Tonight is Shavuot and study sessions will take place at synagogues everywhere. You can read about the holiday, its history and traditions at www.myjewishlearning.com.

Tikkun Leyl Shavuot – A Community-wide Celebration and Night of Study
Join in a community celebration and night of Torah study, a spiritual journey bringing together Jews with varied perspectives and affiliations. Stay for an hour–or until dawn. We will be led in study by teachers from our diverse Jewish community.

Family Programming will be offered in the early evening. Children must be accompanied by at least one parent. Sessions include ages 2-5, K-2, and grades 3-6. No pre-registration is required.

Childcare will be offered for FREE for children ages 2 and up, following the family programming. There will be a sleeping room, and parents will be able to participate in the study session without their children in tow. Parents must pre-register and provide bedding. Parents may not leave the JCC while their children are in childcare.

Morning Torah Service will be offered at dawn–we will read the Ten Commandments from the Torah; additionally there will be an opportunity to join with the Wilderness Torah Shavuot trip to hear the 10 Commandments on the mountain.

Date: Tuesday, May 18
Time: 6:30pm – Dawn
East Bay JCC, 1414 Walnut St. , Berkeley
Cost: FREE

Sponsored by: Aquarian Minyan, B’Chol Lashon, UC Berkeley Hillel, Berkeley Midrash, The Center for Jewish Mystical Studies, Chochmat HaLev, Beth El, Beth Israel, Netivot Shalom, the East Bay Minyan, EcoJews of the Bay, EBJCC, JCHS, Jewish Gateways, Jewish Mosaic, Jewish Music Festival, Kehilla, PJA, GTU, Shalom Bayit, Beth Hillel, Wilderness Torah, Yeashore Community

Tikkun Leil Shavuot
Shavuot is traditionally considered to be the anniversary of the Giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai . Tikkun Leil Shavuot (literally “a fixed set of readings for the night of Shavuot”) is the custom of staying up all night and studying (we will study until about midnight) in the Sanctuary.

Date: Tuesday, May 18
Time: 8pm until about midnight
Place: Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland
For info call Gabby at 510-451-3263.

Tikkun Leil Shavuot
All-Night Learning Marathon
Celebrate the holiday of receiving the Torah by learning late into the night. Study with Rabbis, Educators and Congregants from Kol Emeth, Beth Am, Etz Chayim, and Keddem. Everyone is welcome to this community event.

Date: Tuesday night, May 18
Time: Begins at 8pm and goes to dawn on May 19
Place: Kol Emeth, 4175 Manuela Ave. , Palo Alto

See their flier at:

http://etzchayim.org/Downloads/PDFs/EventFlyers/2010MayShavuot.pdf

For info call the Kol Emeth at (650) 948-7498

http://www.kolemeth.org

Second Annual Shavuot California Corridor Crawl
Take a creative approach to the tradition of studying all night on Shavuot to mark the giving of the Torah at Sinai. On Tuesday evening, joins forces with Sherith Israel, Emanu-El and Beth Sholom, JCCSF, and the USF Swig program to “travel from Egypt to Sinai, from bondage to freedom,” along the California Street corridor. You can walk from location to location or join anywhere along the way.

5:30–7 pm, Sherith Israel: Vegetarian family dinner and art project
7:30–8:30 pm, JCCSF ( 3200 California St. ): Study sessions
9–10 pm, Emanu-El (Arguello & Lake): Study with Rabbi Larry Raphael and others
10:30–11:30 pm, Beth Sholom (14th Ave. & Clement): Study with Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller and others
11:30 pm, Beth Sholom: Closing ceremony

Date: Tuesday May 18
Time: 5:30 pm to midnight
Free without dinner. With Dinner:
Adults $10 – Seniors/Students/Children – $7 (on or before 5/10)
Adults $15 – Seniors/Students/Children – $10 (at the door)
For reservations, call Sherith Israel at 415-346-1720.

Shavuot & Shabbat
Beth Chaim in Danville is combining their Shavuot celebration with Shabbat recognition of converts to Judaism. We asked Rabbi Dan Goldblatt if non-members can attend and he said: “Anyone can come to any our services. This is, of course, a Special Shabbat celebration since we are also celebrating Shavuot. Non-members are completely welcome. If you know anyone who might want to come, please extend the invitation. The only caveat is that it is a potluck and they should bring some food (vegetarian) to share. We would love to have them.”

Look at the Evite here:

http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=TMJLPZHKDKIOFXRCGGWI&li=iq&src=email&trk=aei6

Their celebration is Friday, May 21 at 6:30pm in Danville.
If you have questions you can call the synagogue at 925-736-7146. Their website is www.bethchaim.com.

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Passover with children
I got the question: What can I do with my toddler, age 18 months, at the seder?  My answer is, not much.  Feed her, hold her, distract her with toys and put her to bed on time.  There isn’t a lot about the seder that a tiny one can enjoy other than the company.  You’re biggest risk is over stimulation and a very miserable child.  So just don’t over do.

But what about older children?  I consulted one of my favorite Family Educators, Vicky Kelman, for suggestions.  Here are her Top Ten Ideas for a Family Friendly Seder.

1. Start out in the living room not at the table.  Tell the story there.  Once you get to the table everyone will be thinking about FOOD.
Note: I used to show the old Charlton Heston film, The Ten Commandments, later we moved to The Prince of Egypt in the week preceding seder.  Then I asked my children, what did they get right about the story?  What did the movie get wrong?
2. Decorate the living room.  Make it look like a tent by hanging fabric or a parachute from the ceiling or walls.  Have lots of pillows for people to sit on.
3. Ask guests to prepare by bringing something.  Something to read or sing is great.  The act of preparing and contributing helps everyone feel connected and motivated.
Some suggestions:
* ask one family to write a song about karpas; they can use a tune like Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.  Other families can write about other things – Moses, Miriam, Egypt.
* A family can make a centerpiece.  They can use parsley or other spring plants
* Guests can bring food for seder – matzah, grape juice, wine or a dish
* Have others bring different harosets and have a tasting
Note: I’m big on a potluck seder.  I assign everyone a dish to bring & I’ll be bringing dishes to my friend’s house this year.  She and I always make different harosets.  Wouldn’t be seder without them!
4. Hold a matzah tasting.  Buy three or more brands of matzah – or have guests bring different brands.
5. Serve dessert first!  How is this night different?
Note: Wow, I would not have thought of this!  My mother would never have let me have dessert first!
6. Serve dinner to the kids first.  They will concentrate better on the important part of the evening – hearing the story – if they aren’t hungry.
7. Dress up in costumes.  Get out lots of sheets and scarves and get dressed up the way we imagine the Israelites did.
8. Remember that karpas isn’t only parsley.  Karpas can be other kinds of vegetables including potates, artichokes, carrots or celery.  Think of it as your hors d’oeuvres course and get creative.
Note: I never thought of karpas this way before. This year I’m going to really play with vegetables.  I always have some vegetarians at my seder so this will be fun.
9. Hold a quiz show.  Create a Seder Jeopardy game.  Make categories like Plagues, Passover foods, Moses, Seder Guests, etc.  Intersperse the telling of the story with rounds of the quiz game.  Or you can prepare a basket of quiz questions – color coded for different levels of difficulty.
Note: My son invented, Fun Facts.  Basically I have a stash of candies and as we tell the story anyone who adds a fact gets a candy.  You line them up in front of your plate and who every has the most wins.  Many people find that they snack on a few and thus, don’t win but they don’t care.
10. Put on a play.  Older kids can guide younger kids in acting out the story.  Or the older kids (or adults) can tell the story aloud as the younger kids mime.

What are you cooking for Passover?
Are you a meat eater?  There’s a good chance you’ve thought about making brisket.  Watch this TV chef do it.  I also found a recipe for matzah lasagna.  That and matzvah pizza are the two foods that get my son through Passover!  My daughter is more inventive and willing to go flourless.

Other things going on -

Jewish Music Festival
The festival is in full swing! Running March 20-29, 2010 and July 2010! This year they are pulling out all the stops to celebrate a quarter century of bringing the best in world Jewish music to the Bay Area. Our 2010 events include a world premiere (Dan Plonsey’s Bar Mitzvah), an American premiere (Diaspora Redux), and a West Coast premiere (Saints & Tzadiks), as well as a free outdoor festival at Yerba Buena Gardens in July – a first for the Jewish Music Festival. Check out full schedule:
http://www.jewishmusicfestival.org/events

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Rabbi Bridget Wynne of Jewish Gateways has done an amazing job of collecting information on Community Seders around the Bay area.  She sent me her list and said to make it available to you.  So here you go.

BETH CHAIM
1800 Holbrook Drive, Danville. 925-736-7146. Interfaith Passover Seder on Thursday, March 25, 5:45-8PM. This is event is for adults and children over 12 years old only. $15/person.

CHABAD OF OAKLAND

Best Seder in Town. Piedmont Community Hall, 711 Highland Avenue, Piedmont. 510-545-6770. Four-course meal, Hebrew-English Haggadahs. Monday, March 29, 7:00pm. $36/adult, $20/child, $120/family.

Community Passover Seder. 3718 Grand Avenue, Suite 1, Oakland. 510-545-6770. Four-course meal, English-Hebrew Haggadahs. Tuesday, March 30, 7:30pm. $25/adult, $15/child, $80/family.

CHABAD OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

First Night Seder. 1671 Newell Avenue, Walnut Creek. Monday, March 29, 7:30pm. For more info call 925-937-4101 or log on to www. jewishcontracosta.com

Second Night Seder. All info is the same as the first night seder, except the start time is 8:00pm.

CHABAD OF THE RICHMOND

First & Second Night Seders. Richmond Torah Center, 423 10th Avenue, SF. 415-386-8123 or www.rtchabad.org. Monday, March 29 and Tuesday, March 30, 8:00pm. $45/adult, $20/child.

Moshiach’s Feast-An Evening of Inspiration. Join RTC-Chabad for the mystical seder which includes 4 cups of wine, matzah, and discussions based on the concept of the Moshiach. Tuesday, April 6, 6:45pm. Same location as above.

CHABAD OF TRI-VALLEY

First Night Seder. Monday, March 29, 7:15pm. Pleasanton Masonic Center, 3370 Hopyard, Pleasanton. Includes youth programs, supervised children’s groups, and Hebrew-English Haggadahs. 925-846-0700 or www.jewishtrivalley.com.

Second Night Seder. Same as above except for location: 784 Palomino Drive, Pleasanton.

CHABAD OF PALO ALTO

First & Second Night Seders
A traditional Seder with Shmura Matzah, wine, a sumptuous meal and the traditional reading of the Haggadah. Traditional, Uplifting, Delicious!
Seder I: Monday, March 29th, 8:15 pm
Seder II: Tuesday, March 30th, 8:30 pm
Please note: The second Seder on March 30th will be longer than the first Seder with an in depth discussion of the Haggadah. Please plan for a very late dinner.
Adults $50, Children $25 (Discounts Available)
Both Seders will be held at the Chabad Center, 3070 Louis Rd., Palo Alto
Contact: Rabbi Yosef Levin, Phone: 650-424-9800, E-mail: RabbiLevin@chabadgsb.com

CONGREGATION B’NAI SHALOM
74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. 925-934-9446.

Dueling Rabbis. Thursday, March 18, 7:30pm. Join us for an evening of fun as the rabbis face off in the kitchen to see whose Passover cuisine will reign supreme. $5 if purchased before March 17, $7 at the door.

Passover Yom Iyun. March 21, 10:00am-1:00pm. Programming featuring Passover customs around the world, How the Haggadah was compiled, libation and food, including matzah Brei, How to lead and engaging service and make it your own. Free for members.

Traditional Second Seder. Tuesday, March 30, 6:30pm. Five-course Kosher L’Pesach dinner, group seating available, special diets accommodated. $48/adult, $32/child(6-11 yrs), free/child 5 yrs and under.

CONGREGATION B’NAI TIKVAH
Community Seder. Tuesday, March 30, 6:00pm. 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek. Catered by Sunrise Catering. Rsvp by March 22 at 925-933-5397.www.kolhadash.org. Humanistic Passover Seder. Saturday, April 3, 6:30pm. Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Avenue, Albany. Catered/Potluck combo. $35-45/adult, $15-25/child (6-12 yrs old), free/5 yrs and under. 510-44-8217 or Passover@kolhadash.org.

KOL HADASH

TEMPLE BETH SHALOM
642 Delores Avenue, San Leandro. 510-357-8505. Congregational Passover Seder. Tuesday, March 30, 5:00-9:00pm.

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE EAST BAY
1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley. 510-848-0237. Community Passover Seder Luncheon for seniors. Thursday, April 1, 11:30am. $10/members, $13/nonmembers.

KEHILLAH COMMUNITY SYNAGOGUE

Community Passover Seder. Saturday, April 3, 4:45pm. The theme is “In Every Generation: B-chol Dor va-Dor”. Fleishig (dairy-free) meal, with vegetarian option. 1300 Grand Avenue, Piedmont. 510-547-2424 or sasha@kehillasynagogue.org. $42-55/adult, $18/child (9-12 yrs old), $10/child (4-8 yrs old), $25-35/senior, student, disabled, low-income. Not recommended for children under 5 yrs old.

Pesach for Preschoolers. Sunday, March 28, 2:00-3:30pm. Hosted by Kehillah youth educator Terry McGlynn. For more information, call 510-547-2424 x100.

Rodef Shalom, San Rafael (Reform)

Women of Reform Judaism/Sisterhood Women’s Seder Sunday, March 21, 5 pm Save the date for our 17th Annual Women’s Seder! Please join the Women of Rodef Sholom for this beautiful seder, written by and for our Sisterhood. RSVPs are mandatory and are due by March 17. For info, call Rhonda Daniels at 415.895.1432 or send an e-mail to wrs@rodefsholom.org , Subject: Seder.

March 31 7:00pm – 10:00pm at Contemporary Jewish Museum, SF

PASSOVER EVENT/FUNDRAISERoffice@adathisraelsf.org

Put the Hagaddah back on the shelf, and join the Contemporary Jewish Museum’s young professional group, the Contemporaries, for the first annual Out of Order Seder. More cabaret, than kosher ritual, this unforgettable event features cutting edge artists who will put their own spin on the story of Exodus. Emceed by UC Davis professor and contemporary culture scholar Ari Kellman, the evening includes:

• Josh Kornbluth, former host of The Josh Kornbluth Show on KQED and author and performer of several critically-acclaimed one-man shows including Citizen Josh, Ben Franklin: Unplugged, and Andy Warhol: Good for the Jews?

• Nato Green, official comedian of Stephen Elliott’s Progressive Reading Series, founder of the San Francisco comedy institution Iron Comic(r), host of the New Jew Revue and producer of Laughing Liberally Local 415

• Amy Tobin, performance artist and creator of the cabaret rock opera The Esther Show, named one of the “Heeb Hundred” in Heeb Magzine and one of the “Forward 50″ in the Forward Magazine

• John Schott, co-founder of the band Good Planet and guitarist with the Grammy-nominated band T.J. Kirk

• Rabbi Noa Rachael Kushner, serving Marin County’s Congregation Rodef Sholom; poet, essayist, and contributor to several books including The Torah: A Women’s Commentary, Choosing a Jewish Life, and The Women’s Seder Sourcebook

In addition to the performances, guests will also savor an exquisite Passover meal created by San Francisco’s Taste Catering, all within the Museum’s spectacular diamond-shaped “Yud” Gallery.

Ticket purchase includes a one-year membership to the Contemporaries, the Museum’s membership group for young professionals and art enthusiasts. Throughout the year members of the Contemporaries enjoy dynamic social, educational, and philanthropic activities from private exhibition walkthroughs to special lectures.

Proceeds from the evening support the Museum’s education programming.
Event Sponsors: Batiste Rum, Taste Catering

Out of Order Seder
A Passover cabaret and fundraising event featuring food, drink and performances by Josh Kornbluth, Nato Green, Amy Tobin, John Schott, and Rabbi Noa Rachael Kushner

$100 per person (includes one year membership to the Contemporaries, the Museum’s membership group for young professionals and art enthusiasts)
TICKETS ARE LIMITED –ADVANCE PURCHASE RECOMMENDED

Communal First Night Seder at Adath Israel, San Francisco (Modern Orthodox)

For the second consecutive year Adath Israel will be running a communal Seder that maintains the feel of a family Seder, as each table is given ample opportunity to discuss the Hagaddah amongst themselves. The Seder is being catered by Chef Tanya.

Monday March 29th, 2010
Mincha 7:00 PM
Candle Lighting 7:12 PM
Seder begins at 8:00 PM

$60 non-members/$55 for members
$35 children ages 3-13
$500 to reserve your own table (up to 10 people)
RSVP will be registered after payment received
Do a Mitzvah and sponsor someone who can’t afford a Seder
To RSVP contact the Adath Israel office at 415-564-5665 or

1851 Noriega Street, San Francisco, CA 94122 www.adathisraelsf.orgshalom@sonic.net

Sonoma County Seders

- Monday, March 29 at 7:15 pm COMMUNITY PASSOVER SEDER. Join Rabbi Mendel & Altie Wolvovsky for a warm and meaningful Seder experience at the Art & Garden Center – 2050 Yulupa Avenue, Santa Rosa. For more info and RSVP: www.JewishSonoma.com or 577-0277.

- Tuesday, March 30 at 6 pm CONGREGATION BETH AMI’S COMMUNITY PASSOVER SEDER. Kosher meal by Wine Country Kosher and Seder led by Rabbi George Schlesinger at 4676 Mayette Avenue, Santa Rosa. For more info & RSVP: 360-3000 or office@BethAmiSR.org.

- Tuesday, March 30 at 6 pm SISTERHOOD PASSOVER COMMUNITY SEDER. B’nai Israel Jewish Center – 740 Western Avenue, Petaluma. For more info & RSVP: 762-0340 or office@bnaiisrael.net.

- Tuesday, March 30 at 5:30pm 2ND NIGHT PASSOVER SEDER. Congregation Shir Shalom – Burlingame Hall – 252 W. Spain Street, Sonoma. Gefilte Fish, Matzo Ball Soup, Roasted Chicken, Yukon Gold Potatoes, & More. Homemade Desserts provided by Sisterhood, Yummmmm! For more info and RSVP: 935-3636 or info@shir-shalom.org.

- Friday, April 2 at 5pm RUSSIAN RIVER JEWISH COMMUNITY SEDER. Passover Seder, a potluck feast and celebration of freedom, spring and Jewish traditions. Music will be provided by Jubilee Klezmer Ensemble. Located at the Monte Rio Community Center. Members $15, non-members $18, children half-price. For more info and to RSVP: 632-5545.

- Saturday, April 3, 6 pm NER SHALOM’S “FOUR-QUESTION SEDER.” What 4 questions do you need to ask right now? A gentle, thought-provoking, alternative Pesach experience led by Reb Irwin Keller at 85 La Plaza, Cotati. For more info & RSVP: 664-8622 or

Temple Beth Hillel Second Night Seder, Richmond (Reform)
Tues., March 30th. I’m waiting to get information from them on time, price, reservation process, and anything else relevant. 801 Park Central, Richmond. 510-223-2560.officae@netivotshalom.org

Congregation Netivot Shalom Second Night Seders, Berkeley (Conservative)
1316 University Avenue
510-549-9447
Reservations due March 24th to Rachel,

Second Night Community Seder led by Rabbi Shalom Bochner
Tuesday March 30th, 7:00 – 10:30 pm (7 candle lighting, 8:45 meal, 9:45 second part of seder)
$18 per child (12 and under)
$40-50 sliding scale per Adult & Teens (13+)
$36 Seniors & College Students
Some subsidies available, contact Rachel at the Netivot Shalom officerivkah48@sbcglobal.net for seder matching. The sooner we know who has room at a seder table and who would like an invitation, the easier it will be to match people up.seder@gtu.edu Reservations required by March 22. $30/adult, or $30 for GTU student or staff member. Kosher.

Community Seder will be preceded by Kids’ Seder (parents invited, too) led by Rabbi Menachem Creditor and Janet Harris
Tuesday March 30th, 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Free childcare will be provided 7-9:30 PM.

Netivot Shalom Seder Matching
Do you have room at your seder table for guests? OR Are you someone who would like an invitation to a seder?
Please contact Robin Braverman at 925-979-1998 or email her at

Chochmat HaLev (Wisdom of the Heart) Berkeley (Renewal)

Passover Seder, Tue, March 30, 6:30pm – 9:30pm
The Taste of Freedom: A Celebratory & Contemplative Second Seder

Led by master teacher-storyteller, Estelle Frankel. Join us for an unforgettable evening of sacred storytelling, song & ritual as we journey through the mysteries of the Haggadah and feast on traditional Passover delicacies. Music by Renee Benmelech. Fresh, local, kosher-organic catering by Avishai Pearlman. Come dressed in desert attire and bring your “questions” and “dancing spirit.” Space is limited. Call Chochmat Halev to register 510.704.9687. Cost: $50 members/$60 non-members. A few volunteer slots available for $30 admission. Please register early; no one admitted without advance registration and event will sell out.

Preparation for Passover: Deepening into the Haggadah and Enlivening Your Seder

A 2-session workshop to prepare for Pesach taught on consecutive Thursday evenings by Rabbi SaraLeya Schley, Chochmat HaLev.

The Haggadah is our rabbinic guide to the Passover Seder. By spending time studying the traditional structure and text of the Haggadah, along with some Kabbalistic and Hassidic explanations, the intention of this class is to bring a new level of familiarity and understanding to a ritual that, while fun, can also mark a profound spiritual journey.

Session 1. March 18 7-8:45 PM.
• historical context
• underlying structure of the seder
• bringing new insights to the text

Session 2. March 25 7-8:45 PM
• looking at individual sections of the Seder
• deeper exploration of questions students raise during Session 1

The two classes will complement each other and so it is preferable to take both. Session 2 will not repeat much of the contextualization that will be provided in Session 1.

If you have not pre-registered, please come at 6:45 to register so that class can begin promptly at 7PM. Cost: $18 non-members/12 members for individual class; $24 non-members/$18 members for both classes when paid in advance.

The Soul’s Passover Journey with Miriam Smolover: or, De-Chumatzizing our Souls, not just our Kitchens (Chumatz is food that can rise)

Our mystical tradition teaches us that on the hidden level of Torah, the story of our people’s liberation from Egypt is the story of our souls’ liberation from bondage.

In this workshop, we will enter into this timeless river of soul journeying, preparing ourselves to more fully experience the celebration of Passover. We will identify where we are constricted, how to answer the Source’s question’ “Where are you?” what it may be like to make ourselves into a vehicle for the Shechina, and claim our soul’s arrival in the land of freedom. Each phase of this journey will be experienced through a period of chanting, meditation, expressive arts and sharing.

Sunday, March 21, 10 am to 1 pm
$40 members/$50 non-members
please call 510.704.9687 to pre-register.

Led by Miriam Smolover, MFT, REAT. Miriam (our own board member!), is a longtime member of Chochmat HaLev. She received her certification as a Morah L’Hitbodidut/Jewish Meditation Teacher in 2002. Miriam has been composing chants and leading Kol HaLev, The Voice of the Heart chanting and meditation group of Kehilla Community Synagogue, since 1998.

Workman’s Circle & Jewish Labor Committee “Third Night” Labor Seder

Wed., March 31, 2010, 6:30-8:30 PM, at ILWU Local 34 Hall, 4 Berry St., SF, $35/person, reserve by check to Jewish Labor Committee, No. CA Chapter, PO Box 70163 Point Richmond, CA 94807
Info: Diana Scott 415-566-7235, Michael Nye 415-342-5145

Sephardic Seder at GTU

Mon., March 29, 6-9:30 PM, at Church Divinity School of the Pacific, led by Rabbi Tsipi Gabai, for reservations email

Marin JCC

Marin JCC & JCRCsberns@jcrc.org / 415.472.5128.jtrubowitch@jcrc.org / 415.977.7409kstiller@jcrc.org / 650.847.1715.Kiddush
Place: Congregation Etz Chayim; 4161 Alma Street, Palo Alto Ca 94306
Cost: $55/adult, $30 per child (ages 5-12), $8/tot (ages 2-4)Kiddush
Place: Congregation Etz Chayim; 4161 Alma Street, Palo Alto Ca 94306
Cost: $55/adult, $30 per child (ages 5-12), $8/tot (ages 2-4)Kiddush
Place: Congregation Etz Chayim; 4161 Alma Street, Palo Alto Ca 94306
Cost: $55/adult, $30 per child (ages 5-12), $8/tot (ages 2-4)Temple Sinai
Temple Sinai’s Community Seder
Ma nishtana halayla hazeh mikol halaylot? Why is this night different from all other nights? Because on this night you will be celebrating Passover with Temple Sinai! Join Rabbi Steven Chester and Cantor Ilene Keys as we retell the story of Passover, enjoy delicious foods catered by Z Cafe, meet new friends, and sing! Doors Open at 5:30pm at Z Cafe (28th & Webster Streets across from the Sanctuary). Seats are limited and last year we sold out!

North Bay Freedom Seder
Compassion – Collaboration – Community
Strengthening our Response to Human Suffering
Monday, March 22, 2010
6:30 pm
Osher Marin JCC
200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael
Adults $25 – Students $20 – Children 12 & under $15

Celebrate the festival of Passover with a delicious vegetarian dinner, traditional and new music, a gathering of friends new and old, and stories of how compassion and collaboration can build a community. Co-led by Rabbi Ted Feldman (B’nai Israel Jewish Center) and Rev. Veronica Goines (St. Andrew Presbyterian Church).

Space is limited. Please RSVP by March 17th to 415.444.8000. Questions:

In association with Osher Marin JCC, Marin Interfaith Council, Gan HaLev, Jewish Congregation of the San Geronimo Valley, Congregation Rodef Sholom, Marin Organizing Committee, Congregation Kol Shofar, Jewish Family and Children’s Services/Marin Region, and Jewish Community Federation/Marin Region.

JCCSF & JCRC

The Taube-Koret Center for Jewish Peoplehood at the JCCSF in partnership with the JCRC present:
14th Annual Multicultural Passover Freedom Seder
“We Were Once Strangers…”
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
6:30 pm
JCCSF
3200 California Street, San Francisco
Members $35 – Public $40

This Passover, join us for a multicultural Seder that honors the struggle for immigrant rights and advocates for tzedek (justice) for all. As we celebrate the Jewish story of liberation from oppression, let us not forget the strangers within our own community. Let our own past give us compassion for the struggles immigrants face today. Service led by Rabbi Rosalind Glazer.

RSVP required by March 31st to 415.292.1233.
Questions:

Peninsula Temple Beth El & JCRC

Peninsula Freedom Seder
“Let All Who Are Hungry Come and Eat”
Sunday, March 14, 2010
4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Peninsula Temple Beth El
1700 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo

A Passover Seder tells the story of the Jewish liberation and Exodus from slavery in Egypt. However, children from all backgrounds are still trapped by the bondage of hunger, even on the Peninsula. Our Freedom Seder, which is dedicated to hunger awareness and child nutrition, will celebrate freedom and educate participants about what you can do to help prevent child hunger. Co-led by Rabbi Dennis Eisner (Peninsula Temple Beth El, San Mateo) and Rev. Shirley Macemon (New Visions United Methodist Church, Millbrae).

A full kosher-style Passover meal (chicken) will be served. Vegetarian and glatt kosher options available upon request. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay.

Please RSVP by March 5th through

Etz Chayim

Interactive Tot Seder
Brief description: Designed to meet the needs of preschoolers (ages 2-5) and parents. The children will work on a special art project and hear Passover stories. You will end by 7:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday March 30
Time: 5:00pm doors open, 5:30 pm Kiddush, Seder starts after

On One Foot Seder
Brief description: Like it short and to the point? Melissa Rogoway, Etz Chayim education director, will lead an interactive seder with music, dance, and drama. The Seder will last an hour before dinner
Date: Tuesday March 30
Time: 5:00pm doors open, 5:30 pm Kiddush, Seder starts after

Talk Amongst Yourselves Seder
Brief description: Want to ask lots of questions? Rabbi Rachel Solomin will lead with lots of singing and discussion. Plan on at least 11/2 hours before dinner. This is a more traditional, adult-oriented Seder
Date: Tuesday March 30
Time: 5:00pm doors open, 5:30 pm Kiddush, Seder starts after

Date: Tuesday, March 30
Time: 6:00pm
Place: Z Café,
Please purchase your tickets early. No reservations will be taken after Friday, March 19th. You can purchase tickets online at www.oaklandsinai.org. Please contact Gabby at (510) 451-3263 x211.

Posted by admin under Holidays, Passover
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PASSOVER!

Passover – the most observed of all Jewish holidays.  Years ago a Jewish fellow emailed me to say that he had read about a rabbi who claimed that the Exodus never really happened!  Now what, he asked, what if the story of Egypt and the Pharaoh aren’t true?  It doesn’t matter, I told him.  Whether it is fact or a myth, it is our story and it has shaped our existence for thousands of years. 

I trust that the literalists in the crowd will not be upset.  Think about how much of our lives we live by symbols.  What would life be without the great myths?  Their messages are captured today in our language. 

He has the Midas touch.

I feel like I’m tilting at windmills.

I heard the sirens’ song.

I took a history class with Jehon Grist and I suspect there is truth to the Exodus story, but if not, it is still a good story. 

For the Christians on the list, do you believe that Jesus literally turned water to wine?  Some do, some don’t; but the story has power nevertheless.

For the Muslims, do you believe that Muhammed made a midnight flight to heaven on a winged horse?  Again, a story that carries meaning no matter how you view it.

I hope that each of you will sit down to a seder that imparts not just the story of the Exodus, but also the mythic quality of it’s message.

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Would you like to start doing Shabbat? Need to start small or do you want to take it up a notch? Come learn easy steps to create “your” Shabbat. We’ll tell you how to have warm, homemade challah even if you work until 6pm. How to engage children of all ages. Ways to approach teens or other skeptics in your family. As a bonus, we’ll tell you how one simple ritual can improve your child’s and your health, happiness and well being. No kidding!

Join Rabbi Judy Shanks and Dawn Kepler

Date:    Saturday, Feb. 20

Time:    1:15pm.

Place:   Temple Isaiah, 3800 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette

For more information call Dawn at 510-845-6420 x11

Posted by admin under Holidays, Past Programs, Shabbat
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Are you not Jewish, but keeping a Jewish home and raising Jewish kids?

Do you have questions about “doing Jewish,” or Jewish home rituals?

Do you have concerns about your child’s coming bar/bat mitzvah?

Has something bothered you or puzzled you in the Jewish community?

Are some (or all) of the holidays confusing?  Or fun, but you still have questions?

Do you practice another religion and wonder how other families balance the demands of multiple religious needs in one home?

Join Dawn Kepler, to discuss the questions and concerns that arise as you navigate your way through an interfaith/intercultural life.

Dates:   Sundays, March 7 and March 21 (2 meetings)

Time:    7:00-8:30pm

Place:   Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto

Cost:    $20/member, $25/non-member of the Palo Alto JCC

To sign up contact:

Cody Schaffner

Family Connections Coordinator

Phone: (650) 223-8788

cschaffner@paloaltojcc.org

Posted by admin under Couples, Holidays, Jewish Learning, Life Cycle, Past Programs
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Date: Sunday, January 31, 2010

Time: 10am

Place: Beth Israel Judea, 625 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco

The event is open to all and is FREE to BIJ members; Only $7 for non-members.

Drinks and noshes provided. Bring your friends!

For more information or to sign up contact Dawn at 510-845-6420 x11 or email dawn@buildingjewishbridges.org

Posted by admin under Children, Christmas, Holidays, Past Programs
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Christmas for your child

Last week I talked about Christmas for an interfaith couple, this week I want to talk about Christmas for the children in an interfaith family.  Let me remind you of two truths:

1. Your child is not exactly like anyone else, so you can’t duplicate another parent’s choices.

2. Your child is not so unique that you can’t learn from parents.

In today’s world there is a bonus, many people have grown up in interfaith homes and can give us personal accounts of things that were successful and things that were not.  Guess what?  What works for child one, didn’t work for child two.  So you need to stay tuned in to your child.  If your child is normal they will go through the same developmental stages as all children and you can use developmental guidelines to help you with your decisions.

The big question this time of year is, Is it OK to have Christmas in our home?  How will it impact our children? 

Yes, Christmas matters.  So let’s look at how it matters to kids.

First there is how you as parents handle it.  Are you both comfortable?  No one is unusually quiet or holding their breath?  Because if one or both of you are tense, your kids will know that there is something stressful about Christmas.  They may love the presents, food etc, but they will also feel bad.  Talk to your partner; talk to me. Try to put your children’s needs first. The argument is not about which one of you “wins,” it’s about seeing to it that your child wins.  In order for that to happen you have to find a comfortable meeting place.

Are you raising them as Jews?  Christmas is a big symbol; even if you don’t believe in Christ and are not religious at all, the world sees Christmas as a Christian act.  (Christmas stands for Christ’s Mass.)  Be aware that the world around your kids may see this as evidence that they aren’t “really” Jewish.  Other children may say things like, “You have Christmas so you’re not  Jewish.”  The kids aren’t saying that to be mean.  They are trying to sort out life and its many parts.  You need to be ready with a non-defensive, non-angry statement.  Something like, “Dad isn’t Jewish and he loves having Christmas because he did it as a child.  So we have Christmas now to show how much we love Dad.”  Or to the little friend, “Actually, Christopher, we are Jewish.  We have a Christmas tree because Adam’s mommy isn’t Jewish and we have Christmas with her because she loves Christmas and we love her.”

There is something else you want to think about.  You are developing in your child a love of Christmas.  When your child grows up and moves out of your home do you want him/her to continue celebrating Christmas?  When the Christian parent who is the “holder” of Christmas eventually pass away what do you expect your adult child to do about Christmas?  Often we think only in the present.  But think into the future.  Your children may go through some challenging times as they sort out their Christmas celebration questions.  I have adult children of interfaith families who are very conflicted about their continued attachment to and/or practice of Christmas.  Others are not bothered at all. My point is that you need to be aware.  Think about what you’re instilling in your child.  Notice what they say about themselves.  As they reach the teen years and adulthood, be ready to have them make different choices, possibly even different from their own siblings.  Be ready to talk about your choices and about how they see your role in their choices.  Most of all, be ready to love them just as they are.

You’ll note that none of this is religious – it’s cultural and familial.  Much of Christmas is about family.  And frankly, all of Judaism is inextricable from family.

EVENTS

Kindergym Playdays for Babies under age 3 (Oakland)

Judaism in a Nut-Shell (Oakland)

got shabbat?  (Lafayette)

Chanukah is Coming (San Rafael)

Interfaith Couples’ Trip to Israel (Israel)

Kindergym Playdays for Babies under age 3

Please join us for fabulous fun at our weekday and once a month Sunday classes! Your crawling baby or exploring toddler (under age 3) can slide, climb, slither in our ball pit, make music, create a Playdoh masterpiece, jump on a trampoline, pop bubbles and all of you will make new friends! One sibling under 3 is FREE!

Dates:   Classes available Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. 

Time:    Mornings

Place:   Temple Beth Abraham, 327 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland

Check the website for details.

Please call Dawn Margolin at 547.7726 for more info and visit our website for details and directions at: www.tbaoakland.org/kindergym

These classes are a great place for non-Jewish moms to make friends and find playmates for their little ones and themselves!

Judaism in a Nut-Shell
This is a student-driven discussion led by Rabbi Andrea Berlin. During the course of the year, we will learn about topics suggested by the class. This is your opportunity to have almost all of your Jewish questions answered. Bring yourself and any Jewish question (no matter how off the wall). There is no fee or registration required.

Dates:   December 1, February 2, March 2 & May 4

Time:    Tuesday Afternoons, 4:30pm-5:30pm

Place:   Temple Sinai’s Merritt Village on the Merritt College Campus

See directions to the Merritt Village here: http://www.oaklandsinai.org/uploads/17192map_to_Merrit_College.pdf

got shabbat?

Make Shabbat at Temple Isaiah the high point of your week. After all, it’s worked for the Jewish people for thousands of years. Join us for “come as you are” family services on the first Friday of the month. Bring the whole family for a delicious pizza dinner, a lively song session and interactive services followed by a yummy dessert oneg, Israeli dancing interactive family activities, arts & crafts, and more!

Date:    Dec. 4

Time:    5:45—Pizza Dinner
6:30—Singing, Services, Dessert & More!

Place:   Temple Isaiah, 3800 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette

Cost:    $20/family

Need more info?  Call Michael, I love him, at (925) 283-8575, ext. 310

Chanukah is Coming

Shabbat Services – Bring your Chanukah menorah and candles and fill the sanctuary with light and joy!  We will sing Chanukah songs and say the blessings as we celebrate both Chanukah and Shabbat together as a community.

Date:    Friday, December 11

Time:    6:15 pm

Place:   Rodef Sholom, 170 No. San Pedro, San Rafael

info: www.rodefsholom.org

Interfaith Couples’ Trip to Israel

Israel is the birthplace of the Abrahamic faiths and the spiritual center for more than half of the world’s people. Discover the awe and majesty of this ancient land with the one you love. Expert educators guide this unique journey, helping interfaith/intercultural couples explore a landscape immensely rich in spiritual heritage and significance. Spend Sabbath in Jerusalem at the Western Wall, one of the last remaining structures from the complex of the Second Temple, once considered God’s home on earth. Visit the Galilean hills, a lush region of waterfalls and wildflowers where Jesus gave his open-air Sermon on the Mount. Climb to the ruins of Masada, an ancient palace perched on an isolated rocky plateau, where Jewish rebels made their last stand against the mighty Roman Empire. Celebrate Israel Independence Day at Rabin Square in Tel Aviv.

Date:    April 12 – 21, 2010

Cost:    $2800 per person

Led by Interfaith Connection Manager Helena McMahon, LMFT

Here is a link to the description of the trip:

Posted by admin under Children, Christmas, Holidays
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Every year I tell you not to start negotiating change in December.  Here we are in early November so we can talk about tweaking the December holidays.  I’m not suggesting a complete overhaul.  (Making big changes should be discussed and anticipated.)  But knowing that we are heading into December brings up the question: of what about Christmas?

Some of you are celebrating Christmas – some with comfort, some not so comfortable.  Some don’t celebrate Christmas and that too doesn’t guarantee peace and contentment either.  There are two things to consider when you are looking at celebrating Christmas:

- how is it impacting you and your partner

- how is it affecting your children

I have had Jewish partners who said, “My spouse does everything Jewish.  Doing Christmas is the one thing that he/she asks for.  I can do that.”

I’ve also had non-Jewish partners who said, “When December comes the whole world is Christmas.  I provide a sanctuary for my Jewish spouse by shutting Christmas outside our home.”

These two perspectives are both right.  They are tailored to the couple that is making the decisions.  These couples are being sensitive to each other and the needs of their partner.

Now you may not have one partner who feels able to give up on the “Christmas in our home” question.  You may be looking at spending Christmas with extended family or friends in this case.  I know couples who go away to a tropical location – Mexico or Hawaii – for the winter break.  That’s what works for them.

Some people focus on the size of the tree.  If that helps, then it’s a good idea.  If it only functions as a way to narrow an argument, then you need to clear the air and have a larger discussion.

Negotiation, compromise, discussion, communication.  All important to a successful relationship.  If you feel you need some help, call me.

I’ll talk more about children and Christmas next week.

An Interfaith Story

In my last email I sent you a link to Juliet’s story of her interfaith relationship and marriage.  This week I’m sending you some of her husband, Birger’s, thoughts. 

http://interfaithfamily.com/life_cycle/birth_ceremonies/Turning_Off_the_Auto-Pilot.shtml

EVENTS

Eat, Pray, Learn: 3rd Shabbat (Lafayette)

Jews of Uganda Speaker (San Francisco)

Songs of Renewal & Inspiration (Berkeley)

Holiday Expo (Alameda)

Rock the House, a Dinner Dance (Richmond)

Eat, Pray, Learn: 3rd Shabbat
EAT: Join us before services in the Sanctuary for a “Happy 1/2 Hour” of spiked cider & autumn treats.
PRAY: Services are a come-as-you-are, intergenerational experience. Worship begins with families praying together. Then students in K-6th grade depart the sanctuary with one of our rabbi for age-appropriate prayer and programming. This gives parents an opportunity to have a meaningful and reflective worship experience. The service will feature our Mizmor Band, a first-rate ensemble of congregants, and a D’var Torah, a teaching on the Torah portion from one of our rabbis. The mood is rhythmic and soulful as the band plays us through Shabbat. The kids join us again after Kaddish and we close the service together with rousing singing.
LEARN: Following services adults can “Meet & Greet” over a catered dinner and speaker. RSVPs required.

Date:    Friday, November 20

Time:    6:00pm for the Happy ½ hour and services at 6:30pm

Place:   Temple Isaiah, 3800 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette

RSVPs for dinner are due to Mary Anne Winig, Adult Programming Coordinator at (925) 283-8575 ext. 301 or maryannew@temple-isaiah.org by the Wednesday, November 18.

Jews of Uganda Speaker

Journey to Shabbat Services

Our guest will be JJ Keki, one of the outstanding leaders of the Abayudaya (Jews of Uganda) and the neighboring community, and a very experienced speaker and musical performer. His music was honored by a Grammy nomination in Traditional World Music.

Mr. Keki will join with Cantor Glassman in the musical parts of the service, and will speak about a program of the Abayudaya primary and high schools, which educate and feed 600 Jewish, Muslim and Christian children studying together in peace. He will also report on the child nutrition project; public health education and women’s empowerment programs; on-going classroom, dorm and school kitchen construction; as well as the village micro-finance, crafts, music CD, coffee, vanilla and eco-tourism self-help projects.

As leader and founder of the Mirembe Kawomera coffee co-ops, JJ will also provide insight into the progress of the “Delicious Peace” fair trade coffee project (sold here at Sherith Israel), which unites more than 1000 Jewish, Christian and Muslim farmers in the production of organic kosher coffee.

Date:    Friday, November 20

Time:    6:30pm

Place:   Sherith Israel, 2266 California St., San Francisco

Songs of Renewal & Inspiration

A Havdallah Pre-chanukkah Night of Music and Stories

Join Rabbis Shawn Zevit and Menachem Creditor for Havdallah followed by concert.

Date:    Saturday, December 5

Time:    8:30pm sharp

Place:   Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley

Tickets/Donations at the Door $5

Call (510) 549-9447 for details

Holiday Expo

Come for an interfaith Holday Expo!

A variety of artists, authors and business owners from around the Bay Area will have booths selling their wares for holiday shoppers of all faiths.  Vendors include Cookie Lee, Creative Memories, Discovery Toys, Mary Kay, Stampin’ Up, Scentsy Candles, and Avon.  Local artists and merchants will be selling jewelry, chocolates, purses, greeting cards, knitted items, and holiday decorations (for Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa).  

Date:    Sunday, December 6

Time:    10am. to 1:30pm

Place:   Temple Israel, 3183 Mecartney Road in Alameda. 

FREE

For more information, please contact Temple Israel at either (510) 522-9355 or templeisraelevents@yahoo.com. 

Rock the House, a Dinner Dance
Dance to the music of The Back Pages (http://www.thebackpages.net/) playing memorable hits from The 60’s. Dine on a dinner of Mediterranean fare, homemade desserts, and wine.
Celebrate the warmth of the Festival of Lights …with good friends and new acquaintances.
Participate in Temple Beth Hillel’s holiday fundraiser.

Date:    Saturday, December 12

Time:    7:00 p.m.

Place:   Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central, Richmond – just a stone’s throw from the Hilltop exit of 880.

Cost:    $45 in advance/$50 at the door.

To make your Rock the House reservations:
Call (510) 223-2560, or
E-mail tbhrichmond@hotmail.com, or

Mail to Temple Beth Hillel, P.O. Box 20910, El Sobrante, CA 94820

Posted by admin under Christmas, Couples, Holidays
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Dear Friends,

Eight years ago we all ran to the television or the radio as we learned the news of the planes hitting the Twin Towers in New York.  It was a morning of shock and fear.  I know for a fact that at least one person on this list was one of the firefighters who ran in while other ran out.

Jay, thank you for your bravery and your devotion to saving lives even at the risk of losing yours.

My friends, please take a moment to remember the grief of those who lost loved ones and the bravery of so many good people who did all they could, that day and since, to help.

I have posted a beautiful reflection written by Rabbi Creditor of Netivot Shalom in the post immediately before this one.

I want to give you a few additional useful items for this coming High Holidays.

Prospective Member Coffee
Are you interested in becoming a member or learning more about the Temple? You will have the opportunity to meet our Clergy and staff and tour the sanctuary.

Date:    Friday, September 11

Time:    6:00pm

Place:   Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland

For more information and to RSVP, please contact Gabby at (510) 451-3263 x211.

FREE High Holiday Services in Alameda

Temple Israel has decided to offer High Holy Day service tickets available at no charge to anyone who asks for them for services during this High Holy Days cycle.  Donations will be gladly accepted, and everyone will still need a ticket to get in. But tickets are available at no charge. Please help us spread the word.

Tickets may be reserved by calling our office at (510) 522-9355, x 310.

Find FREE High Holiday options in Marin

 Look online at:

www.nitamarin.org

A Sukkot Retreat for multiracial Jewish family members

I can’t even begin to describe all the good things about the Be’chol Lashon retreat taking place Oct. 2 to 4.  So go to this link and see for yourself.

Posted by admin under Holidays
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