During these times of social distancing many of my friends are still avoiding crowds. That means “going” to services online. Want to try out a new shul? Join Beth Emek on any third Friday for services online. If you are up for it, yes, you can go in-person. If not, join on Zoom. Their service…
Read More »
Have you found a “place” to go for an online Shabbat experience? If you are not affiliated with a synagogue that is offering services online consider joining Rabbi Bridget Wynne of Jewish Gateways any Friday evening at 6pm. I’ve visited her service. It is only about 30 minutes but provides all the blessings and a…
Read More »
I have a friend who plays the organ at an East Bay church and the piano at an East Bay synagogue. He marveled at how quickly the synagogue jumped into cyberspace. His church is still struggling with their website. Over the centuries Jews have learned to act fast. Make it work. There’s the joke that…
Read More »
(Image is of Temple Isaiah in Lafayette in their outdoor sanctuary in 2016. They currently have NO PLANS to have services here or in their building. You may join them online.) Can we have Jewish religious services out of doors? Several local synagogues have been using Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal’s Jewish values statement to guide their…
Read More »
(Image: Services at Beth Am) With COVID-19 impacting the entire world synagogues have moved rapidly to online services where ever possible. Orthodox congregations are not allowed to use electricity on the Sabbath. You can get on the email list for those synagogues and they will email members, and you, when they have programming available. They…
Read More »For those of us in the liberal bubble of the bay area we may need to put some extra energy into Pride this year. We may be feeling downtrodden and helpless. If you are wondering, what can I do?, read this empowering and succinct post from Rabbi Ruth Adar, the Coffee Shop Rabbi. If you…
Read More »