Resource 2023-2024

You can help determine the type of world our children and grandchildren will inherit.

The Federation is committed to partnering with community members to create positive change in the world. One way to maximize your impact is by opening a donor-advised fund (DAF). A low-cost way to set aside charitable dollars for grantmaking now or in the future.

Through your DAF, you can make grants to a full range of organizations that support causes that are most meaningful to you. From experienced donors to those just getting started, our advisors provide broad-based expertise, combined with deep knowledge of the Jewish community, to ensure your giving strategy is effective and

Let ’s start by having a conversation. Contact us at 415.512.6225 or philanthropy@sfjcf.org to open a DAF today.

Discover yourself at Harker

Harker is a community of dedicated, passionate learners committed to celebrating a diverse community of students, and fostering an inspiring space for all. Our goal (and greatest joy) is to help all students uncover their unique gifts through our deep and varied offerings and inspiring faculty. With more than 125 years of experience in bringing out the best in children, we are dedicated to continuing that legacy of excellence.

Kindness, respect, honesty, integrity and personal accountability have been in the school’s DNA since its founding. Community service, character development curriculum, and our honor code all encourage, develop and reinforce these important qualities.

Many things make Harker special, however small class sizes and our attention to each child’s journey is especially unique. Beginning in the lower school, and continuing throughout each student’s Harker journey, we carefully evaluate the course placement that best meets a student’s talents and interests to ensure that each is challenged, encouraged, engaged and inspired to be their personal and academic best. A vital part of that process involves the offering of extensive curricular and extracurricular offerings to help students discover and nurture talents they may not otherwise have known they have. We do this through our deep and varied offerings and through our incredible and inspiring faculty, for whom we search nationwide. Many hold advanced degrees, and all are passionate about teaching and focused on individual student success.

Harker is a supportive, safe, fun and nurturing place where parents, faculty, staff, students and alumni form a close-knit community through events, traditions and our common mission. Our students leave Harker uncommonly prepared for college and ready to make a difference in the world.

Educating more than 2,000 students TK-grade 12, Harker is the largest independent school of its kind in California, serving families of preschool, elementary, middle and high school-aged children, with each division on its own San Jose campus.

150 years

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Founded on Jewish values and traditions, we are committed to providing exceptional care for all aging adults in the Bay Area

JEWISH HOME & REHAB CENTER

Short-Term Rehab, Long-Term Skilled Nursing, Behavioral Health

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https://qr.link/ZNht0y

Resource welcomes you to our community

Whether through social action, social services or just plain socializing, Jews create community by reaching out — and that is the purpose of Resource. Our annual publication is a roadmap of the many paths to becoming part of the diverse Bay Area Jewish community.

Of course, there’s more than one way to “do Jewish,” Zack Bodner, CEO of the Oshman Family JCC, writes in his book titled “Why Do Jewish? A Manifesto for 21st Century Jewish Peoplehood.” Using the seven letters in the word “tachlis,” Yiddish for “getting down to brass tacks,” he offers seven paths to the Jewish world: T (tikkun olam, or healing the world), A (art and culture), C (community), H (holidays and rituals), L (learning), I (Israel) and S (Shabbat and spirituality).

You will find all these paths and more in the pages of Resource.

Tikkun olam: Read Chapter 1, which shows the depth of local synagogue involvement in social action projects. Want to become involved in the community? Check out Chapter 5 to learn about organizations, and Chapter 6 to find out more about social service agencies.

Art and culture: From folk dancing to community choruses, from museums to Judaica stores, you’ll find choices in Chapter 13.

Community: Chapter 9 zeroes in on activities for all ages, Chapter 10 lists activities for seniors, and Chapter 7 looks at programs for kids and teens. Or to socialize and stay fit, join a JCC (Chapter 5). Community imbues every chapter.

Holidays and rituals: Chapter 2 explains our major holidays and lists when they occur, on both the Hebrew and secular calendars. Meanwhile, Chapter 3 discusses lifecycle rituals. For the joyful heart and soul of the Jewish experience, Chapters 14 and 15 focus on celebrations and food.

Learning: You’ll find libraries, adult education and college programs in Chapter 8 For kids and teens, Chapter 7 includes education, from preschools to high schools.

Israel: Chapter 11 includes fundraising, advocacy organizations and information about travel to the Jewish state.

Shabbat and spirituality: These are the focus of Chapter 4, which features congregations and conversion and interfaith programs.

To expand understanding, look through Chapter 12, which focuses on Jewish media, or enrich daily experiences by reviewing the cultural offerings in Chapter 13.

Finally, our advertisers and the businesses in Chapter 16 help to support all of our institutions, and we thank them for their support.

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At nearly every Bay Area synagogue, you’ll find the real action is social action

LILLIAN ILSLEY-GREENE | J. STAFF

Published Aug. 19, 2022

The golden-domed sanctuary at Congregation Sherith Israel in San Francisco is known for its glorious stained-glass windows. Its most famous one depicts Moses receiving the Ten Commandments in Yosemite Valley — a modern promised land.

In another, a Biblical woman hands out food to the needy, with the words “Feed the hungry – Clothe the naked – Shelter the homeless” above her head. The message is

one that resonates with Nancy SheftelGomes, who considers it a call to social action for her synagogue community.

“It’s a commandment that’s repeated in Torah over and over again. It’s really a basis of humanity,” she said. “I think that’s why it means a lot to people to participate, because they know that they’re making a difference in somebody’s life.”

Sheftel-Gomes is a longtime member of the Reform synagogue, where she helps to run the HaMotzi program, a food -assistance initiative started in 1993. Every

Sunday, she and her volunteers meet to prepare more than 100 meals for Compass Family Services, the San Francisco Women’s Shelter and various community members in need. Once a month, Sheftel-Gomes also heads the Chicken Soupers meal program. Founded in 1988 to support those with AIDS, it now feeds the community at large.

“We have an obligation to do this,” she said. “That’s our covenant with God.”

Sherith Israel is not uncommon in its commitment to social action. Nearly all synagogues have similar projects in one form or another, whether it’s starting a community garden or building a homeless shelter from the ground up. For many Jews, social action is a mitzvah and an important part of their religious practice. Across the Bay Area, different communities have committed to a range of social justice issues to better themselves, their fellow humans and the world.

One of the projects at Or Shalom Jewish Community, a Reconstructionist synagogue in San Francisco, is called Sanctuary Or Shalom. A congregation-wide initiative to support immigrants in California, its reach is broad: accompanying people to their immigration hearings, protesting outside Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) centers and calling elected officials to advocate for legislative change.

Social action is part of the fabric at Or Shalom. In fact, social action is one of just five tabs on the synagogue’s homepage. Clicking on it leads to the Safety Net Action Committee (dedicated to advocating for universal health care), the Environmental Action Committee, and the Interfaith Action Committee (which works with Faith in Action Bay Area on issues of voter engagement, gun control and housing reform). Another project was a 2016 listening campaign that asked congregants to suggest social issues they wanted the synagogue to address before the election,

At Congregation Beth Israel in Berkeley, Menashe Kirsch helps fill backpacks with welcome letters and writing supplies for children arriving with refugee families, Aug. 7, 2022. (Photo/Samantha Laurey)

and myriad topics were raised.

Leslie Roffman, a longtime member and the chair of the Sanctuary Or Shalom project, said this kind of work is part of how her community practices Judaism. “Social justice is at our core,” she said.

Similarly, at B’nai Israel Jewish Center in Petaluma, the social action team doesn’t have just one project — it has many.

Congregants are part of a rotation that helps run the Interfaith Food Pantry at Elim Lutheran Church in Petaluma. Members of the Social Action Committee have taken up a “green mitzvah” to reduce the synagogue’s carbon footprint, removing cleaning supplies, paper towels and anything else at the synagogue that can be replaced with more environmentally friendly alternatives. And at Hanukkah, the independent synagogue works with Jewish Family and Children’s Services in

In Berkeley, members of Modern Orthodox Congregation Beth Israel have been volunteering and serving at a local men’s shelter for more than 15 years. The shul also supports the shelter with donations and other supplies.

The popular program has helped connect Beth Israel to the larger community, said Maharat Victoria Sutton, who retired from the shul Aug. 1 after eight years as director of education and community engagement. She was among the many volunteers, and she brought her young daughter along to help out.

“Chesed is a foundation of Judaism,” she said. Often translated as “lovingkindness,” chesed means giving oneself fully, with love and compassion.

Meanwhile, the Tikkun Olam leadership team at Congregation Beth El in Berkeley has spent two years focused on the Care

Santa Rosa to provide gifts for children in low-income families.

This month, volunteers held a drive to collect school supplies for the children of farm workers, collecting notebooks, art materials and water bottles to be distributed to children across the state. Last year, they donated more than 300 filled backpacks.

Abbey Levine, co-chair of the Social Action Committee and executive vice president of the B’nai Israel board, said her fellow congregants are always ready and eager to become involved in a new project. Social justice work is a fundamental part of Judaism and being Jewish, she said.

“I think that as Jews and as survivors of so many things ourselves, to repair the world is really critical,” she said.

First Community Coalition, an organization dedicated to reducing the arrests and incarceration of people with mental health issues. Congregants at the Reform synagogue have lobbied the Alameda County Board of Supervisors to earmark funds to improve services for mentally ill people, and in 2021 the board approved a “Care First, Jails Last” policy resolution and set aside $8 million for services. They’ve been involved at every stage, helping to draft budget recommendations, facilitate connections between Care First and other local organizations, and publicize the coalition’s mission.

“The challenge is how do we bring this [mission] forward in a way that makes [Alameda County residents] care and helps them feel connected,” said Becki Cohn-Vars,

co-chair of the Tikkun Olam leadership team. The Care First Community Coalition is lobbying the county to again set aside funds for these services for another year.

Rabbi Rebekah Stern, Beth El’s senior rabbi, said for her, like others, social justice work is integral to her Judaism. “You can’t read the Books of the Prophets without understanding that outcry against injustice is core to who we are as Jews,” she said.

At Kehilla Community Synagogue in Piedmont, a commitment to social action is at the core of its mission statement. In 2017, inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, congregants formed the Belonging and Allyship Project, an initiative to “address white supremacy and racial justice internally within Kehilla, at all levels of our organization and community,” according to the website.

Ruthie Levin, a Kehilla congregant for more than 16 years, oversees the Belonging and Allyship Project as the synagogue’s

“We have an obligation to do this. That’s ourcovenant with God.”

Nancy Sheftel-Gomes, Sherith Israel

people of color organizer. A Black Jew, Levin had experienced her fair share of prejudice, both within the Kehilla community and out.

“What we want to work on is ways of improving how folks of color experience Kehilla moving forward,” Levin said.

Kehilla now hosts a number of affinity groups to foster discussions on shifting focus away from whiteness and white supremacy in the community. A diversity, equity and inclusion team has been formed to offer training and advice to synagogue leaders. Levin wants to see everyone involved.

“It’s one thing to show up at synagogue and listen to a sermon and hear [tikkun olam] talked about in passing,” she said. “But to really embody it, in all that you do, that’s my goal.”

At Peninsula Temple Beth El in San Mateo, Covid threw a wrench into plans for an ambitious green initiative, launched shortly before the pandemic started. Following a listening campaign, where climate change emerged as members’ greatest concern, leaders of its Rodfei Tzedek (pursuing justice) team began focusing on steps they could take to reduce the synagogue’s carbon footprint.

Berkeley Beth El members (from left) Gadi Meir, Steve Kurzman, Kellee Fong, Lila Kurzman and Donna Friedman Meir helped build the East Bay’s Youth Tiny House Village in 2019.

Our Jewish Community

“As Jews and as survivors of so many things ourselves, to repair the world is really critical.”

Abbey Levine, B’nai Israel

PTBE members have started a community garden at the shul, donating what is grown there to Samaritan House; attended rallies for climate justice; and plan to install solar panels to help power the synagogue with clean energy. Yet the campaign has been different from what leadership imagined, said Marla Becker, one of the team members. Their vision for environmental justice work was based in group action, in the community with others. But the pandemic-led shift has not diminished their commitment to the cause, Becker said.

“There’s a quote from the Talmud that we refer to often: ‘Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly now, love mercy now, walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it,’” she said. “We really believe that.”

At Congregation Beth Jacob in Redwood City, social action has always been a priority, said Rabbi Nathaniel Ezray, who has been at the Conservative synagogue for 28 years. The community’s most recent work has been with United Hatzalah, a volunteer-based, free-of-charge emergency medical service throughout Israel.

Beth Jacob supports United Hatzalah through fundraising and spreading awareness about the organization. Bill Futornick, the synagogue’s ritual director, also leads trips for congregants to visit United Hatzalah’s headquarters in Jerusalem and see its work in action. Ezray called the experience of visiting the sites in Israel that Beth Jacob supports “transformative.”

Social action is fundamental to the practice of Judaism, he said, and has been from the beginning.

“I think that when we have a religion that talks about basic human dignity, about connecting our core story of having been slaves with the obligation to help others who are enslaved, when we have a series of values that say you may not stand idly by, when we define ourselves by loving our fellow human — those things all create an imperative to act when somebody is suffering,” Ezray said. n

Molly Rosenberg (left) and Deena Bertolina prepare soil for planting in the Peninsula Temple Beth El community garden. (Photo/Jessica Rosenberg)

Representing Or Shalom Jewish Community at the March for Our Lives rally at San Francisco City Hall in March 2018 are (from left) Rabbi Katie Mizrahi, Jody Reiss, Margo Freistadt, Ruth Maginnis, Carol Small and Deborah Frangquist. (Photo/Elliot Helman)

USF to offer first graduate program in Jewish studies and social justice

EMMA GOSS | J. STAFF

Published May 31, 2023

In 2009, Erin-Kate Escobar was one of the first students to graduate from the University of San Francisco with a minor in Jewish studies and social justice. USF, a Jesuit university, had introduced the minor just a year earlier.

Now Escobar is helping to develop a new graduate-level certificate program through the Swig Program in Jewish Studies and Social Justice. Called Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion + Jewish Studies and Social Justice (JEDI + JSSJ), it will be the only graduate-level program of its kind in the country, according to its website.

Anyone working in a Jewish organization — synagogues, Jewish nonprofits, Jewish day schools, Hillels — can apply to the program, which can be completed in one to two years. It launches in August 2023.

“This is an opportunity for folks to dive into some professional development that is really going to help them implement those systemic changes within their organizations,” Escobar said.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) education on college campuses has become a political flashpoint across the country. In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on May 15 to prohibit public

colleges and universities from spending state or federal funds on DEI efforts. And the Texas Senate has approved a bill that will require public universities in the state to close their DEI offices, and to eliminate programs and training on campus that promote diversity.

Aaron Hahn Tapper, the director of the Swig Program, denounced these moves in an email to J. as “efforts to exclude marginalized voices from educational environments in the U.S.”

The JEDI + JSSJ program is emerging now, he said, because “there is a recent movement among Jewish Americans, especially Jewish American institutions, to integrate JEDI and social justice values into their work in systematic ways.” Yet many of these institutions lack the “skill set” to make the necessary changes. “Our program is fulfilling a need in the Jewish American milieu,” he added.

Students enrolled in JEDI + JSSJ will get training on how to confront issues related to racial, gender and disability equity in Jewish workplaces, and on how to implement systemic changes, such as using diverse and equitable hiring practices, and more immediate changes, such as stating preferred gender pronouns in workplace communications and educating colleagues about why that matters.

The certificate program, which costs $7,500, can be done at any pace that suits a working professional, according to the website. There are upcoming informational webinars and USF accepts rolling admissions.

Once a week beginning in August and continuing through the academic year, the group of up to 25 students will meet either virtually or in a hybrid classroom, depending on the seminar.

“My goal is to build an intergenerational cohort from different Jewish denominational backgrounds,” said program manager Chel Mandell, who is co-developing the program with Escobar. “Ideally, people take this back to their Jewish institutions and think about the systemic, deeper roots.”

The seminars will explore questions of Jewish identity, antisemitism, diversity and intersectionality. “How do we get out of that fixed mindset of whatever it

“Ideally, people take this back to their Jewish institutions and think about the systemic, deeper roots.”

Chel Mandell, program co-developer

means to me [to be Jewish] and applying that to everyone around me?” Escobar said. “There’s so much depth and breadth to this identity. How do we make room for that to flourish everywhere?”

The seminar instructors will include Joy Ladin, who became the first openly transgender employee at an Orthodox Jewish institution when she worked as an English professor at Yeshiva University’s Stern College. Yavilah McCoy, CEO and founder of the diversity, equity and inclusion nonprofit Dimensions Educational Consulting, will teach a seminar on anti-racism and social justice.

Other Jewish professionals on the roster include Rabbi Camille Shira Angel, rabbi in residence at USF and the former spiritual leader of Congregation Sha’ar Zahav in San Francisco, and Rabbi Julia Watts Belser, a professor of Jewish studies at Georgetown University who earned her doctorate from UC Berkeley and the Graduate Theological Union.

continued on page 69

Program co-developer Erin-Kate Escobar

HANUKKAH SHABBAT ROSH HASHANAH YOM KIPPUR SUKKOT PESACH PURIM TU B'SHEVAT SIMCHAT TORAH SHAVUOT 2 | Jewish Holidays

Shabbat

SABBATH

Celebrated starting Fridays at sundown to commemorate God’s day of rest after six days of creation. Traditions include lighting candles, drinking wine and eating challah (braided bread). Havdalah, a ceremony of farewell to Shabbat, takes place when three stars appear in the Saturday night sky. Rituals include lighting a braided candle, drinking wine and smelling sweet spices.

Rosh Hashanah

JEWISH NEW YEAR

This joyous celebration ushers in a period of festivities, introspection, blessings and penitence. Traditional foods include round challah and apples with honey, symbolizing wholeness and sweetness for the new year. It begins the Ten Days of Awe, which culminate on Yom Kippur. 1–2 Tishrei

Yom Kippur

DAY OF ATONEMENT

The holiest day of the Jewish year. Through fasting and prayer, Jews reflect upon their relationships with other people and with God, atoning for wrongdoings and resolving to do better. It ends at sunset with a blast of the shofar (ram’s horn).

10 Tishrei

Sukkot

FESTIVAL OF BOOTHS

Commemorates the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring the Israelites to the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering in the desert. Many people erect a sukkah (booth), a temporary structure with a roof made of branches, modeled after the huts built in the desert. Celebrations include eating foods of the harvest and shaking the lulav (assemblage of palm, willow and myrtle branches) and etrog (a citrus fruit).

15–21 Tishrei

Shemini Atzeret

EIGHTH DAY OF ASSEMBLY

Celebrated at the end of Sukkot and sometimes considered an extension of that holiday. Marks the first time the prayer for rain is recited during services, a practice that continues until Pesach. 22 Tishrei

Simchat Torah

REJOICING FOR THE TORAH

Celebrates the completion of the annual Torah-reading cycle. After reading the last sentence of Devarim (Deuteronomy), the Torah is joyously paraded seven times around the synagogue. The new cycle begins immediately with reading the first words of Beresheet (Genesis). 23 Tishrei

Hanukkah

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

This eight-day holiday commemorates the triumph over Syrian-Greek oppression and the rededication of the Temple, when oil meant to last for one day burned miraculously for eight. Jews light candles in a hanukkiah (nine-branched menorah), eat latkes (potato pancakes) or sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), play with dreidels (spinning tops) and give money or gifts.

25 Kislev–2 Tevet

Tu B’Shevat

NEW YEAR OF TREES

Biblical in origin, this holiday celebrates springtime renewal and growth. Traditions include seders with wine and symbolic fruits, planting trees and caring for the environment. 15

Shevat

Purim

FEAST OF LOTS

Marked by raucous merriment, this holiday celebrates the rescue of the

Jews by Queen Esther and her uncle Mordechai from the evil Haman. During the chanting of the Megillah (Book of Esther), whenever Haman is mentioned, celebrants shout and shake graggers (noisemakers) to drown out his name. Traditions include costume parties, skits, mishloach manot (gifts of food) and eating hamantaschen (three-cornered, fruit-filled pastries).

14 Adar

Pesach

PASSOVER

Celebrates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. At the seder, celebrants read the haggadah (collection of texts and commentaries on the Exodus) and share a festive meal with symbolic foods. In remembrance of the departure of the Israelites, who could not wait for their bread to rise before fleeing, Jews eat matzah (unleavened bread) for eight days (seven days for Israeli, Reform and Reconstructionist Jews) and refrain from most grains.

15–22 Nissan

Sefirat HaOmer

COUNTING OF THE OMER

Seven-week period begins the second night of Pesach, ending at Shavuot. The 49 days are a time of anticipation for the giving of the Torah as well as a period of semi-mourning, recalling the deaths of Rabbi Akiva’s students. Traditionally, weddings, festivities and haircuts are prohibited during this time, except on Lag B’Omer.

16 Nissan–5 Sivan

Yom HaShoah

HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

Day of mourning for the millions killed in the Holocaust. Services honor survivors and remember the dead with prayers and yahrzeit (memorial) candles. In Israel, a siren’s blast announces two minutes of silence. 27 Nissan

Yom HaZikaron

MARTYR AND HEROES’ MEMORIAL DAY

Day of remembrance for fallen soldiers and those who died for the State of Israel. Public observances include lighting yahrzeit candles, visiting graves and reciting psalms. In Israel, siren blasts signal a minute of silence the evening before, and two minutes of silence the morning of Yom HaZikaron.

4 Iyar

Yom HaAtzmaut

ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY

On May 14, 1948, Israel achieved statehood. Jews worldwide celebrate with parades, festivals and donations to Jewish charities.

5 Iyar

Lag B’Omer

THIRTY-THIRD DAY OF THE OMER

One-day suspension of the Sefirat HaOmer mourning period. Some say a plague afflicting Rabbi Akiva’s students ceased on this day. Celebrated with picnics and outings in nature. 18 Iyar

Shavuot

FESTIVAL OF WEEKS

Commemorates the giving of the Torah at Sinai and the spring harvest. Traditionally, Jews read the Ten Commandments and the Book of Ruth and eat dairy products.

6–7 Sivan

Fast of Tammuz

Fast from dawn until nightfall marks the day Moses broke the first Tablets of the Covenant because the Israelites made the Golden Calf. It also marks the start of the siege on Jerusalem and begins a three-week mourning period ending at Tisha B’Av.

17 Tammuz

Tisha B’Av

NINTH DAY OF AV

Day of fasting and deep mourning commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples. The Book of Lamentations is read at services, and in some synagogues congregants sit on the floor.

9 Av

Holidays begin at sunset the preceding evening

Rosh Hashanah

September 16-17, 2023

October 3-4, 2024

Yom Kippur

September 25, 2023

October 12, 2024

Sukkot (holy days)

September 30-October 1, 2023

October 17-18, 2024

Shemini Atzeret

October 7, 2023

October 24, 2024

Simchat Torah

October 8, 2023

October 25, 2024

Hanukkah

December 8-15, 2023

December 26, 2024-January 2, 2025

Tu B’Shevat

January 25, 2024

February 13, 2025

Purim

March 24, 2024

March 14, 2025

Pesach

April 23-30, 2024

April 13-20, 2025

Yom HaShoah

May 6, 2024

April 24, 2025

Yom HaZikaron

May 13, 2024

April 30, 2025

Yom HaAtzmaut

May 14, 2024

May 1, 2025

Lag B’Omer

May 26, 2024

May 16, 2025

Shavuot

June 12-13, 2024

June 2-3, 2025

Fast of Tammuz (commemorated from dawn until nightfall)

July 23, 2024

July 13, 2025

Tisha B’Av

July 27, 2023

August 13, 2024

Rosh Hashanah

Sukkot

Pesach

Hanukkah

RESOURCES CHANUKAT HABAYIT DEATH

MARRIAGE ADOPTION CIRCUMCISION

BAR/BAT

3 | Lifecycles

MITZVAH MIKVAH DIVORCE

* Listings with asterisks are provided as a courtesy to our advertisers. Text in blue is website address.

This chapter features resources for the observance and celebration of Jewish lifecycle events and milestones. This includes birth, adoption, infertility issues, circumcision, bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings and funerals. Need a rabbi to conduct a Jewish ceremony or an interfaith wedding? Check out these pages. Listings include organizations that help with Jewish adoption, infertility issues and holy rituals, including the mikvah, used for spiritual purification. This chapter also lists Jewish cemeteries as well as chevra kadishas, which ensure that the deceased is prepared for burial according to Jewish tradition. Because the Bay Area Jewish community is diverse, this directory provides both the names of those who officiate at traditional circumcisions as well as an organization serving Jews who opt out of circumcision. With alternative ideas given expression, organizations have sprung up in the Bay Area to provide service and support to those seeking new ways of “doing Jewish.”

General Resources

Local congregations, individual rabbis, agencies and organizations provide support, advice, counseling and services to assist individuals and families during various lifecycle events. Synagogues and additional religious organizations are listed in Chapter 4, Religious Life & Congregations. Community agencies and organizations are in Chapter 5.

Rabbi Howard Steiermann*

(415) 695-9155

sfhoward.com

hsteiermann@gmail.com

Hosts and guests share in a personalized and heartfelt event. Interdenominational, multicultural, traditional or nontraditional ceremonies throughout the Bay Area.

Birth, Adoption & Circumcision

Jewish Baby Network, JFCS

200 Channing Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650) 688-3080

jewishbabynetwork.org

carol@jewishbabynetwork.org

Director: Carol Booth

Marketing Manager: Alyssa Zagorie

San Francisco, Marin, Peninsula, and East Bay regions. Families of all kinds with babies and toddlers connect, share and celebrate together. Free events held at various locations and online.

ADOPTION & INFERTILITY

Adoption Connection

1710 Scott St. P.O. Box 159004 San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 359-2494

adoptionconnection.org

families@adoptionconnection.org

Provides support and services to adoptive parents and birth mothers during and after pregnancy. Full-service, nonprofit, licensed adoption agency and open adoption leader. A division of S.F.-based Jewish Family and Children’s Services.

Donor Concierge

165 North Redwood Drive Suite 202 San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 663-6097

donorconcierge.com/egg-donorsearch/ethnicities/jewish-egg-donors

Egg donor and surrogate search service that help Jewish parents find Jewish egg donors and surrogate mothers.

Hasidah

P.O. Box 9531 Berkeley, CA 94709 (415) 323-3226

hasidah.org info@hasidah.org

CEO: Rabbi Idit Solomon

A voice of hope and compassion that raises awareness of infertility, provides emotional and spiritual care, and reduces financial barriers to treatment in the Jewish community.

BRIT BAT/SIMCHAT BAT (Rejoicing for Daughter)

The birth of a baby girl is traditionally marked in the synagogue when her father or parents are called to the Torah on the Sabbath to give the newborn her Hebrew name. The past decade has seen the development of various naming ceremonies for girls. In fact, there is a growing liturgy around the brit bat, and various alternative rituals have been proposed. This ritual is frequently performed on the eighth day of a baby girl’s life.

BRIT MILAH (Circumcision )

The ritual of brit milah is performed to symbolize the covenant between God and the people of Israel. The brit (or bris) takes place on the eighth day of a male baby’s life (provided there are no health problems). Traditionally, the brit is performed by a mohel, a ritual circumciser familiar with the relevant laws and customs.

Reform

Piser & Piser Mohelim* (415) 529-2730

piserfam@comcast.net

Urologist: Joel Piser, M.D.

Hand/plastic surgeon: Jing Hsieh Piser, M.D.

Bay Area urologist/hand surgeon, husband/ wife mohelim team, trained and certified by Hebrew Union College; performing personalized, spiritually enlightening brit milah and hatafat dam brit (for previously circumcised converts) since 1991.

Eric Tabas, M.D.

450 Sutter St. Suite 1324

San Francisco, CA 94108 (415) 397-2331

Fax: (415) 397-4225

erictabasmd.com

erictabasmdinc@gmail.com

Board certified OB/GYN, as well as a board-certified Reform mohel practicing in San Francisco for over 20 years. Personalizes each brit milah ceremony to joyfully celebrate life.

Traditional

Rabbi Avi Lebowitz

(650) 207-4956

baymohel.com

avilebo@gmail.com

Certified mohel and pediatric circumcision. Rabbi has been doing bris and circumcision in the Bay Area for over 10 years. He guides and assists families through this major milestone in their life.

Rabbi Gil Leeds

(510) 730-BRIS (2747)

bayareamohel.com

rabbileeds@bayareamohel.com

Certified traditional mohel, trained by expert mohelim including Rabbi Chanan Feld z”l. Caring and professional, services Jewish families of varied observance levels.

Rabbi Moshe Trager* (415) 366-6757

calimohel.com

rabbitrager@calimohel.com

Northern California’s only full-time certified mohel. More than 5,000 brissim have been performed. Interfaith and all family types welcome. Modern pain control, unmatched speed and precision.

Debra Weiss-Ishai, M.D.* (510) 589-8556

thebrisdoctor.com mohel@thebrisdoctor.com

R ESOURCE R ESOURCE R ESOURCE

Certified mohel and board-certified pediatrician performing traditional, personalized and enriching brit milah ceremonies. Inclusive of all affiliations. Pain control/ local anesthetic used.

Stuart Avram Zangwill, M.D. (510) 384-8363 zmohel.com zmohel@gmail.com

Performs spiritual, meaningful brit milah ceremonies for all affiliations and interfaith couples. Board certified in both pediatrics and pediatric hospital medicine with over 25 years experience performing circumcisions with anesthesia/pain control.

ALTERNATIVES TO BRIT MILAH

Ceremony for families opting out of circumcision.

Bruchim

(510) 693-6677 bruchim.online info@bruchim.online

President and Co-founder: Lisa Braver Moss

A Jewish nonprofit that works to ensure that families opting out of circumcision are welcomed openly by Jewish institutions and can take an active role in the Jewish community.

PIDYON HABEN (First-born Redemption )

A pidyon haben, redemption of a son, takes place 30 days after the birth of a first-born baby boy. The tradition is based on the belief that first-born sons were to serve God in the Temple. To redeem them from that obligation, five shekels were given to the Temple priests, who then served in the Temple instead. The ceremony today usually involves a symbolic charitable donation.

Lifecycles

Bar & Bat Mitzvah

Typically celebrated in the synagogue, the bar/bat mitzvah marks a young person becoming an adult member of the community. Traditionally, the 13-year-old is called upon to recite the Torah blessings and to read a Haftorah, a selection from the prophets. Variations on the ceremony exist. Study programs are also available throughout the community for adults who missed the opportunity to celebrate a bar/ bat mitzvah as a teenager. Synagogues provide bar and bat mitzvah training. See Chapter 4, Religious Life & Congregations.

Confirmation

For Reform and some Conservative Jews, the confirmation year (10th or 11th grade) represents a special time of celebration and commitment. It includes study and meetings with the rabbi, culminating in a special service, often held during the Shavuot holiday, which commemorates the receiving of the Torah by the Jewish people.

Chanukat Habayit

In the traditional ceremony of “dedicating the home,” a mezuzah is put up within 30 days of moving into a new home. A mezuzah is a small container that holds a handwritten scroll of parchment with Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21 on the front side and the word Shaddai (Almighty) on the back. The passages contain the Shema, considered the watchword of Jewish faith, proclaiming the oneness of God. The mezuzah is placed on the upper third of the doorpost, on the right side as one enters.

Mikvah

A ritual pool of fresh “living” water, the mikvah is used for spiritual purification. For some Jews, married life involves laws of taharat hamishpacha (family purity), which require a wife’s monthly immersion in a mikvah after menstruation before she reunites with her husband. The mikvah is used today by some brides and grooms before their wedding. Jews-by-choice traditionally visit the mikvah as part of their conversion process.

Berkeley Mikvah

Mikvas Chana Leah

2520 Warring St. Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 224-3770

berkeleymikvah.org

info@berkeleymikvah.org

Mikvah Directors: Bracha Sara Leeds

Rabbi Gil Yosef Leeds

Mikvah Education: Miriam Ferris

Nightly women’s appointments, available by phone or online.

Beth Jacob

CommunityMikvah

3778 Park Blvd.

Oakland, CA 94610 (510) 482-1147

Fax: (510) 482-2374 bethjacoboakland.org office@bethjacoboakland.org

No attendant on duty. Please call for an appointment.

Community Mikvah

Levy Family Campus

14855 Oka Road Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 357-7444

Fax: (408) 358-7311 jvalley.org/mikvah

mikvah@jvalley.org

The Levy Family Campus welcomes the use of its mikvah for all Jewish religious and spiritual life transitions and passages.

Dryan Family Mikvah

3070 Louis Road

Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 424-9800

Fax: (650) 493-3425 chabadpaloalto.com/mikvah

Contacts: Dena Levin

Devorah Levin

Need to rejuvenate? Think mikvah! Providing nightly appointments for married women from all Jewish backgrounds and classes for brides and beginners.

Mikvah Chaya Mushka

Chabad of Marin

1150 Idylberry Road San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 610-6202

Contact: Guila Rice

By appointment. Call Guila at the number above.

Mikvah Society of San Jose*

1670 Phantom Ave. San Jose, CA 95125 (408) 460-3675 (408) 264-3138

Fax: by request only

bergman.d@sbcglobal.net

Contact: Pat Bergman

By appointment and for women only. Please call at least three days in advance. $20 donation requested. Please prepare at home and bring your own towel, etc.

San Francisco Mikvah

3355 Sacramento St. San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 921-4070

sfmikvah.org

sfmikvah@gmail.com

The mikvah is available by appointment only. Please schedule a minimum of two days in advance by sending an email or by phoning.

Marriage within the Jewish community is packed with familial, social and religious considerations. Jewish weddings are often a joining not only of two individuals and

their families, but also of different parts of the community. Above all, a wedding is a simcha, a commandment in which the bride and groom rejoice.

The main elements of a wedding are kiddushin and erusin (sanctification of betrothal), the betrothal blessing, presentation of the ring, reading of the ketubah (marriage contract) and its presentation to the bride, recitation of the seven marriage blessings, drinking of wine to sanctify the marriage, and breaking of the glass (to remember the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem even on joyous occasions).

Additional traditions are the bedeken, in which the groom places the veil over his bride’s face, and the encircling of the groom by the bride. Although a Jewish wedding need not take place in a synagogue, most Jews planning to marry turn to a rabbi or synagogue for some aspect of the wedding. Marriage preparation classes are offered in many branches of Jewish Family & Children’s Services, listed in Chapter 6, Social Services.

MARRIAGE OFFICIATING

Also see Chapter 4, Religious Life & Congregations.

Rabbi Howard Steiermann*

(415) 695-9155

sfhoward.com

hsteiermann@gmail.com

Hosts and guests share in a personalized and heartfelt event through a welcoming style. Interdenominational, multicultural, traditional or nontraditional ceremonies throughout the Bay Area.

Divorce

Couples contemplating divorce are urged to consult with a rabbi regarding the advisability of obtaining a religious divorce in addition to a civil divorce.

Rabbinical Court for Jewish Divorce

(650) 857-1800

Fax: (650) 857-0601

rabbi@emekberacha.org

Administrator: Rabbi Yitzchok Feldman

The Rabbinical Court arranges for the get, the halachic divorce document, to be executed in a manner recognized as legitimate throughout the world, including by the Rabbanut in Israel.

Lifecycles

Death

The Jewish traditions related to death and mourning are intended to recognize death as a part of life. Burial takes place as soon after death as possible. Traditional caskets are of plain wood, embalming and viewing of the body are shunned, and flowers are discouraged. Rabbis should be consulted for specific questions about burial and mourning practices such as the observance of shiva, recitation of the Kaddish, yahrzeit observance and attending yizkor services. The funeral home and the chevra kadisha (burial society) can also answer questions. In addition to Sinai Memorial Chapel, whose chevra kadisha serves the greater Jewish community, some congregations have a chevra kadisha that serves their membership.

BEREAVEMENT

Bereavement and Healing Services

Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties

2150 Post St.

San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 449-1212

jfcs.org

adultintake@jfcs.org

Bereavement Program Coordinator: Robyn Bloom, LMFT

Comprehensive grief and bereavement services for those coping with loss. Services include individual counseling, grief support groups, information and referrals.

Bereavement Services

Jewish Family & Community Services

East Bay

2484 Shattuck Ave. Suite 210

Berkeley, CA 94704 (925) 927-2000

(510) 704-7475

jfcs-eastbay.org/support-groups

Counseling and support in a warm, Jewish context for those coping with grief after the death of a loved one.

Hineni: Pastoral and Grief Counseling with Rabbi Jon Sommer (415) 745-0659

rabbijonsommer.com

rabbijonsommer@gmail.com

Rabbi Jon Sommer

The rabbi, an HUC graduate trained in clinical pastoral education, has provided compassionate pastoral grief care for over

25 years, including with Bay Area Jewish Healing Center. Sessions in person, in nature and with horses.

Sinai Memorial Chapel Mourner Care Program

1501 Divisadero St. San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 921-3636

Fax: (415) 673-3407

sinaichapel.org

ssalkin@sinaichapel.org

Executive Director: Samuel J. Salkin, FDR3371

Compassionate and professional grief support. Personalized outreach and aftercare for mourners, community education and consultation. Services provided free of charge.

RITUAL PREPARATION

Chevra Kadisha for Home of Peace Cemetery

Beth Jacob Congregation 3778 Park Blvd.

Oakland, CA 94610 (510) 409-5344

bethjacoboakland.org

kathy@bethjacoboakland.org

Administrator: Kathy Hollander Orthodox burial society and cemetery.

Chevra Kadisha of Sonoma County (707) 322-1631 (707) 546-6043

sonomajewishburial.org

jewishburial@sonomajewishburial.org

Contacts: Nancy Dotti

Mark and Patty Bernstein

To honor the dead and strengthen the living: Community-based, the chevra kadisha is available to all Sonoma County Jews, regardless of affiliation or level of Jewish observance.

Chevra Kadisha of Temple Beth El

Temple Beth El/JCC 3055 Porter Gulch Road Aptos, CA 95003 (831) 479-3444 x205

Fax: (831) 475-7246

tbeaptos.org/chevra-kadisha pmarcus@tbeaptos.org

Rabbi Paula Marcus

Clergy provide guidance and spiritual support to families experiencing a loss. Ritual cleansing provided by the Chevra Kadisha group.

Chevra Kadisha of the South Bay

c/o Congregation Am Echad 1504 Meridian Ave. San Jose, CA 95125 (408) 460-3675

Fax: by request only jmemorial.org

bergman.d@sbcglobal.net

Contact and Women’s Arrangements: Pat Bergman

President and Men’s Arrangements: Menashe David Taban

Orthodox Jewish volunteers will prepare any Jewish deceased in the Greater South Bay Area for burial at the request of the family. Tax-deductible donations are welcome to help cover expenses and funerals for indigent Jews.

FUNERALS

Sinai Memorial Chapel and Chevra Kadisha*

San Francisco Funeral Home (FD262)

1501 Divisadero St. San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 921-3636

Fax: (415) 673-3407

sinaichapel.org

ssalkin@sinaichapel.org

Executive Director: Samuel J. Salkin, FDR 3371

Operations Manager: Robert T. Perez, FDR 1662

East Bay Funeral Home (FD1523) 3415 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette, CA 94549 (925) 962-3636

Fax: (925) 962-1636

sinaichapel.org

sbrusman@sinaichapel.org

Managing Funeral Director: Sharon Brusman, FDR 4186

Peninsula Funeral Home (FD1830)

Sinai Memorial Chapel 3921 Fabian Way

Suite A024 Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 369-3636

Fax: (650) 369-3630

sinaichapel.org

dhabib@sinaichapel.org

Managing Funeral Director: David Habib

The only full-service Jewish funeral home and chevra kadisha serving the entire Jewish community for 120 years. Community-owned, not-for-profit, membership organization.

HOME OF PEACE

Cemetery and Mausoleum

South Bay Area’s only Jewish-owned Cemetery, Mausoleum and Columbarium

Pre-Need Terms

Cherie Ravel Cemetery Administrator (408) 674-5867

cherie@templesanjose.org

| Resource: A Guide to Jewish Life in the Bay Area

CEMETERIES

The Commission for the Preservation of Pioneer Jewish Cemeteries and Landmarks in the West P.O. Box 861 Garden Valley, CA 95633 (831) 607-8749

pioneerjewishcemeteries.org

pioneerjewishcemeteries@gmail.com

Oversees seven pioneer cemeteries in the California Gold Country dating to the 1850s: Sonora, Mokelumne Hill, Jackson, Placerville, Nevada City, Grass Valley and Marysville.

East Bay

Gan Shalom Cemetery* 1100 Bear Creek Road Briones, CA 94553 (925) 228-3636

ganshalomcemetery.org

rmartinez@sinaichapel.org

Cemetery Administrator: Rachel Martinez

Jewish memorial park in the East Bay serving all denominations; affiliated, unaffiliated and intermarried all welcome. The markers are all flat with the ground. Many East Bay congregations have gardens here.

*advertisers

Home of Eternity Cemetery and Mausoleum*

(925) 963-3636

sinaichapel.org/tools-resources/ jewish-cemeteries-bay-area.aspx sbrusman@sinaichapel.org

Cemetery Administrator & Managing Funeral Director: Sharon Brusman

Historic cemetery in the Piedmont-Oakland area serving the entire Jewish community. Burial, cremation and mausoleum options. Helpful information provided on pre-need or at-need services.

Home of Peace Cemetery

4712 Fairfax Ave.

Oakland, CA 94601

(510) 409-5344

Fax: (510) 482-2374

bethjacoboakland.org

kathy@bethjacoboakland.org

Administrator: Kathy Hollander

Orthodox cemetery and burial society administered by Beth Jacob Congregation.

Lone Tree Cemetery

24591 Fairview Ave.

Hayward, CA 94542 (510) 584-9622

lonetreecemetery.com

info@lonetreecemetery.com

Endowed-care cemetery developed in 1868 with a romantic past and a parklike setting. Many of Hayward’s best-known and remembered pioneer families are buried here including the city’s founder, William Hayward.

Marin/North Bay

B’nai Israel Cemetery

430 Magnolia Ave. Petaluma, CA 94952 (707) 338-8634

office@bnaiisrael.net

Chair: Dave Weinstock

Oldest Jewish cemetery in Sonoma County dating back to 1868. Includes an interfaith section; call for details.

Gan Yarok at Fernwood Cemetery*

Funeral Home – Crematory 301 Tennessee Valley Road Mill Valley, CA 94941 (415) 891-0684

Natural burial at Fernwood uses no embalming, no grave liners or vaults. A simple, dignified burial in a shroud or plain wood box.

Kol Shalom Jewish Cemetery of Marin* Congregation Kol Shofar

Mail to: 215 Blackfield Drive Tiburon, CA 94920 (415) 215-4429

kolshofar.org/kol-shalom

stevensock54@gmail.com

Contact: Steven Sockolov

Picturesque Jewish cemetery in Marin County serving affiliated and non-affiliated Jews who want to be buried in an all-inclusive Jewish cemetery.

Ner Shalom Progressive Cemetery

Pleasant Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary 1700 Pleasant Hill Road Sebastopol, CA 95472 (707) 823-5042

pleasanthillsmemorialpark.com info@pleasanthillsmemorialpark.com

fernwood.com/jewish-cemeterysan-francisco-bay-area info@fernwoodcemetery.com

Family Services Counselor: Alicia Jackson

Cemetery in picturesque Pleasant Hills Memorial Park in Sebastopol. Available to entire Jewish community: members and non-members, Jewish or non-Jewish spouses and family members. Sites for both full-body and cremated remains.

Lifecycles

Ner Tamid Jewish Cemetery

Maintained by Congregation Beth Shalom of Napa

St. Helena Cemetery

2461 Spring St.

St. Helena, CA 94574 (707) 253-7305

cbsnapa.org/ner-tamid office@cbsnapa.org

Cemetery Chair: Phyllis Kleid

North Bay cemetery is located in the scenic 160-year-old St. Helena Cemetery. Community cemetery open to Jews and their families regardless of affiliation.

Sha’arei Shalom Cemetery

Congregation Rodef Sholom 2500 Fifth Ave. San Rafael, CA 94901 (415) 479-3441

rodefsholom.org/shaarei-shalomcemetery tracey@rodefsholom.org

Executive Director: Tracey Klapow

Nature’s beauty provides a tranquil resting place.

Peninsula/South Bay

Beth David Memorial Garden

Congregation Beth David 19700 Prospect Road Saratoga, CA 95070 (408) 257-3333

beth-david.org

admin@beth-david.org

Director Operations & Ritual: Barbara Biran

Attractively landscaped memorial garden located in San Jose is preserved as sacred ground. Offers Jewish burial sites and pastoral solitude to mourners.

Gan Emet Cemetery

Congregation Emeth/Emeth Gardens

Gavilan Hills Memorial Park 1000 First St. Gilroy, CA 95020 (408) 778-8200

emeth.net/cemetery ritual@emeth.net

Expanded and landscaped cemetery serving the needs of the South Bay Jewish community. Unaffiliated welcome. Single and double-depth burials, cremation options. Natural setting.

Gan Hazikaron/Garden of Remembrance Cemetery*

Peninsula Temple Beth El Highway 92 at Skyline Blvd. San Mateo, CA 94403

(650) 341-7701 ptbe.org/gan-hazikaron

kbeauchamp@ptbe.org

Director of Operations & Facilities: Kim Beauchamp

Serving the Jewish community of the Peninsula. One of Northern California’s most picturesque memorial parks, overlooking the coastal hills. Maintained by Peninsula Temple Beth El.

Home of Peace Cemetery (San Jose)*

Temple Emanu-El

1010 University Ave. San Jose, CA 95126

(408) 674-5867/ Fax: (408) 292-7625 templesanjose.org/our-cemetery cherie@templesanjose.org

Cemetery Administrator: Cherie Ravel

Jewish-owned cemetery, mausoleum and columbarium, serving the entire Jewish community since 1853.

Los Gatos Memorial Park*

2255 Los Gatos-Almaden Road

San Jose, CA 95124 (408) 356-4151/ Fax: (408) 356-1891

losgatosmemorialpark.com

Sales Manager: David Nakagawa

Honoring the Jewish community’s traditions with attractive, affordable space available in Shalom Garden. Burial, cremation and a wide variety of permanent memorialization options available.

San Francisco

Eternal Home Cemetery

Sinai Memorial Chapel Mail to: P.O. Box 15579

San Francisco, CA 94115

1051 El Camino Real Colma, CA 94014

(650) 755-5236/ (415) 921-3636 Fax: (415) 673-3407

sinaichapel.org

ssalkin@sinaichapel.org

Executive Director: Samuel J. Salkin, FDR 3371

Serves the entire Jewish community, offering burial to members of all religious streams, the unaffiliated and the intermarried. Dedicated Orthodox section.

Jewish Cemeteries of San Francisco (650) 755-4700

Hills of Eternity Memorial Park

Owned by Congregation Sherith Israel

1299 El Camino Real

Colma, CA 94014

Home of Peace Cemetery

Owned by Congregation Emanu-El

1299 El Camino Real

Colma, CA 94014

Fax: (650) 756-4731

Salem Memorial Park

Owned by Congregation Emanu-El and Congregation Sherith Israel

1171 El Camino Real Colma, CA 94014

Fax: (650) 756-4731

Serving the Bay Area’s Jewish community since 1877.

Santa Cruz/Monterey

Gan Hazikaron

Mission Memorial Park

5716 Carmel Valley Road

1915 Ord Grove Ave. Seaside, CA 93955

(831) 624-2015/ (831) 394-1481

Fax: (831) 624-4786

carmelbethisrael.org/lifecycle-events shalomcbi@aol.com

Executive Director: Julie Chase

Rabbi Bruce Greenbaum

Consecrated cemetery owned by Congregation Beth Israel.

Home of Peace/Home of Eternity

Temple Beth El/JCC 3055 Porter Gulch Road Aptos, CA 95003

(831) 479-3444/ Fax: (831) 475-7246

tbeaptos.org

info@tbeaptos.org

Cemeterian: Holly Blue Hawkins

Burials take place in one of two attractive cemeteries: Home of Peace Cemetery on Meder Street or Beit Olam Cemetery in Soquel.

jcemsf.org

ssolomon@jcemsf.org

Executive Director: Susan Solomon

Director of Family Services: Benjamin J. Ruhs

Access 128 years of SF Bay Area Jewish history via J.’s digital archive

CONVERSIONS INTERFAITH PROGRAMS CONGREGATIONS TEMPLES COUNCILS

CHABAD RABBINICAL ORGANIZATIONS

4 | Religious Life & Congregations

* Listings with asterisks are provided as a courtesy to our advertisers. Text in blue is website address.

Religious & Rabbinical Organizations

Cantorial and Rabbinic Association of Greater San Jose (CRAGSJ)

14855 Oka Road

Los Gatos, CA 95032

(408) 357-7413

Fax: (408) 358-7311

jvalley.org/community-relations/ rabbis-cantors rabbihugh@jvalley.org

Rabbi Hugh Seid-Valencia

The clergy arm of the Jewish community in the South Bay. Represents all facets of Judaism. Information and referral services for Jewish lifecycle events.

Northern California Board of Rabbis

c/o Congregation Beth Jacob 1550 Alameda de las Pulgas Redwood City, CA 94061 norcalrabbis.org

amy.norcalrabbis@gmail.com

Administrator: Amy Fischer Smith

Executive Director: Rabbi Jill Zimmerman

A multi-denominational organization that exists to strengthen collegial relationships as well as be a moral voice in the Jewish community.

Orthodox Rabbinical Council of San Francisco

P.O. Box 22491

San Francisco, CA 94122 (415) 564-6769

orcsf@aol.com

Chair: Rabbi Jacob Traub

Specializing in kosher certification for Northern California and the Central Valley.

*advertisers

Women of Reform Judaism Pacific District Northridge, CA wrjpacific.org

corrsecy.wrjpd@gmail.com

President: Cher Krichmar

Vice President, Bay Area: Shari Carruthers

Women’s organization of Reform synagogues. Pacific District provides leadership training, speakers, spirituality and support for sisterhoods.

Congregations

Because Bay Area residents come from a variety of communities and backgrounds, synagogues take pride in being warm, welcoming and inclusive. Call individual synagogues for information about schedules for services, holiday worship, bar/bat mitzvah training, religious schools, day care, children’s and adult classes, and special program offerings.

EAST BAY

Conservative

Congregation B’nai Shalom

74 Eckley Lane Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 934-9446

Fax: (925) 934-9450 bshalom.org office@bshalom.org

Rabbi Daniel Stein

Executive Director: Stuart Kirsch

Traditional Conservative synagogue providing a learning community enriching Jewish knowledge and experiences for all ages. Preschool from one year to pre-K and religious school.

Congregation Netivot Shalom

1316 University Ave. Berkeley, CA 94702 (510) 549-9447/ Fax: (510) 549-9448 netivotshalom.org ken@netivotshalom.org

Rabbi Chai Levy

Executive Director: Ken Schnur

Egalitarian and participatory, welcoming intermarried and nontraditional households. Religious services, b’nai mitzvah program, adult education, social action, Torah study, preschool.

Temple Beth Abraham*

327 MacArthur Blvd.

Mail to: 336 Euclid Ave. Oakland, CA 94610 (510) 832-0936 ext 210 tbaoakland.org admin@tbaoakland.org

Rabbi Mark Bloom

Executive Director: Rayna Arnold

Living Judaism together as an egalitarian, participatory, vibrant congregation, providing services to preschool, bar/bat mitzvah, confirmation and adulthood. Celebrating Judaism, enjoying Shabbat and holiday celebrations since 1907.

Humanist/Secular

Kol Hadash Northern California Community for Humanistic Judaism

Mail to: P.O. Box 2777 Berkeley, CA 94702 (510) 219-7925

kolhadash.org

contact@kolhadash.org

President: Lindy Sinclair

Humanistic, nontheistic, lay-led monthly Shabbats, holiday services, bagel talks and educational programs celebrating Jewish identity, history and culture. Chavurot and social groups. Most events held at Albany Community Center.

Tri-Valley Cultural Jews

1817 Sinclair Drive Pleasanton, CA 94588 (925) 399-8029

trivalleyculturaljews.org

culturaljews@gmail.com

Contact: Judith Seid

Progressive Secular Humanistic community identifying with the Jewish people through family, culture and history, rather than through religion. Bar/bat mitzvah, holidays, lifecycles, Sunday school.

Independent Jewish Gateways

Mailing address: 1164 Solano Ave., Suite 147 Albany, CA 94706 (510) 545-9977

jewishgateways.org

info@jewishgateways.org

Executive Director: Rabbi Bridget Wynne

Open and diverse Jewish community-without-walls in which to explore personal connections with Jewish tradition through holidays, family and adult learning, lifecycle events, and more.

Minyan Dafna

minyandafna.org

info@minyandafna.org

Independent, traditional egalitarian minyan. Monthly Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat morning services; High Holy Day services and communal events throughout the year. Committed to halachah.

Nishmat Shalom

(510) 559-8372/ (510) 848-8996 nishmat.org

info@nishmat.org

Contacts: Ethel Murphy, Max Weinryb

Temple Beth Abraham

USCJ Affiliated

Amazing Preschool Outstanding Religious School

Truly Intergenerational and Inclusive

Rabbi Mark Bloom

Visit us at services, view our website or call our office for information

327 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland www.TBAoakland.org

510-832-0936 office@TBAoakland.org

Egalitarian, observant, feminist. Committed to inclusive liturgy and encouraging women’s leadership. Shabbat services in members’ homes. Men and women of all backgrounds and orientations are welcome.

The Reutlinger Community Synagogue 4000 Camino Tassajara Danville, CA 94506 (925) 648-2800

Fax: (925) 648-2801

rcjl.org/lifestyle/spiritual-care jmammad@rcjl.org

Rabbi Zari Weiss

Executive Director: Julie Mammad

Traditional synagogue where Shabbat and holidays are inclusive, participatory and joyous. Weekly Torah study and continuing Jewish education. On-site rabbi serves residential community.

Temple Beth Sholom

642 Dolores Ave. San Leandro, CA 94577 (510) 357-8505

Fax: (510) 357-1375 tbssanleandro.org tbsoffice@tbssanleandro.org

Rabbi Josh Weisman

Cantor Linda Hirschhorn

Historic synagogue with forward-thinking membership, provides innovative programming while honoring tradition. Renewal cantor uses Reform and Conservative siddurim. Friday night services, monthly family Shabbat services and first Saturday morning services, online and in person.

Jewish Renewal

Aquarian Minyan

P.O. Box 7224 Berkeley, CA 94707 (510) 214-6160

aquarianminyan.org

amadmin@aquarianminyan.org

Shomeret: Julia Gilden

Administrator: Jennifer Warren

A Jewish Renewal community combining innovative and traditional approaches. On Zoom, hybrid, in person: weekday noon yeshiva classes, holidays, Shabbats, lifecycle events, guest speakers. Offers participatory worship, deep learning, meditation.

Beyt Tikkun: The Synagogue of Spiritual Transformation and Social Healing 951 Cragmont Ave. Berkeley, CA 94708 (510) 644-1200 beyttikkun.org

shul@tikkun.org

Rabbi Michael Lerner

Intellectually and psychologically sophisticated, joyous, welcoming and compassionate. Participants find their spiritual path in a community at once religiously traditional and innovative, and politically progressive.

Chochmat HaLev*

2215 Prince St. Berkeley, CA 94705 (510) 704-9687 chochmat.org shalom@chochmat.org

Spiritual Leader: Zvika Krieger

A home for a Jewish heart. Dynamic Renewal synagogue with musical celebratory Shabbats, meditation, contemplative and transformative services. Walking distance from Ashby BART.

Kehilla Community Synagogue 1300 Grand Ave. Piedmont, CA 94610 (510) 547-2424

kehillasynagogue.org info@kehillasynagogue.org

Senior Rabbi: Dev Noily

Executive Director: Michael Saxe-Taller Creative, spiritual, contemporary Judaism rooted in social justice. Exceptional education for kids in grades K-6 and a unique experiential bar/bat mitzvah program.

Orthodox

Beth Jacob Congregation

3778 Park Blvd. Oakland, CA 94610 (510) 482-1147

Fax: (510) 482-2374 bethjacoboakland.org office@bethjacoboakland.org

Rabbi Gershon Albert

Executive Director: Brian Fox

Diverse Modern Orthodox synagogue offers services twice daily. Maintains kosher ban-

quet hall and kitchens and offers classes, preschool, mikvah and unique programming for all ages.

Chabad Center for Jewish Life 3014 Lakeshore Ave. Oakland, CA 94610 (510) 545-6770

jewishoakland.org

info@jewishoakland.org

Co-directors: Rabbi Dovid Labkowski

Rebbetzin Shulamis Labkowski

Serving the communities of Oakland and Piedmont. Promoting Jewish identity and pride, study and celebration in the East Bay. Membership not required.

Chabad Emeryville

1300 55th St. Emeryville, CA 94608 (510) 859-8808

jewishemeryville.com

chabademeryville@gmail.com

Rabbi Mendy Blank

Menucha Blank

A Jewish community that feels like home. Offers adult education classes, community holiday celebrations, services, all with a warm heart.

Chabad House of Berkeley 1710 University Ave. Berkeley, CA 94703 (510) 540-5824

chabadberkeley.org

office@chabadberkeley.org

Rabbi Yehuda Ferris

Spreading Jewish joy and inspiration; mikvah education; adult education, holiday celebrations and Shabbat services. Hebrew school, bar/bat mitzvah training, children’s winter and summer camp, prison and hospital visitation. Jewish lending library.

Chabad Jewish Center of Richmond Call or email for address (510) 255-3121

chabadofrichmond.com

info@chabadofrichmond.com

Co-directors: Rabbi Yitzchok Wagner Rebbetzin Rochel Wagner

Torah classes and lectures, Shabbat dinners and an array of family and social activities. Traditional Jewish values brought to life in a joyous, nonjudgmental atmosphere. No membership required.

Chabad of Alameda 1516 Oak St., Suite 316 Alameda, CA 94501

(510) 640-2590

jewishalameda.com

info@jewishalameda.com

Director: Rabbi Meir Shmotkin

Providing a home for every Jew in Alameda, with educational, religious and social events.

Chabad of Castro Valley

20912B Redwood Road Castro Valley, CA 94546 (510) 342-9326

jewishcastrovalley.org

Rabbi Shimon Gruzman

Chani Gruzman

A home for every Jew. Dedicated to making the beauty and joys of Jewish traditions and heritage accessible, relevant, and meaningful. Providing education for all Jews regardless of age, affiliation, knowledge or level of observance.

Chabad of Concord P.O. Box 55 Concord, CA 94522 (925) 326-1613

jewishconcord.com

Co-directors: Rabbi Berel Kesselman

Mushka Kesselman

Creating a vibrant Jewish community that will promote and strengthen Jewish awareness, pride and community through educational, cultural and social activities for all Jews in the Concord area.

Chabad of Contra Costa 1671 Newell Ave. Walnut Creek, CA 94595 (925) 937-4101

jewishcontracosta.com

jli@jewishcontracosta.com

Rabbi Dovber Berkowitz

Serving the Contra Costa Jewish community: adult education, Hebrew school, preschool, holiday programs and events, bar/bat mitzvah celebrations, Shabbat and holiday prayer services. Membership not necessary.

Chabad of Danville & San Ramon

Mail to: P.O. Box 354 Danville, CA 94526 (925) 272-9672

jewishdanville.com

Co-directors: Rabbi Shmuli Raitman

Musky Raitman

Strengthening Jewish awareness and pride for the Jewish residents of Danville/San Ramon by creating an environment where every person, regardless of background or

affiliation, is welcome to explore and experience their heritage.

Chabad of El Cerrito

704 Midcrest Way

El Cerrito, CA 94530 (510) 455-2770

chabadelcerrito.com

info@chabadelcerrito.com

Rabbi Yanky Bell

Mrs. Shternie Bell

Serving the community of El Cerrito. Promotes Jewish identity and pride, study and celebration. Adult education, Hebrew school, bar/bat mitzvah preparation, Covid-safe Shabbat and holiday programming and social services. No membership required.

Chabad of Fremont Jewish Center

4251 Peralta Blvd. Fremont, CA 94536 (510) 300-4090/ Fax: (888) 863-4096

chabadfremont.com

info@chabadfremont.com

Co-directors: Rabbi Moshe Fuss

Chaya Fuss

Serving the Tri-City area with a synagogue, preschool, Hebrew school, holiday programs, classes, lifecycle services, women’s events and social programs. Membership not required.

Chabad of Lamorinda

3574 Mount Diablo Blvd. Lafayette, CA 94549 (925) 384-7242

chabadoflamorinda.com

rabbi@chabadoflamorinda.com

Co-directors: Rabbi Yisroel Labkowski

Tzipora Labkowski

A popular center for Jews who want to learn more about their Jewish roots. Offers a wide variety of educational and spiritual opportunities, including Torah classes and lectures, Shabbaton dinners, and family and social activities.

Chabad of San Leandro 1367 Breckenridge St. San Leandro, CA 94579 (347) 419-6541

jewishsanleandro.com

Co-directors: Rabbi Shmaya Shusterman

Sheina Shusterman

Creating a vibrant Jewish community that will promote and strengthen Jewish awareness and pride, through educational, cultural and social activities for all Jews living in San Leandro.

Chabad of the Delta 1062 Somersby Way

Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 420-4999

jewishdelta.com

rabbi@jewishdelta.com

Co-directors: Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid

Mrs. Mashie Goldshmid

Providing adult education, Shabbat and holiday dinners, programs and events, women’s group, Hebrew school, hospital visitation. Membership not required.

Chabad of the Tri-Valley

3370 Hopyard Road

Pleasanton, CA 94566 (925) 846-0700

jewishtrivalley.com

info@jewishtrivalley.com

Co-directors: Rabbi Raleigh Resnick

Fruma Resnick

Based in Pleasanton, a community center of Jewish life, joy, prayer and learning serving the Tri-Valley’s Jewish community.

Chabad of Union City

(718) 404-7470

Co-directors: Rabbi Eli Landes

Shayna Landes

Welcoming Jews of all backgrounds who want to learn about their Jewish roots. Chabad offers a wide variety of educational and spiritual opportunities.

Congregation Beth Israel

1630 Bancroft Way

Berkeley, CA 94703

(510) 843-5246/ (510) 843-8052

Fax: (510) 843-5058

cbiberkeley.org

office@cbiberkeley.org

Rabbi Yonatan Cohen

Rabbanit Meira Wolkenfeld

Berkeley’s Modern Orthodox community is vibrant and diverse. Indoor daily services,

in-person and virtual youth and adult programming, ongoing adult education classes and lectures, engaged membership and inspirational leadership.

Reconstructionist

Or Zarua: Reconstructionist Havurah of the East Bay (510) 529-6345

orzaruaeastbay.org

info@orzaruaeastbay.org

Lay Leader: Emily Galpern

Inclusive and progressive community based on Reconstructionist principles. Shabbat services with child care first Saturdays at St. Alban’s Church on the Berkeley-Albany border.

Reform

Beth Chaim Congregation* 1800 Holbrook Drive Danville, CA 94506 (925) 736-7146/ Fax: (925) 736-7145 bethchaim.com info@bethchaim.com

Rabbi Dan Goldblatt

President: Arie Cohen

worship, tikkun olam and acts of lovingkindness.

Congregation Beth Emek

3400 Nevada Court Pleasanton, CA 94566 (925) 931-1055

bethemek@bethemek.org

bethemek.org

Rabbi Laurence Elis Milder, Ph.D.

Office Administrator: Bonnie Frey

Shabbat services with guitar, lots of singing and inspiring sermons. Outstanding preschool, religious school and adult education. Caring community that welcomes all people on their Jewish journey.

B’nai Israel of Rossmoor

P.O. Box 2070 Walnut Creek, CA 94595

facebook.com/rossmoorbnaiisrael

Membership Chair: Lucy Felcher

Leadership Group: Mike Harris

Meets at the Vista Room of the Hillside Clubhouse Fridays at 7:30 p.m. High Holy Day services at Event Center, Tahoe Room; call for times. Everyone welcome.

Highly engaged community provides preschool, religious school, b’nei mitzvah program, sisterhood, brotherhood, tikkun olam programs, chavurah, adult education, chesed support, Sharing Shabbat Together, Tot Shabbat and Ruach services. All backgrounds/interfaith families welcome.

Congregation Beth El

1301 Oxford St. Berkeley, CA 94709 (510) 848-3988 shalom@bethelberkeley.org bethelberkeley.org

Senior Rabbi: Rebekah Stern

Associate Rabbi & Dir. of Congregational

Learning: Rabbi Ira Rosenberg

Vibrant and innovative Reform Jewish congregation dedicated to Jewish learning,

Congregation B’nai Tikvah

25 Hillcroft Way Walnut Creek, CA 94597 (925) 933-5397

tikvah.org

office@tikvah.org

Rabbi Jennie Chabon

Warm, engaging, spiritual home where tradition meets inspiration through deep learning, music-infused prayer, social justice, holiday celebrations and a thriving religious school.

Congregation B’nai Torah

Brentwood Community Center 35 Oak St. Brentwood, CA 94513

BETH CHAIM CONGREGATION – Celebrating  Spiritual Community Since 1978

• We ARE your Reform Jewish community in the East Bay.

• We celebrate life cycle events that will fill your Jewish soul.

• We learn. Our Tree of Life preschool, Beit Midrash, B’Nei Mitzvah and adult education programming provide lifelong enrichment of your Jewish experience.

• We are activists for social justice and Tikkun Olam.

• We embrace Jews of all backgrounds as well as interfaith relationships and those new to Judaism.

• We are your people, your community, a place to belong.

1800 Holbrook Drive, Danville | www. bethchaim.com | (925) 736-7146

(925) 754-2545

bnaitorah-eastbay.org

bnaitorah.eastbay@gmail.com

President: Denise Duran

Weekly services, holidays, events open to all. Interfaith and LGBTQ families welcome. Call for service schedule.

Congregation Shir Ami

4529 Malabar Ave.

Castro Valley, CA 94546 (510) 220-3345/ (510) 537-1787

Fax: (510) 276-6100

congshirami.org

info@congshirami.org

President: Barbara Heimowitz

Intimate, inclusive, intergenerational Reform Jewish community that welcomes interfaith families.

Temple Beth Hillel*

801 Park Central Richmond, CA 94803 (510) 223-2560

tbhrichmond.org

tbh@tbhrichmond.org

Rabbi Dean Kertesz

Cantor Marney Margules

Shabbat services, religious school starting with pre-K, educational and cultural programs, and events for all ages in a spiritual, warm and friendly environment.

Temple Beth Torah

Mail to: P.O. Box 6017 Fremont, CA 94538

42000 Paseo Padre Parkway Fremont, CA 94539 (510) 656-7141

Fax: (510) 656-5380

bethtorah-fremont.org

admin@bethtorah-fremont.org

Rabbi Zoe McCoon

Administrator: Mara Sheade

Center of progressive Jewish life in the Tri-Cities. Vibrant preschool, music-infused prayer, relevant learning for all ages, meaningful interfaith engagement. ASL interpretation available upon request.

Temple Isaiah of Contra Costa County 945 Risa Road

Lafayette, CA 94549 (925) 283-8575/ Fax: (925) 283-8355

temple-isaiah.org

temple-isaiah@temple-isaiah.org

Senior Rabbi: Jill Perlman

Executive Director: Deb Kirsch

Provides a spiritually nurturing, intellectually challenging and socially active

environment in which members of all ages can deepen their Jewish connections.

Temple Israel of Alameda 3183 Mecartney Road Alameda, CA 94502 (510) 522-9355

templeisraelalameda.org

office@templeisraelalameda.org

Rabbi Cynthia Minster

President: Kimberlee MacVicar

The Jewish presence in Alameda for 100 years — a welcoming, progressive Reform congregation for all ages.

Temple Sinai*

2808 Summit St. Oakland, CA 94609 (510) 451-3263

Fax: (510) 465-0603

oaklandsinai.org

rmates-muchin@oaklandsinai.org

Rabbi Jacqueline Mates-Muchin

Executive Director: Terrie Goren

Reform congregation with approachable clergy, award-winning preschool and religious school, adult education and progressive social action programs.

Temple Sinai

Temple Sinai is a warm and vibrant Reform synagogue in the heart of Oakland. We are the East Bay source for meaningful Jewish experiences and learning opportunities for all ages and stages of life. If you seek to explore or deepen a connection to Jewish life and community, you are welcome here.

2808 Summit Street • Oakland, CA 94609 (510) 451-3263 • oaklandsinai.org info@oaklandsinai.org

MODESTO/CENTRAL VALLEY

Conservative

Congregation Beth Shalom 1705 Sherwood Ave. Modesto, CA 95350 (209) 571-6060

cbsmodesto.org

cbsmodesto@sbcglobal.net

Jewish community hub of the Greater Modesto area providing a wide variety of cultural, educational, holiday and social programs.

NORTH BAY

Conservative Congregation Beth Ami* 4676 Mayette Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95405 (707) 360-3000

Fax: (707) 360-3003 bethamisr.org office@bethamisr.org

Rabbi Mordecai Miller

Office Manager: Elizabeth Jarlsberg

Monthly Shabbat dinners and holiday celebrations, fostering a strong sense of community. Toddler through teen programming, adult education, library and gift shop. Conservative/egalitarian. Welcomes interfaith, singles and LGBTQ.

Congregation Kol Shofar 215 Blackfield Drive Tiburon, CA 94920 (415) 388-1818

kolshofar.org

info@kolshofar.org

Rabbi Paul Steinberg

Cantor Naomi Weiss

Dynamic congregation with meaningful, accessible experiences of learning, prayer, service and celebration to help people of all ages and backgrounds live more

TRADITIONAL, EGALITARIAN, INCLUSIVE

We

4676

Independent

B’nai Israel Jewish Center*

740 Western Ave. Petaluma, CA 94952 (707) 762-0340

bnaiisrael.net

office@bnaiisrael.net

Rabbi Shalom Bochner

Jewish community.

Kol HaEmek/MCJC-Inland

Mail to: P.O. Box 416 Redwood Valley, CA 95470

8591 West Road Redwood Valley, CA 95470 (707) 468-4536

Office Administrator: Erica Stuart

Petaluma’s inclusive center for Jewish life: Gan Israel Preschool, youth and adult education, social and cultural activities. Shabbat and holiday services; year-round gift shop open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Congregation B’nai Israel 1256 Nebraska St. P.O. Box 3066 Vallejo, CA 94590 (707) 642-6526

bnaisrael.com

cbi.amarkal@gmail.com

Rabbi David White

Synagogue Administrator: Sue Barush

Shabbat services Friday evenings and Saturday mornings; youth religious and Hebrew education; adult education courses. Many services and events are virtual, as well as in-person on Shabbat or as noted.

Gan HaLev Jewish Congregation of the San Geronimo Valley

Mail to: P.O. Box 280 Woodacre, CA 94973 (415) 488-4524

ganhalev.org

shalom@ganhalev.org

Administrator and Board Member: Suzanne Sadowsky

Independent, participatory and multigenerational congregation. Adult education and gatherings, Shabbat programs and holiday celebrations, welcoming those who seek an inspiring and welcoming

B’nai Israel Jewish Center

The Oldest Congregation from San Francisco to Portland, Orgeon

kolhaemek.org

carolrosenberg@pacific.net

Secretary: Carol Rosenberg

President: Sherrie Ebyam

Creating an environment in which Jewish culture, religion and spiritual life can flourish.

Mendocino Coast Jewish Community

Mail to: P.O. Box 291 Little River, CA 95456 (707) 964-6146

mcjc.org

susan.tubbesing@gmail.com

Rabbi Margaret Holub

Board Member: Susan Tubbesing

Serving the Northern California coast. Hybrid Shabbat morning services; holiday celebrations, weekly Zoom candle lighting, cultural and lifecycle events, adult/family education, annual women’s retreat, young adults, justice and elders groups.

Russian River Jewish Community

P.O. Box 2274

Guerneville, CA 95446 (707) 632-5545

rrjc.org

russianriverjc@gmail.com

Contact: Natasha Pehrson

Western Sonoma County-based community organization for celebrating Jewish holidays and culture.

Orthodox

Chabad Center for Jewish Life of Solano County

Celebrating over 25 years as the center for Jewish life in Sonoma Valley

A warm, friendly and spiritually innovative congregation welcoming Jews and family members of all faiths worship • study • fellowship

For information regarding Shabbat Services, Education and Community Programs: 707-935-3636 • info.shirshalom@gmail.com

www.shir-shalom.org

Rabbi Steve Finley

252 W. Spain Street, Sonoma

730 East Main St. Vacaville, CA 95688 (707) 592-5300

jewishsolano.com

solanorabbi@gmail.com

Rabbi Chaim Zaklos

Rebbetzin Aidel Zaklos

Community center for Jewish life, joy, prayer and learning serving the Solano County Jewish community, based in Vacaville.

Chabad Jewish Center of Novato 695 De Long Ave., Suite 101 Novato, CA 94945 (415) 878-6770/ Fax: (866) 604-2267

jewishnovato.com

rabbi@JewishNovato.com

Director: Rabbi Menachem Landa

Exciting programs for Jews of all backgrounds: Jewish kids/teens clubs, b’nai mitzvah preparation, Jewish Women’s Circle, men’s club, Shabbat services, adult education, holiday events and more.

Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma 205 Keller St., Suite 101 Petaluma, CA 94952 (707) 559-8585

jewishpetaluma.com

rabbi@jewishpetaluma.com

Co-directors: Rabbi Dovid Bush

Devorah Bush

A place where being Jewish is fun. Offering social, educational, recreational and religious programming for adults, children, teens, and seniors.

Chabad Jewish Center of Sonoma County

2461 Summerfield Road Santa Rosa, CA 95405 (707) 577-0277

jewishsonoma.com

info@jewishsonoma.com

Director: Rabbi Mendel Wolvovsky

A welcoming center, offering innovative and exciting programs to Jews of all backgrounds and ages: Jewish Learning Institute, Hebrew school, bar/bat mitzvah preparation, Jewish Women’s Circle, weekly Shabbat services and more.

Chabad of Corte Madera

318 Corte Madera Ave. Corte Madera, CA 94925 (415) 786-3345

jewishcm.org

info@jewishcm.org

Director: Rabbi Mendel Misholovin

Co-director: Yocheved Misholovin

Welcoming environment in which all Jews can enjoy community, celebrate holidays and Shabbat, learn Torah and explore Jewish heritage.

Chabad of Marin

1150 Idylberry Road San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 492-1666

chabadofmarin.com

rabbirice@jewishlantern.org

Executive Director: Rabbi Yisrael Rice

Co-director: Guila Rice

Celebrates Jewish life with warmth, humor and tradition. All levels of knowledge and observance welcome. Community meals, catering, koshering services, lifecycle events. Celebrations, hospital visits, holidays, weekly services, educational classes for kids, teens and adults.

Chabad of Mill Valley

515 Throckmorton Ave. Mill Valley, CA 94941 (415) 336-3055

jewishmillvalley.com

rabbi@chabadmillvalley.com

Director: Rabbi Hillel Scop

Program Director: Mrs. Chana Scop

Holiday awareness programs, adult education, special children’s events, beginners Talmud, Judaism 101, Mommy & Me program, monthly women’s gathering, teenage study groups, Aleph Art Room.

Chabad of Napa Valley

2025 Redwood Road Suite 7 Napa, CA 94558 (707) 492-5993

jewishnapavalley.com

info@jewishnapavalley.com

Rabbi Elchonon Tenenbaum

Dedicated to serving all Jews throughout Napa Valley with ahavat Yisrael: an unconditional love and concern for every Jew, regardless of background and affiliation.

Chabad of West Marin 823 Butterfield Road

San Anselmo, CA 954547-2072 (954) 547-2072 jewishwestmarin.org moshe@jewishwestmarin.org

Co-directors: Hadassa Berkowitz Moshe Berkowitz

A warm space for Jewish community, connection and celebration, where participants create a vibrant, local community and dis-

cover Jewish life that is authentic, relevant, and exciting.

Reconstructionist

Congregation Ner Shalom 85 La Plaza Cotati, CA 94931-4290 (707) 664-8622/ Fax: (707) 664-0582 nershalom.org

info@nershalom.org

Rabbi Irwin Keller

Drawing from Reconstructionist roots and the soulfulness of Jewish Renewal, embracing Judaism through ritual, social justice, music, learning and laughter. Nurturing spirituality through learning, prayer and tikkun olam.

Dorot

P.O. Box 5278 Novato, CA 94948 (415) 948-6659

shreib222@gmail.com

Rabbi Henry M. Shreibman, Ph.D.

Welcomes unaffiliated individuals and families. Workshops and services support Jewish life-learning through a Reconstructionist lens. High Holy Day services, children’s education, interfaith programs, b’nai mitzvah training for all ages and lifecycle events.

Reform

Congregation Beth Shalom of Napa Valley 1455 Elm St. Napa, CA 94559 (707) 253-7305

Fax: (707) 253-1109

cbsnapa.org

office@cbsnapa.org

Rabbi Niles Goldstein

Synagogue Director: Lauren Snyder

Napa Valley’s only synagogue, founded in 1953. Full schedule of religious, educational and cultural programs. Weekly Shabbat services and religious school.

Congregation Rodef Sholom

170 N. San Pedro Road San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 479-3441 rodefsholom.org

tracey@rodefsholom.org

Senior Rabbi: Stacy Friedman

Executive Director: Tracey Klapow

Igniting the passion to connect — with Jewish values, with each other and with our world. A place to discover why being Jewish matters.

Congregation Shir Shalom*

252 W. Spain St. Sonoma, CA 95476 (707) 935-3636

www.shir-shalom.org

info.shirshalom@gmail.com

Rabbi Steve Finley

Membership Chair: Sharon Malakoff

Friday night Shabbat services are usually held the fourth Friday of each month at 7 p.m. Shabbat morning services are monthly, on the second Saturday at 10 a.m. Check website for current schedule.

Congregation

Shomrei Torah

2600 Bennett Valley Road Santa Rosa, CA 95404 (707) 578-5519

cstsr.org

cst@cstsr.org

Rabbi George D. Gittleman

Weekly Shabbat and holiday services, lifelong learning, b’nai mitzvah and a rich program of community events. Socially progressive synagogue.

1550 Alameda

Pulgas Redwood City, CA 94061

650-366-8481

cbj@bethjacobrwc.org

www.bethjacobrwc.org

PENINSULA/SOUTH BAY

Conservative Congregation Beth David 19700 Prospect Road Saratoga, CA 95070 (408) 257-3333

beth-david.org

info@beth-david.org

Senior Rabbi: Jaymee Alpert Director Operations & Ritual: Barbara Biran Congregation committed to providing avenues toward Jewish connection. All are welcome to come celebrate and discover what the synagogue has to offer them.

Congregation Beth Jacob*

1550 Alameda de las Pulgas Redwood City, CA 94061 (650) 366-8481

Fax: (650) 366-4629 bethjacobrwc.org

cbj@bethjacobrwc.org

Rabbi Nathaniel Ezray

Executive Director: Keren Smith

Vibrant community grounded in Jewish values, practice, and learning. Striving to honor the diversity and individuality of all members.

de las

Congregation Kol Emeth

4175 Manuela Ave.

Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650) 948-7498/ Fax: (650) 618-6809

kolemeth.org

office@kolemeth.org

Rabbi David Booth

Rabbi Sarah Graff

Conservative, participatory, egalitarian, traditional services; daily minyanim; Friday night Shabbat programs; religious school; social action programs; adult and family education; and programs for young professionals.

Congregation Sinai 1532 Willowbrae Ave. San Jose, CA 95125 (408) 264-8542

sinai-sj.org

office@sinai-sj.org

Rabbi Joshua Berkenwald

Executive Director: Joelle Pluemer

Conservative synagogue in San Jose connecting people to each other, Judaism, Israel and the world. Shabbat and Sunday services and holiday celebrations. Religious school and nursery school onsite.

Peninsula Sinai Congregation*

499 Boothbay Ave.

Foster City, CA 94404 (650) 349-2816

peninsulasinai.org

info@peninsulasinai.org

Rabbi Elana Zelony, Cantor Doron Shapira Participatory, diverse, Jewishly committed community. Services are a blend of traditional and spiritual, relevant and accessible. Revolutionizing the synagogue model from the inside out.

Independent

Coastside Jewish Community P.O. Box 1729

El Granada, CA 94018 (650) 479-5252

coastsidejewishcommunity.org

coastsidejewishcommunity@yahoo.com

Rabbi Moshe Heyn

President: Sharon Turner

Musical, spiritual, culturally diverse, innovative, yet also tradition-based. Welcomes straight or LGBTQQIN, multifaith, all ages. Draws primarily from the San Mateo Coast.

Congregation Etz Chayim

4161 Alma St. Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650) 813-9094

etzchayim.org

execdirector@etzchayim.org

Rabbi Chaim Koritzinsky

Executive Director: Ellen Bob

Creating community: sing, learn, pray and celebrate. Around 300 Jewishly diverse households. Using a community-created prayerbook for egalitarian, participatory services. Programs for adults, kids and families.

The Karaite Jews of America

Congregation B’nai Israel 1575 Annie St.

Daly City, CA 94915 (650) 994-9757

karaites.org

karaitejewsofamerica@karaites.org

Acting Rav: Joseph Massuda

President: David Ovadia

The only Karaite Jewish synagogue in the United States, representing families with roots in Cairo, Egypt. With its new Karaite Jewish Cultural Center, the synagogue provides advocacy and learning resources throughout the United States.

Orthodox

Am Echad

1504 Meridian Ave. San Jose, CA 95125 (408) 267-2591

amechad.org

info@amechad.org

Rabbi Avi Lebowitz

Rabbi Reuven Goldstein

Offers Shabbat hospitality, daily minyanim and shiurim (classes). Jewish men and women at any level of observance are welcome.

Chabad Jewish Center of Mountain View 933 Barbara Ave. Mountain View, CA 94040 (650) 332-9062

mvchabad.com

ber@mvchabad.com

Co-directors: Rabbi Ber Rosenblat Esti Rosenblat

A place to learn, live and experience Jewish heritage. Offering Torah classes, Shabbat and holiday celebrations, youth programming and a preschool.

Chabad of Almaden

1375 Blossom Hill Road, Suite 9 San Jose, CA 95118 (408) 910-2034

chabadalmaden.com

info@chabadalmaden.com

Rabbi Mendel Weinfeld

Offering a wide variety of educational and spiritual opportunities for Jews of all

backgrounds who want to learn more about their Jewish roots. Featuring holiday celebrations, adult education classes, Hebrew school and Shabbat dinners.

Chabad of Burlingame

P.O. Box 673 San Mateo, CA 94401 (650) 667-9556

chabadburlingame.com

info@chabadburlingame.com

Co-directors: Rabbi Yale Spalter

Mrs. Rivky Spalter

Providing Jewish education on all levels in a friendly, nonjudgmental environment through creative and innovative programs and activities. Doors open to all, regardless of affiliation, background or level of Jewish practice and knowledge.

Chabad of Cupertino

10201 Imperial Ave. Cupertino, CA 95014 (408) 207-3648

ruvgold@comcast.net

Co-directors: Rabbi Reuven Goldstein

Gitty Goldstein

Promoting and strengthening Jewish awareness, pride and observance by providing educational, cultural and social activities to all Jewish individuals and families, regardless of background or affiliation.

Chabad of Daly City –

North San Mateo County

1177 Mission Road, Suite A

South San Francisco, CA 94080 (650) 273-6273

jewishdalycity.com

rabbi@chabadnorthcounty.com

Rabbi Shaul Goldman

Stimulating programs for Jews of all backgrounds: Jewish kids clubs, b’nai mitzvah preparation, Jewish Women’s Circle, men’s club, Shabbat and holiday services and events, adult education, Hebrew learning program and more.

Chabad of Mid Peninsula

P.O. Box 610055

Redwood City, CA 94061 (650) 232-0995

chabadmidpen.com

info@chabadmidpen.com

Co-directors: Rabbi Levi Potash

Mrs. Ella Potash

Offering Jews of all backgrounds and ages innovative and exciting programs: Adult education, Shabbat minyan, holiday programming, bar/bat mitzvah preparation, community dinners, youth programs and more.

Chabad of North Peninsula

P.O. Box 673

San Mateo, CA 94401 (650) 453-8136

chabadnp.com

info@chabadnp.com

Co-directors: Rabbi Yossi Marcus

Mrs. Esty Marcus

No membership required to participate. Sunday school, bar and bat mitzvah, preschool, adult education, High Holy Day services and holiday events, adult education. Hebrew tutoring for all ages. Summer camp ages 5-12.

Chabad of San Jose

15405 Los Gatos Blvd.

Suite 204 Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 358-5530

chabadsj.com

info@chabadsj.com

Rabbi Aaron Cunin

Shabbat services, adult education classes, holiday awareness programs, Hebrew school, bar/bat mitzvah lessons, drug prevention. All welcome regardless of religious background, knowledge or level of observance.

Chabad of Sunnyvale

1489 S. Mary Ave.

Sunnyvale, CA 94087 (408) 720-0553

chabadsunnyvale.com

rabbi@chabadsunnyvale.com

Director: Rabbi Yisroel Hecht

Program Director: Miriam Hecht

Open door to the entire Jewish community. Children’s programs, bar/bat mitzvah preparation, teen club, Chabad Hebrew school. Adult education. Beginner and childrenfriendly services on Shabbat and holidays.

Chabad Palo Alto

3070 Louis Road Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 424-9800

Fax: (650) 493-3425

chabadpaloalto.com

zalman@chabadpaloalto.com

Rabbi Yosef Levin

Rabbi Zalman Levin

Providing Jewish programs and resources in Palo Alto area including Hebrew school, bar/bat mitzvah, teens, young adults and families programs and events.

WELCOMES YOU!

We offer

n innovative education programs and lifelong learning for all ages

n an inspirational clergy team, led by Rabbi Lisa Kingston

n creative and moving music led by Cantor Elana Jagoda Kaye

n vibrant Jewish community for all ages to nourish your spirit

n belonging, connection and welcoming for all

n strong tradition of community service in the spirit of tikkun olam

Chabad Santa Clara

2043 Pruneridge Ave.

Santa Clara, CA 95050 (408) 982-7419

jewishclara.com

rabbi@jewishclara.com

Rabbi Yigal Rosenberg

Rebbetzin:Elana Rosenberg

Home for everything Jewish: young adult social programming, children’s educational events, Shabbat meals and services, weekly classes and Hebrew Afterschool.

Chabad South County Jewish Center 16575 San Ramon Drive

Suite A

Morgan Hill, CA 95037 (408) 766-2343

jewishmh.com

rabbi@chabadmorganhill.com

Co-directors: Rabbi Mendel Liberow

Chani Liberow

Explore Jewish heritage and tradition in a friendly, nonjudgmental atmosphere, regardless of affiliation or observance. Offerings include adult education, a women’s group, youth activities and bar/bat mitzvah preparation.

Congregation Emek Beracha

4102 El Camino Real Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650) 857-1800/ Fax: (650) 857-0601

emekberacha.org

info@emekberacha.org

Rabbi Yitzchok Feldman

Orthodox shul welcoming all Jews for both short-term and long-term participation.

Los Altos Chabad (650) 241-8770

jewishlosaltos.com

info@jewishlosaltos.com

Rabbi Ezzy Schusterman

Nechama Schusterman

Offering Jews of all backgrounds and ages innovative and exciting programs: men’s and women’s classes and groups, monthly Shabbat service, holiday programming, bar/bat mitzvah preparation, children’s programs and more.

The Village Chabad

200 S .Balsamina Way

Portola Valley, CA 94028 (650) 304-2098

thevillagechabad.com

info@thevillagechabad.com

Co-director: Rabbi Mayer Brook Rebbetzin and Co-director: Dassi Brook

Peninsula Temple Beth El is an inclusive Reform congregation serving the Peninsula for over 65 years 1700 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA 94403 www.ptbe.org 650.341.7701

A center for Jewish life where everyone is welcome, regardless of background, knowledge or Jewish affiliation. Providing educational programs from preschool through Hebrew school to advanced Jewish learning classes for adults.

Orthodox–Sephardi

Bar Yohai Sefardic Minyan c/o SPHDS

1030 Astoria Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94087

(408) 385-2000/ Fax: (408) 296-6860

baryohai.com

info@baryohai.com

Rabbi Eliezer Poupko

Community Educator: Rabbi Dan Raphael Tobaly

Distinguished by warmth, tolerance and understanding. Offering daily and Shabbat services, and a diverse range of classes for those of varied backgrounds.

Reconstructionist

Keddem Congregation

P.O. Box 50758 Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 494-6400

keddem.org

keddem@keddem.org

Community-led Reconstructionist congregation that is inclusive, egalitarian, participatory, inquiring, innovative and compassionate. Practicing an evolving Judaism that infuses tradition with new meaning.

Reform

Congregation Beth Am 26790 Arastradero Road Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 (650) 493-4661

Fax: (650) 494-8248

betham.org

info@betham.org

Interim Executive Director: Pati Ortiz

Inclusive Reform congregation. Come worship, study, learn, and schmooze. Family, youth and adult education resources. Participatory worship. Interfaith families and people of color welcome.

Congregation Emeth 17835 Monterey St. Morgan Hill, CA 95037 (408) 778-8200

emeth.net

admin@emeth.net

Rabbi Faith Joy Dantowitz Rabbi Emerita Debbie Israel

South Santa Clara Valley’s only Reform synagogue. Full religious school, Hebrew school and adult programming. Interfaith families welcome. Overseeing Jewish section of Gan Emet/Emeth Gardens Cemetery in Gilroy.

Congregation Shir Hadash

20 Cherry Blossom Lane Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 358-1751 shirhadash.org office@shirhadash.org

Senior Rabbi: Nico Socolovsky

Executive Director: Shanda Witkin

Evolving Reform Jewish congregation dedicated to wisdom, spirituality, social responsibility, and community.

Peninsula Temple Beth El*

1700 Alameda de las Pulgas San Mateo, CA 94403 (650) 341-7701 ptbe.org

mail@ptbe.org

Senior Rabbi: Lisa Kingston

Executive Director: Kate Lauzar

Reform congregation with an emphasis on family participation, interfaith outreach, tikkun olam, education for all generations, and participatory worship services enhanced with outstanding music.

Peninsula Temple Sholom

1655 Sebastian Drive Burlingame, CA 94010 (650) 697-2266/ Fax: (650) 697-2544 sholom.org

cco@sholom.org

Rabbi Daniel Feder

Chief Community Officer: Karen Wisialowski

An inclusive Jewish community where everyone can find peace, inspiration, and their own connection to Judaism.

Temple Emanu-El

1010 University Ave.

San Jose, CA 95126 (408) 292-0939

Fax: (408) 292-7625 templesanjose.org admin@templesanjose.org

Rabbi Dana Magat

Executive Director: Stephanie Pollock

San Jose’s oldest Reform congregation; inclusive in all areas of synagogue life. Rooted in tradition, growing toward the future.

SAN FRANCISCO

Conservative Congregation Beth Sholom

301 14th Ave.

San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 221-8736 bethsholomsf.org info@bethsholomsf.org

Rabbi Amanda Russell

Acting Executive Director: Alan Schnur

Opportunities for contemporary Jews along with their loved ones and friends to share authentic, meaningful religious and spiritual experiences. Builds and sustains a community empowered to make a positive difference in the world.

Congregation Ner Tamid*

1250 Quintara St. San Francisco, CA 94116 (415) 661-3383

Fax: (415) 661-9041 nertamidsf.org office@nertamidsf.org

Rabbi Shana Chandler Leon Administrator: Adele Shafer

Judaism with a big heart from the heart of the Sunset District. Hybrid services, holiday celebrations, cultural events, Torah study and lifelong learning. The doors, in-person and virtual, are open to everyone.

Conservative–Reform

Am Tikvah

625 Brotherhood Way San Francisco, CA 94132 (415) 586-8833 amtikvah.org office@amtikvah.org

Rabbi Chayva Lehrman

Executive Director: Talya K. Brass

With a name that means “people of hope,” this congregation grew out of the 2021 merger of two synagogues, B’nai Emunah and Beth Israel Judea. Embracing myriad Jewish rituals, values, social justice and continued learning.

Independent Congregation L’Dor VaDor

San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living 302 Silver Ave. San Francisco, CA 94112 (415) 469-2254

sfcjl.org

rabbi@sfcjl.org

Rabbi Debora Kohn

Musical, participatory worship and Torah study. Kabbalat Shabbat at 1:30 p.m. Fridays. Saturday morning service at 9:15 a.m. Oneg

Where we feed the body, challenge the mind and nourish the soul

Traditional & Egalitarian Services – and the Best Kiddush Luncheons in Town Life-Long Learning • Adult Education

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Preparation Conversion Class

Spiritual Development/Mussar

Family Shabbat • Weekly Torah Study

Weekly Musical Shabbat Services Community & Culture Club (C3)

Congregation Ner Tamid is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 1250 Quintara Street, SF 415.661.3383 • NerTamidSF.org

Shabbat 2 p.m. Friends, family and community are welcome.

Keneset HaLev –

Community of the Heart

c/o 2695 44th Ave. San Francisco, CA 94116 (415) 339-SHUL (7485) kenesethalev.org info@kenesethalev.org

Maggid: Jonathan Furst Va’ad President: Shari Samuel

Post-denominational, heart-centered community based in San Francisco and the East Bay. Gathering online and in-person for monthly Shabbats plus special events, including outdoor High Holy Days.

The Kitchen

Mail to:

2443 Fillmore St. Suite 310 San Francisco, CA 94115 thekitchensf.org hello@thekitchensf.org

Rabbi Noa Kushner

Director of Communications & Marketing: Sophie Stimola

Executive Director: Spencer Weiss

An innovative religious community, grounded in serious exploration of Jewish tradition, text and ritual for people with all levels of Jewish knowledge and experience.

Mission Minyan

Mail to: 2261 Market St., Suite 447A San Francisco, CA 94114 missionminyan.org info@missionminyan.org

Community of Jews who get together for spirited traditional davening (and related festivities) in San Francisco’s Mission District. Meets Friday nights for Kabbalat Shabbat and twice monthly on Shabbat mornings.

Russian Speaking Jewish Community

Congregation of Russian Jews

3739 Balboa St., Suite 140 San Francisco, CA 94121 (415) 221-5280

Fax: (415) 520-0598 birthright-judaism.org

office@sfrussianjews.org

Rabbi Shimon Margolin

Traditional congregation serving the needs of Russian-speaking Jews in San Francisco Bay Area. No-membership High Holy Day

program. Youth/teen programs. Bar/bat mitzvah classes.

Orthodox

Adath Israel Congregation

1851 Noriega St. San Francisco, CA 94122 (415) 564-5665

adathisraelsf.org

office@adathIsraelsf.org

Rabbi Joel Landau

Warm, diverse and creative Orthodox community welcoming to all ages and backgrounds. Classes and activities include youth and preschool programming.

Chabad of Cole Valley

1300 Shrader St. San Francisco, CA 94117 (415) 786-5642 chabadcv.org info@chabadcv.org

Rabbi Nosson Potash

Rebbetzin Chaya Potash

Community-based organization with mission to make Judaism’s rich heritage and values available to all. Offering community holiday celebrations, Shabbat services, after-school program and other opportunities to connect.

Chabad of Noe Valley

3781 Cesar Chavez St. San Francisco, CA 94110 (415) 648-8000 chabadnoevalley.org

chabadnoe@gmail.com

Rabbi Gedalia Potash

Welcoming, friendly community, inspiring and insightful services, educational opportunities and holiday celebration for adults and children. Torah classes, Hebrew school, Shabbat community, preschool, b’nai mitzvah.

Chabad of SF

496 Natoma St. San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 668-6178

chabadsf.org

info@chabadsf.org

Executive Director: Rabbi Yosef Langer

Operations Director: Rabbi Moshe Langer

Open-house Shabbat dinner and special holiday events. Call or email for service schedule and event information.

Chabad of the Neighborhood

West Portal Avenue

333 West Portal Ave.

San Francisco, CA 94127 (508) 873-1250

chabadneighborhood.com

Co-directors: Rabbi Mendel Levin Devorie Levin

The co-directors see this new neighborhood outpost as a platform to foster new relationships, nurturing curious minds. Chabad welcomes all Jews, regardless of level of observance or Jewish knowledge.

Congregation Anshey Sfard

1500 Clement St. San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 676-8900

ansheysf.wordpress.com

ansheysfard@gmail.com

President: Solomon Isaac

Morning minyan Mondays and Thursdays at 7:30 a.m. Shabbat services led by cantor on Saturday mornings 9-12:00, followed by Kiddush. Rosh Hodesh service 7:30-9:00 a.m. Ongoing children’s Hebrew classes.

Congregation Chevra Thilim

751 25th Ave.

San Francisco, CA 94121 (415) 752-2866

sfshul.org

info@sfshul.org

Rabbi Shlomo Zarchi

Contemporary Orthodox synagogue dedicated to promoting a nurturing environment for spiritual, social and intellectual growth; facilitates developing connections to Torah in the modern world.

Richmond Torah Center of Chabad

423 10th Ave.

San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 386-8123/ Fax: (415) 668-7015

rtchabad.org

richmondtorahcenter@gmail.com

Rabbi Ahron Hecht

Celebrate Judaism with a warm, friendly community. All levels of observance welcome. Shabbat/holiday hospitality, adult education/programs. Children’s programs. Daily/Shabbat services.

United Schneerson Synagogue

2655 Balboa St.

San Francisco, CA 94121 (415) 724-8652

scofsf.com

rabbipil770@gmail.com

Rabbi Bentzion Pil

Rebbetzin Mattie Pil

Traditional synagogue located in the heart of the Richmond District. Geared

for Russian-speaking Jews primarily but caters to Jews of all backgrounds and levels, including nonbelievers and atheists.

Orthodox–Sephardi

Magain David

Sephardim Congregation

351 Fourth Ave.

San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 752-9095

magaindavid.com

info@magaindavid.com

Rabbi Simon Benzaquen

Board Member: Angela Beniflah

Active Sephardic congregation featuring services every morning, and on Friday nights, Saturdays and holidays.

Reconstructionist

Or Shalom Jewish Community

333 Cortland Ave. San Francisco, CA 94110 (415) 469-5542

orshalom.org

admin@orshalom.org

Rabbi Faryn Borella

Executive Director: Amy Mallor

San Francisco’s only Reconstructionist congregation, offering down-to-earth Jewish practices, educational classes for adults and children, and volunteer opportunities. Or Shalom Jewish Community is a modern, dynamic, and musical community of Jews and non-Jews.

Reform

Congregation Emanu-El 2 Lake St. San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 751-2535

Fax: (415) 751-2511

emanuelsf.org

communications@emanuelsf.org

Director of Member Experience: Ariana Estoque

An inclusive community for all, committed to study (Torah), worship (avodah) and working to repair the world (tikkun olam).

Congregation Sha’ar Zahav

290 Dolores St. San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 861-6932

shaarzahav.org

office@shaarzahav.org

Rabbi Mychal Copeland

Administrator: Susie Idzik

Jewish community that affirms the sacred in each one. Rooted in history as San Fran-

cisco’s gay and lesbian synagogue, offering the warmth and comfort of chosen family.

Congregation Sherith Israel 2266 California San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 346-1720

sherithisrael.org

info@sherithisrael.org

Rabbi Jessica Zimmerman Graf

Executive Director: Gordon Gladstone

Extending a welcome to newcomers in the community: whatever their background, identity or level of knowledge.

SANTA CRUZ/MONTEREY

Conservative

Congregation Kol Tefillah 200 Washington St., Suite 109 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831) 254-7325

koltefillah.org

president@koltefillah.org

President: Linda Shaw

Lay-led Conservative-affiliated shul. Services at 10 a.m. Offers visitors a shomer Shabbat experience as congregation is two blocks from motels and walks along West Cliff.

Jewish Renewal

Chadeish Yameinu Jewish Renewal

Mail to: P.O. Box 3578 Santa Cruz, CA 95063 (831) 295-8467

cysantacruz.com

rabbi@cysantacruz.com

Rabbi Eli Cohen

Supports ongoing renewal of Judaism — bringing spiritual vitality into our lives, drawing on kabbalistic/Hasidic sources, and embracing a vision that all paths have a role.

Orthodox

Chabad by the Sea

P.O. Box 554

Santa Cruz, CA 95061 (831) 454-0101

chabadbythesea.com

info@chabadbythesea.com

Co-directors: Rabbi Yochanan Friedman

Mrs. Baily Friedman

Serving the Santa Cruz Jewish community with educational, social and humanitarian programs.

Chabad of Monterey

620 Lighthouse Ave. Suite 100 Pacific Grove, CA 93950 (831) 643-2770

chabadofmonterey.com

chabadmonterey@gmail.com

Rabbi Dovid Holtzberg

A popular center for Jews of all backgrounds who want to learn more about their Jewish roots. Offering educational and spiritual opportunities, including Torah classes and lectures, Shabbaton dinners, and family and social activities.

Reform

Congregation Beth Israel

5716 Carmel Valley Road Carmel, CA 93923 (831) 624-2015

Fax: (831) 624-4786

carmelbethisrael.org

shalomcbi@aol.com

Rabbi Bruce Greenbaum

Executive Director: Julie Chase

Largest and oldest Reform synagogue and Jewish cultural center for the Monterey Peninsula. Looking to our heritage as a repository of wisdom, insight and numerous possibilities for religious expression.

Temple Beth El

1212 Riker St. Salinas, CA 93901 (831) 424-9151

Fax: (831) 424-9327

templebethelsalinas.org

templebethelsalinas@gmail.com

Cantor Margaret Bruner

Offers social and community service programs in addition to Shabbat and festival services and educational programs.

Temple Beth El/JCC

3055 Porter Gulch Road

Aptos, CA 95003

(831) 479-3444

Fax: (831) 475-7246 tbeaptos.org

info@tbeaptos.org

Senior Rabbi: Paula Marcus

Membership Experience and Program Manager: Melissa Sunberg

Passionate about peace and justice, creative about prayer, joyful about tradition. Focused on learning, community, worship and the pursuit of tikkun olam (repairing the world).

Conversions

Most congregational rabbis are available for lifecycle events and to teach Jews-bychoice. Many synagogues have conversion programs. Contact the Board of Rabbis of Northern California at (415) 369-2860, the East Bay Council of Rabbis at (510) 522-9355 or the Cantorial and Rabbinic Association of Greater San Jose at (408) 358-3033. Also see Chapter 3, Lifecycles.

Interfaith Programs

Interfaith programming is provided by most JCCs, JFCS and synagogues, as well as the organizations listed below. Activities include holiday workshops and celebrations, support groups and social occasions. Several local rabbis perform interfaith marriages. Contact individual rabbis or the organizations listed below for further assistance.

18 Doors

18doors.org/san-francisco-local Resource for interfaith couples exploring Jewish life, providing in-depth, easy-toaccess resources that empower couples to make Jewish choices and help their families embrace the choices they make.

Building Bridges Together

405 El Camino Real, Suite 433 Menlo Park, CA 94025 (650) 580-8273 buildingbridgestogether.net

diane.frankle@gmail.com

President, CEO, & Co-founder: Robert Frankle

Chairman, COO & Co-founder: Diane Frankle

A nonprofit organization offering easily implementable interfaith dialogue programming for Jewish, Christian and Muslim faith communities. The six-session Interfaith Bridges™ program includes dinner and facilitated discussions. These lay-led programs create meaningful relationships among participants.

Building Jewish Bridges: Embracing Interfaith Families 2808 Summit St. Oakland, CA 94609 (510 ) 679-0209 buildingjewishbridges.org dawn@buildingjewishbridges.org

Director: Dawn Kepler

Workshops and panel discussions on interfaith/intercultural issues. Couples meetings and individualized assistance. Negotiating differences, raising children, finding community. Secular and agnostic welcome. Biweekly email with events and advice for interfaith families.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMUNITY SERVICE

ENVIRONMENTAL/NATURE FEDERATIONS CAMPUSES PUBLIC AFFAIRS TOLERANCE

5 | Agencies & Organizations

* Listings with asterisks are provided as a courtesy to our advertisers.

Text in blue is website address.

Community Service

By providing service locally, in Israel and throughout the world, Jews can put their energy and skills to work, making a difference in the lives of others.

American Jewish World Service

San Francisco Bay Area

131 Steuart St., Suite 200 San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 593-3296

ajws.org

ashalev@ajws.org

Executive Director, Western Region: Alon Shalev

Inspired by Judaism’s commitment to justice, organization works to realize human rights and end poverty in the developing world.

B’nai B’rith International Golden Pacific Region (Central, Northern California & Hawaii) (925) 935-7111

bnaibrith.org

goldmancpa@aol.com

Regional President: Stan Goldman International service organization advocating for the Jewish people and Israel. Promotes Jewish unity, security and continuity, fighting antisemitism and intolerance worldwide.

Be’chol Lashon

3245 Geary Blvd., Suite 591478

San Francisco, CA 94159 (415) 386-2604

globaljews.org

info@globaljews.org

Interim Director: Julian Voloj

Celebrates the racial and ethnic diversity of Jewish life through diversity trainings, educational resources, speakers bureau and inclusive experiential programs like Camp Be’chol Lashon.

Business Referral Community Groups

Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund

121 Steuart St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 512-6423

jewishfed.org/ businessreferralcommunity jeannem@sfjcf.org

Director, Advancement Programs: Jeanne Miller

Leverages Jewish business professionals’ interests in networking in combination with shared Jewish values in advancing the Jewish Community Federation’s mission.

Camp Collective

Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund

121 Steuart St. San Francisco, CA 94105 campcollective.org communityimpact@sfjcf.org

Program Manager, Community Impact: Eliezah Hoffman

Consortium composed of six Jewish overnight camps offering a rich variety of outdoor immersive experiences for youth, working together toward a shared vision of making camp available to more Bay Area kids.

Community Security Program

Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund

121 Steuart St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 369-2893

jewishfed.org

security@sfjcf.org

Senior Director, Community Security: Rafael Brinner

Provides security consultation, training, and customized support to Jewish organizations in San Francisco, the Peninsula, the North Bay and the East Bay.

Estate and Gift Planning

Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund

121 Steuart St. San Francisco, CA 94105 jewishfed.org/giftplanning steveb@sfjcf.org

Senior Director, Gift Planning and Endowments: Steve Brown

Estate and gift planning require more

preparation, negotiation and counsel than many other donation options. Organization’s approach focuses on the connections between estate planning, philanthropic giving and Jewish values.

Federation Philanthropy Partners

Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund

121 Steuart St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 512-6225

jewishfed.org/fpp philanthropy@sfjcf.org

Connects impact and meaning through Jewish values; helps create donor’s mission, connect with research organizations and involve donors’ family. Collaborates to align donor's giving with their vision for a better world.

Hadassah

Central Pacific Coast Region P.O. Box 31 Benicia, CA 94510 (310) 276-0036

hadassah.org/region/central-pacific-coast cpcinfo@hadassah.org

Regional President: Susan Cohen Grossman Hadassah, the volunteer-driven Women’s Zionist Organization of America, promotes a partnership, commitment and passion for Israel by enhancing pace-setting health care treating all and providing at-risk youth education and leadership.

Jewish Coalition for Literacy*

Bay Area Office

131 Steuart St., Suite 205 San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 977-7435

jclread.org

ngalloway@jcrc.org

Communications and Program Manager: Nieema Galloway Program Manager: Macy Khangura, Engages and serves the community by training and supporting volunteer reading tutors who work with struggling young readers (kindergarten to fifth grade). Partners with underserved Bay Area public schools, after-school programs and nonprofits.

National Council of Jewish Women

San Francisco Section

2000 Van Ness Ave., Suite 411 San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 346-4600

.ncjwsf.org

info@ncjwsf.org

Nonprofit social justice group helps turn progressive ideas into action. Inspired by Jewish values, members work to improve quality of life and safeguard rights and freedoms for all.

ORT America

Bay Area Office

131 Walden Road Walnut Creek, CA 94597 (415) 794-7339

ortamerica.org/regions/west-coast-region yagranovsky@ortamerica.org

Director, Bay Area: Yana Agranovsky Organization committed to strengthening communities throughout the world by educating people against all odds and obstacles, changing lives through education.

Philanthropy & Development

Jewish Silicon Valley

14855 Oka Road Los Gatos, CA 95032

(408) 357-7503

jvalley.org

philanthropy@jvalley.org

Philanthropy Manager: Catey Cramer

Ensuring a vibrant Jewish community in Silicon Valley while promoting the well-being of all people by providing visionary leadership, philanthropic support, and meaningful programs and experiences that are rooted in Jewish values and traditions.

UpStart

National headquarters

1111 Broadway, 3rd floor Oakland, CA 94607 (415) 536-5918, x1 upstartlab.org

info@upstartlab.org

Director: Dalia Caplan

Inspires and empowers leaders to dream, build and grow bold initiatives that enhance the vitality of Jewish life.

Workers Circle/Arbeter Ring

Branch 1054 (Northern California) 3657 Wawona St. San Francisco, CA 94116 circle.org/northern-california dmscott01@yahoo.com

Branch Chair: Diana Scott

Organic farm and education center offering a three-month residential fellowship for young adults; summer camp; hands-on programs for youth, families and adults; Jewish festival celebrations.

Wilderness Torah

2222 Harold Way

Suite CW508 Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 926-4648

wildernesstorah.org

info@wildernesstorah.org

Executive Director: Rabbi Zelig Golden

Administrator: Rick Kelley

Reconnects Jewish life to nature, revitalizing Jewish education and community for thousands of participants through holiday retreats, nature-based youth education and leadership training.

Federations

C an you read this?

That means you c an help a child who can't yet!

Join the Jewish Coalition for Literacy as a volunteer reading tutor.

Contact us t o get involved i n thi s rewarding ti kkun olam project. jclread.org I 415.977.7436

Fosters Jewish, especially Yiddish, and secular culture, education, and the pursuit of social, economic and environmental justice.

Environmental/ Nature

EcoJews of the Bay (415) 596-9913

aytzim.org

ilana@aytzim.org

Director: Ilana Tova Gauss

Aims to inspire environmental action through Jewish values. Events and resources focus on living Jewish environmental ethics. A project of the national nonprofit organization Aytzim.

Urban Adamah

1151 Sixth St. Berkeley, CA 94710 (510) 649-1595

urbanadamah.org

info@urbanadamah.org

Executive Director: Adam Weisberg

Senior Director of People and Operations: Kat Morgan

Based on the traditions of tzedakah (righteous behavior) and communal responsibility, the Jewish Federations are volunteer-based, nonprofit organizations that raise funds to support social services, culture and education. As umbrella agencies, the Federations allocate dollars in their geographic areas, Israel and elsewhere around the world. Federations play an important role in community planning and leadership development. In addition, Federation endowment funds help to ensure the financial security of the Jewish community.

Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund*

121 Steuart St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 777-0411

jewishfed.org

info@sfjcf.org

CEO: Joy Sisisky

Supporting the Jewish community for over 100 years, the Federation partners with donors, organizations and foundations to address the pressing issues facing our community.

Peninsula Office

3921 Fabian Way Suite E-103 Palo Alto, CA 94303 jewishfed.org info@sfjcf.org

Mobilizes innovation, collaboration and investment to shape diverse and

JEWISH COALITION FOR LITERACY

dynamic Bay Area Jewish communities, who work together to better lives and communities locally, in Israel and around the world.

Israel Office

34 Geula St. (Steinberg Youth Village) Kfar Saba, Israel 4425709

jewishfed.org/workInisrael info@sfjcf.org

Director: Barak Loozon

The Federation’s Israel office supports innovative programs working to build and sustain a pluralistic, democratic and shared society with equal opportunity for all.

Jewish Silicon Valley*

14855 Oka Road Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 358-3636

Fax: (408) 358-7311 jvalley.org info@jvalley.org

Formed by the 2021 merger of Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley and the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center, this organization harnesses the power of community to improve lives, build bridges of understanding and strengthen the Jewish people.

Holocaust & Tolerance

Taking an active role in keeping the memory and the lessons of the Holocaust alive, a number of Northern California organizations provide educational programs and offer support to survivors and their families.

Alliance for the Study of the Holocaust and Genocide at Sonoma State University c/o University Advancement 1801 E. Cotati Ave. Rohnert Park, CA 94928 holocaust.sonoma.edu/alliance alliance@sonoma.edu

Co-presidents: Yehoyada Mbangukira Christyne Davidian

Supports the SSU Center for the Study of the Holocaust and Genocide. Co-sponsors the annual Holocaust and Genocide Lecture Series; coordinates local public school presentations by survivors and descendants of the Holocaust and other genocides.

Bay Area Hidden Children

(650) 996-4968

holocaustchild.org/about/ wfjcshd-member-groups jkringold@gmail.com

Contact: Jeannette Ringold

A group for those who were hidden children during the Holocaust and their descendants. Meets regularly at members’ homes.

Bay Area Holocaust

Oral History Project

San Mateo County History Museum

2200 Broadway St. Redwood City, CA 94063

(650) 299-0104

Fax: (650) 299-0141

historysmc.org

archives@historysmc.org

Archival Collections Specialist: Debra Peterson

Taped testimonies and transcripts of concentration camp survivors, ghetto survivors, liberators, Shanghai survivors and people surviving in hiding and now living in San Mateo County. By appointment only.

Using a contribution of cash or appreciated stock, a Charitable Gift Annuity guarantees you quarterly payments for life, makes you eligible for a tax deduction, and can make a meaningful difference for the local and global Jewish community.

Center for the Study of the Holocaust and Genocide

1801 E. Cotati Ave.

Schulz Information Center, 2nd Floor Rohnert Park, CA 94928 (707) 664-4076

sonoma.edu/holocaust centerh@sonoma.edu

Director: Myrna Goodman

Sponsors public Holocaust lectures each spring; develops Holocaust resource materials; provides Holocaust education in collaboration with the Alliance for the Study of the Holocaust.

Generation to Generation 18 Hunter Creek Fairfax, CA 94930 (415) 460-5464

generationtogeneration@yahoo.com

Esther Rosha-Stadtler

Nonprofit organization for sons and daughters of Holocaust survivors. Support network, email list. Serves Northern California.

Holocaust Center

Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties

2245 Post St.

P.O. Box 159004

San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 449-3717

jfcsholocaustcenter.org

holocaustcenter@jfcs.org

Director: Morgan Blum Schneider

Director of Programming: Yedida Kanfer

Northern California's primary resource for Holocaust education. Tauber Library, archives, oral history collection and artifacts, survivor speakers bureau, teacher training, student programs, Holocaust remembrance.

Holocaust Memorial

Mail to: 121 Steuart St. Suite 301

San Francisco, CA 94105

Lincoln Park, Legion of Honor Drive San Francisco, CA

Created by sculptor George Segal to memorialize the Holocaust. Represents a survivor standing in front of a tragic scene in a concentration camp. Open daily. Entrance at Clement and 34th Avenue.

Holocaust Survivor Services

Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin

and Sonoma counties 2150 Post St. P.O. Box 159004

San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 449-3700

jfcs.org/holocaust-survivors info@seniorsathome.org

Assistance with reparations; care management; social activities, including the weekly Café by the Bay, now online. Transportation, comprehensive senior services, and financial and practical assistance for survivors and their families.

Holocaust Survivor Services

Jewish Family & Commmunity Services, East Bay 2151 Salvio St., Suite 350 Concord, CA 94520 2484 Shattuck Ave., Suite 210 Berkeley, CA 94704 (925) 927-2000 x257

Fax: (925) 927-3131

jfcs-eastbay.org/ holocaust-survivor-services rclancy@jfcs-eastbay.org

Director of Adult Services: Rita Clancy, LCSW

Chief Operation Officer: Jonathan Wang

Providing services and assistance for 250+

MKTG_A1723

CELEBRATING

Holocaust survivors in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, including home care, care management, volunteers, counseling, social groups and restitution assistance.

Holocaust Survivor Services, Silicon Valley

Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley 14855 Oka Road, Suite 202 Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 556-0600

jfssv.org/gethelp jfs@jfssv.org

Reparations claims assistance, emergency services including food assistance, case management, home care, medical assistance, home visits and wellness services. Services available in English, Russian and Hebrew.

Jewish Partisan Educational Foundation 2266 California St. San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 563-2244

jewishpartisans.org

sheri@jewishpartisans.org

Director of Development and Outreach: Sheri Rosenblum

Founder and Board Secretary: Mitch Braff

Distributes innovative curricula about the heroic resistance of the 30,000 Jewish partisans who fought back against tyranny. Provides information to educational and cultural organizations worldwide, reaching millions of young people and students annually.

Kindertransport Association

Northern California Chapter kindertransport.org

info@kindertransport.org

Contacts: Robin Smallberg

Linda Waldroup

R ESOURCE R ESOURCE R ESOURCE

For more information about the organizations in Resource, check out their expanded listings at JewishResourceGuide.com.

Organizes reunions and events for Kindertransport survivors and the next generations. It is also involved in Holocaust education through a speakers bureau and traveling exhibits.

JCCs & Campuses

Local Jewish community centers play an important role in building and sustaining Jewish life in the Bay Area.

They are places to play and socialize, to find friends and even romance, and to learn. Northern California JCCs offer an extensive range of services and programming, from lectures on Israel to ballroom dancing, from women’s support groups to writing workshops.

Many JCCs also offer the latest in fitness and recreational facilities. They provide camps and afterschool care for kids of all ages, special events and services for seniors. Contact the JCC in your area.

CAMPUSES

Levy Family Campus

14855 Oka Road

Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 358-3636

Fax: (408) 358-7311

jvalley.org info@jvalley.org

Home of Jewish Silicon Valley, which provides programs through Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center, as well as Yavneh Day School, Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley and the Community Mikvah.

Lonee C. Hoytt Jewish Campus 200 N. San Pedro Road San Rafael, CA 94903 marinjcc.org/about-us

Home to Osher Marin JCC, Brandeis Marin Day School, Congregation Rodef Sholom.

North Peninsula Jewish Campus 800 Foster City Blvd. Foster City, CA 94404 npjc.org

Meeting place for individuals and families to celebrate, learn, and stay healthy in both body and spirit. Home to the Peninsula Jewish Community Center and the Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School.

Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life

3921 Fabian Way Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 223-8700

paloaltojcc.org/taube-koret-campus info@paloaltojcc.org

Anchored by the Oshman Family JCC and Moldaw Residences, the campus is also the home of the Jewish Community Federation, Jewish Study Network and the Friendship Circle.

JCC s

Addison-Penzak JCC Los Gatos

14855 Oka Road., Suite 201 Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 357-7429

Fax: (408) 358-7311 apjcc.org info@jvalley.org

Home to a fitness and aquatics center, tennis and sports programs, and a preschool. Offering child care, youth camps and programs, adult education, senior programs and cultural events. Powered by Jewish Silicon Valley.

Contra Costa JCC

3527 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite 176 Lafayette, CA 94549 (925) 938-7800

ccjcc.org

info@ccjcc.org

Program Director: Riva Gambert

Serving the community with inclusive, dynamic programming and outreach at various venues. Featuring innovative programming including Young Family events, youth activities, Under One Tent, Outside the Box and Project Impact.

JCC East Bay –

Berkeley Branch*

1414 Walnut St. Berkeley, CA 94709 (510) 848-0237/ Fax: (510) 848-0170 jcceastbay.org

info@jcceastbay.org

CEO: Melissa Chapman

Inclusive community gathering place offering holiday celebrations, arts and culture, preschool, afterschool, camp, Maccabi games, adult classes and social action opportunities.

JCC of San Francisco

3200 California St.

San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 292-1200/ Fax: (415) 276-1550

jccsf.org

support@jccsf.org

CEO: Paul Geduldig

World-class lectures and performances, state-of-the-art fitness center, outstanding preschools and extracurricular enrichment, hundreds of inspiring educational, recreational, social and wellness programs.

JCC Sonoma County

1301 Farmers Lane, Suite C103 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 (707) 528-4222

Fax: (707) 528-4288 jccsoco.org office@jccsoco.org

Offers multigenerational programs, Jewish and Israeli film festivals, Friendship Circle for adults 55+ and cultural events. An inclusive community center, committed to providing a deeper connection to Jewish life through cultural, educational and social opportunities.

Osher Marin JCC

200 N. San Pedro Road San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 444-8000/ Fax: (415) 491-1235

marinjcc.org

info@marinjcc.org

CEO: Judy Wolff-Bolton

Director, Taube Center for Jewish Peoplehood: Jessica Rosenberg

Newly renovated fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, summer and vacation camps, performing arts center, classes, Jewish life programs and year-round preschool.

Oshman Family JCC*

3921 Fabian Way Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 223-8700 paloaltojcc.org info@paloaltojcc.org

CEO: Zack Bodner

Cultural, social, fitness, recreational and educational programs for everyone. Range of facilities from state-of-the-art fitness center to stunning cultural arts hall.

Peninsula JCC*

800 Foster City Blvd. Foster City, CA 94404 (650) 212-PJCC (7522) Fax: (650) 378-2799 pjcc.org

info@pjcc.org

CEO: Jordan Shenker

COO: Lael Gray

Connecting community, inspiring Jewish journeys, supporting vibrant health and wellness, and bringing people together for learning and living more joyfully.

Public Affairs

A number of organizations champion Jewish interests and human rights in the wider community, offering opportunities for political and social activism. Participants serve on boards, staff programs and take an active role in supporting their goals.

American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)

Pacific Northwest Region P.O. Box 207

San Francisco, CA 94104 (415) 989-4140/ Fax: (415) 989-5202 aipac.org

pacificnorthwest@aipac.org

Western States Director: Wayne Klitofsky

Bipartisan organization of pro-Israel Americans committed to strengthening and expanding the U.S.-Israel relationship in ways that enhance the security of both countries.

American Jewish Committee (AJC)

Northern California Region

121 Steuart St.

Suite 405 San Francisco, CA 94501 (415) 777-3820

ajc.org/sanfrancisco sanfrancisco@ajc.org

Regional Director: Rabbi Serena Eisenberg Development Director: Kim Bistrong

Global Jewish advocacy organization for more than a century; working to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and to advance human rights and democratic values for all.

Anti-Defamation League (ADL)

Central Pacific Region

720 Market St., Suite 800 San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 981-3500/ Fax: (415) 981-8933 sanfrancisco.adl.org

central-pacific@adl.org

Interim Regional Director: Teresa Drenick Director of Development: Jennifer Rider

Organization fighting antisemitism and all forms of bias and bigotry through antibias training, exposing extremist activity, security training to Jewish institutions and much more.

Bend the Arc: Jewish Action Bay Area (212) 213-2113 x602 bay.bendthearc.us southbay@bendthearc.us

Associate Organizing Director: Kayla Glick

Working to create a just and equitable country free from white supremacy. With a mission rooted in our Jewish call to action, it organizes American Jews to pursue economic and racial justice and civil rights.

Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)* Bay Area

121 Steuart St., Suite 301 San Francisco, CA 94105

(415) 957-1551

jcrc.org

info@jcrc.org

Executive Director: Tyler Gregory

The largest collective voice of Bay Area Jews. It advocates for our Jewish community and works together with other communities so the full vibrancy and diversity of Jewish identity will be embraced and celebrated.

Jews of Color Initiative jewsofcolorinitiative.org

ilana@jewsofcolorinitiative.org

Chief Executive Officer: Ilana Kaufman

Executive Assistant and Board Liaison: Theresa Precia

Bay Area-based national effort building and advancing the professional, organizational and communal field for Jews of color, advancing racial equity in the Jewish community and strengthening the leadership of Jews of color.

Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa (JIMENA)

P.O. Box 6872 San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 626-5062

jimena.org

info@jimena.org

Executive Director: Sarah Levin

Senior Program Director: Sapir Taib

An international, nonprofit organization that pursues the advancement and inclusion of the heritage, history and rights of Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews.

Raoul Wallenberg Jewish Democratic Club (RWJDC)

3450 Sacramento St. Suite 153 San Francisco, CA 94118 wallenbergdems.org info@wallenbergdems.org

Club members engage in political action and civic participation to translate core Jewish values into public policy and to educate voters.

Reboot rebooting.com

tanya@rebooting.com

Chief Innovation & Communications Officer: Tanya Schevitz

An arts and culture nonprofit that reimagines and reinforces Jewish thought and traditions. It brings together artists, entrepreneurs and activists to transform the Jewish experience and society.

COUNSELING CAREER COACHING MEDICAL FINANCIAL AID FAMILY SERVICES GRANTS VOLUNTEER LGBTQ SUPPORT DONATIONS

6 | Social Services

* Listings with asterisks are provided as a courtesy to our advertisers.

Text in blue is website address.

Career Coaching

In a changing job market, Jewish agencies offer counseling, help in resume writing, informational seminars, and retraining and rehabilitation, enabling job seekers to update their skills.

Jewish Vocational Service (JVS)

1 Post St., FL 7 San Francisco, CA 94104 (415) 391-3600

Fax: (415) 391-3617

jvs.org

info@jvs.org

CEO: Lisa Countryman-Quiroz

Provides training to build in-demand skills, make connections and find jobs to transform their lives. All offerings are online. The Job Search Accelerator helps people relaunch their careers.

Counseling & Support

The agencies and organizations below offer specialized services. In addition, see the Family Services listing in this chapter for a complete listing of JFCS services and branches. Also see Health & Medical listings in this chapter. The Bereavement section in Chapter 3, Lifecycles, deals specifically with mourning and loss.

Adults & Families Community Services, Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley Levy Family Campus

14855 Oka Road Suite 202

Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 556-0600

Fax: (408) 551-0625

jfssv.org/gethelp jfs@jfssv.org

Provides a safety net of case management, counseling, advocacy and emergency assistance to people in the community facing a life crisis or ongoing challenges.

Valerie A. Goss, MFT*

329 S. San Antonio Road Suite 3 Los Altos, CA 94022 (650) 279-7717

valeriegossmft.com

vagocatherapist@gmail.com

Helping individuals and couples navigate through the labyrinth of human relationships and life’s transitions, be it marriage concerns, parenting, work/life balance or stress management.

Jewish Chaplaincy Services

Stanford Medicine

300 Pasteur Drive Suite HG004 Stanford, CA 94305 (650) 723-3808

Fax: (650) 725-8907 jfcs.org/jewishchaplaincy jewishchaplaincy@jfcs.org

Director: Chaplain Bruce Feldstein, M.D. Program Coordinator: Dana Doctorow

Jewish chaplains and trained volunteers, serving Stanford Medicine and JFCS, provide spiritual comfort and compassionate care tailored to individual beliefs and needs. Goal is to ensure the patient and family are not alone.

JFCS Counseling Services

Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties

2150 Post St. P.O. Box 159004

San Francisco, CA 94115 jfcs.org/counseing info@jfcs.org

Experienced clinicians help individuals, couples and families meet life’s challenges. Expertise in depression, grief and loss, anxiety, stress, loneliness, significant life transitions, separation and divorce, job loss, and illness. Provides in-person and teletherapy services

JFCS Dream Program

Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties

2150 Post St. P.O. Box 159004

San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 449-1212 jfcs.org/dreamprogram info@jfcs.org

Director of Family Support Services: Susan Carroll

Comprehensive services for domestic violence survivors, including in-depth assessment of medical, emotional, vocational, financial, educational and legal needs.

Shalom Bayit: Ending Domestic Violence in Jewish Homes

P.O. Box 2883

Berkeley, CA 94702

Counseling: (866) SHALOM-7 (742-5667)

Business: (510) 845-8874

Peninsula office: (650) 574-SAFE (574-7233)

Fax: (510) 845-8877

shalom-bayit.org

info@shalom-bayit.org

Founding Executive Director: Naomi Tucker

Prevention Manager: Becca Posamentier

Bay Area Jewish resource center on gender-based violence. Counseling for abusive/ controlling relationships (Russian, Hebrew, English); domestic violence/sexual harassment training and consultation; youth and adult education on healthy relationships, boundaries, consent and preventing abuse.

Disability Services

Chaverim

Jewish Family & Community Services

East Bay

2151 Salvio St., Suite 350 Concord, CA 94520

(925) 927-2000

Fax: (925) 927-3131

jfcs-eastbay.org/disability-services

Contact: Brittany Couture

Social and educational group for neurodivergent adult Jews and their families.

6 | Social Services

Hatikvah House

577 N. Central Ave.

Campbell, CA 95008 (408) 379-0106

lsahomes.org/hatikvah-home info@lsahomes.org

Administrator: Tsion Haile

Board Member: Bruce Wolfe

Jewish group home for developmentally disabled adults. Independent-living training. Provides social, recreational and support programs for area families.

JFCS Disabilities Services

Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties

2150 Post St.

P.O. Box 159004

San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 449-3805

TDD: (415) 567-1044

Fax: (415) 449-3805

jfcs.org/disabilities-services ryanb@jfcs.org

Director of Disability Services: Ryan Berman

Comprehensive services and support for individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses or HIV/AIDS, including case management, counseling and support, meal delivery, and personal/home care.

JFCS Shupin Community

2150 Post St. San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 449-3805

jfcs.org/shupin ryanb@jfcs.org

Director of Disability Services: Ryan Berman

An urban independent-living facility coupled with comprehensive, personalized support so that adults with developmental disabilities can live full lives and age with dignity.

Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT

L’Chaim Adult Day Health Center

Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties

2534 Judah St. San Francisco, CA 94122 (415) 449-2900

Fax: (415) 449-2901

jfcs.org/find-help/seniors/ lchaim-health-center annab@jfcs.org

Program Director: Anna Borovik Intake Coordinator: Lyudmila Mashinskaya

Licensed adult day-health program providing medical, rehabilitative, and social services to frail elderly and adults with functional impairments; offering special outreach to Russian-speaking individuals.

Émigré Services

Jewish community agencies offer help to new immigrants in a number of areas: housing, job training and placements, loans and cash assistance, day care, social services, language classes and citizenship preparation. Other services are provided through synagogues and JCCs.

JFCS Émigré Services

Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties jfcs.org/emigres info@jfcs.org

Palo Alto 200 Channing Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650) 688-3030

Multilingual staff has helped thousands of Russian-speaking emigres to acculturate and start new lives. Services include legal guidance, citizenship classes, counseling, loans and grants, senior day

Specializing in helping you develop tools for managing depression and anxiety as well as strengthen your ability to communicate and experience a more fulfilling life.

Services offered include Relationship Counseling, Parenting Counseling, Psychotherapy, Anger and Stress Management and Work/Life Balance.

650-279-7717 • vagocatherapist@gmail.com

329 S. San Antonio Road, Suite 3 Los Altos, CA 94022

programs, and more.

San Francisco 2534 Judah St San Francisco, CA 94122 (415) 449-2900

Comprehensive, innovative services for the Russian-speaking community. Bilingual staff helps people to build successful lives in a new culture and successfully manage transitions and crises.

Refugee Resettlement and Acculturation Services

Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley 14855 Oka Road Suite 202 Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 556-0600 jfssv.org jfs@jfssv.org

One of three leading refugee resettlement agencies in Northern California, JFS SV provides resettlement and career services to 550+ refugees annually, most recently serving refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine.

JFCS/EB Refugee Services

Jewish Family & Community Services

East Bay

2151 Salvio St. Suite 350

Concord, CA 94520 (925) 927-2000

Fax: (925) 927-3131 jfcs-eastbay.org/refugee-resettlement fazizi@jfcs-eastbay.org

Director of Refugee Services: Fouzia Azizi

Provides initial refugee resettlement as well as ongoing guidance as newcomers learn to live and be successful in a new country.

Family Services

Jewish Family & Community Services

East Bay

2151 Salvio St. Suite 350 Concord, CA 94520 (925) 927-2000

jfcs-eastbay.org

info@jfcs-eastbay.org

CEO: Robin Mencher

A community-based, direct social and human services organization that supports Alameda and Contra Costa county residents of all ages, races and religions with the vision of a community where everyone can flourish with dignity.

VALERIE ANNE GOSS

Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties* jfcs.org

Executive Director: Dr. Anita Friedman San Francisco — main office 2150 Post St. San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 449-1200/ TDD: (415) 345-1927

Fax: (415) 449-3839 info@jfcs.org

Marin 600 Fifth Ave. San Rafael, CA 94901 (415) 419-3600

Fax: (415) 419-3657 marin@jfcs.org

Sonoma County

2200 Range Ave. Suite 101 Santa Rosa, CA 94503 (707) 303-1500 sonoma@jfcs.org

North Peninsula 2001 Winward Way Suite 200 San Mateo, CA 94404 (650) 931-1800

Fax: (650) 931-1814 sanmateo@jfcs.org

South Peninsula 200 Channing Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650) 688-3030

Fax: (650) 543-4794 spen@jfcs.org

Services for individuals and families: senior home care, counseling and emergency assistance, food, therapy for children, parent consultation, youth programs, adoption, disabilities services and support for Holocaust survivors.

Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley*

14855 Oka Road

Suite 202

Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 556-0600 jfssv.org

jfs@jfssv.org

CEO: Susan Frazer, LCSW Director of Development & Community Engagement: Debbie Michels

Comprehensive services for older adults and caregivers, individuals and families, refugee resettlement and career services, and volunteer opportunities for all ages.

Grants & Financial Aid

A number of Jewish community agencies provide financial assistance to individuals, through funding they receive from the Northern California Jewish Federations as well as other fundraising efforts. For specific loan, grant and scholarship information, please contact the agencies below.

Hebrew Free Loan*

131 Steuart St.

Suite 520

San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 546-9902

Fax: (415) 546-7479 hflasf.org info@hflasf.org

Operations Officer: Valerie Rocklin

Executive Director: Cindy Rogoway

Interest-free loans help Jewish residents of Northern California to overcome financial challenges or pursue life dreams. Loans include student, business, general needs, fertility, health care, emergency, first-time homebuyer, and more.

JCF Grants to Organizations and Scholarships

Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund

121 Steuart St. San Francisco, CA 94105 jewishfed.org/findscholarships information@sfjcf.org

Managing Director, Engagement, Community Impact: David Green

Makes meaningful Jewish experiences accessible and affordable by providing grants and funding for various experiences and opportunities. These may include teen camps and trips, journeys to Israel, and youth and family camps.

Jewish Silicon Valley

14855 Oka Road

Suite 200 Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 358-3636

jvalley.org/get-connected/ scholarship info@jvalley.org

Provides funding through scholarships and grants to children and teens, which may include overnight camps, teen leadership and trips to Israel. Procedures ensure fairness and confidentiality.

JFCS Financial Aid Center

Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties

2150 Post St.

P.O. Box 159004

San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 449-1226

Fax: (415) 848-7012

jfcs.org/financial-aid

michellel@jfcs.org

Director of Financial Aid Center: Michelle Lamphere

No-interest loans and grants for pandemic recovery, small businesses, undergraduate/ graduate studies, vocational training, Israel study, Jewish summer camp. Emergency aid for housing, food and other essentials on short-term basis.

Health & Medical

Familial Dysautonomia Prevention and Education Program

(510) 654-5882

familialdysautonomia.org

michael.rancer@gmail.com

Past President, FD Hope: Michael Rancer

F.D. is a progressive and fatal genetic disease found almost exclusively among Ashkenazi Jews. Carrier testing available at Kaiser health centers and other private laboratories.

Jewish Community Free Clinic

50 Montgomery Drive Santa Rosa, CA 95404 (707) 585-7780

Fax: (707) 585-7784

jewishfreeclinic.org

director@jewishfreeclinic.org

Executive Director: Donna Waldman

Clinical Director: Deborah Roberts

Free, volunteer-based medical clinic, sponsored by the Jewish community, offering care to anyone in need — regardless of ethnicity or religion. Bilingual medical, nursing and referral services.

JFCS Palliative Care

Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties

2150 Post St. P.O. Box 159004

San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 449-3777

Fax: (415) 449-3742 seniorsathome.org

info@seniorsathome.org

Director: Juli Koffman

Interdisciplinary team offers specialized support to help relieve suffering and improve quality of life for people with serious illness and at the end of life.

UC SF Prenatal Diagnostic Center

Department of OB/GYN and Reproductive Sciences

1825 Fourth St., third floor San Francisco, CA 94158

Appointments: (415) 476-4080, x1 (888) 689-8273

Fax: (415) 353-4077 www.ucsfhealth.org/clinics/ prenatal-diagnostic-center

For all women, pregnant or not. Information on carrier screening for multiple disorders affecting Ashkenazi Jews. Centers in San Francisco, Greenbrae, Monterey and San Mateo.

UC SF-Stanford Lysosomal Storage Disease Center

Ron Conway Family

Gateway Medical Building

1825 Fourth St., Sixth floor San Francisco, CA 94158 (866) 476-2757

Fax: (415) 476-9976

ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/clinics/ lysosomal_storage_disease_center

Provides comprehensive consultation, clinical and laboratory evaluations, diagnosis, treatment and genetic counseling for patients with lysosomal storage disorders and their families.

LGBTQ Support

Congregation Sha’ar Zahav 290 Dolores St. San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 861-6932

shaarzahav.org

office@shaarzahav.org

Administrator: Susie Idzik Rabbi Mychal Copeland

Progressive, diverse and participatory Jewish community, established in 1977, that honors and maintains its LGBTQ culture and history while welcoming all.

JFCS LGBTQ Services

Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties

2150 Post St.

P.O. Box 159004

San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 449-1214

jfcs.org/lgbtq

robynb@jfcs.org

Counseling services for individuals, couples and families — with special outreach to the elderly, services for people with HIV, workshops, seminars and adoption services.

Keshet Bay Area

2625 Alcatraz Ave.

Suite 275

Berkeley, CA 94705 (415) 766-0390

keshetonline.org

eliana.kayelle@keshetonline.org

Bay Area Education and Training Manager: Rabbi Eliana Kayelle

National organization working for full LGBTQ equality and inclusion in Jewish life.

LGBTQ Keshet Camp at Tawonga 131 Steuart St., Suite 460 San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-2267 (415-KIDCAMP)

tawonga.org

info@tawonga.org

Program Director: Ashley Costello

Program and Operations Manager: Liz Chenok

Celebrating over 20 years, this camp is a weekend experience designed for LGBTQ families. Aug. 2-27, 2023. Need-based financial assistance available.

A Wider Bridge

2912 Diamond St., Suite 348 San Francisco, CA 94131 (866) 288-5774

awiderbridge.org

info@awiderbridge.org

Executive Director: Ethan Felson

Pro-Israel organization working to create opportunities for LGBTQ people in the United States, along with friends and allies, to engage and connect with Israel.

Material Donations

Book Bank USA, Inc.

70 Mitchell Blvd., Suite 106

San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 479-7902

Fax: (415) 479-5464

bookbankusa.org

kluger001@aol.com

President : Andrew Kluger

Accepts and distributes books, comput-

ers, games and educational materials to schools, libraries and youth towns in Israel. Distributes high-tech materials to colleges and businesses.

Chabad of the East Bay

P.O. Box 5292

Berkeley, CA 94705 (510) 540-5824

chabadberkeley.org

office@chabadberkeley.org

Contact: Sharalyn Stebben

Accepts cars, boats, motor vehicles, working and non-working (in most cases) and estate items. Proceeds used for social programs, educational, community and children’s programs.

Jewish Family & Community Services East Bay

2151 Salvio St., Suite 350 Concord, CA 94520 (925) 927-2000

jfcs-eastbay.org/in-kind-donations volunteers@jfcs-eastbay.org

Volunteer Services: Ami Dodson

Accepts donations of furniture and household items such as toiletries, cleaning supplies, and newly purchased household goods (no clothing please). Used for direct service to refugees, immigrants and low-income families across the East Bay.

Jewish Family and Children’s Services

of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties

2150 Post St. P.O. Box 159004 San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 449-1283/ Fax: (415) 449-3839 jfcs.org/give stacyr@jfcs.org

Donors can make a big impact on the lives of those who have little by contributing a car, boat, computer, household items or other gently used property.

Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley Vehicle Donation Program 4855 Oka Road, Suite 202 Los Gatos, CA 95032

Toll free: (877) JFS-4CAR (877) 537-4227 (408) 357-7455 jfssv.careasy.org/home debbiem@jfssv.org

Director of Development & Community Engagement: Debbie Michels

Donate working or non-working cars, boats or motor homes to help provide services for

older adults, families and refugees. Obtain a tax deduction while helping those in need.

Volunteer Placement

Most Jewish organizations welcome help from volunteers. Those listed below offer a variety of placements. For specific placements, contact individual agencies and organizations.

JFCS Volunteer Program

Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties

2150 Post St. P.O. Box 159004

San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 449-1200/ TDD: (415) 345-1927 jfcs.org/volunteer info@jfcs.org

Volunteers serve thousands each year. Opportunities for young to adults throughout the Bay Area to reach out to the isolated, elderly and persons with disabilities; food bank organization and deliveries; holiday outreach and more.

Tell the entire Bay Area about your simchas and have a photo published in J. to remember it for years to come. Up to 100 words

DAY CAMPS TEEN PROGRAMS SPORTS PRESCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL MIDRASHOT SPECIAL NEEDS RECREATION SUPPORT

7 | Kids & Teens

* Listings with asterisks are provided as a courtesy to our advertisers. Text in blue is website address.

Family Resources

Parenting & Youth Services

Jewish Family & Community Services

East Bay

2484 Shattuck Ave.

Suite 210

Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 704-7480 x235

Fax: (510) 704-7494 jfcs-eastbay.org info@jfcs-eastbay.org

Supports and nurtures a wide range of families on issues ranging from early childhood development, middle-school classroom issues and teen-parent communication techniques.

Parents Place

Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties (888) 927-0839 ccy.jfcs.org/parentsplace parentsplace@jfcs.org

Marin County

600 Fifth Ave. San Rafael, CA 94901

Palo Alto

200 Channing Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94301

San Mateo

2001 Winward Way Suite 200 San Mateo, CA 94404

Experienced, compassionate parent educators provide parent consultation and coaching, educational workshops, support groups, pregnancy and post-natal support. Services offered online and in person.

PJ Library® Bay Area

Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund

121 Steuart St. San Francisco, CA 94105

jewishfed.org/pjlibrary vivienb@sfjcf.org

Director, PJ Library Bay Area: Vivien Braly Manager, PJ Library Bay Area: Aliza Golshani

Provides free Jewish books for children from birth through the age of 12 and helps families explore traditions, celebrate holidays, and build community across the Bay Area.

PJ Library® of Silicon Valley

Jewish Silicon Valley 4855 Oka Road Suite 201 Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 357-7508

pjlibrary.org/communities/ jewish-federation-silicon-valley/37505 tamis@jvalley.org

Family Educator and PJ Library Manager, Silicon Valley: Tami Segal

Sends free Jewish-themed books to families with children 6 months to 8 years. To register, go to pjlibrary.org or tamis@jvalley.org.

Yossi’s Children’s Library

Gan Torah Preschool

2015 Latham St. Mountain View, CA 94040 (650) 394-READ (7323) yossislibrary.org office@gantorah.com

Director: Esti Rosenblat

Lending library offering a wide selection of Jewish books and media for children up to age 12 including fiction and nonfiction, comics, holiday-focused books and more.

Educational Resources

The Holiday Series

Chabad of Sunnyvale 540 Utica Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94087 (408) 720-0553

chabadsunnyvale.com rabbi@chabadsunnyvale.com

Director: Rabbi Yisroel Hecht

Holiday and mitzvah workshops for schools and youth groups. Students create articles such as matzahs, shofars or tallits at the school. Program is 10 workshops.

Institute for Modern Judaism

(925) 212-5679

modernjudaism.org

info@modernjudaism.org

Director and Lead Educator: Noah Zaves

Enlivens Jewish heritage, identity and culture for teens and young adults, through interactive seminars, educational consulting and curriculum development.

Jewish LearningWorks

44 Page St. Suite 604 San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 751-6983

jewishlearning.works

info@jewishlearning.works

CEO: Dana Sheanin

Elevating the field of Jewish education by nurturing educators, inspiring innovation and promoting Jewish literacy.

Moving Traditions

(215) 887-4511

movingtraditions.org

jpapiyan@movingtraditions.org

California Regional Director: Julia Papiyan Strengthens Jewish educators and emboldens Jewish youth to thrive by pursuing personal well-being. Challenges gender stereotypes and other forms of discrimination. Combines positive psychology with Jewish values, partnering with Jewish institutions across North America.

Preschools & Day Care

Innovation and creativity are hallmarks of Jewish preschool and day-care facilities in the Bay Area. Most of these facilities are affiliated with congregations or a JCC, where Jewish values, practices and celebrations are

an integral part of education. Celebrations of Shabbat and Jewish holidays deepen connections to Judaism. Please call individual preschools for times and days of operation.

EAST BAY

Beth El Nursery School (BENS)

Congregation Beth El 1301 Oxford St. Berkeley, CA 94709 (510) 848-9428

bethelnurseryschool.net

jodi@bethelberkeley.org

Director: Jodi Gladstone

Associate Director: Julia Straws

Children can develop as independent, caring people. School emphasizes the richness and joy of Judaism within a diverse world. Full- and half-day programs for ages 2-5.

Beth Sholom Preschool

Temple Beth Sholom

642 Dolores Ave.

San Leandro, CA 94577 (510) 357-8505 x3/ Fax: (510) 357-1375 tbssanleandro.com/preschool preschool@tbssanleandro.org

Preschool Director: Amanda Chase

Enriching preschool ages 2-6; non-toilettrained OK. Shabbat, holidays celebrated. Developmentally appropriate curriculum. 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Outdoor area, weekly music, gymnastics and storyteller specialist.

Congregation Beth Emek Preschool 3400 Nevada Court Pleasanton, CA 94566 (925) 931-1055

bethemek.org

preschooldirector@bethemek.org

Director: Kathi Estill

Developmental program for ages 2½ to 5 years. Children learn about their heritage and their world through arts and crafts, cooking, music and dramatic play.

Congregation Netivot Shalom Preschool 1316 University Ave. Berkeley, CA 94702 (510) 549-9447 x110

netivotshalom.org/cns-preschool preschool@netivotshalom.org

Preschool Director: Karen Llamas

Serving children ages 2 to pre-K, with emergent, nature-rich approach to learning while weaving Jewish life, practice and culture throughout each day.

Gan Avraham Preschool Temple Beth Abraham

327 MacArthur Blvd.

Mail to: 336 Euclid Ave. Oakland, CA 94610 (510) 763-7528/ (510) 832-0936 tbaoakland.org

gan.director@tbaoakland.org

Gan Director: Rachel Fenyves

Play-based preschool ages 2-5, where children experience the richness and variety of Jewish life through hands-on experiences. Full-day or part-time programs.

Gan B’nai Shalom Preschool

74 Eckley Lane Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 933-7633/ Fax: (925) 934-9450 bshalom.org

preschool@bshalom.org

Director: Marla Medwin

Nurturing developmental preschool program rich with Jewish culture. Providing children a foundation to grow educationally, socially and spiritually. Extended care options: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Accredited by Association for Early Learning Leaders.

Gan Chabad Preschool

Chabad of the Tri-Valley 784 Palomino Drive Pleasanton, CA 94566 (925) 846-0700

jewishtrivalley.com/preschool fruma@jewishtrivalley.com

Director: Fruma Resnick

Holistic blend of educational theories. Integrating Jewish values. Shabbat celebrations and challah baking. Focusing on social, cognitive, emotional, physical and academic development.

Gan Ilan Preschool

Temple Isaiah of Contra Costa County 945 Risa Road Lafayette, CA 94549 (925) 284-8453

temple-isaiah.org/education/ gan-ilan-preschool ganilan@temple-isaiah.org

Director of Early Childhood Education: Courtney Ludlow

Developmental preschool program with emphasis on the beauty of Jewish tradition. Early morning and afternoon extended care available.

Gan Mah Tov

Beth Jacob Congregation 3778 Park Blvd. Oakland, CA 94610 (510) 530-2146/ Fax: (510) 482-2374

ganmahtov.org

abencuya@ganmahtov.org

Director: Anna Bencuya

Year-round Modern Orthodox preschool (2-5 years) and infant and toddler program (4 months-2 years). Full-or part-time care available. Emphasizing social development, emotional expression and Jewish values/ traditions.

Gan Sameach Preschool and Daycare

Temple Beth Torah

Mail to: P.O. Box 6017, Fremont, CA 94538 42000 Paseo Padre Parkway Fremont, CA 94539 (510) 651-5833/ Fax: (510) 656-5380

gansameach.org

gsameach@bethtorah-fremont.org

Director of Preschool: Annie Jacob

Developmentally appropriate, play-based program guided by Jewish values and experienced teachers for children from 2 to 5 years. Diapers OK.

Gan Shalom Preschool Congregation Beth Israel 1630 Bancroft Way Berkeley, CA 94703 (510) 848-3298

ganshalomberkeley.org

director@ganshalomberkeley.org

Director: Emma Schnur

Developmental program for ages 2 to 5 years. Enriched curriculum focuses on Judaica in a play-based, homelike setting. Extended day care available.

Gan Yiladim of Contra Costa (925) 937-4101

jewishcontracosta.com/preschool chaya@jewishcontracosta.com

Director : Chaya Berkowitz

Premier Jewish preschool in downtown Walnut Creek serving children from infancy to 5 years old.

JCC East Bay Preschool 1414 Walnut St. Berkeley, CA 94709 (510) 848-0237

jcceastbay.org

nicole.whear@jcceastbay.org

Preschool Director: Nicole Acland-Whear

Award-winning preschool with extended care program for ages 2-5 and transitional kindergarten program based on Jewish culture and heritage.

Little Garden Jewish Playgroup

Temple Isaiah of Contra Costa County 945 Risa Road

Lafayette, CA 94549 (925) 284-8453

temple-isaiah.org/education/ jewish-playgroup preschooloffice@temple-isaiah.org

Facilitator: Jojo Peterson

Gan Ilan Preschool’s Friday morning Shabbat-focused playgroup meets weekly for babies and toddlers and their caregivers. Facilitator offers Jewish education, community-building and fun activities.

Shalom Preschool

(510) 936-6298

shalompreschoolca.org

admissions@shalompreschoolca.org

Director: Shayna Landes

Reggio-inspired and Jewish-infused, the school aims to provide young children with meaningful and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

Temple Sinai David Pregerson Preschool 2808 Summit St. Oakland, CA 94609 (510) 451-3263 x313

Fax: (510) 465-0603

oaklandsinai.org

ellen@oaklandsinai.org

Director: Ellen Lefkowitz

Full- or part-time students with extended care program. Developmental program for ages 2-5. Open to members and non-members.

Tree of Life Learning Center*

On the campus of Beth Chaim Congregation 1800 Holbrook Drive Danville, CA 94506 (925 ) 736-1363

treeoflifelearningcenter.com

kelleycohen.treeoflife@gmail.com

Owner/Director: Kelley Cohen

Private, year-round, inclusive Jewish preschool for children ages 2 to 5. Offering an ideal balance of play and hands-on academic learning. School nurtures the whole child, and helps children develop a lifelong love of learning.

MARIN/NORTH BAY

Gan Israel Preschool of Petaluma B’nai Israel Jewish Center 740 Western Ave. Petaluma, CA 94952 (707) 763-5136

bnaiisrael.net/family-kids/ gan-israel-preschool teri@bnaiisrael.net

Director: Teri Porter

With over 40 years of experience, preschool is committed to providing a meaningful, developmental educational program that embraces play-based, child-centered, emergent and outdoor curricula.

Gan Outdoor Preschool of San Rafael 1055 Las Ovejas, #6 San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 507-0460

ganisraelsanrafael.com

morahgittel@yahoo.com

Director: Gittel R. Goodman

Nature/play-based outdoor program filled with children’s discoveries and knowledge. Community school that welcomes all; relationship based. Founded on the values of kindness and respect

The Grove Preschool at Kol Shofar 215 Blackfield Drive Tiburon, CA 94920 (415) 388-1012

grovepreschool.org grovepreschool@kolshofar.org

Director: Katherine Barboni

Spacious classrooms, plus expansive outdoor play areas opening to a sprawling terrain of hills and fruit trees. This unique outdoor-centered environment provides ample opportunities for exploration so young children can observe and learn.

Osher Marin JCC Preschool and Early Childhood Education Center

200 N. San Pedro Road San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 444-8000

marinjcc.org/preschool tlai@marinjcc.org

Director of Early Childhood Education: Tamar Lai

Preschool Site Director: Erin Burns

Toddler and preschool programs inspired by Jewish values and traditions with a values- and ethics-based curriculum. Children from all religious faiths and backgrounds welcome. Preschools in San Rafael and Mill Valley.

PENINSULA/SOUTH BAY

AP JCC Preschool

14855 Oka Road

Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 357-7417

Fax: (408) 827-9671

apjcc.org/preschool preschool@jvalley.org

Director of Early Childhood Education: Cyndi Sherman

Fully licensed Jewish preschool and day care for ages 18 months to 5 years. Extended care available. After-school enrichment classes and summer camp also offered. Powered by Jewish Silicon Valley.

Beth Jacob Preschool

1550 Alameda de las Pulgas Redwood City, CA 94061 (650) 366-8481

Fax: (650) 366-4629

bethjacobrwc.org

ann@bethjacobrwc.org

Director: Ann Cauterucci

Warm, nurturing environment and community for children 20 months to 5 years and their families. Morning program, small class size, excellent teacher/child ratios. Children with diagnosed special needs welcome.

Chai Preschool (650) 345-2424

chaischool.com

admin@chaischool.com

Director: Esty Marcus

Offers an enriching and vibrant early childhood experience. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Goal is to provide a nurturing and empowering program imbued with Jewish values and traditions.

Gan Torah Preschool

2015 Latham St.

Mountain View, CA 94040 (650) 390-0100/ Fax: (650) 493-3425

gantorah.com

office@gantorah.com

Executive Director: Rabbi Yosef Levin

Preschool Director: Esti Rosenblat

Provides a warm and loving environment fostering curiosity and exploration. Teaches strong Torah values and preschool skills

with play-based education and positive discipline.

Oshman Family JCC

Leslie Family Preschool*

3921 Fabian Way Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 223-8788

paloaltojcc.org/preschool earlychildhood@paloaltojcc.org

Director: Lauren Berman

Infant-toddler playgroups, full- or part-time preschool, afterschool enrichment and summer programs. Play-based program focuses on individual needs as well as creating community.

Peninsula Temple Sholom Preschool

1655 Sebastian Drive Burlingame, CA 94010

Fax: (650) 697-0531

sholom.org

preschool@sholom.org

Director: Allison Steckley

Provides developmentally appropriate environment where children are encouraged to explore and develop their curiosity through play and challenging experiences. NAEYC accredited.

Peninsula JCC Preschool

800 Foster City Blvd. Foster City, CA 94404 (650) 378-2670

Fax: (650) 378-2699

pjcc.org/preschool preschool@pjcc.org

Senior Director of Early Childhood Education, Youth and Family Engagement: Nicole Francis

Guided by Jewish principles, the preschool’s play-based curriculum is designed to facilitate deeper understanding and growth, led by the children’s interests, experimentation and inquiry. For ages 2–4. Options: traditional and year-round; part and full-time.

Shir Hadash

Early Childhood Center

20 Cherry Blossom Lane Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 358-1751, x115 shecc.org janet@shirhadash.org

Director: Janet Cannon

Innovative Reggio Emilia-inspired program for children from age 2 to TK. Full- or partday enrollment for two, three, four or five days per week.

Sinai Nursery School

1532 Willowbrae Ave. San Jose, CA 95125 (408) 264-8486

sinai-sj.org

sinainurseryschool@sinai-sj.org

Director, Early Childhood Education: Ifat Kantorovich

Developmentally appropriate curriculum in small, nurturing environment models, teaching Jewish values. Ages 2 years to pre-K. New program for 18-month-olds. Full day or part time. Extended care available.

South Peninsula Hebrew Day School Preschool

1030 Astoria Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94087 (408) 738-3060

Fax: (408) 738-0237 sphds.org

office@sphds.org

Head of School: Rabbi Perry Tirschwell

Admissions Director: Atara Goldberg

Jewish preschool for 1½ to 5 years. Inspires children to wonder and follow their interests in Hebrew and English. Programs begin at 8:15 a.m., with dismissal at 12:30 or 3:45 p.m. Aftercare available up to 5:15 p.m.

The Shalom School with Love and Learning

• FREE pre-K afternoon program, Preschool For All

• Pre-K teacher, winner of Diller Award for excellence in Early Childhood Education

• Music, art, and sports specialists

• Three age appropriate classes 18 months – 5 years old, 12-month preschool

Call for a tour 415.831.8399

862 28th Avenue

Across from Golden Gate Park License # 384001312

It’s tour time at Sherith Israel Preschool!

Temple Emanu-El Preschool

1010 University Ave.

San Jose, CA 95126 (408) 293-8660

Fax: (408) 200-1164

templesanjose.org

barbara@templesanjose.org

Preschool Director: Barbara Smead

Award-winning, fully accredited preschool; well-equipped facility; professional staff. Provides stimulating program with strong Jewish content.

SAN FRANCISCO

Cole Valley Gan Preschool

1300 Shrader St. San Francisco, CA 94117 (415) 797-7231

colevalleygan.com

Director: Chaya Potash

Play-based Jewish preschool with a strong emphasis on emotional intelligence, problem solving, creativity and interpersonal social skills.

Congregation Beth Sholom

Family Preschool

301 14th Ave. San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 940-7124

bethsholomsf.org/education dkleisley@bethsholomsf.org

Director of Early Childhood Education and Family Engagement: Dale Kleisley

Preschool infused with Judaic values and culture; enriches the lives of young children and their families by providing opportunities for learning, creativity, exploration and curiosity.

Congregation Emanu-El Preschool

2 Lake St. San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 751-2541 x118, (415) 751-2535

Fax: (415) 751-2511

emanuelsf.org

ngreenberg@emanuelsf.org

Director: Nika Greenberg

An inquiry-based preschool, grounded in Jewish values, provides children ages 2 to 5 years with opportunities to learn both in the classroom and in nature.

Gan Noe Preschool

Chabad Jewish Center of Noe Valley

3771 Cesar Chavez St. San Francisco, CA 94110 (415) 648-8000

gannoe.org

gannoepreschool@gmail.com

Director: Leah Potash

For ages 2-5 years. Stimulating and nurturing environment. Songs, organic snacks and lunches, yoga, gym, arts. Jewish values.

JCC SF

Claude and Louise Rosenberg Early Childhood Education Program

Brotherhood Way Preschool 655 Brotherhood Way San Francisco, CA 94132 (415) 333-4289

jccsf.org/program/ brotherhood-way-preschool brotherhoodway@jccsf.org

Site Director: Edna Vaknin

Helen Diller Family Preschool 3200 California St. San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 292-1291

jccsf.org/program/ helen-diller-family-preschool helendiller@jccsf.org

Site Director: Karla Cianci

Assistant Site Director: Rose Shannon

Rosenberg Early Childhood Center 325 Arguello Blvd. San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 386-4990 jccsf.org/program/ rosenberg-early-childhood-center rosenberg@jccsf.org

Senior Site Director: Kelly Dotson

Assistant Site Director: Mo Graham

Enriching the lives of children with opportunities for learning, creativity and exploration, inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to education and guided by Jewish values.

Shalom School*

862 28th Ave. San Francisco, CA 94121 (415) 831-8399/ Fax: (415) 831-8366 shalomschoolsf.com shalomschool@gmail.com

Director: Hinda Langer

Stimulating learning/play environment with Jewish values and celebrations. Diller Award-winning pre-K teacher. Groups for ages 18 months to 5 years. Part-time or fulltime. English, Russian and Hebrew spoken.

Sherith Littles

(for young families)*

Sherith Israel

2266 California St. San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 346-1720

Nature-based with Jewish Roots

sherithisrael.org/sherithlittles cmulcahy@sherithisrael.org

Preschool Director: Carolyn Mulcahy Place for growing families to plant roots and reach skyward. Fun family events all year facilitate connections with parents and children. Interfaith families warmly welcomed; events are open to the whole community.

SANTA CRUZ/MONTEREY

Simcha Preschool

Temple Beth El/JCC

3055 Porter Gulch Road

Aptos, CA 95003

(831) 479-3449/ Fax: (831) 475-7246

tbeaptos.org

info@tbeaptos.org

Director: Caitlin Clance

Full- or part-time programs. NAEYC and BJE accredited. Parent participation. Ages 2 to 5½ years.

Day Schools & High Schools EAST BAY

The Cheder of the Bay Area

3370 Hopyard Road

Pleasanton, CA 94588 (925) 846-0700

thecheder.info

Dean: Rabbi Raleigh Resnick

Principal: Chavie Zebberman

K-8th grade Orthodox Jewish day school where hearts and minds are kindled with a love for G-d and Torah. A wholesome atmosphere wherein each student’s academic, social and developmental needs are nurtured.

Contra Costa Jewish Day School* 955 Risa Road

Lafayette, CA 94549 (925) 284-8288

Fax: (925) 284-8289

ccjds.org

admissions@ccjds.org

Head of School: Dean Goldfein

Assistant Principal for Advancement and Operations: Eden Allswang Bruner

Grades K-8: Promotes academic excellence in Jewish and general studies, including science, technology, music, drama and art. Small class sizes; credentialed teachers. Accredited by CAIS and WASC.

Oakland Hebrew Day School*

5500 Redwood Road

Oakland, CA 94619 (510) 531-8600

ohds.org

info@ohds.org

Admissions Director: Tamar Sandel

A Bridge-K to 8th grade Jewish day school with Hebrew immersion, joyful Jewish learning and academic excellence that serves the diverse Bay Area community.

MARIN/NORTH BAY

Brandeis Marin

180 N. San Pedro Road San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 472-1833

brandeismarin.org

pwelner@brandeismarin.org

Head of School: Dr. Peg Sandel

Director of Enrollment Management: Pamela Welner

Independent, coeducational K-8 Jewish day school reflects the diversity of the Marin Jewish communal fabric as well as the varied religious, cultural and socio-economic tapestry of the world around us.

PENINSULA/SOUTH BAY

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School

450 San Antonio Road Palo Alto, CA 94306

hausnerschool.org

admissions@hausnerschool.org

Head of School: Rabbi Daniel Lehmann

Director of Enrollment Management: Cecile Amram

Promotes academic excellence, community responsibility and vibrant Jewish living in a nurturing environment for TK-8th grade students. Innovative approach empowers students to become active learners, critical thinkers and socially responsible leaders.

The Harker School*

San Jose, CA (408) 249-2510 harker.org

communications@harker.org

Director of Admission, P-12: Danielle Holquin

Coeducational, independent, college preparatory day school that educates students in kindergarten through grade 12. Three campuses offer outstanding facilities, leading-edge technology and space for students to learn, play and grow.

Kehillah Jewish High School

3900 Fabian Way

Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 213-9600

Fax: (650) 213-9601

kehillah.org

admissions@kehillah.org

Head of School: Daisy Pellant, Ph.D.

Director of Admissions: Robert Smith

Students embark on a journey of discovery guided by dedicated educators. They graduate with the knowledge, values and community that facilitate extraordinary futures.

Ronald C. Wornick

Jewish Day School*

800 Foster City Blvd. Foster City, CA 94404 (650) 378-2611

Fax: (650) 378-2669 wornickjds.org

admissions@wornickjds.org

Head of School: Adam Eilath

Director of Admissions & Community Engagement: Annie O’Donnell

Transitional kindergarten to eighth grade independent school featuring challenging academics and timeless Jewish values.

South Peninsula Hebrew Day School

1030 Astoria Drive

Sunnyvale, CA 94087

(408) 738-3060/ Fax: (408) 738-0237

sphds.org

info@sphds.org

Head of School: Rabbi Perry Tirschwell

Admissions Director: Atara Goldberg

Curriculum integrates Hebrew, Judaic studies and general studies: teachers work to build strong academic, social and emotional foundation, grounded in Jewish values.

Grades K-8.

Yavneh Day School

14855 Oka Road, Suite 100 Los Gatos, CA 95032

(408) 984-6700/ Fax: (408) 827-9659

yavnehdayschool.org

info@yavnehdayschool.org

Head of School: Tzachi Rechter

Director of Admissions: Lauren Carlinsky

Offers academic excellence and Jewish studies within a strong community where each child is celebrated and challenged. K-8th grade.

SAN FRANCISCO

Bais Menachem Yeshiva Day School

834 28th Ave.

San Francisco, CA 94121

(415) 636-9770

bmyds.org

bmydsoffice@gmail.com

Judaic Studies: Rabbi Gedalia Potash

General Studies: Mrs. Chani Zarchi

Dual curriculum program serving grades K to 8. Rigorous Judaic and general studies. The only WASC-accredited Orthodox Jewish day school in San Francisco.

The Brandeis School of San Francisco*

655 Brotherhood Way San Francisco, CA 94132

(415) 406-1035

Fax: (415) 584-1099

sfbrandeis.org

admissions@sfbrandeis.org

(415) 345-9777

Fax: (415) 345-1888

jchsofthebay.org

admissions@jchsofthebay.org

Director of Enrollment Management: Mary Ellen Hunt

Head of School: Rabbi Howard Jacoby Ruben

A college preparatory high school committed to integrating deep learning, universal wisdom and Jewish values. Developing the promise of each individual through the strength of community.

R ESOURCE R ESOURCE R ESOURCE

For more information about the organizations in Resource, check out their expanded listings at JewishResourceGuide.com.

The Brandeis School of San Francisco provides students with a rigorous kindergarten to 8th grade curriculum infused with Jewish culture, values, and traditions. Learn more about Brandeis, including how to apply, by visiting us online at sfbrandeis.org.

Director of Admissions: Angela Dalfen

Independent K-8 Jewish day school with students who study and live with a strong sense of purpose. Offering tuition assistance, an after-school program and bus service.

Jewish Community High School of the Bay

1835 Ellis St.

San Francisco, CA 94115

www.sfbrandeis.org

655 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco, CA 94132

Contact: admissions@sfbrandeis.org | t: 415.406.1035

Afterschool, Arts, Sports & Recreation

EAST BAY

Edah

1414 Walnut St. Berkeley, CA (510) 529-4995

studio-70.org/edah admin@studio-70.org

Executive Director: Yafit Shriki-Megidish

High-quality Hebrew language/Jewish experiential learning program; offered after school and during select school breaks for children in kindergarten through fifth grade and their families.

PENINSULA/SOUTH BAY

Beged Kefet Hebrew Language School

Oshman Family JCC

3921 Fabian Way

Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 223-8753

paloaltojcc.org/begedkefet begedkefet@paloaltojcc.org

Head: Nirit Freikorn

Administrator and Operations

Coordinator: Keren Erlich

Language school for grades K-12 teaches the fundamentals of modern Hebrew as well as topics that characterize Israeli culture like Jewish holidays, stories and music. Fully accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Club J

Oshman Family JCC 3921 Fabian Way Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 223-8675

paloaltojcc.org/clubj cmallare@paloaltojcc.org

Director: Cyrus Mallare-Diethorn

Enriching after-school experience for kindergarten through fifth grade. Transportation from many local schools, crafts, sports, community service, swimming, electives, academic support and Jewish programming.

Peninsula JCC Sports and Recreation

800 Foster City Blvd. Foster City, CA 94404

(650) 212-PJCC (7522)/ Fax: (650) 378-2753 pjcc.org

memberservices@pjcc.org

Offering a variety of fitness and recreation programs, an award-winning swim program, classes and activities.

SAN FRANCISCO

Congregation Beth Sholom

Youth Education

301 14th Ave. San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 940-7098

bethsholomsf.org/youth-education alowy@bethsholomsf.org

Lifelong Learning Moreh Derech: Adam Lowy

Learning and Life Laboratory for grades K-12. Students are guided and supported as they trailblaze their unique Jewish identity. Hebrew for grades 2-7, Shabbat School for grades K-7 and post b’nai mitzvah students.

JCCSF

3200 California St. San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 292-1239

Tikvah School of Music and Dance jccsf.org/program/tikvah ynemirovskaya@jccsf.org

Yanina Nemirovskaya

Bicultural, creative arts youth program taught in Russian. Exploration of Jewish heritage through weekly Shabbat celebrations, musical performances, family gatherings and family education.

Youth Recreation and Sports Programs (415) 292-1253

jccsf.org/programs

Director of Aquatics, Athletics and Recreation: Bryan Wells

Comprehensive recreational programs for all children including sports teams and leagues, classes in dance, swimming and more.

Special Needs Support

Bay Area Friendship Circle

3921 Fabian Way

Suite A023 Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 858-6990

bayareafc.org

info@bayareafc.org

Executive Director: Ezzy Schusterman

Fostering an inclusive, supportive community for children, teens and young adults with special needs through year-round programs plus summer and winter camps.

JFCS Center for Children and Youth Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties (888) 927-0839

ccy.jfcs.org

San Francisco

1710 Scott St.

P.O. Box 159004

San Francisco, CA 94115

Palo Alto

200 Channing Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94301

San Mateo

2001 Winward Way, Suite 200

San Mateo, CA 94404

San Rafael

600 Fifth Ave.

San Rafael, CA 94901

Comprehensive services/support for children, teens and families: speech, language, occupational therapy; counseling; social skills groups; school advocacy; assessment and evaluations; parenting workshops and consultation.

Hebrew & Sunday Schools

Listings below include only independent Hebrew and Sunday schools. Many Bay Area Chabad locations offer independent Sunday schools with no membership required. For information on congregation-affiliated schools, call individual synagogues listed under Chapter 4, Religious Life.

Jewish Arts, Culture and Torah School 1743 Oregon St. Berkeley, CA 94703 (510) 644-2956

jewishacts.blogspot.com

moretorah@aol.com

Director: Rabbi/Cantor Sara Shendelman, M.A.

Bar/bat mitzvah prep and ceremonies. Holidays, ethics, Hebrew, drama, art, music. Private or small classes. Spiritual, nondenominational. Adult study and adult bar/ bat mitzvah.

Palo Alto School for Jewish Education

Mail to: 1769 Hillsdale Ave. Suite 24181

San Jose, CA 95154 (415) 800-1836

pasje.org

info@pasje.org

Nurturing Jewish identity through independent, nonprofit Sunday school, preschool-8th grade. History, culture, ethics, Hebrew and b’nai mitzvah program. Family holiday celebrations. Active parent group. Interfaith families encouraged.

Studio @ Sherith Israel

2266 California St. San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 346-1720 x127

sherithisrael.org/youtheducation studio@sherithisrael.org

Youth Program Director: Natalie Connell

A playful approach to serious Jewish learning, helping Jewish youth build basic Jewish literacy, essential social-emotional skills and positive associations with Judaism and the Jewish people.

Midrashot & Havurot

Midrashot and Havurot (community high school programs) offer classes and service opportunities for teens.

Berkeley-Oakland Midrasha

1414 Walnut St. Berkeley, CA 94709 (510) 529-4995

studio-70.org/midrasha

asher@studio-70.org

Program Director: Asher Litschwartz Fun, engaging, pluralistic program providing Jewish learning and social experiences, retreats, workshops and special events for teens. Meets on Sunday from 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Contra Costa Midrasha

Congregation B’nai Tikvah

25 Hillcroft Way

Walnut Creek, CA 94597 (925) 944-4701

ccmidrasha.com

office@ccmidrasha.com

Executive Director: Devra C. Aarons

Multifaceted program for Jewish teens (grades 8-12). Wednesday night meetings (7:15-9:15 p.m.). Weekend retreats and special

programs: Mifgash (Israeli teen exchange), Hamsa Fund, Better Together (intergenerational connections) and Project Ezrach (change-making and citizenry skills).

Teens @ Studio @ Sherith Israel

2266 California St. San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 346-1720 x127

Fax: (415) 673-9439

sherithisrael.org/youtheducation studio@sherithisrael.org

Youth Program Director: Natalie Connell Teens learn to unpack Jewish texts, respectfully discuss hot topics, and find Jewish meaning in all parts of their lives.

Teen Programs

Listings below include only independent Hebrew and Sunday schools. Many Bay Area Chabad locations offer independent Sunday schools with no membership required. For information on congregation-affiliated schools, call individual synagogues listed under Chapter 4, Religious Life.

Bay Area Friendship Circle

3921 Fabian Way, Suite A023 Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 858-6990

bayareafc.org

info@bayareafc.org

Executive Director: Ezzy Schusterman

Providing teens the opportunity to mentor and provide friendship to a child/teen with special needs, gaining empathy and leadership skills while learning about the importance of community.

BBYO Central Region West (Bay Area) (650) 603-0469 bbyo.org/bbyo-near-you crw@bbyo.org

Senior Regional Director: David Schoenholtz Regional Director: Matthew Tick

East Bay

Temple Beth Abraham 336 Euclid Ave. Oakland, CA 94610 (510) 592-4034

Silicon Valley Addison-Penzak JCC 14855 Oka Road Los Gatos, CA 94404

Pluralistic organization, open to any Jewish teen in high school. Focuses on leadership and engaging teens in Jewish experiences.

Club Z

1055 Riverton Drive San Carlos, CA 94070 clubz.org

info@clubz.org

Bay Area Regional Director: Karin Feygenberg Deputy Director: Devora Fine

The club creates a network of educated and articulate activists with a commitment to Zionism who advocate for Israel.

Diller Teen Fellows

Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund

121 Steuart St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 512-6268

jewishfed.org/get-involved/teens/ sf-diller-teen-fellows saraht@sfjcf.org

Teen Fellows Coordinator: Sarah Turtletaub

Diller Teen Fellows Program Coordinator: Ben Zalaznick

Fellowship for 11th-graders focused on community, Jewish identity, Israel engagement and leadership development. Includes workshops, retreats, hosting an Israeli teen and an Israel seminar.

Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund

121 Steuart St. San Francisco, CA 94105 dillerteenawards.org dillerteenawards@sfjcf.org

Diller Teen Fellows Program Coordinators: Sarah Turtletaub

Ben Zalaznick

Recognizes 15 Jewish teens for exceptional community service and outstanding leadership in repairing the world with $36,000 scholarship each. Nominations/applications open in the fall.

Einayich Yonim eyfellowship.org

office@eyfellowship.org

An 18-month experience for Jewish high school sophomores and juniors with a strong interest in Jewish spirituality, concern for the environment, a background in Jewish learning and a commitment to personal growth.

High School and Bridge Programs

Jewish Vocational Service

Headquarters: 1 Post St.

Mail to: 548 Market St., Box 37733 San Francisco, CA 94104 (415) 391-3600

jvs.org

info@jvs.org

CEO: Lisa Countryman-Quiroz

Helps youth in San Francisco ages 14-24 transform their lives by building skills through paid job experience. All offerings are online.

Jewish Teen Foundation

Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund

121 Steuart St. San Francisco, CA 94105

jewishfed.org/teenfoundation jewishteenfoundations@sfjcf.org

Project Director: Rachel Halevi

Trains the next generation of Jewish philanthropists and leaders through learning about communal issues, vetting nonprofits, fundraising and awarding grants to nonprofits serving the community and beyond.

Jewish Youth for Community Action (JYCA)

1300 Grand Ave. Piedmont, CA 94610 (510) 570-9506

jycajustice.org

info@jycajustice.org

Executive Director: Brady Gill

Deputy Director: Sylvie Rosen

Dedicated youth connect with other teens in community action, caring community and Jewish social justice values, to make a difference in their communities.

JFCS YouthFirst

Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties

2245 Post St. P.O. Box 159004

San Francisco, CA 94115

(415) 359-2463/ Fax: (415) 359-2488 jfcs.org/youthfirst lindak@jfcs.org

Director of Programs: Linda Karlin

Program offers teens and preteens Jewish service learning and leadership skills including internships, training, volunteer opportunities, college and career preparation workshops and more.

Moving Traditions Teen Groups (215) 887-4511

movingtraditions.org

jpapiyan@movingtraditions.org

California Regional Director: Julia Papiyan Transformative Jewish peer communities, providing fun and safe spaces for 8th to 12th-graders of all genders as they self-identify: Rosh Hodesh for girls, Shevet for boys, and Tzelem for LGBTQ+, nonbinary, and gender-expansive teens.

NCSY NorCl–Jewish Student Union (510) 930-8358 norcal.ncsy.org

polanskyt@ncsy.org

Director: Tani Polansky

Programming for hundreds of local teens from diverse Jewish backgrounds; includes weekly learning, monthly social events, free summer programs and much more.

North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY)

Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Central Western Region 711 Grand Ave., Suite 280 San Rafael, CA 94901 centralwest.nfty.org nftycwr@urj.org

Regional Contact: Rachel Chancellor

Provides URJ-affiliated high school youth with leadership training, social-action opportunities, social activities, Israel trips and weekend retreats on local, regional and national level.

Day Camps

Jewish day camps feature fun and relaxation, along with traditional camp favorites: swimming, hiking, archery, arts and crafts, drama and sports. Some also incorporate Jewish nature-based teachings, and many include Jewish content: challah baking and Shabbat cooking, Jewish music and crafts, and Israeli dancing as well as an emphasis on Jewish values. Many include overnights, Shabbat celebra-

tions and field trips. Kids come away with a well-rounded experience, which will serve them well as they mature.

EAST BAY

Camp @ JCC East Bay

1414 Walnut St. Berkeley, CA 94709 (510) 848-0237 jcceastbay.org

aaron.atlas@jcceastbay.org

COO: Aaron Atlas

Inclusive Jewish day camp for grades K-5 emphasizing self-discovery, experiential learning and fun. Swimming, sports, arts and crafts, nature and friendship.

Camp Gan Israel of Contra Costa

Mail to: 1671 Newell Ave. Walnut Creek, CA 94595 (925) 937-4101

jewishcontracosta.com/camp jli@jewishcontracosta.com

Director: Chaya Berkowitz

Sports, arts, swimming and weekly trips. Held at the Seven Hills School in Walnut Creek and offering a stimulating Jewish experience. Grades TK- 6th.

Camp Gan Israel of East Bay

Chabad of the East Bay P.O. Box 5292 Berkeley, CA 94705 (510) 540-5824 jewishkids.club office@chabadberkeley.org

Directors: Rabbi Mendy Blank Miriam Ferris

Summer in the great outdoors at the Emerson Elementary School playground. All Jewish backgrounds/affiliations. Transportation from North Berkeley and Oakland. Ages 4-14. Fun summer imbued with Jewish values.

Camp Kee Tov

Congregation Beth El 1301 Oxford St. Berkeley, CA 94709 (510) 848-2372 campkeetov.org campkeetov@bethelberkeley.org

Director: Sam Cantrell

Assistant Director: Rosie Rokeach

Community-oriented Jewish day camp set in Berkeley and surrounding parks, providing a variety of creative activities to enrich the lives of all campers.

Camp Kefli

Temple Isaiah of Contra Costa 945 Risa Road Lafayette, CA 94549 (925) 284-9191

temple-isaiah.org/community/ camp-kefli

rabbi.miller@temple-isaiah.org

Co-directors: Rabbi Alissa Miller Jacob Friedman

Jewish day camp for grades K-8 offered for a two-week session each summer. Blends Jewish learning with creative camp activities, including music, outings and Shabbat celebrations.

MARIN/NORTH BAY

Camp Chaverim

Congregation Beth Sholom 1455 Elm St. Napa, CA 94559 (707) 253-7305

cbsnapa.org

leah@cbsnapa.org

Education Director: Leah Savage

Well-rounded camp in Jewish setting for children grades K-7. Swimming, arts, crafts, sports, music and dance, cooking, theme days, Shabbat celebrations and much more. Looking for a third week? CBS Camp hosts Camp Invention, too.

Marin JCC Camp Kehillah

200 N. San Pedro Road

San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 444-8055/ Fax: (415) 491-1235 marinjcc.org/camp camp@marinjcc.org

Camp Director: Brittany Mihalik

Camps for K-10th grade. Traditional and specialty summer camps, teen travel programs, adventure overnights and field trips.

PENINSULA/SOUTH BAY

Camp Gan Israel of Silicon Valley Mail to: Chabad of Greater South Bay 3070 Louis Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303

South Peninsula Hebrew Day School 1030 Astoria Drive

Sunnyvale, CA 94087 (650) 539-KIDS (5437)

Fax: (650) 493-3425

campganisrael.info

office@campganisrael.info

Director: Rabbi Ber Rosenblat

Offering special Jewish experiences since 1975. Programming for Jewish children in grades K-12. Limited financial aid available.

Camp Gan Israel of the North Peninsula

Chabad of North Peninsula P.O. Box 673 San Mateo, CA 94401 (650) 667-0556 mydaycamp.org admin@chabadnp.com

Directors: Yale Spalter Rivky Spalter

Comprehensive program that includes field trips, swimming, sports, crafts and more. Campers of all ages enjoy a wide range of exciting activities and field trips in a warm and energetic atmosphere.

Camp Keff

Peninsula JCC

800 Foster City Blvd. Foster City, CA 94404 (650) 378-2704

Fax: (650) 378-2799 campkeff.org camps@pjcc.org

Assistant Youth Director, Camp: Yasmin Gomez

Friendship fueled by fun! Summer camps available for preschool, grades TK-5, middle school and high school. Seasonal camps also available.

Camp Shalom

Addison-Penzak JCC 14855 Oka Road Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 357-7416

Fax: (408) 358-7311 campshalomjcc.org camp@jvalley.org

Youth & Camp Director: Stephany Ganeles Assistant Youth & Camp Director: Christine “Willis” Williams

Jewish day camp open to all kids ages 18 months to 16 years. Offers programming for summer camp, school-year break camps, after-school enrichments and inclusion programming.

J-Camp*

Oshman Family JCC 3921 Fabian Way Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 223-8622 ofjcc-jcamp.com youth@paloaltojcc.org

Camp Director: Phil Bassett

Exciting and fun camp programs for preschool and grades K-12. Field trips, arts and crafts, traditional camps, sports camps, travel camps and special-interest camps.

SAN FRANCISCO

Camp Gan Israel SF

834 28th Ave.

San Francisco, CA 94121 (415) 637-7854/ Fax: (415) 831-8366 campganisraelsf.org

info@campganisraelsf.org

Director: Taliah Langer

Programs for ages 5-15, with indoor and outdoor facilities, plus half a block from Golden Gate Park. Jewish-themed activities including, sports, art, music, yoga, theater and much more.

JCC SF Summer Camp

3200 California St. San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 276-1537

jccsf.org/program/summer-camp camp@jccsf.org

Chief Program Officer, Family Life: Katie Quinn

Camp Director, Youth & Family: Sophia Rutkin

This summer camp offers a wide variety of unique options that will appeal to kids of all ages, abilities and aspirations.

SANTA CRUZ/ MONTEREY

Camp Kayetz

Temple Beth El/JCC 3055 Porter Gulch Road Aptos, CA 95003 (831) 479-3444

Fax: (831) 475-7246

tbeaptos.org

info@tbeaptos.org

Director: Chelsea Mandell

Four-week summer session. Swimming, arts and crafts, overnight camping and sports. Campers ages 6-12 and counselorsin-training from ages 13 to 15.

R ESOURCE R ESOURCE R ESOURCE

For more information about the organizations in Resource, check out their expanded listings at JewishResourceGuide.com.

Overnight Camps

Taking advantage of Northern California’s amazing outdoor scenery, these overnight camps add Jewish activities to the mix. In addition to traditional camp activities like swimming, hiking and arts and crafts, some camps offer specialty programs, such as ocean exploration, performing arts and specialized sports instruction. Jewish content may encompass Shabbat observance and cooking, music and crafts, and Israeli dancing. Incorporating Jewish values into their offerings, camps teach the concepts of repairing the world and honoring nature. Kids also make lifelong friends, and they learn how to navigate without the distractions of technology.

Camp Be’chol Lashon

Mail to: 3245 Geary Blvd. Suite 91478

San Francisco, CA 94159 (415) 386-2604

globaljews.org

camp@bechollashon.org

Founder: Diane Tobin

A multicultural overnight camp celebrating the diversity of Jewish life through a variety of activities, lifelong friends and tons of fun. Camp in 2023 will be held at Walker Creek Ranch in West Marin County.

Camp Ramah

in Northern California Winter Office

969-G Edgewater Blvd., Suite 804 Foster City, CA 94404 (415) 688-4572

Fax: (415) 689-7756 ramahnorcal.org

info@ramahnorcal.org

Camp Director: Geoffrey Menkowitz

Innovative Jewish summer camp along shores of Monterey Bay. Overnight camp experience combines traditional and specialty programming in ocean exploration, performing arts and adventure sports.

Camp Tawonga

Office: 131 Steuart St. Suite 460

San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-2267

(415) KID-CAMP

Fax: (415) 543-5417

tawonga.org

info@tawonga.org

Camp Director: Aaron Mandel

Independent residential Jewish summer camp near Yosemite National Park. Summer camp sessions, teen leadership, adventure travel trips, and weekend family camps. Need-based financial assistance available.

Eden Village West

Year-Round Office 6176 McBryde Ave. Richmond, CA 94805 (510) 560-5610

Fax: (510) 560-5650

edenvillagewest.org

welcome@edenvillagewest.org

Director: Casey Yurow

Assistant Director: Emma Silver

Farm-to-table Jewish overnight summer camp in Sonoma County serving grades 2-11, featuring culinary arts, organic farming, wilderness skills, homestead crafts and tasty organic food.

Maccabi Sports Camp*

Oshman Family JCC

Summer location:

Menlo College

1000 El Camino Real Atherton, CA 94027 (415) 997-8844

maccabisportscamp.org

info@maccabisportscamp.org

Founder/Senior Director: Josh Steinharter

Jewish sports camp for grades 3-11, combines high-level specialized sports instruction for baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, and volleyball with the fun, friendship, community and values of a Jewish overnight camp.

URJ Camp Newman

Camp Newman

4088 Porter Creek Road Santa Rosa, CA 94504 (415) 392-7080 x3501

Fax: (415) 392-1182

campnewman.org

campnewman@urj.org

Registrar: Kim Press

Camp Director: Rabbi Allie Fischman

Overnight summer camp in Santa Rosa for grades 1-12, where youth form lifelong friendships, develop new skills, and discover the joy of Judaism through sports, arts, adventure/nature experiences and community Shabbat.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS CAMPUS LIFE

RESOURCES LIBRARIES LEADERSHIP COMMUNITY STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

8 | College & Adult Education

* Listings with asterisks are provided as a courtesy to our advertisers. Text in blue is website address.

Adult Education & Community Resources

The Bay Area offers multiple opportunities for adults to study Judaism. In addition to the resources listed below, most JCCs and congregations offer adult education classes. See Religious Life & Congregations, Chapter 4 and JCC listings under Agencies & Organization, Chapter 5, for more information. In addition, resources abound for educators and professional development.

Hebrew San Francisco: Ulpan University of San Francisco Swig Program in Jewish Studies and Social Justice 2130 Fulton St.

Kalmanovitz Hall, Room 152 San Francisco, CA 94117 usfca.edu/arts-sciences/programs/ undergraduate/jewish-studies-andsocial-justice/summer-hebrewsf omkrollzeldin@usfca.edu

Assistant Director of the Swig Program in Jewish Studies and Social Justice: Oren Kroll-Zeldin

Program Assistant: Victoria Farlow 2023 is the 24th consecutive summer of the three-week intensive Hebrew language program on the campus of University of San Francisco. Emphasis is on conversation. The program offers beginning, intermediate and advanced classes.

JCC East Bay Adult Classes

1414 Walnut St.

Berkeley, CA 94709 (510) 848-0237

Fax: (510) 848-0170

jcceastbay.org

sarahwr@jcceastbay.org

Director of Public Programs: Sarah Wolfman-Robichaud

Partnering with a number of organizations and Bay Area JCCs to bring programs and educational opportunities to the community.

JCC Los Gatos Adult Education

14855 Oka Road, Suite 201 Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 357-7492/ Fax: (408) 358-7311 jvalley.org/apjcc-programs/jewishculture//jewish-adult-education arts@jvalley.org

Jewish Life and Culture Director: Maya Tripp

Ask questions, find meaning, learn and join in community with others to investigate Jewish life, thought and experience. Classes include the study of Jewish texts, traditions and philosophy.

Jewish LearningWorks

Professional Development

for Jewish Educators and Leaders

44 Page St. San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 751-6983

jewishlearning.works

info@jewishlearning.works

CEO: Dana Sheanin

Director of Educational Leadership: Jenni Mangel

Providing Jewish educators with knowledge, skills and tools through high-caliber professional learning programs, customized consultation and coaching.

Jewish Study Network (JSN)

3921 Fabian Way, Suite A-017 Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 493-5764/ Fax: (650) 493-5765 jsn.info

info@jsn.info

Executive Director: Rabbi Joey Felsen

Resource pool of Jewish educators for the Bay Area. Jewish concepts explored in an engaging and stimulating environment. Ongoing classes and short courses available.

Jewish Vocational Service (JVS)

1 Post St., FL 7 San Francisco, CA 94104 (415) 391-3600

Fax: (415) 391-3617

jvs.org info@jvs.org

CEO: Lisa Countryman-Quiroz

Career Coaching

A one-on-one fee-based program to help clarify goals and plan a career transition.

Skill Training

Programs train job seekers for work in three growing industries: health care, utilities and technology..

New Lehrhaus

P.O. Box 7843 Berkeley, CA 94707 newlehrhaus.org

info@newlehrhaus.org

Program Director: Rachel Biale

Program Manager: Jim Mavrikios

Bay Area hub for adult Jewish learning brings students and teachers together in dialogue to explore Jewish sources, traditions and arts, sustaining and enriching the vibrant spirit of Jewish civilization.

Osher Marin JCC Adult Programs

200 North San Pedro Road San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 444-8000 x8007

Fax: (415) 491-1235 marinjcc.org/adult-education jsokol@marinjcc.org

Director: James Sokol

Stimulating programs for mind, body and soul, from opera to art museums and trips. Educational and entertaining classes, workshops, activities, local excursions and trips to enrich life.

Oshman Family JCC Adult Programs

3921 Fabian Way Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 223-8616 paloaltojcc.org/adults mrosengaus@paloaltojcc.org

Adult Program Manager: Michelle Rosengaus

With classes, clubs, speakers and performances, the JCC offers a variety of educational programs for adults of all ages.

Peninsula JCC Adult Programs

800 Foster City Blvd.

Foster City, CA 94404 (650) 378-2703

pjcc.org

Cultural Arts & Adult Director: Kimberly Gordon

Presenting a variety of educational and social programs and events for adults. Offerings include games, lectures, discussions, art classes, day trips and more.

The Rohr Jewish Learning Institute myjli.com

Offers Jewish study programs at sites throughout Northern California as well as on the internet. Associated with ChabadLubavitch.

Shalom Hartman Institute of North America

(212) 268-0300

hartman.org.il/program/bay-area david.katz@shalomhartman.org

Director of Bay Area Programs: Sarah Fields

Director of Strategic Partnerships and Philanthropic Initiatives, West Coast: David Katz

Leading center of Jewish thought and education serving Israel and North America. Mission is to strengthen Jewish peoplehood, identity and pluralism, and ensure that Judaism is a compelling force for good in the 21st century.

Under One Tent

(925) 322-0958

underonetent.org

underonetent@ccjcc.org

Program Director: Riva Gambert

Presented by the Contra Costa JCC. Inclusive, vibrant partnership of synagogues, Jewish organizations and schools serving Contra Costa and Tri-Valley.

R ESOURCE R ESOURCE R ESOURCE

For more information about the organizations in Resource, check out their expanded listings at JewishResourceGuide.com.

College Education & Campus Life

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

The region offers many programs in Jewish studies as well as a Hebrew immersion program, a medical-health college under Jewish auspices and other college classes.

East Bay

Graduate Theological Union

The Richard S. Dinner Center for Jewish Studies

Office: 2452 Virginia St.

Mail to: 2400 Ridge Road Berkeley, CA 94709 (510) 649-2482

Fax: (510) 649-1730

gtu.edu/cjs

cjs@gtu.edu

Director: Deena Aranoff, Ph.D.

Grants advanced degrees in Jewish studies and offers courses and academic programs for the Graduate Theological Union and Bay Area communities. Auditors are welcome.

Helen Diller Institute for Jewish Law and Israel Studies

R239D Law Building

UC Berkeley Berkeley, CA 94720 (510) 643-0501

law.berkeley.edu/research/ helen-diller-institute-for-jewishlaw-and-israel-studies rlgolbert@law.berkeley.edu

Faculty Director: Kenneth A. Bamberger

Executive Director: Rebecca Golbert

Cross-campus institute draws 22 faculty members from social sciences, humanities and professional schools, engaging faculty and students. Sponsors courses, lectures, conferences and experiential learning programs on campus and in Israel; hosts visiting Israeli professors.

UC Berkeley

Jewish Studies Program

Center for Jewish Studies

4401 Dwinelle Hall, Room 2150 Berkeley, CA 94720 (510) 664-4154

jewishstudies.berkeley.edu

jewishstudies@berkeley.edu

Executive Director: Etta Heber

Faculty Director: John Efron

Offers a Designated Emphasis for graduate

students, a minor for undergraduates, and lectures and programs for the broader community.

North Bay/Marin

Sonoma State University Jewish Studies Program

1801 E. Cotati Ave.

Green Music Center, 2045 Rohnert Park, CA 94928 (707) 664-2468

sonoma.edu/jewishstudies wilsonb@sonoma.edu

Director: Dr. Brian S. Wilson

Interdisciplinary minor-granting curriculum that allows students to take courses in Jewish history, culture and society, and Hebrew.

Touro University California

Mare Island Campus 1310 Club Drive Vallejo, CA 94592 (707) 638-5200 tu.edu

info@tu.edu

Director, Campus Life: Rabbi Elchonon Tenenbaum

Educates professionals in medicine, pharmacy, public health and nursing, plus classes for physician assistants and in education. Provides a glatt kosher kitchen and Jewish programming. Shabbat services held on campus with onsite rabbinical presence.

Peninsula/South Bay

San Jose State University Jewish Studies Program History Department

Dudley Moorhead Hall, 141 1 Washington Square San Jose, CA 95192 (408) 924-5505/ Fax: (408) 924-5531 sjsu.edu/jwss

victoria.harrison@sjsu.edu

Coordinator: Vicki Harrison

Interdisciplinary minor program facilitates exploring the multicultural diversity and complexity of Jewish and Israeli culture; includes history, literature, religion, politics, Hebrew and art.

Stanford University Taube Center for Jewish Studies

450 Jane Stanford Way, Building 360 Stanford, CA 94305 jewishstudies.stanford.edu sjhammer@stanford.edu

Faculty Director: Charlotte Elisheva Fonrobert

Associate Director: Shaina Hammerman

Interdisciplinary program studying all facets of Jewish culture. Courses across the full expanse of Jewish history, literature, language, religion, politics, education and science.

San Francisco

San Francisco State University

Department of Jewish Studies

HUM 415, 1600 Holloway Ave. San Francisco, CA 94132 (415) 338-6075

Fax: (415) 338-6080

jewish.sfsu.edu

jewish@sfsu.edu

Chair: Professor Kitty Millet

Offers a B.A. and minor in modern Jewish studies, as well as adult learning courses through the College of Extended Learning and ElderCollege.

University of San Francisco, Swig Program in Jewish Studies and Social Justice

2130 Fulton St. KAL 152

San Francisco, CA 94117 (415) 422-6601

usfca.edu/arts-sciences/programs/ undergraduate/jewish-studies-andsocial-justice ajhahntapper@usfca.edu

Director: Aaron J. Hahn Tapper

Assistant Director: Oren Kroll-Zeldin

The country’s first and only academic program formally integrating and educating students in Jewish studies and social justice.

Santa Cruz/Monterey

UC Santa Cruz

Jewish Studies Program

History Department

1156 High St. Santa Cruz, CA 95064 (831) 459-3701

Fax: (831) 502-7287

jewishstudies.ucsc.edu/index jwst@ucsc.edu

Director, Center for Jewish Studies: Nathaniel Deutsch

Undergraduate Program Director: Alma Rachel Heckman aheckman@ucsc.edu

Introduces students to the study of Jewish culture. Helps students pursue graduate work in the field, attend rabbinical schools or work in the Jewish community.

Other Regions

CSU Chico Modern Jewish and Israel Studies

Arts and Humanities Building, Room 377 400 W. First St. Chico, CA 95929 (530) 898-5661

csuchico.edu/mjis corh@csuchico.edu

MJIS Adviser: Professor Jed Wyrick

Offers an undergraduate minor focusing on classical Judaism and Jewish history with instruction in modern Hebrew.

UC Davis Jewish Studies Program 1 Shields Ave. Davis, CA 95616 (530) 754-7007

jewishstudies.ucdavis.edu

jst@ucdavis.edu

Director: Eva Mroczek

Program Assistant: Benjamin Fisher

Offers a minor in Jewish studies. Provides a diverse set of courses focused on Jewish histories, cultures, communities and literatures well as Middle Eastern politics and courses in Judaism.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

East Bay

Rohr Chabad Jewish Student Center at Berkeley

2516 Warring St. Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 730-2747

jewishucb.com

contact@jewishucb.com

Co-directors: Rabbi Gil Yosef Leeds

Mrs. Bracha Sara Leeds

Supports Jewish life on campus: Shabbat, holiday services and meals; weekly classes, special events and Shabbatons; kosher meals, Mezuzah Bank and Jewish library.

UC Berkeley Hillel

The Lapan Center 2736 Bancroft Way Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 845-7793

berkeleyhillel.org

contact@berkeleyhillel.org

Executive Director: Rabbi Adam Naftalin-Kelman

COO: Emily Hirschman

Cultural, spiritual, intellectual, religious, educational and social programs for Jewish students at UC Berkeley, Berkeley City College and Mills College.

North Bay/Marin

Hillel of Sonoma County

377 Baile de Ciervos

Santa Rosa, CA 95403 (707) 664-2468

sonomahillel.org

hillelsonomacounty@gmail.com

Faculty Adviser: Dr. Brian S. Wilson

Encourages Sonoma State University and Santa Rosa Junior College students to explore Judaism and Jewish identity through creative social, religious, educational and community service activities.

Peninsula/South Bay

Chabad SJSU

176 Rhodes Court San Jose, CA 95126 (347) 971-6668

jewishsj.com/san-jose-state-university

Co-directors: Rabbi Shaya Bernstein

Brochy Bernstein

Offers a wide range of programs including weekly social events on and off campus, Shabbat services and holiday celebrations. Provides kosher food and educational resources for students looking to explore and expand their Jewish identities.

Hillel at Stanford

The Harold & Libby Ziff Center for Jewish Life

565 Mayfield Ave. Stanford, CA 94309 (650) 723-1602 stanfordhillel.org

hillelatstanford@stanford.edu

Executive Director: Rabbi Jessica Kirschner

Assistant Director: Jeremy Ragent

Offers educational, religious, social, social action, cultural and Israel-related programs to Stanford students and local young adults. Some programs open to the community-at-large.

Hillel of Silicon Valley*

44 S. 11th St.

San Jose, CA 95112 (408) 286-6669

Fax: (408) 278-1899

hillelsv.org

director@hillelsv.org

Executive Director: Sarita Bronstein

Strengthening connections to Judaism/ Israel at San Jose State and Santa Clara universities, as well as De Anza, West Valley and Foothill colleges, through social, cultural, educational and tzedek (social action) programs.

Rohr Chabad House at Stanford 1289 College Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650) 494-3274

chabadstanford.org

info@chabadstanford.org

Executive Director: Rabbi Dov Greenberg Program Director: Rachel Greenberg

Dedicated to sharing the warmth, wisdom and depth of Judaism with the Stanford community through classes, lectures, social action projects, Shabbat dinners and holiday celebrations.

San Francisco

Chabad Student Center of San Francisco

1523 25th Ave.

San Francisco, CA 94122 (415) 572-6281

jewishsunset.com

sfsjew@gmail.com

Rabbi Yisroel Zaetz

Mrs. Hadas Zaetz

Place where Jewish students can feel comfortable expressing themselves while finding meaning and inspiration in Jewish traditions.

San Francisco Hillel 33 Banbury Drive

San Francisco, CA 94132 (415) 333-4922

sfhillel.org

info@sfhillel.org

Executive Director: Roger Feigelson

Assistant Director: Sarah Rosemont

Provides inclusive, innovative Jewish experiences for college students across San Francisco. With active communities at SF State and the city’s other colleges, universities and instituions. Hillel helps students cultivate connection and create meaning.

Santa Cruz/Monterey

Santa Cruz

Hillel Foundation

801 High St.

Mail to: 849 Almar Ave. , Suite C P.O. Box 254 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831) 426-3332

santacruzhillel.org

info@santacruzhillel.org

Associate Executive Director & Director of Student Life: Daylen Degelsmith

Cultural, religious, educational, social, political and Israel programs, including weekly Shabbat services and dinners for UC Santa Cruz and other college students in the Santa Cruz area.

Other Regions

Chabad at UC Davis

434 E St. Davis, CA 95616 (310) 740-6964

jewishucd.com

Co-directors: Rabbi Mendel Greenberg

Mrs. Dvoiri Greenberg

Offers a wide range of programs including weekly social events on and off campus, Shabbat services and holiday celebrations. Provides kosher food and educational resources for students looking to explore and expand their Jewish identities.

Chico Hillel

101 Salem St. Suite 160 Chico, CA 95928 (530) 879-0870

chicohillel.org

chicohillel@gmail.com

Executive Director: Kristy Collins

Creating Jewish community together through an on-campus social club: Jewish holiday celebrations, recreational activities, wellness and leadership.

Hillel at Davis and Sacramento

328 A St. Davis, CA 95616 (530) 756-3708

hillelhouse.org

office@hillelhouse.org

Executive Director: Rachel Darling

Warm, vibrant place offering wide range of educational, social, spiritual, cultural and tzedek programs; no membership required. Shabbat dinner Fridays and free lunch Tuesdays at noon during the academic year.

Leadership Development

Follow

Visit our website jweekly.com

Rohr Chabad Student Center at UC Santa Cruz

1142 King St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831) 471-9123

jewcsc.com

Directors: Rabbi Shlomie Chein

Programs and Operations: Devorah Leah Chein

A home for Jewish celebration and a center for Jewish education serving the UC Santa Cruz community.

Anti-Defamation League (ADL)

720 Market St., Suite 800 San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 981-3500

Fax: (415) 981-8933

sanfrancisco.adl.org

central-pacific@adl.org

Interim Regional Director: Teresa Drenick

Anti-bias and diversity training to create and sustain inclusive schools and communities; programs and resources for Holocaust education and for confronting antisemitism and anti-Israel bias.

Federation Fellows

Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund

121 Steuart St. San Francisco, CA 94105

jewishfed.org/federationfellows donas@sfjcf.orgs

Director, Leadership Development: Dona Standel

Educates participants in nonprofit decision-making, cultivates relationships and promotes a sense of belonging for individuals to become the next leaders of the Jewish community.

J Leaders Academy

15559 Union Ave., Suite 630 Los Gatos, CA 95032 jleaders.org

team@jleaders.org

CEO: Peter Hoffman

A transformative leadership program designed to empower Jewish young adults with the skills, knowledge and network necessary to create positive change in their organizations, the Jewish community and the world at large.

Kohn Summer Intern Program

Jewish Vocational Service

548 Market St. PMB 37733

San Francisco, CA 94104 (415) 391-3600

jvs.org/helping-our-community/ kohn-summer-internship

swest@jvs.org

Director of Development: Simone West

The Kohn Summer Intern Program will not be running in Summer 2023, but will return in a reimagined form in the near future.

Libraries

Most synagogues and Jewish schools maintain reference and circulating libraries of varying sizes. For lending policies, contact individual institutions.

Genealogy Library – Sutro Library

San Francisco State University 1630 Holloway Ave.

San Francisco, CA 94132 (415) 469-6100 library.ca.gov/sutro/genealogy sutro@library.ca.gov

Features local U.S. history, the notable rare book and manuscript collections formed by Adolph Sutro, and the largest genealogy collection west of Salt Lake City.

Graduate Theological Union Library

2400 Ridge Road Berkeley, CA 94709

Reference desk (questions): (510) 649-2501 Circulation desk (renewals): (510) 649-2500 gtu.edu/library library@gtu.edu

Director of Library Services: Beth Kumar Assistant to the Director of Library

Services: Caryl Woulfe

Books, periodicals and electronic resources in biblical studies; Judaism, Christianity and other religions; history, art and literature; ethics and philosophy. Resources in Hebrew, English and other languages.

Jewish Community Library

1835 Ellis St.

San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 567-3327

jewishcommunitylibrary.org

library@jewishlearningworks.org

Director: Howard Freedman

Reader Services Librarian: Leah Strauss

Home to Northern California’s largest collection of Jewish books, DVDs and CDs, circulating to the public at no charge; a popular venue for free literary, cultural and family events.

R ESOURCE R ESOURCE R ESOURCE

USF to offer first graduate program in Jewish studies and social justice (continued)

continued from page 13

The graduate certificate program is the brainchild of Hahn Tapper, and he tapped Escobar, Mandell and MJ Abrams — all alumni of USF who minored in Jewish studies and social justice — to co-develop and run the program with him.

The three core staff of the program “are reflective of younger Jews in terms of generational shifts regarding connections to Jewishness and Judaism; are reflective of younger Jews in terms of social identities; and continue to teach me and other JSSJ faculty about Jews, Judaisms, and Jewish identities,” Hahn Tapper wrote to J.

Escobar, who is 35, identifies as queer,

nonbinary, white, brown, Ashkenazi and Latiné, which is a gender-neutral alternative to Latina or Latino.

“It’s interesting because I am a brown Jew, but of Ashkenazi descent,” Escobar said. “So I hold this ‘both/and’ contradiction.” They added that growing up Reform in Santa Cruz, they grappled with the question: “What does it mean to be this multiethnic person holding these identities?”

Mandell, 30, identifies as a queer and

gender-expansive (similar to gender nonconforming) Jew. They are finishing their fourth year of rabbinical studies at the LA.-based Academy for Jewish Religion, California. Abrams, 22, identifies as a queer trans Jew. They graduated from USF in 2022 and work part time as a JSSJ program assistant.

About the new USF program, Mandell said, “It’s not like a one-off workshop that I think a lot of Jewish professionals are used to. It’s a deeper learning.” n

“There’s so much depth and breadth to this identity. How do we make room for that to flourish everywhere?”

Erin-Kate Escobar

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS SUPPORT GENERATIONS TEAMS FAMILY PROJECTS

9

|

Socializing & Networking

GATHERING LEADERSHIP SOCIAL EVENTS

* Listings with asterisks are provided as a courtesy to our advertisers. Text in blue is website address.

Making Connections

BayJews.org

bayjews.org

webmaster@BayJews.org

Online portal to Bay Area Jewish life: information on activities, employment, events, housing, minyans, organizations and volunteer projects.

JCF Young Adults

Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund

121 Steuart St.

San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 369-2873

jewishfed.org/get-involved/young-adults youngadults@sfjcf.org

Director, Young Adult Engagement: Amanda Cohen

Leadership development and building community and a culture of philanthropy for ages 21 to 40-something. Social, educational, cultural, volunteer and networking programs, including Israel trips and conferences.

Jewish High Tech Community (JHTC) (408) 888-2148

jhtc.org

tanya@jhtc.org

President: Tanya Okmyansky

Striving to improve the quality of life in Silicon Valley and the South Bay for Jewish people working in and around technology by educating, informing and connecting.

J. The Jewish News of Northern California P.O. Box 192604 San Francisco, CA 94119 (415) 263-7200

jweekly.com

info@jweekly.com

CEO: Jo Ellen Green Kaiser

Publisher: Steven Gellman

J. offers a biweekly print edition and e-newsletters, as well as a robust news website and growing social media presence. Local, national and international news, features and opinion pieces focusing on Bay Area Jewish life.

Mitzvah Milers Cycling Team (510) 684-5580

siegeldb@pacbell.net

Team Captain: Dan Siegel

Predominantly Jewish cycling club participates at the Waves to Wine M.S. Bike Ride each September and holds informal rides.

Moishe House

441 Saxony Road, Barn 2 Encinitas, CA 92024 (855) 598-5509

moishehouse.org

Northwest Community Manager: Jake House

Provides meaningful Jewish experiences for young adults (ages 22-32) as they create vibrant home-based Jewish communities for themselves and their peers. The Bay Area network includes nine peer-led communities.

New Israel Fund New Generations

235 Montgomery St., Suite 920 San Francisco, CA 94104 (415) 543-5055

Fax: (415) 543-6066

nif.org/tag/new-generations sf@nif.org

Associate Director: Shimrit Braun Kamin

Vibrant community of 20s/30s professionals, social activists, community leaders, and students committed to the fund's work. Opportunity to learn about and engage with important issues facing Israel.

RJeneration and RJen Family Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties

2150 Post St.

P.O. Box 159004 San Francisco, CA 94115

(415) 449-1240 jfcs.org/find-help/emigres/ rjen-community mashag@jfcs.org

Director of Philanthropy and Outreach, Emigre Community: Masha Gutkin

Bay Area community of adults who emigrated from the former Soviet Union as children. Social events, cultural and family activities, and opportunities to give back.

The Omer Project

P.O. Box 22094

San Francisco, CA 94122 theomerproject.com

wecount@theomerproject.com

Maggid: Raja Anderson

Brings people together with this message: We all count. Gathering on the Sunset and Richmond districts’ numbered avenues, participants count the Omer corresponding to the appropriate Omer day.

YeaShOre Community

P.O. Box 22094

San Francisco, CA 94122 (415) 731-4680 yeashore.net yeashore@yahoo.com

Maggid: Raja Anderson

Ba’al Bonfire: Judah Alvarado

Sponsors bonfires spring to fall. Havdalah followed by singing, stories, eating, shmoozing at bonfires. Winter activities: indoor sea chanteys, improv shows, snow/hot springs trips.

Young Adult Community

at Congregation Emanu-El 2 Lake St. San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 751-2535

emanuelsf.org/young-adults soverton@emanuelsf.org

Engagement Associate: Sarah Squarsino Overton

Offering opportunities to engage in Jewish life with peers through social activities, cultural experiences, lively worship services, creative education programs and holiday celebrations.

INDEPENDENT LIVING TRANSPORTATION

AGING COMPREHENSIVE RESOURCES

RESIDENTIAL CARE CULTURAL SOCIAL 10 | Senior Services

* Listings with asterisks are provided as a courtesy to our advertisers. Text in blue is website address.

Comprehensive Services

The Center for Older Adults & Caregivers

Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley 14855 Oka Road, Suite 202 Los Gatos, CA 95032

(408) 556-0600/ Fax: (408) 551-0091

jfssv.org/gethelp

jfs@jfssv.org

Center provides comprehensive services to support older adults and caregivers so they can live in their own homes safely with quality and dignity for as long as possible.

Homewatch CareGivers of Oakland*

3820 Broadway

Oakland, CA 94611

(510) 953-5112

Fax: (510) 835-9362

hwcg.com/oakland

oakland@hwcg.com

President: Benjamin Bloom

Director of Community Outreach: Leah Bloom

Provides in-home care services: transportation, care coordination, personal and companion care. Caring for the elderly and people of all ages to give families peace of mind while preserving the loved one’s dignity.

Institute on Aging*

3575 Geary Blvd.

San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 750-4111/ Fax: (415) 750-5338

ioaging.org

connect@ioaging.org

President & CEO: J. Thomas Briody, M.H.Sc.

Bay Area nonprofit with 40 years’ experience helping older adults and adults with disabilities age in the place they call home. Live independently by accessing 30+ programs including Corio Homecare and Companioa comprehensive dementia support.

Jewish Family & Community Services

East Bay 2151 Salvio St., Suite 350

Concord, CA 94520 (925) 927-2000 x257

jfcs-eastbay.org

rclancy@jfcs-eastbay.org

Director of Adult Services: Rita Clancy, LCSW Home Care Social Worker: Dee Madnick, M.A.

Personalized care for older adults and caregiving families. Home care, consultations with geriatric specialists, support groups, educational events, senior information line and counseling. Specialized services for Holocaust survivors.

Seniors At Home*

Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties

2150 Post St. P.O. Box 159004 San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 449-3700

seniorsathome.org info@seniorsathome.org

Director: Traci Dobronravova, MSW Comprehensive, award-winning senior services including home care, care management, counseling, dementia care, conservatorship, fiduciary services, health-care advocacy and caregiver support.

Care Management/Healthcare Advocacy

Professional care managers help navigate the health-care system, coordinate all aspects of care, solve problems and advocate on a senior’s behalf by communicating with physicians, hospitals and family.

Center for Dementia Care

Dementia experts provide practical and emotional support to families and caregivers of those with dementia-related conditions, as well as personalized care to those affected.

Conservatorship

This agency can become the courtappointed conservator to care for individuals who are at significant physical, emotional and financial risk.

Fiduciary Services

Licensed professionals help older adults

manage money safely: bill paying, deposits, medical claims and more. Available in the East Bay, Peninsula, San Francisco, Marin and Sonoma counties.

Home Care

Compassionate, highly trained caregivers assist individuals of all ages recovering from an illness or hospitalization; help seniors manage daily life. Services personalized to individual needs.

Kosher Meals on Wheels

For seniors in San Francisco in need and who have a kosher preference, service offers hot, nutritious kosher lunch delivered up to five times per week.

Suse Moyal Center for Older Adult

Services – Alameda County

JFCS East Bay 2484 Shattuck Ave. Suite 210 Berkeley, CA 94704 (925) 927-2000

jfcs-eastbay.org

rclancy@jfcs-eastbay.org

Director of Adult Services: Rita Clancy, LCSW

COO: Jonathan Wang

Personalized care for older adults and caregiving families. Helping older adults stay healthy, connected and independent, including home care, geriatric consultations and support groups.

Cultural & Social

Additional programs for adults of all ages are in Chapter 8, College & Adult Education.

B’nai Israel of Rossmoor

Senior Adult Congregation

Mail to: P.O. Box 2070 Walnut Creek, CA 94595 (925) 308-6360

mike.mharris@gmail.com

Leadership Group: Mike Harris

Membership Chair: Lucy Felcher

Friday Shabbat service for senior adults at 7:30 p.m. High Holy Day services at the Event Center, Tahoe Room; call for times. Everyone welcome.

Until there’s a cure, there’s Companioa

Community Conversations and Older Adult Programs

Oshman Family JCC 3921 Fabian Way Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 223-8616 paloaltojcc.org/tuesdays mrosengaus@paloaltojcc.org

Senior Manager, Adult Programs: Michelle Rosengaus

Attend lectures, enjoy concerts and much more. Activities include festive holiday lunches, monthly senior excursions, classes and special events. Transportation available.

Friendship Circle Seniors 55+ JCC of Sonoma County 1301 Farmers Lane, Suite C103 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 (707) 528-1182/ Fax: (707) 528-4288 jccsoco.org/friendshipcircle55/ friendship-circle/ friendshipcircle@jccsoco.org

Friendship Circle Program Director: Sandy Andresen

Seniors 55+ enjoy cultural events, lectures, meetings and holiday outreach. Also information/referral. Monthly newsletter.

JCC SF Healthy Aging

3200 California St. San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 292-1262 jccsf.org/program/healthy-aging sschulz@jccsf.org

Director of Lifelong Learning: Shiva Schulz Free and low-cost programs providing learning and exploration through lectures, classes, clubs, movies, wellness programs and holiday celebrations.

Independent Living Support

Community for Jewish Seniors (CJS)

415.750.4111

Chabad of Cole Valley 1300 Shrader St. San Francisco, CA 94117 (415) 786-5642 cjssf.org info@cjssf.org

Director: Rabbi Nosson Potash

Program Coordinator: Rabbi Yakov Barber

Provides volunteers, visitation, and Shabbat and holiday services at senior care facilities and to independent seniors living in San Francisco. Currently servicing 16 senior care facilities.

Trusted Home Care

Nony’s dedication to clients is just one of the many reasons why we’re the Bay Area’s leading expert in senior care.

In fact, over 20,000 Bay Area families trust us to take care of family and loved ones in the comfort of their own homes.

Free consultation

415-449-3700

SeniorsAtHome.org

Nony Caregiver

San

Peninsula

Marin

Sonoma

220000378

Get Up & Go

Senior Transportation Program

Peninsula JCC

800 Foster City Blvd. Foster City, CA 94404 (650) 378-2750

Fax: (650) 378-2799

pjcc.org/programs/senior-transportation Free transportation for older adults (age 50+) in San Mateo County for medical appointments, food shopping and errands, Monday-Friday. Reservations by Wednesday of week prior to service. Volunteer drivers needed.

L’Chaim Adult Day Health Center

Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties

2534 Judah St. San Francisco, CA 94122 (415) 449-2900

Fax: (415) 449-2901

jfcs.org/find-help/seniors/lchaimhealth-center annab@jfcs.org

Program Director: Anna Borovik

Intake Coordinator: Lyudmila Mashinskaya

Licensed day program providing medi-

cal, rehabilitative and social services to frail elderly and adults with functional impairments; offering special outreach to Russian-speaking individuals.

Residential JEWISH East Bay

The Reutlinger Community*

4000 Camino Tassajara Danville, CA 94506 (925) 648-2800

Fax: (925) 648-2801 rcjl.org

jmammad@rcjl.org

Executive Director: Julie Mammad Rabbi Zari Weiss

An interactive senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and memory care, while providing high-quality health care and social support services in a life-enhancing environment with a commitment to Jewish values.

Peninsula/ South Bay

Moldaw Residences

899 E. Charleston Road Palo Alto, CA 94303

(650) 433-3600

Fax: (650) 230-4886

moldaw.org

Executive Director: Elyse Gerson

Part of the Taube-Koret Campus for Jewish Life in Palo Alto. Maintenance-free senior living in a multigenerational setting, with independent and assisted living, memory support and onsite rehab. Kosher kitchen.

San Francisco

Frank Residences

San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living

1 Avalon Ave.

San Francisco, CA 94112

(415) 562-2020

frankresidences.org

frinfo@frankresidences.org

Chief Marketing & Business Strategy

Officer: Staci Chang

Luxury assisted living: inspiring public space, garden terraces, stunning residences. Nationally recognized memory care program uses creative arts-based therapies. Experience Station evokes memories with virtual reality technology and sensory stimulation. Family support groups.

Menorah Park

3365 Sacramento St. San Francisco, CA 94118

(415) 929-7912

Fax: (415) 929-7649

menorahpark.wordpress.com

joan@menorahpark.com

Executive Director: Joan Levison

Operations Manager: Sima Kaminsky

Provides Section 8 HUD-subsidized afford-

able housing for very low-income seniors. Utilizes a waiting list lottery to fill the 149 apartments. Waiting list is expected to reopen in 2026.

Rhoda Goldman Plaza*

2180 Post St.

San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 345-5072

Fax: (415) 345-5061

rgplaza.org

candiecem@rgplaza.org

Managing Director of Marketing: Candiece Milford

Executive Director: Ira Kurtz

Located in Lower Pacific Heights, vibrant nonprofit assisted living and memory caring community. Unprecedented staff-to-resident ratio, longevity of staff and management, light-filled apartments, robust programming, and lifelong learning/lectures.

San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living*

302 Silver Ave.

San Francisco, CA 94112

(415) 334-2500

Fax: (415) 334-4375

sfcjl.org

admissions@sfcjl.org

Chief Marketing & Business Strategy

Officer: Staci Chang

Enriching lives of older adults for 150 years, providing continuum of care and social services enabling seniors to live their fullest lives. From Jewish Home to Frank Residences and Byer Square, serving more than 2,500 people annually.

OTHER COMMUNITIES

East Bay

Libbie Norton*

Rossmoor Realty

1641 Tice Valley Road

Rossmoor

Senior

972-841-8655

RossmoorRealty.com/Libbie-Norton

DRE 02078185

Walnut Creek, CA 94595

(972) 841-8655

rossmoorrealty.com/team/libbie-norton libton@me.com

Calling Rossmoor her “happy place,” this Realtor and resident welcomes new people to her neighborhood. Call her to arrange a private tour of this premier over-55 independent living community in Walnut Creek. DRE# 02078185.

Peninsula/South Bay

The Magnolia of Millbrae*

201 Chadbourne Ave. Millbrae, CA 94030

(650) 697-7000

Fax: (650) 697-1734

themagnolia.com

splambeck@themagnolia.com

Marketing Director: Sherry Plambeck

Independent and assisted senior living. Luxury amenities and dining, transportation, month-to-month rental, 24-hour security/emergency response, pool, spa, fitness center.

End of Life Support

The Melaveh Project (510) 649-5724 jewish-funerals.org/melaveh melavehproject@gmail.com

Project Coordinator: Herb Brosbe, M.D. “Melaveh” is Hebrew for “one who accompanies.” Organization provides comfort to Jews in their final days and hours, and provides support for caregivers and loved ones. Currently serving limited East Bay communities.

For more information about the organizations in Resource, check out their expanded listings at JewishResourceGuide.com.

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“consistently

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FINANCING CONSULATES FUNDRAISING CONNECTIONS INFORMATION ADVOCACY

LOCAL

11 | Israel Connections

ISRAELI

* Listings with asterisks are provided as a courtesy to our advertisers.

Text in blue is website address.

Consulate

Consulate General of Israel

Pacific Northwest – San Francisco 456 Montgomery St., Suite 2100 San Francisco, CA 94104 (415) 844-7510

Fax: (415) 844-7555

embassies.gov.il/san-francisco/pages/ default.aspx

consulardep@sf.mfa.gov.il

Consul General: Marco Sermoneta

Deputy Consul General: Matan Zamir

Official government office in Northern California. Provides passports, visas and consular services. Resource for information; responsible for coordinating educational, political, cultural and economic activities.

Finance

Israel Bonds/Development Corporation for Israel

1999 Harrison St., Suite 1800 Oakland, CA 94612 (415) 548-6294

israelbonds.com

sanfrancisco@israelbonds.com

Uses investment dollars to finance key infrastructure projects critical to Israel. Bonds can be purchased for IRA accounts, trusts and gifts. Member FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority).

The California-Israel Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 27625

317 West Portal St. San Francisco, CA 94127 ci-cc.org

info@ci-cc.org

Executive Director: Sharon Vanek

Not-for-profit, industry-supported organization dedicated to strengthening business, investment, technology and trade relations between California and Israel.

SERVICES JOURNEYS

Fundraising

American Committee for Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem Northwest Region 2625 Middlefield Road, Box 581 Palo Alto, CA 94306 (310) 229-0915

acsz.org

northwestregion@acsz.org

Director: Paul Jeser

Supports 1,000-bed hospital established in 1902 in central Jerusalem. World-renowned for Jewish genetics, oncology, cardiac, birthing, infant care and adherence to Jewish medical ethics.

American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science Bay Area Office

1410 Franklin St., Unit 120 San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 981-4002

Fax: (415) 981-4007

weizmann-usa.org

bayarea@acwis.org

Executive Director: Andy Weissman Philanthropic Giving: Debra Weinstein

Founded in 1944, the committee develops philanthropic support for the institute in Israel and advances its mission of science for the benefit of humanity.

American Friends of Tel Aviv University (415) 246-7411

aftau.org

csteinberg@aftau.org

Associate Vice President, Pacific Northwest: Carolyn Bell Steinberg

Since its founding in 1956, the university has grown to be recognized as a world-renowned center for study, research and innovation. It embraces students of all religions and ethnicities from Israel and worldwide. American Friends supports these endeavors.

American Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Pacific Northwest Region

548 Market St., Suite 90944 San Francisco, CA 94104

(415) 299-8691 afhu.org

pacificnorthwest@afhu.org

Executive Director: Jeremy Benjamin

National not-for-profit organization supporting Israel‘s renowned center of higher education and research.

American Technion Society

Silicon Valley/San Francisco P.O. Box 689 Mill Valley, CA 94942 (415) 450-8722 ats.org

technion.norcal@ats.org

Board Chair, San Francisco Leadership: Micah Broude

Board Chair, Silicon Valley Leadership: Ofer Ben-Shachar

Provides critical support to Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, a global innovation powerhouse. Its research, education and innovations advance critical breakthroughs for Israel and the world.

Americans for Ben-Gurion University

Bay Area Chapter (510) 708-0953 americansforbgu.org

juditha@americansforbgu.org

Director of Development: Judith Alterman

Director of Development: Jerami Shecter

Raises funds and awareness for worldclass institution known for leadership in sustainability, desert agriculture, water management, bio- and nanotechnologies, cybersecurity, global medicine and Hebrew literature.

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (650) 709-6450 fidf.org/act-local/our-chapters/ san-francisco-bay-area-chapter leann.zatlavi@fidf.org

Executive Director: Amarelle Green

Senior Development Manager: Leann Zatlavi

Non-political, non-military organization provides for the well-being of the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces. Supports educational, financial, well-being, and cultural initiatives, in accordance with IDF priorities.

Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund (Main Office)

121 Steuart St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 777-0411 jewishfed.org

info@sfjcf.org

Mobilizes innovation, collaboration and investment to shape diverse, dynamic Bay Area Jewish communities where people find a meaningful connection to Judaism and each other. Working to better lives locally, in Israel and around the world.

Jewish National Fund–USA

Northern California Regional Office (415) 677-9600

jnf.org

mkariv@jnf.org

Director, Northern California: Martha Kariv

President, Northern California: Helen Loewenstein

Invests in building new communities in Israel‘s Negev and Galilee regions, collaborating with diverse environmental and humanitarian partners to support Israel‘s 21st-century pioneers.

Information & Advocacy

American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC )*

Pacific Northwest Region P.O. Box 207

San Francisco, CA 94104 (415) 989-4140

Fax: (415) 989-5202

aipac.org

pacificnorthwest@aipac.org

Western States Director: Wayne Klitofsky

Bipartisan organization of pro-Israel Americans committed to strengthening and expanding the U.S.-Israel relationship in ways that enhance the security of both countries.

BlueStar

96 Jesse St. Suite 310 San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-6300

Fax: (415) 777-8525

bluestarpr.com

bluestarpr@bluestarpr.com

Mission is to humanize perceptions about Israel, using visual media to build support for Israel‘s case as a Jewish democracy within secure, recognized borders. Providing resources to inform campus and community conversations on Israel.

Facts and Logic about the Middle East (FLAME)

Mail to: P.O. Box 3460 Berkeley, CA 94703 factsandlogic.org

jim@factsandlogic.org

President: Jim Sinkinson

Researches and publishes the facts regarding developments in the Middle East and exposes false propaganda that might harm the interests of the United States and its allies in that area of the world.

ISRAEL21c

44 Montgomery St. Suite 3700

San Francisco, CA 94104 (415) 318-8964

israel21c.org

info@israel21c.org

Executive Director: Jason Harris

Nonprofit educational organization whose mission is to disseminate information about the vibrant, creative and real Israel of the 21st century and its contributions to the world.

J Street jstreet.org

sfbayarea@jstreet.org

Northwest Regional Director: Rabbi Andrew Straus

Works for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, ensuring the survival of Israel as a democratic homeland for the Jewish people.

New Israel Fund

235 Montgomery St., Suite 460

San Francisco, CA 94104 (415) 543-5055/ Fax: (415) 543-6066

nif.org

sf@nif.org

Deputy Vice President, Bay Area: Orli Bein

Leading organization advancing and defending democracy in Israel. Widely credited with building Israeli progressive civil society, organization has provided over $300 million to more than 900 organizations since inception in 1979.

Sonoma County Israel Committee

(707) 537-2211

israelupdate.info

elicohen@Israelupdate.info

Chair: Dr. Eli Cohen

Focal point in Sonoma County on issues related to Israel: the nation, the people, the land. Nonpolitical, organizes Israel‘s Independence Day celebrations and more.

StandWithUs

P.O. Box 341069

Los Angeles, CA 90034 (310) 836-6140/ Fax: (310) 836-6145 standwithus.com

info@standwithus.com

Campus Contact: Olivia Schneider

Community Contact: Michael Harris

An international, nonpartisan education organization that supports Israel and fights antisemitism. Empowers students and communities with leadership training and educational programs. Informs through social media, print and digital materials.

A Wider Bridge

2912 Diamond St., Suite 348 San Francisco, CA 94131 (866) 288-5774

awiderbridge.org

info@awiderbridge.org

Executive Director: Ethan Felson

Pro-Israel organization working to create opportunities for LGBTQ people in the United States, along with friends and allies, to engage and connect with Israel.

Local Israeli Services

Chabad Israeli–Silicon Valley

10390 Heney Creek Place Cupertino, CA 95014

chabadisraeli.org

Co-directors: Rabbi Menachem Landa Sonia Landa

Home away from home for the Israeli community throughout the year. Torah classes, kids, family and High Holy Day programs and services.

Israeli Cultural Connection (ICC)*

Oshman Family JCC

3921 Fabian Way Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 223-8608 paloaltojcc.org/icc icc@paloaltojcc.org

Director: Ronit Jacobs

Brings Israeli culture to the South Bay with lectures by well-known speakers, Israeli movie nights, social gatherings, holiday events, children‘s activities and more.

Israeli House

Consulate General of Israel 456 Montgomery St., Suite 2100 San Francisco, CA 94104 (415) 844-7505/ Fax: (415) 844-7555 embassies.gov.il/san-francisco/ consularservices/pages/ returning-residents.aspx israeli-house@sf.mfa.gov.il

Director: Adi Elmalach

Provides the Israeli community with cultural events and holiday celebrations in Hebrew, in addition to guiding Israelis who wish to return to their homeland.

Travel

Israel Within Reach

Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund

121 Steuart St. San Francisco, CA 94105 jewishfed.org/how-we-help/ scholarships/israel-within-reach israelwithinreach@sfjcf.org

Grants to help fund teen and young adult travel to Israel. Available to applicants within the Federation‘s service area.

Tiyul Jewish Journeys

1442A Walnut St. Suite 475 Berkeley, CA 94709 (510) 847-4519 tiyuljewishjourneys.com

ariel@tiyuljewishjourneys.com

Founder and CEO: Ariel Goldstein

Specializing in educational tours and Jewish travel experiences throughout the world, including Shabbat dinners, visiting synagogues and Jewish neighborhoods. Includes traditional sites along with exploring local cultures.

Volunteers for Israel

Northern California Region (510) 387-6000/ Fax: (844) 514-1948 vfi-usa.org

san-francisco@vfi-usa.org

Regional Manager: Jack Fruchtman

Opportunity to connect with Israel by working alongside Israeli soldiers performing civilian duties on an Israeli Defense Forces base. Volunteers spend one, two or three weeks year round.

VIDEO INFORMATION RADIO LIBRARIES

PRESS FILM FESTIVALS INSTITUTES MAGAZINES TELEVISION PROGRAMS 12 | Jewish Media

* Listings with asterisks are provided as a courtesy to our advertisers. Text in blue is website address.

Film & Video

Carmel Jewish Film Festival Congregation Beth Israel 5716 Carmel Valley Road Carmel, CA 93923 (831) 624-2015

carmeljff.org

carmeljff@sbcglobal.net

Celebrates the artistry of film and educates viewers with film offerings conceived and created through a Jewish lens. Entertains, provokes discussion and provides experiences that engage both mind and heart.

East Bay International Jewish Film Festival

P.O. Box 4869

Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 240-3053

eastbayjewishfilm.org

directoreastbayjewishfilm@hotmail.com

Director: Riva Gambert

An independent film festival serving the Contra Costa and Tri-Valley regions with an annual festival and year-round programming.

Jewish Film Institute

145 9th St. Suite 200

San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 621-0556

Fax: (415) 621-0568

jfi.org

jewishfilm@jfi.org

Executive Director: Lexie Leban

Presents year-round events, screenings and the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival — the largest and oldest festival of its kind and leader in the curation of Jewish film and media. Offers support to filmmakers.

Sacramento Jewish Film Festival

c/o Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region

*advertisers

2130 21st St. Sacramento, CA 95818 (916) 486-0906

sacjewishfilmfest.org

jbirch@jewishsac.org

Director: Teven Laxer

Programs and Special Projects Coordinator: Jessica Braverman Birch

Annual film festival presenting films that inspire, require thought and provide entertainment. Festival also includes live entertainment, receptions and discussions.

Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival

P.O. Box 2190 Cupertino, CA 95015 (408) 498-0904

Fax: (408) 358-7311

svjff.org

info@svjff.org

Executive Director: Tzvia Shelef

Annual series held in the fall features award-winning international films and documentaries on Israel, Jewish heritage, mystery and tradition. Films also presented during the rest of the year.

Sonoma County Jewish and Israeli Film Festivals

JCC Sonoma County

Mail to: 1301 Farmers Lane Suite C103

Santa Rosa, CA 95405 (707) 528-4222

Fax: (707) 528-4288

jccsoco.org/filmprograms

For over 27 years, this annual fall festival has brought new award-winning films that celebrate Jewish life around the world to Sonoma County.

Publications

J. The Jewish News of Northern California* P.O. Box 192604

San Francisco, CA 94119 (415) 263-7200

Fax: (415) 263-7211 jweekly.com info@jweekly.com

CEO: Jo Ellen Green Kaiser

Publisher: Steven Gellman

J. The Jewish News of Northern California is the Jewish community’s No. 1 news source, covering news, culture and lifecycle events in areas stretching from Redding to Santa Cruz, from San Francisco to the Sierras. Started as The Emanu-El in 1895, J. now regularly breaks stories that are picked up by the San Francisco Chronicle, Mercury News, Berkeleyside and the Forward. Whether reporting on local antisemitic activity, profiling Bay Area performers, reviewing new bagel outlets or interviewing government leaders, J. covers the Jewish Bay Area.

Find J. online at jweekly.com and on social media, get a free weekly newsletter at jweekly.com/newsletter, or subscribe to the biweekly print edition (email subscriptions@jweekly.com for a free three-month trial).

Tikkun

2342 Shattuck Ave. Suite 1200 Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 644-1200

tikkun.org

magazine@tikkun.org

Editor and Founder: Michael Lerner

Founded in 1986, this journal is now a completely online publication. It brings together progressive religious and secular voices to address social transformation, environmental concern, politics and the Middle East.

TV & Radio

Mosaic CBS-5 (415) 254-1147

jewishtvsf@gmail.com

Producer: Suzan Berns

Interview show airing Sundays at 5:30 a.m. on KPIX-5, Channel 5. Jews, Catholics and Protestants rotate weeks. Jewish segment host Rabbi Eric Weiss focuses on culture and religious and community issues.

From our days as a local bulletin to our rich digital presence today, J. o ers reliable reporting, intelligent analysis, and Jewish voices you can trust. Nowhere else can you find Bay Area journalism through a Jewish lens.

■ Daily e-newsletters covering the arts, opinions, food, local events and top stories. Sign up for our free e-newsletters: jweekly.com/newsletter

■ New content posted on website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram on a daily basis. Visit and follow news and events: jweekly.com

■ Subscribe to our printed newspaper, published every other week: jweekly.com/subscribe

YIDDISH CULTURE GENEALOGY HISTORY

JUDAICA GIFTS BOOKS MUSEUMS MUSIC GALLERIES CHORUSES PERFORMING ARTS

13 | Arts, Entertainment & Judaica

* Listings with asterisks are provided as a courtesy to our advertisers. Text in blue is website address.

Folk Dancing

Café Shalom of San Francisco Congregation Am Tikvah

625 Brotherhood Way San Francisco, CA 94132 (669) 444-1284

facebook.com/groups/43101451376 udy@pobox.com

Contact: Udy Gold

Israeli folk dance party meets second Saturday of the month. Warm-up and beginners’ session at 7:30 p.m., 8:15-10 p.m. for requests.

Cafe Simcha (Israeli Folk Dancing)

Arlington Community Church

52 Arlington Ave.

Mail to: 670 Oberlin Ave. Kensington, CA 94708 (510) 386-3155

cafesimcha.org

Contact: David Bergen

Wednesday evenings: 8-9:15 p.m. teaching; requests until 11:30 p.m. $8. Dance parties every fifth week.

Israeli Folk Dancing in Marin

Osher Marin JCC

200 N. San Pedro Road San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 444-8000/ Fax: (415) 491-1235 marinjcc.org/event/ israeli-folk-dance-session-7 jrosenberg@marinjcc.org

Dance Instructor: Bronwyn Eisenberg Director, Taube Center for Jewish Peoplehood: Jessica Rosenberg

These Israeli folk dances are fun and great exercise, set to a wonderful assortment of Israeli and world music.

Israeli Folk Dancing in Santa Rosa Congregation Beth Ami

4676 Mayette Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95401 (707) 528-4874, (707) 360-3000 bethamisr.org office@bethamisr.org

Contact: Leanne Schy

Welcoming group, varying skill levels, lots of fun. Every other Wednesday, 7 p.m. to whenever the dancers stop. Call or check website.

Israeli Folk Dancing in South Bay

(408) 771-4542

louitucker.com

loui@louitucker.com

Dance Instructor: Loui Tucker

Dancing with a seasoned Israeli folk dancer who has over 30 years of experience teaching beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons throughout the South Bay. First visit is free. Call or email to check scheduling.

Tuesdays in San Francisco Congregation Am Tikvah

625 Brotherhood Way San Francisco, CA 94132 (408) 406-6766

udy@pobox.com

Teachers: Udy and Ori Gold

Israeli folk dance class, all ages and all levels welcome. 7:30 p.m. for beginners, 8:15-10 p.m. for requests. Learn basic Israeli dance steps and beginner dances. Adults $10, students $5.

Genealogy & History

Jewish Historical Society of Napa Valley (707) 253-7305

Highlights contributions of Jews to region; commissioned two books “Under the Vine and the Fig Tree” by Lin Weber and “The Jews of Napa Valley” by Donna Mendelsohn and Henry Michalski.

San Francisco Bay Area Jewish Genealogical Society

P.O. Box 318214 San Francisco, CA 94131 (650) 208-3580 sfbajgs.org president@sfbajgs.org

President: Jeremy Frankel

Vice President: Preeva Tramiel

All speaker programs via Zoom. Publishes ZichronNote, a quarterly journal, in print and electronically. Also offers record transcription volunteer opportunities.

Judaica, Gifts & Books

Judaica can also be found at gift shops in synagogues and JCCs.

Afikomen Judaica*

3042 Claremont Ave. Berkeley, CA 94705 (510) 655-1977

afikomen.com

mail@afikomen.com

Co-owners: Rabbi Chaim Mahgel-Friedman Nell Mahgel-Friedman

Everything needed to celebrate Jewish holidays and life. Features a stunning selection of Shabbat and Passover items, plus mezuzahs, talllits, menorahs, jewelry, fair trade, books, nosh, gifts and more. Visit store or shop online.

Cutting Edge Creations* San Jose, CA

Toll-free: (877) 321-7925 lisarauchwerger.com cec@lisarauchwerger.com

Owner/Artist: Lisa Rauchwerger

Custom ketubot (all flavors), symbolic papercuts and paper sculpture, Hebrew and English calligraphy, invitations and whimsical illustration. Commissioned pieces welcome for all occasions.

Dayenu

(inside JCC SF) 3220 California St. San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 563-6563

dayenu.com

dayenujcc@gmail.com

Owner: Hiroko Nogami-Rosen

Art, jewelry, talliits, ketubahs, books, cards, Kiddush cups, menorahs, mezuzahs, holiday items, music, toys, Ahava products. Challah on Fridays. Rents chuppahs and Israeli cellphones.

The Sukkah Project®* (844) 4-sukkot (478-5568) sukkot.com

shalom@sukkot.com

Owner: Abram Herman Sukkot should be a time of joy, not frustration. Skip the stress with an easy, affordable, 100 percent klutz-proof sukkah kit. From small family-sized sukkah kits to giant sukkahs for schools or shuls.

Women of Rodef Sholom

Judaica Gift Shop (Osher Marin JCC, Foyer) 170 N. San Pedro Road San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 640-7868

wrs-giftshop.square.site wrsgiftshop@gmail.com

A great selection of Judaica for Shabbat, Havdalah, simchas, special occasions. Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fridays 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Delivery in Marin.

Museums & Galleries

The Contemporary Jewish Museum* 736 Mission St. San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 655-7800/ Fax: (415) 655-7815 thecjm.org

info@thecjm.org

Interim Executive Director: Kerry King Visitor Experience Manager: Emily Byrne

Since its founding in 1984, this downtown San Francisco museum has presented dynamic exhibitions and educational programs that explore contemporary perspectives on Jewish culture, history, art and ideas.

The Fine Museum (Congregation Emanu-El) 2 Lake St.

San Francisco, CA 94118

(415) 751-2541 x123/ Fax: (415) 751-2511 emanuelsf.org/community/museum sleykin@emanuelsf.org

Director of Facilities and Special Events: Svetlana Leykin

The museum hosts popular series of changing exhibitions on a broad range of themes, often from internationally renowned Jewish artists.

Isaacs Gallery (Osher Marin JCC)

200 N. San Pedro Road

San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 444-8000/ Fax: (415) 491-1235 marinjcc.org/jewishlife/art-exhibits jrosenberg@marinjcc.org

Director, Taube Center for Jewish Peoplehood: Jessica Rosenerg

Rotating art and photography exhibits celebrating Jewish life. Free exhibit openings with artist receptions.

Jewish Heritage Museum

The Reutlinger Community 4000 Camino Tassajara Danville, CA 94506 (925) 648-2800

rcjl.org/jewish-heritage-museum

Collection of Judaica includes ritual objects, works on paper, sculpture, stained glass, poster art, displays of Jewish holiday celebrations and special exhibits.

Katz Snyder Gallery (JCC SF) 3200 California St. San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 292-1200

jccsf.org/program/art-exhibits support@jccsf.org

Director of Public Programs and Community Engagement: Gayle Lidman Rotating exhibition gallery focusing on art and culture, plus guided tours, lectures and artist events.

Koch Gallery at the Schultz

Cultural Arts Hall (Oshman Family JCC) 3921 Fabian Way Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 223-8700

paloaltojcc.org

Innovative collection of art exhibits and receptions, welcoming local and national artists to the JCC for their work to be enjoyed by all.

The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life at UC Berkeley* 2121 Allston Way Berkeley, CA 94720

(510) 643-2526 magnes.berkeley.edu magnes@berkeley.edu

Executive Director: Hannah Weisman Manager: Rana Burroughs

One of the pre-eminent Jewish collections in a university setting, with diverse holdings including art, objects, texts, music and historical documents about Jews in the global diaspora and the American West.

Peninsula JCC Art Gallery 800 Foster City Blvd. Foster City, CA 94404 (650) 378-2751

pjcc.org/programs/art-exhibits-events/ arts@pjcc.org

Cultural Arts and Adult Director: Kimberly Gordon

Showcasing the works of talented Jewish artists from around the world and presenting exhibits that explore Jewish values, themes and ideas. Free and open to the public.

Music & Choruses

HaShirim

(650) 321-4262

hashirim.org

alpodell@gmail.com

President: Allen Podell

Chorale’s primary mission is community outreach, bringing Jewish music — classic to contemporary — to senior facilities. Meeting Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m., in person and with Zoom option. Phone or email for venues.

Jewish Folk Chorus of San Francisco Mail to: P.O. Box 590987 San Francisco, CA 94159 (510) 533-3903

jewishfolkchorussf.org

info@jewishfolkchorussf.org

President: Renee Enteen

Over 90 years of singing and performing primarily Yiddish folk music; also Ladino, Hebrew and Russian songs. Normally meets on Tuesday nights, with Zoom option. All voices welcome.

Nigunim Community Chorus

Jewish Music Resource Center (JMRC) 921 Everett St. El Cerrito, CA 94530 (510) 504-2235

nigunim.org

achibenshalom@gmail.com

Director: Achi Ben Shalom

Sings and performs Jewish folk, liturgical and modern songs in Hebrew, Ladino and Yiddish. New singers are always welcome. Sight-reading skill helpful but not required.

Yiddish Choristers of Congregation Etz Chayim 4161 Alma St. Palo Alto, CA 94306

kkbergen@comcast.net

Musical Director: Karen Bergen

Sing-alongs are mainly in Yiddish, plus occasionally in Hebrew, Ladino, Russian and English. Adult group meets two afternoons per month on Zoom. For schedule, email director.

Performing Arts

JCC East Bay 1414 Walnut St. Berkeley, CA 94709 (510) 848-0237

jcceastbay.org

sarahwr@jcceastbay.org

Director of Public Programs: Sarah Wolfman-Robichaud

Programming features music, film, literary events, learning and volunteer opportunities. Public programs designed in partnership with guest curators and local artists.

JCC SF Arts & Ideas

3200 California St. San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 292-1200 jccsf.org/arts support@jccsf.org

Director of Arts & Ideas: Stephanie Singer

Enlightening lectures and conversations with ground-breaking thought leaders and intellectuals, star chefs and food mavens, upand-coming authors, and film and TV makers whose ideas are reshaping our world.

Kanbar Center for the Performing Arts

Osher Marin JCC

200 N. San Pedro Road San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 444-8000/ Fax: (415) 491-1235 marinjcc.org

jrosenberg@marinjcc.org

Director, Taube Center for Jewish Peoplehood: Jessica Rosenberg

Year-round performances featuring singer-songwriters, concerts, eclectic music, conversations with authors; spotlights upand-coming performers. Summer evening outdoor concerts.

Arts, Entertainment & Judaica

Peninsula JCC

Cultural and Performing Arts

800 Foster City Blvd. Foster City, CA 94404 (650) 212-PJCC (7522)/ Fax: (650) 378-2799

pjcc.org

kgordon@pjcc.org

Cultural Arts and Adult Director: Kimberly Gordon

Concerts, thought-provoking lectures, award-winning art gallery, cultural events and more.

Schultz Cultural Arts Hall at the Oshman Family JCC 3921 Fabian Way Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 223-8699

paloaltojcc.org/arts boxoffice@paloaltojcc.org

Cultural Arts Manager: Michelle Shabtai

Arts venue featuring internationally acclaimed performers and authors in stimulating season of music, drama, dance, lectures and art.

Sports

Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame

54 Fernwood Drive San Francisco, CA 94127 (415) 516-3885

jshofnc.org

iamcher@comcast.net

President: Steve Sockolov

Treasurer: Cheryl Markuse Arenson

Recognizes distinguished achievement of Northern California Jewish sports figures. Provides support for Jewish athletes in need; places books on Jewish sports history in libraries; facilitates Jewish Heritage Nights with local professional teams.

Yiddish

KlezCalifornia

Mailing address only: 6714 Gladys Ave. El Cerrito, CA 94530 (415) 789-7679

klezcalifornia.org

nu@klezcalifornia.org

Executive Director: Judy Kunofsky

President: Gerry Tenney

Connect with Yiddish culture: website includes searchable database of events online and all over Northern California, Bay Area

resources including klezmer bands. Free monthly e-newsletter.

Kutner Yiddish Resources

Philip “Fishl” Kutner

1128 Tanglewood Way San Mateo, CA 94403 (650) 349-6946

derbay.org

fishl@derbay.org

Founder: Philip Kutner

Yiddish website, international AngloYiddish newsletter, international Yiddish Zoom group.

Workers Circle/Arbeter Ring, Northern California circle.org/northern-california bigwilensky@sonic.net

Yiddish Class Coordinator: Sharon Wilensky

Offering two levels of free biweekly Yiddish classes online: Beginner/intermediate Friday afternoons. Spring semester January through June; fall semester September through December. (No July-August classes.) Yiddish-Hebrew alphabet knowledge required (alphabet resources provided on request).

BANQUET EVENT VENUES INVITATIONS PARTIES DJS RESTAURANTS LIGHTING ENTERTAINMENT PHOTO BOOTHS MUSIC

14 | Celebrations / Simchas

* Listings with asterisks are provided as a courtesy to our advertisers. Text in blue is website address.

Banquet & Event Venues

Some of the following facilities host kosher events; many do not do so exclusively. We strongly advise our readers who keep kosher to verify the kashrut status and supervision in each case. Many synagogues and JCCs have sanctuary and banquet facilities. Please check with the individual organizations. See also Chapter 4 Religious Life and Chapter 5 Agencies & Organizations.

NORTH BAY

Congregation Beth Shalom of Napa Valley

1455 Elm St. Napa, CA 94559

(707) 253-7305

cbsnapa.org

office@cbsnapa.org

Synagogue Director: Lauren Snyder

A picturesque place in Napa Valley for special events: simchas, concerts, film festivals, classes, retreats or meetings.

PENINSULA

/SOUTH BAY

Sheraton Palo Alto*

625 El Camino Real Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650) 328-2800

Fax: (650) 462-2937 marriott.com/sjcsi cgerstner@pahotel.com

Director of Sales and Marketing: Colleen Gerstner

Indoor and outdoor facilities for bar/bat mitzvahs and social events. Accommodates 75 to 350 guests in newly renovated ballrooms. Special bar/bat mitzvah guest room rates available.

The Westin Palo Alto*

675 El Camino Real Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650) 321-4422

Fax: (650) 462-2937

marriott.com/sjcwp

cgerstner@pahotel.com

Director of Sales and Marketing: Colleen Gerstner

Elegant facilities for weddings, banquets and meetings. Seating up to 80 people. Newly renovated restaurant, bar and guest rooms.

For more information about the organizations in Resource, check out their expanded listings at JewishResourceGuide.com.

SAN FRANCISCO

JCC SF

Private Event Rentals

3200 California St. San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 292-1200

jccsf.org/rentals-private-events support@jccsf.org

Private Events Manager: Sara Glass Landmark and treasured cultural center that blends city sophistication with the warmth of community. Versatile, elegant, grand and intimate spaces create an ideal atmosphere for any type of event.

One Market Restaurant*

1 Market St.

San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 777-2233

onemarket.com/private-dining events@onemarket.com

Director of Special Events: Christine Chafin

General Manager/Partner: Lorenzo Bouchard

For over 25 years, farm-to-table culinary precision and professional hospitality have delighted guests at events from intimate to grand. With 10 customizable booking

options. Named among top 10 American restaurants by Gayot Guide.

Cafe Boho*

3321 Steiner St. San Francisco, CA 94123 (415) 602-1182

cafebohosf.com

cafebohosf@gmail.com

General Manager/Co-owner: Stella Roller

An ideal spot for casual dinners, upscale celebrations, family and business events, plus catering. Featuring French cuisine, elegant pastries and impeccable service.

The City Club of San Francisco*

155 Sansome St. San Francisco, CA 94104 (415) 854-7241

Fax: (415) 362-2042

cityclubsf.com membership@cityclubsf.com

Contact: Sales & Catering Department

Elegant art deco design and a stunning Diego Rivera original fresco. Celebrating bar and bat mitzvahs and weddings in the heart of the city. Specializing in outstanding cuisine, excellent service, and one-stopshop event planning expertise.

San Francisco Design Center Galleria*

101 Henry Adams St. San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 490-5861

sfvenues.com

jwagner@sfdesigncenter.com

Director of Special Events: Julia Wagner Modern and versatile, this is an ideal venue for celebrations, with state-of-the art lighting, retractable skylight, flexible catering, dance floor and more.

jccsf.org/program/jiy-celebrations ritualresource@jccsf.org

Jew It Yourself! This service provides free access to Torah scrolls and chuppahs needed to bring communal Jewish celebrations and ceremonies to life.

Invitations

Paper Pizzazz!*

(650) 858-0771

rsvpbyfrosty.com

rsvpbyfrosty@gmail.com

Contact: Frosty Gross

Personalized service for bar/bat mitzvah and wedding invitations and holiday cards, plus gifts and envelope-addressing at discounted prices.

In addition to the listing below, synagogues and Judaica stores may also provide chuppahs for rent. See Chapter 4, Religious Life and Congregations, or Chapter 13, Arts, Entertainment & Judaica.

JIY Celebrations

JCCSF, 3200 California St. San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 276-1514

Music & DJs

Gatsby Event Studios*

(925) 200-7391

gatsbyeventstudios.com

info@gatsbyeventstudios.com

Founder, MC/DJ: Adam Goldstein

Stream Manager: Conner Broderick

A one-stop shop for complete event entertainment and technology. Providing DJs, live music, lighting and audio-visual technology for weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, festivals, corporate events and parties.

Joel Nelson Productions

1157 Saratoga Ave. San Jose, CA 95129 (800) 578-5780

joelnelson.com

info@joelnelson.com

Owner/Entertainer: Joel Nelson

With over 25 years experience and thousands of weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs, this full-service agency supplies MCs, DJs, bands, lighting, photo booths and more.

Pandemic teens finally get to celebrate

DAN PINE | J. CONTRIBUTOR

Published May 31, 2023

For teens gathered in the Congregation Emanu-El’s sanctuary on May 5, the candies thrown from the pews must have felt like rain after a drought.

After three years of canceled events, bare-bones invite lists and ceremonies hosted on Zoom, 27 b’nai mitzvah kids — some now pushing age 16 — finally got their chance for a public “mazal tov” as the COVID-19 pandemic fades into the background.

“If your b-mitzvah service was affected by COVID in any way, shape or form, please stand in front of the bimah,” Cantor Arik Luck announced at the end of services that Friday night, using a gender-neutral term for bar and bat mitzvahs. “Maybe it was delayed, maybe you didn’t have a party, maybe it was in the courtyard, maybe we did it on Zoom. Come on up.”

Eva Richey, 14, was one of those teens. Though she celebrated her bat mitzvah at Emanu-El last year, the pandemic wreaked havoc on the event. She remembers that the plans for her January 2022 ceremony were going smoothly until the omicron variant started sweeping the country.

ahead to her daughter Portia’s bat mitzvah when COVID-19 shut down the world.

“We were living a pretty good normal life,” Kadlecek said. “Our kids were involved in all kinds of things, and then everything turned upside down. Towards the end of summer 2020 was when we started talking to the synagogue about what was going to happen in February [2021] for [Portia’s] bat mitzvah. We did not want her to go through the effort of all the practice and commitment and trials to then be alone in a room on camera.”

Portia Kadlecek, 15, remembers the pandemic years as brutal. “It was really hard for me,” she said. “It was pretty miserable being stuck at home for a year and a half. I’d just started middle school when it struck.”

“This was a great party. I got to meet new friends and have a celebration I’d unconsciously been waiting for for a year.”

Eva Richey

“We got bombarded with cancellation notes from friends from school,” she said. “I invited 23 [friends] and ended up with three. My grandma couldn’t come. We had to cancel the after-party because the ventilation wasn’t good enough.”

Her mother, Gina Silverman, recalled how the plans for Eva’s bat mitzvah unraveled in the weeks leading up to the simcha.

“The rabbi told us she wasn’t allowed to officiate [because] she couldn’t have the exposure,” Silverman said. “Then we were starting to panic about the party we had planned. Many guests were my parents’ generation, and we didn’t want to crowd people into a space. Then as we were getting closer to January 1, we found out we couldn’t open the space up, so we started thinking we’d have to roll back the party. Everything was suddenly COVID-y again.”

Marla Kadlecek recalls that back in early 2020 she was thinking

Richey felt similarly, saying the pandemic years “were a very hard time for me. I fell out of touch with a few people. It got harder and harder to plan around COVID. But it did help me knowing everyone else was going through the same thing.”

The idea for the mini-ceremony and party began with Rabbi Jonathan Singer, who is the co-senior spiritual leader of the Reform temple. Congregant Lori Coleman led the organizing and recruited Gatsby Events to donate the music and DJ for the party.

Marla Kadlecek said she felt “very gratified” to attend. “It’s a wonderful opportunity, not just for kids who may or may not have had a bar or bat mitzvah party, but anything that brings the young people of Emanu-El together,” she said. “They are the future of Emanu-El.”

The party included a taco bar, musical chairs and dancing to Jewish tunes in the social hall. “I was very excited about it,” Portia Kadlecek said about the after-party. “I had a really good time. We danced. There was good music.”

Added Richey, “This was a great party. I got to meet new friends and have a celebration I’d unconsciously been waiting for for a year.”

Portia’s mother, looking on from the sidelines, was arguably even happier about the turn of events.

“Finding joy and normalcy is what is most important at this stage,” she said. “This party is exactly that — joyful — and the kids will live out the experience they are supposed to have together, even if it’s coming a little later.” n

(From left) Kaitlin Brennan, Gabby Powell, Portia Kadlecek and Hannah Coleman celebrate their belated b'nai mitzvahs at Emanu-El. (Photo/Courtesy Lori Coleman)

BAKERIES BAGELS CATERING TAKEOUT KOSHER FOOD MARKETS KOSHER WINE BARS RESTAURANTS DELICATESSENS

15 | Food / Nosherei

* Listings with asterisks are provided as a courtesy to our advertisers. Text in blue is website address.

Bagels, Bakeries & Nosherei

The Bagel Mill

212 Western Ave.

Petaluma, CA 94952 (707) 981-8010

thebagelmill.com

info@thebagelmill.com

Chef/Owner: Glenda Dougherty

Freshly milled flour on site produces tasty organic sourdough bagels like only a bagelry in the Bay Area can make. Order online for pick up or delivery.

Beauty’s Bagel Shop

3838 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, CA 94609 (510) 788-6098

beautysbagelshop.com

info@beautysbagelshop.com

Contact: Blake Joffe

Inspired by Montreal tradition, bagels are hand-rolled, boiled in honey-sweetened water and baked in a wood-fired oven to acquire a wood-charred surface. Offering smoked trout salad, fried chicken and sandwiches; also catering.

Boichik Bagels

boichikbagels.com

Berkeley

3170 College Ave. Berkeley, CA 94705 (510) 858-5189

collegeave@boichikbagels.com

Factory

1225 Sixth St. Berkeley, CA 94710 (510) 616-2158

sixthstreet@boichikbagels.com

Palo Alto

855 El Camino Real, Suite 115 Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650) 352-5995

paloalto@boichikbagels.com

Serious New York-style bagels. Products produced under kosher supervision.

Choux SF

248 Fillmore St. San Francisco, CA 94117 (415) 757-0722

chouxsf.com

hello@chouxsf.com

Founder: Laura Athuil

Light-filled bakery specializing in traditional French cream puffs plus more creative varieties.

Daily Driver dailydriver.com

info@dailydriver.com

Dogpatch

2535 Third St. San Francisco, CA 94107 (415) 852-3535

Ferry Building

1 Ferry Building, Stall 21 San Francisco, CA 94111 (415) 548-5720

Community-oriented destination serving organic wood-fired bagels, hand-batted organic butter and cream cheese.

Deja Vu Bakery

Oshman Family JCC 3921 Fabian Way Palo Alto CA, CA 94303 (669) 246-2593

dejavufood.com

orders@dejavufood.com

Owner/Executive Chef: Orit Hendler Leib

Gourmet kosher cuisine; updated innovations on favorite dishes. Custom cakes of all descriptions, rugelach, babka, gluten-free cakes, marble cake, challah in traditional and creative shapes. Online ordering and catering.

Ethel’s Bagels

1000 Clegg Court Petaluma, CA 94954 (707) 364-9926

ethelsbagels.com contact@ethelsbagels.com

This pandemic-born pop-up now ranks among the Bay Area’s top bagel providers. It sells organic bagels, deli favorites like Reuben sandwiches, classic lox, and traditional Jewish breads and sweets.

Grand Bakery

3033 MacArthur Blvd. Oakland, CA 94602 (510) 465-1110

grandbakeryoakland.com

challah@grandbakeryoakland.com

Owner/Manager: Sam Tobis

Strictly kosher bakery delivering challah, macaroons, cookies and cakes, hand crafted in Oakland since 1959. Mission is to enable people to gather around food and Jewish ritual. Now a wholesale business, also taking orders for pickup.

HaMotzi Gluten-Free Challah

2008 Monterey Circle Alameda, CA 94501 (510) 560-6464

hamotzigf.com

support@hamotzigf.com

Baker: Lia Barrow

Manager: Dawn Schrey Colvin

Hand-braided gluten-free challah, completely dairy-free. Most ingredients organic and non-GMO. Baked in a kosher-certified gluten-free environment and delivered to residences on Fridays in time for Shabbat.

Hella Bagels

hella-bagels.com

blake@hella-bagels.com

Owner: Blake Hunter

A delivery and pop-up bagelry with inventive schmears, bagel dogs and sandwiches.

House of Bagels

5030 Geary Blvd. San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 752-6000

houseofbagels.com

orders@houseofbagels.com

Since 1962, using a bagel recipe brought from Brooklyn. Also offers artisan breads, cookies, pastries in a New York-style deli. Open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

Irving’s Premium Foods

Kensington, CA 94707

info@izzysbrooklynbagels.com

Kosher bagels, kosher catering, pastries, salads, classic Brooklyn pizza. Business and party catering. Under supervision of the Vaad Hakashrus of Northern California. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Loveski Deli

Oxbow Public Market

610 First St. Napa, CA 94559 loveskideli.com

info@loveskideli.com

Loveski is a “Jew-ish” deli owned by Christopher and Martina Kostow, featuring always-boiled, handmade sourdough bagels, house-made pickles, vegetables from their farm and sandwiches featuring premier cured smoked meats.

Poppy Bagels

5004 Telegraph Ave.

Oakland, CA 94609 (510) 544-3759

poppybagelsca.com

poppybagels@gmail.com

Owner: Reesa Kashuk

This Oakland bagel place prides itself on hand-rolled, cold-proofed bagels, crafted in a unique California style. These bagels fuse artisan tradition with innovative West Coast flair, offering a memorable taste experience.

Schlok’s Bagels

1263 Fell St. San Francisco, CA 94117 schloks.com

hi@schloks.com

Co-owners: Zack Schwab and James Lok

Tasty New York-style bagels with a San Francisco tweak.

Semifreddi’s Retail Shop

372 Colusa Ave.

Founded in 1984 with one sourdough recipe, this bakery now sources ingredients for 50 different breads and pastries: fennel from India, sesame from India, poppy seeds from Australia, cinnamon from Indonesia and vanilla from Madagascar. Kosher.

Toasted

(707) 273-1172

toastednapa.com

info@toastednapa.com

Owner: Ariella Wolkowicz

Offers a variety of artisan bagels and cream cheeses, babka, challah and gravlax. Available at 10 North Bay locations. Free delivery within Napa and St. Helena; minimal charge for deliveries to Calistoga, American Canyon and Fairfield.

Catering

Some of the following offer kosher food. Please check with the caterer to be sure they meet kashrut requirements.

Anaviv Catering & Events

600 Hoffman Blvd. Richmond, CA 94804 (415) 376-1400

anaviv.com

info@anaviv.com

Chef/Owner: Arnon Oren

Sales & Event Production Manager: Tonya Brown

Full-service catering and events, including floral design; wood-fired pizza, communal events, open air food market. Business is committed to sustainability and is Deep Green Certified; part of California’s Green Business Network.

Avi-ously Delicious Catering*

41 Hamilton Drive

Suite G

Novato, CA 94949 (415) 892-7685

Fax: (415) 892-1406

aviouslydelicious.com

aviously@comcast.net

Owner: Avi Cohen

Kosher and nonkosher catering and elegant desserts for every type of occasion and budget. Full-service catering, offering a diverse selection of cuisines and desserts from around the world.

Betty Zlatchin Catering & Events

1177 Indiana St.

San Francisco, CA 94107 (415) 641-8599

Fax: (415) 641-5563

bettyzlatchin.com

info@bettyzlatchin.com

Founder: Betty Zlatchin

CEO: David Zlatchin

Creative cuisine for any size events, currently specializing in micro weddings, intimate outdoor gatherings and boxed lunches. Delivery, virtual meeting packages.

Bishulim SF

(415) 881-0843

bishulimsf.com

bishulimsf@gmail.com

Chef/Owner: Aliza Grayevsky Somekh

Kosher foods from Israel and the diaspora; exotic Middle East fare including special malabi (creamy rose pudding with coconut), Shabbat meals, Israeli street food, holiday gift baskets; catering. No mashgiach.

Blossom Catering

Lucky Penny Community Arts Center

1760 Industrial Way Suite 2 Napa, CA 94558 (707) 234-5179

blossomcatering.com

office@blossomcatering.com

Chef/Owner: Itamar Abramovich

Founded in 2015, this caterer has become a high-end Napa Valley and Bay Area provider, known for superb cuisine and service. Its mission: consistent excellence, honoring local ingredients through traditional and innovative culinary experiences.

Carrie Dove Catering & Events

1050 22nd Ave.

Oakland, CA 94606 (415) 460-9995

carriedovecatering.com events@carriedovecatering.com

Comfortably elegant catering for special events for venues throughout the Bay Area. Extensive area served for dinner delivery.

Dina’s Catering

(650) 827-1309

dinaskoshercatering.com

arie@dinaskoshercatering.com

Owner: Dina Man

Supervising Manager: Arie Man

One of the Bay Area’s premier kosher caterers since 1994. Holiday events, brunches, luncheons, dinners, weddings, bar/bat mitz-

vahs and birthdays. Supervision of Vaad Hakashrus of Northern California.

Epic Bites Catering

Oakland, CA (646) 853-4630

epicbitescatering.com

epicbitescatering@gmail.com

Chef: Heshy Fried

Provides fare from locally sourced ingredients for garden parties to galas. Certified kosher by the Vaad Hakashrus of Northern California, using glatt kosher meats raised on family farms.

Good and Plenty Catering 2822 Russell St. Berkeley, CA 94705 (510) 548-1694

goodandplentycatering.com

inquiry@goodandplentycatering.com

Owner: Donna Weinberg

Serving the Bay Area since 1985. Personalized attention for weddings, graduations, dinners, cocktail parties, commitments, and bar/bat mitzvahs. Vegetarian menus available.

Holy Sushi

(650) 485-3589

holysushi.org info@holysushi.org

Creative, fresh kosher sushi. House-made vinegar and sushi rice and a range of tasty fish specialties. Order online.

Hugh Groman Group

(510) 647-5165

thehughgromangroup.com info@gromangroup.com

Full-service catering and event planning. Prepared family meals delivered or picked up. Group includes Greenleaf Provisions and party platters and Phil’s Sliders. Serving elegant affairs and casual occasions.

Julia’s Kosher Kitchen

(925) 395-3897

tinyurl.com/juliaskosherkitchen juliaskosherkitchen@gmail.com

Owner: Mihaela Schiffer

Boutique kosher gourmet catering provided around the Bay Area, with catering for all types of events. Freshly made, works with all budgets to suit each client’s needs. Meat, dairy or parve.

Kosher Catering by Fred Zaghi 1030 Astoria Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94087

(408) 739-5949 szaghi@aol.com

Owner: Fred Zaghi

Specializing in Sephardi as well as Ashkenazi cooking. Full-service catering or takeout. Meat, dairy, parve catering for all simchas. Will create a custom menu for an event. Vaad Hakashrus of Northern California supervision.

The Ma’lawah Bar (408) 489-7227

themalawahbar.com

themalawahbar@gmail.com

Owner: Doreet Jehassi

Specializes in artisan breads such as jachnun and ma’lawah and exotic native cuisine from Yemen. Catering and delivery available. Certified kosher under the supervision of Sunrise Kosher—Va’ad of Northern California.

Mangia Nosh Catering Company

271 Alameda del Prado Novato, CA 94949 (415) 612-4100

mangianosh.com

info@mangianosh.com

Owner: Jordan Cervetto

Creative and fresh food catering; meal pick up and delivery; food and event decor to suit any occasion and budget. Kosher options available.

Oakland Kosher Catering

3419 Lakeshore Ave. Oakland, CA 94610 (510) 839-0177/ Fax: (510) 839-0170 oaklandkosherfoods.com/catering oaklandkosherfoods@gmail.com

Co-owner: Yuval Atias

Kosher catering from the simplest to gourmet, elegant to casual. American, Mediterranean, French and Far East cuisine. Specializing in kosher meals in a box.

R ESOURCE R ESOURCE R ESOURCE

For more information about the organizations in Resource, check out their expanded listings at JewishResourceGuide.com.

Olive

2059 Junction Ave. El Cerrito, CA 94530 (510) 974-3086

olivesf.com

info@olivesf.com

Provides Mediterranean-California fusion cuisine for special events and biweekly meal delivery. Chef and co-founder Arkadi Kluger, winner of Food Network’s show “The Great Food Truck Race,” is known for vegetable-forward menus and innovative presentation, crafted with high-quality local and seasonal produce.

Oren’s Hummus Catering

1279 Alma Court San Jose, CA 95112 (650) 204-0017 x1 orenshummus.com

catering@orenshummus.com

$120 GENERAL ADMISSION

$65

Catering traditional and not-so traditional twists on favorite Israeli lunch and dinner fare. Hummus, borekas, kebabs, falafel and other specialties, and featuring a buildyour-own pita bar. Many ingredients are sourced from local farms or imported from Israel to replicate the flavors found in the restaurants of Tel Aviv.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27TH | 3:30PM-7PM AT CIA COPIA, NAPA VALLEY

OVER 15 WINERIES, 4 CRAFT BEERS, JEWISH FOODS, ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, AND COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS

ADMISSION

ADDITIONAL FOOD TICKETS SOLD AT THE EVENT

SOME FEATURED WINERIES

Art House Wines | COHO | Complant Wines | Covenant | Hagafen | Hall | Judd's Hill | Matthiasson Wines | Napa Valley College Winemaker Program | Neiman | Shadowbox | Silver Trident | Stardust

SOME FEATURED DELIS & CATERERS

Blossom Catering | Bubbalas | Ethel's Bagels | Golden State Pickle Works | King Knish | Loveski's Deli | Mark N' Mike's | Nina's Pastries | Pomella Restaurant |

The Tish Napa Valley

PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE VIA EVENTBRITE BY USING THIS QR CODE OR USE THE LINK:

https://tinyurl.com/2023LChaim

Kosher Wineries

Covenant Wines

1102 Sixth St. Berkeley, CA 94710 (510) 559-9045

covenantwines.com

wine@covenantwines.com

Managing Director: Sagie Kleinlerer

Vintner/Co-owner: Jeff Morgan

Urban kosher winery housed in a 7,000-square-foot warehouse in Berkeley. Under supervision of Orthodox Union. All wines are kosher for Passover.

Four Gates

Vineyard and Winery

503 Happy Valley Road Santa Cruz, CA 95065 (831) 457-2673

fourgateswine.com

bc@fourgateswine.com

Owner: Benyamin Cantz

Perhaps the smallest kosher winery in the country, growing grapes for chardonnay, merlot, pinot noir and cabernet franc on 3.5 acres. Grapes are certified organic by the CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers). Please call to order.

Hagafen Cellars

4160 Silverado Trail Napa, CA 94558

(707) 252-0781 x113

Fax: (707) 252-4562

hagafen.com

visit@hagafen.com

Owner and Winemaker: Ernie Weir

Award-winning estate-bottled Napa Valley wines. OU supervised, kosher for Passover and the rest of the year. Mevushal. Vegan. Retail sales, tours and tasting.

L’Chaim Napa Valley Food and Wine Festival* CIA at Copia 500 First St. Napa, CA 94559 cbsnapa.org/event/ lchaim-food--wine-festival.html

Annual Jewish food and wine festival – 16 different wines from Jewish vintners, Jewish foods, entertainment and cooking demonstrations. Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, 3:30-7 p.m. Sponsored by Congregation Beth Shalom of Napa Valley.

Markets & Kosher Food

Mollie Stone’s Markets (415) 301-1147

molliestones.com

catering@molliestones.com

Burlingame

1477 Chapin Ave. Burlingame, CA 94010 (650) 558-9992

Greenbrae

270 Bon Air Shopping Center Greenbrae, CA 94904 (415) 461-1164

Palo Alto

164 S. California Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650) 323-8361

San Bruno

22 Bayhill Shopping Center San Bruno, CA 94066 (650) 873-8075

San Francisco:

Castro

4201 18th St.

San Francisco, CA 94114 (415) 255-8959

Grand Central/Pacific Heights

2435 California St.

San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 567-4902

Tower/Twin Peaks

635 Portola Drive

San Francisco, CA 94127 (415) 664-1600

San Mateo

49 42nd Ave.

San Mateo, CA 94403 (650) 372-2828

Sausalito

100 Harbor Drive

Sausalito, CA 94965 (415) 331-6900

Kosher foods, grocery, dairy, frozen foods, wines and meat. On-premises meat cutting at Palo Alto store. Order products at any branch for delivery to the closest branch.

Oakland Kosher

3419 Lakeshore Ave. Oakland, CA 94610 (510) 839-0177

Fax: (510) 839-0170

oaklandkosherfoods.com

oaklandkosherfoods@gmail.com

Contact: Yuval or Gary

Fresh kosher meats and poultry, groceries refrigerated and frozen. Many items from Israel. Fresh-made salads, deli items, shwarma and large kosher wine selection. Lunch served daily.

Pars Kosher Market

3978 S. Bascom Ave. San Jose, CA 95124 (408) 340-5443

parskoshermarket.com

parskoshermarket@gmail.com

Extensive selection of kosher grocery items both fresh and frozen, meats and desserts. Provides catering service.

Vaad of Northern California

— Sunrise Kosher

Main Office

3316 Mayfair Drive Sacramento, CA 95864 (510) 843-8223

Fax: (510) 217-3596

sunrisekosher.org

bzwelton@sunrisekosher.org

Chief Executive Officer: Rabbi Ben-Tzion Welton

Rabbinic Administrator: Rabbi Avi Lebowitz

Kosher certification agency for all food service and industrial food production in Northern California. For all questions regarding kosher certification, call Rabbi Ben-Tzion Welton; for rabbinical questions, call and ask for Rabbi Avi Lebowitz.

Restaurants & Takeout

Some of the following offer kosher food. Please check with the facility to be sure it meets kashrut requirements.

Bubbala’s Delicatessen Heartbeat Cafe

100 Bayo Vista, # 44 San Rafael, CA 9490 (203) 856-5746

bubbalas.com

greg@bubbalas.com

Head Chef: Greg Bernson

Co-owner: Janelle Loiselle

This Jewish-inspired deli presents traditional comfort foods infused with California flair, bridging nostalgia with innovative culinary surprises.

David’s Delicatessen & Restaurant

474 Geary St. San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 276-5950

tinyurl.com/davidsdeli

This delicatessen opposite the Geary and Curran theaters specializes in Eastern European fare, including appetizers, deli sandwiches, soups and desserts.

Falafel STOP

1325 Sunnyvale-Saratoga Road Sunnyvale, CA 94087 (408) 735-7182

falafelstop.com info@falafelstop.com

Quick-stop restaurant serving authentic Middle Eastern falafel as it is served throughout the Middle East. Fresh pita bread daily.

Grossman’s Noshery & Bar

308 1/2 Wilson St. Santa Rosa, CA 95401 (707) 595-7707

grossmanssr.com

info@grossmanssr.com

Most recent addition to the eclectic Stark group, this restaurant serves traditional and twists on traditional Jewish deli fare. Cocktails and wine at the bar. Fresh baked rugelach, babka, bagels and cookies.

Hummus Bodega

5549 Geary Blvd. San Francisco, CA 94121 (415) 874-1148

hummusbodega.com

hummusbodega@gmail.com

A growing fast-casual restaurant franchise specializing in kosher Mediterranean cuisine that is both healthy and scrumptious.

Kabab Burger Mediterranean Grill

3647 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

Lafayette, CA 94549 (925) 297-6343

Fax: (925) 297-6357

kabab-burger.com

kababburgerlafayette@gmail.com

Owner: Eduardo Masias

Freshly prepared Mediterranean cuisine including Greek and Israeli salads, our famous baba ghanoush and hummus, falafel, lamb, chicken and kefta kababs. Gyros and shawarma. Also tasty pita sandwiches, soups and much more.

Mark ’n Mike’s

1 Market St.

San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 777-5577

onemarket.com

lbouchard@onemarket.com

Housed in One Market, a popular eatery across from the Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street, this is a pop-up deli served up New York style.

One Market Restaurant

1 Market St.

San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 777-5577

onemarket.com

info@onemarket.com

General Manager/Partner: Lorenzo Bouchard

Director of Special Events: Christine Chafin

Named among Top 10 American restaurants in the U.S. by Gayot Guide; recipient of Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence. Farm-to-table culinary precision and impeccable service since 1993.

Oren’s Hummus

orenshummus.com

gm_msc@orenshummus.com

Cupertino

19419 Stevens Creek Blvd.

Cupertino, CA 95014 (408) 982-5237

Los Gatos

1 N. Santa Cruz Ave.

Los Gatos, CA 95030 (408) 344-6736

Mountain View

126 Castro St. Mountain View, CA 94041 (650) 938-6736

Palo Alto

261 University Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650) 752-6492

Oren’s Hummus Express

855 El Camino Real Suite 162 Palo Alto, CA 94301

San Francisco

71 Third St. San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 915-6736

Traditional and not-so traditional twists on Israeli favorite lunch and dinner fare. Hummus, borekas, kebabs, dine in, take out and catering available. San Francisco and locations around the Bay Area.

Pomella

3770 Piedmont Ave. Unit B Oakland, CA 94611 (510) 250-9215

pomellaoakland.com

info@pomellaoakland.com

Chef/Owner: Mica Talmor

Modern California-Israeli food; catering, pickup and delivery; Levantine, Maghrebi, North African, Mediterranean, Eastern European and Middle Eastern food.

Sababa sababasf.com guy@sababasf.com

Kearny Street

329 Kearny St. San Francisco, CA 94108 (415) 800-6853

Stevenson Street

71 Stevenson St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 658-7494

Sababa means “thumbs up,” the feeling patrons should experience when they bite into a falafel sandwich loaded with tasty salads, pickles and sauces. Also pita sandwiches. Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sabra Grill Restaurant

419 Grant Ave. San Francisco, CA 94108 (415) 982-3656

sabragrill.com

sabragrill@aol.com

Contact: Yuval Mizrahi

Israeli-Middle Eastern, glatt kosher restaurant with a mashgiach temidi. Breakfast, lunch and dinner; catering and takeout. Supervision of Vaad Hakashrus of Northern California. Special food for Shabbat.

Saul’s Restaurant and Delicatessen

1475 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley, CA 94709 (510) 848-3354

saulsdeli.com

general@saulsdeli.com

North Berkeley deli since 1986, offering Jewish cuisine for California palates, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal food. Open daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. except Thanksgiving and Yom Kippur.

Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen 3150 24th St. San Francisco, CA 94110 (415) 787-DELI (3354) wisesonsdeli.com

pastrami@wisesonsdeli.com

Locations throughout the Bay Area. Open seven days on 24th Street for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at the Ferry Building. Every day for lunch at the Contemporary Jewish Museum.

For more information about the organizations in Resource, check out their expanded listings at JewishResourceGuide.com.

* Listings with asterisks are provided as a courtesy to our advertisers. Text in blue is website address.

Finance

Red Tower Capital Inc.*

73 Sumner St.

Suite 203

San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 475-8800

redtowercapital.com/jweekly

invest@redtowercapital.com

Founder and President: Solomon Gorlick

Private real estate lending and investment firm specializing in bridge loans and real estate investments. Annually audited mortgage fund RTC VI generates solid, predictable returns.

House & Home

Carmel Stone Imports*

Palo Alto – Showroom & Design Center

3160 W. Bayshore Road

Palo Alto, CA 94303

(866) 769-1573

carmelimports.com

robbie@carmelstone.com

President/CEO: Robbie Robinson

Senior Account Manager: Danielle Amaral

Leading importer/distributor of granite, marble, limestone slabs, tile, mosaics and

moldings; ceramic handmade, porcelain, glass tile. Large importer of Jerusalem stone slabs, tile and accessories.

Security

HighCom

Security Services*

1900 Webster St.

Oakland, CA 94612 (800) 935-4807

Fax: (510) 893-7616

highcomsecurityservices.com

info@highcomsecurityservices.com

President: Sammy Joselewitz

Director of protective services: Christopher Morris

Proactive and complete security solutions. Services include facility and event security, alarms, cameras and access-control systems (installation and monitoring), security consulting and training.

Real Estate

Helene Barkin Broker-Associate*

The Agency (510) 331-1122

helenebarkin.com

helene@helenebarkin.com

Top-producing Bay Area agent for 33 years, providing clients invaluable insight in complicated, hyper-competitive real

estate market. Cultivated vision, extensive experience and personal commitment to clients are unsurpassed. Serving East Bay and beyond. DRE# 01032351.

Bellings Brothers

Real Estate Team*

891 Beach St. San Francisco, CA 94109 bellingsbrothers.com

Principals:

Michael Bellings (415) 238-7405 michael@bellingsbrothers.com

Aaron Bellings (415) 601-3000 aaron@bellingsbrothers.com

Aaron and Michael Bellings are San Francisco natives and have always had a passion for people, real estate and San Francisco. Since 2019, they have been the #1 Buyer Team and #2 Overall Team in San Francisco.

Meryl Bennan*

Barbco Real Estate

45 West Portal Ave. San Francisco, CA 94127 (415) 637-7059

merylbennan.com

meryl@realestatesf.com

Realtor: Meryl Bennan

Concierge real estate services for buyers and sellers specializing in San Francisco and surrounding areas. DRE#01988493

Real Estate (cont.)

Cohen Bleier Group*

Coldwell Banker Realty

4115 Blackhawk Plaza Circle Suite 201 Danville, CA 94506

cohenbleiergroup.com

Realtors:

AJ Cohen (925) 819-2747

aj@cohenbleiergroup.com

Jason Bleier (925) 997-7373

jason@cohenbleiergroup.com

Respect, relationships and results for clients are the cornerstones of this second-generation, top-producing team, with over 500 combined sales. Deeply involved in Jewish community. Treating every client like family sets the foundation for continued success.

Michael Feiner*

Oasis Real Estate 2000 Allston Way, Suite 86 Berkeley, CA 94701 (510) 525-6261 (office) (510) 367-1778 (cell) oasis-realestate.com

michael@oasis-realestate.com

Broker: Michael Feiner

Independent, locally owned real estate firm with a reputation built on experience, expertise and a singular commitment to clients’ best interests. Cal BRE #00961731.

Alex Inker, Realtor* (415) 706-7711 facebook.com/alexinkersf ainker@kw.com

Real estate is Alex’s passion. Whether clients are selling or buying, this Realtor helps with their most important life investment. Multilingual skills (English, Russian, Ukrainian) and familiarity with different cultures enhance his services.

Susan Sims*

The Agency

161 S. San Antonio Road, Suite 1 Los Altos, CA 94022 (650) 743-1838 (cell) susansimshomes.com susan.sims@theagencyre.com

Broker-Associate: Susan Sims

J. Readers’ Choice Award Winner since 2005. Knowledgeable about Peninsula communities; dedicated to exceptional service.

Entrenched in Jewish and greater local communities. Longtime member of a local synagogue. License #01408349.

Geri Stern*

Compass Real Estate 1625 Shattuck Ave., Suite 101 Berkeley, CA 94709 (510) 375-1839 carlaandgeri.com geristern@gmail.com

East Bay real estate specialist for over 30 years. For help with renovations prior to the sale, call about Compass Concierge program. No fees or interest loans for priorto-sale improvements.

Team Mizrahi*

Coldwell Banker

161 South San Antonio Road Los Altos, CA 94022 (408) 315-2414 (650) 949-8173 teammizrahi.com agents@teammizrahi.com

Silicon Valley and Peninsula Realtors with 40 years of experience and over 700 homes sold. The team, with a five-star Yelp rating, features Israeli-born Dafna Mizrahi and Bay Area native Tina Kyriakis.

Federation lending program impacts Oakland business

LILLIAN ILSLEY-GREENE | J. STAFF

Published Jan. 11, 2023

An Oakland-based coworking business has received a $250,000 loan through the impact lending program of the S.F.based Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, which puts money in the hands of underserved communities by partnering with small, local lenders.

Oakstop is a combination cowork, event and gallery space, with five locations in Oakland and one in Richmond. Trevor Parham, the CEO and founder, describes Oakstop as a “social enterprise.”

Founded in 2014, Oakstop rents spaces for work, meetings and training sessions and is used mainly by artists and nonprofits seeking affordable workspaces. Locations also serve as gallery spaces, displaying and selling works by local artists.

Oakstop uses “commercial real estate as a vehicle for mobilizing local communities of color through providing affordable and accessible space,” Parham said.

In 2021, the Federation loaned more than $965,000 to Pacific Community

Ventures, a nonprofit lending partner that focuses on economic, racial and gender justice. The Oakland-based venture has used that capital to help loan $9.6 million to 133 businesses, including employment services nationwide.

Tanya Shadoan, the Federation’s CEO and founder of the 3-year-old program, said the idea is to get donor-advised funds into the community.

“We wanted to offer something different” to our donors, she said. “We wanted to do it in a way that was aligned with people’s philanthropic goals, but also move them beyond where they might be on their own.”

The program began in March 2020, at the start of the pandemic, when Hebrew Free Loan, the S.F.-based nonprofit that offers interest-free loans, received a record number of loan applications — and reached out to the Federation for help.

By April, the Federation had raised $5 million from donors and supporting foundations and added another $1 million from its own coffers. Hebrew Free Loan was presented with a $6 million loan to be paid back in full after five years, which

helped the nonprofit make 359 more loans to the community.

As of May 2022, the Federation had pooled a total of $21.1 million for the impact lending program, spreading those funds to 13 community-based lending partners, including Pacific Community Ventures.

The program, like other Federation efforts, is led by Jewish values. “A way of repairing the world is … making capital accessible to people who haven’t had access to it,” Shadoan said.

Parham, 40, said he plans to use his loan to hire more staff. With a fine arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania, he dabbled in the art world before employment at a co-working space. At that point, he realized the model’s potential for benefiting a community.

Parham wants Oakstop “to continue to cultivate the local Oakland ecosystem to help both the business community [and] the greater community — and communities of color overall — grow and thrive,” he said. “And then, that work unto itself serves as a model for us to inspire other cities to [utilize] the same model.” n

Together we will do extraordinary things.

Jewish Silicon Valley is a new organization formed in 2021 by the merger of the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center with the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley. We work with partner agencies to realize the vision of a vibrant Jewish community in the South Bay.

Connecting people at every life stage

Our mission: To harness the power of community to improve lives, build bridges of understanding, and strengthen the Jewish people here, in Israel, and around the world.

Jewish Silicon Valley provides programs through the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center with a special focus on Jewish life & culture, youth & families, healthy aging, and wellness. We also support the work of other local Jewish agencies to ensure a broad range of opportunities are available to everyone in our diverse community.

Building bridges of understanding

Jewish Silicon Valley works with Jewish and other partners to create collaborations and conversations that break down barriers, transcend differences, and foster a sense of unity.

Strengthening the Jewish people

Jewish Silicon Valley is a convener of the larger Jewish community in the South Bay, bringing Jewish leaders together to foster Jewish life in the region. Our fundraising campaigns directly support Jewish communal needs locally and around the world.

Committed to caring for our elders with dignity

Institute on Aging traces our roots back to the Jewish community’s traditional sense of family and storied heritage, which goes back some 4,000 years. Our founders saw their mission as an expression of this heritage, and we are honored to carry this commitment forward.

Through programs like Corio and Companioa, we enhance the quality of life for aging adults and empower people to live independently.

n Every case assigned a team of Home Care Aides and a Client Service Manager

n Access to additional IOA care programs and services

n Around-the-clock care services available

n