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.