi Chaya Gusfield. Cost: $50/members; $75/non-members. Beth Chaim Congregation, 1800 Holbrook Dr., Danville. Contact: 925.736.7146, admin@bethchaim.com, or www.bethchaim.com.
Beth Emek Preschool. Morning slots available, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 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 old are welcome. Preschool staff and Rabbi Richard Winer work together to create meaningful Jewish experiences for the children throughout the school year. Shabbat and Jewish holidays are marked with stories, songs, and crafts. 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 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. This playgroup, geared towards children ages birth to preschool, meets once a week when our preschool is in session. Activities include free play along with Shabbat or Jewish holiday themed projects, including coloring or use of play dough. During the last 15 minutes we sing Shabbat music led by Rabbi Rick, and share challah as we get ready for Shabbat. Beverages and snacks are provided. Congregation Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada Court, Pleasanton. Contact: totshabbat@bethemek.org or 925.931.1055.
Demystifying Judaism: Demystifying Worship II. Next session, January 11, 2009, 10:30-11:45 a.m. Rabbi Winer presents this year-long course for newly-engaged Jews, lifelong learners, those who haven't cracked a book since b'nai mitzvah, Jews-by-choice, Jews-by-birth, non-Jewish spouses and the Jews who love them, and for anyone who has a question about Jewish ritual, practice or faith. Bagels, coffee, and orange juice will be provided. Series meets one Sunday a month; visit www.bethemek.org for complete schedule of dates. Cost: free. Congregation Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada Court, Pleasanton. Contact: 925.931.1055, bethemek@bethemek.org, or fax 925.931.1054.
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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