(Image: A hamentashen bake with friends) We just observed Tu B’shvat and are now coming up on Purim. Both of these are minor holidays in the Jewish calendar. It can be tempting to say, we don’t need to do anything for them; they aren’t really that important. But pause and consider, why might they be…
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(Photo courtesy of JEMINA) The majority of Jews in America are from Eastern Europe. This population is called Ashkenazi or Askenazim and is the standard for “Jewish” in American movies, books, television and culture. The foods, music, history and languages that we experience as “Jewish” in America are Ashkenazi. However, the Jewish people originated in…
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Today I want to talk with you about a few things that bring HAPPINESS. First, look honestly at things that are causing you issues. The big old holidays I want to acknowledge that the holiday season wasn’t the greatest for everyone. But I want it to be good for you next year. If you had a…
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This week’s Torah portion is Sh’mot or Shemot (Names). Rabbi Annette Koch sent her congregation, Temple Israel of Alameda, a beautiful drash (teaching) about it that is particularly well timed as we approach the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. This week’s Torah portion Shemot, which means “Names” begins the story of our exile and…
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(Photo by Ian Chin Photography) This is one of the LEAST expensive basic Judaism classes I’ve ever seen. If you are curious about getting a solid foundation in Judaism, start with a basic class. For this class you can contact Rabbi Mark Bloom for further information by emailing him at rabbibloom@tbaoakland.org. Introduction to Judaism This…
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The Jewish Community Federation sent out this message: Kids spend an average of 7 hours a day on screens. How can we divert their attention from virtual life to real play, keeping them happy, motivated, and interested in the world around them? Two words: summer camp. Jewish overnight camp can be life-changing for a child….
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