Isaiah Circles
Registration Is Open for Isaiah Circles 5.0!
Make Sure to Refresh Your Page/Email at 7pm!
Join your Temple Isaiah community for small group connection, learning and fun! Isaiah Circles has launched, with 23 Circles to choose from. Most Circles are small and intimate, giving you the opportunity to make deeper connections with your Isaiah family while enjoying something of interest. Maybe try a Circle focusing on playing music together, a sports activity like pickle ball, or reading sci-fi? There are food Circles, game Circles, and Jewish study Circles. There’s something for everyone!
Circles are popular, so we ask each person to initially register for just one Circle, and we will notify you when you may sign up for a second Circle. All of our Circles are led by fellow congregants, trained to lead a group in which all members are heard and appreciated. Check out our Circles Promotional Video created by Circle participants and leaders by clicking here!
Some Circles fill quickly, so register as soon as you can!
Important information to know before you sign up:
This is YOUR circle. Every individual is important to its success! Please note that you must be a Temple Isaiah member to join a Circle.
Make sure all of the dates work on your calendar before you sign up and make attending each one a top priority. Your Circle leaders put a lot of planning and preparation into leading your Circle; let’s honor their time.
If you decide you need to drop out of your Circle, please communicate with your Circle leader and/or Joy Plummer at joyp@temple-isaiah.org, so that we can open up the Circle to anyone who might be on the waitlist.
Each member must register on their own. If you want to participate with your partner/spouse, each of you must register separately. Please do not ask an Isaiah staff member to register for you; however, on the night of registration, if you are having technical difficulties, please reach out to Julie Bell or Joy Plummer for help.
Excited yet? We are too!
If you want to be added to a group’s waitlist, please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Questions? Circle Related Inquiries? Need an Additional Location Booked?
Please contact Joy Plummer at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
- Circles 5.0 Groups - Sign-ups Open August 18, 2024 at 7pm
Brain Bending Fun!
Leader: Sara Duckler
Location: Temple Isaiah Library
Schedule: Fridays, 10:30am - 12pm, 10/18, 11/15, 12/13, 1/10, 2/7, 3/7, 5/2 (5/2 session time to be determined)
Description: Embrace your creativity! Train your Brain! Build a banana bridge or a toothpick tower! Each month we will tackle short, silly, interactive challenges in an imaginative, safe, friendly space. Your brain will thank you in this circle where everything is made up and the points don’t matter!
FLAVORS OF ISRAEL: Exploring Israeli Food
Leader: Amy Fischer Smith
Location: Private Home/Restaurants
Schedule: Tuesdays, 1:30pm - 3:30pm, 9/10, 10/8, Thursdays, 1:30pm - 3:30pm, 11/14, 12/12, and Tuesdays, 1:30pm - 3:30pm, 1/14, 2/11, 3/11, 4/8, 5/13
Description: Let’s join together to cook, learn about, and taste Israeli cuisine! We will begin our circle watching Michael Solomov’s documentary “In Search of Israeli Cuisine.” Session two we will have guest chef Faith Kramer (author of “52 Shabbats”) lead a spice mixing class for us and participants will leave with jars of their very own spices. In subsequent sessions, we will focus on different Israeli dishes (think hummus, falafel, salads, shakshuka, shawarma, bourekas, and malabi). Recipes will be gathered from cookbooks by chefs Michael Solomonov, Yotam Ottelenghi, Janna Gur, Einat Admony, Faith Kramer, and Adeena Sussman. The plan is to make two different versions of a dish so we can discuss and compare and then at the end of each session, we will break bread together and savor what we cooked. Each cooking session will have a nominal fee for ingredients. We will meet on Tuesdays except in November & December where we meet on Thursday.The group will also take 1-2 field trips to Israeli restaurants in Oakland and San Francisco to be scheduled on weekends that work for participants
Fun with Decoupage!
Leader: Arlynn Bloom
Location: Temple Isaiah Oneg Room and Kitchen (10/9 will be in the Adult Lounge)
Schedule: Wednesdays, 10am - 12pm, 9/4, 10/9, 11/6, 12/4, 1/8
Description: Relax, have fun and learn to decoupage - decoupage is a creative technique used to decorate various objects by cutting out pictures from various papers and applying them with glue in layers on different items - such as trays, stools, and boxes. You can’t mess this up…and you might even create a family heirloom! You will also learn gelli plate printing - a form of monotype. Participants will be responsible for their own materials and costs. Finding and creating papers is part of the fun. A list of materials will be sent out by the group leader prior to the circle’s start.
Intrepid Foodies
Leader: Joani DeVries
Location: Private home(s).
Schedule: Sundays, 3pm - 5:30pm, 9/8, 10/6, 11/3, 12/1, 1/5, 2/2
Description: I am offering a kind of cooking club where we design our own circle around food. We will meet the first time and choose which 5 cuisines we want to explore. Our adventure will include going to restaurants to sample food, visiting food specialty shops, doing some cooking together on zoom and meeting in person to share recipes and cooking tricks. This is an open-ended exploration of food for people who like to cook, experiment and want to make friends who are like-minded. The first meeting will be at my house. Future meetings will be held at various locations.
It’s All About Playing Golf
Leader: Dan Schick
Location: Diablo Hills Golf Course
Schedule: Sundays, 9:30am - 1:30pm, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24
Description: Meet at Diablo Hills Golf Course for 9 holes of fun golf with lunch to follow. We will gather at the first hole at 9:30 to form groups with tee time of 10:00 am. Each player is responsible for their own green fees and cart if not walking. Please bring cash for lunch as it is difficult to use credit cards with a large group.
JAZ 5 at the Zoo!
Leader: Jill Riter
Location: Oakland Zoo
Schedule: Tuesdays, 10:30am - 1:30pm, 10/1, 11/5, 12/3, 1/7; Wednesday, 2/5; and Tuesday, 3/4
Description: Come join TI’s Jews At the Zoo (JAZ 5) Circle and walk on the wild side with TI’s own Jill Riter, Docent at the Oakland Zoo! We will explore all parts of the Oakland Zoo over the next circle timeline! Learn about various species, hear stories of some of the individual animals, and learn the history of the zoo along with our conservation efforts protecting animals across the world! If you already love wild animals or are interested in learning more to appreciate and enjoy their wonder, then this circle is for you! It is suggested that you join the Oakland Zoo as a member to save $ for both entry and parking. Note: One of the sessions will be held on a Wednesday 2/5 so we can go on a special visit to the Veterinarian Hospital. The time will be from 9:45am -11. Benefits include discount at the gift shop, and it is a plus if you are 76+ because you entrance fee is free.Participants should feel comfortable walking on hills since it is hilly.
Jewish Cycle-ology!
Leaders: Herb Benenson & Jerry Weintraub
Location: Varies each month
Schedule: Sundays, 9am - 12pm, 9/1, 10/6, 11/3, 12/1, 1/5, 2/2, 3/2, 4/6
Description: Intermediate to advanced road cycling rides around the East Bay. Expect 25–35-mile rides with some climbs on the first Sunday of each month, weather permitting. Our rides will last approximately 2-3 hours. The meeting point will change depending on the ride of the day. Details will be sent prior to each ride.
Knit Wits
Leaders: Brenda Patipa & Susan Radke
Location: Private home
Schedule: Wednesdays, 10 - 12pm, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18
Description: Come join our weekly knitting circle! We’ll knit hats, mitts, socks, scarves, shawls, etc. Lots of hands-on instruction and guidance, and plenty of comforting togetherness. This circle is for anyone who wants to knit - all skill levels are welcome.
LET’S GET CREATIVE: Mixed Media and Collage
Leader: Joani Share
Location: Private Home in Concord, CA
Schedule: Thursday, 10am - 12pm, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 12/5
Description: This art workshop will be an exploration of techniques and materials to create mixed media collage artwork. The workshop will utilize paper, fabric and other materials including found objects to make visual statements. We’ll be painting, drawing, and printing as we explore a wide range of collage processes. This will be a workshop for all levels and abilities and is designed so that all participants will have fun. Our circle will be a place for artistic discovery and dialogue. All materials will be provided, all you need is the interest in creating!
Let’s Test Recipes for JC3!
Leader: Julie Bell
Location: Zoom
Schedule: Sundays, 2pm - 4pm, 9/22, 10/20, 11/17, 12/15, 1/26, 2/23, 3/16
Description: Jake Cohen’s 3rd cookbook is all about dinner parties and we are going to test recipes for his new book before it’s published! Recipes will be sent out ahead of time so that you can shop and be prepared. We’ll gather on zoom to cook together in our own kitchens while sharing some stories and creating community…and hopefully we’ll have a visit from Jake sometime during the class!
LGBTQIA+ Peers & Parents
Leader: Nikki Cowger
Location: Temple Isaiah Library
Schedule: Wednesdays, 6:30pm - 8:30pm, 9/11, 10/9, 11/13, 12/18, 1/22, 2/12, 3/19, 4/30, 5/14
Description: This is a circle intended to discuss topics that are relevant to and impact us as members of LGBTQIA+ community. We will explore our identity as queer individuals (or parents of queer individuals), the intersection with our Jewish faith and our challenges and strengths as a double-minority group.
LIFE ON THE FARM: Take Two!
Leaders: Jojo Peterson
Location: Private Home
Schedule: Tuesdays, 12:30pm - 2:30pm, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15
Description: Join Jojo Peterson at her family farm in the Briones Valley where you’ll participate in feeding and caring for all the animals. There will be an emphasis on working with the horses (ground work) and learning about horse psychology. You’ll work hands-on with the horses in the arena learning how horses operate with each other and humans. This circle is geared towards people who have never worked with horses or animals but have a passion to do so. We’ll work together to address any fears or anxiousness around animals in a safe way.
Mingling and Mahjong for Experienced Players
Leader: Dori Schick
Location: Private Home
Schedule: Sundays, 1pm - 4 pm, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24
Description: Join in for a fun afternoon of playing Mah Jongg. This circle is for experienced players only. Please bring a snack to share with the group. Entrance way to private home has 5 stairs.
Old Time Acoustic Play Along…
Leader: Esther Nichol
Location: Temple Isaiah Oneg Room
Schedule: Mondays, 10:30am - 12pm, 10/7, 11/18, 12/16, 1/13, 2/10
Description: Bring your guitar, banjo, ukulele, autoharp, fiddle, or any other instrument and share a tune you’re working on. Whether you just like to listen to music or are a beginner or intermediate musician - all are welcome.
OUT OF TIME: Reading Time Travel Science Fiction
Leader: Debra Hachen
Location: Temple Isaiah Library
Schedule: Mondays, 10am - 11:30am, 10/7, 11/4, 12/2, 1/13, 2/10, 3/10, 4/7
Description: Join us in a monthly science fiction book club - we’ll read some classics and some contemporary works. We will explore themes of being transported to the past or experiencing the future and discuss stories of characters attempting to change history, scientific curiosity, protecting society, and accidental displacement.
PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE WILD: Take 2!
Leader: Thomas Smith
Location: Varies each month
Schedule: Fridays, 10am - 12pm, 10/18, 11/15, 12/20, 1/17, 2/21
Description: We will enjoy photography and nature, while building community, on a series of photo hikes in five beautiful outdoor settings around the Lamorinda area. Practice your skills, enjoy the great outdoors, and share your photos with the group for feedback and discussion. Each hike is led by Thomas Smith, a Temple Isaiah member and professional news photographer, whose work appears in the New York Times, People Magazine, The Forward, and more. No special equipment is needed—an iPhone is fine. Participants should be able to complete a 1+ hour moderate hike (a sample location is the 3-mile Lakeside Trail at the Lafayette Reservoir).
Pickleball Wizards
Leaders: Gary Kurtzman & David Shafton
Location: Lafayette Rink
Schedule: Sundays, 2pm - 4pm, 9/22, 10/27, 2/9, 4/27
Description: Come play pickleball with Temple Isaiah! Join with your friends or family, or come solo. This circle is for everyone: all ages, all levels of experience or athletic ability are welcome and encouraged to join! This is a friendly, non-competitive group and our goal will be to have fun together. Bring your own paddles or let us know if you need to borrow one. All outings will be at the Lafayette Rink located at 576 St Marys Rd. in Lafayette. The enrollment fee of $50 per person covers all court reservation fees for all four sessions. Rink rules and guidelines are posted on their web site: https://www.lovelafayette.org/city-hall/city-departments/parks-trails-recreation/lafayette-rink
Pop Culture Vultures
Leaders: Judy & Jeffrey Feldman
Location: Private Home
Schedule: Tuesdays, 7pm - 8:15pm, 10/15, 10/29, 11/12, 12/3, 12/17
Description: Come discuss celebrity news, pop culture, entertainment and human-interest stories with this fun and interactive group! Topics will be based on current People Magazine articles and activities will include trivia games, recipe and movie reviews, “Jews in the News” and more! The only advance preparation will be buying and reading the previous two weeks’ People Magazines.
SPARE ME! - UPDATED INFORMATION AND TIMING!
Leader: Terry Matzkin
Location: Paddock Bowl
Schedule: Sundays, 12:45pm - 2:45pm, 9/15, 10/20, 11/17, 12/15, 1/12, 2/9, 3/16
Description: Do you like to bowl? Then this circle is for you! This is NOT a league – this is Isaiah Circles ADULT FUN! We will meet at Paddock Bowl in Pacheco the third Sunday of each month from September through December and March. In January and February, we will meet on the second Sunday. The cost per session is $15 for 3 games. PLEASE BRING CASH! Fee includes shoes and a ball should you need them. Nicely kept lanes and facility. The Cafe will be open if you would like to purchase food.
Studying in the Footsteps of our Ancestors
Leader: Alex Trzesniewski
Location: Temple Isaiah Oneg Room
Schedule: Thursdays, 6:30pm - 8pm, 9/19, 10/10, 11/14, 12/19, 1/16, 2/13, 3/6, 4/10, 5/8
Description: It’s Torah-ish, it’s Talmud-ish….it’s Jew-ish! Let’s have a study session where we explore, learn and study together a set of books published in English for the first time. Each page has a passage of the Torah surrounded by centuries of commentary. It will not be necessary to purchase the books, passages will be provided.
Tastes of East Asia
Leaders: Erika & Howard Goldstein
Location: Varies each month
Schedule: Thursdays, 7pm - 9pm, 9/26, 11/21, 1/16, 2/27, 3/27, 5/8
Description: Come join us for six fun evenings as we explore together various East Asian restaurants for dinner. Satisfy your cravings as we tantalize our taste buds with food from Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The cost of food and drinks will be paid for by each of the participants. Restaurant details will be sent prior to each meeting.
What a Trip!
Leader: Mark Share
Location: Private Home
Schedule: Sundays, 10:30am - 12pm, 9/15, 9/22, 10/20, 11/3, 11/17, 12/8
Description: The “What a Trip!” Circle is designed so that participants may ask questions and/or share information about travel including; where to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and what to do. The goal is to help participants develop some additional ideas or strategies to enhance their own travel. No one has all the answers, but perhaps through discussions we can whittle down the questions. Before the first session, an online questionnaire will be sent to participants in order to gather some general information about past travel and interests and questions about future travel. This group is for anyone who travels or is interested in traveling.
Word Garden/Gan Millim
Leader: Laura Paster
Location: Temple Isaiah Library
Schedule: Tuesdays, 10am - 1pm, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10
Description: A weekly gathering of women writing together in response to prompts (music, art, poetry, and moments in our own lives). We can choose whether or not to read our work to each other and will respond to each piece by emphasizing its strengths. Good snacks and a great time are a must! This is for women of all ages from beginners to advanced writers. Bring an open heart and mind, as well as your favorite writing tools, e.g. pen and journal, laptop, etc.
The Following Groups have been filled with the Circles 4.5 Waitlist
Happy Hour!
Leader: Tonya and Gary Kurtzman
Location: Private Home
Schedule: Saturdays, 5pm - 6:30pm, 10/19, 12/14, 2/8, 3/15, 4/26
Description: We will explore the world of cocktails together and share information about a “spirit of the month” with hors d’oeuvres that complement our drinks. Non-alcoholic drinks will be available. There will be a fee of $20 each session per participant.
Hooray for Bollywood!
Leader: Neela and Joe Paykel
Location: Private home
Schedule: Sundays, 2pm - 6pm, 9/15; 4pm - 8pm, 9/29; and 2pm - 6pm, 11/24, 12/15, 1/26
Description: It’s Movie Night meets Indian Matchmaker! We will get together each month and watch a blockbuster Bollywood movie. There will be “intermission” time to schmooze and snack on Indian food delicacies. After each film we will have a book club-style discussion of movie themes within the context of modern Indian society, and how it echoes the experiences of Jewish immigration, history, and culture. For anyone interested in Indian food and culture. There will be a $7 program fee per person per session to cover the cost of food and movie rentals. The session on 9/29 will be a special dinner edition pizza party. Please note: Meetings of this circle will last from 3 to 3 1/2 hours, including breaks and discussion time.
