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Civil Rights Trip

More information about the next Civil right’s trip will be released in Fall 2024. Stay Tuned!

Teen Programs


Photo: Graduation 2023.

TIZZY

We like to use the name TIZZY to describe our overarching teen programs at Temple Isaiah.  The “T” stands for “teen or temple” and “Izzy” is a nickname for Isaiah, which conveys our fun, friendly environment.  There are many different ways for teens to engage and learn at Temple Isaiah.

OUR MISSION

Temple Isaiah’s integrated teen programs are built on the principle that every event and activity, whether in the classroom or not, should advance a certain set of common Jewish values. Each element of our teen program emphasizes some or all of these core values and complements and builds on other elements in a cohesive and cumulative way. All events and activities lead to our goal of nurturing Jewishly identified people of integrity and often include an element of fun.

CORE VALUES

We believe there is a powerful, dynamic, reciprocal relationship between the impact that our Temple Isaiah community has on our teens’ development and the impact that our teens’ experiences and contributions have on the rest of us. To recognize our Mission, the following core values are embedded in different ways throughout the offerings in our teen programs. We strive to evolve our programs alongside our community’s needs, and hope to be able to reach as many teens as possible by offering a wide range of opportunities that help then grow Jewishly, introduce them to things they have expressed interest in, and are as accessible as possible to meet the needs of their varying outside commitments and complicated schedules.

• Commitment to TIKKUN OLAM - social justice and social action
• Creation of KEHILLAH - a supportive, tolerant and interdependent thinking community
• Individual RESPONSIBILITY and ETHICAL decision-making
JEWISH knowledge and spirituality
LEADERSHIP development and experience
• Caring for the physical and mental WELL-BEING of ourselves and others

OUR PROGRAMS

Here are a variety of ways to engage:

THEME 1: EXPAND YOUR JEWISH MIND & SOUL

NOAR NIGHT (Teen School)
Grades:  8th-12th grade
Schedule:  Wednesday Nights

THEME 2: STRENGTHEN YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS

AVODAH TEACHING ASSISTANTS AT JQUEST
Grades:  8th -12th grade
Schedule:  Weekly from September - May
During JQuest:  Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons or Sunday morning

CAMP KEFLI STAFF
Grades:  9th -12th grade
Counselor in Training (CIT):  9th Grade
Counselor:  10th Grade through High School Graduate
Schedule:  2 ½ Weeks at the end of Summer (options to do 1 or 2 weeks of camp)

LAFTY LEADERSHIP BOARD (LLB)
Grades:  9th -12th grade
Schedule:  June (board for next year begins) - May (end of year)
Other:  Elections for President. Other positions are open to 9th-12th graders

ISAIAH TEEN INTERNS
Grades:  9th -12th grade
Schedule:  Varied, throughout year (July - June)
Other:  Flexible tasks and schedule.  Can help with our Youth Groups, teen High Holy Day Services, Kefli Nights, etc.

THEME 3: DEEPEN YOUR JEWISH CONNECTIONS
ANACHNU (7th & 8th Grade YOUTH GROUP)
Grades:  7th and 8th grade
Schedule:  Varied, typically on weekends every 6-8 weeks & annual LA Trip

LAFTY (HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP)
Grades:  9th - 12th grade
Schedule:  Varied, typically on weekends around once a month

THEME 4: CARE FOR YOUR WELL-BEING

ROSH HODESH FOR YOUNG WOMEN
Grades:  6th and 7th graders who identify as female
Schedule: Once a month, Sunday late afternoon

SHEVET FOR YOUNG MEN
Grades:  9th and 10th graders who identify as male
Schedule:  Once a month, Sunday late afternoon

To learn more about our programs for teens contact Rabbi Alissa Miller at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or Jacob Friedman, Youth Director at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) at (925) 284-9191.

Youth Director position made possible by a 2021-22 East Bay Teen Initiative Organizational Supporting Grant provided by:

DC Trip

Join Temple Isaiah’s Confirmation Class for a trip to The Religious Action Center (RAC) in Washington, D.C.

February 8 (evening)-February 12, 2024

There are two parts to the registration process:

1. Register with the Religious Action Center: Each student must have a parent/guardian register them for L’Taken in the CampMinder registration system.

RAC Registration

Before you begin registering your student, make sure you know:
• The congregation or group you are traveling with: Temple Isaiah
• Date of your congregation’s L’Taken: February 9-12, 2024
• Your congressional district: You can look that up here, Find My District by plugging in your home address. https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
• You must complete the registration process in one session. It should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. You will not be able to save and restart an online application later.
This registration will ask for participant information about your child, health and safety information, and parent/guardian information.  All of this information will go directly to the RAC, but will be shared with us.

2. Payment for the program: All payment happens through Temple Isaiah using Formsite.  This is different than filling out the registration form above. Questions about registration contact Rabbi Alissa Miller at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Isaiah Payment

Little Garden

We will be back!

Little Garden Jewish Playgroup is open to parents and/or caregivers with their babies and toddlers who are looking to engage in Jewish community and early learning. It is geared toward infants and toddlers under three years old and includes free play time, activities and/or singing, a snack, and sometimes clergy visits!

Questions? Contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

 

JQuest Minis & Juniors

JQuest Minis & Juniors: Ages 2-4

A play-based educational program, JQuest Minis (ages 2-3) and JQuest Juniors (age 4) immerse children in Jewish learning, discovery, creativity, and community on Sunday mornings. Parents are invited for family programs several times throughout the year in order to plant and nurture the seeds of Jewish identity and commitment as a family.

Children in JQuest Minis and JQuest Juniors explore music, Hebrew through movement, tefillah (prayer), and much more, helping your child develop a love of Jewish tradition and the joys of being a part of the Temple Isaiah community. 

If your child will be 2, 3, or 4 years old by September 1, and you are looking for a fun, meaningful Jewish educational experience, then this program is for you! 

Non-members welcome, it’s a great way to check out JQuest!

 

 

 

Cantor Ted Cotler Memorial Library

Please do not bring donations to the library. Temple Isaiah is not accepting donations at this time.

Our library is the largest circulating Jewish library in Contra Costa County, with over 7,000 individual items of all types, including:

About Our Library

Located in the Temple House building, our 7,000 volume circulating Judaica library, the largest in the East Bay, is open for browsing, reading, reference, and book borrowing for Temple members of all ages. Access to the collection is computerized for better information retrieval. A professional librarian, on hand during hours of opening, will be happy to assist you. Gan Ilan children are invited to regular pre-school storytimes with the Librarian; and JQuest teachers may schedule story time with the Librarian for primary school age children. Volunteers may open the Library at additional times for your convenience.

Our Mission

The Library at Temple Isaiah supports the ongoing pursuit of Jewish learning for all members of our community and the surrounding Jewish community in a welcoming atmosphere with a broad range of Judaic books, media and educational materials.

Our Library Includes

  • A Computerized Library Catalog
  • Online Catalog Features Book Covers, Reviews & Contents Notes
  • Wi-Fi & Internet Access
  • Library Book Club Support
  • Audiobooks & Audiobook CD’s
  • Podcast Stories with the Librarian
  • Jewish Videos & DVD’s
  • Jewish Parents’ Collection
  • Children’s Books & Student Support
  • Holiday Materials & Cookbooks
  • Periodicals & Newspapers
  • Reference Collection
  • Jewish Music CD’s &  Scores
  • Sunday & Evening Hours
  • Judaica Non-Fiction
  • Jewish Fiction & Mysteries.
  • Online & Print Bibliographies
  • Storytime with the Librarian

Librarian

Lillian Whithaus
Librarian
(925) 283-8575 ext. 316
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Lillian joined Temple Isaiah in 2022. She holds a Masters of Library and Information Science from San Jose State University and a Bachelors in Creative Writing from Bryn Mawr College. Lillian loves books of all sorts and especially loves giving book recommendations. Outside of the library, Lillian enjoys knitting, sewing, cooking, and 1000-piece puzzles. She lives in Berkeley with her housemates and two cats, KG and Bella.

Librarian Hours 2023-2024 School Year:
Tuesdays, 3pm-5:30pm
Wednesdays, 3pm-530pm
Thursdays, 9am-2pm
Sunday, 8am-1pm

Donations

Adopt A Book

Adopting a book in our library provides much needed materials that we may not otherwise be able to acquire. It is a tax deductible gift that can be opened again and again throughout the years to come. With your support, our literary community can continue to thrive. You may choose to honor a friend or loved one with a customized inscription in the book you adopt.

Book and Media Donations

Temple Isaiah is not accepting donations at this time.

Neshamah Yoga


Weekly Tuesdays 10-11am in the Adult Lounge
Suggested Donation:
$10 (members), $15 (non-members).
Drop-in. No registration required.

Neshamah Yoga™  is open to every age, every body. This unique class weaves together self-care/massage, tai-chi, brain balancing, and traditional yoga poses, along with breathing techniques for stress reduction and optimal health. This ongoing, drop-in class draws from the deep wellspring of our tradition, including Mussar, Torah portions, liturgy, poetry, and Jewish holidays. 

This class is facilitated by Temple Isaiah member Kendra Fried, mind-body movement specialist and integrative wellness counselor. Please feel free to contact her with any questions or concerns at (831) 717-4270, or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and visit neshamahyogawellness.com

Disclaimer: Neshamah Yoga & Wellness™ recommends that you consult your physician regarding the applicability of any recommendations and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program. When participating in any exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. Accordingly, you understand that Kendra Fried is not providing physical or mental health care, and your voluntary participation is at your own risk.  You are encouraged to seek care from licensed professionals in their specific field, as needed.

Videos

Please enjoy the Neshamah Yoga playlist on the Temple Isaiah YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDlG4ldiN_JNtN8qGuYK4oYjRZMWDvAcp

Voluntary Donation
If you are enjoying these classes and would like to support the ongoing Neshamah Yoga program, your donation would be greatly appreciated. Please consider a voluntary donation to the Temple Isaiah Community fund at temple-isaiah.org/donate

Adult Education

Mission Statement and Goals

Temple Isaiah Adult Learning Mission Statement
At Temple Isaiah, we strive to create Jewish learning programs for adults that engage the mind, touch the heart, and move the soul. We do this by exploring the wisdom and mystery of Jewish texts and affirming the richness of Jewish culture. Our mission is to inspire a deeper understanding of Judaism and Jewish identity for all of our members at every stage in their journey of Jewish Learning

Goals:
Through our adult learning programs and initiatives, Temple Isaiah will inspire and support efforts by our members to:
1. Explore their Jewish identity and deepen their spiritual awareness
2. Expand their Jewish knowledge and increase their skills for Jewish living
3. Examine important intellectual, cultural, social and political issues through a Jewish lens
4. Develop and sustain a vibrant learning community
5. Engage in a thoughtful, animated and respectful exchange of ideas
6. Recognize the value of lishma-the joy of Jewish learning for its own sake

Adult B'nai Mitzvah Cohort 2025

Adult B’nai Mitzvah Orientation will take place on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 9am

Classes for the first year (Exploring Judaism & Beginning Hebrew) begin on Sunday October 8, 2023.

Did you miss the opportunity to become a bar or bat mitzvah when you were 13?

Have you always wanted to study with the clergy in an intimate setting and become a more literate Jew?

Would you like to learn to read and chant from the Torah?

Are you willing to make a commitment of time to explore your own Jewish identity with a small group of like-minded adults?

This might be the perfect time to say “Yes” and begin the process of becoming an Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah!

Past adult b’nai mitzvah students have found that their participation in this program helped them to feel like “insiders.” They have come to feel more comfortable with the Friday evening and Saturday morning services. They have enjoyed the sense of a renewed Jewish soul. They have enjoyed the opportunity to study with our clergy and other fantastic teachers, and have found a strong bond with a small group of adults in the community.

The course of study typically takes two and a half years, including one year of “Exploring Judaism,” two years of Hebrew study, in-depth Judaic study with the Rabbis, and learning Torah cantillation (chanting) and prayers with the Cantor. You will also have the opportunity for individual mentoring by a member of the Temple Isaiah clergy team.

This fall, a new Adult B’nai Mitzvah class is forming, with participants celebrating their b’nai mitzvah at a service in December 2025.

There is a $360 fee to participate, payable over two years.

Questions about the Adult B’nai Mitzvah Program? Ready to sign up?
We’d love to hear from you!
Contact the clergy assistant Katana Collado at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 

Beginning Hebrew

Designed for those with little or no previous exposure to Hebrew, this introductory course will focus on developing the foundation for reading comprehension and a basic Hebrew vocabulary. We will learn the basics of prayer-book Hebrew, beginning with the alphabet and moving through the basic grammar and vocabulary of the siddur (prayer book), including the key texts and melodies of some prayers and blessings found in the siddur. Required text: Prayerbook Hebrew the Easy Way. This textbook is not included in the price of the class.

Calendar


Year-long Course (22 sessions)
Sundays, Oct 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, Dec 3, 10, 17, Jan 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 25, Mar 3, 10, 17, 24, April 14, 21, 28, May 5
10:10-11:10 a.m. in Room 209 of the CCJDS Building
Instructor: Tammy Yahud

Cost

Tuition: $200/members; $400/non-members.

Register >

Beit Midrash-New!

New Wednesday Nights Adult Program!  Dinner, Learning, and Community!

Timing:
6:30-7pm
Dinner
7-8:15pm Classes

Calendar

Session 1 - Oct 4, 11, 18, 25 - God Talk
Session 2 - Nov 8, 15, 29, Dec 6 - Piloting a New Torah Translation for the Reform Movement
Session 3 - Jan 10, 24, 31, Feb 7 - - The Prophets and Why We Should Read Them More Often
Session 4 - Feb 14, 28, Mar 6, 13 - Jewish Values & Liberal Values in Tension
Session 5 - Mar 20 and 27 - Safeguarding The Hope: Israel’s Ethics of Self-Defense and Power

God Talk with Rabbi Greninger
Why is it so hard to talk about God? In this 4-week program, we will explore our thoughts, ideas, and feelings about God, while learning about different views of God from Jewish tradition and Jewish theologians. We will become more comfortable talking about God and sharing our views with one another (including our confusion, doubts, and fears). Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with other members of Isaiah while also deepening your own sense of spirituality!

Piloting a New Torah Translation for the Reform Movement with Rabbi Perlman
When it was first published in 1981, The Torah: A Modern Commentary was a gift to the Jewish community, the first English language modern Torah commentary ever published. It is time for a new generation of scholars to shed light on our Torah text and create the gift for the next generation using new scholarship and approaches to Torah study. This endeavor also includes the first Reform Movement translation in addition to new commentary. Temple Isaiah has been invited to participate in piloting different aspects of the commentary with this first round of piloting for 2023 focused specifically on the translation. Join Rabbi Perlman in discovering and rediscovering Torah as we consider new, unpublished drafts of Torah portion translations (that will be out of sync with the Torah portion of the week). All participants will be asked to provide feedback that will be passed on to the editorial team at CCAR Press. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to leave your mark on our movement. Rabbi Perlman will provide with you all of the materials you need - no Hebrew knowledge is necessary.

The Prophets and Why We Should Read Them More Often
With Rabbi Graetz

In this 4-week cycle we will learn from the texts of the Hebrew Bible and the context of the Ancient Middle East the origins of the prophets of Israel, how they evolved from ecstatic bands of soothsayers and diviners to the champions of social and economic justice. Who were they, what was their message, and what were their essential values?

Jewish & Liberal Values in Tension with Rabbi Greninger
We are living in a liberal era, swimming in the waters of liberalism. We are shaped by liberal values, such as freedom, individualism, human autonomy, and a commitment to equality. At the same time, we are inheritors of Jewish values that sometimes come into tension with our liberal values. In this 4-week series, we will examine four themes in which these tensions arise: obligation, sacrifice, creed, and holiness. We will unpack each of these themes, exploring what these themes mean for us as liberal Jews in the modern era.  [Note that this course comes from Rabbi Greninger’s studies at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem in July 2023.}

Safeguarding The Hope: Israel’s Ethics of Self-Defense and Power with Rabbi Lawrence, Wednesday evenings, March 20 and 27, 6:30pm dinner, 7-8:15pm in the Oneg Room

Come together to discuss what’s at stake in the crisis in Israel in the wake of October 7 and in the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. We’ll explore the background of these challenges; Israel’s ethics of how it defends itself and how it uses its power as a state, including the relationship between the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) and the Israeli Supreme Court; and the wisdom that Judaism and Israel’s highest ideals can give us. All are welcome, across all levels of background, as we walk this journey together in community. Join us as we share in understanding and illumination for navigating this time in our people’s history.

Cost and Dinner Information

MEMBERS: Free, suggested donation: $40 per session (or $180 for the year)
NON-MEMBERS: Required fees: $80 per session (or $360 for the year)

Dinner: Beit Midrash always starts with DINNER! The meal will vary each week, and registrants will be notified in advance of what’s on the menu that week (Pizza, Pasta, Mexican, Sushi, Salads, Panda Express, and more). You can sign up for meals for the year at $300. That’s a $100 discount! If you opt out of the year plan, you can do drop-in dinner for $20.

Register >

Exploring Judaism

This course is a year-long exploration of the history, beliefs, traditions, and practices of the Jewish people. “Exploring Judaism” will be interesting and meaningful whether you are becoming an adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah, you are just beginning to explore Jewish studies, you are considering choosing Judaism, you are in an interfaith relationship, or you are simply looking for a deeper and more mature understanding of Jewish history and tradition. Students are encouraged to expand their Jewish literacy by taking this course in conjunction with Beginning Hebrew.  Books for the course will be announced; please note that books are not included in the price for the course.

Calendar

Year-long Course (22 sessions)
Sundays, Oct 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, Dec 3, 10, 17, Jan 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 25, Mar 3, 10, 17, 24, April 14, 21, 28, May 5
9:00-10:00 a.m. in Room 206 of the CCJDS Building
Instructor: Rabbi Oren Postrel

Cost

Tuition: $200/members; $400/non-members.

Register >

Exploring our Namesake: The Book of Isaiah

Exploring our Namesake: The Book of Isaiah with Rabbi Lawrence
Tuesdays, 11:30am-12:30pm, Oneg Room and Zoom

Starting October 24 through March 31

Join us as we immerse in the depths of our temple’s namesake prophet. We will see how the Book of Isaiah evokes compelling Jewish social ethics and aspirations for a better future that is truly possible, with vivid specificity and poetic passion that spoke to our ancestors’ times and speaks to ours. This year we will explore the later chapters of the book, known as Second Isaiah and Third Isaiah, written during the end of the Jewish people’s exile in Babylon and the beginning of the rebuilding of ancient Israel and Jerusalem. We will see how the Book of Isaiah’s visions of repair, new growth and transformation can speak to us now, just as these visions have inspired countless people and sources throughout the generations – from the Yom Kippur haftarah to Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” to current-day Jewish spiritual songwriter Elana Arian.

Together, we will see anew what the Book of Isaiah’s light can show us, and find where we see ourselves within its words.

This series is free and open to the public. No requirement to have attended a prior session and no preparation necessary. Join when you’re able; each session will examine a new chapter, all will share common themes.

Note: This class will be concluded at the end of March 2024.

RSVP to Katana Collado at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Lunch and Learn Series-New!

Temple Isaiah is pleased to offer a new series of Lunch and Learn programs featuring Temple Isaiah’s clergy discussing a variety of topics. Sessions will take place on the second Wednesday of the month, August 2023 through May 2024 on Zoom.

Up Next!


Wednesday, May 8, Bringing Judaism into Your Home with Rabbi Perlman

Join Rabbi Perlman as we talk about what makes a Jewish home. We will discuss home ritual including how to hang a mezuzah, how we determine where to give tzedakah, if and how to integrate kashrut (or a version of kashrut) into the home, what to keep in our Jewish home library, our Shabbat table, and more.

CLick here to Register >

Cost: Free and open to the public.

For prior Lunch and Learn sessions with our Clergy, please check out our videos below!

Wednesday, August 9: How to Study Torah with Rabbi Lawrence

Wednesday, September 13: Introduction to Jewish Prayer Services with Rabbi Greninger

Wednesday, October 11: Why We Sing What We Sing When We Sing It: Music of the Jewish Calendar with Cantor Korn

Wednesday, November 8: Introduction to Jewish Death and Mourning Practices with Rabbi Perlman

Wednesday, December 13: Chanukah: What are we celebrating? with Rabbi Greninger

Wednesday, January 10: What is Tu B’Shevat? with Rabbi Greninger

Wednesday, February 14: What is Zionism? with Rabbi Lawrence

Wednesday, March 13: The Purim Story: Beyond the Spiel with Rabbi Miller

Wednesday, April 10: What is the Origin of the Passover Seder? with Rabbi Miller

Sunday Clergy Courses

Temple Isaiah clergy offer courses and invite guest scholars and artists throughout the year to engage with our community on a variety of themes.


The Sounds of Eretz Yisrael in America: The Crucial 60’s
with Cantor Korn
Sunday, October 8, 11:15am-12:30pm in the Sanctuary

This class is a continuation of Cantor Korn’s class from last year.  (You do not need to have attended the first part).  This class will explore how music of Israel grew in the consciousness of American Jews and penetrated American culture generally.  We will explore how Israeli music was a primary means through which American Jews were exposed to Israeli culture and Zionism.  We will study how Israeli music grew in impact on the synagogue and in Jewish education efforts and how the sound of Israeli music has influenced the composition of Jewish American Composers.

Cost

Members: Free
Non-Members: $18

Register >


Tzedek, Tzedek (Tashir v’) Tirdof: Music in Doing Justice
with Cantor Korn

Sundays, October 15 and 22, 11:15am-12:30pm in the Sanctuary
This two-part class explores the use of music in the work of doing justice.  It will explore three facets of that work: 1)The Power of Protest - rallying and protesting against in justice in real time; 2) The Power of Ritual - teaching and mobilizing against injustice; and 3) The Power of Performance - advocating and galvanizing against injustice.

Cost

Members: Free, optional donation $18.
Non-Members: $36

Register >


Jewish Feminist Ethics
with Rabbi Perlman
Sundays, February 4 and 11, 11:15am-12:30pm

Join Rabbi Perlman for an exploration of the system of Jewish feminist ethics and its impact on text, theology, and practice.

Cost

Members: Free.
Non-Members: $36.

Register >


Repairing Hope: Modern Jewish Song Lyrics and Poems
With Rabbi Noach Lawrence
Sundays, March 3, 10 and 17, 11:15am-12:30pm

When our world faces challenging times, how can we find healing, resilience, and joy? Together, we will explore modern Jewish creative voices who have engaged with these questions, and who can shine light on our paths. From the sense of memory and irrepressible buoyancy of Carole King to the candor, empathy and affirmation of the Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai, we will see the variety of ways these artists inherit Jewish texts and traditions, give them modern, personal twists, and speak to our moment. Come join us as we study together and share from our minds and spirits.

Cost

Members: Free.
Non-Members: $36.

Register >

Torah Study

Torah Study
Saturdays at 8:45am in the Beit Knesset and on Zoom

We want Torah study to guide our way as individuals and as a community. It is from Torah and all of Jewish sacred literature that we derive the values that shape our lives. Torah Study when we study the weekly Torah portion is offered Shabbat mornings at 8:45am and led by a member of our clergy team. Newcomers are always welcome.

Cost: Free and open to the public.

Zoom meeting information can be found on the Adult Education email sent by Temple Isaiah, or by calling (925) 283-8575 or emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Visiting Scholars

Jennifer Lang on Living in Israel
Monday, October 2, 7pm in the Sukkah

Join us in the sukkah for “From Northern California to Tel Aviv: 18 Things You Might Not Know about Living in Israel” with guest scholar Jennifer Lang. Jennifer grew up at Temple Isaiah, made aliyah to Israel, and became a writer, author, teacher, and yogi. She will speak candidly with us about her experience living in Israel and discuss her new book “Places We Left Behind – A Mini Memoir.”

Cost: Free and open to the public.

RSVP Here >

Supporting Israeli Democracy – Information and Discussion with Local UnXeptable Leader, Itzik Goldberger and Rabbi Perlman
5pm Wed, October 4, in-person in the Social Hall and on Zoom

The state of Israel is facing one of its most challenging periods in its 75 years of independence. Immediately after its recent election, the government introduced a large package of legislation initiatives with the objective of reducing the power of the Supreme Court, the main check and balance on the K’nesset. This move by the government initiated massive protests, bringing hundreds of thousands of Israelis to the streets for over 35 weeks now. The state of Israel is more polarized than ever before, and the suggested legislation has already caused significant damage to the economy, security, and the relationship with the Biden Administration. In this discussion, we will cover recent events in Israel, the reasons for the massive demonstrations, the threats to Israel’s democracy, the implication of the suggested changes including the impact on American Jewry, and what we can do to get involved. Itzik Goldberger, a resident of Lafayette, is a member of unXeptable, an organization of Israeli expats supporting the protests in Israel. Sponsored by our Israel and World Jewry Committee

RSVP here >


I&WJ presents Rabbi Gershom Sizomu of the Abayudaya Jews of Uganda Speaker Talk
Monday, December 4, 7:30 p.m. in the Oneg Room

Explore the growth of Judaism in Sub-Saharan Africa, led by Rabbi Gershom’s warm and charismatic leadership. Discover the vibrant Jewish community, with Jews-by-choice, rabbinical students, and innovative micro-communities. Learn about their interfaith initiatives in healthcare, disaster response, and economics, all against the backdrop of challenging circumstances. Enjoy captivating Abayudaya art and music sprinkled into the presentation. Sponsored by the Israel and World Jewry Committee.

For more information and to donate to the Abayudaya community, please read the full flyer below.

Abayudaya_Donate_FLYER_v2_(1).pdf

RSVP Here >

Library Shabbat with Author Sacha Lamb
Friday, December 15 at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary and on YouTube

Temple Isaiah library is proud to host author Sacha Lamb for our annual Library Shabbat. Their debut novel, When The Angels Left the Old Country, is the story of an angel, a demon, and a girl trying to make their way in early 20th century America. The book features a transatlantic voyage, the fight for workers’ rights, and lots of Jewish folklore. It is also a Sydney Taylor and Stonewall award winner, a Printz Honor book, and a National Jewish Book Award finalist. Sacha is a 2018 Lambda Literary Fellow in Young Adult fiction, and graduate in Library and Information Science and History from Simmons University. You can find Lillian’s review of the book here (https://www.bayviews.org/review/when-the-angels-left-the-old-country-review/) and more information on Sacha’s writing here (https://sachalamb.wordpress.com/). Cost: Free and open to the public.

From Tablet to Scroll to Codex and Back Again: Jewish Books in the Print and Digital Ages
with Rabbi Joseph A. Skloot, Ph.D.
Monday, December 18 at 7pm in the Adult Lounge

Torah from Sinai? Not quite. Explore how the texts we consider sacred and eternal were created by real people, with their own ideas about what those texts should say, in the messy, inky printing houses of Renaissance Italy and Central Europe. Then, reflect on how these books have been transformed again, by software engineers, through digitization.

Rabbi Joseph A. Skloot, Ph.D. is the Rabbi Aaron D. Panken Assistant Professor of Modern Jewish Intellectual History at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR). He is a historian of Jewish culture and religious thought and the author of First Impressions: Sefer Ḥasidim and Early Modern Hebrew Printing (Brandeis University Press, 2023), which received the Jordan Schnitzer First Book Award from the Association for Jewish Studies in 2023. He teaches courses on Jewish history, philosophy and theology, books and reading, and interfaith relations, and is a much sought after lecturer and teacher at universities and synagogues across the US and internationally. He earned his A.B. from Princeton, his rabbinical ordination from HUC-JIR, and his Ph.D. from Columbia.

RSVP Here >

Rabbi Shabbat with Rabbi Mary Zamore
Friday and Saturday, January 12 and 13

Rabbi Mary L. Zamore, the executive director of the Women’s Rabbinic Network (WRN), will be our rabbi in residence for a Shabbat weekend of worship and study. WRN is a partner organization of the Reform Movement which for over 40 years has worked to narrow the wage gap, create safer, respectful Jewish communities, and promote equity, while also supporting and advocating for its members.

Shabbat Evening Service and Talk
Friday, January 12, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary and YouTube
Rabbi Zamore will join us for Friday evening services immediately following which she will give a talk on “Highlights of 50+ Years of Women in the Rabbinate.” She will explore the history of women in the rabbinate from biblical times to today and discuss how this history has impacted Judaism as the face of Jewish leadership continues to change. Much has been accomplished, but there are still many challenges to full equity for women in the rabbinate.

Torah Study with Rabbi Zamore
Saturday, January 13, 8:45 a.m., Beit Knesset and Zoom
“Past or Present, Ritual or Riches.” Rabbi Zamore will share one of her favorite Talmudic stories: A dramatic narrative of bravery, high stakes, a difficult choice between riches and values, and even a young professional overcoming a toxic workplace culture. Join us to learn a story from Judaism during Roman times and learn great lessons for today.

Shabbat Minyan
Saturday, January 13, 10:30 a.m., Beit Knesset and Zoom
Rabbi Greninger and Rabbi Zamore will co-lead our morning service.


Dr. Masua Sagiv
Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 7pm in the Sanctuary

Navigating Deep Crisis as a People: Law, Politics and Antisemitism

More than four months after 10/7, uncertainty, loss, and pain continue unabated in Israel and antisemitism is on the rise in North America and around the world. As the war continues and hostages are still held in Gaza, the ICJ is hearing a case against Israel for Genocide and calls for ceasefire are increasing. How has this war reshaped Jewish identity? What are the roles of law and politics in Israel, the US, and internationally? And what are the ways for American Jews and Israelis to move forward, both as separate communities and together as a people?

Dr. Masua Sagiv is the Koret Visiting Assistant Professor of Jewish and Israel Studies at UC Berkeley School of Law and a Scholar in Residence of the Shalom Hartman Institute based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her research areas are: law and social change, gender, religion and state, Judaism & democracy in Israel, and Jewish peoplehood.

Prior to moving to the Bay Area, Masua was the Academic Director of the Menomadin Center for Jewish and Democratic Law at Bar-Ilan University. She formerly taught at the Schools of Law at Bar-Ilan University and Tel-Aviv University and was awarded the Gorney Prize for Young Scholar in Public Law and the Israeli Hope in Academia prize from former Israeli president Reuven Rivlin. Her book, Radical Conservativism (in Hebrew), on the Halachic Feminist struggle in Israel, will be published by the end of the year by Carmel publishing House.

Co-sponsored by the Israel & World Jewry Committee.



Ruth Reichl
Sunday, March 24, 3:15pm Reception; 4pm Program, Sanctuary

We are excited to welcome Ruth Reichl to Temple Isaiah to deliver this year’s Mimi Epstein Memorial Lecture. Ruth Reichl is one of the most influential voices in the food world, a bestselling author, food critic, and even a judge on Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters.” She was editor-in-chief of “Gourmet” magazine for ten years until its closing. As a culinary trailblazer, Ruth speaks about everything food-related, from her start as chef and later as restaurant critic, to the changing landscape of food writing, the current trends in cuisine, and issues of food policy. Sponsored by the Mimi Epstein Memorial Endowment Fund. Cost: Free and open to the public.

RSVP Here >

Community Partners

Contra Costa JCC https://www.ccjcc.org/

Jewish Learning Works https://jewishlearning.works/

New Lehrhaus https://newlehrhaus.org/

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Cal State East Bay http://olli.csueastbay.edu