Search Results

Project Impact A Tikkun Olam Program for Ages 10-18 Project Impact is a partnership of the Contra Costa JCC and East Bay NCSY for teens and families with young children to explore ways for tikkun olam (repair the world). Learning is focused on identifying and evaluating communal nee ds where participants implement plans and interact with the community through four different tracks: interacting with seniors, developing care packages for homeless, sharing positive social action through social media, and creating positive change through political advocacy. My Project Impact

Activities & Crafts for All Ages Some suggested family friendly activities include apple picking, shopping for clothing (wearing new clothes is a tradition in some communities), sending out New Year’s Cards (electronically or by regular mail), making New Year’s resolutions, going to Tashlich—Casting bread crumbs into a body of water while saying special prayers. For a list of 10 meaningful kids' activities from “Jewish Boston,” click here! Try one or more of Reform Judaism's list of suggested activities that start with the month of Elul, and continue through the High Holidays 6 ways to prepare for the High Holidays as published on Reform Judaism's website Another list of 6 Rosh HaShanah Activities for Families , as published on familyeducation.com . Apples & Honey Blessing to print and to use the words for a craft project Making a Rosh HaShanah Card Watch step-by-step video of making your own stenciled honey dish a la Martha Stewart! A sampling of Jewish crafts—hamsa, tzedakah box, etc. Learn how to make a “Spew Jonah (Whale Popper)” Make an apple-print blessings placemat (for young students) Apple centerpiece ...made with a toilet paper cardboard roll Rosh HaShanah napking rings (for older students) Stained glass fish (ages 2 – 7)

Important Message from CCJCC We noticed an event registration issue with WIX (our web publishing platform) that went on and off beginning Sunday evening, January 3. We informed them and the issue was resolved. However, in the event that it repeats itself, please read below troubleshooting: If you are trying to register for an event using Safari browser on a Mac or iPhone and are unable to fill out the form due to flickering of the screen on your iPhone or the screen going back to the "Event details" page, please switch to the Google Chrome browser and try registering again. When you complete registration, you will still be able to add the event to your calendar. You may have to click the "Add to calendar" button first and choose which calendar you would like to add to. Note: The calendar file download will be at the bottom left of your screen on your desktop or Mac. Thank you for your patience!

FROM EUROPE WITH FILM Three European Directors Who Made It Big in Hollywood Many of the movies from Hollywood’s Golden Age were directed, produced and or written by immigrants to America. From June 1 through June 15, the East Bay International Jewish Film Festival in partnership with the CCJCC and Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation will present three films by noted European émigrés: Casablanca, Bunny Lake is Missing and Sunset Boulevard , as well as film experts who will analyze these movies. “It’s important for the public to remember that many of Hollywood’s greatest films were brought to us by newcomers to our shores,” explains Riva Gambert, East Bay International Jewish Film Festival Director. “For this present series, we’re looking at films by Michael Curtiz, Otto Preminger and Billy Wilder. Both Casablanca (Curtiz) and Sunset Boulevard (Wilder) are considered among the top 100 American films of the 20th century. Preminger, who is especially known for Exodus starring Paul Newman and Anatomy of a Murder , which is considered one of the best courtroom dramas ever made, also directed Bunny Lake is Missing , a film noir thriller starring Laurence Olivier, Keir Dullea and Carol Lynley.” The series will be a hybrid event, featuring in-person screenings at the Lafayette Library , as well as one virtual film showing and three online lectures. Below are the upcoming programs of this series. JWalk Jun 18, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Lafayette Reservoir, Lafayette, CA 94549, USA More Info & Tickets JCLUB After School Program Start date will be announced soon Walnut Creek, 2055 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94595, USA More Info & Tickets PREP+RALLY Time is TBD Online via Zoom Details Yoga, Mimosas, and Brunch Jun 14, 2026, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Walnut Creek, CA Details Bubbies, Babies, and Bagels Jun 14, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Tice Valley, Tice Valley, Walnut Creek, CA 94595, USA Details Family Shabbat Dinner May 29, 2026, 5:30 PM Danville, CA Details Sip, Nibble, and Bake May 19, 2026, 7:00 PM Location provided upon registration Details Shavuot on the Farm May 17, 2026, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM Briones, Briones, CA 94553, USA Details Bubbies, Babies, and Bagels May 03, 2026, 10:00 AM Tice Valley, 2055 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94595, USA Details JWalk Apr 29, 2026, 10:00 AM Lafayette Reservoir, Lafayette Reservoir, Lafayette, CA 94549, USA Details Israel in the Park 2026 Apr 26, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Tice Valley Park, 2023 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94595, USA Details Yom HaZikaron - Community Commemoration 2026 Apr 20, 2026, 7:00 PM Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Rd, Lafayette, CA 94549, USA Details Yom HaShoah – Community Commemoration 2026 Apr 13, 2026, 7:00 PM Congregation B'nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Ln, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, USA Details Bubbies, Babies, and Bagels Mar 22, 2026, 10:00 AM 2055 Tice Valley Blvd, 2055 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94595, USA Details 2026 Community Shabbat Dinner Mar 13, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM PDT Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, USA Details Community Wide Purim Carnival Mar 01, 2026, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Congregation B'nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Ln, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, USA Details MOMS MEETUP & BOOK EXCHANGE Feb 24, 2026, 8:00 PM Gratitude Coffee Bar, 1655 Willow Pass Rd B, Concord, CA 94520, USA Details Family Jewish Candles Workshop Jan 25, 2026, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM Congregation B'nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Ln, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, USA Details Load More Past Events JWalk Jun 18, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Lafayette Reservoir, Lafayette, CA 94549, USA More Info & Tickets JCLUB After School Program Start date will be announced soon Walnut Creek, 2055 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94595, USA More Info & Tickets PREP+RALLY Time is TBD Online via Zoom Details Yoga, Mimosas, and Brunch Jun 14, 2026, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Walnut Creek, CA Details Bubbies, Babies, and Bagels Jun 14, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Tice Valley, Tice Valley, Walnut Creek, CA 94595, USA Details Family Shabbat Dinner May 29, 2026, 5:30 PM Danville, CA Details Sip, Nibble, and Bake May 19, 2026, 7:00 PM Location provided upon registration Details Shavuot on the Farm May 17, 2026, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM Briones, Briones, CA 94553, USA Details Bubbies, Babies, and Bagels May 03, 2026, 10:00 AM Tice Valley, 2055 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94595, USA Details JWalk Apr 29, 2026, 10:00 AM Lafayette Reservoir, Lafayette Reservoir, Lafayette, CA 94549, USA Details Israel in the Park 2026 Apr 26, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Tice Valley Park, 2023 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94595, USA Details Yom HaZikaron - Community Commemoration 2026 Apr 20, 2026, 7:00 PM Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Rd, Lafayette, CA 94549, USA Details Yom HaShoah – Community Commemoration 2026 Apr 13, 2026, 7:00 PM Congregation B'nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Ln, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, USA Details Bubbies, Babies, and Bagels Mar 22, 2026, 10:00 AM 2055 Tice Valley Blvd, 2055 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94595, USA Details 2026 Community Shabbat Dinner Mar 13, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM PDT Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, USA Details Community Wide Purim Carnival Mar 01, 2026, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Congregation B'nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Ln, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, USA Details MOMS MEETUP & BOOK EXCHANGE Feb 24, 2026, 8:00 PM Gratitude Coffee Bar, 1655 Willow Pass Rd B, Concord, CA 94520, USA Details Family Jewish Candles Workshop Jan 25, 2026, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM Congregation B'nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Ln, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, USA Details Load More

D'var Torahs We Shared In TheYear 5780 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 Saturday, September 12, 2020 NITZAVIM-VAYELEICH, DEUTERONOMY 29:9-31:30 The Schechter Institute's Commentary and Video : Rabbi Dr. Reb Mimi Feigelson examines an early passage in the Parashat Nitzavim-Vayelech where Moses pleads to God: 'I cannot come and go anymore' and links this to our present moment and the past six month. From MyJewishLearning.com: You Are Standing From ReformJudaism.org: Shabbat Sha-Raps (Video for Teens) Saturday, September 5, 2020 KI TAVO, DEUTERONOMY 26:1-29:8 In his last speech to the Israelites, Moses talks about the priests making an offering for the first fruits and the importance of obeying the commandments. From MyJewishLearning.com: Summary on Ki Tavo by Nancy Reuben Greenfield From Aish.com: Coloring Pages (first fruits ) for pre-schoolers through early elementary grades Love All Your Children (A Video presentation) Saturday, August 29, 2020 KI TEITZEI, DEUTERONOMY 21:10-25:29 This Torah portion shows Moses reviewing a diverse listing of laws, including ones for property, the family, animals, civil and criminal laws, loans, vows, and divorce. It concludes with the commandment to remember the evil acts of Amalek. From ReformJudaism.org: Shabbat Sha-raps (For Teens) Ethical Existence is in the Experience by Rabbi Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi, Ph.D. From MyJewishLearning.com: Compassion That Can Bring Messiah: It all begins with how we treat the animals by Rabbi Dovid Sears Saturday, August 22, 2020 SHOFTIM, DEUTERONOMY 16:18-21:9 From ReformJudaism.org: What the Torah Teaches Us about the Use (and Abuse) of Political Power by Rabbi Max Chaiken Shabbat Sha'raps ( Rapping for Teens) In this Parasha, God tells the people to pursue justice in order to be deserving of the land! God runs through lots of laws, which you can click this rap to hear. From MyJewishLearning.com: Summary of the Parasha with Thought Questions Saturday, August 15, 2020 RE'EH, DEUTERONOMY 11:26-16:17 From Aish.com : Everyone Deserves Respect by N.Y. Safran (For Elementary and Middle School students) Judaism's Social Vision , by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (Advanced, Adults) From ReformJudaism.org: Torah for Teens , Sha'raps Saturday, August 8, 2020 EIKEV, DEUTERONOMY 7:12-11:25 From MyJewishLearning.com: In Weakness and Strength by Dvora Weisberg From Aleph Beta: Watch Why God Wants Us to Thank God (A video for children) From ReformJudaism.org: Eikev For Teens Saturday, August 1, 2020 VA-ET'CHANAN, DEUTERONOMY 3:23-7:11 I [Moses] pleaded with the Eternal at that time, saying, "O Eternal God, You who let Your servant see the first works of Your greatness and Your mighty hand, You whose powerful deeds no god in heaven or on earth can equal! Let me, I pray, cross over and see the good land on the other side of the Jordan, that good hill country, and the Lebanon." - Deuteronomy 3:23-25 From ReformJudaism.org: What Torah Requires Of Us by Rabbi Max Chaiken From MyJewishLearning.com: Dealing Wisely With Torah by Dena Weiss Treatment of the Stranger : Our existential relationship to our ancestors and how we learn empathy, by Rachel Farbiarz Saturday, July 25, 2020 DEVARIM, DEUTERONOMY 1:1-3:22 In this Torah portion, Moses recounts the Jewish people's experiences in the wilderness. From MyJewishLearning.com: Culture and Counterculture From ReformJudaism.org: It's Not For Us to Complete the Task by Dr. Carol Ochs Saturday, July 18, 2020 MATOT-MASEI, NUMBERS 30.2-36.13 Moses spoke to the heads of the Israelite tribes, saying: "This is what the Eternal has commanded: If a householder makes a vow to the Eternal or takes an oath imposing an obligation on himself, he shall not break his pledge; he must carry out all that has crossed his lips." - Numbers 30:2-36:13 From ReformJudaism.org: Shabbat Sha-raps (Torah for teens) Torah for tots There is safety in numbers by Kristine Garroway From UCSJ, Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem: A Series of Torah Spots Saturday, July 11, 2020 PINCHAS, NUMBERS 25:10-30.1 From MyJewishLearning.com: Meet the Torah's Bold Band of Status-Quo Challenging Sisters by Erika Davis From Aish.com : Care to be Right by N.Y. Safran (For Parents & Children) Aish's Torah commentary for youth have stories pertaining to the week's Torah portion along with discussion questions for interactive parent-child experience. Moral vs. Political Issues by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (For Adults) Saturday, July 4, 2020 CHUKAT-BALAK, NUMBERS 19:1-25.9 From My Jewish Learning In this Torah portion, God instructs Moses and Aaron regarding the red heifer. Miriam, who is the sister of Moses and Aaron, dies. Moses hits a rock to bring forth water rather than speaking to it. At the end Chukat, Aaron dies. In Balak, the king of Moab, asks Balaam to curse the Israelites after he sees them defeat various nations in battle. Balaam’s donkey sees an angel of God and refuses to move any further. Balaam hits the donkey. God speaks through the mouth of the donkey to tell him not to curse the Israelites. Instead of cursing the Israelites, Balaam blesses them. From MyJewishLearning.com: The Lost Years by Channa Locksin Bob From ReformJudaism.org: Another Miriam Worth Remembering by Rabbi Carole B. Balin, Ph.D. A Thin Line Between Passion and Zealotry by Rabbi Eric Yoffie Saturday, June 27, 2020 KORACH, NUMBERS 16:1-18:32 Now Korach, son of Izhar son of Kohath son of Levi, betook himself, along with Dathan and Abiram sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth--decendants of Reuben--to rise up against Moses, ... - Numbers 16:1-2 From ReformJudaism.org: The Balance Between Humility and Arrogance by Rabbi Lisa Gruschow Watch Korach for Teens Shabbat Sha-raps video From MyJewish Learning.com: Parashat Korach Summary Saturday, June 20, 2020 SH'LACH L'CHA, NUMBERS 13:1-15:41 In this Torah portion, Moses sends 12 spies to explore the Land of Israel. Ten of them convince the people that it will be too difficult to conquer the land. God responds to their lack of confidence by punishing them with 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. God commands the Israelites to put fringes on the ends of their clothing. From MyJewishLearning.com: The Perils of Groupthink by Rabbi Asher Lopatin From ReformJudaism.org: Hope in the Darkness of Fear by Rabbi Vered Harris Watch BimBam.com's video on Sh'lach for young children Saturday, June 13, 2020 BEHA,'ALOTECHA, NUMBERS 8:1-12:16 In this Torah portion, the Israelites receive instructions regarding Passover. They journey forth from Sinai and complain to God on several occasions, provoking God’s anger. Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses. From MyJewishLearning.com: Ceding Control -and Seizing It by Rabbi Matthew Soffer Our Covenantal Responsibilities by Devorah Marcus Torah for Kids on Youtube (video) Saturday, June 6, 2020 NASO, NUMBERS 4:21-7:89 The Eternal One spoke to Moses: "Take a census of the Gershonites also, by their ancestral house and by their clans." - Numbers 4:21-22 From ReformJudaism.org: The Nazarite Vow by Rabbi Lisa Grushcow Naso for Teens (video) How Do We Bless Others by Riva Gambert In addition to passages about taking a census, adultery and becoming a Nazir, Naso also deals with the Priestly Blessing, which is often described as God showing love for us. BUT how do WE show love to others? How do WE bestow blessings on others? In the Torah, love is not expressed through emotion but as a behavior. In these troubled and unprecedented times, it is important to see that all of us are connected through our membership in humanity. Indeed, the spread of COVID-19 demonstrates this. Each human heart retains the same desire for respect. The same need for empathy. Recently on Nextdoor , a man in his 30’s shared that he felt safer when, on a walk in his Walnut Creek neighborhood, he brought his 8 year-old daughter along with him. First, I couldn’t understand what he meant. Then he explained that he was African American and holding his daughter’s hand reduced people’s suspicions of him. In the early 1980s at a Jewish Federation sponsored solidary Shabbat for Ethiopian Jews, most of whom had not yet been brought to Israel, we included a reading whose author I cannot recall. But it is a call for looking at our own behavior—especially important now. With no excuse, and with apologies to the author, I have added a new line, next to the last one. IF YOU LOOK AT THE STARS AND YAWN Praise me, says God, and I will know that you love me. Curse me, says God, and I will know that you love me. Praise me or curse me And I will know that you love me. But if you sit fenced off in your apathy, says God, If you sit entrenched in: “I don’t give a hang,” says God, If you look at the stars and yawn, If you see suffering and you don’t cry out, If you see suffering and don’t cry out, If you don’t see the same human heart in others Then I created you in vain, says God. Torah Commentary for Shavuot 2020 From MyJewishLearning.com: Why We Read the Book of Ruth on Shavuot and Shavuot in Modern Times From Jewish Theological Seminary:Why We Eat Dairy on Shavuot by Ismar Schorsch, Rabbi Herman Abramovitz Distinguished Service Professor of Jewish History From ReformJudaism.org: Shavuot for Tweens and Shabbat She-Raps (video for Teens) Saturday, May 23, 2020 BAMIDBAR, NUMBERS 1:1-4:20 In Hebrew, Bamidbar means “in the wilderness” although the English name is Numbers. In this book of the Torah, the reader journeys along with the Israelites from Mt. Sinai through the physical wilderness before they arrive at the Promised Land. But it is not only an untamed place where they stay for decades, but an untamed emotional state in which they live. There is skepticism about reaching their eventual destination. They are afraid of what is to come of them. They doubt their own vision. Will there be a happy ending to their journey in the wilderness? In this COVID-19 time, we can see a parallel with many of our own emotions. From ReformJudaism.org: Shabbat Sha'raps video for teens. Are Women Counted in the Book of Numbers by Rabbi Carole B. Balin, Ph.D. From TheYeshiva.net , Entering the Wilderness by Rabbi YY Jacobson Saturday, May 16, 2020 BEHAR-BECHUKOTAI, LEVITICUS 25:1-27:34 The Eternal One spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai: "Speak to the Israelite people and say to them: When you enter the land that I assign to you, the land shall observe a sabbath of the Eternal." “In this Torah portion, God describes the laws surrounding resting the land and crops every seven years, as well as the Jubilee year every 50 years. God permits the use of slaves but provides stipulations including the obligation to eventually free your slaves” –MyJewishLearning.com Godcast Video for Children on Behar (Adults will like it too!), Sustainable Farming in the Torah From MyJewishLearning.com: Behar, A Summary of the Parashah (Good introductory commentary) From ReformJudaism.org: When It’s Hard to Believe Life Will Get Better by Rabbi Billy Dreskin From Chabad: Behar-Bechukotai in a Nutshell Saturday, May 9, 2020 EMOR, LEVITICUS 21:1-24:23 This Torah portion gets its name from the word by which God tells Moses to “speak” the “Holiness” laws to the priests. The priests had special duties and special laws were given to them, which set them apart from the rest of the Israelites. In today’s COVID-9 world, which group of people is being given special status? Think healthcare workers, food providers and emergency responders. From Aish.com: All About Human Honor and the Holidays by Rabbi Avi Geller From MyJewishLearning.com: Parashat Emor by Nancy R. Greenfield From JTS: The Blasphemer's Twin by Tim Daniel Bernard Saturday, May 2, 2020 ACHAREI MOT, LEVITICUS 16:1-18:30 "Acharei Mot, the first of this week's two parashiyot begins on an unsettling note -- a reminder of the death of Aaron's sons and the suggestion that such tragedies might occur again unless the priests take specified steps to prevent them " -- Rabbi Richard Levy From MyJewishLearning.com: Do Not Open This Napkin by Rabbi Matthew V. Soffer From ReformJudaism.org: Being Holy and Staying Alive by Rabbi Richard Levy Acharei Mot for Tots by Ellen and Peter Allard My rules alone shall you observe, and faithfully follow My laws: I the Lord am your God. - Leviticus 18:4 What good are rules if you can bend them? We need a nanny who is disciplined and stern. With boys and girls you don't befriend them. I fear that Marry Poppins has a lot to learn. -- Sung by George Banks in the musical "Mary Poppins" Saturday, April 25, 2020 TAZRIA, LEVITICUS 12:1 – 13:59 For many of us, the Torah portions of Tazria and Metzora have never felt so relevant. While in years past there was a great sense of distance from the confusing descriptions of biblical skin afflictions, the quarantine of afflicted Israelites…it feels difficult to escape their prescience during our current global pandemic. (As a matter of fact, there was a recent essay published on thetorah.com exploring all of the parallels between COVID-19 and the treatment of Ancient Near Eastern contagious disease.) As we all struggle with the challenges of social distancing and the uncertainty of the future, I believe that insights into the details of our parshiyot can provide us with points of reflection for our present reality. - Rabbi Rogoff View the youth-friendly video on this week's Torah portion here on Bimbam.com From ReformJudaism.org: A Disease that Walls Get? Decoding Tzaraat and facing Our Fears by Professor Rachel Adler. Professor of Modern Jewish Thought and Judaism and Gender at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Los Angeles, Adler was one of the first theologians to integrate feminist perspectives and concerns into the interpretation of Jewish texts and the renewal of Jewish law and ethics. The Plagues of Our Time by Rabbi Rifat Sonsino, Ph.D. Rabbi Sonsino is rabbi emeritus of Temple Beth Shalom of Needham, Massachusetts, and a faculty member of the Theology Department at Boston College. From Jewish Theological Seminary: Living Outside the Camp by Jason Roof, Academic Director of Israel Programs, Assistant Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics.(P osted on April 24, 2020) Gender Inside and Outside the Tent by Joy Ladin, David and Ruth Gottesman Chair in English, Yeshiva University (Posted on April 28, 2017) Saturday, April 18, 2020 SHEMINI (also spelled Sh'mini), LEVITICUS 9:1-11:47 From Jewish Theological Seminary: When Theology Fails by Chancellor Arnold Eisen (Posted March 17, 2009) How Do We Mourn? by Associate Professor Eliezer Diamond (P osted April 17, 2020) From ReformJudaism.org: Sh’mini for Tweens C’mon, Baby, Light My Fire by Billy Dreskin. From Reconstructing Judaism: May We All Be Liberated Soon by Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Saturday, April 11, 2020 From ReformJudaism.org: Passover Intermediate Days From Jewish Theological Seminary (Conservative): Matza's Majestic Meaning From Aish.com: (The Family Parsha with questions for both parents and kids) A Different Kind of Slavery

Seeing the Holy in Our Work Riva Gambert This parsha describes the lamps of the Tabernacle and the consecration of the priesthood. It also minutely describes the sacred vestments of the priests who are to be adorned in special/splendid clothes. All of them are to wear four garments: linen breeches, tunics, sashes and turbans. In addition, the high priest, Aaron, is to wear a special robe of pure blue decorated at the hem with pomegranates and golden bells, which ring when he walks. Over this robe, the high priest will wear an apron-like garment woven of gold, blue, purple and crimson, and on top of this, a breastplate inlaid with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel and precious stones. There is also an 8th special item tied with a blue cord to the front of the high priest’s turban--a gold plate engraved HOLY TO THE LORD. Some commentary on this parsha finds the splendor of the priestly adornments to be rather puzzling as the requirement for the priests to wear beautiful sacred clothing emphasizes the visual. The vestments seem to counter a fundamental Jewish value—the emphasis of hearing “the still small voice” of God, who primarily reveals himself in words and not as an idol. Why then the beautification of the priestly garments described in this parsha and the enhancement of the aesthetic and what many of us might call “the superficial”? The late Rabbi LORD Jonathan Sacks proposed an answer. The story of the Golden Calf shows us that people cannot always fully relate to a God who doesn’t give them a visible sign of God’s presence. It is had to believe in a God of everywhere-in-general but nowhere in particular. It is hard to sustain a relationship with God who is only evident in miracles but not in everyday life… …The entire purpose of the Sanctuary was to bring the experience of God down to earth in a physical structure with regular routines performed by ordinary human beings. Its purpose was to make people sense the invisible divine presence in visible phenomena. We may then ask ourselves when considering our CCJCC, a JCC without walls: How do we see the divine in our organization? I would say that our people to people interactions--whether in-person or on-line--provide the human connections that are so valued in Judaism. Our mental engagement and person-to-person learning experiences can be and often are soul enriching. They can engage the spirit and because of that can be considered holy work.

Books on Passover The list below contains just a handful of the books available that provide information on Passover. These titles are still available for purchase online. In addition, you can contact your local bookstore to see if they can get the book for you. There are far too many cookbooks for us to list. Many Jewish cookbooks contain a chapter of Passover recipes, so check out those that are already in your bookshelf AND think about calling/emailing relatives and friends for their favorite Passover recipes. The Family Guide to Spiritual Celebration A detailed presentation on preparing for Passover, the "telling," songs, rituals and explanations. Creating Lovely Passover Seders Details on explanations of the rituals, telling the Passover story, how to present the holiday to youth, and hands-on activities for children. Pesach for The Rest Of Us Marce Piercy is the author of many novels including "Gone to Soldiers." This beautifully written book illustrates how she and her friends carried out the Seder -- with contemporary readings, her own recipes and poems. The Jewish Holidays: A Guide & Commentary A user friendly presentation of all the Jewish holidays, including Passover. Keeping Passover If we remember correctly, the author used to work in Cody's Bookstore in Berkeley. This is a classic! A user-friendly and serious presentation of Passover. The Kids' Catalog of Passover A child-friendly (and thus a parent-friendly) book on how to involve children in the preparation of the Seder and the Seder itself. Excellent! (If you can't get the hardcover, try the Kindle edition. Haggadot A haggadah is the “script” for the Passover seder. There are a wide variety of haggadot—from traditional ones to those that are perfect for young children to those that have a contemporary feel. Picking the Right Hagaddah for You How to Choose a Haggadah in the Time of Coronavirus Making Your Own Haggadah Get a Unique Kveller Hagaddah for Passover Listed below are a few special haggadot from the collection of one of our local Jewish educators. Passover Haggadah Graphic Novel Great for youth, and yes it's in a graphic novel format. The SZYK haggadah A traditional Haggadah with illustrations by the Polish-Jewish artist who during WWII created anti-Nazi caricatures that were widely published in the U.S. The Agam Haggadah With drawings by the noted Israeli artist Yaacov Agam, known for his Kinetic Art style. A Night of Questions A Passover Haggadah With commentary by the late author Elie Wiesel. The (Unofficial) Hogwarts Hagaddah With commentary and questions by Moshe Rosenberg (Yes, Hogwarts as in Harry Potter!) And a 2 minute Haggadah from the late Robin Williams...

THE 2ND ANNUAL MENORAH COMPETITION The Contra Costa JCC brought the community together for the 2nd Annual Menorah Competition on Monday, November 30, at Congregation B'nai Shalom . It was a great evening of families celebrating the second night of Hanukkah together. The menorahs created by the children with help from their parents were on display for all to see. Hazzan Bernstein and Eric Shone led the group in Chanukkah songs. There were delicious latkes made from scratch by the CBS Men's Club and jelly donuts, too. The judges made sure the children explained their menorahs and why they chose to make them. At the end of the night, the winning menorah was "Edible Science" by the Leitersdorf family , who shared pieces of it with anyone who wanted to have another yummy treat before heading home. Below are the competing menorahs and a few more images from the event. We thank our sponsors Contra Costa JCC, Beth Chaim Cong., CCJDS, Chabad of Contra Costa, Cong. B'nai Shalom, Cong. B'nai Tikvah, PJ Library Bay Area, Shevet Egoz and Temple Isaiah . We are also grateful for everyone who joined us to make this night so much fun. The Lights of the Diaspora (2nd place) Festival of Lights: History of Light (3rd Place) Having latkes outdoors We prefer to stay inside. Yummy donuts... More yummy donuts Getting ready for the contest Our Festival of Light Reading The Mitzvah Menorah Candytopia The Crafty Menorah Judges at work Palmorah Why did you make a menorah from a banana? Two years ago, we were in the Palm desert, we did not have a menorah, so we used a banana and still celebrated Hanukkah. Can we light this menorah? Things we love Finding the Light 8 Sugary Nights Shamash V'Kochavim Hazan Bernstein and Eric Shoen singing Hanukkah songs, while judges are deliberating... Let's all sing! We have the winners. One last look at "Edible Science" Here we go

Y OM H A S HOAH V E H A' G EVURAH AN EVENING Monday, April 17, 2023 - 7:00 PM PDT In Person at Temple Isaiah a nd O nline Join the community in remembrance and solidarity. First, Second and Third generation speakers will share "Stories of Resilience." Admission is free and open to the public. To watch the commemoration online, visit: https://www.youtube.com/TIJewishNeighborhood Convened by the Contra Costa JCC. Sponsors: Beth Chaim Congregation, Congregation Beth Emek, Congregation B’nai Shalom, Congregation B’nai Tikvah, Sinai Memorial Chapel, and Temple Isaiah. Co-sponsors: Contra Costa Jewish Day School, Contra Costa Midrasha, Diablo Valley Hadassah, East Bay Holocaust Education Center, East Bay International Jewish Film Festival, Israeli American Council, JEICOR, Jewish Partisan Educational Foundation, New Lehrhaus, and The Reutlinger Community. REMEMBERING THE HOLOCAUST Author Events: April 3 and April 16 April 3, 2:00 PM: Overture of Hope: Two Sisters' Daring Plan That Saved Opera's Jewish stars from Third Reich with Isabel Vincent. Register here . April 16, 4:00 PM: The Postmistress of Paris with Meg Waite Clayton. Register here . April 20, 7:00 PM Author and historian Fred Rosenbaum explores the history of the Jewish community in Norway in association with the Norwegian WWII drama Betrayed . Register here for the presentation and film.

PHOTO GALLERY 1/54 On Sunday, April 30, 2023, IsraFEST75 brought together the East Bay Jewish communities for a taste of Israel which celebrated its 75th birthday that week. The event was convened and underwritten by the Contra Costa JCC in partnership with the local synagogues and Jewish organizations. It was a beautiful, sunny day. Children familiarized themselves with Israel through various fun activities. There were also short films, lectures and concerts for adults. These are some of the images from that special day. End of Summer Pool Party 1 End of Summer Pool Party 2 End of Summer Pool Party 5 End of Summer Pool Party 1 1/5 On August 21, families from all over Contra Costa came together for CCJCC's "End of Summer Pool Party." The kids and parents had a good time enjoying one of summer 2022's last hot days in a fun and exciting environment. The Contra Costa JCC brought the community together for the 2nd Annual Menorah Competition on Monday, November 30, at Congregation B'nai Shalom. It was a great evening of families celebrating the second night of Hanukkah. We thank all our cosponsors who made this event possible and everyone who joined in the fun. Edible Science (Winner) The Light of the Diaspora (2nd Place) Here We Go... Edible Science (Winner) 1/25 Summer Day at the Pool (1) Summer Day at the Pool (2) Summer Day at the Pool (9) Summer Day at the Pool (1) 1/9 On August 22, the CCJCC brought together young families with kids and tweens to have some splashing cool fun at the San Ramon Pool and Aquatic Center. These images are testament to the awesome time the kids had that day! The CCJCC & NCSY Project Impact offers four different tracks for teens and families with young children to explore ways for Tikkun Olam ( repair the world). One of those tracks is assembling food and care packages for the homeless youth. O n Sunday, March 21, 2021, participants who signed up in advance came together to work and help those who are less fortunate. ProjectImpact2 ProjectImpact3 ProjectImpact4 ProjectImpact2 1/5 Purim 2021 Purim 2021 - Noa Baum Purim 2021 1/2 On Thursday, February 25, 2021 the community came together for Erev Purim. There were costume contests for kids and families, singing, storytelling with Noa Baum and Megillah reading. Just two quick screenshots from that fun evening. In the 2020 CCJCC Family Menorah Contest , more than 20 families exhibited their spirit and creativity. Here are the menorahs they made and presented virtually on December 16, 2020. Contest 3 Bronson Family - Winner Schotland Family Stamp Menorah Contest 3 1/21 Get Your Butt Outside & Hike with Friends on October 24th was the first in what will be many innovative and exciting Young Families Programming events coming to our community in 2020-2021. Here are some photos from the hike. Hiking in Mt. Diablo State Park We found a happy place. I made this. Hiking in Mt. Diablo State Park 1/10 Violins of Hope: Along the Trade Route event on January 30, 2020 at Congregation B'nai Shalom brought the Contra Costa community together for a memorable evening of music. Violins of Hope Violins of Hope Violins of Hope 1/2

ETHIOPIAN JEWISH HERITAGE WEEK (March 14 - 22) This is part of the "Faces of Israel" series. This Faces of Israel series will include speakers, films and more on the Beta Yisrael (Ethiopian Jews). Admission is free for all of the events. Sponsors of the series include Cong. B’nai Tikvah, CCJCC, EBIJFF and Cong. B’nai Shalom. Co-sponsors are Cong. Beth Emek and the Jewish Book Council. Program List LIVE AND BECOME (PAST) Mar 19, 2021, 9:00 AM PDT – Mar 22, 2021, 10:00 PM PDT Free Streaming Online Details RED SEA SPIES WITH RAFFI BERG Mar 18, 2021, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM PDT Online via Zoom Details CHAT WITH FILMMAKER RYAN S. PORUSH (PAST) Mar 17, 2021, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM PDT Online via Zoom Details THE PASSENGERS (PAST) Mar 15, 2021, 9:00 AM PDT – Mar 17, 2021, 10:00 PM PDT Free Streaming Online Details VIRTUAL TOUR OF BATTAE (PAST) Mar 14, 2021, 1:00 PM PDT Online Details