Isaiah Circles
Join with your Temple Isaiah community for small group connection, learning and fun! Isaiah Circles are returning this Spring with eight Circles to choose from. Most are kept small, so people can really get to know each other. We will have Circles at Temple, in congregants’ homes, and around the Bay Area. There are Circles meeting weekly, bimonthly and monthly, and during the weekday, in the evening and on Sundays too. All our Circles are led by fellow congregants, trained to lead a group where all members are heard and appreciated.
All Isaiah Circles information is below. Review all the options and choose a few favorites. Last year, some Circles filled in the first few hours, so register as soon as you can.
Important information to know before you sign up:
• You can only sign up for ONE Isaiah Circle. Why? Because we want to provide as many congregants as possible the opportunity to participate in Isaiah Circles.
• Registration is for individuals. Each person must sign up individually.
• Registration is first-come, first-served. If a Circle is full, email Joy Plummer at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to join the waiting list.
• If your first choice is full, we also recommend you choose another Circle, as many Circles stay full and do not open their waitlists. You can tell a group is full when there are no more available spots.
• Please check your calendar and only register if you can make all or most of the meetings.
Excited yet? We are too!
Circles to Choose From
Hooray For Bollywood
Leaders: Neela and Joe Paykel
Location: Private Home in Orinda, CA
Schedule: 3:00 to 6:00pm, Sundays, 2/25; 3/24; 4/28; 5/26
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 bookclub-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.
Photography Hikes
Leader: Tom Smith
Location: Local spots of natural beauty
Schedule: 11:00am to 1:00pm, Fridays, 2/23; 3/22; 4/19; 5/10; 6/7
Explore and photograph the Lamorinda area’s natural beauty on a series of photo hikes, led by professional news and travel photographer and TI member Thomas Smith (https://www.smithfoodandtravel.com/). During each 1–2 hour session, we’ll visit a beautiful, natural spot in the local area (sample location: Lafayette Reservoir) and take photos together while enjoying a leisurely hike. Group members will share their photographic insights and learn from each other, with guidance from Smith. Between sessions, we’ll share our best photos via a Facebook group and offer each other feedback.
No photographic experience or specialized equipment is required! Bring your DSLR camera if you have one, or your iPhone or Android phone if you don’t. The hikes will be of beginner to moderate difficulty; participants should bring water and other appropriate gear and ensure that they are comfortable with the physical aspects of hiking. Participants are welcome to opt out of specific hikes if needed. For anyone interested in nature and photography.
Life on the Farm
Leader: Jojo Peterson
Location: Rancho Pardis (Jojo’s farm)
Schedule: 12:30 to 2:30pm, Tuesdays, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19
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 (groundwork) 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. For adults.
Happy Hour is the Best Hour!
Leaders: Julie and Stephen Bell
Location: Private Home in Lafayette, CA
Schedule: 5:00 to 6:30pm, Saturdays, 2/17; 4/20; 5/4
Cocktail sampling and snacks at the Bells’. Stephen will teach/share information about the “spirit of the month” and make 3 cocktails to sample along with some snacks. Creating community will continue for those who are available to go out for dinner afterward. For adults.
Going Solo: Parent Discussion Group for Single Parents
Leader: Leslie Ehrlich
Location: First meeting will be at Temple Isaiah’s Library, the following meetings location will be determined by the group
Schedule: 12:00 to 1:30pm, Thursday, 2/15 will be first meeting date; following group meetings will be based on participants’ availability.
A space for divorced, widowed, or single parents to discuss parenting issues, divorce, dating, and any other issues that people want to discuss related to solo parenting. For single parents.
Navigating Men’s Life Transitions
Leaders: Andy Scharlach and David Matz
Location: Adult Lounge at Temple Isaiah
Schedule: 7:00 to 8:30pm, Thursdays, 2/15; 3/21; 4/18; 5/16; 6/13
Join us as we examine the life transitions we face as Jewish men of all ages. Our five monthly meetings will include facilitated discussions of our experiences in areas such as: work/retirement, relationships with partners, parenting/caring for aging parents, physical well-being, and the changing nature of masculinity. We will consider some of the challenges men face throughout the life course, as well as effective strategies for dealing with those challenges. The specific topics will be selected by the group at our first meeting. For men of all ages and stages.