The Union for Reform Judaism (the umbrella group for Reform synagogues) provides a wonderful brief curriculum titled A Taste of Judaism. This 3 session class gives you a good basic understanding of the pillars of Judaism. It is free. This January Temple Israel in Alameda has received funding to offer the class. Call the synagogue…
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Channukah & Thanksgiving: It’s Complicated
I found this email from Rabbi Menachem Creditor of Netivot Shalom in Berkeley to be powerful and well said. I want to share it with you. Much has been made of the overlap of Channukah and Thanksgiving this year, a convergence that will not occur again for over 79,000 years. On the one hand, the…
Read More »It’s been a hell of a week – Jewish reactions to the PEW study
This has been… hm, let’s say an interesting week. On Monday the PEW Research Study on the American Jewish community came out. Great! But then the reactions began and my blood began to boil. So I did what many 21st century Americans do, I went on Facebook and posted the link to an absurd article…
Read More »DIY Judaism: Let’s Make Challah!
No previous experience necessary! Everyone loves the smell of baking bread or the taste of warm homemade bread from the oven. Do you wish you could make delicious challah for Shabbat, but don’t consider yourself a baker or are short on time? Join us in the kitchen, and we’ll quickly put your mind at ease….
Read More »All sorts of Sukkahs!
In 2010 there was a contest called Sukkah City. People were invited to construct unusual sukkahs. Now the movie about this wild and crazy event is out; you can see a trailer here. What the contest illustrated is that sukkahs can come in all sorts of shapes, colors and materials. Even kosher ones! I thought…
Read More »DIY Judaism: Let’s Practice Sukkot
Sukkot is one of the three Jewish pilgrimage festivals—that means very important! It’s fun for kids and adults alike. Imagine building a playhouse + decorating for an autumn festival + picnicking outside — you’ve got Sukkot. How do you get started with the fun? Come to a no-experience-needed gathering to learn about Sukkot. You’ll leave…
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