Dear Interfaith Families and Friends,
Spring is here and that means Passover is just around the corner. My parsley is waving in the flowerbeds, ready to be snipped for the Passover table.
If you are coming on Sunday to the Passover program, please shoot me a quick email and let me know.
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
I hope you’ll be joining me. Call me for more info at 510-839-2900 x347 or email dawn@jfed.org
Passover is acomin’
Next week we’ll move into April and the entire Jewish world will be thinking PASSOVER. It is time to talk about how make the foods that create memories, how to keep little people entertained and engaged and how to be sure the adults aren’t bored by child-level discussion nor esoteric snore-fests. I’ll give you a run down on Sunday and if you miss it, I’ll be emailing you ideas as the next 20 days go by.
Want to bail on the whole cooking thing and attend a community seder? Leave the cooking to the experts (and the caterers) and just pay! I’m looking around for Community seder options. Let me know if your congregation is holding one and I’ll include it in the email. Need to find one, give me a call.
Spiritual Health in a Scientific World
There was a terrific article by Rabbi Dean Kertesz in his congregation’s (Temple Beth Hillel in Richmond) newsletter in January titled, Assessing Our Spiritual Health. He reflects on the human “need for tangible proof of the intangible.” He sides with the scientists even as he examines the value of prayer and its impact on the human condition.
http://www.templebethhillelrichmond.org/community/shofar/0108.pdf
EVENTS
Shabbat and a Celebration of: A Mystical Haggadah (Berkeley)
A Sabbath Morning Soul Journey (Oakland)
Celebrating Passover with Young Children (Berkeley)
Jewish Vote 2008 Forum (Oakland)
Got Shabbat? (Lafayette)
Women’s Seder (Walnut Creek)
Looking Beyond The Torah (Lafayette)
Dance and Party After Shabbat Service (Los Altos)
Taste of Freedom: Passover Tasting (El Cerrito)
Got Shabbat? (San Francisco)
Bible by the Bay (Palo Alto)
Model Seder (Oakland)
Jewish Playgroup! (Walnut Creek)
A Festive Learning Seder for Families (Pleasanton)
Congregational Community Seder (Walnut Creek)
More than Four Questions (El Cerrito)
Congregational Passover Second Night Seder (San Leandro)
Community Passover Seder (Livermore)
Shabbat and a Celebration of: A Mystical Haggadah
Join us this Shabbat as we celebrate the recent publication of "A Mystical Haggadah" by our beloved member and teacher, Rabbi Eliahu Klein. We will gather for an early kiddush in the social hall (approx. 11:30 am) followed by a lecture in the Sanctuary (approx. 12:00-12:30 pm).
"A Mystical Haggadah" explores the mystical, meditative, and empowering aspects of Jewish traditions as seen through the rich and meaningful Passover eve Seder ritual. This Haggadah also includes many Hassidic teachings and stories that have never been presented to the English reading audience, as well as a step-by-step guide to the fifteen steps of the Seder.
We look forward to celebrating with all the community.
Good Shabbos! From Rabbi Yonatan Cohen
Date: Saturday, March 29
Time: Approx. 11:30am
Place: Congregation Beth Israel, 1630 Bancroft Way, Berkeley
Synagogue number: (510) 843-8052
This is a traditional community so don’t expect to write or take notes at the discussion. Dawn
A Sabbath Morning Soul Journey
Please join Cantor Richard Kaplan and Rabbi SaraLeya Schley for -
Raza d'Shabbat: The Secret of the Sabbath
"More than we keep the Sabbath, the Sabbath keeps us"
Our journey will feature chants and melodies from Jewish communities around the world,
meditation, and a participatory Torah service led by Rabbi SaraLeya Schley.
Hazzan Kaplan will lead a davvenen that takes the neshamah (soul) through the Four Worlds,
as taught by the Jewish Mystical Tradition:
*Body - Birchot haShachar / Morning Blessings
*Heart - Pesukey deZimrah / Songs of Praise
*Mind - Shema / Stretching the In-tuition
*Spirit - Amidah / Merging/Hitkalelut
Our Siddur has been especially created for these gatherings in which the prayer texts are presented in Hebrew, transliteration, and translation - all set up linearly - thus inviting all levels of Hebrew skill.
Date: Saturday, March 29
Time: 9:30am
Place: In the Chapel at Temple Beth Abraham,
If you are going for the first time, call the office for specific directions into the chapel. Beth Abraham is doing some remodeling and it can be confusing to get into the right place.
More information: TBA Office @ 510-832-0936
www.tbaoakland.org
Celebrating Passover with Young Children
We hope you'll join us as we explore many fun and age-appropriate ways to make Passover exciting and meaningful for young children! Janet Harris will lead this workshop for parents.
Please RSVP as soon as you can to Deb Fink: debincali@aol.com.
Date: Sunday, March 30
Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm
Place: Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley
phone: 510-549-9447
Jewish Vote 2008 Forum
Join us for an enlightening discussion that focuses on a range of Jewish ideas and issues in the contemporary election 2008 context. The program will touch on questions related to foreign policy, national security and domestic issues.
Welcoming Remarks: Rabbi Mark Bloom, Temple Beth Abraham
Panelists: Howie Perlin, Moderator
Howie Perlin is Chair of the East Bay Jewish Community Relations Council.
Joel Freid, Panelist, Joel Freid is an attorney and a California Democratic Party Central Committee Member, Oakland
Larry Greenfield, Panelist, Larry Greenfield is the California Director of the Republican Jewish Coalition.
Date: Wednesday, April 2
Time: 6:45pm Registration and Refreshments
7:00 – 9:00pm Program
Place: Temple Beth Abraham, 327 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, In the Chapel
To RSVP please contact: Eve Gordon, Temple Beth Abraham at emgordon@comcast.net or (925) 253-6028
Or contact Myrna David, JCRC East Bay Regional Director at myrna@jfed.org or (510) 839-2900, X217
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Sponsored by Temple Beth Abraham, The JCRC East Bay Region, the Northern California Chapter of the Republican Jewish Coalition & the Raoul Wallenberg Jewish Democratic Club
Got Shabbat?
We’d love to have you join us for “come as you are” family services on the first Friday of the month. Bring the whole family for a delicious pizza dinner. Salad and challah are also provided. There’ll be a lively song session, and interactive Shabbat services followed by a yummy dessert oneg, activities for children and Israeli dancing. Please pre-pay or reserve space for dinner
Click here for the registration form, or call the Religious School office at 284-9191 to reserve space for dinner . Pizza dinner for the whole family is $18. Individuals are $10 Mail checks to Temple Isaiah with Got Shabbat in the memo line.
Date: Friday, April 4
Time: 6:30pm preceding services
Place: Temple Isaiah, 3800 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette
Phone: 925-283-8575
Women’s Seder
This is a seder just for women - daughters are welcome to join their moms. Led by Cantor Jennie Chabon, this is a wonderful way to get ready for Passover. There is no cost for the event, just bring a Sephardic dish to share.
Wondering what a “Sephardic” dish is? The Sephardic Jews are the Jews that originated in the area that was ancient Spain. They developed slightly different food customs for Passover. They allow the eating of corn and beans. Call Diane Leventhal for food ideas and to RSVP at 925-837-1026.
Date: Sunday, April 6
Time: 1pm
Place: B’nai Tikvah, 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek
Synagogue office number is 925-933-5397.
Looking Beyond The Torah
Rabbi Graetz will lead us to lesser known books of the Hebrew Bible and their meaning. From Judges to Prophets and a taste of Wisdom literature students will better understand how the Bible grew and what each part contributed to the shaping of Jewish beliefs and practices. Since only selected passages will be read during class, reading the Book of Judges, the prophet Jeremiah and the Book of Lamentations is recommended but not required.
Sundays, April 6-13-27 and May 4
Time 11:15am to 12:30pm
Place: Temple Isaiah, 3800 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette
www.temple-isaiah.org
Dance and Party After Shabbat Service
Let the music of Shabbat carry you away…and let the party begin! Our celebration continues with dancing, food and fun. We’ll nosh and dance the night away (Israeli style) led by Shirley Smith, dance teacher extraordinaire. Bring your dancing shoes and get ready to party. For all ages and levels of experience. See you there!
Date: April 11
Time: After the 6:15pm Shabbat service
Place: Beth Am, in the Social Hall, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Synagogue phone: 650-493-4661
Taste of Freedom: Passover Tasting
Jewish Gateways invites you to join us for pre-Passover tasting & teaching. Passover starts April 19. In preparation, we want to offer you various tastes of freedom! All are welcome.
Join us for this delicious, no-experience-necessary Shabbat dinner that will include laughter and learning. We'll try different versions of favorite Passover foods and explore their meanings. You'll go home with recipes and handouts so you can enjoy your favorite foods and teachings later on.
Date: Friday, April 11
Time: 6:15pm - gather
6:30 - Candle lighting and dinner, during which we'll explore the meanings of Passover foods in lively and interactive discussions with Rabbi Bridget
8:30 - dessert and time to "schmooze" (hang out and chat)
Place: Jewish Gateways' cozy home near El Cerrito Plaza and BART station
Childcare: available free by reservation
Space is limited, so RSVP is required.
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.
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! Mark your calendars for Got Shabbat: May 10, June 14.
Date: Saturday, April 12
Time: 10:45am
Place: Emanu-el, 2 Lake St., San Francisco
Phone: 415-751-2535
www.emanuelsf.org
Bible by the Bay
Come to Lehrhaus Judaica’s Jewish Education extravaganza for adults!
1pm is Keynote speaker Prof. Ziony Zevit: Were We Slaves in Egypt? Was There an Exodus? A Conquest of Canaan? Biblical Archeology and Common Sense
2 - 3:15pm Workshop Session 1
Ken Cohen- Hardening Pharaoh’s Heart: The Moral Dilemma
Maha Elgenaidi- The Bible & Islam
Prof. Charlotte Fonrobert- How the Rabbis Read and Misread the Bible
Dr. Jehon Grist- How Did They Write the Bible? The Origins of the Hebrew Alphabet
Rabbi Daniel Kohn- Jerusalem: From Biblical Times to Today
Igael Gurin Malous- Independence: Narratives of the Nation, a State and Ourselves from the Bible to Modern-day Israel
Rabbi Noam Silverman- Unauthorized Surveillance in the Bible: 12 Spies caught between Vision and Reality
3:45 – 5pm Workshop Session 2
Rabbi Alan Lew- Heart on a Leash: The Biblical Story of Balaam and his Ass; A Cautionary Tale about the Importance of Mindful Living
Yiskah Rosenfeld- What the Bible Left Out: Miriam in Modern Poetry
Nitzhia Shaked- Basic Human Rights in Biblical and Jewish Law
Rabbi Henry Shreibman- The Bible and Mesopotamia: Myth, Law, Humor and Wisdom
Rabbi Dan Steinberg- The Power of Regret: Abraham’s Secret Trial
Date: Sunday April 13
Time: 1- 5pm
Place: Kehillah Jewish High School, 3900 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
Phone number at the high school is (650) 213-9600
You may register at www.biblebythebay.org or by calling Lehrhaus at (510) 845-6420.
Model Seder
Are you . . .
Sometimes lost at the seder table?
Planning to lead a Pesach seder but feeling a little shaky on the details?
Just searching for a clearer sense of the meaning and order of the Pesach seder?
Please join Rabbi David Kasher for an instructional MODEL SEDER.
Date: Sunday, April 13
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Place: Oakland Hebrew Day School, Library, 2nd floor, 5500 Redwood Rd, Oakland
Free
For more program details, call Melanie Marcus at (510) 531-8600, ext. 26.
This event is co-sponsored by the National Jewish Outreach Program and OHDS Adult Education.
Jewish Playgroup!
A playgroup for families with children under 6. Circle time, Jewish holiday activities, and fun games. Schmooze while your children play. Everyone is welcome- bring your friends! Free!
Dates: One Sunday a month, April 13, May 18
Time: 10 to 11am
Place: Contra Costa JCC, 2071 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek
For info or to RSVP: Tanya@jfed.org or 925-943-5238
Sponsored by The Jewish Community Federation of the Greater East Bay, The Contra Costa JCC, and the Tikvah Chapter of Hadassah
A Festive Learning Seder for Families
Why is this night different from all other nights? Find out!
Learn more about the Passover holiday
Tips for infusing your Seder with holiday fun
No experience required
Scrumptious festive meal prepared especially by FAZ.
Date: Thursday, April 17
Time: 6:30- 8:30 pm
Place: Faz Restaurant, 5121 Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton
Cost: $40 per adult, $18 children ages 4-12, Free for children 3 and under
RSVP to tanya@jfed.org or call 925.943.5238
Led by Rabbi James Brandt, Executive Director CJLL
Sponsored by The Jewish Community Federation of The Greater East Bay Regional Office, Faz Restaurant, Center for Jewish Living and Learning, and The Shalom Chapter of Hadassah
Congregational Community Seder
Join Rabbi Raffi Asher and Cantor Jennie Chabon for a fully catered seder. This event fills up quickly and you should sign up soon! Menu choices from the caterer are Beef Brisket or Stuffed Zucchini. Of course there will be all the Passover fixings.
Date: Sunday, April 20
Time: Arrive at 5:45pm, seder begins promptly at 6pm
Place: B’nai Tikvah, 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek
Cost: $55/adults and $30/child age 4 to 12
Call for more details to 925-933-5397
Or just send your check payable to Congregation B’nai Tikvah to the address above.
More than Four Questions
A Seder for those seeking connection to Jewish life
Join us to explore your questions about Jewish identity, and how to connect with Jewish life and community, as we:
tell the Passover story, carry out the rituals, and enjoy the seder meal.
No experience necessary!
Date: Sunday, April 20
Time: 5:45pm
Place: Jewish Gateways' cozy home near El Cerrito Plaza and BART station
Childcare: available by reservation
Cost: potluck or donation
Space is limited, so RSVP is required.
Please contact Rabbi Bridget Wynne at Jewish Gateways, (510) 559-8140, or rabbibridget@jewishgateways.org, for more information, and 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 $10 toward the dinner.
Congregational Passover Second Night Seder
The dinner should be scrumptious! The chicken matzah balls should be fluffy, the ten plagues dealt with, and all we will need is you to rsvp!
Date: Sunday, April 20.
Time: 6pm
Place: Beth Sholom, 642 Dolores Ave., San Leandro
Cost: Adults: $26 Kids ages 5-13: $18
Please RSVP to the Office 357-8505.
RSVP to (510) 357-8505 by April 17
Community Passover Seder
Please join us for our annual community Passover Seder.
We use a Secular, progressive haggadah in English. This is a great introduction to the Secular (Cultural) Jewish way. We will have a potluck style meal so please call Jamie at 510-888-1404 to sign up to bring a dish.
There is no charge for members, non-member's charge is $10 per adult.
Please bring a non-perishable donation for the Alameda Food Bank.
Date: Sunday, April 20
Time: 5:00pm
Place: The Bothwell Center, 2466 8th St., Livermore
For information call 510-888-1404
Sponsored by the Tri-Valley Humanistic Jews.
