(A must see film: Vis, Va et Deviens -Live and Become)
Dear Interfaith Families and Friends,
Here’s what’s coming up this month -
How I Decided to Raise My Kids Jewish
I look forward to seeing some of you tonight at the program, How I Decided to Raise My Kids Jewish. You don’t have to have RSVPed, just show up. There will be several other classes going on at Temple Sinai tonight so I’ll put a copy of the flier with the room number on the front entry door - enter on SUMMIT ST.
How I Decided to Raise My Kids Jewish
Two Hearts, One Home
When a non-Jewish parent decides to raise their children as Jews, how does that process work? Once the decision is made, how do you make it happen? How do you retain your own religion? How do you share your identity? Join a panel of non-Jewish parents as they discuss their journey to a Jewish home identity.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 6
Time: 7:30pm
Place: Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland
For more information call Dawn at 510-839-2900 x347
Co-sponsored by Temple Sinai and Building Jewish Bridges
Interfaith Couples Discussion Group starting Feb. 13 in Oakland
I am putting the final touches on the next couples group. My friends, this may be the last one I do for some time so if you want to join a group, I strongly urge you to call me THIS WEEK. 510-839-2900 x347.
What does the group talk about?
Clarifying religious/ethnic values & traditions
Interacting with extended family
Raising children
Holiday observance
Take the time for you and your partner, you’ll be glad you did.
A Quick Overview of the Friday Shabbat Service – aimed at Kids
Temple Isaiah in Lafayette developed a small (four page) handout that covers the high points of the Friday night Shabbat service. They use it for the children’s services. Cantor Keys from Temple Sinai saw it and was excited - she has three little ones. She brought the idea back with her to Sinai. I picked up a dozen copies and am happy to mail a copy to anyone who is interested. It is in Hebrew, transliteration, and translated. The translations appear to be pretty literal so you actually know what you’re saying. (For example, Shir Hama’alot says, A Song of Ascent.) Send me your name and street address if you want one.
Conversion to Judaism
How to scare a Jew – mention conversion, any conversion, it doesn’t have to be theirs! So all the Jews on the list should just jump over this paragraph. Now for the not Jewish folks, if you have thought about conversion and would like to learn more without rattling your partner’s cage, just call me. If you are converting and want to talk to others in the process, or who have completed the journey, call. If you are working with a rabbi towards conversion and would still like to talk to an actual convert to Judaism, again, I can put you in touch with someone.
Just so you know, you are not the only one.
Dawn
510-839-2900 x347
925-843-1484
EVENTS
Belief & the Ballot: Do Jewish Values Affect Your Decisions in this Election Year? (El Cerrito)
Young Family Shabbat (Los Altos)
Got Shabbat? (San Francisco)
Havdalah Beneath the Stars (Berkeley)
The Shabbat Afternoon Club (San Francisco)
Israeli Extravaganza (San Francisco)
Israel for Reel: Vis, Va et Deviens (Berkeley)
Jewish Parenting Class (San Francisco)
Exploring the World of Judaism (San Rafael)
Torah and Tacos (San Francisco)
Shirei Tikvah: Songs of Hope (Walnut Creek)
Dead Mother or Shirley Not All in Vain (San Francisco)
Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival: The Band’s Visit (Campbell)
The Bedtime Sh'ma Pajama Party! (Berkeley)
Gan Ami Open House for Infants to 3 Year Olds (Los Altos)
Family Games Day (Walnut Creek)
Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival: Beauford (San Jose)
Musical Erev Shabbat Service (Walnut Creek)
Interfaith Families at the Movies: Bad Faith (Pleasant Hill)
Welcoming Your Jewish Baby… Whether You’re Jewish or Not (Oakland)
Cooking Jewish: Got kugel? (Berkeley)
Women in Interfaith Relationships: Giving our Kids Roots & Wings (Walnut Creek)
Holiday Baking Classes (Berkeley)
Jews in Space (San Francisco)
A Taste of Judaism: Are you Curious? (Berkeley and Walnut Creek)
Passover: The Set Table (Oakland)
Belief & the Ballot: Do Jewish Values Affect Your Decisions in this Election Year?
What Jewish values are most important to you?
Do they help shape your decisions about who and what you support in this election year?
Should they? Join us to explore these questions. Rabbi Bridget Wynne will lead a lively interactive teaching on basic Jewish values and how they may -- or may not --relate to our election-year decisions We will share a no-experience-necessary Shabbat dinner, eat, laugh, and learn. All are welcome.
Date: Friday, February 8
Time: 6:15pm
Place: Jewish Gateways' cozy home near El Cerrito Plaza and BART station
Childcare: available by reservation After gathering at 6:15, we'll continue with:
Space is limited. Please contact Rabbi Bridget Wynne at Jewish Gateways, (510) 559-8140, or rabbibridget@jewishgateways.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.
Young Family Shabbat
Join our fun, interactive half-hour Young Family Shabbat Service. 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: February 9 & 23
Time: 9:30–10 a.m.
Place: Chapel/Room 1 at Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Info: 650-493-4661
www.betham.org
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. Your family will enjoy a short service, arts-n-crafts, music with Jonathan Bayer…and of course, a nosh!
Dates: Feb. 9
(Mark your calendars for Got Shabbat: Mar. 8, Apr. 12, May 10, June 14.)
Time: 10:45am
Place: Emanu-el, 2 Lake St., San Francisco
Info: 415-751-2535
Havdalah Beneath the Stars
A special event for preschool children and their families
Celebrate the sweetness of Havdalah, from a spot overlooking the Bay. Sing along with Ira, our amazing song leader. Explore the exhibits at the Lawrence Hall of Science and enjoy some puppet theater.
Tickets are limited, so reserve your space NOW!
Date: Sat., Feb. 9
Time: 6pm
Place: Lawrence Hall of Science, Berkeley
Cost: $18/family in advance, $20 at the door
On-line registration and payment is available at:
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/26701
For complete details call Judith Markowitz at 925-938-7800 x289
The Shabbat Afternoon Club
This a great NEW Shabbat Program sponsored by the Bureau of Jewish Education.
This month’s theme will be “My Favorite Book.”
Discover with your children the joys and rewards of quiet Shabbat space: for families with children ages newborn to five years old and their siblings who love them.
Led by Jeni Clancy our beloved Playgroup leader, a Family Educator, Pre-School learning specialist and storyteller who has worked throughout the Bay Area bringing joy to the lives of families and children.
Dates: Saturday, February 9, March 8, April 5, May 10
Time: 1:30-3:30pm
Place: Sherith Israel, 2266 California Street, San Francisco
Cost: Members $80, nonmembers $100
To sign up and for more information contact: Meredith Reich, Early Childhood Educator, 415-346-1720 ext 32 or mreich@sherithisrael.org.
Israeli Extravaganza
Enjoy live Israeli folk music with Achi Ben Shalom, leader of the band Adama, who is also musical director of the Nigunim choral ensemble and the East Bay Jewish Folk Chorus. Guided Israeli folk dance instruction will be provided by Bruce Bierman, artistic director of the Jewish Dance Theatre. Lyrics to the songs in the first set will be projected onto a screen so non-dancers can sing along if they like.
In the second music set, experience the new sound of young Israeli music as performed by the popular Israeli band Kol Creation. You can have a natural henna tattoo applied by Darcy, of the Henna Lounge, and there will be refreshments, informational tables, Israeli-made items for sale, and a big raffle drawing. With so much to see and do, it'll be fun for all ages!
This event, in honor of Israel at 60th anniversary, is co-sponsored by the Consulate General of Israel, San Francisco Hillel, the Israel Center of the Jewish Community Federation, TZAVTA, the Jewish Community Relations Council, JIMENA, B¢nai B¢rith and BBYO. Everyone - young and old, dancers or not -- is encouraged to attend. Schmooze, tap your feet to the music, eat, dance, drink and have a great time at the biggest community bash we’ve had in a long time!
Date: Saturday, February 9
Time: 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Place: Congregation Beth Israel-Judea, 625 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco
Free Admission
FOR MORE INFORMATION: adult.educ@yahoo.com or (415) 678-0327
FREE ADMISSION, FREE PARKING. For more information, contact Sonya Hicks, Chair of Adult Education at Beth Israel-Judea (415) 678-0327.
Israel for Reel: Vis, Va et Deviens
(Live and Become)
2005, 140min, French, Amharic, and Hebrew (English Subtitles)
Director Radu Mihaileanu
As Beta Yisrael, the Jews of Ethiopia, are airlifted to Israel under Operation Moses, a Christian Ethiopian woman seizes the opportunity and sends her young son to join the exodus. Once in Israel, the newly named Shlomo struggles not only with his secret, but also with a new culture and new parents. With the strong support of his adoptive family and an Ethiopian Jewish leader, he finds love, Israeli culture and a career-one that will eventually send him back to the refugee camp he left twenty years before.
Facilitator: Riva Gambert, Director, Israel Center
Date: Sunday February 10
Time: 7:00pm
Place: East Bay JCC, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley
Free
Co-presented by Jewish Community Federation of the Greater East Bay's Israel Center, Congregation Beth El and the Jewish Community Foundation
Jewish Parenting Class
A Series for Jewish and Interfaith Parents of Babies through Teenagers
This month's topic: Havdalah: the Perfect Transition Ceremony
The beautiful ceremony of Havdalah helps us and our children to learn how to live in the moment, incorporate the past and look to the future. How can all this happen in only a few minutes? Come find out and leave knowing how to do it at home.
Childcare available, babies welcome in laps.
Facilitated by Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller.
Date: Sunday, February 10
Time: 9:45-11am
Place: Sherith Israel, 2266 California Street, San Francisco
For more information contact Nancy Sheftel-Gomes
at nsgomes@sherithisrael.org or 415-346-1720 ext 28.
Exploring the World of Judaism
Diplomacy and Military Force
A brief history of Israel’s 60 years of security policy” will be discussed by Uri Bar-Joseph, Ph.D., Division of International Relations, School of Political Sciences, University of Haifa. Dr. Bar-Joseph is also a visiting Goldman Professor at SFSU.
Date: Sunday, February 10
Time: 9:30 am
Place: Rodef Sholom, 170 No. San Pedro Road, San Rafael
Info: contact Jerrine, (415) 479-3441 or jerrine@rodefsholom.org
Torah and Tacos
We are lucky to live in a city featuring the best taquerias in the world, each neighborhood featuring its own favorite. We will gather monthly to meet at a local joint and study some Torah over tacos, burritos, and horchata. Do you like the idea of burritos made from organic and locally grown ingredients? How about meat from Niman Ranch and chicken from Fulton Valley farms? Ok, if that doesn’t convince you, then how about two dollar bottles of Pacifico? Come and join Rabbi Jaffe at this hidden gem in the NoPa neighborhood. Meet neighborhood friends, discuss the wisdom of the Torah portion Tetzaveh , and get to know a great neighborhood taqueria.
Date: Feb. 13
Time: 6:30 pm
Place: Green Chile Kitchen, at 601 Baker Street (cross Fulton).
For Info call Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., San Francisco at 415-751-2535.
Shirei Tikvah: Songs of Hope
A Musical Service
Please join us for a musical evening.
Arrive at 6:15 for Shabbat dinner catered by Poulet.
butternut squash & crimini mushroom lasagna, macaroni & cheese (for kids), caesar salad and roasted vegetables. Dinner reservations due February 8. Send a check to the address below. Adults are $15 each and children 4 to 12 are $7.50 each.
Date: Friday, February 15
Time: 7:30 pm
Place: B’nai Tikvah, 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek
info: Judy at 925-933-5397
www.tikvah.org
Dead Mother or Shirley Not All in Vain
In this post-modern farce, Harold got away with impersonating his dead mother once and now he has to do it again, and again, and again. But in the hands of celebrated New York playwright David Greenspan, this comic situation runs through bad marriage, bad acting, Greek myth, and the circles of Hell, bending genders and theatrical reality along the way in a savagely funny, sharp and haunting 90 minute romp through the confusing layers of identity and family.
Playing now through February 17, 2008
Place: Traveling Jewish Theater,
470 Florida Street (17th and Mariposa Street) in San Francisco
For more information call 415.522.0786
Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival: The Band’s Visit
A Blockbuster Israeli Film, The Band’s Visit (http://www.thebandsvisit.com/) features an Egyptian Police Band in Israel that lands at the airport without anyone to meet them. Mishaps continue. Won Best Film, Best Actor, and Best Actress of the Israeli Film Academy.
Date: Sunday, Feb. 17
Time: 7pm
Place: CAMERA 7 Theater, Pruneyard Shopping Cntr, 1875 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell.
Tickets, $5, may be purchased at the Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival website http://www.svjff.org or by calling 1(800)838-3006.
The Bedtime Sh'ma Pajama Party!
Sarah Gershman is an extraordinary Jewish educator who is well-known and much-loved in the Bay area. To our delight, Sarah will be in town to host a snuggly and engaging program for families with young children.
Sarah is the author of a wonderful children's book called "The Bedtime Sh'ma" which is a beautiful adaptation of the traditional nighttime prayers. The gorgeous illustrations and sweet messages of this book invoke blessings of peace and comfort.
All children are encouraged to wear pajamas!
Please bring sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, blankies
and any other comfy items that are associated with bedtime.
"The Bedtime Sh'ma" book and the accompanying CD will be on sale at the program.
Date: February 16
Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Place: Congregation Beth Israel: 1630 Bancroft Way, Berkeley
If you have any questions about the program, please contact:
Yael Galinson: yael@galinson.com or Deb Fink: debincali@aol.com.
Sponsored by Congregation Beth Israel and Congregation Netivot Shalom, both of Berkeley
We are very grateful to Claudia Valas and EKS Publishing for generously supporting this event! A portion of the sales will go to the co-sponsoring organizations.
Gan Ami Open House for Infants to 3 Year Olds
Are you interested in Beth Am’s Early Childhood Education Program, Gan Ami? Have you considered enrollment in the current parent-toddler or 2 year-old program? Do you need a program for your infant, 2 year-old, or 3 year-old next fall? Come to our Open House! We will have children’s activities, refreshments, staff to answer questions and help you enroll! Spread the word! Tell your friends!
Date: Sunday, Feb. 24
Time: 3:30pm
Place: Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Contact Sherrie Rose Maleson, (650) 493-4665, ext. 256, srmaleson@betham. org or visit http://www.betham.org/youth/ganami. html
Family Games Day
COME IN OUT OF THE RAIN! Fed up with winter weather? Don’t stay cooped up at home! Come join your friends at B’nai Shalom for a cozy afternoon of games, nosh, coffee and conversation. It’s time for . . . B’nai Shalom Family Games Day
Featuring games for all ages!
- Mah Jongg - Trivial Pursuit
- Candy Land - Cranium
- Bingo - Scrabble
- Pictionary - Monopoly
and many more . . .
Date: Sunday, February 24
Time: 12:30 – 3:30
Place: In the Social Hall of B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek
Cost: $1 per person for all the drinks and nosh you want!
This event is open to all, members and non-members alike, who want to share in the fun.
RSVP to the B’nai Shalom office as soon as possible: office@bshalom.org or call 925-934-9446
Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival: Beauford
Consul General of Israel of the Pacific Northwest, and Cinequest Film Festival partner to present Beaufort ,the Israeli Academy Award nominee as the Best Foreign Language Film, and Ron Leshem, noted Israeli author of the book on which the movie was based.
Beaufort , a 2007 film, is based on actual events focusing on the dilemma of Israeli soldiers during their withdrawal from Lebanon and their post in the Beaufort Crusader stronghold.
Date: Feb. 28
Time: 7pm
Place: San Jose Repertory Theater in downtown San Jose.
Tickets available after Jan. 30 from http://www.cinequest.org/index.php
Musical Erev Shabbat Service
Upbeat Musical Service
featuring Contemporary Selections & Inspirational Congregational Melodies with Musical Accompaniment
All Welcome!
Dairy Oneg (reception) following service
Date: Friday, February 29
Time: 7;30pm
Place: B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek
Info: 925-934-9446
www.bshalom.org
Interfaith Families at the Movies: Bad Faith
“Bad Faith” is part of the Contra Costa Jewish Film Festival.
Clara and Ishmael are gorgeous, happy, in love and in Paris. How nice is that? Like many cosmopolitan Parisian couples, the fact that she is Jewish and he is Muslim barely crosses the mins fo these oh-so-secular lovebirds.. Unitl Clara announces that she’s pregnant. That’s when the troubles start.
Date: Monday, March 3
Time: 4:30pm
Place: CinArts, 2314 Monument Blvd., Pleasant Hill (in the Kohl’s Center)
for more information call Dawn at 925-843-1484.
Co-Sponsored by Building Jewish Bridges.
Welcoming Your Jewish Baby… Whether You’re Jewish or Not
A Group for Moms and babies 0-6 months
Meeting in the East Bay
Five sessions, first meeting is Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Meets in a private home in Oakland.
11:30am to 1pm (feel free to bring a snack)
Join us for a discussion!
Discussion topics include:
Support for Moms with new Babies
Jewish Resources for Mom, Baby and Family
Getting Your Groove Back & Adjusting to the New Normal
Considering Jewish Choices and Practices for your Home
Cost: $36
Call Dawn at 510-839-2900 x347 for location more information or to sign up.
Please call soon as space limited
Cooking Jewish: Got kugel?
Got Kugel with Toffee Walnuts? Now you do. Here's the real homemade Gefilte Fish-and also Salmon en Papillote. Learn how to prepare Grandma Sera Fritkin's Russian Brisket, Hazelnut-Crusted Rack of Lamb and a contemporary rendition of matzoh balls with shiitake mushrooms, as court reporter-turned-cookbook author Judy Kancigor discusses her just-released tome of classic and family recipes, Cooking Jewish, and demonstrates how to make some of the most delicious Jewish dishes.
Date: Tuesday March 4
Time: 7:30pm
Place: East Bay JCC, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley
FREE
Info: 510-848-0237
www.jcceastbay.org
Women in Interfaith Relationships: Giving our Kids Roots & Wings
Raising kids is hard. You have to be a cook, chauffeur, therapist, private secretary, doctor, and chief bottle washer. And in there you’re supposed to give your kids “roots” and “wings.” Roots: a foundation from which to spring. Wings: confidence & self knowledge. Ours is the first generation to think that Moms can do that alone. Forget it! Come get and give support.
Date: March 9
Time: 9 to 11am
Place: B’nai Tikvah, 25 Hillcroft, Walnut Creek
Facilitated by Dawn Kepler, Building Jewish Bridges - Call me for more information at 925-943-1484 or email me at dawn@jfed.org
Holiday Baking Classes
Deborah Lewis teaches baking! March 9 - Hamentashen; March 30 – blintzes and knishes; April 13 - Passover desserts. For adults and youth 8 and over (with an adult).
Dates: Sundays, March 9, March 30 and April 13
Time: 1:30-3:30 pm
Place: Netivot Shalom1316 University Ave., Berkeley
Cost: $12/class for adults and $8/class for youth. Register for the series to ensure your spot ($36 adults, $24 kids). To register or for more info, contact Deborah at youthed@netivotshalom.org
(Jews in Space)
Jews in Space
Argentina, 2005, 90 Min
Santiago and Luciana are childhood sweethearts and present day quirky adult cousins who are reunited on the eve of Passover in Buenos Aires. Argentinean director Gabriel Lichtmann's comic drama JEWS IN SPACE follows the heartfelt efforts of Luciana, a theater student and kleptomaniac, who throws herself into preparing the Seder-after an unfortunate family uproar caused by her curmudgeonly grandfather's suicide attempt.
Date: Wednesday, March 26
Time: 7:30 pm
Place: Yerba Buena Center for The Arts, 701 Mission Street (corner of 3rd), San Francisco
Ticket Prices: $8 general/$6 Jewish Film Forum and YBCA members, students, seniors
Seating is limited - Advance purchase recommended
For tickets call: 415.978.ARTS (2787)
A Taste of Judaism: Are you Curious?
What are the three pillars of Judaism? Jewish spirituality, Jewish ethics, and Jewish community. Come learn about them in a three session class.
Tuesday evenings in Walnut Creek beginning March 25
Mondays evenings in Berkeley beginning March 31
Free, but pre-registration is required. Call Dawn for information at:
510-839-2900 x347 x347 OR 925-943-1484
ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS ARE BEING ADDED AROUND THE BAY
Passover: The Set Table
The ultimate Jewish holiday: Passover! Whether you’ve never had a seder or you consider yourself a pro, you’ll learn something at this workshop.. We’ll literally have a set table - with all the elements identified and explained. We encourage you to bring ideas and practice from your own tradition and family. We’ll have sample foods and recipes as well as an assortment of Hagadot for you to peruse. Come for the fun; come for the food!
Date: Sunday, March 30
Time: 11am to 1pm
Place: Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland
FREE
Co-sponsored by Temple Sinai and Building Jewish Bridges
Call Dawn for more info at 510-839-2900 x347 or email dawn@jfed.org
