(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…
Read More »Introduction to Judaism
Introduction to Judaism: Winter 2024
It’s been a difficult few months so we have to be patient with each other. I have gathered some Basic Judaism classes that will begin next week in January. I’ll add what others come my way. If YOUR synagogue is offering a class and you don’t see it here, please email me the details at dawn@buildingjewishbridges.org…
Read More »The Best Gift is You
The 2023 Winter Solstice began at 7:27pm last night. No matter your religious tradition we all live on the same planet and those of us in the northern hemisphere have reached the darkest point of the year. For a few days the amount of daylight will remain the same and then, gradually, the minutes of…
Read More »What will you do for yourself/family in 5784?
This is the busiest time of the Jewish calendar. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are just past, we are in the week of Sukkot which culminates in Simchat Torah. The Jewish month that follows is Cheshvan, sometimes called Mar Cheshvan meaning bitter Cheshvan. The most common explanation I’ve been taught is that it is bitter…
Read More »Basic Judaism Classes Fall 2023
The best start for anyone – Jewish or not – who wants to understand Jewish culture and tradition is to take a Basic Judaism class. I will list the classes that are offered here in the San Francisco Bay Area. Let me know if your synagogue or Jewish institution is offering a beginner’s class so…
Read More »Knowledge is Power: LEARN + Jews of color space
(Image is from Kindergym) Are you a Jew of Color? A young woman I know, Bekkah Sharp, is a Jew of color and has begun working with Bend the Arc to create Jewish spaces for Jews of color. A number of Jew of color organizations are working to create Jewish spaces where Jews of color…
Read More »