What Makes a Home “Jewish”?
A Jew may ask their spouse to agree to have a “Jewish” home. But what does that mean? To a non-Jewish loved one it may mean simply that some of the people in the house say they are Jews. But our...
View ArticleMastering the Interfaith, Intercultural Multigenerational Seder
It can be a challenge to have everyone from your neighbor’s toddler to your great uncle coming to your Seder. Will people be bored? Will they get hungry? Will the kids wander from the table eliciting...
View ArticleStart Planning for Passover Fun!
Time to plan where you’ll have Seder! At a community Seder, someone else’s home, or your home? Rarely are community Seders on the FIRST night of Passover. But if you don’t have time or an invitation...
View ArticlePassover Tips
Just a few days till Passover. Plan ahead so you don’t drive yourself crazy. Passover Tips I’ve come across so many wonderful ideas, resources and activities! I’m just going to make a list of them all....
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Yom Hashoah Observances around the Bay
Sunday, May 5 is Yom HaShoah, Remembrance Day for the Holocaust. In this time of spiking anti-Semitism it is especially painful to concentrate on the desire to destroy all Jews. Perhaps you can only...
View Article“Judaism is a communal tradition.”
“Judaism is a communal tradition.” But what does that mean? Living in America which has an individualist tradition it can be difficult to fully understand what “communal” means. You can be WHATEVER you...
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Rabbi Tarfon compared the Jewish people to a pile of walnuts. “If one walnut is removed, each and every nut in the pile is shaken and disturbed. So too, when a single Jew is in distress, every other...
View ArticleIncreasing your Happiness
American culture is one of individual RIGHTS. Jewish tradition is one of individual RESPONSIBILITY. At the time of America’s founding our forefathers were leaving behind governments that oppressed...
View ArticleShavuot and Nature’s Healing
I just received permission to share Rabbi Chayva Lehrman of Am Tikvah in San Francisco’s message to her congregation. It is about Shavuot, but a question we can ponder throughout life. “Why was the...
View ArticleWeekend Reading for Fun and Calm
It’s been a tough year so far and doesn’t seem likely to improve soon. So how about some peaceful and encouraging reading options for Shabbat and the weekend? Willie Mays loved his Jewish friends. The...
View ArticleWhen you realize you’re a Jew… and alone
I received another email from a person who woke up to being a Jew after October 7. It is so hard to suddenly realize you have a larger identity, a larger family and are hated by much of the world. Add...
View ArticleFrom Chocolate to Jews of the Middle East to Jesus for non-Christians! Lots...
(Photo credit Shannon Sarna from the My Jewish Learning website) I’m not big on chocolate, but… I’m well aware that most people’s favorite flavor is CHOCOLATE. With that in mind I want to send you a...
View ArticleJudaism: A Tradition of Questions
One of the most attractive elements of Judaism – for both Jews and non-Jews – is the tradition of asking questions. Questions are often followed by an argument that is “for the sake of heaven,” meaning...
View ArticleMake Your Own Sukkah Decorations!
Make Your Own Sukkah Decorations Let’s get crafty! Join us to make colorful decorations to hang in the sukkah. We will use a variety of craft materials to create Shalom Stars, Peace chains, and...
View ArticleFall 2024 Basic Judaism classes
(Image is of kiddish cups at Afikomen in Berkeley. So beautiful!) Basic Judaism classes are the best way to build your knowledge of Judaism. No matter your level you can profit from having a rabbi...
View ArticleThe High Holidays bring old traditions and new programs
Here comes 5785! High Holidays Here in America we are tuned into the Gregorian calendar and from that perspective, the High Holidays are VERY late this year. Rosh Hashanah won’t come until October. The...
View ArticleYom Kippur and Sukkot
Yom Kippur is not everyone’s favorite Jewish holiday. No food, an ancient liturgy, and a mournful feeling. Let’s have a new take on it. Yom Kippur Tonight is Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement and...
View ArticleWhat Makes a Home “Jewish”? Online
A Jew may ask their spouse to agree to have a “Jewish” home. But what does that mean? To a non-Jewish loved one it may simply mean that some of the people in the house identify as Jews. But our...
View ArticleChag Sukkot Sameach!
Dear Life, Slow down! The High Holidays followed quickly by Sukkot and Simchat Torah always make me a little crazed. MASSIVE CELEBRATIONS! My synagogue’s sukkah went up the day after Yom Kippur and the...
View ArticleDon’t let post election fear defeat you
I am struggling with fear I feel for all minorities and those with multiple minorities. In my own family are people of color, LGBTQ, immigrants, disabled, Jews – and that’s just reflecting on those...
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