In the Greater Community
Note: The items below are NOT in date order.
Jewish Family and Children's Services Invites You to Donate a Seder Sack to Someone in Need This Passover
Donate a Seder Sack to a neighbor in need through our partners at JFCS! With every gift of $36, you provide Passover foods and essentials to an isolated senior, an adult with disabilities, or a family in crisis. DONATE A SEDER SACK
Spertus Institute Presents:
Bite-Sized, Online, Professional Development Sessions — Build skills you can apply immediately to your life and work.
What Makes a Text Essential? Expanding the Jewish Canon
Tuesday, April 16, 10:30 AM, Online
Jews are known as the “people of the book,” though “people of the books” might be more accurate, since texts such as the Bible, Talmud, and Guide for the Perplexed have long been considered essential. With Dr. Claire Sufrin, Editor of Sources: A Journal of Jewish Ideas, explore what contemporary books we might include in an expanded Jewish canon. RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Jewish Baby Network Presents Silly Singing Seder
Sunday, April 21, 3:30 PM, Parents Place Family Resource, 200 Channing Avenue, Palo Alto
Join Jewish Baty Network as we get ready for Passover with songs, crafts and ideas for a great seder with little ones. The suggested donation for this event is $18 to help cover costs. No one is turned away, so please give what you can. REGISTER
Jewish Family and Children's Services Presents Passover Celebration: Finding Our Way
Wednesday, April 17, 2:00 PM, Online
How is this Passover different from all other Passovers? Join JFCS to celebrate this ancient story and experience its power to reveal freedom and hope during these uncertain times. Chaplain Bruce Feldstein, MD, BCC, Director of JFCS’ Jewish Chaplaincy Services serving Stanford Medicine, and Rabbi Daniel Isaacson, Director of JFCS’ Spiritual Care Services, will bring us together to celebrate the power of Passover. REGISTER NOW
Join the Federation's 2024 Global Jewish Citizens Fund: An Online Passover Giving Event!
You will have the opportunity to support five incredible organizations dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by forced migration. This April, your donation will go even further with a generous $25,000 matching grant through the Federation’s Endowment Fund! Double your impact and help reach the goal of raising an additional $25,000 to support immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in need. LEARN MORE
The 10th Annual Silicon Valley Jewish Playwriting Contest (where you vote!)
Sunday, April 14, 7:00 PM, OFJCC, Palo Alto
10 Years! The Jewish Plays Project returns to the Oshman JCC to celebrate a decade of great new plays—and to choose one brilliant new play. Join the JPP and City Producers Lauren Berman, Deb Radin, Judy Kitt, Ellice Papp and Susan Sims for a stellar evening of community, culture and the JPP's specialty, Artistic Democracy. 90 minutes, seven actors, three playwrights and one winner. We need your votes and voice to choose! LEARN MORE
Jewish User Experience Community Research Lab Unit 3: Passover and UX for Cultural Jews
Wednesdays Through April 17, 7:30–9:00 PM, OFJCC, Palo Alto
Apply 21st century user experience principles in an environment that facilitates your own way of celebrating Jewish rituals while still honoring traditional practices. We are excited to invite you to join a journey of research, experimentation and prototyping. Ticket cost: $12-$24. LEARN MORE
Professional Development for Jewish Professionals, Sponsored by the Hausner Admissions & Engagement Team
Building a strong Jewish foundation for your children starts now. The Hausner Admissions & Engagement Team is pleased to announce the Jewish Professional Partner Program (JPPP) offered by the Oshman Family JCC Preschool, Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School, and Kehillah Jewish High School, Palo Alto's leading Jewish educational institutions. Receive a 30% tuition discount for families with a parent working full-time in a Jewish non-profit. Nurturing Jewish identity: From 18 months to 18 years, our schools cultivate a love for Jewish learning and traditions in a warm and inclusive environment. Top-tier education: Our rigorous academics prepare students for success in college and beyond, while fostering strong Jewish values. Vibrant community: Be part of a supportive network of families who share your commitment to Judaism. To learn more, visit the JPPP web pages for details and application information.
- Oshman Family JCC Preschool (18 months-4 year olds)
- Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School (grades TK-8)
- Kehillah Jewish High School (grades 9–12)
Queering the Passover Seder
A CLGS Jewish Queeries Series Event
Tuesday, April 16, 2:00-3:00 PM, Online
Passover celebrates the Exodus/Coming Out from Egypt and our Passover Seder liturgy declares: “In every generation, each person should see themselves as if they themselves had come out..:” Join CLGS as they queer the seder together with Rabbis Yoel Kahn, Ariel Tovlev and Reuben Zellman! JOIN ONLINE
Shalom Bayit Presents — Creating Hope: Drawing From Miriam's Well
With Featured Speaker Sabrina Sojourner
April 18, 6:00 PM, JCC, San Francisco
Jewish spiritual leader, community mental health chaplain, educator, word-artist and nationally recognized thought leader on diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, belonging and healing, Hazzan Sojourner was named a Spiritual Exemplar by the U.C. Center for Religion and Civic Culture in recognition of her humanitarian and social action work through a spiritual lens. Join to celebrate 32 years of Shalom Bay. The Jewish community will come together on April 18th for an evening filled with inspiring programming, soul-nourishing ideas, delectable food and delightful company in support of Shalom Bayit's life-saving programs. Just as Miriam's Well sustained the ancient Israelites during their desert journey, you can be the life-saving well for countless Jewish women, protecting their right to peace at home. PURCHASE TICKETS
Jewish Bay Stands With Israel - Events, Advocacy, Fundraising, Bring Them Home
Choose how to be active and support the cause. LEARN MORE about upcoming events.
May
Yom Hazikaron Ceremony:
Day of Remembrance for the Israeli Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism
Sunday, May 12, 8:00–9:00 PM
Join our community for a Memorial Day ceremony for Israel's Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism. The evening will include songs, readings, presentations and remarks from community leaders, led by local teens. LEARN MORE
Family Fun Havdalah
Sunday, May 5, 3:30 PM, Peninsula Temple Sholom, 1655 Sebastian Drive, Burlingame
Join Carol Booth along with Jewish Baby Network and Peninsula Temple Sholom friends for Sunday playtime with singing, movement, puppets, crafts, snacks and a special Havdalah ceremony. Havdalah is a brief ceremony with juice, spices, and candlelight to mark the beginning of a new week. Kids love it! REGISTER
USF Summer Course: Disability and Jewish Social Justice, With Rabbi Julia Watts Belser
Sundays, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & July 14; 10:00 AM-2:00 PM,
University of San Francisco is excited to announce that they are now accepting applications for their summer course, Disability and Jewish Social Justice with Rabbi Julia Watts Belser. "This course aims to help students deepen their capacity to create cultures of accessibility within Jewish social justice practice. We’ll bring classical Jewish texts into conversation with the lived experiences of contemporary disability activists to grapple with spiritual and political questions about access and equity, invisibility and shame, as well as practices for transforming social inequality. We’ll hone skills for recognizing and resisting ableism, as well as for understanding the way ableism intersects with racism, antisemitism, misogyny, queer, trans, fat hatred, and more. We’ll also examine the contours of hegemonic norms around decorum and behavior, pace and time, as well as physical and sensory access and consider ways to transform our religious communities and cultural spaces so that they more fully welcome the vivid, complex diversity of all our bodies and minds." APPLY BY WEDNESDAY, MAY 15
Israel76: From Remembrance to Celebration — Yom HaZikaron & Yom Ha'Atzmaut
Monday, May 13, 4:30 PM, APJCC Los Gatos
This year’s observance of Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut will feel different to all of us. Through these heartbreaking times the power of connection proves to be one of our greatest strengths. Let it be so again as we gather together. The event includes a ritual of distinction marking the transition between the mourning (Yom Hazikaron) to the celebration (Yom Ha'atzmaut) and the miracle called Israel. Together with Rabbi Nico Socolovsky of Shir Hadash and the support from a wide range of community partners. LEARN MORE
“Being Jewish in Hollywood: Challenges, Chutzpah & Creativity"
Thursday, May 2, 5:00 PM, Online
“Being Jewish in Hollywood: Challenges, Chutzpah & Creativity" features renowned actor and producer Mark Feuerstein, known for his role as Dr. Hank Lawson in series like Royal Pains, and David Kohan, the brilliant creator and executive producer behind the iconic show Will and Grace. Delve into the complexities of Jewish identity in the entertainment industry as these industry insiders share their personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs. From navigating stereotypes to celebrating cultural heritage, discover how these influential figures have embraced their Jewish roots while making their mark in Hollywood. Gain insights, inspiration and practical advice on thriving authentically in an industry at times marked by its diversity and inclusivity struggles. This is a unique (and free!) opportunity to explore the intersection of faith, identity and success in the entertainment world. Don't miss out on this insightful and thought-provoking conversation! REGISTER
Jewish Silicon Valle Presents Challah Bake
Thursday, May 2, 6:00 PM, APJCC Los Gatos
Who will you invite to the table? Jewish Silicon Valley invites you to join for the Community Challah Bake. A time to connect with community. Grab a friend and share a culture of gathering and good food with others. Can you think of someone to invite from outside the Jewish community to share in our love of culture through food? LEARN MORE
Spertus Institute Presents:
Bite-Sized, Online, Professional Development Sessions — Build skills you can apply immediately to your life and work.
Navigating Today’s Jewish Workplace
Tuesday, May 21, 10:30 AM, Online
The Jewish nonprofit sector includes an array of voices, identities, and perspectives. Learn from Leading Edge COO Mordy Walfish how to best navigate this diversity in charged moments and everyday work life. RESERVE YOUR SPOT
JPAC Capitol Summit
May 14-15, Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sacramento
Since the October 7 terrorist attack, so many of us – parents, teachers, students, families and community members – have stepped up to address the ensuing rise in antisemitism in our schools, city halls and public squares. We’ve been putting out fires left and right – and these collective efforts will continue. But that’s not enough. This two-day gathering will be an unparalleled opportunity for Jewish community members and allies to advocate for our community, and attendees will have access to exclusive networking opportunities with elected officials, Jewish organizational leaders, and lay leaders from across the state. REGISTER
Sephardi Jewry and the Rise and Fall of Ladino
Thursday, May 9, 7:00–8:30 PM, OFJCC
This program is offered in conjunction with the Jewish Community Library's One Bay One Book program, a year-long conversation connecting Bay Area readers through discussions and events centered around a single title and its themes. This year's selection is Elizabeth Graver's novel Kantika, about the journey of a Sephardic immigrant in the early 20th century. LEARN MORE
We strive to live as a holy community whose study and practice of Judaism inspires and challenges us to "do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with our God" (Micah 6:8).