To Life! Jewish Street Festival

The To Life Festival was held along California Ave in Palo Alto. I shared a booth with Jewish Gateways. Rabbi Bridget's able assistant, also named Dawn, took over when the rabbi left to perform a wedding. That's me on the left and Dawn Marlette on the right.




There was art work -




And food - here's the kosher honey stand -



Synagogues. I saw Beth Am of Los Altos -



Kol Emeth of Palo Alto -



And there were friends -

Welsh Warren at the booth for Volunteers for Israel. Welsh retired, gosh, quite awhile ago. He took a part-time job in a coffee shop in Oakland where for years, he served my son a hot chocolate every morning. Welsh's congregation is Beth Abraham in Oakland.




Wendy Lash was there for Coastside Jewish Community, the Renewal synagogue in Half Moon Bay. Wendy leads Spirituality workshops and performs weddings. I've included a photo of her with a couple at their wedding.








Ellen Bob of bob and bob bookstore. Long live independent bookstores! Go shop there in Los Altos. You can get a lulav and etrog there right now.
www.bobandbobjudaica.com

1

Dave and Liz Bauer came by to say hello. They are on this list, members of Peninsula Temple Beth El. If you go, just sit with either of them; they are just as friendly as they look!




That's Sarah Bolder of the Progressive Jewish Alliance waving at the camera!




The Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival





My brother and sister-in-law did bike over from their house to meet me for lunch. We were eating shwarma when my brother saw an old family friend. Judy is a dear friend of my mother's. From there we wandered on up the block. I found a drape for my sukkah! It will be a big improvement over last year's stark new, white sukkah. My sister-in-law found ice cream.

I'll show you pictures of my sukkah when I get it up.

Solano Stroll Pictures

Perhaps you were in the crowd...




There was a lot to see.
The synagogue booths I got pictures of were -

Temple Beth Hillel, Richmond
www.templebethhillelrichmond.org





Kol Hadash, Berkeley
www.kolhadash.org




Beth El, Berkeley - That's their membership chair, Romy standing in front. I have put some of you in touch with her.
www.bethelberkeley.org




Aquarian Minyan, Berkeley
www.aquarianminyan.org



The JCC of the East Bay was there. That's Jennifer sitting at the booth. They have an office in Berkeley and one in Oakland.
www.jcceastbay.org




Here's the Jewish Family & Children's Services Booth. Avi Rose, their director, is an amazing guy, very thoughtful and supportive of Building Jewish Bridges. They also have an office in Berkeley and one in Walnut Creek.




Rabbi Bridget Wynne of Jewish Gateways shared a booth with her colleagues, Progressive Jewish Alliance.




If you want to experience a Shabbat dinner in a relaxed atmosphere with a group of other friendly curious people, go to one of Rabbi Bridget's dinners. You can find her programs at www.jewishgateways.org.

Fall Holidays and Fairs

Dear Interfaith Families and Friends,

Wishing the Muslim folks on this list a Happy Ramadan!

Ramadan began on September 1. It is important to remember that our Muslim relatives and friends are celebrating an important holiday at the same time we as a nation will observe 9/11. This will be a difficult day for many who lost loved ones AND for those American citizens who are treated with unkindness and suspicion simply for being of Middle Eastern descent. We as Jews must remember that we have often been the strangers. The most repeated commandment in the Torah is to be kind to “the stranger in your midst for you were strangers.”

Let’s all make a point of seeing the best in others this week. Remember that in every faith there is a belief in love, compassion, and respect. Let’s honor this week by being the best citizens and neighbors we can be. And let’s teach our children to do the same.


Are you a New Mama of a Jewish (or maybe Jewish) Baby?
I will be starting another Welcoming Your Jewish Baby group in October. Email me if you are interested. Look at the description at www.BuildingJewishBridges.org – you’ll also see one sweet mama and her little one.

Solano Stroll - Jewish booths
I’ll be at the Solano Stroll this Sunday. They are grouping the Jewish booths together. Come by and say hello. I’m with the Jewish Coalition for Literacy folks. They offered me a chair at their booth and I accepted – I’m in favor of literacy! I tutored for 11 years in the Oakland public schools. Come see if you’d like to tutor. Or come talk to me about your interfaith relationship.


To Life! Street Festival
Then on Sunday, Sept. 21 I’ll be in Palo Alto at L’Chaim, To Life Street Festival with Rabbi Bridget Wynne of Jewish Gateways. We are two peas in a pod! Both of us do outreach, love people and are on a mission from God (just like the Blues Brothers). Our mission is to offer doorways into Jewish life - what ever you want to explore, we want to help you find it.


I’m out of town for four days, back for Shabbat on Friday
I’ll be out of town this week from Tuesday afternoon to Friday. I’ll be thinking of you all everyday as I’ll be at an Outreach to Interfaith conference - what fun! If you call or email, I’ll get back to you on Monday, Sept. 15.

I’ll be talking to you next week about finding High Holiday services if you’re unaffiliated. We’ll talk...




EVENTS
Preparing for the High Holy Days (Lafayette)
Family Shabbat Morning Service (Pleasanton)
Elul Retreat (San Mateo)
High Holy Days - Family Picnic, Walk & Talk at Baker Beach (San Francisco)
Demystifying the High Holydays (Pleasanton)
Gathering of Blessings (San Francisco)
Port Wine & Chocolate in the Sukkah (Pleasanton)
Sukkot Gatherings (Los Altos)
Demystifying Judaism (Pleasanton)
Caspian Rain: Author Talk (Walnut Creek)
Shabbat in Nature (Sunol)


Preparing for the High Holy Days
Rabbi Graetz will be offering three sessions in the month of Elul to help you prepare for the holidays. The Talmud teaches: "Four things change a person's fate, namely tzedakah, crying out, changing one's name, and changing one's conduct... and some say: changing one's place." Through text, contemplation and conversation, Rabbi Graetz will guide you in exploring how the High Holy Days can become a transformative experience.

Date: Thursdays, September 11, 18 and 25
Time: 7:15pm
Place: Temple Isaiah, 3800 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette
Questions: Call Michael at 925-
FREE



Family Shabbat Morning Service
Family services provide an opportunity for young children to actively participate in the warmth and joy of Shabbat with their families. The service has been specially prepared by Cheryl Cohen for families with young children and children in our Religious School. The music, however, is for people of all ages and is led with great ruach and style by Josh Cohen. We strongly encourage grandparents, siblings and friends to come and pray with us. Snack is provided following the service.

Date: Saturday, September 13
Time: 10:30am – 12pm
Place: Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada Ct., Pleasanton
For more info call Cheryl Cohen at 925.931.1055 x21



Elul Retreat
Join meditation teachers Wendy Lash, Bobbi Bornstein and Laurie Williams for a 1/2 day of reflection and spaciousness to help you tap into this special time. We will begin the journey to "open the books of our lives," releasing and transforming ourselves through meditation, art and ritual.

Date: Saturday September 13
Time: 12:15 - 5 pm
Place: Peninsula Temple Beth El,1700 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo
Cost is $36 for PTBE members and $46 for non-PTBE members. Scholarships are available.
To register contact Lolli Freedman at PTBE at 650.341.7701 or lfreedman@ptbe.org.
This program is generously underwritten by Or HaLev Center for Jewish Spirituality at PTBE.



High Holy Days - Family Picnic, Walk & Talk at Baker Beach
With Helena McMahon, LMFT and Rabbi Eve Ben-Ora
Discuss the meaning of the High Holy Days at beautiful Baker Beach in San Francisco. Bring a blanket and a picnic lunch - there will be activities for children 10 and under. All couples and families are welcome to attend this workshop.

Date: Sunday, September 14
Time: Noon - 2:00 pm
Place: Baker Beach in San Francisco, for more information contact the San Francisco JCC at (415) 292-1200.
Cost: $10/couple



Demystifying the High Holydays
As part of our S’lichot observance, Rabbi Winer will present this preparatory practice leading into the High Holyday season. Everyone is invited to continue with further study and worship throughout the evening. Please join us for this opportunity to explore and better understand the Days of Awe before Rosh Hashanah, which begins on Monday evening, September 29.

Date: Sat., Sept. 20
Time: 7 to 8:15pm
Place: Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada Ct., Pleasanton
Info: 925.931.1055



Gathering of Blessings
Honoring the Jewish Community Relations Council
At its annual Gathering of Blessings interfaith celebration, the Interfaith Center at the Presidio will honor the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Bay Area as a "Bay Area Interfaith Treasure." The celebration will include stories, prayers, blessings, and music honoring partnerships that provide support to build bridges of peace and service among religions, here at home and around the world.

Date: Sunday, October 5
Time: Reception 4:30 pm; ceremony 5:30 pm.
Place: Interfaith Chapel, Presidio of San Francisco, 130 Fisher Loop.
Free event.



Port Wine & Chocolate in the Sukkah
Are you 21 or older? Then you are invited for a sophisticated evening under the stars showcasing Fine Livermore Valley Port and dessert wines poured for your tasting enjoyment. Wines paired with decadent chocolates & cheeses. Hot beverages and other sweet delights.

Date: Sat., Oct. 18
Time: 7:30 to 10pm
Place: Congregation Beth Emek, 2400 Nevada Ct., Pleasanton
Cost: $20 per person ($10 for no-alcohol admission)
RSVP to Sharon Cohen at 925-931-1055 x11
Mail check to Beth Emek.



Sukkot Gatherings
This year's Sukkot Gatherings will bring together Beth Am members and friends toschmooze, eat, relax and meet new friends in sukkot at members’ homes. To attend, please RSVP on the Beth Am website, and we’ll match you up with a Sukkot gathering in your neighborhood.

Date: Sunday, Oct. 19
Time: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Place: Homes around Los Altos Hills
For information call or e-mail: Lori Shaffer at shaffer.family@comcast.net or 650-494-7008 or Diana Friedman at friedx4@pacbell.net or 650-965-2265
Last year I think it was Lori Shaffer that I called to ask how non-members could participate. She was excited that non-members would be interested and said to have them call her. If you want to go, either call and get a spot or, if you feel shy, call me and I’ll get you a spot. But call me NEXT week as I’m going to be out of town from Tuesday thru Friday this week.



Demystifying Judaism --
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Judaism but Were Afraid to Ask…Beginning in September, Rabbi Richard Winer will present a year-long course on “Demystifying Judaism” – for newly-engaged Jews, lifelong learners and those who haven’t cracked a book since b’nai mitzvah, for Jews-by-choice and Jews-by-birth and everyone in between, for non-Jewish spouses and the Jews who love them, and for anyone who has a question about Jewish ritual, practice, faith or religion.
Rabbi Winer will present this class once a month. Bagels, coffee and orange juice will be provided.

Dates: Sundays beginning Oct. 19
October 19: Demystifying Torah
November 16: Demystifying Worship I
January 11: Demystifying Worship II
February 22: Demystifying the Jewish Holidays -- a Jewish Holiday Primer
March 15: Demystifying Passover
Time: 10:30 – 11:45am
Place: Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada Ct., Pleasanton
FREE
Info: 925.931.1055
You can register for “Demystifying Judaism” on-line at www.bethemek.org or drop in and join us as often as you can during the year. There is no charge for this class.



Caspian Rain: Author Talk
“Chai Tea” is back again, so join us for gourmet teas, great desserts and a lively book discussion with Gina Nahai, author of Caspian Rain. Nahai, who herself left Iran as a teen, offers a rare glimpse into the life of Iranian Jews. This is a compelling novel about class pressures, life under the Shah and what happened to Iranian society after the Khomeini Islamic revolution.

Date: Thursday, October 23
Time: 3:00 pm
Place: Contra Costa JCC, 2071 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek
For more information call Riva Gambert at the East Bay Jewish Federation (510) 839-2900 x253
Co-sponsor: Temple Isaiah Book Group



Shabbat in Nature
Come and Enjoy a Glorious Autumn
Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. -- Rachel Carson
Participate in any or all of the following:
Minyan starting at 10:30 a.m. led by Rabbi Dana Magat and Canter Intern Meeka Simerly
Lots of singing (bring your instrument!)
Potluck lunch and discussion
Walk to (paved road) and around “Little Yosemite” – appropriate for all ages – or any of the wonderful trails
It’s your Shabbat!!

Date: Saturday, Oct. 25
Time: 10am
Place: Sunol Regional Park

No RSVP Necessary
For Info call Ginny at (408) 993-1139; email ginandbrad@gmail.com or
Nancy at (650) 694-4604; email nancyweintraub@sbcglobal.net

Directions: Go south on 280 which becomes 680 north. Continue on 680 and exit at Calaveras Road in Sunol (do not take the Calaveras exit in Milpitas). Turn right on Calaveras and proceed to Geary Road (watch carefully). Turn left on Geary; Geary leads directly into the park. Drive until you get to the toll booth. Bring $5 for entrance fee ($2 extra per dog). Continue through and drive straight until the road forks. Go left towards the picnic area. With the creek running on the left, drive to the last parking area you see before the road empties into a large lot. The cars will be on the right side of the road – look for a car with a sign in the back window – TEE – and park. You will see the picnic tables and the group on the left side of the road. The site is very accessible and is a very short easy stroll from the parking area. See map on back. For more about the park, go to http://www.ebparks.org/parks/sunol.
This event is sponsored by Temple Emanu-El in San Jose.
The was sent to me by Ginny with the message to invite everyone. Looks like a gorgeous day is planned!

Getting Connected

Dear Interfaith Families and Friends,

Getting Connected
This last week I made a series of calls to see how folks were doing. One person said, I just use your list of events, Dawn. I go and I participate.

Not everyone can do that. Several others told me different stories.
I don’t really like to go into a crowd where I don’t know anyone.
Our congregation is nice, but we haven’t really made friends yet.
I wish I could talk to someone one-on-one.

I confess, I’m the same way. I’m a people person. I prefer to go places with a friend. I like to have someone I know to sit next to, eat lunch with, go to the museum or park or movie. If you are trying to connect in a congregation, call me. After all these years at this job I know someone just about everywhere. I think it’s easier if you go to services with a potential friend. Maybe go out for lunch or coffee so you can talk about what it is you hope to find at the congregation.

One young woman told me that all she needed was that first family to sit with. They introduced her to a couple people. “The second time I went, I saw someone I already knew!”

You may not feel a connection in just two visits, but that’s OK, maybe you’ll go with a few different potential friends.


Gala Fundraiser for the East Bay JCC
The Jewish Community Center has always been a terrific place to go for interfaith families. The programs are inviting and diverse. I make it a policy NOT to put expensive events on this eletter and I avoid fundraisers unless they are mostly FUN. That said, I’m worried about the East Bay JCC and want it to continue. So if you love having fun, supporting a good cause, consider joining them for their benefit event.

The JCC’s primary programs are for YOUNG CHILDREN and SENIORS. You were once young and God willing, you’ll be old. These are two parts of our population that we are commanded to care for - no matter what your religion. If you have no religion, then I suspect you do it because you are a good person, plain and simple.

The fundraiser will be taking place on Sunday, September 14th at 5:30 at Temple Beth El in North Berkeley (Oxford between Rose and Eunice). To buy tickets ($100 or $75 for younger adults and preschool parents), call the JCC at (510) 848-0237, ext. 118 or visit the link from the JCC website at www.jcceastbay.org. There will be games (casino and non-casino options too), tapas, and libations. It will be lots of fun - they promise!


Is anyone a member of Peninsula Temple Beth El in San Mateo? If you are, please email me at dawn@BuildingJewishBridges.org. I have a very unique issue that I need some help with. If you’re a multi-cultural or multi-racial couple, that would be extra good.



EVENTS
Picnic Fest (Oakland)
Jewish Meditation Sitting Group (San Mateo)
What do non-Jews want to know about Judaism? (San Francisco)
Preparing for the High Holidays (Lafayette)
Can Jews Who Don't Believe in Bible Stories Still Believe in God? (El Cerrito)
Young Family Shabbat Service (Los Altos)
Third Fridays Shabbat (San Rafael)




Picnic Fest
Pack a lunch and settle in for a performance by MOSHAV BAND; grab a glass for tasting some HAGAFEN WINES; and bring the kids for an animal show, face painting and puppetry.

While just about every Jewish organization will have a booth, make sure to stop by the LGBT Alliance booth, eat some wedding cake and learn about what the Jewish community is doing to stop Prop 8!

And it wouldn't be PicnicFest without free ice cream and beer! Please join us and a thousand of your neighbors at the East Bay's liveliest event.

Date: Sunday, September 7
Time: 11am to 4pm
Place: Joaquin Miller Park in Oakland



Jewish Meditation Sitting Group
Join us for the opening evening of the fifth year of Jewish meditation at Peninsula Temple Beth El. We are in the Or HaLev meditation room which is behind the bimah in the sanctuary. The evening will consist of two sits with a short teaching about the month of Elul in between. This meditation sitting group is ongoing and have four teachers who rotate. It periodically does not meet, due to Monday holidays and other scheduling conflicts at the temple, so if you are interested in being on the mailing list to be notified each week of the following week's sit, please email Lolli Freedman at lfreedman@ptbe.org to get on our mailing list. FREE.

Date: Monday September 8
Time: 7 - 8:15 pm
Place: Peninsula Temple Beth El, 1700 Alameda do las Pulgas, San Mateo
Wendy Lash is leading the opening evening. If you go, please tell her hello from me.



What do non-Jews want to know about Judaism?
--good answers to typical questions
Tea and Talk with Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe
Do your non-Jewish friends sometimes ask you questions about the Jewish faith? Jewish holidays? Do you sometimes feel you would like to have more concise answers?
Come to hear Rabbi Jaffe field questions and provide answers. Feel free to bring any questions you have gotten.

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 10
Time: 1:00 pm
Place: Congregation Emanu-el, in the Martin Meyer Reception Room, 2 Lake St., San Francisco
RSVP to Frana at 415-751-2535.



Preparing for the High Holidays
Prepare is in the midst of community! Rabbi Graetz will be offering three sessions in the month of Elul to help you prepare for the holidays. The Talmud teaches: "Four things change a person's fate, namely tzedakah, crying out, changing one's name, and changing one's conduct... and some say: changing one's place." Through text, contemplation and conversation, Rabbi Graetz will guide you in exploring how the High Holy Days can become a transformative experience.

Dates: Thursdays, September 11, 18 and 25
Time: 7:15pm.
Place: Temple Isaiah, Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette
For more information you can call Michael at (925) 283-8575.
Rabbi Graetz is one of those people you can’t help but fall in love with. He is from Argentina, speaks a bunch of languages, is charming and warm, also caring and brilliant. Go & enjoy. (Feel free to give him my love.)



Can Jews Who Don't Believe in Bible Stories Still Believe in God?
Maybe God didn't really part the Red Sea . . . or save Noah and his Ark. . . does that mean there is no God Jews can believe in? Join us to explore these questions, We will share a delicious, no-experience-necessary Shabbat dinner, eat, laugh, and learn. All are welcome.

Date: Friday, September 12.
Time: 6:15pm
Place: Jewish Gateways' cozy home near El Cerrito Plaza and BART station
Childcare: available by reservation
Space is limited, so RSVP is required.
Please contact Rabbi Bridget Wynne at Jewish Gateways,?(510) 559-8140, or email 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 $7 toward the dinner.



Young Family Shabbat Service
This fun and interactive half-hour service is geared toward families with children ages 3 months to 6 years. Snack is provided following the service, as well as a special arts and crafts activity and time on the playground.

Dates: Saturdays, join us on Sept. 13 and 27
Time: 9:30am
Place: The Chapel at Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
For more information call 650-493-4661



Third Fridays Shabbat
Starting in September, we are lifting up the Third Friday, 8 pm Shabbat service, to become a more traditional Rodef Sholom service, moving and inspiring, centered around sophisticated Jewish music and deep Jewish learning. We will be featuring guest speakers and adult-only dinners throughout the year. We are beginning with Dan Nichols, our artist-in-residence, on September 19. The oneg that follows will be sponsored by Women of Rodef Sholom.

Date: Friday, Sept. 19
Time: 8pm
Place: Rodef Sholom, 170 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael
For more info call (415) 479-3441
www.rodefsholom.org

Little Kids, Little Problems - Big Kids, Big Problems

My daughter calls me “Mama” when she’s feeling especially affectionate or especially upset. So when I picked up the phone at 6am Sunday morning and heard, “Mama?” I knew things were not OK. Elly is in Israel on a Taglit - Birthright* trip and her credit card had been frozen. Despite my calls to the US bank they couldn’t do anything that I asked, nor could they take a call from a cell phone - Catch 22. It had been four days of trying and I was finished. Time to call the big guns. Tali Lipschitz runs the Let’s Go Israel trip** for bay area teens; she’s Israeli and knows how to travel with American kids. I called her and explained the situation.

“OK,” she said, “I’ll call you back.” I waited. Fifteen minutes later the phone rang.

“Hi, Dawn,” came her cheery voice, “you just needed a little Israeli chutzpah.” She had contacted the trip organizer and arranged for them to receive money I would wire to Israel. She walked me through my end of it. DONE!


What does this have to do with interfaith?

My daughter is 22 years old. Mothers of 45 year olds have told me, “Your kids grow up but they are still your children. You will always care. You will always worry.”

Mothers and fathers need a network, a community. If you’re in an interfaith relationship you need a unique network, one that addresses the specific issues and events that will occur to you because you are in an interfaith relationship. You need someone who “gets it.” Someone who cuts through the verbiage, who sees the core issue – and “the issue” may have NOTHING to do with religion. You need someone to help you sort that out. Many of you have turned to me or one of my colleagues with your questions. I’m here for you - always - but like Tali, I hope to help you made a connection.


And what about making a connection?
It’s almost September, almost High Holidays, almost time to ask-



Will we go to services?
If we will, then where will we go?
Are we looking for a single event experience or an ongoing relationship?
Are we looking to be part of a community as a couple?
Will we have kids that we want to bring into a community?

Call me if you want to talk about any of this, or anything else that is on your mind.

Dawn
510-663-8350


*Taglit Birthright Israel is a trip for young Jewish adults up to age 26. It is free. Check the website for how to qualify. website at www.birthrightisrael.org

**Let’s Go Israel is a bay area trip for teens. About a hundred kids who are entering high school juniors go each year. Families from the East bay, Sacramento and Silicon Valley should call Tali about next summer’s trip at 510-839-2900 x255. Families from Sonoma, along the coast to Palo Alto should call Gabi at the Bureau of Jewish Education at 415-751-6983 x123. Teens from all over the bay area are accepted into the program. www.letsgoisrael.org

What to do in August

Dear Interfaith Families and Friends,

I pulled names out of the hat and drew out the winners who have been notified. If you are coming to dinner and the movie with us on THIS SATURDAY in Berkeley at the Jewish Film Festival we are seeing STRANGERS at 8:15pm. Buy your ticket! I’ve asked a member of this list who is a restaurant professional to recommend someplace to eat – not to pricey. Email me if you are coming to dinner with us!!
Dawn@buildingJewishBridges.org


August time
August is here and that always signals the end of summer. That means you have just about a month to do some shopping around if you want to join a synagogue this fall. If you want a buddy to go with you, just email me. I’ll set it up – I have friends everywhere.


Why look for a synagogue?
Because there can never be too many people looking out for you. I told you that I would ask my synagogue’s women’s group to bake with me for my nephew in Iraq. I did. Some came to my house, some delivered cookies. Some gave me sheets to sent to his unit (they don’t have enough), some brought me tuna packs and cup-of-soup. Some just sat and chatted. I got comfort, my nephew got eight boxes of goodies. My friends did a mitzvah. Win-win-win.


Can we understand why we are here?
Packing those boxes made me wonder, what should I be doing? Should I quit my job and devote myself to ending war on the planet? Should I fly to Texas to take care of his young wife and baby? Just why am I here? I don’t have an answer but I got some help from Rabbi Larry Raphael’s comments on last week’s Torah Portion, Masei. What he said is eternal so I am sharing it with you:

Tradition provides ways to arrange and understand our lives, which can often be understood through the struggles and successes of our predecessors. Gradually we watch as out of our own deeds a design emerges.

Kierkegaard writes that life must be lived forward but can only be understood backward. To put the insight differently, we might recall the poignant words of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, who writes that God speaks slowly in our lives, a syllable at a time; not until we reach the end of life can we read the sentences backward. Judaism offers us a way to understand God's words in our lives so that they are meaningful, even eloquent.

You can speak to Rabbi Raphael yourself if you go to services at Sherith Israel in San Francisco. Or you can email him at rabbiraphael@sherithisrael.org.
www.sherithisrael.org


Read to your kids with PJ Library
The Jewish Federations are distributing free of charge, age-appropriate Jewish-content books and music on a monthly basis to families with children from 6 months to age 5½. I love this program! Reading to children improves everything - their reading skills, their bonding with you, their listening and learning skills. Go for it!
To sign up for this free service --
In the West Bay call Gail Green at 415-777-4545
In the East Bay sign up online at: http://63.151.43.13/pjlibrary/index.html


Looking for a Jewish Humanistic Education for your Child in the Fremont area?
Registration is now open for Jewish Culture School, a non-religious Jewish Sunday School sponsored by the Tri-Valley Cultural Jews. Jewish Culture Schools meets two Sundays a month and is open students from 5 - 13. Students from non-traditional and mixed-culture families are welcome.
Jewish Culture School concentrates on a sense of community based on family, history, culture and progressive social action. In a hands-on interactive curriculum, students learn songs in Hebrew, Yiddish and English, folk dance, and cook Jewish food from various countries and times in history.
To register for Jewish Culture School or obtain more information about TVCJ, please call (925) 485-1049 or e-mail JCS@Tri-ValleyCulturalJews.org.



Events
Tot Shabbat (Oakland)
Family Shabbat Service and Potluck Dinners (San Francisco)
Young Family Services (Los Altos)
Tisha B'av Ritual (Piedmont)
Ashkenaz and In Search of the Bene Israel (San Francisco)
The Chuppah and Beyond-for Engaged and Newly-Married Couples (San Francisco)
Erev Shabbat Dinner and Musical Service (Walnut Creek)
Let’s Go out to the Ballgame! (Oakland)
Love is Law? A Glimpse into Jewish Tradition (Berkeley)
Rebirthing the Divine: a Journey to Kabalah (Berkeley)
Sunday Play Days with Kindergym and Dawn Margolin (Oakland)
3rd Annual Hazon Food Conference (Monterey, CA)


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, August 8
Time: 6:30pm
Place: Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland
for more information call Gabby at 510-451-3263.



Family Shabbat Service and Potluck Dinners
Shabbat Services at 6pm.
Two potlucks to choose from:
Before Services at 5pm in Newman Hall -
for families with children 5 and under
After Services at 7pm in Newman Hall -
for all Shabbat Services attendees and children
Please don't bring any dishes with pork or shellfish, but feel free to bring a bottle of wine to share.

Date: Friday, August 8
Place: Sherith Israel, 2266 California St., San Francisco
For more information contact Nancy Sheftel-Gomes at nsgomes@sherithisrael.org or 415-346-1720 ext 28.



Young Family Services
This fun and interactive half-hour service is geared toward families with children ages 3 months to 6 years. Snack is provided following the service, as well as a special arts and crafts activity and time on the playground.

Dates: Saturday mornings, August 9 & 23
Time: 9:30 am.
Place: Chapel at Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
For more information call: 650-493-4661
www.betham.org



Tisha B'av Ritual
Led jointly by Kehilla, Aquarian Minyan, and Chochmat HaLev
Join us to create sacred space and journey into Tisha B'av, a day that commemorates tragedies past and present, allowing us to explore both our sorrows and our hope through the Hebrew and English chanting of Lamentations. Read more about the day at:
http://www.chochmat.org/1_events.shtml

Date: Saturday, August 9
Time: 7:45-10pm
Place: Kehilla Community Synagogue, 1300 Grand Ave., Piedmont
For more information call 510-547-2424



Ashkenaz and In Search of the Bene Israel
San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
Israel, 2007, 72 min. Color, Hebrew, English, Yiddish w/Eng. subtitles
Ashkenaz, a pithy but panoramic view of Israel’s “white” Jews, undermines any preconceived notions of Jewish ethnicity. Director Rachel Leah Jones, a Berkeley native, flits from experts and scholars to just plain folks to reveal a non-homogeneous Ashkenazi population seen through the eyes of Ashkenazi and Mizrahi Israelis. It’s a fascinating study in diversity within a single word.
Followed by In Search of Bene Israel, about Jews in India.

Date: Sun, Aug 10
Time: 3:00pm
Place: JCC of San Francisco, 3200 California St., San Francisco
Co-presented by Congregation Sherith Israel and 3rd I San Francisco International South Asian Film Festival (SFISAFF)
For tickets and more information call 925-275-9490 or our website: www.sfjff.org.



The Chuppah and Beyond-for Engaged and Newly-Married Couples
Are you engaged to be married? Are you recently married?
CAFE Emanu-El (Community and Family Education) presents...
"The Chuppah and Beyond," a six week series for engaged or newly married couples. We are providing you with a great opportunity to meet other couples and share Jewish traditions together. Facilitated by our Family Programs Coordinator, Leslie Ticktin, and our Congregation Emanu-El Clergy, these classes will help you enhance your communication, learn the principles of good financial planning, and develop the necessary skills to foster a long, happy, loving relationship. Join us as we help you plan your future together!

Dates: Six Thursdays beginning Aug. 14
Time: 7 to 9pm
Place: Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., San Francisco
Cost per couple for the 6-week series is $48 for non-members.
If you are interested in learning more, please send an email with your names, wedding date (if you have one), phone number and mailing address to Leslie Ticktin at lticktin@emanuelsf.org .



Erev Shabbat Dinner and Musical Service
Contemporary & Inspirational Melodies with Musical Accompaniment. Dinner Reservations Required so we’ll know how much to make. All Welcome!
Dairy Oneg (reception) following the service

Date: Friday, August 15
Time: Dinner 6:15 p.m. .. Service 7:30 p.m.
Place: B’nai Shalom, 74 Ecley Lane, Walnut Creek
Cost: Adults $5/person, Children 12 & under FREE
RSVP by Aug. 11 – Call 925-934-9446 or email office@bshalom.org
Ph: 925-934-9446 .. www.bshalom.org



Let’s Go out to the Ballgame!
Join the guys of Temple Sinai’s men’s group for their annual outing to an A's Game will be on Sunday afternoon, August 17, 2008, at 1:05 against the Chicago White Sox led by former A's Jermaine Dye and Nick Swisher.
We've arranged for seats in Sections 209/210 (wheelchair friendly). Tickets are a mere $16 each.
While brought to you by the Brotherhood, this event is open to the community. Free peanuts!

Date: Sunday, Aug. 17
Time: 1:05pm
Place: Oakland Coliseum
Cost: your ticket costs $16
Please let Barry Dubin know how many tickets you would like. You may e-mail him at bdubin@cwclaw.com or call him at (415) 765-6252 (W) or (510) 658-9265 (H).



Love is Law? A Glimpse into Jewish Tradition
with Rabbi Creditor
Deeper than the details of Jewish living is the spiritual heart of Jewish community. How do the details point back to the heart? What does authority mean for a modern Jewish community? How can someone learn to belong to a community with so much history and so many interwoven stories? Is there still such a thing as "Jewish Law" today? This class will include conversation and gudied learning for participants.

No Hebrew/Jewish background necessary - Jews and those curious about Judaism are welcome!

Dates: August 19, 26; Sept. 2, 9
Time: 7:45-9pm
Place: Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley
Cost: A suggested $30 materials fee would be appreciated.
Please register through the Netivot Shalom office at office@netivotshalom.org or 510.549.9447 x101.



Rebirthing the Divine: a Journey to Kabalah
with Genine BarEl
In an original and powerful performance Genine BarEl takes audiences on a spiritual and emotional journey as she pursues a deeper connection to herself and her heritage. From New York to India to Israel - seeking wisdom but finding a husband (even better!) - Genine finally comes to rest in the holy city of Tsfat, raising a family and birthing herself as a woman and mother, a receptacle for the divine. Through story-telling and song, the audience travels with Genine on a poignant, touching and often humorous passage from Jewish American Princess to “woman of valor.”

Date: Wednesday, August 27
Time: 7:30 pm
Place: Chochmat HaLev, 2215 Prince St., Berkeley
for more information call 510.704.9687



Sunday Play Days with Kindergym and Dawn Margolin
Sunday Play Days are for ALL children (and a parent or caregiver) ages 9 months to 3 years old. A sibling in that age group is welcome for no extra charge; the cost is $10 per family. The class is in a large room filled with tons of wonderful equipment, all matted. We have lots of slides and climbers, a big ball pit, rocking horses, crazy coupe cars, a see-saw, several little push cars for beginning walkers, a trampoline and more. We have 1 hour of unstructured fun on all of the wonderful equipment, then snack, songs, parachute play and bubbles for the last half hour.

Dates: September 7 and November 2
Time: 10:30am-12noon
Place: Temple Beth Abraham, 327 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland
Check our website for class info at www.tbaoakland.org/kindergym
Contact Dawn Margolin at 510-547-7726
You will love Dawn! Everyone does, especially little ones. Go look at her website.



3rd Annual Hazon Food Conference
Held at the Asilomar Conference and Retreat Center on the Monterey Peninsula. Along the white sand beaches and forests of the Monterey Peninsula, the Jewish food community will gather to celebrate and explore how we make food choices in light of our tradition and contemporary life.
The Hazon Food Conference experience will cover interests from health and sustainability to food justice and Jewish tradition.
Join hundreds of others from North America and Israel as this group of young, not so young, singles, couples, families, rabbis, farmers, educators, chefs, writers, students and enthusiasts gathers to celebrate Chanukah, Shabbat, and the new Jewish food movement. To register or find out more about the Hazon Food Conference, visit http://www.hazon.org/foodconference.

Date: Dec. 25 - 28

Jewish Community For Kids + Shavuot

Kids at the JCC East Bay



Dear Interfaith Families and Friends,

Last week I talked about Jewish community as a bit if an oddity sandwiched in side American culture. If you put on your anthropology hat and look at the many cultures that you encounter everyday it all begins to make sense. But for a child it’s not so clear. Kids’ brains are still growing. They don’t understand all the nuances that you do. They learn by experience that which you may learn through words. If you want to give them an experience of Jewish community - why not try camp?


Jewish Community for Kids
Summer brings a terrific opportunity for children -- SUMMER CAMP!
Camp offers something that is rarely experienced in America - Jewish emersion. Doing Jewish all day! I have had adults from interfaith families tell me that camp is one of their happiest memories. It’s where it all comes together and you just get to BE.

Do kids from Jewish - Jewish parents say it’s terrific too? Sure. I just want to assure you that kids from multicultural, interfaith families feel right at home.

Occasionally a parent will tell me that they want to be sure their child experiences the diversity of American culture and doesn’t grow up thinking that there are only Jewish people. Unless you live in Crown Heights – no worries. Is your child allowed to walk around your neighborhood? Watch TV? Listen to the radio? This is Christian America - even if much of it is not religious, it is a Christian culture.

So don’t be afraid to give your child a taste of Jewish life. At camp they will observe a rousing Shabbat with songs, dancing, food. They’ll have a Jewish flavor to all their activities AND it will still be camp – kids hiking, swimming, making things from wood and clay.


What Camps are Out There?
All around the bay there are summer camps getting underway this month.

The JCC of the East Bay has:

Camp Tzofim
Our Oakland-based summer camp starts up June 23. In our summer program kids-ranging from those entering kindergarten to tenth graders-explore nature, make friendships and engage in arts, sports, and social activities. Our camp also emphasizes Jewish culture, designating a Jewish topic each week, around which camp activities and projects are based.
Contact camp director Josh Kramer at joshk@jcceastbay.org or 510.530.9222 for more information about Camp Tzofim.

Other JCCs around the bay are:
Albert L. Schultz Jewish Community Center, Palo Alto
Osher Marin JCC, Marin
Peninsula JCC, Foster City
San Francisco JCC
JCC of Silicon Valley, San Jose

An example of a regional sleep away camp is:
Camp Tawonga
Office: 131 Steuart Street, San Francisco,CA 94015
(415) 543-2267
www.tawonga.org
Contact: Ann Gonski
At Tawonga, the focus is on group-building. Next to Yosemite National Park. Grades 2-12. Backpacking, Judaic programming, ropes course, arts and crafts. Teen Travel quests go all over the West, Canada and Israel. CIT program. Family camp weekends.


Camp Kee Tov is the summer camp of Beth El Congregation in Berkeley.
http://www.campkeetov.org/

Camp Kedima in Pleasanton is associated with Beth Emek. See them at:
http://www.campkadima.bethemek.org/

Each of the Jewish synagogue movements have summer camps as well.

Some camps have a Family Camp Week. That’s a great time to give the kid in you a class on drumming or painting, to refresh your s’mores making skills and to tell stories by a campfire.

Not sure what is available near you? Call the maven of Jewish information, Gail, at Jewish Community Information and Referral, 415-777-4545.


The next holiday is Shavuot
Shavuot begins Sunday at sundown. It is one of the three pilgrimage festivals. It is commanded in the Torah and was observed as a pilgrimage - all Jews were to travel to the Temple in Jerusalem to offer a sacrifice. It is described in the Torah as a natural and agricultural occurrence.

MyJewishLearning..com says this:
Deut. 26:1-11 specifies that every Israelite must offer the first fruits of his crop to the priests of the Temple. Traditionally on the second day of Passover(Nisan 16) a sheaf of barley was given. Shavuot was also known as the festival of the first fruits (HAG HA-BIKKURIM); this pilgrim festival was a time for making the offering. Although this practice ended with the destruction of the Temple, first-fruit celebrations still take place in the State of Israel.


Later tradition linked the holiday to the giving of the Torah at Mt Sinai. This rabbinic teaching developed the tradition of an all night study in an expression of the longing for Torah.
I got all the quotes below from Arthur Waskow's book, Seasons of our Joy. It's a terrific resource for all the holidays.

In Exodus 23:16 the Torahs states: Israelites shall hold a festival for the Feast of the Harvest, of the first fruits of your work, of what you sow in the field..
You shall bring from your settlements two loaves of bread as a wave-offering...baked after leavening, as first fruits to Adonai...On that same day you shall hold a celebration; it shall be a sacred occasion for you; you shall not work at your occupations. Lev 23:17-23
You shall observe the Feast of Weeks for Adonai, offering your freewill contribution according as the Holy One has blessed you. You shal rejoice before God with your son and daughter, your male and female slave, the Levite in your communities, and the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow in your midst, at the place where Adonai, your God will choose to establish God's name. Deut. 16:10-11






EVENTS
Family Shabbat Services and Shavuot Harvest Dinner (San Leandro)
Tikkun Leyl Shavuot: An All Night Study Session (Berkeley)
Tikkun Leil Shavuot (Palo Alto)
Tikkun Leil Shavuot (Oakland)
Never again, Again? Stopping the Genocide in Darfur (Richmond)
Who Wrote the Torah? (El Cerrito)
L'Chaim-The Spirituality of Wine and The Kiddush (Berkeley)
Come with Me to the Movies! (Berkeley)
Fifth Annual PicnicFest (Oakland)








Family Shabbat Services and Shavuot Harvest Dinner
Family oriented services begin early, are shorter, and have a book or story instead of sermon.
A kosher dinner prepared by temple members follows services at 7:15pm.

Date: Friday, June 6
Time: 7:15pm
Place: Beth Sholom, 642 Dolores, San Leandro
Charge is $10 per adult and $5 per child over the age of 5.
Please RSVP to the temple office at 510-357-8505.



Tikkun Leyl Shavuot: An All Night Study Session
A unique community-wide celebration and night of Torah study a spiritual journey bringing together Jews with varied perspectives and affiliations. Stay for an hour or stay until dawn. We will be led in study by teachers from our diverse Jewish community. Celebrate Shavuot!

Date: Sunday, June 8
Time: 6:45pm until dawn
Place: JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St, Berkeley.
Co-Sponsored by many great community partners! For more information, contact Robin Braverman or Erica Zilbermann at 510.839.2900 ext. 235 or email tikkun@jfed.org



Tikkun Leil Shavuot
A COMMUNAL NIGHT OF STUDY! On Sunday, June 8, our Peninsula Jewish community comes together at Congregation Kol Emeth for an invigorating and meaningful night of study. Starting at 8 p.m. with a brief evening service, we will celebrate z’man matan Torateinu, the time of the giving of our Torah. Drop in anytime for nosh & coffee through the night & dairy breakfast at 1:30 a.m. Study sessions begin at 9 p.m. Teachers from the community include Rabbis Janet Marder, Josh Zweiback, Adam Allenberg, David Booth, Sarah Graff and Ari Cartun. Sessions go all night long so feel free to drop-in anytime (and go home to go to sleep anytime!).

Date: Sunday, June 8
Time: Begins at 8pm
Place: Kol Emeth, 4175 Manuela Ave., Palo Alto
Co-sponsored by Congregations Kol Emeth, Beth Am, Etz Chayim and Keddem.
For information call 650-493-4661



Tikkun Leil Shavuot
Temple Beth Abraham and Temple Sinai will be observing Shavuot together again this year. Join us as we celebrate the Giving of the Torah by staying up all night (until about midnight) or as long as you can last.

Date: Sunday, June 8
Time: 8:00pm
Place: Beth Abraham, 327 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland
for more information call either Beth Abraham at 510-832-0936 or Temple Sinai at 510-451-3263.



Never again, Again? Stopping the Genocide in Darfur
The Jewish Mandate to Pursue Justice for All Human Beings"
Rabbi Lee T. Bycel (who taught at Beth Hillel many years ago) and is now the Executive Director, Western Region of American Jewish World Service (AJWS), will speak.

Date: Sunday, June 8
Time: 10:30-12:00noon
Place: Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central St., Richmond
Directions: Hiiltop exit off 80, East then first Left, Left again into parking lot
Bagel brunch ($5.00 suggested donation)
For more information, please contact June Mayberry at junemayberry@iglide.net









Who Wrote the Torah?
Was it God? People? Does it make a difference?
If people were involved, who were they?
Join us to explore these questions and share a no-experience-necessary Shabbat dinner, eat, laugh, and learn. All are welcome.

Date: Friday, June 13
Time: 6:15pm
6:30 - Candle lighting and dinner
7:30 - Rabbi Bridget Wynne will lead a lively interactive teaching
8:30 - Dessert and schmoozing (time to hang out and chat)
Place: Jewish Gateways' cozy home near El Cerrito Plaza and BART station
Childcare: available by reservation
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 $7 toward the dinner.
www.jewishgateways.org



L'Chaim-The Spirituality of Wine and The Kiddush
In this delightful afternoon program, learn how to use the Kiddush, the Jewish blessing over the wine, as a delivery system for Kadosh, "to make the moment holy." Join with Chochmat Halev for a special wine tasting in the garden and conversation with Rabbi David White who will share a taste of WineSpirit Vintage Judaism and his teachings on wine's connection with spirituality and opening up to spiritual access points throughout the day. Wine and cheese included!

Date: Sunday July 13
Time: 4-6pm
Place: Chochmat HaLev, 2215 Prince Street, Berkeley, CA
Price: $15 for one adult, $25 for a couple or family:
Please RSVP to 510-704-9687 by Wednesday, July 9 so we know how much
wine to bring.











Come with Me to the Movies!
Join me, Dawn, at the Jewish Film Festival. We’ll go out for dinner first and then head over to the Rep in Berkeley to see:
Strangers
Israel, 2003, 85 min., color, Hebrew w/ Eng. subtitles
When handsome Eyal (Liron Levo) and knockout Rana (Lubna Azabel) are seated across from each other on the subway in Berlin, their backpacks are mixed up, leading to a chance meeting. He’s Israeli and she’s Palestinian, but they both came to Berlin for the World Cup and are immediately swept up in the dual frenzies of soccer mania and desire. After the tealights have burned out in their rented Berlin love nest, they realize that the fact that she is from Ramallah and he is from the north of Israel means they have different views of the world. Strangers is a crisply written, top-notch love story that crosses international borders and explores the boundaries of nationality, culture and the heart.

Date: Saturday, Aug. 9
Time: 8:15pm
Place: Berkeley Rep’s Roda Theater, 2025 Addison, Berkeley
RSVP - call or email me so I’ll know how many reservations to make for dinner.
You’ll pay for your own dinner and tickets.
Co-presented by Building Jewish Bridges: Outreach to Interfaith Couples; Interfaith Connection of the JCCSF; and Project Welcome
Box office opens June 24th. For tickets and more information call 925-275-9490 or go to:
www.sfjff.org



Fifth Annual PicnicFest
Join 1000 Jews for free beer, free ice cream, Israeli entertainment and child activities.

Date: Sunday, Sept. 7
Place: Joaquin Miller Park
Save the date. Look for more information on the Federation website - www.jfed.org

Jewish community in America

Dear Interfaith Families and Friends,

What is Jewish community in America?
One of the confusing things about Jewish community is the feel of it – it’s different from mainstream American community. For folks who aren’t Jewish it can seem to make sense that Jews are different - even if they can’t quite put their finger on why. But for American Jews it can be baffling - why do I feel different or out of place? After all, I grew up here. At the heart of the matter is this: Jewish culture is communal - group oriented - in nature and American culture is individual. Think of John Wayne, Indiana Jones, Daniel Boone, Lewis and Clark - all American heros who rode off into the wilderness - alone. The American dream is that an individual through hard work can rise to wealth and greater independence. If you become wealthy enough you can pay for your own home, car, health care, vacations, etc.

On the other hand, Judaism’s greatest hero is Moses. When Moses rode (or walked) off into the wilderness he took the whole Jewish family along, the women and children, the weak as well as the strong, the complainers with the enthusiasts. Moses complained to God about the incredible hassle the children of Israel were, but he also defended and protected them from everyone, including God. The Jewish dream is a time of peace for all the Jews, an end to persecution and the return to Zion. The expectation is that each Jew will care for all the other Jews, sublimating his or her own personal desires for the greater good.

Now sit with that for a moment. That means as an American Jew you are both told to work hard, get ahead, become wealthy enough to be self sufficient... and to take care of your community. In America that can be felt as a burden. We are all so busy being independent that people often fear communal responsibility will impinge on their happiness.

But when I talk to individuals about what exactly is communal responsibility they often warm to the idea rapidly. Do you want there to be: people who bring meals when you are sick? Someone who picks up your kids from school because you’re working late. Someone to help pay for medicine for an elderly woman next door. Someone who clears the brush from around your house before fire season. Someone who raises money for the Food Bank. Someone to sit with you when your parent dies. Someone to visit you when you are sick, and do a bit of vacuuming while they are here.

In America we create Jewish community in synagogue. There the multiple burdens - responsibilities - are spread out over the many members so that no one person is expected to do it all.

Perhaps you will be rich enough to buy all that you and your family will ever need; I know I won’t be. And for those like me, there is community. Perhaps you have a close knit group of friends who will do this for you. I know that I don’t have enough friends for all my needs. Most of my friends work and can’t be available at all times.

But I’m not Jewish
Maybe you are thinking I’m not Jewish, I’m not sure how that would work for me. Here’s how - if you belong to a community you belong. A Catholic friend of mine told me she was being supported in the lost of her mother by her rabbi. Another told me she has a disease that she is fighting and her community has supported her emotionally in her health struggles. A man told me, “Guys aren’t so good at making friends, but I joined the mens group and we are bonding.” A non-Jewish man told me that the Caring committee had taken care of him and his daughters as his wife slowly died of cancer. A Jewish mom walked into Torah study at her congregation and said, “My husband isn’t Jewish, I don’t have a lot of relatives. I need for all of you to come to our daughter’s bat mitzvah so there will be plenty of voices carrying the songs and prayers.” When my nephew leaves for Iraq next month I am asking my synagogue’s women’s group to help me send him and his unit a monthly care package.


None of us can actually make it alone. Not physically. Not emotionally. Even if you are Hans Solo (note that last name!), eventually you need the rest of the Jedi Knights to back you up. Admitting our weaknesses can be our greatest strength. Don’t be afraid to be helped and to give help.

Summer is a great time to check out synagogues to see if there is one that fits you. I’m happy to help. Just call me. 510-839-2900 x347.

What if you are still saying, I’m not ready. Or I just don’t want to join anything. That’s fine. You can still drop in and visit when you feel like. The welcome sign is out!


Introduction to Judaism
There is an Introduction to Judaism class THIS SUMMER. It started on Wednesday, May 21 and continues until Aug. 6 so if you call right away you have only missed the first night.

It is offered by the Union for Reform Judaism at the two Reform congregations in Burlingame and San Mateo. The cost is $160 for members of Reform congregations that are URJ affiliated. And $240 for couples. If you are not affiliated call Hannah and discuss it with her. This class is a great idea if you are serious about conversion. You'll learn a lot, meet other interesting students and get to meet rabbis at two congregations. I've always said the more rabbis you meet the better. You want to have several to choose from as you decide the one you'll want to work with.
Call Hannah at 415-392-7080 x17- she can answer questions and sign you up.



EVENTS
Out & About Potluck (Oakland)
Songs & Stories around the Bonfire (Berkeley)
Israel in the Gardens (San Francisco)
<strong>First Jews in America (San Francisco)
Welcoming Your Jewish Baby - Whether You’re Jewish or Not (Oakland)
Monthly Family Potluck and Shabbat Service (Richmond)
DAWN '08 (San Francisco)
Grand Opening of the Contemporary Jewish Museum (San Francisco)
Bagel Brunch with Discussion and Slide Show on Darfur (Richmond)
Tikkun Leyl Shavuot: An All Night Study Session (Berkeley)
Tikkun Leil Shavuot (Palo Alto)
<strong>Celebrate The Joy of Shabbat & The Joy of Cantor Brian (Berkeley)
L'Chaim—the Spirituality of Wine (Berkeley)





Out & About Potluck
Join us for this fun Potluck dinner! Everyone is invited to attend! Out and About furthers Temple Sinai's mission of being a welcoming and inclusive congregation for all - including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning Jews, along with our families, friends and allies. We'll provide the juice, challah, and chicken and you supply the rest!

Date: Friday, May 30
Time: 6pm
Place: Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland
Call Susan at (510) 865-1215 for more information or to RSVP (by 5/29).



Songs & Stories around the Bonfire
Join the YeaShOre Community, Nishmat Shalom and the East Bay Jewish Folk Chorus for
the first Bonfire of the season. A fun evening around the Bonfire. Come for Havdalah, share your voice, or just listen, as we watch the flames dance!

Date: Saturday, May 31
Time: 8pm to around midnight
Place: Berkeley Marina
Details and directions to the Bonfire at yeashore.org.



Israel in the Gardens
Northern California's Largest Annual Jewish Cultural Festival
Join close to 20,000 members of the Bay Area Jewish community for Israel in the Gardens- a day for local Jews to celebrate our culture and to toast the 60th anniversary of Israel's independence and 60 years of cooperation between America and Israel.
Activities will include music, dance, art, fashion, fun for kids and teens, and lots of food!
Admission to this family-friendly event is free and open to the public. For more information, including a detailed schedule of the day's events, visit www.israelinthegardens.org.

Date: Sunday, June 1
Time: 11am - 5pm
Place: Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco
www.israelinthegardens.org



First Jews in America--
The Jews of the Caribbean
Historian, author and attorney Harry Ezratty has spent a lifetime studying the history of Jews in the Caribbean and their influence on the rest of America. He will share his tales at a talk, which will include a brief history of our sanctuary, a tour of the dome, and dessert and coffee.

Date: Monday, June 2
Time: 7pm
Place: Sherith Israel, 2266 California St., San Francisco
Cost: Tickets are $10 for Hadassah and CSI members, $18 for nonmembers.
Bring your friends for a wonderful evening!
Cosponsored with the San Francisco chapter of Hadassah.
For more information, contact Aviva Hicks at atahicks@sherithisrael.org or 415-346-1720 ext 24.



Welcoming Your Jewish Baby...Whether You’re Jewish or Not
Join us for a discussion group for Moms and Babies (age newborn to 6 months). Topics include: Support for Moms with new Babies; Jewish Resources for Mom, Baby and Family; Getting your Groove Back and Adjusting to the New Normal. Jewish topics include: Jewish baby welcoming ceremonies, home celebrations, making memories.

Dates: Five sessions starting Tuesday, June 3
Time: 1:30 to 3pm
Place: We are being hosted by Beth Jacob for this session, 3778 Park Blvd., Oakland
Cost: $36
For more information or to register, call Dawn at 510-839-2900 x347 or email dawn@jfed.org



Monthly Family Potluck and Shabbat Service
Potluck and service for families that provide a chance for Temple Beth Hillel families and new members (and potential new members) to get to know one another and schmooze in a warm, informal setting. Services are led by Rabbi Dean Kertesz and Cantor Howard Cohen. Children from the religious school and members of the congregation often participate in the service.

Date: First Friday night every month. Next one on Friday night, June 6th
Time: 6:30 pm
Place: Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central Blvd, Richmond, CA. Just off the Hilltop Drive Exit on I-80.
Cost: a vegetarian dish for 6 to share
For more info contact - Arlene Lisby, Synagogue Administrator, 510-223-2560



DAWN '08
The Contemporary Jewish Museum and Reboot, are pleased to announce DAWN '08, an all-night, arts and culture festival and celebration of Shavuot at the grand opening of the Contemporary Jewish Museum, offering guests the opportunity to groove, learn, explore and mingle at the Museum's new building and exhibition space before the doors open to the public the following morning.

Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 8pm - Sunrise
The Contemporary Jewish Museum - The new building is located on Mission Street between 3rd & 4th streets in San Francisco
Co-presented with Reboot



Grand Opening of the Contemporary Jewish Museum
Everyone is invited to attend the Grand Opening of the Contemporary Jewish Museum. Join them for their first Target Family Day and enjoy FREE admission, live music, architectural tours, family-friendly activities, storytelling, drop-in art-making, and more!

Date: Sunday, June 8
Time: 11 am - 5:30 pm
Place: Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission Street (between 3rd & 4th Streets), San Francisco.
Reserve your free ticket in advance at www.thecjm.org or call 655-7800. If you have any questions, please contact the Museum's Education Department at 655-7850 or tours@thecjm.org.



Bagel Brunch with Discussion and Slide Show on Darfur
From American Jewish World Service whose slogan is "Pursuing Global Justice Through Grassroots Change" we have Rabbi Bycel who will be facilitating a discussion as well as a slide show on current events in Darfur and how we can help the victims of genocide in the 21st century.

Date: Sunday, June 8
Time: 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
Place: Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central Blvd, Richmond, CA. Just off the Hilltop Drive Exit on I-80.
Cost: $5, suggested donation
For more info call Arlene Lisby, Synagogue Administrator, 510-223-2560



Tikkun Leyl Shavuot: An All Night Study Session
A unique community-wide celebration and night of Torah study a spiritual journey bringing together Jews with varied perspectives and affiliations. Stay for an hour or stay until dawn. We will be led in study by teachers from our diverse Jewish community. Celebrate Shavuot!

Date: Sunday, June 8
Time: 6:45pm until dawn
Place: JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St, Berkeley.
Co-Sponsored by many great community partners! For more information, contact Robin Braverman or Erica Zilbermann at 510.839.2900 ext. 235 or email tikkun@jfed.org



Tikkun Leil Shavuot
A COMMUNAL NIGHT OF STUDY! On Sunday, June 8, our Peninsula Jewish community comes together at Congregation Kol Emeth for an invigorating and meaningful night of study. Starting at 8 p.m. with a brief evening service, we will celebrate z’man matan Torateinu, the time of the giving of our Torah. Drop in anytime for nosh & coffee through the night & dairy breakfast at 1:30 a.m. Study sessions begin at 9 p.m. Teachers from the community include Rabbis Janet Marder, Josh Zweiback, Adam Allenberg, David Booth, Sarah Graff and Ari Cartun. Sessions go all night long so feel free to drop-in anytime (and go home to go to sleep anytime!).

Date: Sunday, June 8
Time: Begins at 8pm
Place: Kol Emeth, 4175 Manuela Ave., Palo Alto
Co-sponsored by Congregations Kol Emeth, Beth Am, Etz Chayim and Keddem.
For information call 650-493-4661



Celebrate The Joy of Shabbat & The Joy of Cantor Brian
Hearty appetizers, nosh & visit
Celebrate the Joy of Shabbat with the Joy of Shabbat musicians and special guests; then celebrate the Joy of Cantor Brian with a look back at Purim Spiel moments and other fond memories of Cantor Brian's 20 years at Beth El.
Oneg dessert, visiting and an opportunity to express your appreciation to our dear Cantor Brian

Date: Friday evening, June 20
Place: Beth El, 1301 Oxford St., Berkeley
RSVP This evening is free of charge, but we need to know how many people are coming so that we can ensure bountiful food. 510-848-3988. Deadline June 9



L'Chaim—the Spirituality of Wine:
Connecting and Gathering in the Garden
In this delightful afternoon program, learn how to use the Kiddush, the Jewish blessing over the wine, as a delivery system for Kadosh, "to make the moment holy." Join friends and family at Chochmat Halev for a special wine tasting in the garden and conversation with Rabbi David White who will share a taste of WineSpirit Vintage Judaism and his teachings on wine's connection with spirituality and opening up to spiritual access points throughout the day.

Date: Sunday July 13
Time: 4-6 pm
Place: Chochmat Halev, 2215 Prince St., Berkeley
Cost: $15 for one adult, $25 for a couple or family: Wine and cheese included!
Please RSVP to 510-704-9687 by Wednesday, July 9 so we know how much wine to bring.

Can you give me 15 minutes?

New Mamas group starting (see below)

Dear Interfaith Families and Friends,

You haven’t heard from me for quite a few weeks - that’s because I’m a one-woman program and when things get crazy I don’t have back up. So I’ve decided to ask you if you can help out.
Could you give time to helping me?

Here are some tasks you could do.

Come into my office in Oakland and help with:
*data input
*stuffing envelopes for a mailing
At your home:
*spend 15 minutes a week or 15 minutes a month researching events for this newsletter - could be just from your city or anywhere in the bay area
*post Building Jewish Bridges events to the internet sites like planitjewish or bayjews
*be a buddy to other interfaith families in your area, make a call, have coffee, invite them over, take them to synagogue with you

How about it? Would you be willing to help? Give me a call, 510-839-2900 x347, or email me at dawn@jfed.org


Holidays just ahead: Lag B’Omer and Shavuot
Lag B’Omer, Friday, May 23
One-day suspension of the traditional mourning period during Sefirat HaOmer ("The Counting of the Omer"). On this day, a plague afflicting Rabbi Akiva's students ceased. Also commemorates Bar Kochba's recapture of Jerusalem from the Romans. Celebrated with picnics and nature outings. Sefirat HaOmer is a seven-week period that begins the second night of Pesach and ends at Shavuot. The 32 mourning days during this time commemorate the deaths of Rabbi Akiva's students. Traditionally, weddings, festivities, and haircuts are prohibited during this time.
(from www.jholidays.com)

Shavuot
I love Shavuot. It is one of the three pilgrimage holidays when Jews in ancient times made pilgrimage to Jerusalem to offer a special sacrifice at the Temple. If you read Arthur Waskow’s Seasons of our Joy, you’ll learn about the activities that took place in the ancient Temple. It was magnificent and makes you want to step back in time. In modern times we observe the holiday by studying all night in commemoration of the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. You can find additional information and links at www.jholidays.


NEW MAMAS
Are you a new mama living in Alameda county? Have a friend or family member who is? Send them to me for Welcoming Your Jewish Baby? Whether You’re Jewish or Not. I’ve had Jewish mamas, non-Jewish mamas, mamas who are thinking of converting. We have a great time with the babies. See a full description below and call me at 510-839-2900 x347 or email me at dawn@jfed.org.









EVENTS
Toddler Time (Oakland)
Rock & Roll Shabbat (Oakland)
Israel Through the Eyes of a Bedouin Israeli (San Francisco)
Tots 'n Torah Shabbat Services (Burlingame)Musical Shabbat (San Leandro)
Ethical Journeys: Traveling By God's Word (Berkeley)
Torah on the Trails (San Rafael)
Lag B'Omer Picnic in the Park (San Ramon)
Jewish PlayGroup (Walnut Creek)
Jewish Time (San Francisco)
Film- Close to Home (Los Altos)
Author Talk: Emuna Elon (Walnut Creek)
Film: ARRANGED (San Francisco)
Neshama Carlebach in Concert (Berkeley)
Israel in the Gardens (San Francisco)
Welcoming Your Jewish Baby...Whether You’re Jewish or Not (Oakland)
Israel at 60: Accomplishments, Challenges and Hopes for the Future (Berkeley)
DAWN '08 (San Francisco)
Celebrate The Joy of Shabbat (Berkeley)





Toddler Time
Have you got a baby or toddler itching to jump and play, but who isn’t yet old enough for Preschool? Here comes a toddler focused class, combining elements of Gymboree, Music Together, Kinder gym, etc., into a fun-filled, free, forty-five minutes of song & action. Toddler Time is open to Temple Sinai members, Temple Sinai Preschool families, and to people who might be interested in learning more about the Temple¼ so let your friends know about this great opportunity!

Dates: Fridays
Time: 11:45am to 12:30pm
Place: Temple Sinai, in Stern Hall, 2808 Summit St., Oakland
Info: Heather Meil at (510) 420-8489 or heather_meil@hotmail.com



Rock & Roll Shabbat
This time, this special service will honor the teachers of our pre-school, Gan Avraham. As always, the more the merrier. From Rabbi Mark Bloom, leader of the band!

Date: Friday, May 16
Time: 6:15pm
Place: Temple Beth Abraham, 327 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland
for more information call the office at 510-832-0936
Go check out Rock & Roll Shabbat, everyone loves it. It was written up in the East Bay Express. You’ll love Rabbi Bloom. I know loads of members there and they are very nice. There are quite a few Jews of color at this congregation so that’s another reason to love it.



Israel Through the Eyes of a Bedouin Israeli
A Conversation With Israeli Vice Consul Ismail Khaldi
Hear about some of the hottest topics affecting Israel, along with the unique challenges of being the first Bedouin in the Israeli Foreign Ministry and a Muslim representing the Jewish state.At services on Friday, May 16.

Date: Friday, May 16
Time: 6:30pm
Place: Sherith Israel
For more information contact Aviva Hicks at ahicks@sherithisrael.org or 415-346-1720 ext 24. Aviva is extremely nice. You can ask her about any of the events at Sherith Israel.



Tots 'n Torah Shabbat Services
For families with infants to children 5 years old.

Date: Friday, May 16 and June 20 (always the third Friday of each month)
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Peninsula Temple Sholom, 1655 Sebastian Dr., Burlingame
For more information call 650-697-2266 .



Musical Shabbat
Participate along with our Temple Orchestra and Choir. These spirited services are held in the main sanctuary.

Date: Friday, May 16
Time: 8:00pm
Place: Beth Sholom, 642 Dolores Ave., San Leandro



Ethical Journeys: Traveling By God's Word
Rachel Biale, Regional Director of the Progressive Jewish Alliance will invite us to explore themes of ethical journeying and hospitality in Jewish texts, and learn about how to put those teachings into action through the PJA's Just Journeys Campaign. Just Journeys is a new initiative in support of America's hotel workers, among the most disenfranchised U.S. workers today, crafted by the Progressive Jewish Alliance, Jewish Funds for Justice, and the National Jewish Labor Committee.

Date: Saturday, May 17
Time: 1:15pm
Place: Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley
www.netivotshalom.org



Torah on the Trails
Meet Rabbi Lezak and other hikers in the parking lot and then head out for a Shabbat experience on the trails.

Date: May 17
Time: meet at 8:30am
Place: Parking lot of Rodef Sholom, 170 No. San Pedro Rd., San Rafael
for more information call (415) 479-3441



Lag B'Omer Picnic in the Park
Come meet us at our Lag B'Omer picnic, Sunday, May 18 at Athan Downs Park at Montevideo and Davona in San Ramon. We'll meet near the play area (and bathrooms!) for games, learning and socializing in honor of the "Scholars' Holiday." Bring your own picnic lunch. We'll provide juice and cookies.

Date: Sunday, May 18
Time: 10:30am
Place: Athan Downs Park, San Ramon
For more info call (925) 485-1049
Sponsored by the Tri Valley Cultural Jews



Jewish PlayGroup
Join 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! A great way to meet families in our community - we'd love to meet you.
FREE of course!

Dates: May 18, (Meets one Sunday a month)
Time: 10:00 - 11:15am
Place: Contra Costa JCC, Room 6, 2071 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek
For info or to RSVP jenny@jfed.org or 925-943-6613



Jewish Time
Did you know that Jewish time has its own dimensions? It ebbs and flows with the moon, has holidays which speed up and slow down time. There are fasts and feasts and passages of life. Jewish time is a beautiful thing. Come and learn with other adults who seek new perspectives on the concepts of Jewish time.

Dates: Monday evenings, May 19 and June 2
Time: 7:30 - 9:00pm
Place: Beth Israel-Judea, 625 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco
Class continues for two more weeks - go and tell me what you learned.



Film- Close to Home
Close to Home is an army buddy movie - but these buddies happen to be young women Israeli soldiers. Vidi Bilu and Dalia Hager’s feature transcends politics and borders with the strength of its storytelling and the universality of its characters. This is a unique view of the female experience of military service at a time of heightened security concerns, and it is a well-crafted coming-of-age tale about the friendship between two opposites.

Date: Maay 24
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: In Rooms 5 & 6 at Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Free; Refreshments.
For more info call: 650-493-4661
www.betham.org



Author Talk: Emuna Elon
Jewish National Book Award Finalist and author of IF YOU AWAKEN LOVE will speak on her book.
Date: Thursday, May 27
Time: 6:30pm Wine & Cheese Reception; 7:00pm Lecture
Place: Contra Costa JCC, 2071 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek
Suggested Donation: $6
For more information contact Riva at 510-839-2900 x253 or email riva@jfed.org



Film: ARRANGED
by Stefan Schaefer & Diane Crespo
United States, 2007, 89 Min
Two young women-- Rochel, an Orthodox Jew and Nasira, a Muslim-- meet and become friends during their first year teaching at a public school in Brooklyn. This excellent drama chronicles a friendship that crosses cultures and reveals that the two women share much in common-not least of which is the fact that they are both going through arranged marriages. "A pure pleasure to watch ... splendidly natural performances." - Ronnie Scheib, Variety

Date: Wednesday, May 28
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, visit ybca.org or call: 415.978.ARTS (2787)



Neshama Carlebach in Concert
One of the leading superstars in Jewish entertainment, Neshama Carlebach is continuing the legacy established by her father, Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. Like her father, Neshama's talent and charisma captivate and endear her to people of all ages and backgrounds. She continues to both deeply move and entertain as she sings her father's incomparable melodies as well as inspiring original compositions. Post-concert reception.

Date: Thursday, May 29
Time: 7:30 pm.
Place: Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley
More info and tickets ($36) at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/32851
Proceeds support scholarships at Netivot Shalom's preschool and religious school.



Israel in the Gardens
Northern California's Largest Annual Jewish Cultural Festival
Join close to 20,000 members of the Bay Area Jewish community for Israel in the Gardens- a day for local Jews to celebrate our culture and to toast the 60th anniversary of Israel's independence and 60 years of cooperation between America and Israel.
Activities will include music, dance, art, fashion, fun for kids and teens, and lots of food!
Admission to this family-friendly event is free and open to the public. For more information, including a detailed schedule of the day's events, visit www.israelinthegardens.org.

Date: Sunday, June 1
Time: 11am - 5pm
Place: Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco
www.israelinthegardens.org



Welcoming Your Jewish Baby...Whether You’re Jewish or Not
Join us for a discussion group for Moms and Babies (age newborn to 6 months). Topics include: Support for Moms with new Babies; Jewish Resources for Mom, Baby and Family; Getting your Groove Back and Adjusting to the New Normal. Jewish topics include: Jewish baby welcoming ceremonies, home celebrations, making memories.

Dates: Five sessions starting Tuesday, June 3
Time: 1 to 2:30pm
Place: We are being hosted by Beth Jacob for this session, 3778 Park Blvd., Oakland
Cost: $36
For more information or to register, call Dawn at 510-839-2900 x347 or email dawn@jfed.org



Israel at 60: Accomplishments, Challenges and Hopes for the Future
A Talk by Neal Levy, Director, SF Israel Center
Neal Levy immigrated to Israel at the age of 18. Following his military service, he completed his BA at UC Berkeley and went on to serve as regional director of Young Judaea in Northern California, and later in Israel. In 1988, Neal became director of then-Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek's re-election campaign headquarters, and then went on to work with the mayor at the Jerusalem Foundation. Neal served as Director of International Development at the Yitzhak Rabin Center and returned to the Bay Area in July 2006 to direct the Israel Center.

Date: Friday evening, June 6
Time: following the 8pm Shabbat Service
Place: Beth El, 1301 Oxford St., Berkeley
Co sponsored by The Israel Relations Committee



DAWN '08
The Contemporary Jewish Museum and Reboot, are pleased to announce DAWN '08, an all-night, arts and culture festival and celebration of Shavuot at the grand opening of the Contemporary Jewish Museum, offering guests the opportunity to groove, learn, explore and mingle at the Museum's new building and exhibition space before the doors open to the public the following morning.

Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 8pm - Sunrise
The Contemporary Jewish Museum - The new building is located on Mission Street between 3rd & 4th streets in San Francisco
Co-presented with Reboot



Celebrate The Joy of Shabbat
Hearty appetizers, nosh & visit Celebrate the Joy of Shabbat with the Joy of Shabbat musicians and special guests; then celebrate the Joy of Cantor Brian with a look back at memorable Purim Spiel moments and other fond memories of Cantor Brian's 20 years at Beth El.
Oneg dessert, visiting and an opportunity to express your appreciation to our dear Cantor Brian
RSVP This evening is free of charge, but we need to know how many people are coming so that we can ensure bountiful food.

Date: Friday evening, June 20
Call for details on time of services and celebration
Place: Beth El, 1301 Oxford St., Berkeley
call: 510-848-3988
www.bethelberkeley.org