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PURIM PURIM 5785/2025 In 2025, Purim will begin on the evening of Thursday, March 13 and end on nightfall, Friday, March 14. Purim is celebrated on the 14th of the Jewish month of Adar, which falls sometime between February and March. It occurs approximately one month before Passover. When there is a leap year in the Jewish calendar and there are two months of Adar (Adar I and Adar II), Purim is celebrated on the 14th of Adar II. In 5782 (2022) , our Jewish calendar featured two (2!!!) months of Adar. This might sound very confusing but indeed the purpose of the two-Adar Jewish year that pops up every few years is to make the months and the related holidays less confusing. As the Jewish calendar is a lunar calendar, each month has fewer days than a Gregorian calendar month, resulting in a shift in the seasons unless a “leap month” is occasionally added. Without a year with two Adars, Passover would eventually occur in the summer, fall or winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Likewise, Hannukah would also dance around the secular calendar. We celebrate this annual holiday with joyous festivities—Purim carnivals for youth, Purimspiels, the reading of the megillah (Book of Esther), the drowning out of the villain Haman’s name with noise-making groggers, costumes, masks and plenty of tasty treats. The most famous baked treat is the hamentaschen, which is triangular in shape (to represent the arch villain’s hat) and stuffed with a filling. In our 2025 update, we recommend your reading some of The Nosher’s hamentaschen recipes and tricks of the trade. Enjoy! Recipes Genius Techniques to make the perfect hamentaschen Hamentaschen Fillings are only limited by one’s imagination Not a pro, then try out this recipe for “sandwichtaschen!” Here are some sources of more information about Purim: From MyJewishLearning.com: Purim 101 From ReformJudaism.org: Purim From Chabad: Story of Purim From Schechter: Esther's Megillah Purim Basket Themed Ideas One major tradition for Purim is mishloach manot , translated as “sending of portions.” We find the origin of this custom in the Book of Esther, which describes Purim as a time of feasting and gladness. Everyone over Bar/Bat Mitzvah age is supposed to give a basket to at least one person—a neighbor, friend and/or relative. Traditionally, this is often done through a third party. The basket should hold a minimum of two different food items that are ready to eat. The website kosher.com suggests 50 different themes for your baskets listed here . Great hamentaschen recipes: both traditional and exotic…from coconut hamentaschen to shashuka-flavored ones can be found in the whatjewwannaeat.com website. Click here for the yummy treats. Although the story is one that describes a serious threat to the Persian Jewish people many centuries ago, Purim is a day of feasting and merriment as the story ends with our people being saved. Humorous skits, masquerades, carnivals and clowns have become part of the “staple” of Purim tradition in modern times. Even if you don’t know the entire story about the Jewish holiday of Purim, you will probably be familiar with some of its most famous attributes: Treats such as the three-sided poppy seed/prune/jam-filled pastries (Hamentaschen) are enjoyed as well as gifted (see Purim baskets below). The public reading of the Book of Esther (megillah). Stamping out and or shouting out and or “Grogging Out” the name of the story’s villain, Haman, whenever his name is recited during the reading in order to limit Haman’s impact. Bringing Purim baskets of at least two food items to neighbors, friends and family (mishloach manot). Giving tzedakah (charity). Children wearing costumes (and often adults). Revelry, including drinking for adults So exactly what is Purim? What is the story around which this holiday is built? It is a celebration of the saving of the Jewish people when we were governed by the Persian King Ahasuerus. A villainous government official, Haman, conspired to have us executed; but due to the bravery of the king’s Jewish wife Esther and her cousin Mordecai, we were saved. Or as the editor of whatjewwannaeat.com writes: Anyhoo, if I had to sum up the majority of Jew holidays, it would go something like this. Someone tries to wipe us out, by some ridiculous miracle we triumph, despite lack in numbers and stature, so we rejoice by eating and drinking. And repeat. Purim is no different. Esther, a sassy young Jew living in Persia, saves all the Jews from the King’s evil adviser Haman’s devious plans of extermination. So we rejoice with tons of rowdy parties, costumes and hedonism. Hence why Purim is known as the Jewish Mardi Gras or Halloween. Sign me up! To celebrate, we make tasty triangular cookies called hamantaschen filled with goodness to represent the fashionable three-cornered hat Haman was known to sport. Poppy seeds and prunes are the most common fillings, but I got a little feisty and went with the priciest jam I could find at Whole Foods. And then I dipped them in chocolate. Just because I can.

ROSH HASHANAH Rosh HaShanah ushers in the “high holiday” period. In 2024, it starts at sunset on Wednesday, October 2, and runs through nightfall on Friday, October 4. This “Head of the Year” holiday is just one of four “new years” in Judaism. It starts on the first day of the Jewish month of Tishrei, and marks the beginning of a new year in the Jewish/Hebrew calendar. Thus, we go from 5784 to 5785 on the first day of Rosh HaShanah. The four distinct “new years” mentioned in Judaism text are: • The first day of the Hebrew month of Nissan (which generally coincides with late April/early May, was used to calcuate the length of a king’s reign. It was called “the New Year of Kings.” • The first day of the Hebrew month of Elul (which generally concides with August/early September was the time when 10% of cattle in the Land of Israel were marked and then sacrificied at the Temple in Jerusalem. • The first day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei (which generally coincides with September) is “the New Year of the Years,” and also considered the agricultural new year as well as the “birthday of the world.” Around the second century C.E., this day became known as Rosh HaShanah. • The 15th day of the Hebrew month of S h’vat (which generally coincides with late January/early February) is called the New Year of the Trees. This is a holiday known as Tu B’shevat, and students often engage in environmental-related activities, such as planting trees, seedlings, etc. Rosh HaShanah is also known as Yom haDin , the Day of Judgment . According to tradition, it is on this day when God reviews three books that reveal each person’s deeds. Those who have sinned have the 10 days until Yom Kippur to repent for their names to be sealed in the Book of Life. Connected to this concept of repentance is the blowing of the shofar. The sounding of this ancient musical instrument (made from the horn of an animal) serves as a “wake-up” call for Jews to examine their lives. It is blown during prayers, except on Shabbat. YOM KIPPUR Considered the holiest day of the Jewish year, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, starts 10 days after the beginning of Rosh HaShanah, on the 10th day of Tishrei. This period between the holy days is a time of repentance and self-reflection. Jews fast on Yom Kippur from sunset to sunset and refrain from work. In 2 024, Yom Kippur will start at sunset on Friday, October 11 and run through Saturday evening, October 12. According to ReformJudaism.org "Yom Kippur is the moment in Jewish time when we dedicate our mind, body, and soul to reconciliation with our fellow human beings, ourselves, and God. As the New Year begins, we commit to self-reflection and inner change. As both seekers and givers of pardon, we turn first to those whom we have wronged, acknowledging our sins and the pain we have caused them. We are also commanded to forgive, to be willing to let go of any resentment we feel towards those who have committed offenses against us. Only then can we turn to God and ask for forgiveness. As we read in the Yom Kippur liturgy, “And for all these, God of forgiveness, forgive us, pardon us, and grant us atonement.” HIGH HOLIDAY SERVICES Where to Attend RITUALS & CUSTOMS Learn More RESOURCES Must Read ALL ABOUT FOOD Recipes and More ACTIVITIES & CRAFTS FOR ALL AGES Try These

WE ARE THE JEWS The We Are the Jews series celebrates the vibrancy and wonderful diversity of the global Jewish community through the lens of music, food, history, ritual, society and film. Join us in our discovery of who we are. The programs listed below are part of this series and are sponsored by the Contra Costa JCC in partnership with local synagogues and Jewish organizations. JWalk Jun 18, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Lafayette Reservoir, Lafayette, CA 94549, USA More Info & RSVP JCLUB After School Program Start date will be announced soon Walnut Creek, 2055 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94595, USA More Info & RSVP 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 of the Series JWalk Jun 18, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Lafayette Reservoir, Lafayette, CA 94549, USA RSVP JCLUB After School Program Start date will be announced soon Walnut Creek, 2055 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94595, USA RSVP 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

GO READ IT: Author Events for 2023 and Beyond The Under One Tent program year has enjoyed great author events. Our August through December 2023 book talk line-up is very exciting, with authors represented from different genres, e.g., novels, non-fiction, cookbooks. These book talks are sponsored by the Contra Costa JCC and Congregation B’nai Shalom in partnership with the Jewish Book Council. Co-sponsors: Diablo Valley Hadassah and Congregation B’nai Tikvah. Upcoming Author Events PREP+RALLY Time is TBD Online via Zoom Details Past Events 50 Children Book Talk Jun 24, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM PDT Online via Zoom Details IDENTICALITY May 20, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM PDT Online via Zoom Details LEONARD COHEN: UNTOLD STORIES Apr 09, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM PDT Online via Zoom Details THE COST OF FREE LAND Mar 05, 2024, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Online via Zoom Details BEYOND THE SYNAGOGUE: JEWISH NOSTALGIA AS RELIGIOUS PRACTICE Mar 04, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM PST Online via Zoom Details BETTY FRIEDAN: MAGNIFICIENT DISRUPTER Feb 08, 2024, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM PST Online via Zoom Details THE ACADEMY OF SMOKE AND MIRRORS Jan 22, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM PST Online via Zoom Details THE AUTUMN GHOST Dec 19, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM PST Online via Zoom Details HOTEL CUBA: A NOVEL Nov 30, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM PST Online via Zoom Details THE POSSIBILITIES: A NOVEL Nov 07, 2023, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PST Cong. B'nai Shalom & on Zoom, 74 Eckley Ln, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, USA Details JUDAISM DISRUPTED Nov 05, 2023, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PST Cong. B'nai Shalom & on Zoom, 74 Eckley Ln, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, USA Details MAPPING THE DARKNESS Oct 15, 2023, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM PDT Online via Zoom Details GROWING UP BELOW SEA LEVEL: A KIBBUTZ CHILDHOOD (IN-PERSON) Sep 12, 2023, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM PDT Cong. Beth Emek , 3400 Nevada Ct, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA Details GROWING UP BELOW SEA LEVEL: A KIBBUTZ CHILDHOOD (ONLINE) Sep 12, 2023, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM PDT Online via Zoom Details EIGHTEEN DAYS IN OCTOBER Sep 12, 2023, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM PDT Online via Zoom Details LOYALTY Aug 31, 2023, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM PDT Online via Zoom Details ZIEGLITZ'S BLESSING (Rescheduled) Jun 25, 2023, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT Cong. B'nai Shalom Social Hall, 74 Eckley Ln, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, USA Learn more FIGHTING BACK Jun 15, 2023, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM PDT Online via Zoom Details Load More

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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

HANUKKAH The Festival of Lights Hanukkah in 2024 will begin in the evening of Wednesday, December 25 and will last till sundown, Thursday, January 2, 2025. (Eight night of candle lighting is on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.) However you spell the Festival of Lights (Hanukah, Hanukkah, Chanukah, etc.), this Jewish holiday has grown increasingly popular over the centuries. Based on the military victory of Jews who resisted the rule of the Syrian Greek ruler Antiochus Epiphanes IV, it has taken on spiritual aspects that resonate even more strongly in today’s world. Metaphorically, it represents the triumph of light over darkness. It has also evolved to represent the importance of religious freedom. Although it is a festival in the Jewish calendar, work is permitted like on any ordinary day. The only obligation is to light the candles each evening and say the blessing over them. Hanukkah is an eight-day festival that starts on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev , and almost always takes place in December. The actual dates on the Gregorian calendar will change, however, as the Jewish calendar is a modified lunar one. After the death of Alexander the Great, his vast empire was divided into three parts. At first, Judea was under the jurisdiction of the Hellenistic (or Syrian) Greeks. When Antiochus IV Ephiphanes demanded that Jews in his kingdom bow to him as a “Greek God” and give up circumcision and other Jewish rituals, a Jewish family, the Hasmoneans, started a resistance movement. This rebellion was first led by Mattathias, a Jewish priest, and his five sons. After his death, his son Judah Maccabee (“the Hammer”) and his brothers continued the fight along with other Jewish groups in Judea who refused to remain under Antiochus’ harsh rule. After two years they successfully drove the Syrian Greek soldiers out of Jerusalem. Discovering that the Temple had been desecrated, the rebels cleansed the site and lit the menorah (oil lamp)--a candelabrum with seven branches--which was to remain burning all of the time. According to the Talmud, a miracle occurred. Although there was only enough untainted olive oil to last one day, the menorah stayed lit for eight days. After that time, a fresh supply of oil was found. After more years of battle, the family and its partners drove the Greek Syrians out of Judea entirely and The Hasmonean Dynasty was established; it remained in power for over a century. Judea then came under Roman rule. There is an alternative understanding as to why Hanukkah lasts for eight days. The holiday is believed to be a belated celebration of Sukkot, which takes place in the fall. Many argue that the battles that were taking place at that time prevented the Jews from observing that festival. Candle Lighting Rules The first night (erev Hanukkah), we light the candle farthest to the right with the shammas (helper) candle. On the second night, we light the two candles farthest to the right. However, we light these candles in the order left to right. On the third night, we light the three candles farthest…..etc. etc. until all of the candles are lit. On Friday night (erev Shabbat), we light our menorah before we light our Shabbat candles, and on Saturday night, we light our menorah after Havdalah. Tradition says that our Hanukkah lights should be placed where people outside the home can see them. What do You Think? Two thousand years ago, the Rabbis Hillel and Shammai disagreed about how many candles to start with on the menorah. Shammai argued that one should begin with the eight lit wicks placed in the oil menorah (oil lamps were used at the time) and then one should decrease the number over the festival period. Hillel disagreed, saying that we should begin with one and increase our “light” as the holiday progressed. Blessings Blessed are You, our God, Creator of time and space, who enriches our lives with holiness, commanding us to kinkle the Chanukkah lights. Baruch atah adonai eloheinu melech ha'olam asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik neir shel Chanukkah. Blessed are You, our God, Creator of time and space, who performs miracles for our ancestors, in the days of long ago and in this time. Baruch atah adonai eloheinu melech ha'olam she'asah nisim la'avoteinu bayamim haheim baz'man hazeh. As we light the candles, we chant the two blessings above. On the first night, we also recite the Shehecheyanu blessing: Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season. Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, shehecheyanu, v'kiy'manu, v'higiyanu laz'man hazeh. Customs Although Hanukkah is especially popular among children, as gift giving has become the tradition in recent decades, adults primarily keep up the customs such as eating certain symbolic foods (see Recipes) and lighting the menorah (hanukiah in Hebrew). There are a wide “looks” to menorahs. But what is essential is a shammas, or guardian candle, which “stands” higher than the other eight. We have seen traditional brass menorahs, menorahs adorned with crystals, ceramic and china ones, and menorahs in the shape of animals, railroad trains, a table setting and buildings. For a sampling of widely different types of contemporary lamps, click here . Need a great menorah (hanukiah) for a kid or for the kid in "you," then check out this great compilation of online stores where you can purchase one. Another tradition is to spin the dreidel (sevivon in Hebrew)—a four-sided top. It is usually made of plastic or wood, but can also be made of ceramic or metal. Each side bears a Hebrew letter which spells out the theme of the holiday, which is "Nes Gadol Hayah Sham. A Great Miracle Happened There." Rules of the game: A small “prize” is put into the “pot” with amounts of the prize given to each participant to start (raisins, candy, nuts, chocolate gelt/coins, pennies, etc.). Each participant takes his/her/their turn spinning the dreidel. The dreidel will land on one of the four Hebrew letters. Depending on the letter, a different “action” follows. Land on “nun” and nothing happens . Land on “gimmel” and you take the entire pot. Land on “hey” and you take half of the pot . Land on “shin” and you give a predetermined amount back into the pot . Whenever the pot is empty, each participant must contribute a set amount. Any player that cannot contribute after landing on a “shin” or after a fellow player lands on a “gimmel” loses. As with every Jewish holiday, Jews from different parts of the world may add their own twists/variations. In this article from the online JTA , we learn about Eid Al Bnat , the Festival of Daughters (Judeo-Arabic) , also pronounced Chag HaBanot in Hebrew, which is celebrated by women and girls from North Africa’s Jewish communities. Beet Latkes Recipes Almost every Jewish cookbook features a chapter or two on Hanukkah delicacies—from the ever-present latke in all of its forms (potato, sweet potato, zucchini, beet, cheese, etc.) to sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) and more. Frying in oil is the main “theme” in most Hanukkah recipes in order to remind us of the oil that lasted eight days. Here is a recipe for beet latkes, courtesy of JTA, another recipe for fried pickle latkes and below a listing of just a few of the Jewish cookbooks that offer Hanukah recipes. California Kosher , A collection of recipes from the Women’s League of Adat Ari El Synagogue Jewish Holiday Cookbook by Joan Nathan Children's Jewish Holiday Kitchen : A Cookbook with 70 Fun Recipes for You and Your Kids by Joan Nathan Kosher Delicious : Great Recipes for Living. Edited by Diana Kastenbaum & Penny Brenner. Tastes of Jewish Tradition by Jody Hirsh, Idy Goodman, Aggie Goldenholz and Susan Roth NOTE: Many of our synagogues and Jewish organizations also sell cookbooks. Fried Pickle Latkes Readings for Children Hanukkah remains a powerful inspiration for children’s stories. Listed below are some favorite “oldies.” Heshel and the Hanukah Goblins by Eric Kimmel How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? by Jane Yolen Where is Baby’s Dreidel? by Karen Katz (board book) All-of-a-King Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins Sammy Spider’s First Hanukkah by Sylvia A. Rouss The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco Gracie’s Night: A Hanukkah Story by Lynn Taylor Gordon Hanukkah Bear by Eric Kimmel Latke, the Lucky Dog by Ellen Fisher Eight Wild Nights by Brian Cleary Also, eight new Hanukkah-focused books titles can be found with their descriptions here at JTA.org. Due to the proximity of Hanukhah and Christmas, there are also a growing number of books for children where members of the family are Jewish and Christian. Eight Candles and a Tree by Simone Bloom Nathan. December’s Gift: An Interfaith Holiday Story by Ashley Smith-Santos A complete listing of Hanukkah books can also be found here at PJ Library’s website .

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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

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