PLEASE THINK WITH ME this week. In the many of these posts I include a list of activities happening around the Bay Area. The latest is below. Assembling this “calendar” is time consuming to create. So please answer these three questions.
- Do you read the calendar?
- Do you ever attend any of the events?
- Does knowing what is going on Jewishly-speaking of any use to you?
Email me at dawn@buildingJewishbridges.org and give me your reply. Thank you.
Activities Around the Bay
Bubbies, Zadies and Babies (Walnut Creek)
Babies on the Farm (Berkeley)
Introduction to Mussar (Zoom)
Illuminated Paths: A New Way to Access the Light of Judaism (Zoom)
Shabbat Shmooze (San Rafael)
Musical Sulam Shabbat Experience (Palo Alto)
Temple Israel’s 18th Annual Holiday Festival (Alameda)
Pajama Party Fun (Redwood City)
Songs of the Mediterranean with Marin Baroque (San Rafael)
Hava NaBaby: Becoming A Grandparent (San Francisco)
Yoga with a Jewish Twist (Oakland)
Ruach Shabbat (Danville)
Hanukkah Maker’s Market (San Francisco)
Festival of Lights (San Rafael)
Bubbies, Zadies and Babies
Join us for Bubbies, Zadies and Babies, a welcoming gathering where families can connect, build community, and spend time together.
Date: Nov 8
Time: 10am to 1pm
Place: Tice Valley Gym, Walnut Creek
Register here
Free
Bubbies, Zadies and Babies will also meet in December on Sun, Dec 13, in Walnut Creek
Register here
Place: Exact addresses to be provided upon registration.
Sponsored by the Contra Costa JCC.
Babies on the Farm
Welcome to our drop-in group for babies and their parents! We will meet to shmooze, play and enjoy some music and Boichik bagels. You are welcome to come late or leave early. This is meant to be an informal and relaxed setting to get to know other parents and bond with your baby. Music will be around 11:00 am.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 12
Time: 10:15am – 12:15pm
Place: Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth Street, Berkeley
Free
Register here
Introduction to Mussar: The Jewish Practice of Character Development
Mussar is the Jewish spiritual practice of self-improvement through the development of certain middot, soul-traits (e.g. humility, patience, empathy, courage). While the Mussar movement began in 19th-century Lithuania, it has recently become popular in the US in both Orthodox and non-Orthodox communities. Come to this introductory session and find out why so many people have found the study and practice of Mussar to be deeply meaningful and enriching.
This session will be led by Rabbi Sarah and will be on Zoom only.
Questions? Please email Rabbi Sarah.
Date: Thursday, November 12
Time: 7:00pm
Place: Zoom Only
Host congregation is Temple Beth Torah, 42000 Paseo Padre Pkway, Fremont
Illuminated Paths: A New Way to Access the Light of Judaism
Join creator and author Debbie Plawner for an interactive community reading exploring Jewish wisdom through the language of color. Using Illuminated Paths, a 52-card deck and guidebook connecting vivid colors and images with teachings from Torah, Debbie will lead the community through a live reading. No deck is required!
Date: Thu, Nov 12
Time: 7 to 8pm
Place: Virtual Event
Free, details & registration here.
Sponsored by the Contra Costa JCC.
Shabbat Shmooze
Come gather in Plaza J to welcome in Shabbat (the Jewish day of rest) with live music, fun snacks, and a tasty beverage.
We will gather every 2nd Friday, monthly.
Free event! All are welcome. No registration, just drop-in!
Date: Friday, November 13
Time: 4:00 pm – 5:30pm
Place: Osher Marin JCC, 200 North San Pedro Rd., San Rafael
Details here
Musical Sulam Shabbat Experience
with Special Guest Musician Lior Ben-Hur
Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with music, community, and joy! Come early to enjoy a delicious pizza dinner at 5:30 pm, then stay (or arrive) at 6:30 pm for a lively, family-friendly musical service featuring both beloved favorites and uplifting new melodies.
Date: Friday, November 13
Time: 5:30pm
Place: Etz Chayim, 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto
Register here
Temple Israel’s 18th Annual Holiday Festival
Get your retail therapy on!
Dozens of vendors ready to tackle your shopping needs!
Cafe & Bake Sale!
Bring the whole family!
Date: Sunday, Nov. 15
Time: 10am to 3pm
Place: Temple Israel of Alameda, 3183 Mecartney Road, Alameda
Free admission and Parking!
Details here.
Pajama Party Fun
Join us for a Sunday afternoon of music, puppets and playtime with other Peninsula families.
Join Jewish Baby Network’s Carol Booth and friends for an afternoon of pajama fun with singing, movement, puppets, crafts, snacks, and a special Havdalah ceremony. Havdalah is a kid favorite experience with juice, spices, and candlelight to mark the beginning of a new week. Grown-ups and kids are encouraged to wear their PJs!
Date: Sun, Nov 15
Time: 3:00 – 5:30pm
Place: Congregation Beth Jacob, 1550 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City
More details from host, Jewish Baby Network, here
Songs of the Mediterranean with Marin Baroque
Join Marin Baroque and renowned Bay Area musicians Eliyahu Sills and Rachel Valfer Sills of The Qadim Ensemble, for a transcendent musical journey through ancient Sephardic, Islamic and Christian music of Algeria, Morocco, Spain, Turkey, and Italy as well as music of 17th century prince, composer, philosopher and researcher, Dimitrie Cantemir.
The works featured in this concert exemplify musical unity, highlighting music originating from regions commonly involved in conflict with a message of peace.
Date: Sunday, November 15
Time: 4:30 – 6:00pm
Place: Rodef Sholom Sanctuary, 170 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael
Free, register here
Hava NaBaby*: Becoming A Grandparent
Embrace becoming grandparents and create a meaningful “gift basket” of Jewish wisdom and memories for your children and grandchildren.
Date: Wednesday, November 18
Time: 1:00 – 2:30pm
Place: SF JCC, 3200 California St, San Francisco
Register here
Free
*translation: Let’s have a baby
Yoga with a Jewish Twist
Explore a variety of postures (asanas) designed to increase flexibility, strength, balance, and relaxation. Discover the benefits of yoga through gentle movements, breathing exercises (pranayama), and guided relaxation. Cindy Berk, a Y-200 Yoga Instructor, will be leading each session.
Date: Wednesday, November 18
Time: 7:00pm
Place: Temple Sinai, in Stern Hall, 2808 Summit St., Oakland
Register here
Ruach Shabbat
Join us for a lively Shabbat service and community dinner. The 6th grade class is sponsoring dinner and dessert! This is for families with young children. Be prepared for kids, kids everywhere!
5:30 is Tot Shabbat
6pm: Dinner
6:30pm: Service followed by an ice cream sundae bar
Date: Friday, Nov 20
Time: 5:30pm
Place: Beth Chaim, 1800 Holbrook Dr., Danville
Cost: $10/person $25/family
NOTE: I just spoke to the Beth Chaim Director at Large, a delightful woman named Deborah. She is my new best friend. If you want to touch base before you arrive, call the shul at 925-736-7146 and ask to speak to Deborah.
Hanukkah Maker’s Market
Shop for unique handmade crafts, artisanal foods, and one-of-a-kind gifts from local artists, makers and chefs. Looking for something special for the holidays? Browse 20+ local makers, artists, and chefs, all under one roof. The first 100 guests get a free Hanukkah Maker’s Market tote!
Date: Sunday, November 22
Time: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Place: SF JCC, 3200 California St, San Francisco
Free, sign up here
Festival of Lights
Join us on Sunday, December 6, for our annual Festival of Lights! This free community celebration brings people together for an afternoon of music, food, local artists and festive fun. Come celebrate, connect, and enjoy the joy of the season with us! All are welcome! Registration is required.
Date: Sunday, December 6
Time: 11am to 2pm
Place: Osher Marin JCC, 200 N San Pedro Rd, San Rafael
Sign up here