Welcome to our What's New page! Here we list events around the San Francisco Bay Area that are of interest to those who want to learn more about Judaism.
Some Current Activities Around the Bay
A Basic Judaism Class is Just Starting in Palo Alto!
Etz Chayim started a class, Exploring Judaism, in May that continues for one year. They have only met twice and you can still get in during the summer. Contact Amy for more information or go to the class webpage.
Amy Bayersdorfer, the Executive Director at Etz Chayim and she said anyone may contact her to explore ways to engage in Adult Education, or other ways to participate at the shul. Amy is very nice and delighted to help anyone get a stronghold in community!
Amy’s contact information is: 650-813-9094 x206 or [email protected].
Women’s Rosh Chodesh: Morning Hike
Join us for a four-mile Rosh Chodesh hike on the last day of Sivan 5786. We will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the parking lot at Independence Park. Together we will walk on a path to nearby Sycamore Grove Park, where we will begin the hike. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a water bottle. Bathrooms and water are available at the entrance to Sycamore Grove Park. Friendly dogs on leash are welcome.
Date: Sunday, June 14
Time: 9:00 – 11:30 am
Place: Meet at Independence Park Parking Lot, 2798 Holmes St., Livermore
Hosted by Women of Beth Emek, 42000 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont
Sign up here
Etz Chayim started a class, Exploring Judaism, in May that continues for one year. They have only met twice and you can still get in during the summer. Contact Amy for more information or go to the class webpage.
Amy Bayersdorfer, the Executive Director at Etz Chayim and she said anyone may contact her to explore ways to engage in Adult Education, or other ways to participate at the shul. Amy is very nice and delighted to help anyone get a stronghold in community!
Amy’s contact information is: 650-813-9094 x206 or [email protected].
Women’s Rosh Chodesh: Morning Hike
Join us for a four-mile Rosh Chodesh hike on the last day of Sivan 5786. We will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the parking lot at Independence Park. Together we will walk on a path to nearby Sycamore Grove Park, where we will begin the hike. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a water bottle. Bathrooms and water are available at the entrance to Sycamore Grove Park. Friendly dogs on leash are welcome.
Date: Sunday, June 14
Time: 9:00 – 11:30 am
Place: Meet at Independence Park Parking Lot, 2798 Holmes St., Livermore
Hosted by Women of Beth Emek, 42000 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont
Sign up here
Juneteenth is coming right up. Jews of Color Initiative has RESOURCES.
They say:
"Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, resilience, community, and the enduring contributions of Black people to every part of American life—including Jewish life.
At JoCI, we are continually inspired by the leadership, creativity, wisdom, and joy that Black Jews bring to our communities. Juneteenth offers an opportunity not only to honor history, but also to gather, learn, celebrate, and deepen our connections with one another.
We’ve compiled a collection of events, readings, and resources centered on Black Jewish experiences. Whether you're looking for a Juneteenth celebration or Shabbat gathering, or readings and educational resources we hope this list offers meaningful opportunities to connect and amplify Black Jewish voices."
Use this LINK to view their Juneteenth Resource List 2026
Online Learning Options
There are a LOT of online Jewish educational opportunities. Naturally, not all of them are good. Here are some that I trust.
New Lehrhaus
One of you mentioned that Lehrhaus is one of your favorite places to learn. I agree! This program, Becoming Jewish, originated at Lehrhaus Judaica as the result of a grant! Lehrhaus was founded by Fred Rosenbaum in 1974. It has morphed into New Lehrhaus and continues to offer stellar adult learning opportunities.
Valley Beit Midrash
Is an educational organization currently run by Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz. Classes typically cost $18.
Hadar
In person and online classes around the USA. This is the site where I find classes by Rabbi David Kasher. Rabbi Kasher was a the UC Berkeley Hillel rabbi for several years and worked upstairs from me when I was at Lehrhaus Judaica.
My Jewish Learning
This site has a wealth of information AND a newsletter with articles and workshops. Browse around it. I like that they have writers from different streams of Judaism so you get a broader view of Jewish thought and practice.
The Hub from My Jewish Learning
An email listing online classes. The downside is that they are always very short notice. So you have to check it on a day you know you'll be free. Still, there are some fun topics.
Aish
This site is Orthodox and offers a traditional view on Judaism. What I like is that it is a good foundational viewpoint on the Parsha and Jewish practice.
Jewfaq
This looks like a bare bones site - no pictures or fancy graphics. But it is phenomenal. A vast amount of information carefully spelled out. AND! Each page is ranked as: Gentile, Basic, Intermediate or Advanced. If you're finding a concept difficult then perhaps it is an Advanced page and you need to speak with your rabbi about it.
Send us YOUR suggestions for this list to [email protected]
New Lehrhaus
One of you mentioned that Lehrhaus is one of your favorite places to learn. I agree! This program, Becoming Jewish, originated at Lehrhaus Judaica as the result of a grant! Lehrhaus was founded by Fred Rosenbaum in 1974. It has morphed into New Lehrhaus and continues to offer stellar adult learning opportunities.
Valley Beit Midrash
Is an educational organization currently run by Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz. Classes typically cost $18.
Hadar
In person and online classes around the USA. This is the site where I find classes by Rabbi David Kasher. Rabbi Kasher was a the UC Berkeley Hillel rabbi for several years and worked upstairs from me when I was at Lehrhaus Judaica.
My Jewish Learning
This site has a wealth of information AND a newsletter with articles and workshops. Browse around it. I like that they have writers from different streams of Judaism so you get a broader view of Jewish thought and practice.
The Hub from My Jewish Learning
An email listing online classes. The downside is that they are always very short notice. So you have to check it on a day you know you'll be free. Still, there are some fun topics.
Aish
This site is Orthodox and offers a traditional view on Judaism. What I like is that it is a good foundational viewpoint on the Parsha and Jewish practice.
Jewfaq
This looks like a bare bones site - no pictures or fancy graphics. But it is phenomenal. A vast amount of information carefully spelled out. AND! Each page is ranked as: Gentile, Basic, Intermediate or Advanced. If you're finding a concept difficult then perhaps it is an Advanced page and you need to speak with your rabbi about it.
Send us YOUR suggestions for this list to [email protected]
Got a baby?
Get support from the Bay Area's Jewish Baby Network
Connect Today!
The JBN Newsletter says, "We would love for you and your family to become part of the Jewish Baby Network community. Please let us know a little bit about you so we can help you connect to other families and resources near you.
Our programs are designed for families with children aged 0 – 36 months. We welcome everyone, including non-affiliated, interfaith, multi-ethnic, single parent, and LGBTQ families.
Find your region here"
This is a lovely group; I encourage you to get in touch.