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.

Sun, Aug 18 | SAN RAMON OLYMPIC POOL CCJCC SUMMER SPLASH BASH Registration is now closed. Email info@ccjcc.org for questions. Home Time & Location Aug 18, 2024, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM PDT SAN RAMON OLYMPIC POOL, 9900 Broadmoor Dr, San Ramon, CA 94583, USA About the Event Celebrate Summer with CCJCC Pool Party! Join us for an unforgettable summer celebration at the CCJCC Pool Party on August 18, 2024, at 1 PM, held at the San Ramon Olympic Pool and Aquatic Center. This event is a hit with young families, especially those with children ages 2-13, but everyone is welcome! Tickets are limited, so reserve your spot today! What's Happening? Food & Drinks : Enjoy delicious cheese pizza, a variety of snacks, and refreshing drinks. Splash'n Dash : Have a blast on our exciting obstacle course, perfect for those seeking a bit of adventure. Admission : $10 per person, $36 per family, kids under 1 -free Important Information Event Waiver & Pool Rules : Please read the event waiver and the park's pool rules on this webpage before checking out. Confirmation & Reminder Emails : Upon registration, you'll receive a confirmation email. If you don't see it, check your spam folder and add notifications@wixevents.com to your contact list. A reminder email will be sent on Saturday, August 17, at 1 PM. Before you check out, read the event waiver provided here , and the park's pool rules available on this webpage . For questions, to cancel your reservation, or to inquire for free tickets, please email info @ccjcc.org . If you're enjoying our young family programs and would like to see more events like this, please consider making a donation. Thank you for your support! Sponsor: Contra Costa JCC. Read More > Share This Event

Celebrate Israel's 75th Birthday and Join Us at IsraFEST75 Sunday, April 30, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Come for a Taste of Israel: Family Programming, Interactive Youth Activities (ages 3 - 13), Music, Israeli Dancing, Lectures, Yoga with a Hebrew Twist, Israeli Films, Food, Information Tables, and More! Admission is free. The schedule and Contra Costa location to follow @ underonetent.org/Israel-75 This festive, community-wide event is presented and underwritten by the Contra Costa JCC. Co-sponsors include Beth Chaim Congregation, Congregation Beth Emek, Congregation B’nai Shalom, Congregation B’nai Tikvah, Consulate General of Israel, Contra Costa Jewish Day School, Contra Costa Midrasha, Diablo Valley Hadassah, Shevet Egoz and Temple Isaiah.