2012 2013
fall guide to
Jewish Silicon Valley
HIGH HOLIDAYS • ARTS & CULTURE HEBREW • ADULT EDUCATION FOOD • MELTON MINI-SCHOOL JUST FOR WOMEN • YOUNG ADULTS HOLIDAY EVENTS • FAMILIES LECTURES • COMMUNITY SERVICE BOOK GROUPS • OLDER ADULTS
SiliconValleyJCC.org/jplace 408.357.7411
APJCCCENTERFOR
JEWISHLIFE ANDLEARNING
About this guide The APJCC’s Guide to Jewish Silicon Valley is our effort to connect and highlight, for the larger Jewish community, the many resources and opportunities for exploration throughout Jewish Silicon Valley. The Jewish community of Silicon Valley is flourishing and this guide illuminates all that we have to offer. We are a part of the multi-cultural landscape of the area; therefore, we are taking the initiative to realize our role in participating to make Silicon Valley an even greater, richer, and more inviting place. This guide is a cordial invitation–all programming in this guide is open to the public. The agencies and organizations represented throughout are committed to the principles of Judaism upon which our tradition asserts the entire world rests. Study, service, and/or acts of loving kindness are apparent in every entry. We encourage you to browse through this guide and find what truly interests you. Jewish Silicon Valley has a wide variety of offerings that we believe will help to unify our community. On the following page, you will see a list of all the agencies and organizations that have contributed to this resource guide. Relevant contact information can be found there. As you identify programming that you are interested in, please refer back to these first pages to find the contact information for the organization sponsoring that particular program. The Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center of Silicon Valley is committed to the enhancement of community, Jewish life, peoplehood, and culture. We hope you find this guide useful and welcome you to join us and the entire Jewish community in a year of study, celebration, and song.
Index
Agencies 3 High Holidays 5 Hebrew 8-9 Adult Education 10-17 Melton Mini-School 19 Holiday Events 20-24 Events 26-28 Just for Women 29 Teva to You 29 Young Adults 30-32 Family 34-35 Lectures 36 Book Groups 37 Community Service 38-40 Older Adults 41 Arts & Culture 42
All prices listed are non-member prices. Ask individual agencies about special member pricing. All dates and times in this guide are subject to change. Compiled and Edited by: Jessie Bricker Rabbi James Greene Lisa Ceile Design: Cohen Creative
Introducing Nate Stein… ...the JCC’s new CEO, Nate Stein, joined the JCC executive team in August 2012 as the new Chief Executive Officer of the JCC. Nate hails most recently from San Diego, where he was Associate Executive Director of the Lawrence Family JCC. He has extensive experience running many areas of JCC operations. His background is especially strong in the areas of arts programming, youth programming, and summer camp, although he loves everything about the JCC. “I grew up in the JCC in Phoenix,” he reports, “and after college I became a camp director and eventually decided to make a career in the JCC movement. When you work at a JCC, every day is different, exciting, and fun.” Nate looks forward to becoming part of the Silicon Valley Jewish community, getting to know as many community members as possible, and building, sustaining, and enhancing the programs and services of the Addison-Penzak JCC.
Agency contact information APJCC Center for Jewish Life and Learning
Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley 14855 Oka Road, Suite 202 Los Gatos, CA 95032 408.357.7467 www.jfssv.org
14855 Oka Road Los Gatos, CA 95032 408.357.7411 CJLL@svjcc.org www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/JPlace To register for any of our programs, contact us or go to www.SiliconValleyJCC.org
Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley 14855 Oka Road, Suite 200 Los Gatos, CA 95032 408.358.3033 info@jvalley.org www.jvalley.org
Chabad of S. Jose
Malka Peck Chabad Center 15405 Los Gatos Blvd Suite 204 Los Gatos, CA 95032 408.358.5530 info@chabadsj.com www.chabadsj.com
Jewish Study Network
Chai House
814 St. Elizabeth Dr. San Jose, CA 95126 408.947.1818 chai.retire@gmail.com www.chaihouse.org
Kehillah Jewish High School 3900 Fabian Way Palo Alto, CA 94303 650.213.9600 info@kehillah.org www.kehillah.org
Congregation Am Echad 1504 Meridian Ave San Jose, CA 95125 408.267.2591 info@amechad.org www.amechad.org
KEHILLAH
3626 El Camino Real Palo Alto, CA 94306 408.493.5764 info@jsn.info www.jsn.info
One Washington Square San Jose, CA 95192 408.924.5547 victoria.harrison@sjsu.edu http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/jwss/
19700 Prospect Rd. Saratoga, CA 95070 408.257.3333 info@beth-david.org www.beth-david.org
South Peninsula Hebrew Day School 1030 Astoria Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94087 408.738.3060 info@sphds.org www.sphds.org
Congregation Sinai
1532 Willowbrae Avenue San Jose, 95125 408.264.8542 office@sinai-sj.org www.sinai-sj.org
Temple Beth El
3055 Porter Gulch Road Aptos, CA 95003 831.419.3444 www.tbeaptos.org jsfriedman@tbeaptos.org or susanbm@sbcglobal.net
Congregation Shir Hadash
20 Cherry Blossom Lane Los Gatos, CA 95032 408.358.1751 x7 office@shirhadash.org www.shirhadash.org To register for all classes, please contact 408.358.1751 x7
Temple Emanu-El
1010 University Ave San Jose, CA 95126 408.292.0939 admin@templesanjose.org www.templesanjose.org For information or to register call 408.292.0939
Hillel of Silicon Valley 44 S.11th St. San Jose, CA 95112 408.286.6669 info@hillelsv.org www.hillelsv.org
Yavneh Day School
14855 Oka Road Los Gatos, CA 95032 408.984.6700 admissions@yavnehdayschool.org www.yavnehdayschool.org 3
years
3900 FABIAN WAY PALO ALTO, CA 94303
www.kehillah.org
San Jose State University Jewish Studies Program
Congregation Beth David
KEHILLAH JEWISH HIGH SCHOOL
G ROW I N G C O M M U N I T Y FOR A DECADE
High Holidays The High Holy Days mark the beginning of the Jewish year with powerful ritual and joyful moments of celebration with family, friends, and community. The cycle of Creation and atonement reminds us that all things, even those that seem out of reach, are possible. It invites us in to ask questions, seek answers, and yearn for God. This page contains information about area congregations and various prayer or programmatic opportunities to celebrate the holidays. Shanah Tovah! Have a joyful and sweet new year!
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High Holidays Chabad of San Jose
Congregation Sinai
408.358.5530 | info@chabadsj.com Services are held at the Los Gatos Lodge, 50 Los GatosSaratoga Rd. Erev Rosh Hashanah: September 16th | 7:00pm Rosh Hashanah: September 17th | 10:00am and 7:00pm Rosh Hashanah: September 18th | 10:00am Erev Yom Kippur: September 25th | 7:00pm Yom Kippur: September 26th | 10:00am and 5:30pm
408.264.8542 | office@sinai-sj.org We welcome you to join the Sinai community for a spiritual, joyful, and life-affirming New Year. FREE TICKETS for non-affiliated Bay Area residents who have not previously attended High Holiday services at Congregation Sinai. Selichot Film Screening and Service: September 8th | 8:00pm Erev Rosh Hashanah: September 16th | 6:55pm Rosh Hashanah: September 17th | 8:30am Tashlich at Los Gatos Creek: September 17th | 5:00pm Rosh Hashanah 2nd Day Service: September 18th | 8:30am Erev Yom Kippur: September 25th | 6:15pm Yom Kippur: September 26th | 8:30am and 6:15pm
Chai House 408.947.1818 | www.chaihouse.org Service led by Cantor Jan Rosen and Arnold Pinck Rosh HaShanah: September 18th | 11:00am Kol Nidre: September 25th | 6:00pm Yitzkor: September 26th | 1:30pm
Congregation Am Echad 408.267.2591 | info@amechad.org FREE Membership is not required; donations are appreciated. Check website for exact times of Kol Nidrei/Mincha/Maariv/ Neilah services. Rosh Hashanah Services: September 17th and September 28th | 8:00am Traditional Yom Kippur Services: September 25th and September 26th | 8:30am
Congregation Beth David 408.257.3333 | info@beth-david.org Free babysitting as well as youth and tot services available during the High Holidays. Check www.beth-david.org/ tickets for more information about these services and about tickets. Erev Rosh Hashanah: September 16th | 6:00pm and 8:00pm Rosh Hashanah: September 17th | 8:30am and 8:00pm Tashlich at Calabazas Park: September 17th | 4:00pm Rosh Hashanah: September 18th | 8:30am Erev Yom Kippur: September 25th | 6:15pm Yom Kippur: September 26th | 9:00am and 5:00pm
Congregation Shir Hadash 408.358.1751 x5 | www.shirhadash.org Call to reserve your High Holiday ticket. Tickets are free to our members, students, and members of the military. The family service is free to the public. Tickets are available for purchase in the Temple office. Contact Nadine for individuals, families, seniors, under 35’s, etc. S’lichot Service: September 8th | 10:00pm-10:50pm Erev Rosh Hashanah: September 16th | 8:00pm Rosh Hashanah: September 17th | 10:00am Erev Yom Kippur—Kol Nidre Service: September 25th | 8:00pm Yom Kippur: September 26th | 10:00am and 4:45pm
Jewish Study Network 650.493.5764 | www.jsn.info FREE Rosh Hashanah: Monday, Sept 19th | 8:00am-2:00pm Yom Kippur – Ashkanazic Services Tuesday, Sept 25th | 6:30pm-8:30pm Wednesday, Sept 26th | 9:00am-8:15pm Yom Kippur – Sephardic Services Tuesday, Sept 25th | 6:30pm-8:30pm Wednesday, Sept 26th | 8:00am-8:15pm
Temple Beth El 831.479.3444 | www.tbeaptos.org Join Temple Beth El as they usher in the High Holidays through prayer and community. Come celebrate the Jewish New Year and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement with us. For ticket information please call the office. Erev Rosh Hashanah: September 16th | 8:00pm Rosh Hashanah: September 17th | 9:30am-1:00pm Second Day Rosh Hashanah Service: September 18th, 10:00am-1:30pm This service will be followed by a potluck. Please bring a vegetarian dish to share. Tashlich Services: September 17th | 5:45pm -6:15pm At Rio Del Mar Beach, Natural Bridges Beach, and Ben Lomond Dam Kol Nidre Service: September 25th | 8:00pm Yom Kippur Service: September 26th | 9:30pm and 6:15pm
Temple Emanu-El 408.292.0939 | admin@templesanjose.org High Holiday services are located at the Campbell Heritage Theatre (1 West Campbell Avenue, Campbell) unless otherwise indicated. Contact the Temple office for non-member ticket opportunities; free to college students and active members of the military. Selichot Study and Service: September 8th | 7:00pm-10:00pm Erev Rosh Hashanah: September 16th | 8:00pm Rosh Hashanah: September 17th | 10:00am Tashlich: September 17th | 5:00pm-7:00pm at Oak Meadow Park in Los Gatos Kever Avot: September 23rd | 1:00pm at Oak Hill Memorial Park Kol Nidre: September 25th | 8:00pm Yom Kippur Services: September 26th | 10:00am and 4:45pm
*Please contact individual synagogues for specialty service dates/times 5
The Strength of a People. The Power of Community.
We have the strength of a millennium of history. Our strength comes from the continuum of Jewish history of which we are a part. At the Jewish Federation, our values of compassion, charity, generosity, and responsibility inspire us to improve the quality of life for people in Silicon Valley, in Israel and in over 70 countries every day. When we combine our efforts we are a powerful community, developing innovative responses to critical, often life-threatening issues. This is your opportunity to be part of a caring community that gives back. Support the Annual Campaign. To donate, go to www.jvalley.org or call 408.358.3033. 速
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To learn more about the power of our community visit
www.jvalley.org
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Hebrew
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Hebrew Prayer Hebrew Reading
Hebrew Reading Crash Course Level 1
Instructor: Alisa Israel Goldberg Do you know the letters of the alef-bet, but still have trouble sounding out prayer book Hebrew? You are not alone. Come practice your siddur reading skills in a supportive environment. Students independently complete lessons in “Aleph Isn’t Tough: An Introduction to Hebrew for Adults.” In class, we review the week’s lesson together, then practice reading aloud from the siddur. Optional, but recommended: bring your own copy of “Siddur Sim Shalom for Shabbat and Festivals.” Thursdays, ongoing | 10:00am-12:00pm $12 book fee Congregation Sinai limud@sinai-sj.org, 408.264.8542
Instructor: Rabbi Ilana Baird Have you always wanted to learn to read Hebrew? Have you tried before but been unsuccessful? Join this 5 session course and learn to read Hebrew whether this is your first or your fifth try! Mondays, October 15th—November 12th | 12:00pm-1:30pm Mondays, October 15th—November 12th | 7:00pm-8:30pm FREE Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jplace, 408.357.7411
Hebrew 1
Instructor: Rabbi Paula Marcus Learn or brush up on Hebrew that focuses on basic Hebrew reading of Shabbat and festival blessings. Thursdays, 11/8, 11/15, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 1/3, and 1/10 8:00pm-9:00pm $75 Temple Beth El www.tbeaptos.org, 831.479.3444
HEBR/JWSSA 10A: Elementary Hebrew
Instructor: Prof. Rina Katzen The Hebrew program is directed to people interested in the Bible, religious studies, archeology, linguistics, learning a foreign language, or learning about ancient and modern Israel. Tuesdays and Thursdays, August 22nd—December 10th 10:30am-11:45am Fees: http://www.sjsu.edu/bursar/fees/due_dates/fall/ San José State University Jewish Studies Program victoria.harrison@sjsu.edu, 408.924.5547
Hebrew Reading Crash Course Level 2
Instructor: Rabbi Ilana Baird Need to practice your Hebrew reading skills? Have you completed level 1 and are now ready for the next step? This class is for you! Mondays, November 19th—December 17th | 12:0pm-1:30pm Mondays, November 19th –December 17th | 7:00pm-8:30pm FREE Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jplace, 408.357.7411
HEBR/JWSS 15A: Intermediate Hebrew
Instructor: Prof. Rina Katzen The Hebrew program is directed to people interested in the Bible, religious studies, archeology, linguistics, learning a foreign language, or learning about ancient and modern Israel. Tuesdays and Thursdays, August 22nd—December 10th 1:30pm-2:45pm Fees: http://www.sjsu.edu/bursar/fees/due_dates/fall/ San José State University Jewish Studies Program victoria.harrison@sjsu.edu, 408.924.5547
Rabbi IlanaRabbi BairdIlanaRabbi BairdIlana B
Jewish LifeJewish CycleLife Events Jewish Cycle in Russi Life EvenC * Baby Naming * Baby Naming * Baby Nam * Weddings * Weddings* Weddings Jewish Life Cycle * Memorial * Memorial and Shiva* and Services Memorial Shiva Sa Events in Russian,
Rabbi Ilana Baird
HEBR/JWSS 102A: Advanced Hebrew
Hebrew and English • Baby Naming Jewish and History Education Jewish andHisto Edu Lec • WeddingsJewish History • Memorial * andTalmud Shiva and * Talmud Torah and Studies * Talmud Torah Stu an Services
Instructor: Prof. Rina Katzen In this course students read Hebrew magazines, newspapers, and other literature, as they continue studying the language and grammar at an advanced level. Tuesdays and Thursdays, August 22nd—December 10th 3:00pm-4:15pm Fees: http://www.sjsu.edu/bursar/fees/due_dates/fall/ San José State University Jewish Studies Program victoria.harrison@sjsu.edu, 408.924.5547
* Jewish Peoplehood * Jewish Peoplehood * Jewish Peo Jewish History and * Israel * Israel * Israel Education Lectures * Torah All Ages* All Ages * All Ages • Talmud and Studies • Jewish Peoplehood Hebrew • Israel • All Ages
Hebrew Prayer Fluency
Instructor: TBD This class is for those who can read Hebrew but want to be able to read the prayers more fluently. For those students who finish, there is the option of continuing with Rabbi Aron and Cantor Felder-Levy to become an adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Tuesdays, October 9th—December 18th 5:00pm-6:00pm $26 for book Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x7
Hebrew and Torah
הרבה Tropes Private Lessons Russian Cafe 9
and Hebrew Torah and Tropes Hebrew Torah Private Trop and
הרבה אילנה אילנה| בירד Rabbi בירד הרבה Ilana | אילנה Rabbi Baird רדI Rabbi Ilana Baird 408-680-8095
http://ravilana.blogspot.com
Adult Education Classes and workshops to help you live and learn.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Check in the other sections of this guide or call 408.357.7411 for help! 107
Adult Education
The APJCC is proud to be supported by the Koret Taube Initiative on Jewish Peoplehood.
Tales from the Talmud
Instructor: Doug Brook Come join the Melton Adult Mini-School scholars as we explore Talmudic texts, many of which focus on Revelation and what happened at Sinai. All the texts demonstrate the impact of the Talmud, collecting diverse opinions and disagreements, and fostering the fluid approach that has helped Judaism persist for many centuries. Mondays, October 15th—December 17th | 9:30am-11:00am $180 Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jplace, 408.357.7413
The APJCC joins with the Koret Foundation and Taube Philanthropies in believing that the ongoing vitality of the Jewish people lies in the richness of its communal life, the vibrancy and diversity of its cultural and spiritual expression, and the shared experiences that inspire a sense of connectedness to Jews everywhere and in every generation. Their generosity enables us to present special events and holiday celebrations that bring community together, travel and education programs that build connections to Israel and the heritage of the Diaspora communities, innovative classes and participatory experiences that elevate Jewish literacy and invigorate Jewish practice, and unique experiences like the JCC Maccabi Games. We thank them for their vision and support.
Foundations of Jewish Family Living
Instructors: Rabbi James Greene with Co-instructor Rabbi Laurie Hann-Tapper Come join the Melton Adult Mini-School in an effort to provide you with the learning, the language, and the confidence to be a teacher to our own children. This curriculum, for parents and grandparents, provides a thought-provoking encounter with the master stories from our tradition and the profound messages they convey, providing you with an opportunity to bring the Jewish conversation home. Fridays, October 19th—April 26th | 8:45am-10:15am $400 Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jplace, 408.357.7413
Rhythms of Jewish Living
Instructor: Rabbi James Greene (AM) Instructor: Rabbi Elisheva Salamo (PM) Come join the Melton Adult Mini-School in an effort to focus on the ideas, beliefs, and practices that define Jewish life and examine traditions and ritual observances connected to the Jewish calendar and life cycle events. Wednesdays, October 3rd—June 5th | 9:30am-11:45am Wednesdays, October 3rd—June 5th | 7:00pm-8:00pm $600 Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jplace, 408.357.7413
Purposes for Foundations
Instructor: Rabbi Leslie Alexander Come join the Melton Adult Mini-School, concentrating on the ultimate purposes of Judaism and exploring 30 of the major theological and philosophical questions in Judaism. This curriculum will help you discover how to shape your Jewish life at home. Mondays, October 15th—April 22nd | 9:00am-10:30am $400 Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jplace, 408.357.7413
Purposes of Jewish Living
Instructor: Rabbi Leslie Alexander (AM) Instructor: Rabbi Joey Felsen (PM) The second hour of Melton Core class continues as we explore sources both ancient and modern in pursuit of answers to many of the major issues of Jewish thought and theology. Wednesdays, October 3rd—June 5th | 10:45am-11:45am Wednesdays, October 3rd—June 5th | 7:00pm-9:15pm $600 Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jplace, 408.357.7413
Meet Rabbi Josh Lobel Rabbi Josh Lobel serves as the Associate Rabbi at Congregation Shir Hadash. He received his ordination at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 2007, and went on to serve as Associate Rabbi at Temple Chaverim in Plainview, NY. Rabbi Lobel is passionate about teaching Torah and rabbinic texts to Jews of all ages. He also is enthusiastic about applying social network media technology to synagogue life and is a contributor to www.popjewish. com. In his spare time, he enjoys keeping up with his beloved New York sports teams. Rabbi Lobel is married to his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth, a child psychiatrist. They have one son, Aryeh, who is two years old and loves all the Mexican food now available to him!
Jewish Denominations: Addressing the Challenges of Modernity
Instructor: Rabbi James Greene (AM) Instructor: Rabbi Carol Caine (PM) Come join the Melton Adult Mini-School scholars as we examine the Jewish identity and religious expression against the backdrop of dramatic political and social change of the past 300 years; this includes the impact of gender, assimilation, Israel, and postdenominationalism on the major movements of the Jewish people. Tuesdays, October 16th—December 18th | 10:00am-11:30am Tuesdays, October 16th—December 18th | 7:00pm-8:30pm $180 Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jplace, 408.357.7413
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Adult Education Café Study Group (in Russian)
Instructor: Rabbi Ilana Baird Join us in a friendly conversation about Jewish culture, ethics, and history over coffee, tea, and refreshments. Meet new people as we learn and discover different sources from our Jewish heritage. Our study sessions occur in an intimate environment where we gather together to share different interpretations of the texts, making them relevant for us here and now. Rabbi Ilana Baird, an Israeli Rabbi with a Russian background, brings a new and interesting topic each month. Her vision is to create a vibrant environment for learning that is engaging and relates the texts to personal experiences. We invite you to bring your own insights and contribute to the dialogue. The program will be held in Russian. Sunday, September 9th | 3:30pm (pool party) Sunday, October 3rd | 7:00pm More to be scheduled FREE Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jplace, 408.357.7413
Jewish Meditation Circle
Instructor: Etiel Herring Experience Jewish approaches to this ancient universal practice. Tuesdays | 7:00pm-8:00pm FREE Temple Beth El www.tbeaptos.org, 831.426.9432
Daily DafYomi
Instructor: Dr. Andy Hartman Discover the Talmud with Dr. Andy Hartman, using the innovative approach of the legendary Rabbi Meir Shapiro of Lublin. Study one folio of the Talmud daily, and begin to understand what is involved in the study of Gemara. This is also an opportunity to experience firsthand the joy of being a part of the upcoming Siyum HaShas, with the completion of the Daf Yomi cycle which will take place around the globe on August 2, 2012. Monday—Friday | 7:20am-8:00am FREE Congregation Am Echad www.amechad.org or info@amechad.org
Hasidic Havurah
Instructor: Rabbi James Greene This class takes a look at some of the great works of past Hasidic teachers and strives toward deepening our contemporary Jewish spirituality. Do any of these names ring a bell or sound interesting— the Ba’al Shem Tov, Kedushat Levi, Sefat Emet, or Me’ or Eynayim? If so, this class for all abilities and levels is offered just for you! Wednesdays | 11:00am-12:00pm FREE Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jplace, 408.357.7413
Tanya Class: Practical Spirituality for Everyday Life
Instructor: Rabbi Aaron Cunin Written by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the book of Tanya is the fundamental, classic work of Chabad Chasidic philosophy that offers guidance for every facet of day-to-day life. No experience necessary. Wednesdays | 7:30pm $40 Book Fee Chabad of San Jose www.chabadsj.com, 408.358.5530
Classic Jewish Texts
Instructor: Rabbi Joey Felsen Ideal for an intrigued mind, this class explores the fundamental works of Maimonides, Luzzato, and other classic commentators. No Hebrew is necessary. Tuesdays | 9:30am-11:00am FREE Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jplace, 408.357.7413
Beginner’s Gemorah
Instructor: Dr. Andy Hartman Curious what is involved in the study of Talmud and what is written in those large tomes? What relevance does it have for the modern Jew and whence comes its sweetness? Join Dr. Andy Hartman once a week and discover a world of meaning and depth in the pages of the Gemorah. Wednesday Evenings (following Maariv) Check website for a list of current times FREE Congregation Am Echad www.amechad.org or info@amechad.org
The Book of Psalms
Instructor: Rabbi Joey Felsen Join Rabbi Felsen as he guides us through this classic biblical text and sheds light on the uncanny contemporary relevance of an age old experience. No previous textual skills are required, and the conversation is conducted in English with various translations of the original text. Tuesdays | 9:30am-11:00am Jewish Study Network www.jsn.info, 650.493.5764 12
Adult Education Lunch and Learn
Silicon Valley Beit Midrash at Sinai
Monthly discussions on interesting Jewish topics. New faces always welcome. Second Wednesday of each month | 12:00pm-1:30pm FREE Temple Emanu-El www.templesanjose.org, 408.292.0939
Instructor: Rabbi Josh Berkenwald Join Rabbi Josh Berkenwald for indepth study of Jewish thought, belief, and practice. No fee; Nonmembers and drop-ins are welcome; no experience necessary. Thursdays | 9:30am-11:00am FREE Congregation Sinai office@sinai-sj.org, 408.264.8542
Lunch and Learn, Megillot
Bring your lunch and join Cantor Meeka Simerly for a unique opportunity to study excerpts from the five Megillot (scrolls): Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther. During each session we will cover a chapter/ idea from one of the Megillot. Materials will be provided. Sessions are open to all. Third Wednesday of each month | 12:00pm-1:30pm FREE Temple Emanu-El www.templesanjose.org, 408.292.0939
Community Torah Study
Instructor: Rabbi Paula Marcus The Torah has guided the Jewish people throughout our history, transmitting the wisdom and values of our tradition. Join us to study and discuss the week’s parsha or portion. Beginners welcome. Thursdays | 12:00pm FREE Temple Beth El www.tbeaptos.org, 831.479.3444
Lunch and Learn, Torah Study
Yiddish Circle
Bring a lunch and join Rabbi Magat as we study our way through the Torah together. No previous study required and new faces are always welcome. Fourth Wednesday of each month | 12:00pm-1:30pm FREE Temple Emanu-El www.templesanjose.org, 408.292.0939
Second and Fourth Thursdays | 2:00pm–3:30pm FREE Temple Beth El www.tbeaptos.org, 831.426.9432
JEWBILEE SUNDAY, JANUARY 27 1:00PM-8:00PM
Celebrating
JEWISH LIFE
CELEBRATE JEWISH LIFE AND LEARNING AND BE PART OF THE FOURTH ANNUAL “JEWBILEE.” Join Bay Area Rabbis, Scholars, Artists, and Educators for a full afternoon of classes, programs and performances. ADDISON-PENZAK JCC, 14855 OKA RD, LOS GATOS $10 adults • $7 children • Under 4 Free
www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jewbilee 13
Adult Education Building Blocks of Jewish Prayer: The Shabbat Morning Service
Opening Your Soul: Spiritual Preparation for the High Holidays
Instructor: Rabbi Philip Ohriner Do you ever feel a little bit lost during services? Would you like to understand how the prayers fit together to create organic units? Are you not quite sure where to bow and how to do it? During our monthly Shabbat afternoon schmooze we will look at the meaning of our prayers, the structure of the morning service, and the fundamentals of movement and intention during Shabbat morning worship. First Saturday of the month after Kiddush lunch. Approx. 1:30pm-2:30pm FREE Congregation Beth David www.beth-david.org, 408.257.3333
Instructor: Rabbi Josh Berkenwald Serious soul work is needed to make the most out of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Begin your High Holiday journey through singing, contemplative study, and learning texts from the biblical, rabbinic and mystical traditions. Nonmembers are welcome.
Mussar Matters: Building Character and Self-Mastery Through Jewish Texts
Thursday, August 30th | 7:30pm-9:00pm FREE Congregation Sinai office@sinai-sj.org, 408.264.8542
Instructor: Rabbi Daniel Pressman In recent years, the Mussar Movement, with its emphasis on building character and ethical responsiveness, has been rediscovered by the larger Jewish world. Rabbi Pressman will facilitate our exploration of a different character trait each month, among them: Gratitude, Equanimity, Simplicity, and Loving-Kindness. Third Saturday of the month After Shabbat Kiddush Lunch (approx. 1:30pm-2:30pm) FREE Congregation Beth David www.beth-david.org, 408.257.3333
Shabbat Torah Study
Instructors: Rabbi Melanie Aron and Rabbi Josh Lobel This year’s focus will be on the sections of the Bible in which human stories take a front row seat. The texts we will discuss together will include: The Joseph Story, the books of Ruth, Esther and Lamentations, and sections of Proverbs. Here we may be surprised to find God as a bystander or even a recluse. God’s absence puts the focus on human interactions and concerns. Saturdays, ongoing | 9:30am-10:20am FREE Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751x7
Shabbos Day – Tomer Devorah
Instructor: Rabbi Menachem Levine Join Rabbi Menachem Levine on Shabbos afternoons, following services, as he embarks on a journey through the classic work of the 15th century kabbalist, Rabbi Moshe Cordevero. The text discusses the various known attributes of G-d and how an individual can refine his character by imitating those attributes. It will lead you on a breathtaking journey of self-improvement and character development. Saturday Afternoons Check website for exact times FREE Congregation Am Echad www.amechad.org or info@amechad.org
Sunday Morning Mussar Class
Instructor: Rabbi Menachem Levine What is the Jewish approach to self-improvement? What do the classical texts have to say on the topic? Join Rabbi Menachem Levine every Sunday morning in studying the text Maalos HaMiddos, written by 13th century sage, Rabbeinu Yechiel. Among the topics discussed are Kindness, Charity, Prayer, Humility, Pride, Wisdom, Foolishness, Wealth, Diligence, Laziness, Peace, and Gossip. Sundays, ongoing | 8:15am-9:00am FREE www.amechad.org or info@amechad.org
Talmud Class: Bava Metzia
Instructor: Mr. Yossi Drori Explore the Sea of the Talmud. Delve into the text. Explore the commentaries. Challenge your mind. Discover how Talmudic teachings have practical relevance in your life today. Sundays, ongoing | 9:00am-10:30am FREE Chabad of San Jose www.chabadsj.com, 408.358.5530 14
Adult Education Taste of Judaism
Instructors: Dianne Portnoy, Rabbis Aron, Lobel, and Cantor Felder-Levy This interactive class provides an introduction to Jewish perspectives on ethics and values, study, community, holidays, and spirituality. This class is intended for beginners and is particularly appropriate for nonJewish friends and relatives. Those interested in more extensive study are welcome to follow up with the Introduction to Judaism Program. Tuesdays, August 28th—September 11th | 7:00pm-9:00pm FREE Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x7
For the Love of Minyan!
Instructor: Cantor Meeka Simerly Become familiar with the rich variety of beautiful prayers, blessings, melodies, readings, poems, songs, and liturgy for Shabbat. And, if you are interested, gain the tools to become a leader or co-leader of Shabbat Morning Minyans. Hebrew is helpful but not a requirement. Materials recommended: Siddur Mishkan Tefila for Shabbat. Sundays, September 30th—December 16th | 10:35am-11:30am FREE Temple Emanu-El www.templesanjose.org, 408.292.0939
Tea & Torah
The Egalitarian Tea and Torah Program (following Shabbat morning Minyan or afternoon Mincha service), includes study of the week’s Torah portion over tea and noshes. This study utilizes commentaries from a female perspective, including the URJ Torah: A Women’s Commentary. We will learn about the history, thought process, and fast evolving freedom of expression of Jewish women with a contemporary Reform Judaism approach. Open and welcoming to all who would like to learn. Saturday, September 15th | 9:00am Saturday, October 6th | 1:00pm Saturday, November 17th | 9:00am Saturday, December 15th | 9:00am Saturday, January 19th | 9:00am Everyone is encouraged to join us for Minyan. Please feel free to come in at 10:15am for Torah Study. FREE Temple Emanu-El www.templesanjose.org, 408.292.0939
Connecting to the Jewish Holidays
Instructor: Rabbi Philip Ohriner Are you unsure how to prepare physically and spiritually for Jewish holidays? Do you have questions about what the holidays are all about? Join us as we investigate the meaning and practices surrounding each of the Jewish holidays and gain tools to help you incorporate the holidays into your own life. The class will be accessible to all! High Holidays: Sunday, September 9th Hanukkah: Sunday, December 2nd Tu BiShvat/Adult Seder: Sunday, January 20th 10:00am-12:00pm FREE Congregation Beth David www.beth-david.org, 408.257.3333
San José State University Jewish Studies Program JWSS 146: History of Israel
Instructor: Prof. Jonathan Roth In this course, we will cover the origin and history of the modern State of Israel. We will begin in the Ottoman period (1517 to 1918), and explore the various political, cultural, and ideological movements and events that led to the founding of the State. In each successive era, we will look at the geography, ethnicity, religion, culture, economy, and society of this land, as well as the political events that affected it. You will read primary sources on the State of Israel, and the Israeli-Arab conflict, and learn about how to critically use them. You will also be challenged to think about the “why” of Israeli History, and to improve your research and writing skills. Mondays and Wednesdays, August 22nd—December 10th 1:30pm-2:45pm Fees: http://www.sjsu.edu/bursar/fees/due_dates/fall/ San José State University Jewish Studies Program victoria.harrison@sjsu.edu, 408.924.5547
JWSS 90: Bible History and Literature
Instructor: Prof. Brent Walters This introductory course on the Bible reconstructs the original context of the biblical record, covering the social setting of the Jews and early Christians in light of the cultural and religious environment that influenced the writers of these sacred writings. Discussing literal and figurative uses of language, the class studies biblical narrative, prophecy, poetry, wisdom, apocalypse, gospel, parable, and epistle. Mondays and Wednesdays, August 22nd—December 10th 12:00pm-1:15pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, August 22nd—December 10th 3:00pm-4:15pm Fees: http://www.sjsu.edu/bursar/fees/due_dates/fall/ San José State University Jewish Studies Program victoria.harrison@sjsu.edu, 408.924.5547
A Taste of Judaism
Instructors: Temple Beth El Rabbi’s Richard Litvak, Paula Marcus and Shifra Weiss-Penzias, Kathy Goldenkranz. Everyone is welcome. You don’t have to be Jewish to be curious. But you do have to register so we can save you a seat! Enjoy four weekly classes on the modern Jewish take on spirituality, values, and community. Our classes are dynamic and interactive; our teachers are accessible, fun, and can answer any and all of your questions. Thursdays, October 11th—November 1st | 7:00pm-9:00pm FREE Temple Beth El www.tbeaptos.org, 831.479.3444 15
Adult Education Introduction to Judaism
Instructors: Rabbi Lobel of Congregation Shir Hadash, Rabbi Magat of Temple Emanu-El, Rabbi Daniel Pressman of Congregation Beth David, Rabbi Joshua Berkenwald of Congregation Sinai The Introduction to Judaism course provides an overview of Jewish life-cycle, holidays, and other ritual celebrations. During the course of the year, students will gain an understanding of Jewish belief, history, Jewish holidays, calendar, and life cycle. Each session will include 30 minutes of Hebrew instruction. Additionally, during the course of the year, participants will be invited to participate in various aspects of Jewish living. Participants will also study Jewish history and gain exposure to important Jewish books including the Hebrew Bible and Talmud. Instructors will utilize a variety of teaching modalities. Sessions will rotate among the synagogues based on the teaching Rabbi. Tuesdays, November 6th—April 30th | 7:00pm-9:00pm $180 (includes 7 books) Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/JPlace, 408.357.7413
What is Sukkot? Instructor: Rabbi Dana Magat How is Sukkot connected to the High Holy Days and how can we relate to it from a modern place? Sunday, September 30th | 11:30am-12:30pm FREE Temple Emanu-El www.templesanjose.org, 408.292.0939
Connecting to the Core Components of Kabbalah
Instructor: Rabbi Philip Ohriner Kabbalah is an eminently popular focus of contemporary Jews, and non-Jews alike. This class will explore some of Kabbalah’s most basic teachings on the sefirotic system of emanation, the Lurianic narrative of creation, and the origins of tikkun through holy acts. Translations of texts will be provided! The class will be accessible to all! Thursdays, January 10th—January 31st | 7:30pm-9:00pm $36 for 4 classes Congregation Beth David www.beth-david.org, 408.257.3333
What is Simchat Torah? Instructor: Rabbi Dana Magat How is Simchat Torah connected to the High Holy Days and how can we relate to it from a modern place? Sunday, October 7th | 11:30am-12:30pm FREE Temple Emanu-El www.templesanjose.org, 408.292.0939
Jewish Approaches to Biomedical Ethical Issues
Wonder of Wonder! Miracle of Miracles!
Instructor: Rabbi Philip Ohriner The Jewish Bible is filled with seemingly miraculous events, from the splitting of the Sea of Reeds to Elijah’s revival of the dead. What does Judaism teach us about miracles? Are they real? Join us as we explore ancient, medieval, and contemporary Jewish conceptualizations of miracles. Translations of texts will be provided and the class will be accessible to all! Thursdays, October 25th—November 15th | 7:30pm-9:00pm $36 for 4 classes Congregation Beth David www.beth-david.org, 408.257.3333
Instructor: Rabbi Philip Ohriner Have you ever wondered what Judaism has to say about stem-cell research? What does Judaism teach us regarding cosmetic surgery? In today’s world, biomedical issues fill news reports and are debated in Congress. Come learn about some of the most controversial and important biomedical issues facing society from a Jewish perspective. Translations of texts will be provided! The class will be accessible to all! Thursdays, November 28th—December 20th | 7:30pm-9:00pm $36 for 4 classes Congregation Beth David www.beth-david.org, 408.257.3333
Basic Judaism
Instructor: Rabbi Paula Marcus Thursdays, 11/8, 11/15, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 1/3, and 1/10 7:00pm-8:00pm $75 Temple Beth El www.tbeaptos.org, 831.479.3444
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Adult Education The Shabbat Service Revealed
How to Parent Jewish Tweens/Teens
Instructor: Rabbi Josh Berkenwald Standing, Sitting, Bowing, Rising on your toes – Do you ever feel like you are not sure what you should be doing with your body during Shabbat services? Participants in this class will awaken their spirits through exploration of the “dance” of Jewish prayer. Nonmembers are welcome. Thursday, November 1st | 7:30pm-9:00pm FREE Congregation Sinai office@sinai-sj.org, 408.264.8542
Instructors: Sooze Protter M.A. Bay area teen specialist and Rabbi Dana Magat Parents of teens often need help and support as they navigate the rocky road of raising young adolescents. This class will provide an informational, humorous way of discussing all aspects of raising Jewish kids from 9 years to 17 years old. Topics will cover tween/ teen brain development, communication, school motivation, dating, siblings, and other general questions about young teens’ communication skills. Discussion will include issues of sexuality, drugs, friends, school, grades, and more. Gain insight, ideas, and get the boost of energy that all parents of young teens need.
Movies & Midrash Part 2, Rabbi Martin Weiner
Saturday, November 10th | 8:00pm Love the movies? Love to study Midrash? Could there be any connection between these two topics? Come and find out as Rabbi Martin Weiner presents an evening of film clips on Midrashic themes, drawn from some of the best known and loved movies of our time. We were surprised and amazed by his previous presentation and look forward to his returning to Congregation Shir Hadash for an encore. FREE and open to the community Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751x7
Sundays, October 4th—December 16th | 11:30am-12:30pm $10 per family, per class or $50 per family for the class series Temple Emanu-El www.templesanjose.org, 408.292.0939
December Dilemma
Instructor: Rabbi Dana Magat Discuss the challenges so often faced by parents (particularly in interfaith families) in connection with the winter holidays. Sunday, December 2nd | 11:30am $9 suggested donation Temple Emanu-El www.templesanjose.org, 408.292.0939
Death and Dying
Instructor: Rabbi Dana Magat This course will investigate Traditional and Reform Jewish practices, customs, and concepts surrounding death. We will also discuss some of the important issues that surround bereavement and the grieving process. Finally, we will investigate some modern theories concerning the stages of grief. We will also spend time discussing life after death and how death relates to our beliefs. Sundays, January 13th—February 10th | 11:30am-12:30pm FREE Temple Emanu-El www.templesanjose.org, 408.292.0939
Learners Shabbat
Ever wish you could ask a question about what’s going on during services? At the introduction to the basic Shabbat service at Shir Hadash, you can ask questions. In this service, you will gain an understanding of the reasons for the content and placement of the prayers and the customs that surround them. Saturday, October 27th | 10:30am Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x7
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APJCC Preschool Play-based curriculum 18 months to 5 years Play-based curriculum Half-day or Full-day 18 months to 5 years Half-day or Full-day
Open to all faiths and backgrounds
The APJCC Preschool provides a quality APJCC developmental preschool program forPreschool children 14855 Oka Road ages 18 months through 5 years. Los Gatos, CA 95032
14855 Oka Road Los Gatos, CA 95032 www.svjcc.org/preschool APJCC Preschool 408.357.7417
All of our programs provide:
www.svjcc.org/preschool 408.357.7417
• Warm, caring, educated staff Program Hours • Excellent child-teacher ratio 8:30am-12:00pm • Gym & music specialists (4-year-olds have an • Joyful celebration of Shabbat and8:30am-1:30pm Jewish holidays option) • Extended care available • Toilet training not required Kif Kef (Extended Care) 7:30-8:30am 12:00-6:00pm
The Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center (APJCC) is open to all faiths and backgrounds.
Now accepting applications for Fall 2011
Program provides Hours a quality The APJCC Preschool developmental8:30am-12:00pm preschool program for children ages 18 months through years. (4-year-olds have5an 8:30am-1:30pm option) All of our programs provide: • Warm, caring, educated staff Kif Kef (Extended Care) • Excellent child-teacher ratio 7:30-8:30am • Gym & music specialists 12:00-6:00pm • Joyful celebration of Shabbat and Jewish holidays • Extended care available • Toilet training not required
Growing Family?
Creating happy Jewish moments, one book at a time The PJ Library® program nurtures meaningful experiences for children by sending Jewish books to your home on a monthly basis - for free! Jewish children six months to seven years old who live in the South Bay are eligible to receive highquality, age-appropriate, colorful books to keep and enjoy, without cost or obligation. To enroll, visit www.pjlibrary.org/signup.php or call (408) 357-7509 and ask for PJ Library information.
Your Silicon Valley Jewish community is so happy about the birth of your child! Let us know that your baby has arrived and we will deliver a free special gift bag. Call (408) 357-7501 or email arielle@jvalley.org. 18
The Melton Community IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK
COME INSIDE! “CLASSES ARE MEANINGFUL AND INFORMATIVE”
“THE BEST ADULT LEARNING I’VE EVER EXPERIENCED.”
“
THE FLORENCE MELTON ADULT MINI-SCHOOL: An in-depth educational, comprehensive program without grades, exams, homework or prerequisites for enrollment. Adult Jewish Education done right.
CLASSES BEGIN IN OCTOBER CORE CLASSES Rhythms of Jewish Living focuses on the ideas, beliefs, and practices that define Jewish life and examines tradition and ritual observances connected to the Jewish calendar and life cycle events.
“I now know what I believe as a Jew, and why.”
Purposes of Jewish Living explores sources both ancient and modern in pursuit of answers to many of the major issues of Jewish thought and theology.
SCHOLAR COURSES
“A marvelous catalyst for Jewish learning in my life.”
SCHOLAR COURSES (10 WEEKS) October to December Location Offered: APJCC in Los Gatos FOUNDATIONS (20 WEEKS) October to May Locations Offered: APJCC in Los Gatos Temple Emanu-El in San Jose (10 weeks) Congregation Beth David in Saratoga (10 weeks) Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills
Tales from the Talmud explores Talmudic texts, many of which focus on Revelation and what happened at Sinai. All the texts demonstrate the impact of the Talmud, collecting diverse opinions and disagreements, and fostering the fluid approach that has helped Judaism persist for many centuries.
FOUNDATIONS
MELTON CHANGED MY LIFE ” CORE CLASSES (30 WEEKS) October to June Locations Offered: APJCC in Los Gatos Congregation Beth David in Saratoga
Jewish Denominations: Addressing the Challenges of Modernity examines Jewish identity and religious expression against the backdrop of dramatic political and social change of the past 300 years; this includes the impact of gender, assimilation, Israel, and postdenominationalism on the major movements and the Jewish people.
Register at www.SiliconValleyJCC. org/JPlace
or call 408.357.7413 Each Melton course is offered at a variety of locations, days of the week, and times to accommodate a majority of adult schedules. Look for these details in upcoming fliers, advertisements, and newsletters.
PURPOSES FOR FOUNDATIONS (20 WEEKS) October to May Locations Offered: APJCC in Los Gatos
Foundations of Jewish Family Living provides you with the learning, the language, and the confidence to be a teacher to our own children. This curriculum, for parents and grandparents, provides a thoughtprovoking encounter with the master stories from our tradition and the profound messages they convey, providing you with an opportunity to bring the Jewish conversation home at a time when your child is beginning his or her own Jewish education.
PURPOSES FOR FOUNDATIONS Purposes of Jewish Living oncentrates on the ultimate purposes of Judaism and explores 30 of the major theological and philosophical questions in Judaism. This curriculum will help you discover how to shape your Jewish life at home.
Costs Core Class $500 JCC members, $600 non-members Foundations $325 JCC members, $400 non-members Graduate Courses $150 JCC members, $180 non-members
For more information, call 408.357.7413 or email CJLL@svjcc.org. 15
Class fees do not include cost of books. Books range from $25-$35 a class.
Holiday Events The Jewish holidays are a great time to connect. Explore the variety of programs, services, and celebrations available in our community! For regular religious services, please visit synagogue websites. They are listed on page 3.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Check in the other sections of this guide or call 408.357.7411 for help! 20
Holiday Events Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Shabbat Shuvah at Wildwood Park
Saturday, September 22nd | 10:30am We will celebrate the Sabbath of return in the beauty of nature. After about 30 minutes of this informal service, the younger children will be invited on an exploration, while adult members of the congregation participate in a study of the special Prophetic portion for this Shabbat from which it gets its name. Join us for Tashlich, as we cast our sins into the water, following the service. Wildwood Park, Saratoga Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x7
Rosh Hashana Field Day
Wednesday, September 5th | 3:00pm-5:00pm Come experience a new kind of Rosh Hashanah family activity – a Rosh Hashanah Field Day. Through bobbing for apples, shofar blowing contests, and other fun activities, families can get in the spirit of the Jewish New Year! This year, join us for a special treat as we meet a bee keeper and his bees. It is all on the JCC field and all open to the community. FREE Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jplace, 408.357.7413
Kever Avot at Shalom Gardens
Sunday, September 23rd | 1:00pm Each year between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, time is taken to remember those members of our family and community who have died, either recently or in years past. Temple Emanu-El, and Congregations Beth David, Shir Hadash, and Sinai jointly sponsor these services which are free and open to the entire community. There will be two community services: at Oak Hill Memorial Park (Home of Peace Cemetery), 300 Curtner Avenue, San Jose; and at Los Gatos Memorial Park (Shalom Garden Cemetery), 2255 Los Gatos Almaden Road, which will be led by Rabbi Dana Magat of Temple Emanu-El. FREE Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x5
Rit Lab - S’lichot
Thursday, September 6th | 7:00pm-9:00pm The Jewish holiday—Selichot—is about repentance, recognizing what you have done throughout the year, apologizing to those you have hurt, and looking forward to a new year. Come get in the spirit of the holiday as we create postcard secrets to send in to PostSecrets, a website that gives people the opportunity to express very private things in a very public way. FREE, $5 suggested donation Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.siliconvalleyjcc.org/jplace; 408.357.7413
S’lichot - “Trial of Jacob”
Saturday, September 8th | 8:00pm We prepare for Slichot, the opening service of the High Holy Day season, with a special program introducing the theme of judgment. You are hereby summoned to be and appear in person before the court to serve as a juror. The Defendant, Jacob, our forefather represented by a team of prominent defense attorneys will be charged with theft by trickery and elder abuse. An expert medical witness will speak on the issue of Isaac’s competency at the time of the stolen blessing. Jacob, his brother Esau, and mother Rebekah, will all take the stand. Your vote will establish his guilt or innocence. FREE Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x5
Teshuvah Carnival
Friday, September 21st | 2:00pm-3:00pm Yavneh Day School is holding a Teshuvah Carnival to mark the 10 Days of Awe leading up to Yom Kippur. This is a time when we focus on trying to be better people. Come join us as we do activities focused on getting the New Year off to a good start. The middle school students create activity booths on this concept and guide the younger students through the activities. FREE Yavneh Day School www.yavnehdayschool.org, 408.984.6700
Sukkot
Tashlich
Decorate the Sukkah
Friday, September 14th | 9:00am-12:00pm The day before Yavneh Day School closes for the holiday, the school marks the upcoming holiday of Rosh Hashana by observing the custom of Tashlich. At Yavneh, we perform this ceremony at the Los Gatos Creek. We will discuss and share together actions from the past year that we want to wash away and we also set goals for the year ahead. Following Tashlich, we return to school to enjoy apples and honey for a sweet new year. FREE Yavneh Day School www.yavnehdayschool.org, 408.984.6700
Thursday, September 27th | 3:00pm-5:00pm You’re invited to our annual Sukkah decorating event. The Sukkah is a harvest booth that we construct for the autumn festival of Sukkot. Come make decorations and hang them up, bring your Rosh Hashanah greeting cards to hang on a wall, and enjoy a snack in the Sukkah. Snacks and art supplies provided. Everyone is welcome. This event is especially suitable for families with preschool or elementary school age children. FREE Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jplace, 408.357.7413
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Holiday Events Sukkah Decorating Event
Multi-Generational Sukkot Morning
Sunday, September 30th | 11:00am-1:00pm Bring your kids ages 4-13 to our annual Sukkah Decorating Event. Beth David has a huge Sukkah with plenty of room for kids and adults to express themselves. Art materials, projects, and snacks provided. FREE Congregation Beth David www.beth-david.org, 408.366.3333
Monday, October 1st | 9:30am-11:00am Bring your grandchildren or grandparents or we will match you up with members of the community! Join us for this free multigenerational experience of song, prayer, and crafts in the Shir Hadash Sukkah. FREE and open to the community Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x5
Succah Building at Chai House
Succos Services
Sunday, September 30th | 1:00pm Call if you’d like to help! FREE Chai House www.chaihouse.org, 408.971.4654
Monday, October 1st—Tuesday October 2nd 8:30am: Shacharis 12:00pm: Kiddush in Succah Hold onto the high of the High Holidays with the joy of Succos, the holiday known as Zeman Simchaseinu, a Time for Rejoicing! Join Am Echad at services on both days of Succos, followed by a festive Kiddush in the extra-large communal Succah. Check website for exact times of Mincha/Maariv services. Am Echad’s spacious succah is also available for community use. Quality lulavim and esrogim are sold by Rabbi Menachem Levine prior to the holiday, by preorder only. FREE Congregation Am Echad www.amechad.org or info@amechad.org
Erev Sukkot Service and Consecration
Sunday, September 30th | 6:30pm-7:30pm Sukkot is celebrated at Shir Hadash with worship and with special meals in the Sukkah. On the first eve of the holiday, our new religious school children are consecrated. This is a short ceremony that marks the formal beginning of their Jewish education. They are given gifts so that the beginning of their education will be marked by sweetness. FREE Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x5
SANTANA ROW AND THE PJ LIBRARY ® PROGRAM INVITE YOU TO
COME LIGHT THE CANDLES WITH US Celebrate Hanukah, a holiday of light, hope and dedication with Santana Row and the Silicon Valley Jewish community. SUNDAY, DEC. 9 • 4:30-5:30 P.M. AT SANTANA ROW PARK New location, plenty of space! Info: www.jvalley.org a program of the
www.PJLibrary.org
SANTANA ROW
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Holiday Events Simchat Torah
Sukkot Party
Simchat Torah Service
Thursday, October 4th | 4:00pm-6:00pm
Sunday, October 7th | 7:00pm-8:30pm Simchat Torah is a joyous holiday which marks the end of one year’s cycle of the reading of the Torah and the beginning of the new cycle. On the eve of Simchat Torah we honor the Congregation’s elders, all those who have reached the Biblically described age of 3 score and ten. This is also the only time in the entire year when children are invited up on the Bimah for an aliyah. Joel Nelson and his band provide the music for the dancing that accompanies our marching with the Torah. FREE and open to the community Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x5
Celebrate the autumn holiday of Sukkot in the JCC’s Sukkah (harvest booth). Enjoy dinner, games, singing, and dancing as we celebrate outside under the stars. If you’d like to participate in the Sukkot singing, bring an instrument! Everyone is welcome. Barbecue chicken dinner is provided. $5 individual, $15 family Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jplace, 408.357.7413 GLBT Family, Friends and Allies Pot-Luck Dinner in the Sukkah
Thursday, October 4th | 6:30pm All ages welcome. Bring a vegetarian or fish dish to share and join this longstanding tradition of gathering as a community. FREE and open to the community Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x5
Simchat Torah at Sinai
Monday, October 8th | 7:00pm-9:00pm Spend an evening immersed in joyful celebration as we sing and dance seven Hakafot (circuits) with the Torah. This is for all ages! Light refreshments following services. FREE Congregation Sinai office@sinai-sj.org, 408.264.8542
Twice Blessed Sukkot Potluck
Thursday, October 4th | 6:00pm-8:00pm Join us for services and vegetarian potluck dinner in the Sukkah. FREE Temple Beth El www.tbeaptos.org, 831.479.3444
The Climax of the High Holidays
Monday, October 8th | 8:00pm Tuesday October 9th | 9:30am Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah are described in kabbalistic works as the peak of the High Holiday season. It is the time when joy is at its height and it is with abundant joy that we dance with the Torah scrolls on Simchas Torah. There will be services on Shemini Atzeres and services and dancing on Simchas Torah, by night and day. FREE Congregation Am Echad www.amechad.org or info@amechad.org
Pizza in the Hut
Thursday, October 4th | 6:00pm Celebrate Sukkot at Yavneh with Pizza in the Hut. Enjoy a pizza dinner, music, and Israeli dancing outside in the school’s large Sukkah and playground. For information, please contact Yavneh. $15 per family Yavneh Day School www.yavnehdayschool.org, 408.984.6700
Shabbat Supper in the Sukkah
Friday, October 5th | 7:30pm Join us for Shabbat dinner in the Sukkah after Friday night services! RSVP by October 1st at www.beth-david.org/rsvp $12 per adult; $8 per youth (5-12), FREE for children (4 & under), $40 per family maximum Congregation Beth David www.beth-david.org, 408.366-3333
Simchat Torah Shacharit at Sinai
Tuesday, October 9th | 9:00am-12:00pm The party continues! Join us as we both end and begin our annual cycle of Torah readings. Merriment, more dancing with the Torah scrolls, and aliyot for everyone. Services will be followed by a deli lunch. FREE Congregation Sinai office@sinai-sj.org, 408.264.8542
Shabbat Dinner in the Sukkah
Friday, October 15th | 6:00pm services, 7:00pm dinner Join us for Kabbalat Shabbat followed by Shabbat Dinner in the Sukkah. Seating is extremely limited in the Sukkah. RSVP by October 2nd $20 per adult (age 13 and up), $5 per child (age 5-12), FREE for children under age 5 Congregation Sinai office@sinai-sj.org, 408.264.8542 23
Holiday Events Santana Row Candelighting
December 9th | 4:30pm-5:30pm Join us in Santana Park with members and staff of the Levy Family Campus and community as we light the second candle of Chanukah at the public menorah at Santana Row shopping center. FREE Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley rabbialexander@jvalley.org, 408.357.7509
Sinai Chanukah Party
Wednesday, December 12th | 5:30pm Join our annual Chanukah celebration for the entire family. Candle lighting and Sing-Along, Dinner, and Special Programming. Dreidels, latkes, and sufganyot too. Bring your own Chanukiah and candles for the 5th night candle lighting. To learn more about the great program being planned, contact the Sinai office. $10 per adult, $6 per child (age 5-18) Congregation Sinai office@sinai-sj.org, 408.264.8542
Hanukkah
Third Annual Best of Latke Competition
Friday, December 14th | Following 6:30pm Shabbat Service Is your latke recipe a winner? Bring three dozen homemade latkes and enter to see if your latke has what it takes to take home the prestigious top prize in the 3rd annual Best of Latke competition. FREE Temple Emanu-El www.templesanjose.org, 408.292.0939
Evening of Chanukah Fun and Inspiration
Please check the website for exact dates and times Join us at a Chanukah party tailored to all ages and stages! A delicious catered buffet, entertainment for children, a thoughtprovoking lecture for adults . . . need we say more? $10 per person, $50 family max Congregation Am Echad www.amechad.org or info@amechad.org
Tu B’Shvat
Hanukah Palooza
Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat Dinner at Congregation Sinai on Tu B’Shvat
Sunday, December 2nd | 12:00pm-4:00pm The public is invited to the JCC’s annual Hanukah festival. We’ll have games, arts & crafts and bounce houses for kids, holiday vendors for your Hanukah shopping needs, food for sale, and more. FREE Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center jason@svjcc.org, 408.357.7497
Friday, January 25th | 6:00pm services, 7:00pm dinner Please join us to welcome Shabbat together as a community and celebrate Tu B’Shvat. Kabbalat Shabbat followed by a festive Shabbat Dinner, incorporating symbolic foods. Early Bird Special (RSVP by 1/22) $20 per adult (age 13+), $5 per child (age 5-12), FREE for children under age 5, $54 max per family Congregation Sinai office@sinai-sj.org, 408.264.8542
Hanukkah Community Shabbat
Saturday, December 8th | 10:30am Hanukah means literally rededication. Share this special Shabbat morning as we find ways to rededicate ourselves Jewishly in the spirit of this holiday. FREE and open to the community Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x7
Tu B’Shvat Celebration
Saturday, January 26th | 10:30am Join Rabbi Aron and Cantor Felder-Levy for a special Tu BiSh’vat Seder celebrating the new year of the trees and our responsibilities towards the natural world. Bring something that grows in the ground or on a tree for our potluck! Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x7
Hanukkah Party
Sunday, December 9th | 11:00am-12:30pm Everyone is invited to join the Religious School in a festive Hanukkah Party. We’ll dance, sing, do art, bake, play tzedakah dreidle (bring your pennies), eat, and simply have a great first day of Hanukkah! FREE Congregation Beth David www.beth-david.org, 408.257.3333
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Events
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Check in the other sections of this guide or call 408.357.7411 for help! 26
Events New! Monday at the Movies!
RitRitual Lab Laboratory
Mondays, 10/15, 11/19 and 12/17 | 1:00pm-3:00pm Come experience Mel Brooks’s classics THE PRODUCERS, HISTORY OF THE WORLD PART 1, and BLAZING SADDLES! Light snacks will be served. Suggested $5 Donation Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center lisacg@svjcc.org, 408.357.7492
Rock Shabbat
Express Yourself!
Fridays, 10/9, 11/9, 12/14, and 1/11 | 7:30pm-8:30pm Join us for our monthly Shabbat services that are upbeat, with a contemporary sound that’s uplifting and compelling. Something that makes you want to get up and dance. Once a month, Rock Shabbat fills the Temple Beth El sanctuary with a rich and lively musical experience. FREE Temple Beth El www.tbeaptos.org, 831.479.3444
Rit Lab Thursday, September 6th and Thursday, November 15th | 7:00pm-9:00pm Ritual objects in Judaism have different meanings for everyone. Make your personal Judaica more meaningful by creating it yourself! Join us for a series of workshops in which artistic expression deepens your understanding of Jewish ritual practice. $5 Suggested Donation
Back-to-Shul Night & Open House
Friday, August 31st 5:30pm: Wine & Appetizers Reception 6:00pm: Kabbalat Shabbat 7:00pm: Shabbat Dinner Come experience the warmth of our Sinai community. Welcome Shabbat, take a tour of our beautiful campus, and learn about all that Congregation Sinai has to offer. Shabbat Dinner following Kabbalat Services. Half price for prospective members. Early Bird Special: $20 per adult (age 13+), $5 per child (age 5-12), FREE for children under 5, $54 maximum per family Congregation Sinai office@sinai-sj.org, 408.264.8542
Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jplace, 408.357.7413
Jewish High Tech Community
JHTC’s mission is connecting the Jewish High Tech Community and its friends together to enhance our opportunities for education and giving back to the community. The JHTC aims to improve the quality of life in the Silicon Valley for Jewish people working in and around technology and for the Jewish and South Bay communities more generally by educating them about important trends and issues in technology. Longer term, our goal is to develop charitable and professional development programs. Regular meetings are typically held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm at the Fenwick and West Silicon Valley Conference Center in Mountain View. Special meetings are periodically added throughout the year.
Jewish Study Network Annual Banquet
Sunday, November 4th | 6:00pm-9:30pm Jewish Study Network’s Annual Banquet honoring Claude Stern for his dedication to raising the level of Jewish literacy in the Bay Area. An evening of inspiration and celebration, including a live auction. $250 per person Sofitel Hotel, Redwood City Jewish Study Network www.jsn.info, 650.493.5764
Community Shabbat- SIGD
Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat Dinner at Congregation Sinai
Saturday, November 10th | 10:30am Have you ever heard of this Ethiopian Jewish holiday? SIGD celebrates the Jewish covenant in receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai. Come join us to gain insight in this Ethiopian holiday, celebrated today as a national holiday in Israel. Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x7
Friday, November 2 | 6:00pm Please join us to welcome Shabbat together as a community. Kabbalat Shabbat followed by Shabbat Dinner: Service at 6 pm, dinner at 7 pm. Early Bird Special (RSVP by 10/30) $20 per adult (age 13+), $5 per child (age 5-12), FREE for children under age 5, $54 max per family Congregation Sinai office@sinai-sj.org, 408.264.8542 nd
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Events Fievel Mousekewitz & Kung Pao Tofu
Tuesday, December 25th | 1:00pm-3:00pm Join us for some Chinese food and to watch An American Tail together on December 25th! This animated film tells the story of Fievel Mouskewitz and his family as they emigrate from Russia to America for freedom. However, Fievel gets lost and must find a way to reunite with his family. Please RSVP by 12/20 $20 per family Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center Lisa at lisacg@svjcc.org, 408.357.7492
Social Justice Shabbat
Friday, November 16th | 7:30pm-8:30pm You are invited to explore these important Social Justice questions at Temple Beth El’s Social Justice Shabbat. Visit www.tbeaptos.org for a description of the specific topic that will be addressed. FREE Temple Beth El www.tbeaptos.org, 831.479.3444
Meditative Shabbat
Saturday, January 12th | 10:30am This special service, lead by Linda Allen, Cantor Devorah FelderLevy, and Lay Cantor Mark Allen focuses on a few core prayers using a variety of melodies, chants, and guided meditation to foster opportunities for personal introspection. During the amidah, choose to silently pray the traditional tefillah or tune into a guided meditation focusing on the themes of these core prayers. No special knowledge or experience is required. Come and try a different way of experiencing a Saturday morning Shabbat service. FREE Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x7
Fish Fry Fiesta
Sunday, November 18th | 5:00pm-7:00pm Please join us on Sunday, November 18th for our 6th annual FABULOUS FUN FISH FRY FIESTA FESTIVAL! Serving linecaught Rockfish from Monterey Bay. Reservations are required by 11/13 $12 per adult (age 13+), $6 per child (age 5-12), FREE for children under age 5 Congregation Sinai office@sinai-sj.org, 408.264.8542
Martin Luther King Shabbat Service
Friday, January 18th | 7:30pm-8:30pm Join us for this meaningful and memorable Shabbat service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King. FREE Temple Beth El www.tbeaptos.org, 831.479.3444
Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat Dinner at Congregation Sinai
Friday, November 30th | 6:00pm Please join us to welcome Shabbat together as a community. Kabbalat Shabbat followed by Shabbat Dinner: Service at 6 pm, dinner at 7 pm. Early Bird Special (RSVP by 11/27) $20 per adult (age 13+), $5 per child (age 5-12), FREE for children under age 5, $54 max per family Congregation Sinai office@sinai-sj.org, 408.264.8542
Sunday, January 27th | 1:00pm-8:00pm Come celebrate Jewish life and learning and be a part of the fourth annual Jewbilee! Join Bay Area Rabbis, scholars, artists, and educators for a full afternoon of classes, programs, and performances. $10 adults, $7 children Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jewbilee, 408.357.7413
Community Shabbat Jewish Book Month100 Important Jewish Books
Saturday, December 1st | 10:30am Join us as we celebrate Jewish Book Month. Members of the congregation will be speaking about books designated as among the most important Jewish books. Join us for this cultural morning, which will include a brief Shabbat service and Jewish Book Month presentation and discussion. FREE Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x7
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JEW
Jewbilee
LEE I B
Just for Women
Teva To You: Nature To You
Women’s Halacha Class
Join our JCC sponsored CSA and get fresh, local produce delivered weekly from a local farm! Pick up your produce every Wednesday at the APJCC, March through November. Teva To You is designed to support small local farms and create a vibrant Jewish community by providing the opportunity to eat local, organic and sustainable produce and participate in educational programs that explore the intersection of food and Jewish tradition. Be part of the community. Join Teva To You. We are partnered with High Ground Organics, a certified organic, small family farm in Watsonville. Visit them at www. highgroundorganics.com. For more info, please contact us at rabbijames@svjcc.org.
Instructor: Rebbetzin Rachelli Levine Looking to increase your knowledge of the law and experience Shabbos on a higher plateau? Join Rebbetzin Rachelli Levine as she discusses the fundamentals of the Shabbos Home and the details that will enable you to observe Shabbos according to the halacha. The class includes visual aids, discussion, and reviews of the topics covered weekly. Mondays, ongoing 8:15pm-9:00pm FREE Congregation Am Echad www.amechad.org or info@amechad.org
Tu B’Shvat Hike
Rosh Chodesh
Sunday, January 20th | 10:00am The holiday of Tu B’Shvat celebrates the birthday of the trees. But, why do that in the middle of winter rather than during the green blossoming of spring or the harvests of autumn? Tu B’shvat inspires us to notice subtle new growth on the trees around us. Come join Rabbi James, Director of the Center for Jewish Life & Learning and a current TorahTrek Wilderness Guide cohort member, for a hike at Castle Rock State Park. We will explore this beautiful trail while focusing on simple mindfulness practices to help deepen our experience of the world around us. Come early for some outdoor meditation prior to the hike. Please bring one of the traditional 7 species (something with wheat, barley, figs, grapes, pomegranates, olives, honey) and some other fruit or nut. Please RSVP by Jan 15 with family names and ages of any children. FREE Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.siliconvalleyjcc.org/jplace, 408.357.7413
Temple Beth El Sisterhood invites you to join with other Temple women to celebrate the new moon with music, stories, meditation, teachings, art ritual, or writing. Most of all, experience the joy and connection to other women in our community. Please bring a finger food to share. Thursday, December 13th | 7:00pm-9:00pm Sunday, January 13th | 7:00pm-9:00pm Dates for August-November will be posted on the website shortly. FREE Temple Beth El wilmagold@gmail.com, 831.728.8778
Women’s Study Group
Instructor: Rabbi Melanie Aron Why are some women included in the canon of American Jewish literature and others excluded? If literature holds up a mirror to society, what is the picture of the American Jewish women’s experience painted by this literature? We will be reading short stories, essays, letters, and poems from the colonial period up until the current day. Our focus will be primarily on the 20th century. Third Thursday of the month | 10:30am-11:45am $14 book fee Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x7
Santa Cruz Local Foods at the JCC Santa Cruz Local Foods, a 100% local and 100% organic food company is partnering with the JCC to bring wonderful and delicious food to our members and guests. If you would like to purchase our products, please place an order by Monday to be picked up at the JCC on Tuesday between 2:00pm and 6:00pm. Orders can be placed through santacruzlocalfoods.com. Fresh veggies, fruits, dairy, breads, oils, honey, eggs, and even organic meats are all available for purchase. 29
Young Adults
AIPAC
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Young Adults Jewish Teen Philanthropy Board
For grades 8-12. The Jewish Teen Philanthropy Board gives teens the opportunity to decide how to allocate funds to local Jewish organizations all while learning about grant making and earning community service hours for school. Learn about the role of donors and grant-makers, learn to write a grant application, solicit grants, run your own foundation, meet with grant recipients to assess progress, develop relationships with donors, earn community service hours, and more! Develop decision-making skills that will last a lifetime. Meeting Dates TBD. For more information or to sign up, contact the JCC’s Center for Jewish Life and Learning at CJLL@svjcc.org
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Clubs
The transition from child to teenager is an important milestone in any child’s life. Our emphasis is to foster awareness that this milestone is only the beginning of Jewish life and help attain a greater appreciation of a Jewish adult’s responsibility. Chabad of San Jose Call 408.358.5530 or visit www.chabadsj.com for more information.
Lunch and Learn
Wednesdays, September 5th—December 5th | 12:30pm-1:30pm Every Wednesday, students and community members are invited to come to the Hillel house to learn something about our tradition from the Torah and other books. Interesting conversations always are in order. Lunch is served. FREE for students; $10 for community members Hillel of Silicon Valley www.hillelsv.org, 408.286.6669
Jewish Girl Scouts of the South Bay
5773 will be another exciting year for the Jewish Girl Scouts troop meeting at Congregation Sinai. Sundays (twice a month) girlscouts@sinai-sj.org, 408.264.8542
Teen Fitness and Learning Program: Shemirat Haguf
Shabbat Dinners
Sundays, October 7th—December 16th | 3:00pm-4:00pm For ages 12-14 years. A 10-week course for students who are in, or have just completed, their bar or bat mitzvah year. The program focuses on the different fitness and nutritional needs of teenagers and combines Jewish study with a fitness program specially designed for this cohort. Shemirat Haguf means “watching over the body” and focuses on the Jewish value of caring for our physical selves. This pilot program is accepting only 10 students in our first cohort so sign up early! $50 *Cost includes a 3-month fitness membership for participants at the completion of the program. For more information or to sign up, contact the JCC’s Center for Jewish Life and Learning at CJLL@svjcc.org
Fridays | 7:00pm The best way to end a busy week of school is to come to Hillel and celebrate Shabbat with us! Free, Kosher, and homemade Shabbat dinners at the Hillel house every Friday. FREE Hillel of Silicon Valley www.hillelsv.org, 408.286.6669
Rosh Chodesh
Celebrate the beginning of each Jewish month at Hillel (this event is just for female students). Dinner will be served. Monday, August 20th | 7:00pm Monday, October 15th | 7:00pm Wednesday, November 14th | 7:00pm Monday, December 10th | 7:00pm Monday, January 14th | 7:00pm FREE Hillel of Silicon Valley www.hillelsv.org, 408.286.6669
Bamidbar
Instructor: Randy Levinson and Rabbi Magat Bamidbar is a program designed to help students, in grades 11 and 12, transition from high school to college with confidence in their Jewish identity. The instructor challenges students to navigate through life’s many twists and turns, as they review current events within the context of Jewish thought and wisdom. Cults on college campuses and comparative religions will be among the topics of discussion as students prepare for the shift to campus life. This class will be focusing on interfaith issues and including field trips to area mosques, churches, and temples. Enrollment is open to the community – cost of tuition includes dinner. Wednesdays, September 12th—May 8th 6:30pm-8:15pm Call for pricing Temple Emanu-El www.templesanjose.org, 408.292.0939
Sukkot Under The Stars (grades 9-12)
Friday October 5th | 7:00pm—Saturday, October 6th | 7:00pm Bring your tent and sleeping bag as we spend the night at beautiful Balaban Ranch in San Jose. Teens will learn survival training, learn about the holiday of Sukkot, and have a night of food and fun. $15 Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center For more information or to sign up, contact the JCC’s Center for Jewish Life and Learning at CJLL@svjcc.org
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Young Adults Hebrew Classes for Beginners
This is a great and informal way to learn Hebrew among peers! Hebrew classes at Hillel are fun and interactive! Dinner will be served. Tuesdays, 10/2, 10/16, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4 7:00pm FREE Hillel of Silicon Valley www.hillelsv.org, 408.286.6669
New initiative!!! Challah for Hunger (C4H)
Thursday, September 27th | 5:00pm Three times a year, Hillel of Silicon Valley students bake challah at the kosher kitchen that Hillel has and community members have the possibility to buy it. All the proceeds will go to support Jewish people in need. For students, if you can’t arrive at 5:00pm, please join us when you can; we need your help! If you are a community member who would like to buy the challah from Hillel, please contact vanina@hillelsv.org FREE Hillel of Silicon Valley www.hillelsv.org, 408.286.6669
Sukkah Building and Decorating Party
Friday, September 28th | 2:00pm We need volunteers to help us build our Sukkah in the Hillel House’s backyard. We will also have plenty of materials to do arts and crafts for our Sukkah. Food will be served. FREE Hillel of Silicon Valley www.hillelsv.org, 408.286.6669
Torah 101
Sukkot Community Wide Celebration
Once a month we will sit down and discuss what the Torah has to say about different topics. Each time a different Rabbi will lead the discussion. Come and you will discover fascinating things about our tradition and sacred texts. Dinner will be served. Wednesday, October 24th | 7:00pm Wednesday, November 28th | 7:00pm FREE Hillel of Silicon Valley www.hillelsv.org, 408.286.6669
Wednesday, October 3 | 7:30pm Join us in our beautiful Sukkah for a community wide celebration of the holiday of Sukkot as we welcome our new Executive Director, Sarita Bronstein. Desserts will be served. FREE Hillel of Silicon Valley www.hillelsv.org, 408.286.6669 rd
Cooking Classes
The Hillel house has a beautiful brand new kitchen and we know students love food! Every other month, a community member comes to Hillel to teach us his/her favorite recipe from a particular Jewish Holiday. The best part is that each student gets to cook the recipe and eat the food! Thursday, October 11th | 7:00pm Hannukah Themed: Thursday, December 13th | 7:00pm FREE Hillel of Silicon Valley www.hillelsv.org, 408.286.6669
Israel Club
Are you fluent in Hebrew? Would like to have a space just to talk and discuss current Israel affairs only in Hebrew? Israel Club is for you! Israeli style dinner will be served. Tuesday, October 30th | 7:00pm Tuesday, November 27th | 7:00pm FREE Hillel of Silicon Valley www.hillelsv.org, 408.286.6669
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Alternative Sundays
This is a perfect initiative for students who want to make a difference in the local Jewish and non Jewish community. Hillel of Silicon Valley partners with two local Jewish organizations and two local non-Jewish organizations. Each Sunday the students will be part of an onsite project that will help a particular group of people with a certain need. After each project we will connect what we did with a piece of Jewish text. Lunch will be served. Sunday, October 14th | 10:00am-2:00pm Sunday, November 18th | 10:00am-2:00pm FREE Hillel of Silicon Valley www.hillelsv.org, 408.286.6669
Come join our happy family!
Chai House SENIOR HOUSING
Come enjoy the warm, relaxed, community environment that Chai House has offered since 1987! • The only Kosher Congregate Meal Program in the South Bay Health Center • Social Services • Activities • Transportation
CHAI HOUSE, INC.
814 Saint Elizabeth Drive, San Jose, CA 95216 (408) 947-1818 • (800) 807-3546 • chaihouse814@sbcglobal.net www.chaihouse.org
DISCOVERY
spiritual
Tradition R E F LE C TI O N
mikvah
C E LE B R ATE
connect
Discover an ancient tradition with profound modern meaning. Our Mikvah is clean, peaceful and conducive to private reflection. To make an appointment, please contact Jan Rose at (408) 357-7444 or mikvah@jvalley.org located on the Levy Family Campus 14855 Oka Road Los Gatos, CA 95032
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Families
Events for families with young children
“A strong sense of self, experiencing community, and internalizing the meaning and beauty of joyous celebration are just a few of the life-long gifts your child receives through Jewish learning opportunities. When you choose to give your child a Jewish education you are telling them that the chain of Jewish tradition is not complete without their voice. It lets them know they matter, you believe in them and you’ll make sure they have the values they need to navigate through life.” - Rabbi Laurie Hahn Tapper, Yavneh Day School
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Check in the other sections of this guide or call 408.357.7411 for help! 34
Families Mesibah Family Fun Day Mesibah is the Hebrew word for party! Children ages 2-10 years and their parents or caregivers, join us for a FREE party to celebrate the start of each Jewish month. Wednesday September 5th | 3:00pm-5:00pm Monday, November 12th | 3:00pm-5:00pm Wednesday, December 12th | 3:00pm-5:00pm FREE APJCC Preschool www.SiliconValleyJCC.org, 408.357.7413
Yavneh Book Fair
The annual Yavneh Book Fair is a weeklong event and will be run through Banana Seed, the largest independent book fair business in Northern California. The fair is open to all and will feature an outstanding selection of quality books with the best children’s titles for all ages, specifically customized for the Yavneh community.
September 10th—14th | 12:00pm-4:00pm FREE Yavneh Day School www.yavnehdayschool.org, 408.984.6700
Yad b’Yad Join us for a once a month Jewish playgroup for families with children 5 and under. The community is welcome to join us. No reservations are needed. Bring a healthy snack to share. Visit the TBE website calendar for monthly meeting locations or contact Wilma. Sundays, 9/9, 10/14, 11/4, 12/2, and 1/13 9:15am-10:45am FREE but donations are gratefully accepted. Temple Beth El wilmagold@gmail.com, 831.728.8778
Animal Celebration Sunday, October 14th 11:30am: Service in the Courtyard 12:00pm: Luncheon & Program Blessings of appreciation for animals - Celebrate our pets! This family-friendly service will take place outdoors in the courtyard on Sunday at 11:30 am with our pets. All pets are invited in carriers, cages, on leashes, and in bowls. Playpens for large and small dogs will be provided. Family and animal-friendly service followed by catered luncheon with guest speaker from the Youth Science Institute at 12 noon in the Social Hall. FREE Congregation Sinai office@sinai-sj.org, 408.264.8542
Shir Hadash Tots Instructor: Robin Adelman A program for a parent and her/his toddler, ages 1 to 3 years old. Experiential art, music, stories, and play are all part of the program. Jewish holidays will be included in an age appropriate content. All families are welcome. Thursdays, September 13th—December 20th | 9:30am-11:00am $140 Shir Hadash Early Childhood Center www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x115
Family Concert Series Enjoy an afternoon concert of music and singing with audience participation while introducing your young children to the world of classical music. The Yavneh Family Concert Series is for the whole family. Sunday, October 21st | 1:00pm Sunday, December 16th | 1:00pm $18 per adult, children 13 and under FREE Yavneh Day School www.yavnehdayschool.org, 408.984.6700
Kehillah Jewish High School Open Houses Come discover Kehillah Jewish High School at its Admissions Open House! Hear from our students, alumni, faculty, and administrators; take a student-led tour of our facility; visit our science labs, art and music studios, theater, and beit midrash; discover how the Oshman Family JCC enhances the life of Kehillah students and teams; learn about our outstanding academic program, Jewish studies curriculum, after school sports programs, class trips, and extra-curricular clubs and activities. Open to all middle school families! Sunday, October 14th | 2:00pm-4:30pm Sunday, December 9th | 2:00pm-4:30pm Sunday, January 13th | 2:00pm-4:30pm FREE Kehillah Jewish High School admissions@kehillah.org, 650.213.9600 x154
South Peninsula Hebrew Day School Kindergarten Open House Sunday, October 21st and Sunday, December 16th | 10:00am-12:00pm You’re invited to visit our Kindergarten Open House. Our classrooms are bilingual, you’ll hear the children speaking both English and Hebrew! Come explore SPHDS and be inspired by the genius of childhood! FREE South Peninsula Hebrew Day School www.sphds.org, 408.738.3060
Mishpacha Sheli (My Family) Pre-K Family Education Instructor: Varies A program designed for pre-kindergarten aged children and their parents who would like a “whole family” experience. We offer an introduction to Jewish values, holidays, traditions, and customs through singing, storytelling, art, movement, games, and cooking. Children must be at least three years old by September 1, 2012. Sundays, 10/7, 11/4, 12/9, 1/13, 3/24, and 4/28 10:15am-12:30pm $210 Temple Emanu-El www.templesanjose.org, 408.292.0939
Community Learner’s Shabbat-Noah Event Saturday, October 20th | 9:30am We welcome the entire community to join us as we learn about the classic biblical story of Noah’s Ark. We will begin with an outdoor breakfast and informal Shabbat service, and then go into Happy Hollow on a Biblical scavenger hunt. Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x7 29 35
Lectures Visiting Authors and Distinguished Speakers
The Speaker Series at the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center returns again for another great year of learning with the world’s best Jewish scholars. $7.00 Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jplace, 408.357.7413 Laura Turbow Photography
Joshua Buchin Tefilat HaDerech Thursday, October 4th | 4:00pm-6:00pm The Jewish people have, throughout history, moved from place to place. Many factors have inspired these journeys necessity, persecution, and the hope of finding a better life. Tefilat HaDerech: The Traveler’s Prayer has traditionally offered comfort to those embarking on life’s journeys. This beautifully-illustrated book highlights many of the historical Jewish migrations, while presenting a child-friendly adaptation of this meaningful prayer.
Joy Ladin Through the Door of Life Thursday, November 1st | 7:00pm Professor Jay Ladin made headlines around the world when, after years of teaching literature at Yeshiva University, he returned to the Orthodox Jewish campus as a woman—Joy Ladin. In Through the Door of Life, Joy Ladin takes readers inside her transition as she changed genders and, in the process, created a new self. With unsparing honesty and surprising humor, Ladin wrestles with both the practical problems of gender transition and the larger moral, spiritual, and philosophical questions that arise. Ladin recounts her struggle to reconcile the pain of her experience living as the “wrong” gender with the pain of her children in losing the father they love. We eavesdrop on her lifelong conversations with the God whom she sees both as the source of her agony and as her hope for transcending it. We look over her shoulder as she learns to walk and talk as a woman after forty-plus years of walking and talking as a man. We stare with her into the mirror as she asks herself how the new self she is creating will ever become real. Ladin’s poignant memoir takes us from the death of living as the man she knew she wasn’t, to the shattering of family and career that accompanied her transition, to the new self, relationships, and love she finds when she opens the door of life.
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Exploring the World of Judaism
Speakers: Lew Wolff, Rabbi Debbie Prinz, and more The innovative Sunday morning speaker series is structured to make it easy for people with even just a casual interest in the topic to attend the various talks. Speakers come from all over the Bay Area, including Rabbis, professors, and other professionals. Lew Wolff, the owner of the Oakland A’s, will be speaking about sports management and Jewish values on December 9th and Rabbi Deborah Prinz will be speaking on her new book about Jews and Chocolate. Sundays 9/23, 10/14, 10/28, 11/4, 11/18, 12/9, 1/6, 1/27 9:30am: coffee 9:45am: program FREE Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x7
John Rothmann on “The Implications of the Recent Election for the Middle East”
Friday, November 30th | 8:00pm John Rothmann is a radio talk show host on KGO 810am in the Bay Area. He is also an author, and political and foreign policy consultant specializing in the United States, the Middle East, and the former Soviet Union. Rothmann is a frequent lecturer on American politics and has spoken on more than 150 college and university campuses throughout the United States, Canada, and Israel. FREE Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x7
Book Groups Schmooze with the Author: APJCC Book Club
Ever read an intriguing book and wished you could pick the author’s brain afterwards? Have you ever finished a novel and longed to know what the author imagines happened next to the character? Now is your chance to have these conversations! Read these amazing new books, each selected by the Jewish Book Council for the 2012/2013 year, then come and schmooze with the author! FREE Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jplace, 408.357.7413 Maggie Anton: Rav Hisda’s Daughter Sunday, October 28th | 9:30am At Congregation Shir Hadash. Hisdadukh is the youngest child of Talmudic sage Rav Hisda. The world around her is full of conflict. Rome, battles Zoroastrian Persia for dominance while Rav Hisda struggles to establish new Jewish traditions after the destruction of Jerusalem’s Holy Temple. Against this backdrop Hisdadukh embarks on the tortuous path to become an enchantress in the land where the word ‘magic’ originated. Racelle Rosett: Moving Waters Monday, November 12th | 7:00pm A television producer moonlights as a cantor, an actress leaves her husband for their nanny, a young widow gets her hair colored to prepare for the unveiling of her husband’s gravestone – in her debut collection Moving Waters, award winning writer Racelle Rosett explores the unexpected role of ancient ritual as it informs the lives of members of a Reform Jewish community in Hollywood.
Jewish Book Group
Share your love of books with Jewish themes and ideas as well as your desire to discuss them by participating in the Shir Hadash Jewish Book Group. We are reading: What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank by Nathan Englander, Hope A Tragedy by Shalom Auslander, My Russian Grandmother and Her American Vacuum Cleaner by Meir Shalev, The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer, and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Sundays, 9/9 and 11/11 10:45am-12:00pm FREE (participants responsible for their own books) Congregation Shir Hadash bookgroup-coordinator@shirhadash.org 37
Neal Pollack: Jewball Monday, December 3rd | 7:00pm The gears of world war have begun to grind, but Inky Lautman, star point guard for the South Philadelphia Hebrew Association, has his own problems. His coach has a gambling debt to a group of American Nazis. His basketball rival is protesting against fascism. And his girlfriend wants him to join a Jewish student organization that’s all talk and no action. Inky just wants to play ball and occasionally beat people up for money. When the Bund comes calling, Inky has to make a stand.
Maurice Harris: Moses: A Stranger Among Us Monday, December 17th | 7:00pm In Moses: A Stranger Among Us, Mo Rabbi Maurice Harris leads us to look beyond familiar portrayals of Moses to discover the Moses whose lesser-known attributes and experiences provide us with fresh ethical and spiritual guidance. Where: Tsunam Harris reveals a complex Moses who gives us Willamette St tools for better understanding issues like2585 religious When: April 11, 20 fundamentalism, intermarriage, civil disobedience, and gay and lesbian equality.
Beth David Jewish Book Discussion Group
Join us for a lively discussion of Jewish-themed books. All adults and teens are welcome. Planned books include: The Rabbi’s Cat; The Golem by Avram Davidson; The Pity of it All: Jews in Germany 1743-1933; The Aleppo Codex: a True Story of Obsession, Faith, and the Pursuit of an Ancient Bible; Jacob’s Legacy: a Genetic View of Jewish History; Sacred Trash: the Lost and Found World of the Cairo Geniza; and Palestine Betrayed. Saturdays, 9/8, 10/13, 11/10, 12/8, 1/12 | approx. 1:30pm following Shabbat Kiddush lunch FREE Congregation Beth David www.beth-david.org, 408.257.3333
Community Service
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Community Service Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley Knitzvah (Knit for a Mitzvah)
Shabbat Meal Delivery to Isolated Seniors
If you love to knit, crochet, or really want to learn how: this is the group to join! Knitzvah meets monthly and creates beautiful handmade items for preemie babies in the NICU, seniors who appreciate lap blankets to keep warm, cancer patients in need of colorful caps, and much more. Check the JFS website for meeting dates and locations as they may change. All ages welcome. Fourth Sunday of every month | 10:30am-12:00pm APJCC Adult Lounge FREE and open to the public Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley www.jfssv.org or cherier@jfssv.org, 408.357.7467
Deliver twice-monthly prepared Shabbat meals to seniors in our community. This opportunity often involves a short visit. Pick-up at JFS offices. Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley cherier@jfssv.org, 408.357.7467
Become a Friendly Visitor
If you enjoy spending time with seniors and have an hour or two a week to visit with a senior in need of a special connection to the outside world, then this is the volunteer opportunity for you! Orientation and on-going training is provided by our social work staff. Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley cherier@jfssv.org, 408.357.7467
Embrace-A- Family—Gift and Toy Drive for Hanukkah
Bring new unwrapped toys, clothing, and household goods (we will provide information on what is needed) to the JFS offices to do a truly wonderful mitzvah for those children, families, and seniors who would otherwise have to go without anything new during the holidays. November 1st—December 10th Drop –offs can be made Monday—Friday from 9:00am-4:00pm Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley www.jfssv.org or cherier@jfssv.org, 408.357.7467
ESL Teachers and One-on-One Tutors
JFS SV needs experienced ESL teachers to volunteer in our ESL class for Russian-speaking seniors. We also need tutors to help younger refugees learn English on a one-to-one basis. The commitment for each opportunity is 2 hours per week. Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley cherier@jfssv.org, 408.357.7467
Chaplain Aides
Food Drives
Bring Shabbat-style worship to seniors/assisted living facilities by conducting Shabbat services once a month (Friday afternoons). This is a very rewarding connection to the greater Jewish community. JFS provides support and training for all aides. This program is also a wonderful family activity. Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley cherier@jfssv.org, 408.357.7467
Project N.O.A.H. (No One Abandoned Here) Food assistance Program decreases food insecurity and hunger in Silicon Valley. We serve over 1,000 people through food packages, Shabbat Meals, breakfasts, and supermarket gift cards. Help JFS during the holiday season collect and distribute food (and gift cards!) to families and seniors in our community. High Holidays: August—September Hanukah: November—December Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley www.jfssv.org or cherier@jfssv.org, 408.357.7467
Career Mentors
As a volunteer mentor, you will provide online job search, résumé review, and interview practice to newly-arrived refugee job seekers. Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley cherier@jfssv.org, 408.357.7467
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Community Service Faith in Action Silicon Valley Rotating Shelter
Help serve meals during December in western San Jose. The Silicon Valley Rotating Shelter moves from one host church or synagogue to another each month. Each host site provides adequate space for the guests to sleep, a secure area for them to store their belongings during the day and an area where they can have their meals. We will be serving dinner and providing social interaction to these men making their way out of poverty. December 23rd—29th Congregation Shir Hadash rotatingshelter@shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x5
Sinai Lunch Team for the San Jose Family Supportive Housing Shelter
Habitat for Humanity
Congregation Shir Hadash is participating in the construction of the All Faiths House in Cupertino. An additional workday may be added this summer. Volunteers are needed. Sundays, September 9th and December 23rd Congregation Shir Hadash habitat@shirhadash.org
Sinai is sponsoring, cooking, and serving a meal to residents of the San Jose Family Shelter. Perform a mitzvah! Prepare and serve lunch to young families temporarily in need. Sunday, December 30th | 10:00am-2:00pm FREE Congregation Sinai socialaction@sinai-sj.org, 408.264.8542
APJCC Blood Drives
Give the gift of life. Donate blood with the American Red Cross in the APJCC Auditorium. Sign up at www.redcrossblood.org, sponsor code APJCC. Thursday, October 11th and Thursday, December 20th 12:00pm-6:00pm Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.SiliconValleyJCC.org, 408.357.7414
Jewish Family Services Transforms Lives and Restores Hope in Silicon Valley
Congregation Sinai “Building Day” in partnership with Habitat for Humanity
Volunteers needed to work on an “All Faith’s House” with Habitat for Humanity. Experts will teach volunteers the skills needed for the afternoon session. Construction workers training from 9-12, and building from 1-4. Sunday, November 4th | 8:00am-4:00pm FREE Congregation Sinai socialaction@sinai-sj.org, 408.264.8542
Blood Drives
Perform a Mitzvah! About every two seconds someone in the US needs blood. Donate blood to the Stanford Blood Bank and make a difference in someone’s life. Sunday, November 18th 8:00am-12:00pm Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x5
Happy and Healthy Year From Our Family to Yours!
14855 Oka Road, Suite 202, Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 556-0600 www.jfssv.org
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Older Adults Torah Study at Chai House Instructor: Rabbi James Greene This engaging class, instructed by Rabbi James, is a tool to keep us full of life through the words of the Torah. A lively and engaging Torah study is sure to keep our minds and hearts young. All abilities, ages, and levels are welcome - you do not need to be a resident of Chai House. Mondays | 3:30pm FREE Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jplace, 408.357.7413
Kabbalat Shabbat Lunches (ages 55+) Adults ages 55+ are invited to this once-a-month get-together for seniors in the APJCC Auditorium. Enjoy a catered hot lunch followed by entertainment. Friday, September 28th | 12:00pm-2:00pm Friday, October 12th | 12:00pm-2:00pm Friday, November 16th | 12:00pm-2:00pm Friday, December 14th | 12:00pm-2:00pm Friday, January 18th | 12:00pm-2:00pm $7.50 Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center lisacg@svjcc.org, 408.357.7429
Senior Connections Come enjoy our eclectic blend of programs for people of all ages. For information or transportation needs, please contact Marlene Pitkow. Second and Fourth Mondays 1:30pm-2:00pm: Schmooze & Nosh 2:00pm-3:30pm: Featured Presentation FREE Temple Beth El www.tbeaptos.org or marsp777@gmail.com, 831.462.6080 Current Events Instructor: Senior Moderators Older adults, come join us for a lively discussion and stimulating conversation about current news and articles. Tuesdays | 10:00am-11:30am FREE Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center lisacg@svjcc.org, 408.357.7492
Celebrate Succot in the Succah Light Refreshments will be served. Call for more information. Bring something to share! Monday, October 1st—Monday, October 8th 3:00pm-4:00pm Chai House www.chaihouse.org, 408.971.4654
Art History/Selected Topics (ages 55+) Instructor: Jan Masters This semester will start with Masterpieces from the Hermitage Museum in Russia and then move on to the history of and the collections of other world famous museums. The focus will include architecture of the museums, art masterpieces, and the political influence over the years. Each week focuses on a stand-alone topic and not dependent on prior sessions. This class is in partnership with West Valley College. Wednesdays | 1:00pm-2:30pm FREE for 55+ Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center lisacg@svjcc.org, 408.357.7492
1st Night of Chanukah—Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, December 8th | 4:00pm Call for more information $15 to stay for 5pm Dinner Chai House www.chaihouse.org, 408.971.4654 Singles World Sunday, October 14th | 5:00pm-7:00pm Singles 40-70 are invited to Congregation Shir Hadash for wine and cheese and an opportunity to meet other members of the Jewish community. Singles world has hosted successful lunch and dinner programs and is opening up this event to members of the entire community. Join us for the socializing and for the interactive program. You are guaranteed to engage other men and women in meaningful conversation. Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751 x5
Jewish Widows/Widowers/Senior Singles Group Thursdays | 1:00pm-3:00pm This group usually meets on the third or fourth Thursday of every month at 1:00pm in the JCC Auditorium unless otherwise specified. These meetings are open to any senior who is a widow, widower, single, or divorced. Our goal is to provide diversified activities that enhance and enrich the time we spend together. Light refreshments are provided; feel free to bring something to share. Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center lisacg@svjcc.org, 408.357.7492 Freilache Menschen This program gives local seniors the chance to visit, eat lunch, and hear an interesting speaker or program. Friends and family are invited to participate. $3-$5 donation asked towards the cost of lunch 2nd Thursday of each month Congregation Shir Hadash www.shirhadash.org, 408.358.1751x7
Chanukia Lighting at Chai House Monday, December 10th—Friday, December 14th | 5:00pm Call for more information. $15 to stay for 5pm dinner Chai House www.chaihouse.org, 408.971.4654
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Holiday Party Sunday, December 16th | 2:00pm Refreshment will be served. Call for more information. $10 Chai House www.chaihouse.org, 408.971.4654
Arts & Culture Cantor Andres Levy
Sunday, September 23rd | 7:00pm Come enjoy an evening of beautiful Jewish music. Cantor Levy received his degree from Rabbinic Seminary in Buenos Aires and is a member of the Cantor Assembly of the United States. Presale $15 Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center lisacg@svjcc.org, 408.357.7492
Hot Tub Torah
September/October 2012 This enthralling art exhibit captures the change in seasons through a camera’s lens. Tastefully portrayed, these photographs, taken by Phil Decker with texts selected by Rabbi James Greene, look at nature as a reminder to slow down and appreciate Creation. FREE Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center lisacg@svjcc.org, 408.357.7492
Jewish Artisans’ Fair
Sunday, November 11th | 10:00am-4:00pm Join us at Temple Beth El’s second annual Jewish Artisans Faire. This will be an opportunity to purchase beautiful hand-crafted art from local Jewish Artisans. The focus of the artwork is not only Jewish in nature but will include something for everyone. Some Judaica will be available. Everyone is invited! Buy something for your home, for a friend or loved one, or something for yourself. SRFY, the temple youth group, will provide refreshments. Contact Marcia Stein if you would like to participate as an artist: mstein@tbeaptos.org FREE Temple Beth El www.tbeaptos.org, 831.479.3444
Verses Illuminated
Ben Sidran
Tuesday, October 23rd | 7:00pm Although best known in some circles for writing Steve Miller’s hit song “Space Cowboy”, Ben Sidran is more widely recognized as the host of National Public Radio’s landmark jazz series “Jazz Alive”, which received a Peabody Award, and as the host of VH-1 television’s “New Visions” series, which received the Ace Award. Sidran is currently completing an album of Bob Dylan songs (“Dylan Different”) and working on a text, “Jews, Music and the American Dream”. Presale $15 Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center lisacg@svjcc.org, 408.357.7492
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December 2012 Through her artwork, Me’Irah Iliinsky celebrates what she calls “Living in the Jewish Paradigm”. She uses color and Jewish commentary to bring her artwork to life. FREE Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center lisacg@svjcc.org, 408.357.7492
An Evening of Music, Magic, and Mirth
Saturday, January 12th | 7:30pm-11:00pm Enjoy a festive evening of exceptional entertainment featuring stand-up comedy, award-winning magic, and live jazz. Martini bar, Hors d’oeuvres, and decadent desserts! Silent auction. Make your reservations online. Check website for admission prices. Congregation Sinai office@sinai-sj.org, 408.264.8542
PAULA POUNDSTONE LIVE AT THE APJCC Saturday, October 27th 8:00pm
Armed with nothing but a stool, a microphone and a can of Diet Pepsi…. PAULAPOUNDSTONE.COM TWITTER.COM/PAULAPOUNDSTONE
$25 General Admission $30 at the door $50 Limited VIP Seating
For information and tickets
www.jvalley.org/events or contact Lisa Ceile at lisacg@svjcc.org or 408.357.7492
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Why should I join the JCC? Hillel the Sage said it best: If I am not for myself, who will be for me? At the JCC you can learn, energize, grow, celebrate, and connect to your community. If I am only for myself, what am I? As a JCC member, you contribute to the survival of the Jewish people and touch the world around you. If not now, when? Grants provide just 3% of the JCC’s operating budget. The rest comes from dues, program fees and donations.
Your support and participation are vital to the JCC.
The JCC offers a Social Membership for a low annual fee, or a Full Center Membership for a monthly fee.
To join today, visit www.SiliconValleyJCC.org or call 408.356.4973 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032