You are Mine for Now

Dear Interfaith Families and Friends,

When my daughter was in kindergarten we had to change schools midyear. I was anxious about bringing my five year old to a new school where all the other kids had bonded. I remember the February morning that I walked into the office of the new school and introduced Elly to the school secretary, Sue. Sue smiled at her and after a brief chat said, “OK, you’re mine now until you graduate.” And off they went.

For the next six years Sue was there for elbows that needed bandaids, loose teeth, costumes that needed safety pins, a smile, a pat. She couldn’t make all things right but she could and did smooth the way.

I want to say that I feel the same way about all of you. You belong to me – until such time as you decide to go off to Seattle or Miami. In the meantime I refer to you as “my couples” and it is my intention to smooth the way. I can’t make all things right, but I have some pretty good ideas and resources. Don’t hesitate to give me a call. I know there are some of you that worry that I’m Jewish and I can’t understand how it feels to be Christian or Hindu or pagan. But give it a try. I might surprise you.
Dawn
510-839-2900 x347
925-943-1484




Contra Costa Book and Arts Festival
October 30 to November 15

Vocolot in Concert
Vocolot brings a joyous fusion of folk, jazz and cantorial traditions into the contemporary a cappella world. Their music, rooted in Jewish soul, is sung in English, Hebrew, Ladino, Yiddish and Arabic. Wine, cheese and dessert reception followed by the concert and our tribute to two outstanding individuals who have been instrumental in bringing culture to our East Bay Jewish community: Rabbi Emeritus Gordon Freeman of Congregation B’nai Sholom and Bilha Sperling, founder of the Book Festival.
One of the lovely singers in Vocolot is a member of this list, Shana Levy. Please give her a warm greeting when you go to hear the Vocolot concert.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 10
Time: Reception at 7pm, concert at 8pm
Place: Contra Costa JCC, 2071 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek
Cost: $18
For more information call the JCC at 925-938-7800 or got to www.jfed.org


Here is a location change for Dawn Margolin’s Kindergym/Toddler program in Oakland
From Dawn: Due to continued construction at Temple Beth Abraham (check out our lovely new parking lot!), we will be holding classes TEMPORARILY at the Resurrection Lutheran Church at 397 Euclid Avenue, Oakland CA 94610, 2 blocks from TBA towards Lake Merritt. www.tbaoakland.org/kindergym



ONGOING
Mothers Circle - For Non-Jewish Moms Raising Jewish Kids
Join us for Jewish learning, coffee, bagels, and meet new friends! The Mothers Circle offers resources, education, and support to women of other religious backgrounds raising Jewish children. Contact Frieda Haidt (Haidt@sonic.net ) or Kathleen Doctor (kdoctor@aol.com ) Meets two Sunday mornings a month, 9-11:15 a.m.




EVENTS
Free Workshop for Parents & Teens (San Rafael)
A Taste of Judaism (Richmond)
Family Shabbat Services and Potluck Dinner (San Leandro)
I'm Jewish But Not Religious (El Cerrito)
Tot Shabbat (San Rafael)
Symposium: Jews and Art (San Francisco)
Shabbat Vision (San Rafael)
Hava Nashir Shabbat (Burlingame)
Tot Shabbat (Oakland)
Got Shabbat? (San Francisco)
A Taste of Judaism (Castro Valley)
Young Family Shabbat Morning Service (Palo Alto)
Mussar: What is it and Why Should You Care (Saratoga)
Middle School Open House for Parents & Students (Palo Alto)
Torah Discovery (Berkeley)
Torah and Tacos (San Francisco)
Spirit of Shabbat (San Rafael)
Women in Interfaith Relationships (Walnut Creek)
To Tree or Not to Tree (Alameda)




Free Workshop for Parents & Teens
with Joanne Greene
Each two-hour session will include activities and discussion. Discussions will include topics such as “Parenting (Jewish) Teenagers,” “Adolescent Development,” “Our Changing Roles & Relationships,” “Improving Communication,” and “Friends, Culture and Risk Behavior.”

Date: Tuesday evenings, October 30, November 6, November 27, and December 4
Time: 7 – 9 pm
Place: Marin JCC Library, 200 North San Pedro Rd., San Rafael

Registration is required; contact Claire@rodefsholom.org. There is a recommended (but not required) book, Please Stop the Roller Coaster!: How Parents of Teenagers can Smooth Out the Ride, by Sue Blaney.



A Taste of Judaism
Join other curious Jews and non-Jews for to explore the three pillars of Judaism: Jewish spirituality, Jewish ethics and Jewish community. Three class meetings.

Date: Beginning Thursday, Nov. 1
Evenings
Place: Temple Beth Hillel, just off the Hilltop exit from I80 in Richmond.
FREE, pre-registration is required.
Call me, Dawn, for more information or to register, at 510-839-2900 x347.



Family Shabbat Services and Potluck Dinner
Family oriented services begin early, are shorter, and have a book or story instead of sermon. This month will be a vegetarian, Mediterranean potluck dinner.
A-H bring Desserts
I-Q bring entrees
R-Z bring salads
Drinks provided.
Date: Friday, November 2
Time: 6:30pm
Place: Beth Sholom, 642 Dolores Ave., San Leandro
For more information call the synagogue office at 510-357-8505.



I'm Jewish But Not Religious
What Does it Mean to be a Cultural Jew? Looking for a way to be culturally Jewish?
Want to connect with Jewish values, history and ethics?
Then this evening is for you!
Join us to share Shabbat dinner, eat, laugh, and learn. All are welcome.

Date: Friday, Nov. 2
Time: 6:15pm
After gathering at 6:15, we'll continue with:
6:30 - Candle lighting and dinner
7:30 - Rabbi Judith Seid leads a lively, interactive teaching on what it means to be a cultural Jew
8:15 - Dessert and schmoozing (time to hang out and chat)
Place: JGate's cozy home near El Cerrito Plaza and BART station
Space is limited. Please contact Rabbi Bridget Wynne at JGate, (510) 559-8140, or rabbibridget@jgate.org, to make a reservation and get directions and your food assignment. If your schedule doesn't allow you to bring a dish to share, we offer you the option of contributing $7 toward the dinner.

Co-sponsored by Tri-Valley Cultural Jews and Jgate. www.jgate.org




Tot Shabbat
Join other families with toddlers through kindergarteners for a child oriented Shabbat service. Plushy Torahs, tons of guitar, unbridled dancing and praying.

Date: Saturday, November 3
Time: 9:30am
Place: Rodef Sholom, 170 No. San Pedro Road, San Rafael
For more information call the synagogue at (415) 479-3441.



Symposium: Jews and Art
Join us for an Exciting de Young Exhibit Preview, in conjunction with the Louise Nevelson exhibit at the DeYoung Museum. We are pleased to present a symposium on Jews and Art, co-sponsored with Lerhaus Judaica. Louise Nevelson and America’s Artist Immigrants in the 20th Century.

Date: Nov. 7 & 14
Time: 7:30pm
Place: Temple Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., San Francisco
$20/members for the whole course of 2 sessions; $30/public. Information on how to register can be found at http://www.lehrhaus.org or call (510) 845-6520.



Shabbat Vision
Come for an early Shabbat service! We’ll start with a “pre-oneg” at 5:45pm that will consist of wine, cheese and appetizers on the synagogue’s front patio and in the foyer. Services will begin at 6:15pm and conclude at approximately 7:25pm.

Date: Friday, Nov. 9
Time: 5:45pm
Place: Rodef Sholom, 170 No. San Pedro Road, San Rafael
For more information call Jerrine at 415-479-3441.



Hava Nashir Shabbat
A joyous service of uplifting music every Second Friday night of the month.


Date: Nov. 9 (always on the second Friday of each month)
Time: 7:30pm
Place: Peninsula Temple Sholom, 1655 Sebastian Dr., Burlingame
For more information call 650-697-2266.
www.sholom.org



Tot Shabbat
Welcome in Shabbat with singing and story telling. Babies, toddlers, kids, moms, dads and grandparents are invited to this fun filled service. Tot Shabbats are held on the second Friday of each month.

Date; Friday, Nov. 9
Time: 6:30pm
Place: Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland
Call Gabby for more information at 510-451-3263.



Got Shabbat?
Join us for a Shabbat morning experience at Temple Emanu-El. Families with children of all ages are welcome! We will meet on the 2nd Saturday morning of each month. Starting at 10:45 am, your family will enjoy a short service, arts-n-crafts, music with Jonathan Bayerand of course, a nosh!

Date: Saturday, Nov. 10
Time: 10:45am
Place: Emanu-el, 2 Lake St., San Francisco
For more information call 415-751-2535
Mark your calendars for Got Shabba: dates: Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 9, Mar. 8, Apr. 12, May 10, June 14.



A Taste of Judaism
Join other curious Jews and non-Jews for to explore the three pillars of Judaism: Jewish spirituality, Jewish ethics and Jewish community. Three class meetings.

Date: Begins Saturday, Nov. 10
Afternoons
Place: Shir Ami, 4529 Malabar Ave., Castro Valley
FREE, pre-registration is required.
Call me, Dawn, for more information or to register, at 510-839-2900 x347.


Young Family Shabbat Morning Service
Come to our fun, interactive half-hour Young Family Shabbat Service is led by Rabbis Micah Citrin and Adam Allenberg and Cantor Lauren Bandman. Snack is provided following the service, as well as a special arts and crafts activity and time on the playground. For families with children ages 3 months–6 years.

Dates: Nov. 10 and 24
Time: 9:30–10 a.m
Place: In the Chapel/room 1, at Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
For more information call: 650-493-4661


Mussar: What is it and Why Should You Care
Mussar is a spiritual practice of self improvement. Alan Morinis, author of Everyday Holiness, is an engaging speaker. I saw him when he was in Oakland last spring.

Date: Sunday, November 11
Time: 10:00am - 12:30pm
Place: Congregation Beth David, 19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga
For more information contact Angie at 408.257.3333.Bagels and coffee will be served.
Free
Books will be sold at these events and Alan would be happy to sign yours.




Middle School Open House for Parents & Students
Open House at Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School. Parents and child are invited to meet faculty and learn about the Middle School Program.

Date: Nov. 11
Time: 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Place: Gideon Hausner campus at 450 San Antonio Rd., Palo Alto
For more information and to RSVP, contact Audrey Fox, Director of Admission, at (650)494-8200 ext. 104 or afox@hausner.com .



Torah Discovery
with Rabbi Creditor
Survey the Five Books of Moses and explore different concepts such as Biblical Authorship, Theology, Law, Memory, and Spirituality. Judaism 101 is meant for those rediscovering or deepening Judaism, and those considering conversion to Judaism. Learning will be both accessible to non-Hebrew speakers and stimulating to those familiar with the Torah.

Date: Mondays, Nov. 12, 19, Dec. 3, 10, 17
Time: 7:45pm-9:00pm
Place: Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley
A suggested $50 donation to Netivot Shalom will help defray our material costs. Please RSVP to Aliza in the Netivot Shalom office@netivotshalom.org telling her that you will be joining the class. 510.549.9447



Torah and Tacos
We are lucky to live in a city featuring the best taquerias in the world. Each neighborhood features its own favorite. We will gather monthly to meet at a local joint and study some Torah over tacos, burritos, and horchata.
This month, come and join Rabbi Jaffe and Rabbi Bauer at Taqueria La Corneta in the heart of Glen Park, at 2834 Diamond Street (cross-steet Chenery). Just steps from BART, this pearl of the Glen Park eateries is especially known for its vegetarian and seafood fare. Come meet neighborhood friends, discuss the wisdom of the Torah portion Vayetze , and get to know a great neighborhood Taqueria.

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 13
Time: 6:30pm
Place: Taqueria La Corneta, 2834 Diamond St., San Francisco
Hosted by Congregation Emanu-El, for more information call the synagogue office at 415-751-2535.



Spirit of Shabbat
with our 19th Scholar-in-Residence, Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman
Join members of Rodef Sholom for a dinner, service and sermon at their Scholar in Residence weekend.

Date: Friday, Nov. 16
5:45 pm – Shabbat Nosh in the lobby
6:15 pm - Friday services, Rabbi Hoffman will be speaking on “Founders, Baby Boomers, Beyond: The Jewish Project of Our Time.”
7:30 pm - We are hosting a Mediterranean Shabbat Dinner in the JCC Lounge.
Cost: $18 per person (adults only). RSVP by mailing in your check to Jerrine by November 12.
Hosted by Rodef Sholom, contact Jerrine for more information and to send your payment at:
Rodef Sholom, 170 No. San Pedro Road, San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 479-3441



Women in Interfaith Relationships
A Discussion for Girlfriends, Wives, Mothers & Grandmothers
Led by Dawn Kepler, Building Jewish Bridges
How can we be the best support to children in interfaith families?
Are you are raising a child with a partner of a different (or no) religious tradition? Are you the grandparent of a child growing up in a Jewish home? Or maybe you are the aunt, or the best friend of the mom, or the mother of a child whose best friend is in an interfaith relationship. We are all touched by interfaith families. How can we support, love, and encourage these children in our synagogue village?

Date: Sunday, Nov. 18
Time: 9am to 11am
Place: B’nai Tikvah, 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek
For more information contact Dawn at 925-943-1484 or email dawn@jfed.org



To Tree or Not to Tree
What Will You do for the Holidays?
You may want to decorate a Christmas tree while your partner wants to make latkes. What will work for you as a family? Whether December is your favorite month – full of Christmas cookies and chocolate gelt – or your most dreaded month – material surfeit – you are invited to join an open and supportive discussion on how to handle the December adventure.
Led by Dawn Kepler, Building Jewish Bridges

Date: Saturday, Dec. 1
Time: 7 to 8:30pm
Place: Temple Israel, 3183 Mecartney Rd., Alameda
Cost: $10/couple
For more information contact Dawn at 510-839-2900 x347 or dawn@jfed.org


---------------------------
Dawn C. Kepler, Director
Building Jewish Bridges: Outreach to Interfaith Couples
300 Grand Ave.
Oakland, CA 94610
(510) 839-2900 x347 or (925) 943-1484
www.jfed.org/bjb

Couples Groups and Talking to a rabbi

Dear Interfaith Families and Friends,

I would like to start another Couples Discussion Group – in Oakland – in October. If you are interested please call right away - 510-839-2900 x347. These groups are incredibly helpful to the participants and I get a lot of positive feedback about how good folks feel about the process. I need two more couples to get this current one started SO PLEASE do call soon. Or email dawn@jfed.org.













About Rabbis...
Have you ever wished you could ask a question of a rabbi, but thought you shouldn’t make an appointment just for one... or two... questions? On October 21 I’ll be with Rabbi Jackie Mates-Muchin at Temple Sinai in Oakland for a Sunday morning workshop -

Ask The Rabbi
Rabbi Jackie is a warm, accessible woman and you can either ask your question out loud or use the 3x5 cards I’ll provide to write your question and have it answered anonymously. Give me a call if you want more info or want to RSVP.
Sunday, Oct. 21 at 11:30am
Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland
510-938-2900 x347




New Programs?
Well, here’s something new, the Jewish Family and Children’s Services on the west side of the bay has decided to think about offering programs for interfaith couples. It’s hard to learn that – it took me some searching on their website to uncover this. Buried several screens in is a request that couples fill out a survey so they can assess whether JFCS should offer a new program. If you don’t mind taking a 2 minute survey go to the link below and find DEVELOPING NEW PROGRAMS, fill it out. I like to encourage everyone to do more interfaith programs.

http://www.jfcs.org/Services/Children,_Youth,_and_Families/Interfaith_Family_Programs/default.asp

They also have a link to “Interfaith Resources.” I took a look. Made me smile – it’s a list that some of my colleagues put together about six years ago. I don’t recommend all the books – the best one out there is still Dr. Joel Crohn’s book, Mixed Matches; it’s respectful and honest. And as for the films, well, I was asked by my friend what videos I use. Frankly, there are videos on that list that I am the only person who owns a copy. They shouldn’t have put them there. Never mind, if you are intrigued by a title, call me, I’ll tell you what it’s about.


A Taste of Judaism
Come explore...Jewish Spirituality, Jewish Values, Jewish Community
Open to the community, Jewish or not.
A Taste of Judaism offers a modern Jewish perspective on living in today’s complicated world.
Our goal is to offer participants an opportunity to: explore what may confuse or intrigue them about Judaism-- discuss the relevance and response of Jewish tradition to modern life styles -- and engage in lively, provocative discussion with others who are curious but have little background in Judaism. Three sessions.

Wednesdays in Santa Rosa beginning Oct. 31
Thursdays in Richmond/El Sobrante beginning November 1
Thursdays in Burlingame beginning November 1
Thursdays in Palo Alto beginning November 1
Saturdays in Castro Valley beginning November 10

Free, but registration is required, call Dawn at: (510) 839-2900 x347 or (925) 943-1484.
You can also call me at the Project Welcome office on Wednesdays at (415) 392-7080 x16.
Sponsored by Building Jewish Bridges and Project Welcome



--------------------
Dawn C. Kepler, Director
Building Jewish Bridges: Outreach to Interfaith Couples
(510) 839-2900 x347 or (925) 943-1484
www.jfed.org/bjb

What do the Children Say?

Dear Friends,

I want to direct you to a very important article that appeared in the J-Weekly. It is an interview with young adults who are from interfaith families. As I have said in the past, try to remain open to what they are saying. If some of what they say is troubling to you, call me. But please listen to them. They say what worked and what didn't work for them. They indicate where they stand now with their religious identity.

Parents can be the most surprised of all. That's OK, just do your best. Children are sent to us to help us grow and stretch. Welcome to parenthood!

http://www.jewishsf.com/content/2-0-/module/displaystory/story_id/33648/format/html/displaystory.html

Dawn

------------------------------------------
Dawn C. Kepler, Director
Building Jewish Bridges:
Outreach to Interfaith Couples
(510) 839-2900 x347 or (925) 943-1484
http://www.jfed.org/bjb