New York Trip

9th Grade Escape

Teen Programs

DC Trip

JQuest Minis & Juniors

Cantor Ted Cotler Memorial Library

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

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

Adult Education

Adult B'nai Mitzvah

Photo: Adult B’nai Mitzvah Cohort 2022.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah

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?

If you answered “yes”, contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to join the next cohort!

2026-2027 Dates:
Timing: Sundays, 10:30-11:30am

Room: CCJDS Upstairs Room 209

Sept 27, Oct 4, Oct 18, Oct 25, Nov 8, Nov 15, Dec 6, Dec 13, Jan 24, Feb 7, Feb 21, Feb 28, Mar 7, Mar 14, Mar 21, Mar 28, Apr 18, May 2, May 16

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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 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. Most of the required learning takes place on Sunday mornings during the school year. You will also have the opportunity for individual mentoring by a member of the Temple Isaiah clergy team.

Beit Midrash 2026-2027

Beit Midrash - Weds Night Adult Program!  Dinner, Learning, and Community!

You can register for one session, multiple sessions, or the whole year
Location: Oneg Room
Timing: Bring Your Own Dinner 6:30-7:00, classes 7:00-8:15
MEMBERS: Suggested donation: $36 per 3-week session ($180 for the year)
NON-MEMBERS: Required fees: $72 per session ($360 for the year)

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REGISTER HERE

Session 1 - October 7, 14, 21 - The God You Don’t Believe In, I Don’t Believe in That God Either! with Rabbi Roberto D. Graetz
Through the readings of some contemporary Jewish theologians, we will explore our own preconceived notions, our own understandings and our possible entrance into a faith that can have meaning in our lives. Emanuel Levinas taught of an Ethics that precedes theology; Ralph Mecklenburger explores what he calls “Our Religious Brains”; Alvin Reines affirms that all God concepts are valid until they demand to be imposed on others. These and other challenging notions will illustrate our discussions.

Please note: The first Beit Midrash class on Wednesday, October 7 will take place from 8-9pm, after the October 7th Commemoration event in the Sanctuary from 7-8pm. We will send details for the evening to registered Beit Midrash participants.

Session 2 - October 28, November 4, 18 - Israel, Zionism, and Me with Rabbi Nicki Greninger
(back by popular demand)
In this series, we will explore Zionism past, present, and future. What was Zionism in its earliest iterations? How has the term “Zionism” changed over time? What is going on in Israel today? How do we feel about what’s happening in Israel? In these sessions, we will lean into conversations with one another that are meaningful, help us clarify our own thoughts and feelings about Israel at this time, and help us feel less alone as Jews in the world today. Note: This is a return of a previous Beit Midrash course, back by popular demand. You are welcome to sign up for this course whether you attended the previous one or not. All are welcome.

Session 3- December 2, 9, 16 - My Son the Barber-Surgeon: Jews and Medicine with Ken Blady
This informal series traces the long and varied relationship between Jewish thought and the healing arts, from biblical and Talmudic teachings through the holistic philosophy of Maimonides. We’ll explore folk beliefs and mysticism—including demonology in early Ashkenaz and the role of the hakim (Jewish shaman) in Persian and Afghani communities—alongside the more formal medical scholarship that emerged from Italy’s Renaissance-era Jewish medical brotherhood. Along the way, we’ll touch on Eastern European folk-healing traditions and close with a look at notable Jewish figures in modern medicine. No prior background is needed—just curiosity about how faith, culture, and science have intertwined across centuries of Jewish life.

Session 4 - January 6, 13, 20 - Reinterpreting Judaism for Today with Rabbi Nicki Greninger
How can Jewish rituals help us meet the challenges of the world as it is today, and not as it was decades, or hundreds, or thousands of years ago? What do we do with the parts of Judaism that we don’t like? And how is Judaism evolving in our era, through a feminist & egalitarian lens? Join Rabbi Greninger for an opportunity to explore Judaism not as it was, but how it’s becoming new every day.

Session 5 - March 3, 10, 17 - Sacred Openings, Meaningful Closings: Exploring the Prayers & Songs that Frame our Shabbat Worship with Cantor Leigh Korn
You know the melodies. You may even know all the words. But do you know what you’re singing? Our Friday night services are filled with prayers and songs that have become second nature to many of us. In this Beit Midrash class, we’ll slow down and take a closer look at the texts that open and close our worship, exploring their meaning, history, poetry, and spiritual messages. Together we’ll uncover the stories behind these familiar words and discover new layers of meaning in the music that frames our Shabbat experience. No Hebrew knowledge is necessary—just curiosity and a willingness to explore.

Book Club

Join Temple Isaiah’s lively book club for stimulating conversations about captivating reads. Explore diverse genres, share perspectives, and discover new favorites with fellow book lovers. All temple members are welcome. Want to join and interested in what upcoming books there are or have a suggestion? Visit the SUG to find more information and contact information. Click here to RSVP.

Tuesday, August 25
The Future Is Peace: A Shared Journey Across the Holy Land (published April 2026) is a poignant travelogue by Palestinian peacebuilder Aziz Abu Sarah and Israeli activist Maoz Inon. Both authors tragically lost family to the conflict but bravely choose dialogue over revenge. The authors spend eight days journeying together through Israel and the West Bank, sharing competing historical narratives and personal trauma. Rather than offering complex diplomatic solutions, the book acts as an impassioned plea to recognize the shared humanity and suffering on both sides.

Tuesday, September 22
Daniel Deronda (1876) is George Eliot’s final, most ambitious novel. It boldly contrasts the morally stagnant English aristocracy with a passionate exploration of Jewish heritage. While the sprawling dual-narrative can feel disjointed, it remains a profound Victorian masterpiece that tackles wealth, women’s rights, and Zionism.

Tuesday, October 27
This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman, published in 2026, is a nimble, heartfelt, acutely written collection that forms one cohesive unit. As Goodman unpacks the little squabbles and triumphs of the Rubinsteins, an expansive Jewish clan in the Northeast, something big emerges. It’s a wise, witty exploration of a contemporary American family, and a deliciously readable book. As Goodman writes of one character, “Family was her addiction. She could not stop loving them.”

Exploring Judaism

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. Books for the course will be announced; please note that books are not included in the price for the course.

Required Texts: The two books are Living a Jewish Life (Updated and Revised Edition) by Anita Diamant (2007) and A Short History of the Jews by Michael Brenner (2010).

Pricing: $180 members - $360 non-members.

Timing: Sundays, 11:15-12:30pm

2026-2027 Dates: September 27, October 4, 11, 18,25, November 8,15, December 6, 13, January 10, 24, 31, February 7, 21, 28, March 7, 14, 28, April 18, 25, May 2.

REGISTER HERE

Isaiah Speaks

What is Isaiah Speaks?
Our synagogue’s namesake, the prophet Isaiah was not one to shy away from the most central and difficult questions of the day – and neither do we today. Isaiah Speaks is a new speaker series at Temple Isaiah featuring subject matter experts and opinions makers who will help us navigate today’s most relevant issues, all in the safe setting of our community. Utilizing the lens of our Jewish wisdom and tradition, Isaiah Speaks will lift up Judaism’s moral voice to help us better understand and respond to today’s most controversial concerns. At Isaiah, we do not shy away from difficult questions; instead, we embrace that our community is exactly the place where rigorous, respectful, and thoughtful discussion and debate are celebrated and where we can translate Jewish values into action and repair. Look for Isaiah Speaks programs throughout the year!

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Past Isaiah Speaks Speakers:

May 12, 2026 - Religion, Politics, and Democracy with Rachel Laser, President and CEO of American United for the Separation of Church and State - Click here for past publicity information.

September 8, 2025 - Intelligence, Consciousness or a Soul?: Judaism and AI with Rabbi Geoff Mitelman, Founding Director of Sinai and Synapses - Click here for past publicity information.

February 10, 2025 - Constitutional Issues Arising in the New Administration and Issues of Free Speech and Antisemitism on College Campuses with Dean of Berkeley Law, Erwin Chemerinsky - Click here for past publicity information.

September 9, 2024 - Two Months Out: The 2024 Election and the American Jewish Vote with Dr. Steven Windmueller - Click here for past publicity information.

Judges with Rabbi Aaron Torop - Beginning August 2026

Judges with Rabbi Aaron Torop
Thursdays, 10:30-11:30am in the BK and on Zoom

Explore the “Wild West” of ancient Israel through the Book of Judges. A collection of stories from between Joshua and the beginning of the Israelite kingdom, Judges is an opportunity to explore the political and military struggles that befall a group of people struggling for power and determining their collective identity. We will start at the beginning and work our way through this biblical book discovering the tales of Samon, Deborah, Gideon, and others along the way. A copy of the JPS Tanakh will be available for use, but participants are welcome to bring their own version of the Book of Judges.

This is a drop-in class beginning on August 13, 2026. Please email Katana Collado at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to be added to the list for this class or to receive the Zoom information.

Sunday Clergy Courses 2027

Faith in the Headlines with Rabbi Jill Perlman
Sundays, January 10, 24, 31
Timing: 11:15am-12:30pm
Location: Adult Lounge
How do we find grounding when the world is moving so fast around us? This interactive, three-part series bridges the gap between ancient Jewish wisdom and the most pressing events of our time. Led by Rabbi Perlman, each session will include text and discussion exploring the moral, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of modern global life, analyzing breaking news through a Jewish lens. We turn on the news and see global conflicts, political polarization, and environmental crises. This unique series offers a sanctuary for thoughtful discussion, offering tools to help filter the chaos of the 24-hour news cycle through thousands of years of Jewish ethical and philosophical tradition.

Riddle Me This! with Rabbi Torop
Sundays, February 28, March 7, 14
Timing: 1:00-2:15pm
Location: Oneg Room
Jews have long been fascinated by words, puns, and riddles. Join Rabbi Torop for this three-session course to test your skills by solving clever riddles, word games, and brain teasers from throughout Jewish tradition. We’ll learn together about why Jews love riddles and what they have to teach us about our lives today.

Torah Study

Torah Study
It is from Torah and all of Jewish sacred literature that we derive the values that shape our lives. We want Torah study to guide our way as individuals and as a community. Each week, we study the current, weekly Torah portion. Torah Study 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)

Year Two Hebrew Class

This course is designed for those who have taken Beginning Hebrew, and/or already know the Hebrew alphabet and some basic Hebrew vocabulary. The goal of the class is to deepen knowledge of Hebrew vocabulary and Hebrew prayers, and to develop stronger fluency in reading Hebrew. Similar to the Beginning Hebrew course, Year 2 Hebrew combines attendance at JQuest tefillah (a prayer service geared toward children, but which helps adults learn, too) and class time with a Hebrew teacher.

Timing: Sundays, 10:30-11:30am

Room: CCJDS Upstairs Room 209

2026-2027 Dates:
Sept 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 8, 15, December 6, 13, January 10, 24, 31, February 7, 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 18, 25, May 2, May 16