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 5781 September 24 , 2022 NITZAVIM, DEUTERONOMY 29:9-30:20 From ReformJudaism.org: Peoplehood, Responsibility, and Intentionality by Rabbi Jacqueline Mates-Muchin September 17 , 2022 KI TAVO, DEUTERONOMY 26:1-29:8 From MyJewishLearning.com: Forging the Intergenerational Self by Rabbi Jethro Berkman September 10 , 2022 KI TEITZEI, DEUTERONOMY 21:10-25:19 From MyJewishLearning.com: Sins of the Father by Amy Deutsch September 3, 2022 SHOFTIM, DEUTERONOMY 16:18-21:9 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Emergence of Environmentalism by Rabbi Neal J. Loevinger August 27, 2022 RE'EH, DEUTERONOMY 11:26-16:17 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Kosher Turkey Debate by Rabbi Joshua Heller August 20, 2022 EIKEV, DEUTERONOMY 7:12-11:25 From ReformJudaism.org: All You Need is Love by Shira Milgrom August 13, 2022 VA-ET'CHANAN, DEUTERONOMY 3:23-7:11 From ReformJudaism.org: Do not Make Yourself a Pesel, Lest Torah Become an Idol by Shira Milgrom August 6, 2022 DEVARIM, DEUTERONOMY 1:1-3:22 From MyJewishLearning.com: Tzedek vs.Tzedakah: Justice vs. Charity by Adina Gerver July 30, 2022 MATOT-MASEI, NUMBERS 30:2-36:13 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Spiritual Trauma of Taking a Life by Rabbi Asher Lopatin How to Model Genuine Curiosity by Or Mars July 23, 2022 PINCHAS, NUMBERS 25:10-30:1 From ReformJudaism.org: Confronting Violence and Injustice Against Women by Rabbi Alex Kress July 16, 2022 BALAK, NUMBERS 22:2-25:9 From ReformJudaism.org: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Curse the Children of Israel by Phillip Rice July 9, 2022 CHUKAT, NUMBERS 19:1-22:1 From ReformJudaism.org: Growth Means Taking Responsibility by Beth Ellen Young July 2, 2022 KORACH, NUMBERS 16:1-18:32 From ReformJudaism.org: Not All Rebellions Look (or End) Like Korach's Did by Rabbi Carole B. Balin, Ph.D. June 25, 2022 SH'LACH L'CHA, NUMBERS 13:1-15:41 From ReformJudaism.org: Transforming Trauma by Beth Ellen Young June 18, 2022 BEHA'ALOTCHA, NUMBERS 8:1-12:16 From MyJewishLearning.com: God Hears, But What We Do Matters Most by Rabbi Elaine Zecher June 11, 2022 NASSO, NUMBERS 4:21-7:89 From MyJewishLearning.com: Surrogate Judaism by Rabbi Joshua Heller June 4, 2022 BAMIDBAR, NUMBERS 1:1-4:20 From MyJewishLearning.com: When Women Are Invisible by Sivan Rotholz May 28, 2022 B'CHUKOTAI, LEVITICUS 26:3-27:34 From Reformjudaism.org: When It's Hard to Believe Life Will Get Better by Rabbi Billy Dreskin May 21, 2022 BEHAR, LEVITICUS 25:1-26:2 From MyJewishLearning.com: Economic Justice for Insiders and Outsiders by Rabbi Joshua Heller May 14, 2022 EMOR, LEVITICUS 21:1-24:23 From ReformJudaism.org: Emerge from Your Cave and See God's World Around You by Rabbi Ben Spratt May 7, 2022 KEDOSHIM, LEVITICUS 19:1-20:27 From MyJewishLearning.com: Stumbling Blocks of Consumerism by Carmi Wisemon April 30, 2022 ACHREI MOT, LEVITICUS 16:1-18:30 In Achrei Mot (After Death) , named as such because it focuses on what happens to the Israelites after the death of Aaron’s two sons, Madab and Abihu, we learn of the concept of the “scapegoat.” As described in this parsha, on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the High Priest is to take two male goats and by using lots, identify one for God and the other one for Azazel. The goat marked for God is slaughtered as a sin offering and its blood is used to cleanse the Tent of meeting, the altar and the Holy of Holies. Then the High Priest is to confess all of the sins of the Israelites over the second goat and that goat is to be set free in the wilderness. Thus, the original meaning of the expression “scapegoat.” At the High Holidays, we think about our actions over the past year. Our prayers of repentance at this time are for sings against God. However, sins against people demand more than just prayer. Maimonides emphasized the need to voice confession to the person(s) we have hurt. Repentance also should not be done in a quick “I’m so sorry,” but must come out of serious soul-searching. According to Maimonides, the true penitent is also someone who commits a sin and is later given the opportunity to commit the exact same sin but chooses not to do so. In contemporary times, is it enough to write “I’m sorry” just on social media and not face to face (whether in-person or by zoom) with the person you have hurt? Does a quick “sorry” immediately after inflicting pain (emotional and/or physical) make one a true penitent? Must, as Maimonides emphasizes, true repentance demand that some length of time must take place during which contemplation has been carried out? These are a few questions to consider as we try to make amends. April 9, 2022 METZORA, LEVITICUS 14:1-15:33 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Toothpaste Sacrifice by Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn Modern Untouchables: Our Sins of Exclusion by Rabbi Justin David April 2, 2022 TAZRIA, LEVITICUS 12:1-13:59 From ReformJudaism.org: The Disease that Walls Get by Dr. Rachel Adler March 26, 2022 SH'MINI, LEVITICUS 9:1-11:47 From ReformJudaism.org: Birds of a Feather (Don't Always) Flock Together: Sacred Ornithology and Efforts for Peace by Cantor Jill Abramson March 19, 2022 TZAV, LEVITICUS 6:1-8:36 From ReformJudaism.org: Command [Aaron and His Sons] March 12, 2022 VAYIKRA, LEVITICUS 1:1-5:26 From ReformJudaism.org: Encountering God in the Sacred Silence by Rabbi Ben Spratt March 5, 2022 PEKUDEI, EXODUS 38:21-40:38 From The Jerusalem Post: Mystery of the Cloud by David Wolpe February 26, 2022 VAYAKHEL, EXODUS 35:1-38:20 From MyJewishLearning.com: And the Loveliest of All was the Unicorn by Rabbi Avi Weinstein February 19, 2022 KI TISA, EXODUS 30:11-34:35 From ReformJudaism.org: Parashat Ki Tisa: Waking Up to Freedom by Rabbi Hilly Haber From RabbiSacks.org: Can there be Compassion Without Justice? by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks February 12, 2022 TETZAVEH, EXODUS 27:20-30:10 Seeing the Holy in Our Work by CCJCC Under One Tent Program Director and EBIJFF Director Riva Gambert February 5, 2022 TERUMAH, EXODUS 25:1-27:19 From MyJewishLearning.com: In Forgiveness, Making Space for the Divine by Rabbi Brent C. Spodek January 29, 2022 MISHPATIM, EXODUS 21:1-24:18 From ReformJudaism.org: Beyond Welcoming the Stranger by Rabbi Hilly Haber From Kosher.com: Watch The Power of Giving January 22, 2022 YITRO, EXODUS 18:1-20:23 From ReformJudaism.org: Advice from a Father-in-Law by Rabbi Ellen Weinberg Dreyfus January 15, 2022 BESHALACH, EXODUS 13:17-17:16 From MyJewishLearning.com: An Indirect Route by Nancy Reuben Greenfield January 8, 2022 BO, EXODUS 10:1-13:16 From ReformJudaism.org: Why Firstborns Are Such a Big Deal in the Torah by Rabbi Ana Bonnheim From RabbiSacks.org: Telling the Story by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks January 1, 2022 VA'EIRA, EXODUS 6:2-9:35 From ReformJudaism.org: The True Purpose of the Plagues by Ana Bonnheim Va'eira for Teens: Shabbat Sha-raps December 25, 2021 SHEMOT, EXODUS 1:1-6:1 From MyJewishLearning.com: Stop Making Excuses and Step Up to the Plate by Rabbi Michelle Missagieh How Two Midwives Tricked Pharoah by Hannah G. Pressman December 18, 2021 VAYECHI, GENESIS 47:28-50:26 From ReformJudaism.org: Vayechi is a Reminder of the Power to Keep Hope Alive by Rabbi Michael Dolgin December 11, 2021 VAYIGASH, GENESIS 44:18-47:27 From RabbiSacks.org: The Unexpected Leader by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Does My Father Love Me? by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks December 4, 2021 MIKEITZ, GENESIS 41:1-44:17 From ReformJudaism.org: Israel in Egypt: From Valued Subjects to Persecuted Minority by Rabbi Paul Kipnes Forgiveness and Reconciliation with the Past by Ellen M. Umansky, Ph.D. November 27, 2021 VAYESHEV, GENESIS 37:1-40:23 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Light at the End of the Tunnel by Rabbi K. Rosenbaum Caring for One Another, A Resource for Families by Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses November 20, 2021 VAYISHLACH, GENESIS 32:4-36:43 From MyJewishLearning.com: A Tale of Two Jacobs by Rabbi Justin Goldstein November 13, 2021 VAYETZEI, GENESIS 28:10-32:3 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Place with No Name by Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn November 6, 2021 TOLDOT, GENESIS 25:19-28:9 From MyJewishLearning.com: Did Esau have ADD/ADHD? by Steven M. Brown October 30, 2021 CHAYEI SARAH, GENESIS 23:1-25:18 From ReformJudaism.org: "Resident Foreigners" and the Wisdom of the Oxymoron by Rabbi Dan Moskovitz From MyJewishLearning.com: Was Abraham's Second Wife Really Hagar? by Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky October 23, 2021 VAYERA, GENESIS 18:1-22:24 From RabbiSacks.org: The Binding of Isaac by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Negative Capability (Family Edition) by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks October 16, 2021 LECH LECHA, GENESIS 12:1-17:27 From MyJewishLearning.com: Finding the Courage to Begin by Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses Questions to Consider Yourself Based on this Parsha: How are you a blessing in your life to others? What journey did you go on that had a major impact on your life? October 9, 2021 NOACH, GENESIS 6:9-11:32 From MyJewishLearning.com: Parachat Noah: Summary by Nancy Reuben Greenfield Parashat Noach Quiz From ReformJudaism.org: Naming Naamah, Noach's Wife (and the Other Torah Women, too) by Rabbi Paul Kipnes October 2, 20 21 BERESHIT, GENESIS 1:1-6:8 From MyJewishLearning.com: Being Like God by Ben Harris From SouthStreetTemple.org: Genesis September 25, 2021 CHOL HAMOED SUKKOT, EXODUS 33:12-34:26 From SouthStreetTemple.org: Chol Hamoed Sukkot (Intermediate Day), Exodus, Torah September 18, 2021 HA'AZINU, DEUTERONOMY 32:1-32:52 From MyJewishLearning.com: Paradigm Shift by Rabbi Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi The Times They Are A-Changing by Rabbi Neil Loevinger September 11, 2021 VAYEILECH, DEUTERONOMY 31:1-31:30 From MyJewishLearning.com: Commentary by Nancy Reuben Greenfield From RabbiSacks.org: Consensus vs. Command by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

Recipes for the High Holidays As with all Jewish holidays, food is a big part of the High Holidays. For Rosh HaShanah, we wish people a “Sweet New Year” and therefore it is traditional to add honey to vegetable dishes, desserts and even meat/chicken. Honey cake, sliced apples dipped in honey, honeyed carrots, and other delicacies are often enjoyed. THE NOSHER shares things to do and make (food-wise) before the High Holidays including tasty recipes that can be found here . Read a valuable article from MyJewishLearning.com on Rosh HaShanah foods! Foolproof recipe: Andrew Zimmern's Favorite Apple Cake A recipe to do with kids: Apple & Honey Hand Pie Pocket Best Rosh HaShanah Dinner Recipes from Kosher.com 55+ Ways to go gluten-free this Rosh Hashanah Apple Pie Kugel Recipe Cauliflower Kugel Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe from The Nosher A beautiful and innovative recipe: Japanese-style Apple & Honey Roll Cakes 9 Interesting Things about Pomegranates and Pomegranate Recipes for Rosh HaShanah Bring in the sweet with this pomegranate molasses chicken recipe Italian Sweet and Sour Fish Recipe A staple for Rosh HaShanah, honey cake recipe An easy-to-make (and quick to eat) apple cake recipe 5 Multicultural Recipes for Rosh HaShanah Schnitzel is a popular chicken dish in Israel and easy to make at home. Try out this recipe of Ethiopian Schnitzel with Hot Honey! 46 Celebratory Recipes for Rosh HaShanah (Warning: Not all of these recipes are Kosher!) Learn how to make braided challah for Rosh HaShanah and any other time! Bon Appetit's article on the spice fenugreek and making Yemenite fenugreek salsa (try it…you may like it) A Sephardic Rosh HaShanah Seder Making your simanim symbols Here are four elegant recipes for break-the-fast.

SUKKOT The Feast of Booths Read More SUKKOT The Feast of Booths (Tabernacles) It is traditional to start building a sukkah (booth) immediately after Yom Kippur even though the holiday begins five days after the Day of Atonement on the 15th of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. Sukkot is associated with rejoicing, living in booths or, if that is not possible due to weather or other reasons, trying to eat some meals there. A sukkah is a temporary booth, which must be partially open to the sky and whose roof should be partially made up of plant material like palm fronds or branches. Sukkot is both an agricultural holiday celebrating the end of the year’s harvest in the Land of Israel, as well as a time when we remember the Jewish people’s 40 year-long wandering in the desert after our Exodus from Egypt. This holiday is also called the “Festival of Ingathering.” It is a tradition to welcome guests to one’s sukkah, which is often decorated with hanging decorations and/or artwork. Sukkot is both an agricultural holiday celebrating the end of the year’s harvest in the Land of Israel, as well as a time when we remember the Jewish people’s 40 year-long wandering in the desert after our Exodus from Egypt. This holiday is also called the “Festival of Ingathering.” It is a tradition to welcome guests to one’s sukkah, which is often decorated with hanging decorations and/or artwork. In Israel and in Reform congregations, Sukkot is a seven-day festival while in Conservative and Orthodox congregations outside of Israel it is celebrated for eight days. For a more detailed description of the holiday, visit myjewishlearning.com . Sukkot Date 202 4 : Starts at sunset on October 16 and ends at nightfall October 23. Customs Building a sukkah and inviting guests to join you in the sukkah for meals Decorating the sukkah with hanging decorations and/or artwork Sleeping in the sukkah Holding together and shaking the four species of plants found in Israel—palm, myrtle and willow (lulav) along with a citron (etrog). Blessings Here are the blessings for this holiday , including blessings when shaking the lulav. And to learn how to shake the lulav, watch this video . Resources from My Jewish Learning Sukkot 101 Celebrating Sukkot without a Sukkah Sukkot Vocabulary Laws for Building a Sukkah Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah at home Recipes 5 Ingredient Shortcut Recipes for Sukkot

TU B'SHEVAT In the Gregorian calendar “world,” there is only one New Year—January 1. In the Jewish calendar, we have four, with one of them being the New Year of Fruit Trees. Tu B’shevat , (also spelled Tu Bishvat) joins Rosh HaShanah as a “new year.” It takes place on the 15th of the Jewish month of Shevat, which usually lands in mid to late January. In 5785/2025, the holiday begins on Wednesday evening, February 12 and ends on Thursday evening, February 13. Why fruit trees and not evergreens? According to the MyJewishLearning online article (see below for link ): In ancient times, it was merely a date on the calendar that helped Jewish farmers establish exactly when they should bring their fourth-year produce of fruit from recently planted trees to the Temple as first-fruit offerings. After this, all subsequent fruit produced from these trees could be eaten or sold as desired. The article goes on to note that even after the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, this minor holiday continued to be part of Jewish tradition. Today, Tu B’shevat is a symbol of the importance of environmentalism and the need to protect our ecosystem. Over the years, a ritual developed and remains today – a Tu B‘shevat seder. Similar to a Passover seder, participants eat symbolic foods, such as different kinds of nuts and fruits grown in the Land of Israel, during a ceremony complete with special readings. Read these articles from MyJewishLearning.com: Tu Bishivat, the Jewish Birthday of the Trees Trees in Jewish Thought

Make a difference Change starts with people like you. Your donation helps make a real impact, one action at a time. Together, we can do more. Frequency One time One time Monthly Monthly Amount $180 $180 $360 $360 $500 $500 $1,000 $1,000 Other Other Donate $180 Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link

Celebrate Israel's 75th Birthday at Sunday, April 30, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Stone Valley Middle School, Alamo Event Schedule Register here Donate for IsraFEST75 This festive, community-wide event is convened and underwritten by We wish to thank our co-sponsors and community partners for their generosity and support. Platinum Sponsor Co-sponsors Community Partners Admission is free. Pre-register by Friday, April 28, and save time on entry on Sunday, April 30. Before you check out, enter the number of adults and children tickets you need and fill the registration form once. You will immediately receive your order confirmation email, including your ticket(s), to scan on that day. Registrations that include multiple tickets will have a pdf attachment in the confirmation email. If you don't see this email, please check your spam/junk folder to retrieve it. We suggest adding sender notifications@wixevents.com to your contacts in advance. Directions to Stone Valley Middle School in Alamo: https://goo.gl/maps/FL5k6hUwpzATkfdf9 Important: There is parking in front of the school and along the adjacent streets (Ina Drive, David Drive, etc.) However, there is no parking on Miranda. We recommend carpooling with friends and family. All bags are subject to security checks. We also recommend bringing transparent bags if possible. For questions, email underonetent@ccjcc.org . There is something for everyone at IsraFEST75 . Here is the list of some of our activities. Check back by April 16 for our complete schedule. Visit our “Shuk HaCarmel” for Israeli food & snacks including borekas and hummus, plus Israel@75 souvenirs. Youth 3 – 13 will enjoy interactive activities: observing desert fauna; visiting a Bedouin tent for mint tea & a poetry reading; making a mezuzah; discover the wonders of Israeli innovation; journeying to Tel Aviv for a round of Matkot; visiting a replica of the Kotel, and much, much more. Enjoy live musical performances by Eric Schoen, "The Three Cantors" with Temple Isaiah Mizmor Band and Rabbi Larry Milder. At 1:15 PM, Israeli singer Noa Levy and her band will present a concluding concert! If movies are your thing, drop by for our Israeli short film series. Learn about the FIDF’s “Lone Soldier” program from a participant. Curious about your roots? Genealogist Margalit Ir will share her inside tips for discovering more about your ancestors. Rabbi Lawrence from Temple Isaiah will lead a discussion on Israeli music. Kick up your heels at our Israeli folk dancing classes. Take a group picture at our photo booth with beautiful backdrops of Israeli scenes. Food trucks will join us onsite: Kona Ice and StarChaat Indian vegetarian food. L ooking forward to celebrating Israel's 75th birthday with you!

EVENT RECORDINGS FROM 2020 & 2021 We hope you enjoy these YouTube videos of some of our past event recordings. On Thursday, December 16, 2021, Under One Tent Program Director Riva Gambert gave a fascinating presentation on the 1976 hijacking of an Air France plane to Entebbe, Uganda, and the legendary operation that saved the hostages. Entebbe Revealed Prof. Steven Nadler, co-author of When Bad Thinking Happens to Good People: How Philosophy Can Save Us from Ourselves joined the CCJCC audience virtually on December 9, 2021. His presentation will convince you on how essential philosophy is to lead a rational and balance life. Steven Nadler Presents On Sunday, November 14, noted author/historian Fred Rosenbaum examined the popular 2016 Israeli movie The Women's Balcony , Israel's religious communities, and the relationship between "state and synagogue" in the country. Israel's Orthodox Communities In this program recorded on November 8, 2021, Prof. Jonathan Boyarin talked about his "Yeshiva Days" at Mesivtha Tifereth Jerusalem Yeshiva on East Broadway on New York City’s Lower East Side, which is now the last remaining institution for traditional Jewish learning in this iconic Jewish neighborhood. Yeshiva Days In her detailed presentation on November 4, author Annelise Heinz explained the origins of Mahjong, its history, how it arrived in America, and how it became a quintessentially American game. Mahjong Distinguished Professor Emeritus Nathan Katz introduced us to the Jews of India in this fascinating program, which took place on October 26, 2021. His presentation filled with beautiful photos will take you to India even if it is for an hour. The Jews of India Genealogist Margalit Ir, who has been engaged in adult education in Congregation B'nai Shalom, gave a presentation on the Jews of China, specifically the Jews of Keifeng, on Monday, October 25, 2021. When Jews Lived in China On Sunday, October 24, 2021, SFSU Jewish Studies Professor Rachel B. Gross spoke on the revival of deli cuisine and how it reflects the longing of American Jews for authentic Jewish pasts and is a means to pass on Jewish values to future generations. The Deli Revival Author Tracy Walder's memoir The Unexpected Spy: From the CIA to the FBI, My Secret Life Taking Down Some of the World's Most Notorious Terrorists is a fascinating read. Her October 19th talk is a must-watch! The Unexpected Spy On Thursday, October 14, noted author/historian Fred Rosenbaum gave a lecture on the Slovakian drama The Auschwitz Report. The film is based on the true story of two Jewish prisoners who were able to escape the death camp to alert the world of the atrocities. You can watch this very informative presentation here. The Auschwitz Report Author, political commentator, foreign policy consultant, professor and KGO talk show host John Rothmann discussed what Jew hatred is and how to defeat it. Now, you can watch the Sunday, October 10th talk here. Defeating Jew Hatred On Sunday, October 3, 2021, author Ben M. Freeman joined us virtually to answer questions on his book Jewish Pride: Rebuilding a People. Inspired by his experiences with LGBTQ+pride, author Freeman aims to educate, inspire and empower Jews to reject the shame of antisemitism imposed on them by the non-Jewish world. Jewish Pride Our September 22, 2021 conversation featured Nancy Zeitlin, the award-winning equestrian who is the subject of the moving documentary UnReined as well as the two filmmakers, Dr. Marcia Rock and Naomi Guttman-Bass. Watch the Q&A for "UnReined" On Thursday, August 26, 2021, Jerusalem-based political analyst, human rights pioneer, and expert commentator on Arab and Palestinian affairs Bassem Eid talked about the prospects for peace and the two-state solution. Sponsors partnering with CCJCC were Cong. Beth Emek, Cong. B'nai Shalom and Cong. B'nai Tikvah. Bassem Eid's Talk On August 22, 2021, ADL’s regional director Seth Brysk, university student Micah Bloom and educator Matthew Levin from StandWithUs tackled the changing types of antisemitism and gave valuable tools on how adults, teens and young adults can respond to hate. Website links to some of the resources provided that day are available here . Responding to Hate On Thursday, August 5, author, speaker, parenting expert, and artist Rachel Biale introduced us to her book "Growing Up Below Sea Level" and talked about her childhood living in a kibbutz by the Jordan River. Rachel Biale's Talk On July 22, 2021, Under One Tent Program Director Riva Gambert gave a lecture on Lawrence of Arabia vs. Nili, whose efforts in Palestine against the failing Ottoman Empire helped shape the region during World War I. The bibliography on the "Lawrence vs. Nili" lecture is now available here . Lawrence of Arabia vs. Nili On Thursday, June 17, UC Davis Professor David Biale presented the history of Hasidism, a movement that began in southeastern Poland and spread after the death of Israel Ba'al Shem Tov in 1760. Prof. David Biale & Hasidism During the immediate post-WWII period, President Truman was confronted with many issues concerning British-controlled Palestine. On May 27, 2021, Under One Tent Program Director Riva Gambert examined his responses and his ultimate policy decisions. Truman & the State of Israel The late Prime Minister of Israel Yitzhak Shamir's son Yair Shamir answers questions about the documentary Shamir, His Way and his father. The Zoom interview took place on Sunday, May 9, 2021 and shone a light to the personality and values of Yitzhak Shamir. Shamir Uncovered On April 26, 2021, Rachel Levin took us through the chapters of her laugh-out-loud cookbook Eat Something which she co-authored with Evan Bloom. Rachel Levin & Eat Something On April 7, 2021 Sari Greenberg joined us in concert to commemorate the Holocaust through music. You can watch the evening's program here including author/historian Fred Rosenbaum's introduction. Sari Greenberg in Concert Bess Kalb joined us for a Zoom interview on March 23, 2021. She answered questions about her grandmother Bobby Bell, who inspired her to write the Book that is now in the works to be a feature film. Bess Kalb & the Book Together with guest speaker Daniel Limor, author Raffi Berg revealed the true story of an undercover operation run by Israel’s Mossad in the early 1980s on a remote part of the Sudanese coast. Red Sea Spies & Raffi Berg Following the signing of the Abraham Accords, our three panelists Thani Al Shirawi, Michal Cotler-Wunsh and Arsen Ostrovsky discussed the current developments in UAE-Israel relations and the efforts to build a future together. This March 7, 2021 panel was moderated by George Revutsky. Israel & the UAE A panel conversation on the courage and the experiences of the trans community in Israel took place on February 11, 2021. The conversation included Amit Tzuk from the documentary Family In Transition , Micha Yehudi and was moderated by Dana Beyer. Watch the Panel on Facebook Live A glass ceiling-shattering writer/director, Jan Eliasberg answered questions about her first novel Hannah's War on January 24, 2021. Soon-to-be a motion picture, "Hannah's War" is an unforgettable love story about an exceptional woman and the dangerous power of her greatest discovery. Jan Eliasberg on "Hannah's War" The conversation following the streaming of the documentary Marry Me However was on January 21, 2021. The panel included Rabbi Mordechai Vardi , the film's director, and Avigail Sperber , an Israeli cinematographer, social activist, and the founder of Bat Kol--Religious Lesbian Organization. Watch Recording on Facebook Live Award-winning photographer and author Candacy Taylor spoke on the legacy of the Green Book on January 10, 2021. In writing her book, Overground Railroad , Taylor drove approximately 50,000 miles, visiting over 4,000 of the 10,000 Green Book businesses in her database. This is a riveting presentation accompanied with some of the photographs she took along the way. The Legacy of the Green Book Author/historian Fred Rosenbaum discussed the powerful documentary about civil rights activist Rabbi Joachim Prinz which screened Tuesday, January 5 through Sunday evening, January 10, 2021. His talk took place on Thursday, January 7 at 7:00 pm PT. Joachim Prinz & The Civil Rights On Wednesday, December 16, 2020, the CCJCC ran a family menorah contest with the help of local synagogues and organizations. Take a look at some of the wonderful creations made by the participating families on our special 2020 CCJCC Family Menorah Contest page . Menorah Contest The Argentinian drama Anita was available for streaming from December 1 through December 6, 2020. Fred Rosenbaum gave an eye opening and touching talk on the Argentinian Jewry on Wednesday, December 2. If you missed this talk or would like to watch it again, click below for the recording on YouTube. The Jews of Argentina On Sunday, November 22, 2020 we had the pleasure of attending "A Jewish Journey Through Music" with internationally acclaimed cellist Amit Peled. If you missed this program or would like to watch it again, here is the recording of the concert. Enjoy! Amit Peled Recital Author, journalist and WIRED magazine editor at large Stephen Levy joined us on Sunday, November 15, 2020 for an interesting Q&A on his b ook Facebook: The Inside Story , and Facebook's founder Mark Zuckerberg. Watch the Q&A The Movie A Call to Spy was very popular and sold-out quickly. The November 11, 2020 Live Q&A with Actress/Producer and Screenwriter Sarah Megan Thomas, Actor Samuel Roukin and Author Craig Gralley was recorded and is now available here. Q&A with the Filmmakers On Sunday, October 25, 2020 television writer, author, playwright a nd screenwriter Alan Zweibel shared with us how he got i nto the business, his time in SNL, his friendships with the cast and more. Now , you can watch this wonderful talk again and again. Alan Zweibel & Laugh Lines EBIJFF and Under One Tent Program Director, Riva Gambert was the instructor of the course "Post World War II Hollywood: From Gentleman's Agreement to HUAC." Post World War II Hollywood Prof. Amos Guiora discussed his latest book Armies of Enablers on Tuesday, September 22, 2020. Watch the Talk on YouTube The French drama based on a true story Once in a Lifetime , streamed September 8, through September 13. Fred Rosenbaum spoke on the French Jewry, Thursday, September 10, 2020 as part of "Around the World with Fred" program. The Jews of France Following the streaming of the Slovakian movie The Interpreter (August 18-21) Fred Rosenbaum made a presentation on the Jews of Slovakia on Sunday, August 23, 2020. The Slovakian Jews The Austrian movie The Tobacconist was available for streaming from July 21-24, 2020. Award-winning author, historian, and founder of HaMaQom (Former Lehrhaus Judaica) Fred Rosenbaum talked about the history and contemporary life of Austria’s Jewish community on Thursday, July 30. This was the first program of "Around the World with Fred" series sponsored by EBIJFF , CCJCC and participating synagogues. The Jews of Austria

THE 2ND ANNUAL MENORAH COMPETITION On Monday, November 29 from 5:00 - 6:30 pm, please join us for our community-wide Menorah Making Competition . We will exhibit the entries of all participants in Congregation B'nai Shalom's sanctuary while our expert panel of judges will review the homemade menorot. Everyone's welcome! Competing not necessary, but registration required. 1st Prize: Oculus Quest 2 - Immersive All-In-One VR. Additional prizes will be handed out to other participants. Musical Entertainment plus complimentary latkes (with all of the trimmings) provided by the CBS Men's Club. Sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) too! RULES Each family can submit only one original menorah. The menorah must be created by the family (not purchased) but can be made up of any materials. The judges will look for innovation and creativity. When writing up the description of your menorah, do describe its materials as well as its inspiration. Registration for attendance must be done no later than Sunday, November 28 at noon. Register here ! Each family can bring its menorah to the Cong. B'nai Shalom sanctuary as early as 9:00 am on Monday, November 29. All entries must be brought to the sanctuary by 4:00 pm. Tables will be set out inside the sanctuary where the entries should be placed. Contestants must fill out the Menorah Description Form and bring a copy of it along with their menorahs. The form should be placed next to the menorah so that it can be correctly identified. Vaccinations of everyone 12 and up required. Masking required indoors. WHAT IS A MENORAH? The menorah (called a hanukiah in Hebrew) is one of the most well-known Jewish ritual objects. It represents the eight days for which the oil in the 2nd Temple lamp lasted after the holy place was freed in the 2nd century BCE from the control of the Seleucid Greek Empire, the ruling power in the region. In 168 BCE, King Antiochus IV Epiphanes forbid Jewish practice and in addition his troops defiled the Temple by installing an altar to Zeus Olympios where pigs were sacrificed. As a result, a rebellion began by the Jewish family the Maccabees. Eventually, they were successful in removing the King's soldiers from the Temple and surrounding area. The Maccabees found insufficient oil to use for lighting the Temple's lamp; but according to legend, a miracle occurred and the oil lasted for eight days. Register here to attend Form to bring (if you are competing) This event is sponsored by CCJCC in partnership with Beth Chaim Cong., CCJDS, Chabad of CC, Cong. B'nai Shalom, Cong. B'nai Tikvah, PJ Library Bay Area, Shevet Egoz & Temple Isaiah.

YOUNG FAMILIES' PROGRAMMING Since the beginning of the pandemic, most of us have been confined to spaces in our homes. We have participated in and enjoyed online events, classes, screenings, lectures and services. We are thankful for all those programs that have brought us together virtually. Now, however, with changes in social distancing, there is greater opportunity to gather together outdoors while maintaining social distancing and wearing masks. In addition, we are working to identify more interactive programming which will be conducted while social distancing, such as scavenger hikes, museum visits, beach days and more. YOUNG FAMILIES' PROGRAMMING is the CCJCC's new programming for people and families to get together outside and/or to conduct interactively. We'll reunite with old friends, make new ones, and connect to nature, storytelling and other things that interest us. So, join us, and make new friends outside! No events at the moment PAST YEAR'S YOUNG FAMILIES PROGRAMS Poolside Splash Bash Aug 17, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM PDT Details Pre-Rosh Hashanah Art & Music Fest Shabbat Dinner- SOLD OUT! Sep 27, 2024, 5:38 PM – 7:23 PM PDT Details CCJCC SUMMER SPLASH BASH Aug 18, 2024, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM PDT Details COMMUNITY-WIDE YOM HA’ATZMAUT CELEBRATION May 19, 2024, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM PDT Details COMMUNITY-WIDE PURIM CARNIVAL 2024 Mar 24, 2024, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM PDT Details SHALOM BABY: A PARENT-INFANT PLAYGROUP Mar 10, 2024, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM PDT Details HIP HOP WITH WESTSIDE GRAVY (RESCHEDULED FROM OCTOBER 2023 ) Mar 07, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM PST Details COMMUNITY SHABBAT DINNER Jan 12, 2024, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM PST Details HANUKKAH MITZVAH CELEBRATION WITH MELITA Dec 09, 2023, 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM PST Details FAMILY MEGA CHALLAH BAKE Jul 13, 2023, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM PDT Details WELCOME SUMMER 2023 POOL PARTY Jun 25, 2023, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM PDT Details ISRAFEST75 Apr 30, 2023, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PDT Details COMMUNITY-WIDE PURIM CARNIVAL 2023 Mar 05, 2023, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM PST Info END OF SUMMER POOL PARTY Aug 21, 2022, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Details SHAVUOT POOL PARTY Jun 05, 2022, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM PDT Details HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISRAEL PARTY May 08, 2022, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM PDT Learn more SPRING FAMILY GATHERING WITH: NAZUN, TKIYA & PJ LIBRARY BAY AREA May 01, 2022, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM PDT Details CELEBRATING EARTH DAY WITH UP A TREE PUPPETRY Apr 24, 2022, 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM PDT Details Load More

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

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