(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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Jewish Summer Camp
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….
Read More »Becky Nurse of Salem: A theater discussion
Time to relax, socialize and stimulate our brains all at the same time. Join me with Rabbi Chester to discuss the current Berkeley Rep play, Becky Nurse of Salem. You can see the play before or after the play; it’s up to you. Some folks don’t want any spoilers, others want to walk in looking…
Read More »Shakshuka Day – Yes, It’s a made up “holiday”
(Shakshuka_by_Calliopejen1 on Wikipedia) On a trip to Israel together, my dear friend Laurie, fell in love with the Israeli dish, Shakshuka. So she invented Shakshuka Day. It falls on the last Shabbat of the secular calendar year and it involved eating shakshuka, pretty easy. This year Laurie is hosting her special day after services at…
Read More »Hanukkah and Christmas – together again
Hold your breath and jump in, it’s a week of holidays. First up is Hanukkah which begins this Sunday night, second is Christmas on Wednesday. Full stop! Whether you are doing one or the other holiday or both or neither, I want you to relax and enjoy it. If your family and you won’t be…
Read More »Isn’t Christmas JUST ONE Day?!
Dear Dawn: I moved in with my Jewish boyfriend in July. At that time, I agreed not to have Christmas in our apartment. Now I’m having second thoughts. I do Passover and Hanukkah with him. Christmas is just one day a year and I have so many beloved traditions. For me, getting and decorating the tree, shopping…
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