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.
HURRY! This group starts MONDAY, JANUARY 30 in SAN FRANCISCO!
Journey to Judaism: A Discussion Group
Facilitated by Ora Prochovnick, Rose Katz and James Carlson
This discussion group will explore issues that arise for people who are considering, are in the process of, or have only recently completed, converting to Judaism. We also welcome those who have a Jewish parent (or parents), but were raised with little or no Jewish experience and are interested in exploring their connection to Judaism. This group is not an introduction to Judaism course, but rather a place to ask questions and discuss issues with others who are also on this journey. Class sessions will alternate meeting in person with meeting on Zoom. Hybrid access will not be available for the in-person sessions.
For further information, click here.
To register, please contact Executive Director Susie Idzik
Dates: Six Mondays (the last Monday of each month), starting January 30
Time: 7pm-8:30pm
Place: Sha’ar Zahav, 290 Dolores St., San Francisco
https://shaarzahav.org
Journey to Judaism: A Discussion Group
Facilitated by Ora Prochovnick, Rose Katz and James Carlson
This discussion group will explore issues that arise for people who are considering, are in the process of, or have only recently completed, converting to Judaism. We also welcome those who have a Jewish parent (or parents), but were raised with little or no Jewish experience and are interested in exploring their connection to Judaism. This group is not an introduction to Judaism course, but rather a place to ask questions and discuss issues with others who are also on this journey. Class sessions will alternate meeting in person with meeting on Zoom. Hybrid access will not be available for the in-person sessions.
For further information, click here.
To register, please contact Executive Director Susie Idzik
Dates: Six Mondays (the last Monday of each month), starting January 30
Time: 7pm-8:30pm
Place: Sha’ar Zahav, 290 Dolores St., San Francisco
https://shaarzahav.org
Over 100 years ago in New York HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) was established. It's mission was to assist Jews fleeing Eastern Europe. In the intervening years HIAS has grown to assist refugees all over the world.
HIAS hosts an annual Refugee Shabbat in which synagogues around the world host a Shabbat that teaches about refugees. The next one is scheduled for February 3 and 4. You can read about it on their website here. Not every synagogue is able to schedule their recognition of this important Jewish value on THIS date. Some shuls will be teaching and speaking about refugees on a different date. The best thing to do is to contact synagogues NEAR YOU and see which ones are hosting and what date they have chosen.
Due to the danger of being a Jew or a refugee in these times, some synagogues are not letting the public know about their service. All the more reason to reach out in person. You can also email me at dawn@buildingjewishbridges.org and perhaps I can help you find a service near you.
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On the lighter side, how about dancing?
Beginner Israeli Folk Dance
Come dance with us at the JCC!
Join us as we learn two or three of the old classic dances, shmooze, and enjoy moving our bodies during this cold winter. This class will be a trial run with the goal of eventually offering recurring dance classes of different kinds. Your feedback will be most welcome.
Date: Feb 7
Time: 11am to noon
Place: JCC East Bay 1414 Walnut Street Berkeley
Free, but please reserve your spot here
HIAS hosts an annual Refugee Shabbat in which synagogues around the world host a Shabbat that teaches about refugees. The next one is scheduled for February 3 and 4. You can read about it on their website here. Not every synagogue is able to schedule their recognition of this important Jewish value on THIS date. Some shuls will be teaching and speaking about refugees on a different date. The best thing to do is to contact synagogues NEAR YOU and see which ones are hosting and what date they have chosen.
Due to the danger of being a Jew or a refugee in these times, some synagogues are not letting the public know about their service. All the more reason to reach out in person. You can also email me at dawn@buildingjewishbridges.org and perhaps I can help you find a service near you.
****
On the lighter side, how about dancing?
Beginner Israeli Folk Dance
Come dance with us at the JCC!
Join us as we learn two or three of the old classic dances, shmooze, and enjoy moving our bodies during this cold winter. This class will be a trial run with the goal of eventually offering recurring dance classes of different kinds. Your feedback will be most welcome.
Date: Feb 7
Time: 11am to noon
Place: JCC East Bay 1414 Walnut Street Berkeley
Free, but please reserve your spot here