I’m culturally Jewish

“I’m culturally Jewish.” Most Jews say this. What does it mean? It means different things to different people. The common thread is, “I don’t believe in God.” Let’s not even go into what “God” means; let’s jump right to what does “cultural” mean? For the non-Jewish partner this can be like a visit to a nonexistent country - a series of no statements. No God, no ritual, no prayers, no spirituality, no belonging. The non-Jewish partner may begin to believe that this means we can have an American home - but then the Jew adds some more Nos - no Christmas, no church services, no carols that include Jesus. Now “cultural” sounds stingy and flavorless.

The Jewish partner may try to explain Jewish culture. If it’s a meeting between me and the couple this is often when the Jewish partner turns to me and says, “You know, Jewish culture.”

So what the devil is “Jewish culture?” First the bad news, it comes from Jewish religion. There is no food, music, art, dance or even language that is universal to all Jews everywhere. What is universal is the religion of Judaism. BUT! Now the good news, where ever Jews went on the planet they took their religion and adapted it to the host country, creating a Jewish version of that place - i.e. Jewish culture. So you have the Jewish culture of Mexico and the Jewish culture of Morocco and so on – each with their own food, music, language, etc.

So when the Jewish partner says, “I’m culturally Jewish” there’s a lot to explore.

What country or countries does the Jew in question come from? I met a man a couple weeks ago who was born in Iran, his family moved to Israel when he was a little boy and then to the US when he was a teen. So he has multiple languages, foods, music, etc. to share with his soon to be spouse.

My sister-in-law’s family came from Tunisia. The family was expelled when her parents were young adults and fled to France. Her wedding to my Ashkenazi brother-in-law included Arab, French and American elements. The food, all kosher, was Middle Eastern at one of the banquets and French at another. Her parents speak three languages - Arabic, Hebrew, and French plus few words of English. The bridal parties included belly dancing and henna. My sister-in-law thinks American Jews eat too much “white food!” Bagels, challah and gefilte fish all horrify her. And why have a fiddle when you can use a drum?


What is YOUR Jewish culture?
Begin by exploring your roots. Most American Jews are Ashkenazi - that is, originating from Eastern Europe and from a community that spoke Yiddish. Go to the Jewish museums, music festivals, art & food fairs and find the elements that represent “Jewish” to you. That’s your Jewish culture. It will probably include Klezmer music, bagels, Yiddishisms, and images of bearded men dressed in long black coats. None of this would be culturally appropriate for my sister-in-law but it will be for the majority of American Jews.


Buy recordings of old Jewish comedians - and new/young ones. Talk about why the jokes are funny. Don’t assume that everyone gets the jokes you get. (I was at a Jewish conference a few years back and there was a Jewish comedian entertaining us. We were roaring. The young Hispanic facilities man sat by handling the sound with a placid expression. Finally the comedian turned to him after a wonderful bris joke and said, “So, you getting any of this?” “No,” smiled the man.)

Catch Jewish art exhibits when they are in town. A Chagall exhibit was in San Francisco about a year ago. Watch the paper.

There is an annual Jewish Music Festival that is managed out of the Berkeley JCC but has performances all around the bay. Check them out online at:
http://www.jcceastbay.org/jcc/jewish_music_festival.htm

The Judah L. Magnes Museum in Berkeley has rotating exhibits. Go for a visit. Get info online at: http://www.magnes.org/

Check out the new Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco: www.thecjm.org

One of the easiest ways to learn is by watching a film. The fantastic San Francisco Jewish Film Festival comes every year, get a brochure or look online at: www.sfjff.org

San Jose and Contra Costa also have film festivals so you don’t have to go far from home to see a film.
Contra Costa: www.eastbayjewishfilm.org/
Silicon Valley: www.sjjff.org

Or just go rent an old film and watch it with an interpretive eye. Explain the details.
Try any Mel Brooks film -
The Producers
The Frisco Kid
The History of the World: Part one

Exodus
Fiddler on the Roof

Old black and white Yiddish films like The Dybbuk or Yidl Mitn Fidl.

Modern films from around the world.
Being Jewish in France
The Year My Parents Went on Vacation

All of these can start conversations about what it means to be Jewish, for the most part, without a religious component. Religion exists on the sides of some of these films, just the way it hovers on the side of the lives of cultural Jews.

There are some good cultural things going on right now – take a look.




EVENTS
Exhibition of Italian Ritual Objects and Manuscripts (San Francisco)
Young Family Shabbat (Redwood City)
Miriam’s Well (Berkeley)
Redwood Symphony (Los Altos)
Jewish PJ Party For Very Young Children (El Cerrito)
Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve Celebration and Pie Social (Lafayette)
Abracadabra: Jews & Magic (San Francisco)
Jewish Book Group (Redwood City)
Singing to God: Shabbat Music (Oakland)
Chopshticks (Palo Alto)





Exhibition of Italian Ritual Objects and Manuscripts
From November 3 to January 29 the Jewish Community Library will exhibit silver and brass ritual objects, facsimiles of illuminated manuscripts, ketubbot (marriage contracts), letters, and other historical documents from the Italian holdings of the Judah L. Magnes Museum.

Place: BJE Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis Street, San Francisco
www.bjesf.org
Call for hours and details Ph: 415.567.3327 x706



Young Family Shabbat
A Shabbat dinner for families with children. Following a brief service.

Date: Friday, November 21
Time: 6:15pm Services in the Chapel
7:00pm Dinner in the Social Hall
Place: Congregation Beth Jacob, 1550 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City
Cost: Adults $14.00 each
Kids (ages 4 – 12) $9.00 each
Little kids (ages 2 – 3) $3.00 each
Please make your dinner reservation with payment to Congregation Beth Jacob office by 5:00pm on Wednesday, November 19.
www.bethjacobrwc.org



Miriam’s Well
Interweaving dance, live music, poetry and sacred text; the stories of three visionary women gather communal waters from the universal well. These stories of Mary, Maryam, and Miriam from the Christian, Muslim, and Jewish traditions illumine the commonality and interconnectedness of these three traditions through a shared story and archetype. Drawing on traditional expressive arts and ritual, as well as contemporary theater and dance technique, Miriam's Well emotionally engages the audience in a rich image of shared heritage.
Date: Saturday, November 22
Time: 8:30 pm
Place: Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave, Berkeley
Tickets: $24 in advance, $28 at the door
Advance sales tickets available through Brown Paper Tickets' 24/7 ticket hotline: 800-838-3006, or online at www.brownpapertickets.com
Created by Miriam Peretz. In collaboration with Qadim Ensemble, Ya Elah, Salokhiddin Fakhriev, Manar Azriek, Wan-Chao Chang and Hannah Romanowsky



Redwood Symphony
Come hear a rich sampling of works by Jewish composers. Osvaldo Golijov channels Klezmer to create a new musical form; Lukas Foss pays tribute to the first-known Jewish composer, Salamone Rossi; Philip Glass's Suite from The Hours; Steve Reich's Tehillim, sung in Hebrew. Pre-concert lecture at 2 p.m.

Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
Time: 2pm lecture, 3pm concert
Place: Beth Am sanctuary, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Tickets: Adult $25 ($20 in advance); Children under 16 and students with ID $10; Children 12 and under Free with adult. Advance tickets: by credit card, online only, at http://www.redwoodsymphony.org. Tickets ordered online will be held at the door. By mail, send check to Redwood Symphony, 1031 16th Ave., Redwood City, 94063 with a self addressed, stamped envelope, or ask that the paid tickets be held at the door.



Jewish PJ Party For Very Young Children
Bubbles, songs, stories, snacks. Learn about the Jewish way of welcoming the new week, Havdalah. Wear your pj's and bring a blankie or stuffed animal. FREE. For children 0-5 and their families.

Date: Nov 23
Time: 10:30am-noon
Place: Jewish Gateways, El Cerrito
For more info or to rsvp contact Rabbi Bridget Wynne at 510-559-8140 or rabbibridget@jewishgateways.org.



Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve Celebration and Pie Social
Lamorinda congregations come together to give thanks in this interfaith service reflecting the many traditions represented: United Methodist, Episcopal, Lutheran, Catholic, United Church of Christ, Jewish, Baha'i, and Christian Science. A stunning procession of singers, banners and dancers will open this unique service, as Temple Isaiah calls us together with the blowing of the shofar and the Baha'i community sings a blessing over our shared space. A choir of singers from several faiths will provide special music, and liturgical dancers will embrace the community in movement. The sermon will be delivered by The Rev. Stephen McHale, Faith Formation Minister of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection.
All are encouraged to bring a pie or dessert to share. The offering that night will benefit the Winter Nights Shelter.

Date: Wednesday, November 26
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette
Sponsored by Lamorinda Interfaith Ministerial Association
(925) 283-3722 www.oslc.net
If you want to go with Temple Isaiah members you can call Michael at the synagogue office and ask to be included with them. You can reach Michael at 925-283-8575.



Abracadabra: Jews & Magic
Both powerful and fun, the art of magic challenges the mind, stimulates the imagination and creates a bridge between illusion and reality. Join cantor, magician and historian Manny Sperling for a spellbinding afternoon of entertainment as he hosts a multimedia homage to legendary Jewish magicians from Houdini and Ballantine to Copperfield and Blaine.

Not recommended for young children.
Date: Sun, Dec 7
Time: 2:00pm
Place: JCC of San Francisco, 3200 California St., San Francisco
Cost: $20/JCC members, $25/non-members
Call for tickets 415-292-1200.



Jewish Book Group
We meet once a month on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 for an exciting and stimulating hour of good conversation and fellowship. Everyone is welcome -- come to one session, two, or as many as you like. There are no sign-ups or memberships – just join us! Some TBJ members come even if they haven’t read the book.

Next up People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. From Viking Books: In 1996, Hanna Heath, an Australian rare-book expert, is offered the job of a lifetime: analysis and conservation of the famed Sarajevo Haggadah, which has been rescued from Serb shelling during the Bosnian war. Priceless and beautiful, the book is one of the earliest Jewish volumes ever to be illuminated with images. The reader is ushered into an exquisitely detailed and atmospheric past, tracing the book's journey from its salvation back to its creation.

Date: Dec. 9
For time, location and other questions please call or email Jerry Brodkey at 650-917-8213 jbrodpmiler@yahoo.com.
Sponsored by Congregation Beth Jacob, 1550 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City



Singing to God: Shabbat Music
In response to the question, "When do you most often feel a spiritual connection?" the most common response is, "when the cantor sings!" For many people it is the music that makes a spiritual – almost physical contact – with God.
So what if you don't know the words, don't know the tune? And what about chanting prayers? Can a Reform Jew relate to, much less experience, the meditative mantra-like chanting of davening? What is the relationship between singing and chanting?

Join Cantor Ilene Keys in a discussion of the human voice praising God. We will start with the broad concepts – prayer, praise, davening –and continue with the specifics – learning common tunes and songs of the Shabbat service.

Time: 12noon
Date: Sunday, December 14
Place: Temple Sinai Merritt Village, Merritt College, 12500 Campus Drive, off Redwood Road in Oakland (meet at the entrance of Temple Sinai's Merritt Village)
FREE



Chopshticks
Don't miss Gary Gulman of Last Comic Standing fame, performing live....at a Chinese restaurant! Help yourself to gourmet Chinese food and gut-busting comedy instead of spending the holidays alone. Chopshticks is an annual local tradition that sells out, so be sure to buy your tickets in advance.

December 24 or 25
Time: 7pm
Place: Ming’s Restaurant, 1700 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto
Cost: $70
Contact: Boris Vladimirsky, Performing Arts and Émigré Director. Phone: 650-852-3509
e-mail: bvladimirsky@paloaltojcc.org

I'm Not Raising my Kids Jewish

I’m not raising my kids Jewish
Last week I talked about the decision to raise kids Jewish. What if you decide to NOT raise your kids Jewish? How do you teach them about their Jewish heritage? Relate to Jewish relatives? Help them understand their interfaith, intercultural family?

Let me put this in non-religious terms – what if you are raising your child American with Italian heritage? Or Swedish heritage? Or Japanese heritage?

First, racial differences can make some parents feel that they can be MORE clear about messages to the kids, after all a child of Thai heritage will always look to some degree Asian, so the external world will support and affirm this dual heritage. Frankly, that brings it’s own unique challenges, but for now let’s move on to the child who does not wear their identity on their face. I’ll talk about that next week.

Let us suppose that your family is French. You might choose to teach your child some French, make traditional French foods, celebrate Bastille Day, read about the history of France, sing some French songs.

You can do the same thing with Jewish heritage. Teach your child about the country that the Jewish parent comes from. Judaism is expressed differently in different parts of the world. Read them books about the holidays. Point out Israel on the map. You could take them to a Jewish deli, get a Jewish cookbook and make some foods together. If your child has living Jewish relatives, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, get your relatives to help by telling stories about their own lives.

Explain to your child that mommy or daddy’s family is Jewish and tell them that they are being raised – Christian, or whatever you have chosen for them.

How do you share this?
When your child is young they will understand through DOING and through hearing STORIES.
Doing: Take them to holidays at relatives. Let them participate in holiday preparation at family events.

Stories: Read books about Jewish kids. Tell them stories about their grandparents and about Jews around the world.

How might this be different from raising kids Jewish with an understanding of a Christian parent? Christianity is the dominant religion in America. The entire culture is teaching us about Christianity. You need do nothing and your American child will know the basics about Christianity. But Judaism is a minority tradition and you will have to actively educate a child to know the basics.

A caveat. Be clear to your child that they have Jewish heritage and don’t know all there is to know about Judaism. I have seen adults feel hurt and embarrassed upon learning that although they were raised by a Jewish parent their knowledge gaps are significant. When they are with Jews their gaffs make them feel bad and they call me wondering what is it they are not understanding. They don’t want to ask their parents because they interpret their parents as not knowing either.

As your Christian child of Jewish heritage gets older their questions will become more sophisticated and you can add more nuance to describing their extended family and Judaism.

Be honest with them. Tell them, without rancor that they are Christian or Muslim or whatever you have chosen for them. Don’t make the message a subtle one of anger – even if you have issues with other family members.

Naturally this is a longer – in fact, a life long conversation – so do call or email me if you have questions and issues that you are trying to sort out or articulate to your children or family members.




Contra Costa Jewish Film Festival
If you live in the East Bay you should certainly treat yourself to at least one film at the Festival!
The Festival runs March 1 through March 7.
Take a look at the website:
http://www.eastbayjewishfilm.org/




EVENTS
Wishful Drinking (Berkeley)
Walking With God (San Rafael)
Community Sing Along (Berkeley)
Transformations: Memory and Identity in Modern Jewish Literature (Los Altos)
Interfaith Families at the Movies: Bad Faith (Pleasanton)
Welcoming Your Jewish Baby… Whether You’re Jewish or Not (Oakland)
Simchat Shabbat - Music & Israeli Dancing(Los Altos)
Museum Opening after early Shabbat Services (San Francisco)
Preschool Family Education -- Purim (Walnut Creek)
Women in Interfaith Relationships: Giving our Kids Roots & Wings (Walnut Creek)
Speaking at Cross Purposes: the Hidden Impasse in Jewish-Christian Dialogue (San Francisco)
Jewish Playgroup (Walnut Creek)
Dan Chan the Magic Man (San Francisco)
Passover: The Set Table (Oakland)
A Taste of Judaism: Are you Curious? (Around the Bay)
With Whom Is your Soul Bound? (San Francisco)
Community Second Night Seder (Livermore)





Wishful Drinking
Carrie Fisher is the life of the party on Berkeley Repertory Theatre's fortieth birthday with Wishful Drinking, an uproarious and sobering look at her Hollywood hangover directed by Tony Tacconne. Fisher tells a true and intoxicating story with the strong, wry wit that she poured into bestsellers like Postcards from the Edge. Born to celebrity parents - a Jew and a Christian - she was picked to play a princess in the original Star Wars when she was only nineteen years-old. Alas, aside from a demanding career and her role as a single mother, Carrie also spends her free time battling addiction, weathering the wild ride of manic depression and lounging around various mental institutions. It's an incredible tale. Don't miss this outrageous chance to get Carried away.

Dates: February 8-March 30
Place: Rode Theater, Berkeley Rep, 2025 Addison Street, Berkeley
To purchase tickets go to: www.berkeleyrep.org



Walking With God
Tracing the Idea of God from Biblical through Contemporary Thought
Join Rabbi Dorothy Richman to trace the idea of God through Jewish text, i.e. the Bible, Talmud, etc., up through contemporary theologians.

Dates: Wednesdays, February 27 – March 19
Time: 7:30 pm
Place: Rodef Sholom, 170 No. San Pedro Road, San Rafael
Info: (415) 479-3441



Community Sing Along
Be a part of a united community that sings together! English, Hebrew, Yiddish lyrics will be provided, the East Bay Jewish Folk Chorus and Achi Ben-Shalom will perform. Community Art Project with Artist Nancy Katz.
We’ll begin with a Havdalah to end the Shabbat, followed by a community art project. We’ll end with easy-to-follow Israeli folk dancing. Bring veggie snacks and desserts to share.

Date: Sat., March 1
Time: 8pm
Place: Seventh Heaven Yoga Center, 2820 Seventh Street, Berkeley (Near Ashby)
Your donation of $15 at the door supports the music and the art project.



Transformations: Memory and Identity in Modern Jewish Literature
with Dr. Joyce Moser and Rabbi Janet Marder
Join Dr. Joyce Moser, a professor at Stanford University since 1989 and also a popular Beth Am teacher, as she and Rabbi Marder engage with some extraordinary writers. Their works, written against the background of huge personal, cultural and political upheavals, have transformed and enlarged the nature of Jewish identity in the modern world. They have also given us some of the most vivid prose of the last hundred years. We will be drawing on a wide range of short stories and novellas written in English or translated from Yiddish, German or Hebrew.

Dates: Sundays, March 2, 9 and 16, May 4 and 11
Time: 9:00-11:00 am
Place: Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Cost: $36 per person (includes bagels, cream cheese, juice and coffee)
To register for this Toledot Mini-Course go to
http://www.betham.org/download/JewishLit.pdf
Print out the form and mail it along with a check to:
Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Attention: Jessica Rosenberg.
www.betham.org 650.493-4661



Interfaith Families at the Movies: Bad Faith“Bad Faith” is part of the Contra Costa Jewish Film Festival.
Clara and Ishmael are gorgeous, happy, in love and in Paris. How nice is that? Like many cosmopolitan Parisian couples, the fact that she is Jewish and he is Muslim barely crosses the mins fo these oh-so-secular lovebirds.. Until Clara announces that she’s pregnant. That’s when the troubles start.

Date: Monday, March 3
Time: 4:30pm
Place: CinArts, 2314 Monument Blvd., Pleasant Hill (in the Kohl’s Center)
for more information call Dawn at 925-843-1484.
Co-Sponsored by Building Jewish Bridges.
http://www.eastbayjewishfilm.org/



Welcoming Your Jewish Baby… Whether You’re Jewish or Not
A Group for Moms and babies 0-6 months
Meeting in the East Bay

Join us for a discussion!
Discussion topics include:
Support for Moms with new Babies
Jewish Resources for Mom, Baby and Family
Getting Your Groove Back & Adjusting to the New Normal
Considering Jewish Choices and Practices for your Home

Date: starts Tuesday, March 4 (5 sessions)
Time: 11:30am to 1pm (feel free to bring a snack)
Place: Meets in a private home in Oakland.
Cost: $36
Call Dawn at 510-839-2900 x347 for location more information or to sign up.
Please call soon as space limited



Simchat Shabbat - Music & Israeli Dancing
Celebrate a special musical Shabbat. We’ll nosh and dance the night away (Israeli style) led by Shirley Smith, dance teacher extraordinaire! Bring your comfy shoes and get ready to party. For all ages and levels of experience.

Date: Friday, Mar. 7
Time: 7:15 p.m.
Place: Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Info: 650-493-4661



Museum Opening after early Shabbat Services
Brushstrokes of the Shtetl: Samuel Rothbort’s Memory Paintings
Samuel Rothbort (1882-1971), sculptor and painter, came to America in 1904 at the age of 22 and won acclaim as a painter of raw talent. In the late 1930s Rothbort began painting “Memory Paintings” based on his childhood experiences of life in the ghettos and surrounding woodlands of Polesie, in Byelorussia. A prize winning documentary, Memories of The Shtetl (The Ghetto Pillow,) produced by Harriet Semegram, used several hundred of Samuel Rothbort’s watercolors, which also became a major visual resource for Jerome Robbins’ film and play, Fiddler On The Roof. Another award-winning documentary, The Lost Wooden Synagogues of Eastern Europe, produced by Albert Barry and Florida Atlantic University and shown at the U.S. Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. and on Public Television, used many of Rothbort’s paintings to illustrate life in pre-war Eastern Europe.
Please join us for the opening of this exhibit following the 5:30 pm service in the Main Sanctuary foyer.

Date: March 7
Time: Following 5:30pm services
Place: Emanu-el, 2 Lake St., San Francisco
info: 415-751-2535 or www.emanuelsf.org



Preschool Family Education -- Purim
Join us for a monthly education program for families with young children ages 2-5. All sessions are scheduled once a month on Shabbat from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. The final 20 minutes is a Tot Shabbat service led by Rabbi Asher or Cantor Chabon.

Date: March 8
Time: 10:30 am
Place: Congregation B’nai Tikvah, 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek
Cost: $20 per family
For more information call 925-933-7633.



Women in Interfaith Relationships: Giving our Kids Roots & Wings
Raising kids is hard. You have to be a cook, chauffeur, therapist, private secretary, doctor, and chief bottle washer. And in there you’re supposed to give your kids “roots” and “wings.” Roots: a foundation from which to spring. Wings: confidence & self knowledge. Ours is the first generation to think that Moms can do that alone. Forget it! Come get and give support.

Date: March 9
Time: 9 to 11am
Place: B’nai Tikvah, 25 Hillcroft, Walnut Creek
Facilitated by Dawn Kepler, Building Jewish Bridges - Call me for more information at 925-943-1484 or email me at dawn@jfed.org



Speaking at Cross Purposes: the Hidden Impasse in Jewish-Christian Dialogue
The Koshland Lecture
An hour of learning with the newest faculty of the Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles. This month, presenting Joshua Holo, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Jewish History; Director, Louchheim School of Judaic Studies.

Date: March 9
Time: 10:30 am
Place: Emanu-el, 2 Lake St., San Francisco, in the Martin Meyer Reception Room.
Coffee, tea, bagels, and discussion.
Open to the community, no charge.
Info: 415-751-2535



Jewish Playgroup
Join Our 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: Sundays, March 9, April 13 May 18
Tine: 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Place: Contra Costa JCC, 2071 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek
For info or to RSVP: Tanya@jfed.org or 925-943-5238



Dan Chan the Magic Man
Come see Kat the Acrobat and their dog Johnny Ace Pawer in a high-energy variety show. Where? At the Be’chol Lashon Purim Festival! A day of fun - face painting, photo booth, create crowns & tiaras. Good food and games round out the festival.
Come celebrate the diversity of the Jewish people! Be’chol Lashon grows and and strengthens the Jewish people through ethnic, cultural and racial inclusiveness.

Date: Sunday, March 16
Time: 1 to 4:30pm
Place: African American Art & Culture Complex, 762 Fulton St. At Webster, San Francisco
Free and open to the public; free parking too!
Co-sponsored with every shul in the bay area as far as I know.
For more information go to the website: www.jewishresearch.org



Passover: The Set Table
The ultimate Jewish holiday: Passover! Whether you’ve never had a seder or you consider yourself a pro, you’ll learn something at this workshop.. We’ll literally have a set table - with all the elements identified and explained. We encourage you to bring ideas and practice from your own tradition and family. We’ll have sample foods and recipes as well as an assortment of Hagadot for you to peruse. Come for the fun; come for the food!

Date: Sunday, March 30
Time: 11am to 1pm
Place: Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland
FREE
Co-sponsored by Temple Sinai and Building Jewish Bridges
Call Dawn for more info at 510-839-2900 x347 or email dawn@jfed.org



A Taste of Judaism: Are you Curious?
What are the three pillars of Judaism? Jewish spirituality, Jewish ethics, and Jewish community. Come learn about them in a three session class.

Mondays evenings in Berkeley beginning March 31
Tuesday evenings in Walnut Creek beginning March 25
Free, but pre-registration is required. Call Dawn for information at:
510-839-2900 x347 x347 or 925-943-1484

Classes in San Francisco, San Jose and Napa. Call Project Welcome to inquire about West Bay classes - 415-392-7080 x16 and talk to Lisa.



With Whom Is your Soul Bound?
Creating Welcoming Community for Queer Interfaith Couples
Torah teaches us that our souls are inextricably connected to one another, yet so many people experience isolation, exclusion, and a deep longing to be truly welcomed and welcoming within our Jewish community. This is particularly true for LGBT Jews, and interfaith/multicultural couples and families.
Using the rich spiritual themes of Passover and the season of spring, we will engage in interactive discussion, text study and other practices. Together we will explore our personal spiritual and cultural paths, and how honoring the unique shared journeys in an interfaith relationship can connect us more deeply to each other and to this community.

Date: April 5
Time: 5:30 start time
6:00 dinner
7-8:30 program
8:30 Havdalah ritual
Place: Sha’ar Zahav, 290 Dolores St., San Francisco
Cost: $10/couple for Sha'ar Zahav members, $20/couple for non-members
call for more info at 415-861-6932

Facilitators: Karen L. Erlichman, MSS, LCSW, is the Bay area Director Jewish Mosaic: the National Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity.

Rabbi Elliot Rose Kukla is a Chaplain Resident at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center and Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute. He has lectured and led workshops on gender and sexual diversity in Judaism throughout the U.S.



Community Second Night Seder
The Tri-Valley Cultural Jews' Passover seder celebrates the heroism and courage of the human participants in the original freedom struggle of the Jewish people and in all struggles for freedom throughout the world. All of the traditional symbols are there, but their meaning is interpreted in a non-religious manner. The children ask the four questions, the four cups of wine are drunk, and a festive meal is held - all without mention of any supernatural forces affecting human lives or human history.

Date: Sunday, April 20
Time: 5 pm
Place: Bothwell Center, 2466 Eighth St. in Livermore
The seder is a potluck and reservations are required. A donation of $10/adult (over 13) is requested. For reservations and food assignment, call (925) 485-1049.

How I Decided to Raise My Kids Jewish - a panel discussion

(A must see film: Vis, Va et Deviens -Live and Become)


Dear Interfaith Families and Friends,

Here’s what’s coming up this month -

How I Decided to Raise My Kids Jewish
I look forward to seeing some of you tonight at the program, How I Decided to Raise My Kids Jewish. You don’t have to have RSVPed, just show up. There will be several other classes going on at Temple Sinai tonight so I’ll put a copy of the flier with the room number on the front entry door - enter on SUMMIT ST.


How I Decided to Raise My Kids Jewish
Two Hearts, One Home
When a non-Jewish parent decides to raise their children as Jews, how does that process work? Once the decision is made, how do you make it happen? How do you retain your own religion? How do you share your identity? Join a panel of non-Jewish parents as they discuss their journey to a Jewish home identity.

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 6
Time: 7:30pm
Place: Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland
For more information call Dawn at 510-839-2900 x347
Co-sponsored by Temple Sinai and Building Jewish Bridges


Interfaith Couples Discussion Group starting Feb. 13 in Oakland
I am putting the final touches on the next couples group. My friends, this may be the last one I do for some time so if you want to join a group, I strongly urge you to call me THIS WEEK. 510-839-2900 x347.

What does the group talk about?
Clarifying religious/ethnic values & traditions
Interacting with extended family
Raising children
Holiday observance
Take the time for you and your partner, you’ll be glad you did.



A Quick Overview of the Friday Shabbat Service – aimed at Kids
Temple Isaiah in Lafayette developed a small (four page) handout that covers the high points of the Friday night Shabbat service. They use it for the children’s services. Cantor Keys from Temple Sinai saw it and was excited - she has three little ones. She brought the idea back with her to Sinai. I picked up a dozen copies and am happy to mail a copy to anyone who is interested. It is in Hebrew, transliteration, and translated. The translations appear to be pretty literal so you actually know what you’re saying. (For example, Shir Hama’alot says, A Song of Ascent.) Send me your name and street address if you want one.


Conversion to Judaism
How to scare a Jew – mention conversion, any conversion, it doesn’t have to be theirs! So all the Jews on the list should just jump over this paragraph. Now for the not Jewish folks, if you have thought about conversion and would like to learn more without rattling your partner’s cage, just call me. If you are converting and want to talk to others in the process, or who have completed the journey, call. If you are working with a rabbi towards conversion and would still like to talk to an actual convert to Judaism, again, I can put you in touch with someone.
Just so you know, you are not the only one.
Dawn
510-839-2900 x347
925-843-1484




EVENTS
Belief & the Ballot: Do Jewish Values Affect Your Decisions in this Election Year? (El Cerrito)
Young Family Shabbat (Los Altos)
Got Shabbat? (San Francisco)
Havdalah Beneath the Stars (Berkeley)
The Shabbat Afternoon Club (San Francisco)
Israeli Extravaganza (San Francisco)
Israel for Reel: Vis, Va et Deviens (Berkeley)
Jewish Parenting Class (San Francisco)
Exploring the World of Judaism (San Rafael)
Torah and Tacos (San Francisco)
Shirei Tikvah: Songs of Hope (Walnut Creek)
Dead Mother or Shirley Not All in Vain (San Francisco)
Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival: The Band’s Visit (Campbell)
The Bedtime Sh'ma Pajama Party! (Berkeley)
Gan Ami Open House for Infants to 3 Year Olds (Los Altos)
Family Games Day (Walnut Creek)
Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival: Beauford (San Jose)
Musical Erev Shabbat Service (Walnut Creek)
Interfaith Families at the Movies: Bad Faith (Pleasant Hill)
Welcoming Your Jewish Baby… Whether You’re Jewish or Not (Oakland)
Cooking Jewish: Got kugel? (Berkeley)
Women in Interfaith Relationships: Giving our Kids Roots & Wings (Walnut Creek)
Holiday Baking Classes (Berkeley)
Jews in Space (San Francisco)
A Taste of Judaism: Are you Curious? (Berkeley and Walnut Creek)
Passover: The Set Table (Oakland)




Belief & the Ballot: Do Jewish Values Affect Your Decisions in this Election Year?
What Jewish values are most important to you?
Do they help shape your decisions about who and what you support in this election year?
Should they? Join us to explore these questions. Rabbi Bridget Wynne will lead a lively interactive teaching on basic Jewish values and how they may -- or may not --relate to our election-year decisions We will share a no-experience-necessary Shabbat dinner, eat, laugh, and learn. All are welcome.

Date: Friday, February 8
Time: 6:15pm
Place: Jewish Gateways' cozy home near El Cerrito Plaza and BART station
Childcare: available by reservation After gathering at 6:15, we'll continue with:

Space is limited. Please contact Rabbi Bridget Wynne at Jewish Gateways, (510) 559-8140, or rabbibridget@jewishgateways.org, to make a reservation and get directions and your food assignment. If your schedule doesn't allow you to bring a dish to share, we offer you the option of contributing $7 toward the dinner.



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

Dates: February 9 & 23
Time: 9:30–10 a.m.
Place: Chapel/Room 1 at Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Info: 650-493-4661
www.betham.org




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

Dates: Feb. 9
(Mark your calendars for Got Shabbat: Mar. 8, Apr. 12, May 10, June 14.)
Time: 10:45am
Place: Emanu-el, 2 Lake St., San Francisco
Info: 415-751-2535








Havdalah Beneath the Stars
A special event for preschool children and their families
Celebrate the sweetness of Havdalah, from a spot overlooking the Bay. Sing along with Ira, our amazing song leader. Explore the exhibits at the Lawrence Hall of Science and enjoy some puppet theater.
Tickets are limited, so reserve your space NOW!

Date: Sat., Feb. 9
Time: 6pm
Place: Lawrence Hall of Science, Berkeley
Cost: $18/family in advance, $20 at the door
On-line registration and payment is available at:
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/26701
For complete details call Judith Markowitz at 925-938-7800 x289



The Shabbat Afternoon Club
This a great NEW Shabbat Program sponsored by the Bureau of Jewish Education.
This month’s theme will be “My Favorite Book.”
Discover with your children the joys and rewards of quiet Shabbat space: for families with children ages newborn to five years old and their siblings who love them.
Led by Jeni Clancy our beloved Playgroup leader, a Family Educator, Pre-School learning specialist and storyteller who has worked throughout the Bay Area bringing joy to the lives of families and children.

Dates: Saturday, February 9, March 8, April 5, May 10
Time: 1:30-3:30pm
Place: Sherith Israel, 2266 California Street, San Francisco
Cost: Members $80, nonmembers $100
To sign up and for more information contact: Meredith Reich, Early Childhood Educator, 415-346-1720 ext 32 or mreich@sherithisrael.org.



Israeli Extravaganza
Enjoy live Israeli folk music with Achi Ben Shalom, leader of the band Adama, who is also musical director of the Nigunim choral ensemble and the East Bay Jewish Folk Chorus. Guided Israeli folk dance instruction will be provided by Bruce Bierman, artistic director of the Jewish Dance Theatre. Lyrics to the songs in the first set will be projected onto a screen so non-dancers can sing along if they like.
In the second music set, experience the new sound of young Israeli music as performed by the popular Israeli band Kol Creation. You can have a natural henna tattoo applied by Darcy, of the Henna Lounge, and there will be refreshments, informational tables, Israeli-made items for sale, and a big raffle drawing. With so much to see and do, it'll be fun for all ages!
This event, in honor of Israel at 60th anniversary, is co-sponsored by the Consulate General of Israel, San Francisco Hillel, the Israel Center of the Jewish Community Federation, TZAVTA, the Jewish Community Relations Council, JIMENA, B¢nai B¢rith and BBYO. Everyone - young and old, dancers or not -- is encouraged to attend. Schmooze, tap your feet to the music, eat, dance, drink and have a great time at the biggest community bash we’ve had in a long time!

Date: Saturday, February 9
Time: 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Place: Congregation Beth Israel-Judea, 625 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco
Free Admission
FOR MORE INFORMATION: adult.educ@yahoo.com or (415) 678-0327
FREE ADMISSION, FREE PARKING. For more information, contact Sonya Hicks, Chair of Adult Education at Beth Israel-Judea (415) 678-0327.



Israel for Reel: Vis, Va et Deviens
(Live and Become)
2005, 140min, French, Amharic, and Hebrew (English Subtitles)
Director Radu Mihaileanu
As Beta Yisrael, the Jews of Ethiopia, are airlifted to Israel under Operation Moses, a Christian Ethiopian woman seizes the opportunity and sends her young son to join the exodus. Once in Israel, the newly named Shlomo struggles not only with his secret, but also with a new culture and new parents. With the strong support of his adoptive family and an Ethiopian Jewish leader, he finds love, Israeli culture and a career-one that will eventually send him back to the refugee camp he left twenty years before.
Facilitator: Riva Gambert, Director, Israel Center

Date: Sunday February 10
Time: 7:00pm
Place: East Bay JCC, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley
Free
Co-presented by Jewish Community Federation of the Greater East Bay's Israel Center, Congregation Beth El and the Jewish Community Foundation



Jewish Parenting Class
A Series for Jewish and Interfaith Parents of Babies through Teenagers
This month's topic: Havdalah: the Perfect Transition Ceremony
The beautiful ceremony of Havdalah helps us and our children to learn how to live in the moment, incorporate the past and look to the future. How can all this happen in only a few minutes? Come find out and leave knowing how to do it at home.
Childcare available, babies welcome in laps.
Facilitated by Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller.

Date: Sunday, February 10
Time: 9:45-11am
Place: Sherith Israel, 2266 California Street, San Francisco
For more information contact Nancy Sheftel-Gomes
at nsgomes@sherithisrael.org or 415-346-1720 ext 28.



Exploring the World of Judaism
Diplomacy and Military Force
A brief history of Israel’s 60 years of security policy” will be discussed by Uri Bar-Joseph, Ph.D., Division of International Relations, School of Political Sciences, University of Haifa. Dr. Bar-Joseph is also a visiting Goldman Professor at SFSU.

Date: Sunday, February 10
Time: 9:30 am
Place: Rodef Sholom, 170 No. San Pedro Road, San Rafael
Info: contact Jerrine, (415) 479-3441 or jerrine@rodefsholom.org



Torah and Tacos
We are lucky to live in a city featuring the best taquerias in the world, each neighborhood featuring its own favorite. We will gather monthly to meet at a local joint and study some Torah over tacos, burritos, and horchata. Do you like the idea of burritos made from organic and locally grown ingredients? How about meat from Niman Ranch and chicken from Fulton Valley farms? Ok, if that doesn’t convince you, then how about two dollar bottles of Pacifico? Come and join Rabbi Jaffe at this hidden gem in the NoPa neighborhood. Meet neighborhood friends, discuss the wisdom of the Torah portion Tetzaveh , and get to know a great neighborhood taqueria.

Date: Feb. 13
Time: 6:30 pm
Place: Green Chile Kitchen, at 601 Baker Street (cross Fulton).
For Info call Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., San Francisco at 415-751-2535.



Shirei Tikvah: Songs of Hope
A Musical Service
Please join us for a musical evening.

Arrive at 6:15 for Shabbat dinner catered by Poulet.
butternut squash & crimini mushroom lasagna, macaroni & cheese (for kids), caesar salad and roasted vegetables. Dinner reservations due February 8. Send a check to the address below. Adults are $15 each and children 4 to 12 are $7.50 each.

Date: Friday, February 15
Time: 7:30 pm
Place: B’nai Tikvah, 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek
info: Judy at 925-933-5397
www.tikvah.org









Dead Mother or Shirley Not All in Vain
In this post-modern farce, Harold got away with impersonating his dead mother once and now he has to do it again, and again, and again. But in the hands of celebrated New York playwright David Greenspan, this comic situation runs through bad marriage, bad acting, Greek myth, and the circles of Hell, bending genders and theatrical reality along the way in a savagely funny, sharp and haunting 90 minute romp through the confusing layers of identity and family.

Playing now through February 17, 2008
Place: Traveling Jewish Theater,
470 Florida Street (17th and Mariposa Street) in San Francisco
For more information call 415.522.0786



Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival: The Band’s Visit
A Blockbuster Israeli Film, The Band’s Visit (http://www.thebandsvisit.com/) features an Egyptian Police Band in Israel that lands at the airport without anyone to meet them. Mishaps continue. Won Best Film, Best Actor, and Best Actress of the Israeli Film Academy.

Date: Sunday, Feb. 17
Time: 7pm
Place: CAMERA 7 Theater, Pruneyard Shopping Cntr, 1875 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell.
Tickets, $5, may be purchased at the Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival website http://www.svjff.org or by calling 1(800)838-3006.



The Bedtime Sh'ma Pajama Party!
Sarah Gershman is an extraordinary Jewish educator who is well-known and much-loved in the Bay area. To our delight, Sarah will be in town to host a snuggly and engaging program for families with young children.
Sarah is the author of a wonderful children's book called "The Bedtime Sh'ma" which is a beautiful adaptation of the traditional nighttime prayers. The gorgeous illustrations and sweet messages of this book invoke blessings of peace and comfort.

All children are encouraged to wear pajamas!
Please bring sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, blankies
and any other comfy items that are associated with bedtime.

"The Bedtime Sh'ma" book and the accompanying CD will be on sale at the program.

Date: February 16
Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Place: Congregation Beth Israel: 1630 Bancroft Way, Berkeley
If you have any questions about the program, please contact:
Yael Galinson: yael@galinson.com or Deb Fink: debincali@aol.com.
Sponsored by Congregation Beth Israel and Congregation Netivot Shalom, both of Berkeley
We are very grateful to Claudia Valas and EKS Publishing for generously supporting this event! A portion of the sales will go to the co-sponsoring organizations.



Gan Ami Open House for Infants to 3 Year Olds
Are you interested in Beth Am’s Early Childhood Education Program, Gan Ami? Have you considered enrollment in the current parent-toddler or 2 year-old program? Do you need a program for your infant, 2 year-old, or 3 year-old next fall? Come to our Open House! We will have children’s activities, refreshments, staff to answer questions and help you enroll! Spread the word! Tell your friends!

Date: Sunday, Feb. 24
Time: 3:30pm
Place: Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Contact Sherrie Rose Maleson, (650) 493-4665, ext. 256, srmaleson@betham. org or visit http://www.betham.org/youth/ganami. html



Family Games Day
COME IN OUT OF THE RAIN! Fed up with winter weather? Don’t stay cooped up at home! Come join your friends at B’nai Shalom for a cozy afternoon of games, nosh, coffee and conversation. It’s time for . . . B’nai Shalom Family Games Day
Featuring games for all ages!
- Mah Jongg - Trivial Pursuit
- Candy Land - Cranium
- Bingo - Scrabble
- Pictionary - Monopoly
and many more . . .

Date: Sunday, February 24
Time: 12:30 – 3:30
Place: In the Social Hall of B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek
Cost: $1 per person for all the drinks and nosh you want!
This event is open to all, members and non-members alike, who want to share in the fun.
RSVP to the B’nai Shalom office as soon as possible: office@bshalom.org or call 925-934-9446



Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival: Beauford
Consul General of Israel of the Pacific Northwest, and Cinequest Film Festival partner to present Beaufort ,the Israeli Academy Award nominee as the Best Foreign Language Film, and Ron Leshem, noted Israeli author of the book on which the movie was based.
Beaufort , a 2007 film, is based on actual events focusing on the dilemma of Israeli soldiers during their withdrawal from Lebanon and their post in the Beaufort Crusader stronghold.

Date: Feb. 28
Time: 7pm
Place: San Jose Repertory Theater in downtown San Jose.
Tickets available after Jan. 30 from http://www.cinequest.org/index.php



Musical Erev Shabbat Service
Upbeat Musical Service
featuring Contemporary Selections & Inspirational Congregational Melodies with Musical Accompaniment
All Welcome!
Dairy Oneg (reception) following service

Date: Friday, February 29
Time: 7;30pm
Place: B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek
Info: 925-934-9446
www.bshalom.org



Interfaith Families at the Movies: Bad Faith
“Bad Faith” is part of the Contra Costa Jewish Film Festival.
Clara and Ishmael are gorgeous, happy, in love and in Paris. How nice is that? Like many cosmopolitan Parisian couples, the fact that she is Jewish and he is Muslim barely crosses the mins fo these oh-so-secular lovebirds.. Unitl Clara announces that she’s pregnant. That’s when the troubles start.

Date: Monday, March 3
Time: 4:30pm
Place: CinArts, 2314 Monument Blvd., Pleasant Hill (in the Kohl’s Center)
for more information call Dawn at 925-843-1484.
Co-Sponsored by Building Jewish Bridges.



Welcoming Your Jewish Baby… Whether You’re Jewish or Not
A Group for Moms and babies 0-6 months
Meeting in the East Bay

Five sessions, first meeting is Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Meets in a private home in Oakland.
11:30am to 1pm (feel free to bring a snack)

Join us for a discussion!
Discussion topics include:
Support for Moms with new Babies
Jewish Resources for Mom, Baby and Family
Getting Your Groove Back & Adjusting to the New Normal
Considering Jewish Choices and Practices for your Home

Cost: $36
Call Dawn at 510-839-2900 x347 for location more information or to sign up.
Please call soon as space limited








Cooking Jewish: Got kugel?
Got Kugel with Toffee Walnuts? Now you do. Here's the real homemade Gefilte Fish-and also Salmon en Papillote. Learn how to prepare Grandma Sera Fritkin's Russian Brisket, Hazelnut-Crusted Rack of Lamb and a contemporary rendition of matzoh balls with shiitake mushrooms, as court reporter-turned-cookbook author Judy Kancigor discusses her just-released tome of classic and family recipes, Cooking Jewish, and demonstrates how to make some of the most delicious Jewish dishes.

Date: Tuesday March 4
Time: 7:30pm
Place: East Bay JCC, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley
FREE
Info: 510-848-0237
www.jcceastbay.org



Women in Interfaith Relationships: Giving our Kids Roots & Wings
Raising kids is hard. You have to be a cook, chauffeur, therapist, private secretary, doctor, and chief bottle washer. And in there you’re supposed to give your kids “roots” and “wings.” Roots: a foundation from which to spring. Wings: confidence & self knowledge. Ours is the first generation to think that Moms can do that alone. Forget it! Come get and give support.

Date: March 9
Time: 9 to 11am
Place: B’nai Tikvah, 25 Hillcroft, Walnut Creek
Facilitated by Dawn Kepler, Building Jewish Bridges - Call me for more information at 925-943-1484 or email me at dawn@jfed.org



Holiday Baking Classes
Deborah Lewis teaches baking! March 9 - Hamentashen; March 30 – blintzes and knishes; April 13 - Passover desserts. For adults and youth 8 and over (with an adult).

Dates: Sundays, March 9, March 30 and April 13
Time: 1:30-3:30 pm
Place: Netivot Shalom1316 University Ave., Berkeley
Cost: $12/class for adults and $8/class for youth. Register for the series to ensure your spot ($36 adults, $24 kids). To register or for more info, contact Deborah at youthed@netivotshalom.org




(Jews in Space)
Jews in Space
Argentina, 2005, 90 Min
Santiago and Luciana are childhood sweethearts and present day quirky adult cousins who are reunited on the eve of Passover in Buenos Aires. Argentinean director Gabriel Lichtmann's comic drama JEWS IN SPACE follows the heartfelt efforts of Luciana, a theater student and kleptomaniac, who throws herself into preparing the Seder-after an unfortunate family uproar caused by her curmudgeonly grandfather's suicide attempt.

Date: Wednesday, March 26
Time: 7:30 pm
Place: Yerba Buena Center for The Arts, 701 Mission Street (corner of 3rd), San Francisco
Ticket Prices: $8 general/$6 Jewish Film Forum and YBCA members, students, seniors
Seating is limited - Advance purchase recommended
For tickets call: 415.978.ARTS (2787)



A Taste of Judaism: Are you Curious?
What are the three pillars of Judaism? Jewish spirituality, Jewish ethics, and Jewish community. Come learn about them in a three session class.

Tuesday evenings in Walnut Creek beginning March 25
Mondays evenings in Berkeley beginning March 31
Free, but pre-registration is required. Call Dawn for information at:
510-839-2900 x347 x347 OR 925-943-1484
ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS ARE BEING ADDED AROUND THE BAY




Passover: The Set Table
The ultimate Jewish holiday: Passover! Whether you’ve never had a seder or you consider yourself a pro, you’ll learn something at this workshop.. We’ll literally have a set table - with all the elements identified and explained. We encourage you to bring ideas and practice from your own tradition and family. We’ll have sample foods and recipes as well as an assortment of Hagadot for you to peruse. Come for the fun; come for the food!

Date: Sunday, March 30
Time: 11am to 1pm
Place: Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland
FREE
Co-sponsored by Temple Sinai and Building Jewish Bridges
Call Dawn for more info at 510-839-2900 x347 or email dawn@jfed.org

Interfaith Couples Discussion Group

Discussion Series for Interfaith/Intercultural Couples

8 Sessions
Exchange ideas about such issues as:


 Holiday Observances – Which holidays will be celebrated in our home?

 Dealing With Our Families – How will we talk to our parents about our choices?

 Raising Children – How can we make sure our child is “part” of each of us?

 Spiritual Concerns – How do we satisfy our needs and recognize our Partner’s?

 Cultural Differences – How do communication styles and familial expectations impact our relationship?


This is one of the most meaningful and powerful things you can do for your relationship. I encourage every couple to participate in a couples group.

There is a sliding scale. NO ONE turned away. Tell me you work evenings, tell me you can't get a babysitter, but don't tell me it's the money because we can make it work.


IN OAKLAND
With Dawn Kepler
call Dawn at 510-839-2900 x347 or e-mail dawn@jfed.org to register or receive more information.

Christmas Just Ahead

(From the film, THE BUBBLE, showing in Berkeley. See below. It will also be in the Contra Costa Film Festival in March.)

Dear Interfaith Families and Friends,

Next Tuesday the vast majority of the country will be celebrating Christmas. For some this will be loads of fun, for others, not so much. If you are having trouble with the idea, call me, let’s talk. If you are ambivalent I suggest you get through the day as best you can and then resolve to explore your feelings come January.



Give your Relationship a Gift
What if you were to put your relationship first? That’s right, get a babysitter and come to a couples discussion group. Get to know your partner better, get to know yourself better, make some decisions about what is going to work for you now and create communication channels to support future challenges.

Call or email me today. Let’s start in January.
Dawn@jfed.org
510-839-2900 x347
925-943-1484





Latke Ball
Hundreds of Bay Area Jews dancing the night away on Christmas Eve.
This event is for young Jews – all the Young Adult programs are taking their members.

Date: Monday, Dec. 24
Time: 9pm to 2am Dec. 25
Place: Ruby Skye, San Francisco
Cost: $35 at the door

YLD in the East Bay (Young Leadership Division - Jews age 21 to 40ish) is chartering a party bus to and from the Latke Ball.
$40 includes your discounted ticket, transportation to and from Oakland, and wine and snacks on the bus. Space is limited. To purchase discount tickets and be part of our YLD party bus - email us at: youngleadership@jfed.org.

There will also be a party bus to the Latke Ball from Silicon Valley. Stops will be made in Los Gatos, Palo Alto, and Foster City. For more information, contact SVYAD Director Jonathan Berg at svyad@jvalley.org



The Meshugenah Comeday Tour
at Beth Emek
What is more fun than the traditional Chinese food dinner on Dec 24?
Bring your friends & family for a catered Chinese food dinner followed by four hilarious meshugenah (crazy) Jewish comedians.
This is a family friendly show youth 8 & up are welcome; It's at the parents discretion about bringing the kids - It's a comedy show consider how long your kids can sit and enjoy the show.

Date: Monday, Dec. 24
Time: 5:45pm - 9:15pm
Place: Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada Court, 3400 Nevada Court, Pleasanton
Catering by Canton Village, Dinner & Comedy admission prices:
$25 per adult
$20 per senior 65 + up
$10 per 12 & under
Pay at the door - reservations required
For more information contact: Sharon Cohen 925-931-1055 x11



Family Fun at the JCC
The SF JCC is open all day on Dec. 25. Go to their website, www.jccsf.org and decide what you’d like to do.

Date: Dec. 25
Time: looks to be 9am to 9pm
Place: San Francisco JCC, 3200 California St., San Francisco
call 415-292-1200.



Listen to Local Community On Christmas Day
Afikomen hosts Café ‘Komen on designated Sundays to present informal lectures on seasonal topics to increase your knowledge of, and appreciation for, Judaism's vibrant ritual life. Music and storytelling events are also presented. While there is no charge, donations are appreciated.

Date: Dec 25th - "Listen to Local" Community Celebration & Sale
Time: 11am to 6pm
11:00 - Children's music with Melita Silverstein
1:00 - Storytelling for all ages with Joel Ben Izzy
2:15 - Mizrachi music with John Erlich of Za-atar & friends
4:00 - Readings by local poets: Rebecca Fromer Camhi, Jenny Overman, Judith Goldhaber and others.
Place: Afikomen, 3042 Claremont Avenue, Berkeley
For more information all 510-655-1977.




Yiddish Folk Festival
Come join us for this fantastic event - fun for grandma, grandpa and the kids.
Featuring:
* Yiddish Food
* Yiddish Sing-a-longs
* Yiddish Dancing, with personalized lessons
* Yiddish Kibbitzing (instruction provided-if you need it!)
* Live music by TheKlezCalifornia All-Star Band led by Gerry Tenney
Program by: KlezCalifornia

Date: Tuesday, December 25
Time: 2-5pm
Place: Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave. Berkeley
Cost: $25 adult, $12 child
Contact Robin Braverman at (925) 979-1998 or rivkah48@sbcglobal.net for advance sales at discounted rates.
Co-sponsored by Congregation Netivot Shalom, Congregation Beth El, Jewish Community Center of the East Bay, Aquarian Minyan, Kehilla Community Synagogue and Chochmat HaLev

Movie: The Bubble
Israel for Reel presents Ha Buah (The Bubble)
Israel, 2006, 117min, Hebrew
and Arabic (English Subtitles)
Director Eytan Fox
Eytan Fox (Yossi and Jagger, Walk on Water, Song of the Sirens) is back with an intense drama about progressive minded twenty-somethings from Tel-Aviv who party and protest until the realities of the Arab-Israeli conflict hit home. The film hones in on the sexually and emotionally charged relationship between Noam, an Israeli on reserve duty, and the equally handsome and intense Palestinian Ashraf. Following their introduction at a West Bank security checkpoint, the two embark on a love affair headed for a tragic outcome.
Facilitator: Rabbi Yoel Kahn, Congregation Beth El

Date: Sunday, Jan. 13
Time: 7pm
Place: East Bay JCC, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley
FREE
Co-presented by Jewish Community Federation of the Greater East Bay's Israel Center, Congregation Beth El and the Jewish Community Foundation




JCC On Ice
THE FIRST ANNUAL SKATE-FEST!
Come see for yourself the magical transformation of downtown Walnut Creek's Civic Park into a twinkling winter wonderland. Join friends and family for an afternoon of skating fun, hot chocolate and treats. Open to all ages.

Date: Sunday, January 13
Time: 3:00-5:00 PM (weather permitting)
Place: Civic Park, 1375 Civic Dr., the corner of Broadway and Civic in Walnut Creek
Admission & Skate Rental : $15 per skater includes skate rental; please pay at the door
Please RSVP to tanya@jfed.org 925-943-5238 by January 8
Tzedakah in action:
Please bring a can of food to donate to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.

Couples Groups and Talking to a rabbi

Dear Interfaith Families and Friends,

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













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

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




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

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

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


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

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

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



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