I had a wonderful chat with the receptionist at Rodef Sholom today. I’ve referred a couple to her shul and I wanted to verify the date of their Chanukkah Celebration (see it below). In our conversation she shared that she is married to a non-Jewish spouse – I think I bring that out in folks.
She also offered to give them a book she likes, Judaism’s 10 Best Ideas, by Arthur Green. For those of you who would like to stimulate adult conversation, whether with just your partner, or with a group of friends, do consider getting this book as a stimulus. You can get it at your library. Resources
Hanukkah 101 from Chabad
Hanukkah Resources from a Secular website!
Hanukkah recipes from across Asia
Bay Area Public Menorah Lightings from the J-Weekly
Being Jewish is more than Avoiding Christmas
Let’s make our own Bimuelos!
EVENTS
Revealing the Hidden Light of Hanukkah (Online from San Francisco)
The Light Within (Online)
Chanukah Community Celebration! (San Rafael)
Join Temple Beth Torah for Chinese Food and a Movie! (Fremont)
Jewish Refresh: Understanding Big Jewish Ideas (San Mateo and Online)
JCC Acts: Blanket Bonanza (Berkeley)
Revealing the Hidden Light of Hanukkah
Join us for an inspiring program as we explore how the light of Hanukkah can brighten up even the darkest of times.
Date: Wed, Dec 21
Time: 2:00pm
Place: Online
Host: Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco
Free
Sign up here.
The Light Within: Contemplative & Embodied Practices for the Fourth Night of Hanukkah & Winter Solstice
Join us for a beautiful evening of Mindfulness, Song, Dance, Movement & Candlelighting to celebrate the 4th night of Hanukkah!
In the Jewish mystical tradition, our sages teach that an eternal hidden light (אוֹר הַגָּנוּז/Or HaGanuz) is always present within the world and within each of us.
Join us as we embody and contemplate the eternal light of The Mystery that exists in all beings so that we may become vessels of light. This is the time in the Northern Hemisphere for Celebrating the Winter Solstice. We are invited to amplify the light within and to shine it out into the World.
Date: Wednesday, December 21
Time: 4:00 to 5:30pm
Place: Online
Free
Sign up here
Chanukah Community Celebration!
Gather with us for a special, all ages Chanukah celebration as we bask in the light of the season together. Bring your menorah and candles for a community lighting, and enjoy doughnuts and sufganiyot from local favorite Johnny Doughnuts, music, and revelry.
Date: Dec. 23
Time: Begins at 5pm with doughnuts at 5:45pm
Place: Rodef Sholom, 200 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael
Free
Please sign up here so there will be plenty of doughnuts!
Join Temple Beth Torah for Chinese Food and a Movie!
What’s more Jewish than Chinese Food and a movie on 12/25?
This year will be EXTRA fun because it’s interactive! Not only will we be noshing while watching the movie, but we’ll also be singing along….to the award-winning 1971 classic film “Fiddler on the Roof” starting at 2:00pm on Sunday, 12/25!
Chinese food, drinks, and other snacks will be provided. Please be sure to RSVP by completing the short form below by Thursday, 12/22.
Date: Sunday, Dec. 25
Time: 2pm
Place: Temple Beth Torah, 42000 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont
Cost per person:
$15 for ages 11+
$10 for age 10 or younger.
Sign up here
Jewish Refresh: Understanding Big Jewish Ideas Through Jewish Prayers, with Rabbi Rebecca
This will be a six-session series in which we explore big Jewish ideas through the theme of Jewish prayer. We’ll discuss how Jewish tradition understands prayer and theology, study Jewish gratitude and remembrance practices, and see how Jewish history and the Jewish bookshelf appear in our prayerbook. We will also examine how Reform Judaism has responded to challenges of theology and egalitarianism.
While the classes will all be connected to one another, the series is designed so that learners will be able to miss a class without losing the bigger thread we are studying together. Learners of all prior experiences and backgrounds are invited to join us.
Dates: Tuesdays, January 10, 17, 24 and 31 of 2023
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Place: In person and on Zoom
Host: Peninsula Temple Beth El, 1700 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo
Non-members are welcome to participate!
PTBE members – no fee.
Non-Member Fee for series $90.
Members and non-members register here
JCC Acts: Blanket Bonanza
Join us at the JCC East Bay for an afternoon of blanket-making, hot cocoa, and good company. Learn how to make tie blankets to donate to the Women’s Daytime Drop-in Center. Activities from 2-4pm will be geared toward families with young children, and 4:30-6pm will be the adults’ time to shine!
Date; Sunday, Jan. 8
Time: 2pm
Place: JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street Berkeley
Free
Sign up here