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PAST EVENT RECORDINGS In 2024, the Contra Costa JCC will continue to bring the community together online or in person. When possible, its Under One Tent program will present the recordings of these events below. For 2023 events you missed, visit our 2023 Event Recordings page. Award-winning writer, playwright, journalist, and author of seven books, Michael Posner, joined the Under One Tent audience online on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. He introduced the third volume of his book, Leonard Cohen: Untold Stories , a must-read for fans of Leonard Cohen. Leonard Cohen: Untold Stories Journalist Rebecca Clarren melds investigative reporting with personal family history in The Cost of Free Land to reveal the intertwined stories of her family and the Lakota. Her fascinating talk on March 5 was a reminder of the devastating cycle of loss of Indigenous land, culture, and resources that continues today. The Cost of Free Land Religious Studies Professor at San Francisco State University, Rachel B. Gross, joined the Under One Tent audience online on Monday, March 5, 2024. Her colorful presentation touched on the subject of her book, Beyond the Synagogue: Jewish Nostalgia as Religious Practice. Beyond the Synagogue Amos Neuser Guiora is an Israeli-American Law professor at S. J. Quinney College of Law, University of Utah. On Monday, February 12, he joined the Under One Tent audience online to talk about Israel and the existing climate in the country with the ongoing war. Prof. Guiora's Talk On Thursday, February 8, author Rachel Shteir joined the Under One Tent audience online to introduce her fourth book, Betty Friedan: Magnificent Disrupter , which paints a new portrait of The Feminine Mystique author and activist acclaimed as the mother of second-wave feminism. Rachel Shteir on Betty Friedan On January 22, 2024, Alexander Troy joined the Under One Tent audience online to introduce his hilarious, heartwarming novel, The Academy of Smoke and Mirrors, which he co-authored with Jim Parry. Alex Troy's Book Talk

LET'S CELEBRATE SHAVUOT HIKE May 15, 2021, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM PDT In Danville, TBA upon registration Perfect for young families! Join us for a hike and then for delicious ice cream to celebrate the upcoming holiday Shavuot. Details

High Holidays Rituals & Customs There are many rituals and customs associated with Rosh HaShanah & Yom Kippur. These are some of the Rosh HaShanah customs: Blowing a shofar (ram’s horn) calls community members to atone. At the time of the Temple in Jerusalem, the shofar sounded to announce the Sabbath and the New Moon; it proclaimed the anointing of a new king. Rosh HaShanah is sometimes known as the “memorial of blowing.” Eating a round challah instead of a traditional long one. This round shape symbolizes the circle of life, and the continuity of the calendar year. Sometimes, bakers include raisins or add sprinkles to the dough. In some Jewish communities, eating the head of a fish symbolizes the name of this new year, which in Hebrew is translated as “head of the year.” Enjoying sliced apples and honey is a very popular ritual. Apples are often incorporated into artwork and graphics associated with this holiday. Another ritual is tashlich , to walk to a river or body of water and recite special prayers of penitence. Afterwards, those present throw breadcrumbs into the body of water, a ritual which symbolizes the casting away of one’s sins. In some communities, individuals get a haircut at Rosh HaShanah and get new clothes . Give tzedakah (make a donation). As part of improving ourselves, we also want to help improve the world. Tikkun Olam (repairing the world aka social action) is a very important mitzvah in Judaism. We practice the following on Yom Kippur: No eating or drinking from sunset to after sundown the next day when there are three stars in the sky (Except for those who are pregnant, nursing or cannot do so for medical reasons). No wearing of leather shoes or clothing made of leather Hearing the shofar. Attend the Yizkor Memorial service during the day. Writing a letter to oneself to remind yourself how to be a better person in the coming year Break one’s fast after sundown with family and/or friends.