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Fall 2024 Basic Judaism classes

(Image is of kiddish cups at Afikomen in Berkeley. So beautiful!) Basic Judaism classes are the best way to build your knowledge of Judaism. No matter your level you can profit from having a rabbi teaching you and having a roomful of other adult students to spark your ideas and to share theirs. For an…

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Judaism: A Tradition of Questions

One of the most attractive elements of Judaism – for both Jews and non-Jews – is the tradition of asking questions. Questions are often followed by an argument that is “for the sake of heaven,” meaning to deepen our understanding, not to defeat the other guy. Whether you are learning about Judaism or teaching someone…

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When you realize you’re a Jew… and alone

I received another email from a person who woke up to being a Jew after October 7. It is so hard to suddenly realize you have a larger identity, a larger family and are hated by much of the world. Add to that that people who reach out to me have often lived a completely…

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Weekend Reading for Fun and Calm

It’s been a tough year so far and doesn’t seem likely to improve soon. So how about some peaceful and encouraging reading options for Shabbat and the weekend? Willie Mays loved his Jewish friends. The J-weekly shared this story about local baseball legend, Mays. Put your money where your mouth is! Robert Kraft, majority owner of the…

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