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PASSOVER SCAVENGER HUNT & HIKE Mar 20, 2021, 1:00 PM PDT In Danville, TBA upon registration Outside the box... into the fresh air! Passover themed scavenger hunt & hike at a local park followed by snacks & refreshments. Perfect for young families! Details

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.

2022 EVENTS RECORDINGS In 2022, the Contra Costa JCC continued to sponsor many book talks, discussions, and cooking demos and partnered with other organizations to bring various events to the community. If you missed the listed programs, the recordings are available here. For the last two years' programs, please visit our Event Recordings from 2020 and 2021 . We hope you enjoy them! On Sunday, December 11, award-winning author and historian Fred Rosenbaum dug deep into the century-old tensions between Ukraine, Russia and the region’s Jewish population in preparation for the streaming of the powerful drama Anton . Around the World with Fred: Ukraine On Monday, December 12, 2022, New York Times Best Selling author and journalist Howard Blum introduced us to his latest book, The Spy Who Knew Too Much . He shared the process he had to get through to gather his information and the characters who helped him create his page-turning narrative. The Spy Who Knew Too Much On December 8, 2022, author, freelance writer and journalist Ben Mattlin joined the Under One Tent audience virtually from Los Angeles for a Q&A on his book Disability Pride - Dispatches from a Post ADA-World. Disability Pride On Tuesday, December 6, 2022, Dr. Jehon Grist took the Under One Tent audience on a virtual tour of the most informative Jerusalem area excavations confirming and illuminating ancient Israel’s presence in the city. The outline of the course and suggested reading materials are available here . Digging Jerusalem Though her name is synonymous with elegance and chic, the iconic Coco Chanel had a complicated, dark side. Author Gioia Diliberto's fascinating book talk on November 22 gave us the not-secret-anymore details on the life of this famous fashion designer. Coco at the Ritz On November 15, author Esther Erman joined us virtually to talk about her novel Rebecca of Salerno , and why Rebecca, this fascinating character in Walter Scott's Ivanhoe deserved her own story. Rebecca of Salerno Former director of the JCRC of the East Bay, Robert Jacobvitz, and Sheila Abranches, a descendant of Portuguese Consul General Aristides de Sousa Mendes, explored the life of the late diplomat and his courageous efforts during WWII to save Jewish lives. Their presentation on November 6 also explained how the De Sousa Mendes story depicted in the movie, Disobedience became known. Aristides De Sousa Mendes On November 1, 2022, Congregation Beth Emek invited Seth Brysk of the ADL for a conversation on the current state of antisemitism, how technology is becoming a tool to spread it, and what we can do to fight it. In addition to this program, we invite you to watch the other programs that CCJCC has co-sponsored and use the important resources available here . Fighting Antisemitism On Sunday, October 30, 2022, author and CEO of OFJCC Zack Bodner joined the Under One Tent audience virtually, discussing his new book, Why do Jewish? . His talk focused on 21st Century Jewish peoplehood and how to be and do Jewish. Why Do Jewish? EBIJFF streamed the documentary Upheaval on the Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin October 20-24. Begin’s career spanned several decades. Two speakers covered the central events of his life: • The Early Days through the mid-1970s with historian Fred Rosenbaum • His Life as Prime Minister with journalist Avi Shilon, author of a biography on Begin The Early Days His Life as Prime Minister Author Dr. Samantha A. Vinokor-Meinrath is a lifelong Jewish educator and learner. With the sharp rise in antisemitism, her valuable and informative talk on Monday, October 24, 2022, was a must-attend program for Generations X to Z. #Antisemitism On September 21, 2022, Israel & World Jewry Committee of Congregation Beth Emek hosted online Jerusalem Post diplomatic correspondent Herb Keinon. Herb talked about how the Abraham Accords and challenges from Iran are currently driving the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East and impacting Israel’s relationships with the Arab world. The CCJCC was a co-sponsor of this event and is pleased to share this talk on Under One Tent for those who missed attending the live program. Israel in a Sea of Change Award-winning cookbook author, Cathy Barrow, joined us virtually on Monday, September 12, 2022, and demonstrated how to bake fresh bagels with just five base ingredients and simple techniques. With advice on mixing the dough, shaping the bagels, proofing, boiling, baking, slicing, and storing, you will be a master bagel-maker in no time. Baking Bagels with Cathy Barrow On August 18, 2022, Under One Tent Director Riva Gambert shared the true story of "Ari" (not his real name), the ship Exodus, and its mixed crew of Palestinian Jews and American former soldiers who hoped to sail it from a French port to post-WWII Palestine despite Great Britain's decision to hunt it down. The bibliography for the lecture is now available here . Riva Gambert's Lecture On August 11, Rachel and David Biale joined CCJCC's Under One Tent audience online to talk about the memoir they wrote together, Aerograms across the Ocean: A Love Story in Letters, 1970-1972 . Aerograms On Sunday, July 17, 2022, noted historian and author Fred Rosenbaum examined how the then international city of Shanghai opened its doors to thousands of European Jews seeking refuge from the winds of war and persecution. Shanghai & The Jews On July 14, in Part I of the lecture "Cinema at War," EBIJFF Director Riva Gambert revealed the different attitudes expressed in1930s Hollywood as Hitler's threat loomed over Europe and antisemitism rose in the U.S. Cinema at War (Part I) On Tuesday, June 14, film "enthusiast" and historian Lynne Thorner shared with us her knowledge of Billy Wilder's 1950 classic film Sunset Boulevard. Deconstructing "Sunset Boulevard" On Sunday, June 12, as part of the series From Europe with Film, Erik Preminger, Otto Preminger's son, gave an insider's view of the famous director's life. He also touched on some of his movies, one of which was a Hitchcock-like thriller, Bunny Lake Is Missing . Erik Preminger's Talk Film "enthusiast" and historian Lynne Thorner joined us online for an in-depth "deconstruction" of Michael Curtiz's 1942 masterpiece Casablanca . Deconstructing "Casablanca" On May 22, 2022, author and filmmaker Nick Davis , Herman Mankiewicz's grandson, gave us an insider's look at the brothers Herman and Joe Mankiewicz relationship, their success in Hollywood, and their family dynamics. Co-writer of Citizen Kane , Herman became one of the highest-paid writers in Hollywood. His brother Joe was famous for writing, directing The Philadelphia Story, All About Eve, Letter to Three Wives and the financial disaster of the time Cleopatra. Competing with Idiots On Wednesday, April 27, New York Times bestselling author Pam Jenoff joined us virtually for a brief but enlightening conversation on her most recent novel The Woman with the Blue Star. The Woman with the Blue Star Prof. Leah Garrett joined the CCJCC and Under One Tent audience virtually on Tuesday, April 26. Her book X Troop gives the first full account of the brave group of German Jewish refugees who fought against Hitler. X Troop On April 25, 2022, lawyer, investigative journalist, and author Roxane van Iperen joined us virtually from the Netherlands for a Q&A on her bestselling book The Sisters of Auschwitz. The Sisters of Auschwitz On Thursday, April 7, Prof. Laura Arnold Leibman joined the CCJCC audience virtually and told us the story of the main characters of her book Once We Were Slaves , the places they lived, their children, their extraordinary journeys. Once We Were Slaves On Sunday, April 3, 2022, author Joshua M. Greene introduced us to Siggi B. Wilzig and his extraordinary life and triumphant spirit. Unstoppable: Siggi B. Wilzig’s Astonishing Journey from Auschwitz Survivor and Penniless Immigrant to Wall Street Legend is a must-read biography of a Holocaust survivor who lived life to the fullest and helped anyone he could along the way. Unstoppable CEO of PEN America Suzanne Nossel joined the CCJCC audience virtually, on Monday, March 28, for a Q&A. Dare to Speak is a must-have playbook for navigating and defending free speech today. It provides a pathway for promoting free expression while cultivating a more inclusive public culture. Dare to Speak On March 3, 2022, author and blogger Faith Kramer joined the Under One Tent audience to introduce her first cookbook, 52 Shabbats , and give a quick demo on making her phyllo dough spinach pie. 52 Shabbats On Thursday, February 17, 2021, EBIJFF Director Riva Gambert explored how HUAC got started and the repercussions the film and TV industries experienced due to this earlier cancel culture onslaught. Outing Lucy On Tuesday, February 15, 2022, author Deborah Copaken summed up in a special keynote address her experiences that inspired her to write her memoir Ladyparts which was published in August 2021. Ladyparts: A Memoir On Sunday, February 13, 2022, author Robert Alter lectured on Nabokov who was passionately concerned with the real world and its complexities, from love and loss to exile, freedom, and the impact of contemporary politics on our lives. Nabokov & the Real World On Thursday, January 27, 2022, Executive Director of the Arava Institute, Dr. Tareq Abu Hamed, and director of the documentary The Optimists, Eliezer Yaari joined the CCJCC and EBIJFF audience virtually from Israel. Dr. Abu Hamed talked about the environmental work of the Arava Institute in the region and the organization's plans for a better future. Saving the Planet On Sunday, January 23, 2022, author Phyllis Chesler introduced her latest book, Requiem for A Female Serial Killer , a true account of a unique case that the author was intimately involved with. Aileen Wuornos Story On Thursday, January 13, 2022 noted author/historian Fred Rosenbaum placed the German docudrama The Invisibles into its historic and cultural context, as he explored the Jews of Berlin and their plight to survive during WWII. The Jews of Berlin On Sunday, January 9, 2022, theatre journalist Eddie Shapiro talked briefly about his book A Wonderful Guy: Conversations with the Great Men of Musical Theatre and answered audience questions in a fun and lively author event. A Wonderful Guy

ISRAEL'S BIRTHDAY SCAVENGER HUNT & HIKE Apr 17, 2021, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM PDT In Danville, TBA upon registration Perfect for young families! Join us for a scavenger hunt & hike starting at a local park followed by snacks & refreshments. Details

SPONSORS We thank our community partners for their collaboration: We want to thank the following underwriters for their generous support to Under One Tent: Jo-Ann & Arnold Jacobson, M.D. We also wish to thank our region’s rabbis and cantors for their creative ideas and support.

TISHA B'AV Tisha B'Av is an annual fast day in Judaism, on which four disasters in Jewish history are supposed to have occurred. The two primary ones are the destruction of Solomon's Temple by the Neo-Babylonian Empire in 586 BCE and the Second Temple by the Roman Empire in 70 CE. The third one is the Fall of Betar, Bar Kochba's last stronghold during the Third Jewish War against Rome (132-135 CE), and the fourth is the expulsion from Spain in 1492. Tisha B'Av is regarded as the saddest day in the Jewish calendar. Tisha B'Av falls in July or August in the Gregorian calendar. The observance of this day includes five prohibitions, most notable of which is a day-long fast. The Book of Lamentations, which mourns the destruction of Jerusalem, is read in the synagogue, followed by the recitation of kinnot. The latter are liturgical dirges that lament the loss of the Temples and Jerusalem. In 2024, the year 5784 in the Jewish calendar, Tisha B'Av (the 9th day of the Jewish month of Av), starts on the evening of Monday, August 12 and ends on the evening of Tuesday, August 13. The following are some online resources: From My Jewish Learning, Why Tisha B'Av is Not Really About Mourning Tisha B'Av Rituals and Practices

ISRAEL@74 May 01, 2022, 4:00 PM PDT Congregation B'nai Shalom Sponsored by the CCJCC in partnership with Cong. B'nai Shalom, Cong. B'nai Tikvah and Shevet Egoz. Details

2022/5782 PASSOVER COMMUNITY EVENTS Friday, April 15, 5:00 PM Temple Isaiah’s Community Seder 2022 This in-person potluck seder is for members and their guests. Register here by Thursday, April 13! sign-up ends when all seating spots are filled. Saturday, April 16, 6:00 PM Beth Chaim Communal Virtual Passover Seder Join Rabbi Dan for a communal, virtual seder. We will have participation with questions, sharing stories, songs and eating traditional Passover foods in our own homes. We will also include small group discussion in breakout rooms. If you would like to be a facilitator (we will have a training session) and provide guidance in encouraging attendees to engage and have dialogue, email our Spiritual Life Director, Larry Candeub at thefivedeubies@gmail.com . Saturday, April 16, 6:00 PM Cong. B'nai Tikvah's Community Passover Seder - A Celebration of Rebirth and Renewal Join us for a celebration of the rebirth and renewal of spring on April 16 at 6:00 pm at our in-person Community Seder in our own social hall. This evening will be a wonderful opportunity for us to connect, share a delicious catered meal, and experience a spiritual and musical journey through the Haggadah led by Rabbi Chabon, moving from a life of bondage to renewal and coming back to life. As part of our celebration, participants are asked to bring flowers that represent freedom and rebirth to you and your family. Members: $75/adult, $35/child Guests: $95/adult, $45/child Register here for the seder! Friday, April 22, 10:30 AM Congregation Beth Emek's Passover 7th Day Festival & Yizkor Service The last day of Pesach is observed with a festival morning service, including the prayer known as Yizkor. “Yizkor” means “May (God)remember…”. We recall all of our loved ones who have died, and rededicate ourselves to live in such a way as to honor their memory. We also read aloud the names of congregants and their immediate relatives who have died during the past year. Please join us for this beautiful service, and to celebrate the conclusion of Pesach. The service will also be available on Zoom and live-streamed to ensure it is accessible to all. Check this week’s Once Around Beth Emek for the Zoom registration link to participate online. You can also join services on any of our online streaming platforms: Beth Emek Live , our dedicated page for live-streamed services and programs. You’ll also find an online version of Mishkan T’filah, songsheets, and other supplemental materials on this page. Facebook Live YouTube Live Watch via Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Find the BoxCast app and then search for “Congregation Beth Emek”

D'VAR TORAH: A LOOK AT THE TORAH PORTION OF THE WEEK Each week we will share different commentaries on the Torah portion and/or the holiday. D'var Torahs we shared in 5780 September 4, 2021 NITZAVIM, DEUTERONOMY 29:9-30:2 From MyJewishLearning.com: Writing Women into the Torah by Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses From SouthStreetTemple.org: Nitzavim August 28, 2021 KI TAVO, DEUTERONOMY 26:1-29:8 From MyJewishLearning.com: When you Enter In by Nancy Reuben Greenfield From ReformJudaism.org: From Temple Sacrifices to High Holiday Rituals by Cantor Evan Kent August 21, 2021 KI TEITZEI, DEUTERONOMY 21:10-25:19 From ReformJudaism.org: The Power of Collective Memory by Cantor Evan Kent Ki Teitzei for Teens , Shabbat Sha-raps August 14, 2021 SHOFTIM, DEUTERONOMY 16:18-21:9 From ReformJudaism.org: Social Justice in My Bones by Evan Kent Shof'tim for Teens , Shabbat Sha'raps August 7, 2021 RE'EH, DEUTERONOMY 11:26-16:17 The Office of Rabbi Sacks: Defining Reality by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks MyJewishLearning.com: Telling and Retelling by Anat Barber July 31, 2021 EIKEV, DEUTERONOMY 7:12-11:25 From MyJewishLearning.com: Winning the Divine Lottery by Rabbi Dan Ross From ReformJudaism.org: Survival and S ustenance by Jonathan Cohen From RabbiSacks.org: To Lead is to Liste n by the Late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks July 24, 2021 VAETCHANAN, DEUTERONOMY 3:23-7:11 From MyJewishLearning.com: Inverse Tablets by Mindy Berman The Smallest of Peoples by Pamela Katz July 17, 2021 DEVARIM, DEUTERONOMY 1:1-3:22 From Chabad.org: Recalling the Story, Long After It's Told by Karen Wolfers-Rappaport From RabbiSacks.org: Family Edition by the Late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks July 10, 2021 MATOT-MASEI, NUMBERS 30:2-36:13 From ReformJudaism.org: Out of the Shadows and Beyond the Fear: Zelophehad's Daughters' Daughters by Rabbi Carol Bailin Ph.D. From RabbiSacks.org: Family Edition by the Late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks July 3, 2021 PINCHAS, NUMBERS 25:10-30.1 From MyJewishLearning.com: Dispossession of Women’s Land by Rachel Farbiarz Zeal and Peace by Rabbi Howard Alpert June 26, 2021 BALAK, NUMBERS 22:2-25.9 From ReformJudaism.org: How to Avoid Getting Stuck in Balak's Trap by Dr. Ruhama Weiss, Ph. D. Whose Word is it Anyway? by Steven Kushner June 19, 2021 CHUKAT, NUMBERS 19:1-22:1 From ReformJudaism.org: In the End, There Was Love by Rabbi Alex Kress Experiencing Torah Through Reckless Abandon in the Wilderness by Dr. Ruhama Weiss, Ph.D. Shabbat Sha-raps (for Teens) From MyJewishLearning.com: Responding to Thirst by Jordana Schuster June 12, 2021 KORACH, NUMBERS 16:1-18:32 From Schechter.edu: The Elusiveness of Honor by Rabbi Prof. David Golinkin From Reform Judaism.org: How Leaders Can Use Guilt to Control a People by Dr. Ruhama Weiss, Ph.D. June 5, 2021 SH'LACH, NUMBERS 13:1-15:41 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Perils of Groupthink by Rabbi Asher Lopatin From SouthStreetTemple.org: Torah Portion Sh'lach May 29, 2021 BEHA'ALOTCHA, NUMBERS 8:1-12:16 From MyJewishLearning.com: Leaving Childhood Behind b y Rabbi Shimon Felix From ReformJudaism.org: Bringing Up Israel--Parenting a New Nation by Rabbi Lisa Grushcow May 22, 2021 NASSO, NUMBERS 4:21-7:89 From MyJewishLearning.com: In the Priestly Blessing, Seeing Parenthood’s Trajectory by Noah Arnow Children and Jealousy by Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses May 15, 2021 BAMIDBAR, NUMBERS 1:1-4:20 From MyJewishLearning.com: When Women are Invisible by Sivan Rotholz From American Jewish World Service: Bamidba r by Rabbi David Singer May 8, 2021 BEHAR, LEVITICUS 25:1-26:2 From The Office of Rabbi Sacks: The Power of a Curse by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks From ReformJudaism.org: Joining God as Resident Strangers in the World by Rabbi Ben Spratt May 1, 2021 EMOR, LEVITICUS 21:1-24:23 From Jewish World Service: Dvar Tzedek by Rachel Farbiarz From MyJewishLearning.com: The Cruel Demands of Purity and Beauty by Dr. Shulamit Reinharz April 24, 2021 ACHAREI MOT-KEDOSHIM, LEVITICUS 16:1-20:27 From The Office of Rabbi Sacks 2021: Sprints and Marathons by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks 2017: Judaism's Three Voices by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks April 17, 2021 TAZRIA-METZORA, LEVITICUS 12:1-15:33 From MyJewishLearning.com: Illness, Isolation and Lessons Learned by Rabbi Hazzan Rachel Tilchin From Aish.com: Fred Rogers and the Power of Words by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Lesson in Humility by N.Y. Safran (Family-focused discussion) April 10, 2021 SHEMINI, LEVITICUS 9:1-11:47 From ReformJudaism.org: You Are What You Eat: The New World of Kosher Food by Rabbi Lance Sussman Shemini for Teens , Sha-raps March 27, 2021 TZAV, LEVITICUS 6:1-8:36 From ReformJudaism.org: From the Altar to the Bimah—What is Expected of a Leader? by Rabbi Dvora E. Weisberg Never Too Proud to Wield the Sacred Shovel by Rabbi Ben Spratt Tzav for Teens , Shabbat Sha-raps March 20, 2021 VAYIKRA, LEVITICUS 1:1-5:26 From ReformJudaism.org: The Power of Sacrifice, Then and Now by Rabbi Dvora E. Weisberg From MyJewishLearning.com: The Pending Guilt Climate and the Global Climate by Shlomo Levin March 13, 2021 VAYAKHEL-PEKUDEI, EXODUS 35:1-40:38 From website dedicated to teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks: Celebrate From Aish.com: Revenge is a dish best not served by Harry Rothenberg Coloring Pages for Ages 2-6 March 6, 2021 KI TISA, EXODUS 30:11-34:35 From Aish.com The Injustice of Judgement by Rabbi Yitzchak Zweig For Children--Caring for Others by Nesanel Y. Safran February 27, 2021 TETZAVEH, EXODUS 27:20-30:10 From Aish.com Crushed for the Light by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Balancing Our Children's Education . A Video with Eitiel Goldwicht Coloring Pages for Ages 3- 7 February 20, 2021 TERUMAH, EXODUS 25:1-27:19 From MyJewishLearning.com: Hidden Gifts by Rabbi Nicole Auerbach From Keshet online: A Mandatory Donation by David Katzenelson February 13, 2021 MISHPATIM, EXODUS 21:1-24:18 From ReformJudaism.org: A Continuity of Law by Rabbi Reuven Greenvald Mishpatim for Tots - Kids and Compassion February 6, 2021 YITRO, EXODUS 18:1-20:26 From the Office of Rabbi Sacks: A Nation of Leaders by the late Rabbi Lord Sacks From ReconstructingJudaism.org: Hearing the Voice of God by Rabbi Howard Cohen January 30, 2021 BESHALACH, EXODUS 13:17-17:16 From AJWS.net (American Jewish World Service) Parshat Beshalach by Alana Alpert From MyJewishLearning.com: Parashat Beshalach: Summary by Nancy R. Greenfield January 23, 2021 BO, EXODUS 10:1-13:16 From Aish.com: The Story We Tell About Ourselves by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Finding Courage (for Parents & Kids) by Nesanel Yoel Safran Visualizing the Exodus Experience by Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski January 16, 2021 VA-EIRA, EXODUS 6:2-9:35 I (God) Appeared [to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob] From ReformJudaism.org: What It Takes to Fulfill the Promise by Rabbi Stephanie M. Alexander Why So Many Plagues by Rabbi Mary Zamore Shortness of Breath, Shortness of Spirit by Rabbi Sarah Bassin From MyJewishLearning.com: Who Really Hardened Paharaoh's Heart? by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg January 9, 2021 SHMOT, EXODUS 1:1-6:1 From Aish.com: How We Relate to God Depends on How We Relate to Others by Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski Coloring Pages for Kids From MyJewishLearning.com : These are the Names by Rabbi Bradley Artson January 2, 2021 VAYECHI, GENESIS 47:28-50:26 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Legend of You and Me by Rabbi Devin Maimon Villarreal From ReformJudaism.org: Shabbat Sha-raps for Teens December 26, 2020 VAYIGASH, GENESIS 44:18-47:27 From MyJewishLearning.com: When Dreams Come True by Hanan Schlesinger Preparing for Exile by Rabbi Yitzchok A. Breitowitz From ReformJudaism.org: Shabbat Sha-raps for Teens December 19, 2020 MIKETZ, GENESIS 41:1-44:17 In parshat Miketz we learn of how Joesph arrived in Egypt and his plan to bring Benjamin there as well. From MyJewishLearning.com: Coercion vs. Love by Rabbi Noah Arnow From Aish.com: Coloring pages for children Ages 3-8 Three Approaches to Dreams by Rabbi Lord Sacks December 12, 2020 VAYEISHEV: GENESIS 37:1-40:23 Jacob now settled in the land of his father's sojourning, in the land of Canaan. - Genesis 37:1 From ReformJudaism.org: The Most Painful Parts of Joseph’s Story Can Teach Us about Ourselves by Rabbi Michael Dolgin Who is the Support Cast in the Story of Your Life by Rabbi Dan Moskowitz December 5, 2020 VAYISHLACH, GENESIS 32:4-36:43 Jacob now sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, in the countryside of Edom. - Genesis 32:4 From Aish.com: Coloring Pages for 3 – 6 year olds Who’s In Control by Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman The Jewish Journey by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks November 28, 2020 VAYETZEI, GENESIS 28:10-32.3 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Place with No Name by Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn From ReformJudaism.org: Shabbat Sha-raps for Teens November 21, 2020 TOLDOT, GENESIS 25:19-28:9 From MyJewishLearning.com: Why Rebecca Pushed Jacob to Get Esau's Blessing by Rabbi Nathan J. Diament From ReformJudaism.org: The Greatest Threat to Civilization by Rabbi Michael Dolgin November 14, 2020 CHAYEI SARAH, GENESIS 23:1-25:18 From ReformJudaism.org: What Torah Can Teach Us about Overcoming Loneliness by Rabbi Michael Dolgin Chayei Sarah for Teens--Shabbat Sha-raps From Aish.com: Coloring Pages on Chayei Sarah for Toddlers and Elementary Students November 7, 2020 VAYERA, GENESIS 18:1-22:24 From Jtsa.org: Itzik's Journey by David G. Roskies Women of Faith by Amy Kalmanofsky From ReformJudaism.org: Vayeira for Teens--Shabbat Sha-raps October 31, 2020 LECH LECHA, GENESIS 12:1-17:27 From Aish.com: An 8 Year-Old Behind the Wheel by Rabbi Yechezkel Freundlich (Torah for children) From Rabbisacks.org: The Courage Not to Confirm by Rabbi Lord Sacks From usy.org: Lech Lecha by Aviya Cammy (for teens) October 24, 2020 NOACH, GENESIS 6:9-11:32 From Reformjudaism.org: Noach for Tots—How do We Understand Our Children? by Diana Fersko Noach for Teens—Shabbat Sha-raps From MyJewishlearning.com: The Earth was Filled with Violence by Daniel Bloom (for adults) October 17, 2020 BERESHIT, GENESIS 1:1-6:8 Bereshit is perhaps the most read part of the Torah as it starts our collective story. Summary from My Jewish Learning: In this Torah portion, God creates the world. After Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit, they are banished from the Garden of Eden. Later Cain kills Abel. God then considers destroying all of Creation. From Reformjudaism.org: A Special Podcast with Singer David Broza ( One can select to hear the podcast or read the transcript) What does it Mean to be Human by Rabbi Michael Dolgin From Myjewishlearning.com: The Two Creation Stories by Rabbi I. Schorsch The Power of a Name by Rabbi Andrew Davids Commentary for Sukkot From My Jewish Learning: This portion covers all the “sacred occasions” that are mentioned in the Torah. It is only at the very end that Sukkot–and its symbols of the sukkah and four species–is mentioned. In the Reform tradition only the part that specifically focuses on Sukkot (Leviticus 23:33-44 ) is read on the holiday 22:26. The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 22:27. When an ox or a sheep or a goat is born, it shall stay seven days with its mother, and from the eighth day on it shall be acceptable as an offering by fire to the LORD. 22:28. However, no animal from the herd or from the flock shall be slaughtered on the same day with its young. 22:29. When you sacrifice a thanksgiving offering to the LORD, sacrifice it so that it may be acceptable in your favor. 22:30. lt shall be eaten on the same day; you shall not leave any of it until morning: I am the LORD. 22:31. You shall faithfully observe My commandments: I am the LORD. 22:32. You shall not profane My holy name, that I may be sanctified in the midst of the Israelite people -I the LORD who sanctify you, 22:33. I who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God, I the LORD. 23:1. The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 23:2. Speak to the Israelite people and say to them: These are My fixed times, the fixed times of the LORD, which you shall proclaim as sacred occasions. 23:3. On six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there shall be a sabbath of complete rest, a sacred occasion. You shall do no work; it shall be a sabbath of the LORD throughout your settlements. 23:4. These are the set times of the LORD, the sacred occasions, which you shall celebrate each at its appointed time: 23:5. In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, at twilight, there shall be a passover offering to the LORD, 23:6. and on the fifteenth day of that month the LORD’s Feast of Unleavened Bread. You shall eat unleavened bread for seven days. 23:7. The first day shall be for you a sacred occasion: you shall not work at your occupations. 23:8. Seven days you shall make offerings by fire to the LORD. The seventh day shall be a sacred occasion: you shall not work at your occupations. 23:9. The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 23:10. Speak to the Israelite people and say to them: When you enter the land which I am giving to you and you reap its harvest, you shall bring the first sheaf of your harvest to the priest. 23:11. He shall wave the sheaf before the LORD for acceptance in your behalf; the priest shall wave it on the day after the sabbath. 23:12. On the day that you wave the sheaf, you shall offer as a burnt offering to the LORD a lamb of the first year without blemish. 23:13. The meal offering with it shall be two-tenths of a measure of choice flour with oil mixed in, an offering by fire of pleasing odor to the LORD; and the libation with it shall be of wine, a quarter of a hin. 23:14. Until that very day, until you have brought the offering of your God, you shall eat no bread or parched grain or fresh ears; it is a law for all time throughout the ages in all your settlements. 23:15. And from the day on which you bring the sheaf of wave offering – the day after the sabbath-you shall count off seven weeks. They must be complete: 23:16. you must count until the day after the seventh week-fifty days; then you shall bring an offering of new grain to the LORD. 23:17. You shall bring from your settlements two loaves of bread as a wave offering; each shall be made of two- tenths of a measure of choice flour, baked after leavening, as first fruits to the LORD. 23:18. With the bread you shall present, as burnt offerings to the LORD, seven yearling lambs without blemish, one bull of the herd, and two rams, with their meal offerings and libations, an offering by fire of pleasing odor to the LORD. 23:19. You shall also offer one he-goat as a sin offering and two yearling lambs as a sacrifice of well-being. 23:20. The priest shall wave these-the two lambs together with the bread of first fruits as a wave offering before the LORD; they shall be holy to the LORD, for the priest. 23:21. On that same day you shall hold a celebration; it shall be a sacred occasion for you; you shall not work at your occupations. This is a law for all time in all your settlements, throughout the ages. 23:22. And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the way to the edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger: I the LORD am your God. 23:23. The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 23:24. Speak to the Israelite people thus: In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe complete rest, a sacred occasion commemorated with loud blasts. 23:25. You shall not work at your occupations; and you shall bring an offering by fire to the LORD. 23:26. The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 23:27. Mark, the tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. It shall be a sacred occasion for you: you shall practice self-denial, and you shall bring an offering by fire to the LORD; 23:28. you shall do no work throughout that day. For it is a Day of Atonement, on which expiation is made on your behalf before the LORD your God. 23:29. lndeed, any person who does not practice self-denial throughout that day shall be cut off from his kin; 23:30. and whoever does any work throughout that day, I will cause that person to perish from among his people. 23:31. Do no work whatever; it is a law for all time, throughout the ages in all your settlements. 23:32. It shall be a sabbath of complete rest for you, and you shall practice self-denial; on the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall observe this your sabbath. 23:33. The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 23:34. Say to the Israelite people: On the fifteenth day of this seventh month there shall be the Feast of Booths to the LORD, [to last] seven days. 23:35. The first day shall be a sacred occasion: you shall not work at your occupations; 23:36. seven days you shall bring offerings by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you shall observe a sacred occasion and bring an offering by fire to the LoRD; it is a solemn gathering: you shall not work at your occupations. 23:37. Those are the set times of the LORD which you shall celebrate as sacred occasions, bringing offerings by fire to the LORD – burnt offerings, meal offerings, sacrifices, and libations, on each day what is proper to it- 23:38. apart from the sabbaths of the LORD, and apart from your gifts and from all your votive offerings and from all your freewill offerings that you give to the LORD. 23:39. Mark, on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the yield of your land, you shall observe the festival of the LORD [to last] seven days: a complete rest on the first day, and a complete rest on the eighth day. 23:40. On the first day you shall take the product of hadar trees, branches of palm trees, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days. 23:41. You shall observe it as a festival of the LORD for seven days in the year; you shall observe it in the seventh month as a law for all time, throughout the ages. 23:42. You shall live in booths seven days; all citizens in Israel shall live in booths, 23:43. in order that future generations may know that I made the Israelite people live in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, I the LORD your God. 23:44. So Moses declared to the Israelites the set times of the LORD. This English translation is reprinted with permission from Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures published by the Jewish Publication Society . Saturday, September 26, 2020 HA'AZINU, DEUTERONOMY 32:1-32:52 This is the 53rd weekly Torah portion ( פָּרָשָׁה‎, parashah) and the 10th in the Book of Deuteronomy. It constitutes Deuteronomy 32:1–52. Here, Moses shares a song to the Israelites that emphasizes their covenant with God. From MyJewishLearning.com: When It’s Better to Do Verse by Rabbi Arnow From Aish.com: Don’t be Spoiled by Neshanel Safran (Commentary for Children & Their Parents with questions to ask) The Arc of the Moral Universe by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (Advanced Commentary) Torah Commentary for Rosh HaShanah 2020 From ReformJudaism.org: Yom Sheini shel Rosh HaShanah for Tweens by Barbara Kadden From Reform Judaism Blog: How Midrash and Commentary Help Us Read Between the Lines

How to Host a Seder & More Just like Passover 2020, this year for Passover we may have to recreate our own charoset made of fruits and nuts our parents and grandparents never contemplated using. We will probably find horseradish and purchase matzah, but we may still have to lead our own seder and not join our relatives or friends. Still social distancing this Passover season, we may still be looking for items for our Seder dinner(s), consider being innovative. Over the centuries, different Jewish communities made the food their own while maintaining the symbolism which “told” the Exodus story. The many different charoset recipes reflect the foods available to each Jewish community. Think ahead and check with your rabbi, cantor and/or religious leader for resources, stores and food substitutions. Let the story of the Exodus be the “centerpiece” at your Seder. And we hope you use the links below to help you prepare for this year's Seder and beyond! Passover 101 from MyJewishLearning.com, a great website where you can learn from how to prep for the holiday to understanding the terms, to picking the right Haggadah. One Table Passover 2021 has excellent resources that provides information on leading your own Seder, as well as recipes. PJ Library Passover Hub is perfect for kids. American Jewish World Service's downloadable Haggadah is oriented towards social action. Let’s Make Your Passover Haggadah Together! The haggadot.com website enables you to create your own Haggadah and emphasize different parts of the Passover story. How to celebrate Passover during the Pandemic , from Kveller.com How to cook for Passover during a Pandemic , from My Jewish Learning.com/The Nosher Passover Tips for Seders in the Time of the Coronavirus from Forward.com How Different Will This Night Be? 10 Tips to Your Virtual Seder by Jewish Journal. How to Host a Virtual Passover Seder , from Heyalma.com How to Plan an Online Passover Seder from Forward.com Digital Content to Enliven This Year's Virtual Seders from URJ.org . Watch How to set your table for a Passover Seder with Rabbi Nicki Greninger of Temple Isaiah . This Kveller article is ideal to share with teachers and parents of young children . From a Red Sea diorama to hand puppets, from a matzah print to "kinetic rice and sand," there is something for everybody for a fun-filled experience and/or to add to one's holiday decor. Like Facebook? Join the group Jewishlive . ReformJudaism.org 's Passover checklist can be found here . If you are hosting a Passover Seder for the first time, here is what to do . The 14 Steps for a Traditional Seder is a wonderful guide by My Jewish Learning . How to Host a Seder by Mash Up Americans. The Complete Guide to Hosting a Seder by Forward.com . Jewish Study Network has on-line sessions if you want to join. Alephbeta.org is offering free online accounts during our self-quarantine. It is a favorite site for parents with teenage children.