Community Wide
Special Needs Family Camp Weekend. Friday, June 5, 3:00 pm – Sunday, June 7, 1:00 pm. 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. Learn and have fun, build community and celebrate a "no-shush" family Shabbat together. 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. http://www.bjesf.org/families_specialneeds.htm.
The PJ Library®: Jewish Bedtime Stories & Songs for Families. Receive a free, high quality children's book or CD each month for children in the San Francisco Bay Area ages 6 months to 5 ½ years. The PJ Library® is a gift that will nourish a Jewish life from the start. Cost: free. Contact: Register online at www.pjlibrary.org, or 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), SF. Contact: 415.292.1252 for information; 415.292.1200 for registration.
Passover: To delight mind, heart and palate! Sunday, March 29, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. Three great workshops exploring the themes of Passover: Workshop 1 - Parents and children in hands-on activities that bring to life the messages, traditions, and stories of Passover. Workshop 2 - Congregant-led workshop serves up Passover cooking tricks for those eager to learn fun, creative recipes, including Iranian haroset and Pesach frittata in a crockpot! Workshop 3 - Participants create their own Haggadah, a religious text that outlines the order of the Passover seder. Cost: free. Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California Street, SF. Contact: Gabi Moskowitz at 415.346.1720 ext 24 or gmoskowitz@sherithisrael.org.
Ongoing Events
For the Love of Hebrew. Monday and Thursday evenings, March 12, 19, 26 (Level 1) and 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, SF. Contact: Alberta at bnaiemunah@sbcglobal.net or 415.664.7373.
Musar (Jewish Ethical Teachings): More True Joy. Monday and Thursday evenings, March 23 & 30, April 6 & 27, 7:00 - 9:00 pm. An introduction to studying and putting into practice such concepts as patience, order and honesty. Combination of study of Jewish ethical sources, personal reflection and practice. 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 bnaiemunah@sbcglobal.net or 415.664.7373.
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. Interfaith couples who are also part of the LGBT community face unique challenges and opportunities in creating a chosen family. 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 each month, 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 Celebrate Purim. Sunday, March 8, 9:30 – 11:30 am. Let’s have a silly day celebrating Purim, with crafts, music, learning, and eating hamantaschen. For families with children ages 0-3 and their siblings. Bring Children in costume. Cost: free; bring donation of new or used children's clothing. Marin JCC Annex, 200 N. San Pedro Rd, San Rafael. Contact: Melody Horowitz at mhorowitz@marinjcc.org or 415.444.8045.
Celebrate Passover with Young Children. Sunday, March 29, 9:30 – 11:30 am. Join us for a child-friendly Passover celebration, including Passover workshop, making yummy Passover food and crafts. For families with children ages 0-3 and their siblings. Cost: Free; bring Passover food to donate to Jewish Family Services. Marin JCC Annex, 200 N. San Pedro Rd, San Rafael. Contact: Melody Horowitz at mhorowitz@marinjcc.org or 415.444.8045.
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. With Jonathan Bayer. 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
Erev Shabbat Hallelu Service. Friday, March 6, 6:15 pm. Sway and pray to the music of Elana Jagoda and the all-new Hallelu Band. Service led by Rabbi Irvin Ungar. Cost: free. Peninsula Temple Beth El, 1700 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo. Contact: 650.341.7701 or cserbin@ptbe.org; or visit www.ptbe.org.
Purim Carnival. Sunday, March 8, 11:00 am – 1:30 pm. Rain or shine! Wear your favorite or design and construct a new one – just come in costume! Join Shir Hadash families and friends for a morning of fun and games and bounces. Everyone is welcome. Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos.
Purim Service, M’gillah Reading & Shpiel. Monday, March 9, 7:00 pm. Our Purim Shpiel is Esther: A Purim Parody adapted from the Broadway Musical, Annie. Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos. Contact: Cantor Devorah Felder-Levy 408.358.1751 ext 8 or cantor@shirhadash.org.
Planning Your Interfaith Jewish Wedding. Sunday, March 15, 10:15 am. What makes a wedding "Jewish"? How can we integrate elements from both our backgrounds? Where will we get an officiant? Do we want a rabbi? Where can we get a chuppah (wedding canopy) or a ketubbah (wedding contract)? Join other interfaith couples to talk about and find answers to these questions. Cost: $10/person; $15/couple. Congregation Etz Chayim, 4161 Alma St, Palo Alto. Contact: Dawn Kepler at 510.845.6420 ext 11 or dawn@buildingjewishbridges.org. www.buildingjewishbridges.org.
Jewish Themes in Movies: Scholar in Residence Program. Friday through Sunday, March 20 – 22. Scholar-in-Residence Janis Plotkin leads these three programs over one weekend: In The Beginning: Jewish Immigrants and American Cinema (Fri.); Artists and Activists: The Jewish Image in Independent Cinema (Sat.); and Across the Racial Divide - Depictions of Blacks and Jews in American Cinema (Sun.). Cost: free. Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos. Visit our website for complete listing of times.
Grandparents Circle Course. Sunday, March 22, April 5 & 26, 7:30 - 8:45 pm. Three-session program for grandparents of interfaith families. The course offers 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.
The ABCs of Passover through the Szyk Haggadah. Thursday, March 26, 7:00 pm. You’ll not only be entertained, but you will learn everything you wanted to know about the Hagaddah in this study session with Rabbi Irvin Ungar. Peninsula Temple Beth El, 1700 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo. Cost: free. Contact: 650.341.7701 or cserbin@ptbe.org; or visit our Adult Education page at www.ptbe.org.
Interfaith Couples Workshop. Sundays, March 29, April 19, & May 17, 4:00 pm. The group provides a safe forum to explore and discuss issues facing couples with different religious backgrounds. Co-led by Rabbi Melanie Aron and social worker Eleanor Intrator. Cost: free. Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos. Contact: Rabbi Aron at rabbiaron@shirhadash.org or 408.358.1751 ext 4.
Ongoing Events
Back to Basics. Continues Sundays, March 15, 22, & 29, 9:30 – 11:00 am. Understanding your Reform Jewish identity. Cost: call for cost. Peninsula Temple Beth El, 1700 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo. Contact: Cindi at 650.341.7701 or cserbin@ptbe.org.
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, 2009, 9:30 – 10:20 am. This study of the weekly Torah portion, led by Rabbi Melanie Aron, 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, March 21, 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, March 21, 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, March 28, 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
Come to the Movies: Circumcise Me! Tuesday, March 3, 1:00 pm. “Is it hot in here, or am I the only one dressed for Poland in the 17th Century?” While Yisrael Campbell certainly looks like an Ultra-Orthodox rabbi with his long black coat, big black hat and side curls, he is also a comedian who converted to Judaism not once but three times. In this hilarious and soul-searching stand-up routine/documentary, he talks about his spiritual journey—from a drugged up teen in Philadelphia to a comic in Jerusalem. Let’s talk about identity and how it changes. Cost: $5. Contra Costa JCC, 2071 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek. Contact: Dawn Kepler, 510.845.6420 ext 11 or dawn@buildingjewishbridges.org. www.buildingjewishbridges.org.
Pagan & Mystical Roots of the Jewish Calendar. Wednesday, March 4, 7:30 pm. Christianity has been described as a Jewish wine in a pagan vessel. Explore the intertwining of these religions as they are expressed in the Jewish calendar. Cost: $15. Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave, Berkeley. Contact: Dawn Kepler at 510.845.6420 ext 11 or dawn@buildingjewishbridges.org. www.buildingjewishbridges.org.
Purim Party for Young Children. Sunday, March 8, 10:30 am – 12:00 noon. Puppets, stories, songs, costumes, and Purim treats! Join other families with young children to celebrate this silliest of Jewish holidays. Open to all children age 0-5 years and their grown-ups . . . whether you're Jewish or just curious. Cost: free. Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty St, El Cerrito. Contact: Rabbi Bridget Wynne at 510.559.8140 or rabbibridget@jewishgateways.org. www.jewishgateways.org.
Demystifying Passover, Sunday, March 15, 10:30 - 11:45 am. Part of the series Demystifying Judaism, a year-long course for newly-engaged Jews, non-Jewish spouses and the Jews who love them, Jews-by-choice, and for anyone who has a question about Jewish ritual, practice or faith. Bagels, coffee, and tea will be provided. 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.
Jewish Life: Where Do I Fit? Friday, March 27, 6:15 pm. Are you – or would you like to be – a cultural Jew? Do you seek Jewish spiritual connections? Jewish community? Jewish wisdom and ethics? Do you connect to Judaism through its tradition of social justice? Join us to explore these questions and to enjoy a no-experience-necessary Shabbat dinner. All are welcome! Childcare is available free by reservation. Cost: Potluck dish or $7. Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty St, El Cerrito. Contact: Rabbi Bridget Wynne at 510.559.8140 or rabbibridget@jewishgateways.org. www.jewishgateways.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. Discussion topics include 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. Morning slots available, 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 old 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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