The Bay Area Jewish Calendar

4:30pm

Playing with Spirituality

Berkeley

First session of a three-week Wednesday series using the garden and Jewish teachings to reconnect with a sense of the sacred. You register for the full series.

6pm – 8pm

Empowered Parents: When Antisemitism Shows Up at School, Will You Know What to Do?

Foster City

Free AJC and Club Z workshop giving parents of middle and high schoolers practical tools for responding to antisemitism at school.

6:30pm – 8:30pm

Screening: No Separate Survival

Oakland

Screening of a documentary made with asylum seekers, followed by a panel and light snacks; co-presented with East Bay Sanctuary Covenant.

6:30pm – 8pm

Practical Spirituality (4-week class, first session)

San Francisco

First session of a four-part class exploring Judaism as a lived practice: God, prayer, blessings, Shabbat and mindfulness, with practices to try between sessions.

7pm – 8:30pm

Trio Sefardi Concert

Palo Alto

Virginia-based Trio Sefardi performs traditional Sephardic songs from the Balkans, Turkey and North Africa, including repertoire learned from Flory Jagoda.

7pm – 8:30pm

Rabbi's Fall Seminar: Jewish Prayer, A Journey of the Soul (Part 1)

Napa

First of a two-part seminar with Rabbi Niles on what prayer is, why we pray and whether you can pray without belief, looking closely at ancient and modern Jewish prayers. No background needed; registration requested.

7pm – 8:30pm

Graphic Novelist Julian Voloj and Zack Bodner Discuss "Hyphenated Jewish Stories"

Palo Alto

Julian Voloj and OFJCC CEO Zack Bodner talk comics, Jewish representation and the Hyphen graphic anthology, with a book signing.

7pm – 8:15pm

Trope Workshop with Cantor Elaya

Berkeley

First of two sessions introducing the melodies and patterns of Torah chanting; open to all, no Hebrew needed.

7pm – 8pm

Wine & Wisdom (weekly series opener)

Santa Rosa

First of a weekly Wednesday-evening series of Jewish learning with wine at the Chabad center in Santa Rosa. Runs weekly through November.

10:30am

Library Tour: Jewish Life in the San Francisco Bay Area

San Francisco

Emanu-El's Sage program tours the San Francisco Public Library, visiting the SF History Center and the Rare Book Room with a focus on local Jewish history.

5:30pm – 7:30pm

Ari’el Stachel’s “Other”

Berkeley

Tony winner Ari'el Stachel performs his one-man Off-Broadway show about growing up Yemeni-Israeli and Ashkenazi American and the search for belonging.

6pm – 8pm

סרט בשכונה: ערב סרט לילדים

Sunnyvale

ערב סרט עם פופקורן וכיבוד לילדים מגן חובה עד כיתה ד׳. הפעם מקרינים את The Croods.

6:30pm – 8pm

In Good Company: Behind-the-Scenes Organ Tour & Concert

San Francisco

A behind-the-scenes look at the sanctuary's historic organ, then a private concert with champagne and bites.

6:30pm – 8pm

CTeen Jr. (first session of a monthly series)

Sunnyvale

Social Jewish program for 7th and 8th graders with games, activities, food and a Jewish-themed element. First of a series meeting roughly monthly through May.

7pm – 8:30pm

Jewish and Arab Partnership in Israel During a Time of Crisis, featuring Mohammad Darawshe of Givat Haviva

Berkeley

Mohammad Darawshe of Givat Haviva's Center for Shared Society discusses how education, civic engagement and community-building can strengthen a shared Jewish-Arab society in Israel.

7pm – 8:30pm

Re-Visioning Zionism: Rabbi Brian Lurie in Conversation with Rabbi Stacy Friedman

San Rafael

Rabbi Brian Lurie, former head of the SF Federation and National UJA, discusses his new memoir on six decades of Jewish leadership and Israel-Diaspora relations. Presented with the Osher Marin JCC.

9:30am – 10:30am

Cantamos: A Latin and Jewish Musical Journey (weekly family music series)

San Francisco

Bilingual family music program with Latin American rhythms, Jewish stories, songs and movement, led by Veronica Freidkes. For children ages 6 weeks to 3.5 years and their grown-ups; runs on Fridays.

5:30pm – 6pm

Tot Shabbat Evening Service

Lafayette

Interactive Shabbat music and prayer for families with children ages 0-5.

6pm – 7:30pm

Gratitude to Jonathan Shabbat

San Francisco

Shabbat evening honoring Jonathan Dimmock, who is retiring after more than two decades of organ, piano and choir leadership at the congregation. Champagne and light appetizers.

6pm

Acapella Kabbalat Shabbat Service and Dinner

Petaluma

A musical Shabbat service with voices only, greeting the Shabbat Queen in song, followed by a community dinner.

6pm – 7pm

Rock Shabbat Appetizer Reception

San Jose

Appetizer reception before the evening's Rock Shabbat Service, with time to socialize with the temple community. Open to guests; one registration covers both.

6pm – 8:30pm

Erev Kabbalat Shabbat Family Services & Spaghetti Dinner

San Francisco

Family-friendly Friday evening Shabbat service followed by a spaghetti dinner in the Social Hall. Held on several Fridays through the year; this is the first.

7pm

Shabbat Together

Palo Alto

Community Friday night Shabbat dinner at Chabad Palo Alto, with an optional Shabbat lunch the next day.

7pm – 8pm

Shared Shabbat Dinner

Napa

A quarterly Shabbat dinner, part catered and part potluck, following the evening service, with a special welcome for new members. Registration required.

7pm – 8:30pm

Rock Shabbat Service

San Jose

Friday-night Shabbat service with Rabbi Dana Magat, Cantor Leah Shafritz and the Rock Shabbat Band, followed by an Oneg. Registration required; also streamed online.

7pm

YFE Shabbat Dinner

San Francisco

Shabbat service featuring Emanu-El's YFE students, followed by a festive Shabbat dinner for families.

7:15pm

Building a Shared Society: Strengthening Arab-Jewish Relations in Israel

San Francisco

A Friday-night dinner and conversation between Rabbi Russell and Mohammad Darawshe of Givat Haviva on building a shared future for Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel. Registration required.

7:30pm – 9pm

Fifth Friday Halloween Shabbat Service

Palo Alto

A pop-up band builds a Shabbat service from Halloween-themed songs, linking spooky folklore to Jewish texts and prayer themes.

9:30am – 10:30am

Tot Shabbat

Santa Rosa

A toddler Shabbat celebration with singing, movement and play for families with children ages 5 and under. Free and open to nonmembers.

12pm – 2pm

Lunch and Learn with Mohammad Darawshe

Palo Alto

Mohammad Darawshe of Givat Haviva's Center for Shared Society discusses Israel's post-election landscape over a catered lunch. RSVP required.

6pm – 9pm

Game Night and Havdalah

Vallejo

An in-person evening of games and Havdalah in the synagogue social hall.

8:30am – 7:30pm

Z3 Conference 2026

Palo Alto

This year's Z3 conference asks "Are we still Zionists?" A full day of talks at the OFJCC, with a teen track and a free livestream.

10am – 12pm

JAMS Around the World: Israel (Chevron)

Palo Alto

Session of Chabad Palo Alto's JAMS Around the World children's program, this one exploring Israel.

10am – 11:15am

שעת סיפור: גלידת תות

Sunnyvale

שעת סיפור בעברית לגילאי 4–6 סביב הסיפור על טוטו וחבריו בגלידריה.

10:15am – 11:30am

The History, Successes and Deficiencies of Reform Judaism

Walnut Creek

First of a free three-part class by Rabbi Emeritus Asher examining the history and record of the Reform movement.

10:30am – 12pm

Congregational Book Group

Los Gatos

Discussion of Catherine Ostler's book about three daughters of a French Jewish family painted by Renoir.

11am – 2pm

Film Showing: Holding Liat

San Jose

Screening of the documentary about a family whose relative was taken hostage in Gaza, with a discussion led by Rabbi Magat.

11am – 1pm

מסע בזמן עם יובל מליחי: סיפורים מרתקים על מסעות ברחבי העולם

Los Gatos

מופע משפחתי בעברית לגילאי 6–11 עם יובל מליחי, יוצר הפודקאסט "היסטוריה לילדים": סיפורים היסטוריים מרתקים, ילדים מהקהל עולים לבמה, ושיר מקורי שנוצר בזמן אמת בעזרת AI.

11:30am – 4:15pm

Z3 Teen Summit

Palo Alto

A teen-focused track of the Z3 Conference, run by the Oshman Family JCC for high schoolers, with talks, panels and peer gatherings on Israel, Jewish identity and Jewish peoplehood.

4pm – 6pm

Men's Club is Hosting: Game Event

Redwood City

Casual afternoon of board, card and trivia games hosted by the Men's Club; bring a favorite game or just come play.

4pm – 7pm

The Response screening | Sunnyvale

Sunnyvale

A special screening of "The Response" in Sunnyvale, California.

4pm – 6pm

Jewish Way in Death, Mourning, and Burial: Information and Support for Napa Families

Napa

Presentation on Jewish rituals around death, burial and mourning, with local cemetery options and Sinai Memorial services. Rabbi Niles leads, with Q&A if time permits.

4pm – 6pm

Rabbi Irvin Ungar in Conversation with Rabbi Dan Feder

Burlingame

Former PTS rabbi Irvin Ungar talks with Rabbi Feder about his memoir on reviving the legacy of anti-Nazi artist Arthur Szyk; book signing follows.

4:30pm – 6:30pm

Better Together

Oakland

Opening session of an intergenerational program that pairs teens with seniors for shared Jewish learning; this first meeting is a pickle-making session.

4:30pm – 6pm

Jewish and Arab Partnership in Israel During a Time of Crisis with Mohammad Darawshe

San Rafael

The New Israel Fund and Friends of Givat Haviva host Mohammad Darawshe of Givat Haviva's Center for Shared Society on Jewish-Arab partnership in Israel.

10:30am

Book club: That Catskill Summer

Foster City

Author Bart Charlow joins an in-person discussion of his Borscht Belt novel about memory and family legacy.

12pm – 1pm

Behind the Scenes: Insights into Nancy Lee Katz with Michael S. Sachs

Berkeley

Brown-bag lunch talk in which photographer Nancy Lee Katz's longtime partner discusses her life and work with the Magnes senior curator.

4pm

The Junior Jewish Chef

Los Gatos

A six-session hands-on cooking class for kids at the Jewish community center, teaching general cooking techniques and creative recipes.

5:30pm – 7pm

Are Jews an Ethnic Group? What California's New Law Means for Jews

Stanford

Panel on California's SB 1387, which will add a Jewish ancestry category to state data, followed by small-group discussion.

5:30pm – 7pm

Are Jews an Ethnic Group?

Stanford

A panel on California's new law letting Jews identify as Jewish on ethnicity questions, and what it means for Jews in the state, moderated by J. The Jewish News of Northern California.

7pm – 9pm

Torah Stitch by Stitch Art Opening

Palo Alto

Opening reception for the Torah Stitch by Stitch art exhibit at Etz Chayim.

7pm – 8:30pm

Being Jewish in the Diaspora

Berkeley

In-person discussion of Molly Crabapple's book on the history of the Jewish Labor Bund in Eastern Europe.

7:30pm – 9pm

Celebrate the MitzVote!

Berkeley

An open-to-all evening on the eve of Election Day celebrating civic engagement and the democratic process, with treats, cake and toasts.

4am – 5:30am

Special Guest: Emmy Award Winner Yossi Vassa

Lafayette

Book talk by Yossi Vassa and illustrator Yarden on their graphic novel 'The Last Day to Dress Up', Yossi's Ethiopia-to-Israel immigration story, with animation, live painting and readings.

7pm – 9pm

OFJCC "LEAP" Year and Mechina Fair

Palo Alto

Information fair where high schoolers and families meet representatives of Israel gap-year and mechina programs.

7pm

JWC Siddur Soirée

Oakland

Jewish Women's Circle evening on the art of Jewish prayer, with prayer meditations and decorating your own siddur.

7pm – 9pm

Rooted and Ready: Preparing Jewish Students & Families for the Year

Los Gatos

An interactive evening for middle and high school students and their parents, with practical tools and community support for facing antisemitism this year. Led by Maya Bronicki, co-hosted by the Bay Area Jewish Coalition. Free.

1:30am – 2:30am

SymphoTales Presents: “Into the Forest Thicket”

Lafayette

An interactive children's concert at Contra Costa Jewish Day School in Lafayette, built around Tchaikovsky's The Sleeping Beauty, with live flute, storytelling, rhythm games and movement.

1pm – 2pm

Social Spark: Celebrate Dolly Parton

Foster City

A musical tribute to Dolly Parton performed by Mollie and the Sweet Shop Boys, part of the JCC's Social Spark series for older adults.

6:30pm – 8pm

A Peek Behind the Iron Curtain: An Evening with Author Daniel Grossman

San Rafael

Author Daniel Grossman discusses his book Seeing Red: Spies, Lies and My So-Called Life in conversation with Rabbi Doug Kahn.

6:30pm – 8pm

A Peek Behind the Iron Curtain: An Evening with Author Danny Grossman

San Rafael

Former diplomat Daniel Grossman talks with Rabbi Doug Kahn about his memoir of Cold War service in Leningrad, from bugged apartments to Chernobyl and a young KGB officer named Putin.

7pm – 8:30pm

Rabbi's Fall Seminar Part 2: Jewish Prayer, A Journey of the Soul

Napa

Second of two seminars with Rabbi Niles exploring what prayer is, why we pray, and whether one can pray without belief.

2:30am – 4:30am

CCJCC Community Happy Hour Sponsored by RSS Investment Counsel

Walnut Creek

Community happy hour at the Contra Costa JCC in Walnut Creek, sponsored by RSS Investment Counsel, with wine, beer and shareable appetizers for adults to meet and mingle.

9:30am – 12:30pm

ICC²: הסדנה למציאת עבודה – המחזור ה-19

Palo Alto

מפגש ראשון בסדנה בת חמישה מפגשים (5 בנובמבר עד 10 בדצמבר) בהנחיית מאיה רם: אסטרטגיית חיפוש, קורות חיים ולינקדאין לשוק האמריקאי, נטוורקינג, ראיונות, משא ומתן על שכר ושימוש בכלי AI.

10:30am – 12pm

אמהות מדברות: קבוצה חווייתית לאמהות אחרי לידה עם גלי בק

Palo Alto

מפגש ראשון בסדרה בת שישה מפגשים (ימי חמישי עד 17 בדצמבר) לאמהות ותינוקות מלידה עד זחילה: לידה, אמהות בארץ זרה, זוגיות ועוד, בהנחיית גלי בק.

12pm – 1:30pm

Being Human in a Time of Dehumanization

San Rafael

Rabbi Stacy leads a study session on why people dehumanize others and Jewish approaches to preserving shared humanity.

1pm – 2pm

Learning Unlimited: Interactive Classical Music Storytelling

San Rafael

A five-part series of interactive listening workshops for adults, helping participants understand and feel classical music through storytelling. Thursdays, Nov 5 to Dec 17.

5pm – 7:30pm

NY Deli Kosher Pop-Up

San Francisco

A kosher New York-style deli pop-up with pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, hosted by Chabad of the Neighborhood. Preordering is recommended.

5pm – 6:30pm

Seeing Through a Mirror: The 1948 War in the Eyes of the World

Berkeley

Annual Diller Lecture by Harvard historian Derek Penslar on how the world perceived and reacted to the 1948 war, with a reception beforehand.

6pm – 7:30pm

The Book of Job (4-session series)

San Francisco

First session of a four-part study series on the Book of Job, meeting every other Thursday through Dec 17.

6:30pm – 8:30pm

Intro to Judaism (course, first session)

San Francisco

First session of a multi-unit, university-accredited introductory course on Judaism; no Hebrew required. Meets every other Thursday and is intended for full-course registration.

6:30pm – 8:30pm

Living with Ambiguity: In Conversation with Rabbis Ed Feinstein and Jessica Zimmerman Graf

San Francisco

Two rabbis discuss decision-making amid competing values and building coalitions across disagreement; reception first.

6:30pm – 8:30pm

Stories of Sigd: An Evening with Chef Beejhy Barhany

San Francisco

Chef and author Beejhy Barhany shares her Ethiopian-Israeli story and the meaning of Sigd, followed by dishes from her cookbook.

7pm – 8:30pm

An Evening of Inspiration with Brothers for Life

Tiburon

Wounded Israeli combat soldiers from Brothers for Life share their stories over wine and cheese. Registration required; ages 13+ recommended.

7pm – 8:30pm

Exploring Civil Rights, Social Justice, and Jewish Text with Rabbi Bekah

Berkeley

First of two sessions studying civil rights and social justice through Jewish texts; open to all, not only civil rights trip participants.

7pm – 8pm

Questions and Answers for Caregivers of Seniors

Palo Alto

Registered nurse Sophia Park answers questions from people caring for an aging parent or loved one, including when to seek extra help, how to find living situations or aides, and options for those who cannot afford private care.

7pm – 9pm

Daniel Kahn & Jake Shulman-Ment – UMRU/UNREST

San Francisco

A concert of new songs and Yiddish versions of Cohen, Dylan, Waits and others by two longtime klezmer collaborators.

All day

Older To Elder: Elders Shabbaton (Ages 55+)

Berkeley

Commuter Shabbaton for Jewish adults 55 and over on moving from growing older to becoming an elder, over Friday and Saturday.

11am – 12:30pm

Workshop – Yiddish Song Smuggling, with Daniel Kahn

San Francisco

Cross borders of language, music, and tradition with Daniel Kahn in a hands-on exploration of translation, adaptation, and the possibilities of modern Yiddish song.

1pm

Elders Shabbaton with Adamah SF and Chochmat HaLev

Berkeley

A commuter Shabbat retreat on Jewish spirituality and the elder years, opening with an afternoon in Tilden Park and running through Saturday.

4pm – 6pm

"Shabbat Camp" for Families with Younger Kids

Petaluma

A playdate with snacks and hands-on learning, then a family service with songs and stories, candles, juice and challah. RSVP to Rabbi Shalom.

5pm – 6:30pm

Harvest Tot Shabbat

San Francisco

A harvest-themed Tot Shabbat for young children and their families, with dinner, songs and movement.

5pm – 5:45pm

Jr. Jews Shabbat

San Rafael

Welcome Shabbat for families with children ages 0-6: candles, songs, stories, and a casual pizza dinner.

5pm – 6:30pm

Sherith Littles Tot Shabbat

San Francisco

Family Shabbat for young children with candle-lighting, challah, music with Tkiya and pizza.

5:15pm – 6:45pm

Tot Shabbat: Shabbat Fun for Little Ones

Los Altos Hills

A Shabbat evening for families with children ages 0–5: candles, challah and interactive songs with Cantor Shpall, pizza and Shabbat crafts. All are welcome; registration requested.

5:30pm – 7pm

K'tantan Shabbat (first of a monthly series)

Redwood City

Shabbat dinner with blessings, songs, puppets and music for families with children ages 0-5; older siblings welcome. First of six monthly sessions through May 2027.

5:30pm – 7:30pm

Congregational Dinner & Family First Friday Shabbat

Walnut Creek

Congregational dinner followed by a family-oriented Friday night Shabbat service at 6:30 pm.

6pm

Shir Shabbat Service and Shabbat Dinner with Southeast Greenway Presentation

Santa Rosa

Musical Shir Shabbat service at 6:00 pm followed by the monthly Shabbat dinner at 6:45 pm, with a presentation on the Santa Rosa Southeast Greenway.

6pm

Young Adult Cozy Shabbat

Santa Clara

Shabbat social and dinner for Jewish young professionals in their 20s and 30s, with Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:00pm and dinner at 6:30pm.

6pm – 7pm

First Friday Family Shabbat Service

Napa

Family-friendly Shabbat service co-led by Religious School students, followed by an Oneg reception.

6pm – 8pm

Heart & Home Shabbat

San Francisco

An intimate Shabbat dinner for students, hosted at the home of a local Hebrew professor. RSVP by November 4.

6pm – 9:30pm

A Very Camp-y Shabbat and Dinner

Los Gatos

A relaxed camp-themed Kabbalat Shabbat service with a campfire hot dog dinner and a sing-along of camp favorites. All ages welcome, with a quiet activity area for young children.

6pm – 8:30pm

Daven and Dine

Palo Alto

Kabbalat Shabbat prayers and singing in the sanctuary, followed by a home-cooked community Shabbat dinner in the Social Room. RSVP required by Nov 3.

6:15pm – 9:30pm

First Friday Shabbat with Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Mike Moskowitz + Community Dinner

San Rafael

Opening night of a scholar-in-residence weekend with Rabbi Mike Moskowitz: Shabbat services with his sermon, a community dinner and Shabbat Unplugged.

6:30pm – 7:30pm

Camp Shabbat Service

Lafayette

Informal, song-filled Shabbat service in the round blending Jewish camp melodies and folk music; best for middle school and up.

7:30pm – 9:30pm

Rockin' Shabbat Dinner

Redwood City

Community Shabbat dinner in the social hall after the Rockin' Shabbat service, with a catered vegetarian and dairy menu.

9am – 10am

Saturday Morning Torah Study with Rabbi Mike Moskowitz

San Rafael

Text-based study with scholar-in-residence Rabbi Mike Moskowitz on Abraham's practice of kindness, part of a weekend of programs.

10:30am – 11am

IN-PERSON: Tot Shabbat with Jen Miriam and Alon Altman with their Puppet Friends

Piedmont

Short outdoor Tot Shabbat at Kehilla with Jen Miriam and Alon Altman and their puppets: Shabbat songs, prayers, dancing and community for babies, tots and children up to 5 with their families.

10:45am – 5:35pm

Exploring the Bay the CRuSTY Way: San Francisco Scavenger Hunt

Larkspur

Teens take the ferry to San Francisco for an amazing-race style scavenger hunt with staff and friends.

11:15am – 11:45am

Tot Shabbat

Saratoga

A short, lighthearted Shabbat program at Congregation Beth David in Saratoga for toddlers and their families, led by Rabbi Roller with singing, stories and movement.

1pm – 2pm

Space, Wine and the Negev

Tiburon

Oren Hefetz of JNF-USA's Impact Investment Fund talks about building a business ecosystem to draw young professionals and entrepreneurs to Israel's Negev.

1:15pm – 2:15pm

Shabbat Shiur with Rabbi Doron Rubin

Palo Alto

Rabbi Doron Rubin, CEO of Israel's Masorti movement, gives a post-service briefing on Masorti Jewish life in Israel.

1:30pm – 2:30pm

Speaker: Amit Meir – Founder and CEO of Adam V’Adama

Redwood City

Israeli educator Amit Meir speaks about Adam V'Adama, his network of agricultural high schools combining farming, leadership and Zionist values.

3pm – 4pm

Sacred Sound Bath

San Rafael

Restorative meditation and live sound healing led by Jivan Dicovski and Rabbi Elana; no experience needed.

4pm – 5pm

Beth Am Welcomes Guest Speaker Chef Beejhy Barhany, Restaurant Owner and Author of “Gursha”

Los Altos Hills

Marking the Ethiopian Jewish holiday of Sigd, chef and author Beejhy Barhany leads a traditional coffee ceremony and shares her story.

4pm – 5:30pm

Homophobia is the Real Abomination: Classic Sources & New Understandings

San Rafael

Rabbi Mike Moskowitz leads a text-based conversation on traditional sources and verses misused to cause harm, open to LGBTQ+ people, families and allies.

5pm – 6:15pm

Elevate Havdalah

Petaluma

A musical Havdalah celebration marking the beginning of the week.

6pm – 9:30pm

The Best of Jewish Broadway

Saratoga

A cabaret evening opened with Havdalah, celebrating Jewish composers and lyricists from Gershwin and Bernstein to Sondheim and Hamlisch. RSVP required.

7:15pm – 9:30pm

November Movie Night

Foster City

Community movie night with a Havdalah service at 7:00 PM beforehand. Free; the film isn't named on the page.

7:30pm – 9pm

Friendship & Faith in a Divided World with Rabbi Stacy Friedman & Rabbi Mike Moskowitz

San Rafael

Havdalah and sweet treats, then an evening of teaching and dialogue on friendship as a blueprint for bridging deep divides. Open to the whole community.

8:45am

Chai Cycle Bike Ride

Bagel Street Cafe

A 30-mile Peninsula group ride with a stop for Jewish text study, with Chai Cycle. Adults 18+; RSVP required.

9am

Hanukkah Rummage Sale

Pleasanton

A pre-Hanukkah rummage sale at the synagogue.

10am – 11:30am

A Place(mat) at the Table: A Thanksgiving Art Day

Los Gatos

Congregation Shir Hadash's Lev & Learn family center hosts a Thanksgiving art morning in Los Gatos where children ages 0-3 and their grown-ups make decorated, laminated placemats; siblings welcome, materials provided.

10am – 2:30pm

IAC MAGEN Adults: Onboarding Training Day

San Francisco

A hands-on day for Israeli-American and Jewish community members on civic leadership: working with elected officials and schools, countering antisemitism, and joining a local Task Force. In English and Hebrew.

10:15am – 11:45am

Lifechanging Stories of Innovation and Impact: How Hadassah is Saving Lives and Nurturing Futures by Karen Bloom

Walnut Creek

Congregation B'nai Tikvah hosts Karen Bloom, Hadassah regional president, speaking about Hadassah Medical Organization's life-saving innovations and stories from its Youth Aliyah Villages. Registration requested.

10:30am – 12:30pm

Building Interfaith Bridges Pulpit Sweep

Berkeley

Pastors Tony Hughes and Phil Brochard and Rabbi Rebekah Stern reflect together on a text during the service's sermon time, part of a Christian–Jewish interfaith bridge-building series.

10:30am – 12pm

Newborn Playgroup for Babies 0–9 Months

San Francisco

A free playgroup for new parents and babies up to 9 months to meet other Jewish families. No RSVP needed.

12pm – 6:30pm

Andromeda with Ars Minerva | Travel & Day Trips

San Francisco

A senior day trip from the Oshman Family JCC to see Ars Minerva's world-premiere staging of Andromeda, a Baroque opera composed in Vienna in 1714, at the Creativity Theater in San Francisco.

12:30pm

The Future Is Peace Book Club

San Francisco

Rabbi Rena Singer leads a one-session discussion of The Future Is Peace by Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon, ahead of the authors' December 9 visit.

1:30pm – 3:30pm

iCare Interfaith Thanksgiving Fixings

Lafayette

Interfaith service project where Temple Isaiah, Peace Lutheran Church and Tri-Valley Hindu Community assemble Thanksgiving bags for Monument Crisis Center; for individuals and families with kids 10+.

2pm – 4pm

Love in the Time of Chronic Illness: Helping Patients and Caregivers Cope with Illness

Los Altos Hills

Two-hour workshop with author Barbara Kivowitz at Congregation Beth Am on coping with chronic illness, open to caregivers and people receiving care of any age.

3pm – 5:30pm

The Path Forward: Israelis and Palestinians Working Together for Peace

Santa Rosa

Congregation Shomrei Torah in Santa Rosa screens the documentary The Path Forward about Israeli-Palestinian pairs working for peace after loss, then a discussion with filmmakers Julie Cohen and Mo Husseini. Open to all; registration required.

3pm

The Jollytologist: The Healing Power of Humor with Allen Klein

San Francisco

Author and humor advocate Allen Klein talks about how laughter and humor can help people cope and heal.

4pm – 7pm

Annual Faith Trio Harvest Dinner and Interfaith Concert

Piedmont

Annual Harvest gathering of Kehilla, the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California and Montclair Presbyterian Church, held at Montclair Presbyterian in Oakland, with music from the three faiths and a vegetarian potluck; registration required.

5pm – 8:30pm

Hold on to Your Music – A Mother’s Legacy

San Francisco

JCCSF hosts the San Francisco premiere of the documentary Hold On To Your Music, followed by live piano from Mona Golabek and a conversation with the filmmakers about her mother's Kindertransport escape from Vienna.

6pm – 8pm

Pinot Noir Passport: A Wine Tasting Around the World

Saratoga

Men's Club tasting evening where guests bring a bottle of domestic or kosher Pinot Noir to share, taste and vote on favorites, with light snacks.

7:30pm

Rosh Chodesh Society: NEXT GENesis (first session)

San Francisco

First session of NEXT GENesis, a seven-part Rosh Chodesh Society course at RTC Chabad exploring Genesis narratives as a reflection of the soul, for women; monthly Sundays through June 2027.

All day

ICONIC Innovation Week 2026

Palo Alto

Four-day conference (Nov 9-12) bringing Israeli founders together with Silicon Valley tech leaders. Venue and schedule are to be announced.

6:30pm – 9:30pm

Sabbath Queen | Film Screening and Talk

Berkeley

Join us at the Magnes for a one-time screening of Sabbath Queen , followed by a post film-talk back, in person with director Sandi DuBowski and star Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, moderated by celebrated artist and filmmaker Tiffany Schlain.

7:30pm – 9pm

Fascinating Facts: Angels, Demons and the Evil Eye (series)

Santa Clara

First session of a Chabad young professionals discussion series on Jewish views of angels, demons and the evil eye, with drinks and open conversation.

10am – 12pm

Beth Am Women JFCS Food Sorting & Packing

Palo Alto

Volunteers sort, check and pack High Holiday food donations for the JFCS Food Pantry in Palo Alto.

1pm – 2:30pm

Cream: The Legendary Reign of the Original Rock Supergroup

San Francisco

Arts & Ideas talk at the JCCSF where rock historian Richie Unterberger shows rare film clips of 1960s trio Cream (Clapton, Bruce, Baker) and discusses their career, for rock music fans.

2pm – 3pm

Food for Thought: Drawn Together, How Art Connects through Time and Space

Foster City

At the PJCC, artist and author Wanda Peretz gives an illustrated talk on Eastern Europe's lost painted wooden synagogues and the art that inspired her book The Ceiling. Free, with registration; part of a seniors' lecture series.

2:15pm – 4:15pm

Second Harvest Food bank volunteering

Menlo Park

Two-hour Congregation Beth Jacob volunteer shift helping Second Harvest Food Bank distribute food at Garfield Community School in Menlo Park; ages 14+, with lifting up to 25 lbs.

6pm – 7:30pm

AI and College Admissions Workshop

Palo Alto

Workshop at the Oshman Family JCC with River Consulting on how AI is changing college admissions and how to use it responsibly in essays and applications, with live demos; for teens and families.

6pm – 9pm

Powering AI

Mountain View

An evening panel on where the energy for AI will come from: data centers, chips, nuclear, renewables, grid modernization and storage, and what it means for Silicon Valley.

6pm – 9pm

Resetting the Table: Speaking Across Conflict Workshop

San Rafael

Communication skill-building workshop for charged conversations and dialogue across disagreement.

6:30pm – 10pm

Liberation at Berkeley Rep: Feminism, Memory, and Social Change

Berkeley

A group outing to Bess Wohl's play Liberation, with a pre-show introduction to the women's liberation movement and a post-show discussion.

7pm – 9pm

Movie Night: Three Brothers In Shanghai

San Francisco

Congregation Sherith Israel and the JFCS Holocaust Center screen Three Brothers in Shanghai, a short documentary on Jewish child refugees, on the Kristallnacht anniversary, with a filmmaker talk and archive artifacts. Open to the community.

7:30pm

Israeli Cooking Class

Fremont

Hands-on evening of cooking classic Israeli dishes with fresh ingredients; no experience needed.

7:30pm – 8:30pm

Israeli Election Briefings with Rabbi Booth

Palo Alto

Congregation Kol Emeth in Palo Alto hosts Rabbi David Booth for a briefing on Israel's election results, coalition prospects and the effect of US midterms on Israel. Attend in person or via Zoom; registration required.

7:30pm – 9:15pm

Beth Am Women Rosh Chodesh: Be the Light - Beeswax Chanukah Candle Making for Kislev

Los Altos Hills

Beth Am women's Rosh Chodesh evening led by Lisa Rauchwerger, hand-rolling rainbow beeswax candles for all eight nights of Chanukah; open to women-identifying participants.

9am – 4pm

Veterans Day Camp: Mitzvah Fun Day

San Francisco

A day of play, crafts and mitzvot for Jewish kids ages 4-11, with snacks and lunch provided.

6pm – 8:30pm

Elderberry & Fire Cider Workshop

Berkeley

A hands-on evening workshop at Urban Adamah's Berkeley farm where participants make elderberry syrup from farm-grown berries and a jar of fire cider tonic, and take both home for the cold season.

7pm – 8:30pm

Veteran's Day Poetry Reading

Oakland

Veterans Day evening at Temple Sinai in Oakland: community readers perform poems by Jewish poets who served in World Wars I and II, such as Siegfried Sassoon and Hannah Senesh. Registration requested.

7:30pm – 9pm

Once a Paratrooper: The Story of a Lone Soldier in the Gaza War

Saratoga

Congregation Beth David in Saratoga hosts Ira Kohler, a former IDF lone soldier, speaking about serving with the Paratroopers in Gaza before and after October 7; his book is for sale. RSVP requested.

12pm – 1:30pm

Human Agency in a Fragile Time

San Rafael

Rabbi Stacy leads study and conversation on what Jewish tradition teaches about moral strength and using our power in uncertain times.

4:30pm – 5:15pm

The Ugly Duckling

Palo Alto

Interactive family show retelling The Ugly Duckling with live flute, classical music, rhythm games and movement, so kids ages 3 to 6 take part in the story. At the Oshman Family JCC.

6pm

Mega Challah Bake with Rochie Pinson

North Peninsula

Chabad of the North Peninsula hosts a community Challah Bake, an evening of baking Shabbat challah together, led by teacher Rochie Pinson, for adult women. Registration required.

6:30pm – 8:45pm

Cantors' Concert 2026: Our Story, Our Song

Lafayette

Concert at Temple Isaiah celebrating the congregation's 75th anniversary with Cantors Leigh Korn and Chanin Becker, the adult volunteer choir and the Mizmor Band, through Jewish music and stories.

6:30pm – 8pm

Hinenu: Israel at Ten Million

San Rafael

@ . A conversation with photographer Dave Shlachter about his powerful collection of portraits and personal narratives, titled Hinenu. 100 People, 10 Million Stories.

7pm – 8:30pm

For the Sake of Tomorrow: Rabbi David Wolpe in Conversation with Rabbi Ryan Bauer

San Francisco

Rabbi David Wolpe and Emanu-El's Senior Rabbi discuss the challenges facing Israel and the Jewish people, antisemitism, and younger generations' relationship with Israel. Co-presented with the American Technion Society.

7pm – 9pm

An Evening with Standing Together

Sebastopol

Evening at Community Church of Sebastopol with Standing Together leaders Sally Abed and Nadav Shofet on Jewish-Palestinian partnership and equality in Israel, in conversation with Rabbi Irwin; open to the community.

7pm

Chabad of the Tri-Valley 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner

Pleasanton

Chabad of the Tri-Valley celebrates its 20th anniversary with a gala dinner at The Club at Castlewood in Pleasanton, featuring kosher wine tasting, live music by the Rikud Orchestra and a live auction.

7pm – 9:30pm

In the Shadow of the Bridge: Birds of the Bay Area | Discussion with the Author

Palo Alto

Oshman Family JCC hosts an author talk on In the Shadow of the Bridge: Birds of the Bay Area, with photographer Dick Evans and writer Hannah Hindley on Bay Area birds and the Pacific Flyway. Book sales benefit Point Blue.

7:30pm – 9pm

Next Genesis: Rosh Chodesh Society course for women (series, Lesson 1)

Concord

Opening class of a seven-part women's Rosh Chodesh Society course exploring the stories of Genesis through psychological and mystical ideas. Classes meet monthly through May.

5pm – 6:30pm

Musical Family Shabbat

Cotati

Families gather for a picnic dinner followed by a musical Shabbat service led by George Wilde and Rabbi Irwin. In person only; RSVP requested.

5:15pm – 8:30pm

Great Big Shabbat: Installation Service of Senior Rabbi Heath Watenmaker

Los Altos Hills

Great Big Shabbat at Congregation Beth Am: community dinner, a service installing Rabbi Heath Watenmaker as Senior Rabbi with guest Rabbi Rick Jacobs, and an oneg with Israeli dancing, for all ages.

5:15pm – 5:45pm

Sababa Shabbat (family service and pizza dinner)

Oakland

A short family-friendly Shabbat service with music in the sanctuary, followed by pizza in Stern Hall; families can also bring a picnic dinner.

5:30pm – 9pm

Global Shabbat Rhythm and Sound of Africa in celebration of SIGD

Saratoga

Congregation Beth David in Saratoga holds a Global Shabbat service with African rhythms and music marking Sigd, the Beta Israel holiday, and celebrating Jewish communities across Africa. Free; RSVP requested.

5:30pm – 8pm

Musical Kabbalat Shabbat and Dinner with Dr. Alan Morinis

Tiburon

Musical Kabbalat Shabbat and dinner at Congregation Kol Shofar with Dr. Alan Morinis, a leader in the revival of Mussar, speaking on 'A Spiritual Orphan Seeks Wholeness'.

5:30pm – 6:30pm

Tot Shabbat w. Melita Silberstein!

Berkeley

Tot Shabbat on the farm with Melita Silberstein at Urban Adamah, with songs and community time for young children and their grown-ups.

5:30pm

Shabbat Ruach followed by Dinner

Berkeley

A lively, musical Shabbat service in the sanctuary (also on Zoom) followed by a community dinner.

6pm – 9pm

Friday Evening Service and Shabbat Dinner

San Jose

Congregation Sinai in San Jose holds an evening Shabbat service followed by a community Shabbat dinner of beef stew, rice and vegetables prepared by the Sinai Cooking Club. For all ages; RSVP required.

6pm

Family Friday Night Dinner

Palo Alto

Family-oriented Friday night Shabbat dinner at Chabad Palo Alto.

6:15pm – 7:30pm

Clergy's Tisch with Efraim Wichmann

Santa Rosa

Shabbat evening gathering with a talk by Efraim Wichmann on his path from Germany to Judaism and his volunteer work as a CASA advocate for foster youth. Also available via Zoom or live stream.

6:30pm – 9pm

Shabbat Mishpacha: Pizza Dinner and Musical Service

Palo Alto

Family-friendly musical Kabbalat Shabbat led by Lior Ben-Hur and Rabbi Chaim, preceded by a pizza and potluck dinner at 5:30 pm. The first of three scheduled evenings.

6:45pm

Shabbat Potluck Dinner

Santa Rosa

Community potluck dinner following Friday evening Shabbat at Congregation Beth Ami.

7pm – 8pm

L'Dor V'Dor Legacy Society Ruach Shabbat Service with Festive Fall Oneg

San Jose

Temple Emanu-El in San Jose holds a musical Ruach Shabbat service led by the Rabbi and Cantor with the Rock Shabbat band, honoring L'Dor V'Dor Legacy Society members, followed by a festive fall oneg. Open to all; registration requested.

7:45pm – 9pm

A Film Screening of Through Children's Eyes (2025)

Burlingame

Screening at Peninsula Temple Sholom of the 2025 film Through Children's Eyes, which tells the Holocaust story through poems and drawings by children in Terezín; part of adult learning.

9am – 9:45am

Tot Shabbat

Los Gatos

Casual play and socializing followed by a short Shabbat service with songs, movement and stories for families with children up to age 5.

9am

Torah Study with Composer David Shukiar

Burlingame

Saturday morning Torah study with composer David Shukiar, exploring the poetry that inspired his music about the children of Terezin.

9:30am – 10:30am

Tot Shabbat Morning

Lafayette

Saturday-morning Shabbat gathering for young children and their families.

10am – 12pm

Tots Together: Shabbat Program for Babies and Toddlers

San Francisco

Interactive Shabbat for babies, toddlers and their families with music, stories, puppets and bubbles, led by early childhood educator Mimi Greisman.

10am – 11:30am

November Park Shabbat

San Francisco

A Shabbat morning for families with children ages 0 to 6 at Richmond Playground in San Francisco, with music, play and snacks; open to all, with registration encouraged.

11am – 12pm

Torah for Tots

San Jose

Songs and stories for children 5 and under with their grownups, led by Dana Berkenwald. Held monthly on Shabbat morning.

11:15am – 1:15pm

Meet the Doula: Ask a Doula Anything

Sunnyvale

Expecting and new parents meet local doulas in person at Las Palmas Park in Sunnyvale and ask questions about support during pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

1:15pm – 2:15pm

Disagreements for Heaven's Sake: Israel

Palo Alto

Rabbi Booth and four congregant panelists lead a listening circle, not a debate, on holding diverse views about Israel while staying connected as a community. In person only.

2pm – 4:30pm

כסית בתל אביב (Kasit in Tel Aviv)

Palo Alto

מחזה מוזיקלי על בית הקפה האגדי כסית ועל הבוהמה התל־אביבית של פעם, שחוזר אחרי עשר שנים לסוף שבוע אחד. הצגות: שבת 14.11 ב־14:00 וב־19:00, וראשון 15.11 ב־19:00.

3pm – 6pm

Beauty in Community: A Collaborative Art Experience

Los Altos Hills

A collaborative art-making and learning session with artist Nancy Katz and Rabbi Donald Goor, held during Rabbi Heath Watenmaker's installation weekend. For participants of all ages.

4pm – 8:30pm

Neshamah Yoga & Wellness Havdalah

Lafayette

Saturday-evening mini-retreat of gentle movement, sound bath and mindfulness that closes with Havdalah, led by Kendra Fried and Rabbi Alissa Miller.

5:30pm – 7:30pm

סרט בשכונה

Sunnyvale

ערב סרט קהילתי בשכונה בסאניווייל.

5:45pm – 8:45pm

Interfaith Thanksgiving

Berkeley

Congregation Beth El hosts an interfaith Havdalah and Thanksgiving dinner with Netivot Shalom and the Pacifica Institute, bringing together neighbors from local faith communities.

6:45pm – 9pm

The Albany Consort: Havdalah and Harpsichord Concert

Palo Alto

Havdalah at 6:45 pm followed by a free harpsichord concert at 7:30 pm by congregant Jonathan, a professional harpsichordist.

7pm – 9pm

Happy Hour and Havdalah

Los Gatos

A social evening of autumn treats and seasonal drinks for the Shir Hadash community, ending with a shared Havdalah ceremony. Babysitting is available for children ages 2 to 10.

7pm – 9pm

Zoë Lewis in Concert

Cotati

Singer-songwriter and storyteller Zoë Lewis performs vintage jazz and world-beat on instruments from piano to spoons, joined by bassist Kate Wolf, at Congregation Ner Shalom in Cotati.

7pm – 9pm

The Shabbat Effect: Dr. Alan Morinis Saturday Evening Presentation

Tiburon

Dr. Alan Morinis, a leading teacher of the Mussar tradition, speaks at Kol Shofar on how practicing Shabbat can cultivate inner qualities that shape everyday life.

7:30pm – 9pm

Up Close Concerts: Roger Glenn Latin Jazz Ensemble

Foster City

Roger Glenn Latin Jazz Ensemble plays an hour-long concert for adults at the PJCC in Foster City, followed by a dessert reception to meet the artists.

9am – 1pm

Hanukkah Boutique

Burlingame

Sholom Women's Hanukkah Boutique at Peninsula Temple Sholom, selling Judaica and holiday gifts through the temple's gift shop.

9am – 1pm

Camp Takeover Day

San Jose

Camp Tawonga staff take over the temple's Sunday program with camp activities for kids and families.

9:30am – 1pm

Find a Treasure (or Two!) at the Beth Am Chanukah Craft Bazaar

Los Altos Hills

Beth Am Women's Chanukah craft bazaar in the social hall, with member and outside vendors selling handmade gifts, art and Judaica, plus soup and baked goods.

9:30am – 11:30am

Resetting the Table Workshop - Part 1 of 2

San Francisco

First of two workshops at Congregation Emanu-El using the Resetting the Table approach to practice listening and speaking across political differences, focusing on conversations about Israel.

10am – 1:30pm

Sisterhood Holiday Fair

San Jose

Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood holiday fair in San Jose with a sweet and savory bake sale, lunch items and vendor prize drawings at 1 pm.

10am – 3pm

Alameda Holiday Fest at Temple Israel

Alameda

18th annual free holiday shopping expo with dozens of local artists, authors, crafters and small businesses, plus a cafe and bake sale. Free parking.

10am – 12pm

ICC: סיפורים מהקופסה

Palo Alto

שעת סיפור מומחזת עם יעל פלטי לילדים בגילי 3–7 ("דירה להשכיר"), שולחנות משחקי קופסה לילדים בגילי 7–11, וקפה להורים ב־Beta Café.

10am – 11:30am

Limmud La-ad presents Blue Suede Jews

San Jose

Rock historian Richie Unterberger shows and discusses rare vintage film clips of Jewish rock performers of the 1960s and 70s, including Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel and Carole King. Free, with refreshments.

10am – 11:30am

Wag Along! A Charlie & Gigi Storybook Party

Palo Alto

Author Julie A. P. Grabscheid reads from her Life of Charlie & Gigi books, followed by a hands-on activity, for children ages 3 to 8 and especially families welcoming a new sibling, pet or home.

10am – 12pm

JAMS Around the World: Syria

Palo Alto

Sunday session of the JAMS Around the World program for kids, exploring the Jewish heritage of Syria.

10:30am – 12:30pm

Bagels, Lox & Tefillah

Saratoga

Congregation Beth David in Saratoga hosts a bagels-and-lox brunch where Rabbi Kunin leads a discussion of the structure and meaning of the prayer service.

10:30am – 12pm

Israeli Folk Dancing

Saratoga

A relaxed, low-key Israeli folk dancing session led by instructor Donna Frankel in the Social Hall, hosted by Adult Ed; RSVP required.

11am – 5pm

LABA Live: NAME

Berkeley

LABA Bay Area fellows share art, readings, dance, film and music created in response to Jewish texts on the theme of names, along with a teaching of the inspiring texts.

11am – 2pm

Chanukah Faire

Vallejo

Chanukah Faire at B'nai Israel in Vallejo with crafts, Judaica, baked goods, gift wrapping and activities for kids.

12:15pm – 1:30pm

Emanu-El in Action: Tzedek Family Volunteer Day

San Francisco

Family volunteer day run by Congregation Emanu-El's Tzedek social justice program as part of Emanu-El in Action; the page gives no further details.

12:30pm – 2:30pm

San Francisco Bay Area Jewish Genealogical Society Presentation

Santa Rosa

A talk by Vivian Kahn on Jewish Hungarian genealogy, with refreshments.

1:30pm – 3pm

Not Heroes, Just Us (film screening)

Petaluma

Screening of the film Not Heroes, Just Us, presented by the congregation's Israel Action Committee.

2pm – 5pm

Resetting the Table: Community Speaking Across Conflict Workshop

Los Gatos

Workshop with Resetting the Table on communication skills for charged political conversations and dialogue across disagreement. Part of a workshop series.

2pm

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (JCHS Drama)

San Francisco

Jewish Community High School of the Bay students and faculty perform the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical in the JCHS theater in San Francisco, Nov 15-18.

2pm – 4pm

Transgender Day of Remembrance: Practical Resistance

Cotati

A Transgender Day of Remembrance gathering honoring transgender people lost to violence, with discussion, music, art-making and ways to resist everyday harm; open to all, in person and on Zoom.

3pm – 5:30pm

Pajama Party Fun

Redwood City

Sunday afternoon of singing, movement, puppets, crafts and snacks for Peninsula families with kids 0-5, ending with a Havdalah ceremony. Pajamas encouraged.

3:30pm – 5pm

JBN Pajama Havdalah

Redwood City

Pajama Havdalah for young families with the Jewish Baby Network at Congregation Beth Jacob, with a kid-friendly Havdalah in the Social Hall.

4pm – 6pm

In Good Company: Yoga Flow and Pinot

San Francisco

A gentle yoga flow led by teacher Amy Plevin for all levels, followed by wine and cheese, at Congregation Sherith Israel in San Francisco.

4pm

Rabbis Respond to the Israeli Elections

Fremont

Rabbi Sarah Weissman and Rabbi Milder discuss the Israeli elections, their implications for American Jews and the American-Israeli relationship. Advance registration required.

4:30pm – 6:30pm

Songs of the Mediterranean with Marin Baroque

San Rafael

Marin Baroque joins Eliyahu and Rachel Valfer Sills of the Qadim Ensemble for a concert of Sephardic, Islamic and Christian music from the Mediterranean, offered with a message of peace.

5pm

StandWithUs Northern California Community Reception

San Francisco

StandWithUs's annual Northern California reception: a 5pm reception followed by a 6:30pm program.

5pm – 7pm

Ketubah Renaissance – Reception with the Curator

San Francisco

Curator Michael Shapiro and Rabbi Batshir Torchio discuss how the ketubah evolved from a marriage contract into decorated Jewish art, at a reception for the Ketubah Renaissance exhibit.

6pm – 9pm

Women of Isaiah Hanukkah Hoedown

Lafayette

Adults-only Hanukkah party in the Temple Social Hall with Western theme, rabbi-led line dancing, Texas Hold 'Em, BBQ and latkes; registration closes November 9.

6pm – 8pm

Interfaith Gathering of Unity and Gratitude

San Jose

Temple Emanu-El hosts the annual interfaith service of unity and gratitude, led by its rabbi and cantor with local clergy, followed by a pie reception. A short community choir rehearsal precedes it at 5 PM.

6pm – 8pm

SITY Bowling Night

San Francisco

Bowling night for Jewish teens in grades 8-12.

6:30pm – 9pm

Edible Explorations: Eastern European Flavors w/ Califonria Flair

San Rafael

Osher Marin JCC foodie outing to a surprise restaurant outside Marin for a multi-course Eastern European menu with a California twist; organizers handle transport and planning.

7pm – 9pm

An Evening with Ron Yohananov

San Francisco

A Hebrew-language evening with chef Ron Yohananov, who shares his career and personal journey and gives a live demonstration of four recipes. Each guest gets an e-recipe book.

7:30pm – 9pm

Men's Havurah: Post-Midterm Election Analysis

Palo Alto

AIPAC political chair Elliot Lepler reviews the midterm election results and what they mean for pro-Israel politics, for Kol Emeth men. Snacks provided; Israeli politics will not be discussed.

10am – 12pm

Defending Democracy and Civil Rights in Israel Featuring Rabbi Noa Sattath

San Rafael

Rabbi Noa Sattath of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel speaks at Rodef Sholom in San Rafael with the New Israel Fund on defending democracy and civil rights in Israel.

5:30pm – 8pm

Friendsgiving with the Shupin Social Club!

San Francisco

Young adults volunteer at JFCS's third annual Friendsgiving dinner with the Shupin Social Club for neurodivergent adults, helping with setup, crafts and cleanup; co-presented with JCCSF, Beth Sholom and Repair the World.

5:30pm – 7:30pm

Fireside Chat with Sir Michael Moritz

San Francisco

SF Hillel and UCSF host Silicon Valley investor Sir Michael Moritz on his career and his memoir Ausländer about his family's escape and exile, with reception and Q&A.

7pm

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (JCHS Drama)

San Francisco

JCHS students stage the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

7pm – 8pm

After the Elections: Who Will Build the Day After?

Los Altos Hills

Tech2Peace CEO Esti Shohat Rozenfeld and a Palestinian alumnus discuss Israeli-Palestinian dialogue and rebuilding trust after the Israeli elections. Also livestreamed.

7:30pm – 9pm

מה אוכלים מחר? - על המטבח העתידי והדפסת תלת מימד של מזון

Palo Alto

הרצאה של חוקר המזון והמהנדס ד״ר שי שמש על המטבח של העתיד, כולל הדפסת תלת־ממד של מזון, ואיך הטכנולוגיה עשויה לשנות את הדרך שבה אנחנו מבשלים ואוכלים.

8pm

Torah on Tap

Berkeley

Rabbi-led Jewish learning over drinks at a Berkeley pub, for Hillel students and young adults.

1pm – 2pm

Tango and Beyond | Music in the Afternoon

Palo Alto

Afternoon concert by Orquesta Tipica Tarareando, performing classic and contemporary tango from its golden age to today, at the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto.

5:30pm – 8:30pm

Silicon Valley Allied for the Common Good

Campbell

Beth Am joins other faith communities to press elected officials on safety, immigration and health care.

6:30pm

Jewish Film Festival: We Met at Grossinger's

Sebastopol

JCC SoCo's Jewish Film Festival screens Paula Eiselt's documentary on Grossinger's, the Catskills resort that inspired Dirty Dancing, at Rialto Cinemas in Sebastopol (1 PM and 6:30 PM shows).

7pm

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (JCHS Drama)

San Francisco

JCHS students stage the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

7:30pm – 9:30pm

Playback Theater Workshop (1/10)

San Jose

Opening session of a ten-part playback theater workshop series at Congregation Sinai in San Jose, in which participants act out and share personal stories.

11am – 1pm

Tzavta Club | Learning about the Druze community | with Rania Dean

Palo Alto

הרצאה חווייתית ואינטראקטיבית של ראניה דין על העם הדרוזי – ההיסטוריה, התרבות, המורשת והקשר לעם היהודי ולמדינת ישראל, במסגרת מועדון צוותא.

1pm – 2:30pm

Hava NaBaby: Becoming A Grandparent

San Francisco

Free JCCSF workshop for expectant grandparents to create a gift basket of Jewish wisdom and memories for their children and grandchildren.

1pm – 3pm

Gertrude Stein: a Family Saga Meets the Birth of Modernism

San Francisco

Producer Nick Stein, a Stein family member, talks about Gertrude Stein's life, her Paris salon and her ties to Picasso, Matisse, Hemingway and Fitzgerald at JCCSF.

1pm – 2pm

Social Spark: Caribbean Sounds

Foster City

St. Lucian steelpan musician Ben Glasgow performs and talks about Caribbean musical traditions shaped by British and French colonial influences and African rhythms, in the PJCC Social Spark series.

5:30pm – 8:30pm

The Tribe for Men: Volunteer Night at City Hope Cafe

San Francisco

Emanu-El's men's group volunteers together preparing and serving meals at City Hope Cafe, with an optional hangout afterward.

6pm – 8:30pm

TK–8 Curriculum Night

Palo Alto

An evening on Hausner's TK–8 curriculum, with a special look at Hebrew, Jewish identity and Israel in the school's academic and community life. For parents and guardians; registration required.

7pm

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (JCHS Drama)

San Francisco

JCHS students stage the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

7pm – 8:05pm

Book Reading: The Rabbi's Knight, Michael Cooper

Oakland

Author Michael Cooper reads from his historical novel The Rabbi's Knight at Temple Sinai in Oakland, followed by a nosh.

10am – 12:30pm

AAi Sack Lunch Making

San Jose

Jewish, Christian and Muslim volunteers make 550+ sack lunches for unhoused and low-income neighbors; min age 10.

11am – 12:30pm

ICC: לראות את הסימנים אמנות ומציאות לפני ואחרי 7 באוקטובר

Palo Alto

שיחה עם הצייר הריאליסטי הישראלי יהושע (שוקי) גריפית׳ והקרנת עבודותיו, על תפקידה של האמנות לפני ואחרי 7 באוקטובר.

12pm – 1:30pm

Galicia's Promised City with Oskar Czendze

Stanford

Historian Oskar Czendze talks about Galician Jews who moved to New York between 1890 and 1914 and the regional identities they brought with them. RSVP required.

12:30pm – 2pm

Nosh 'n Schmooze with Shulamit Sofia

San Francisco

Lunchtime conversation with Shulamit Sofia, author of From OY to JOY, who shares at 88 her reflections on meeting life's challenges with optimism and gratitude.

6pm – 8pm

Papercut Workshop: Tradition Takes Shape

San Francisco

Hands-on papercutting workshop led by artist Molly Almeida at JCCSF, inspired by the Ketubah Renaissance exhibition; ages 14 and up, no experience needed.

7pm – 9pm

Kol Isha Centered: Badass Women You've Never Heard Of

Palo Alto

Session of the Kol Isha Centered women's cohort at the Oshman Family JCC exploring lesser-known women in Jewish tradition through a feminist lens; the program runs monthly.

7pm – 9pm

Powering Community: A Jewish Silicon Valley Fundraiser

Los Gatos

Jewish Silicon Valley's annual fundraiser, featuring a comedy performance by actor and comedian Michael Rapaport and a moderated conversation with international lawyer Natasha Hausdorff.

12pm – 2pm

Shabbat Luncheon for Older Adults

Los Gatos

A welcoming Shabbat luncheon for older adults with kosher food, hosted with Jewish Silicon Valley. Rides are available.

4pm – 5:30pm

Kimat Shabbat / Almost Shabbat

San Jose

Casual early Shabbat gathering of songs and stories with Rabbi Josh for families with children under 5, including nursery school and community families.

5:30pm – 7:30pm

Pot Luck Shabbat

Healdsburg

Community potluck Shabbat gathering; bring a dish to share.

6pm – 8:30pm

Queer Intergenerational Shabbat in Honor of Trans Day of Remembrance

Piedmont

A community Shabbat potluck for queer and trans people and those who love them, across generations, on the evening Trans Day of Remembrance falls on Shabbat. Includes candle lighting, a special blessing for trans and gender-expansive youth, and a TDoR commemoration led by Rabbi Dev and Rabbi SAM.

6pm – 8:30pm

Family Friday Friendsgiving

Palo Alto

A musical family Kabbalat Shabbat led by students, a Thanksgiving-style dinner, and kids' activities run by teen madrichim.

6pm

Kulanu: Shabbat Dinner and Music Service

Burlingame

Monthly community Shabbat with a catered dinner at 6 PM followed by a musical Kulanu service at 7 PM, for adults and families with children ages 10 and up.

6pm – 7pm

Tot Shabbat

San Jose

Monthly family Shabbat service for families with young children, led by the clergy, followed by a Sisterhood-provided dinner.

6pm – 9pm

Big Game Shabbat at Berkeley Hillel

Berkeley

Friday night Shabbat with a musical Kabbalat Shabbat service and dinner themed around the Big Game weekend.

6pm – 7:30pm

Shabbat Koleynu: Community Sing

San Francisco

First of a monthly participatory musical Shabbat service in the round led by Rabbi Sam Tygiel and the Koleynu singers.

7:30pm

CYP Shabbat Dinner

Palo Alto

Shabbat dinner for young professionals at Chabad Palo Alto.

7:30pm – 9pm

Emanu-El in Action: A Community Dinner for Tzedek

San Francisco

A Shabbat-eve community dinner hosted by Congregation Emanu-El's Tzedek Collective with congregant stories, a hands-on service project for community partners, and info on social justice initiatives; all are welcome.

All day

Youth Led Shabbat

Berkeley

A Shabbat service at Congregation Netivot Shalom celebrating the community's young people, with youth of all ages leading different parts of the service.

10am – 12pm

Tots Together: Shabbat Program for Babies and Toddlers

San Francisco

Interactive Shabbat for babies, toddlers and their families with music, stories, puppets and bubbles, led by early childhood educator Mimi Greisman.

10:30am – 11am

IN-PERSON: Tot Shabbat with Jen Miriam and Alon Altman with their Puppet Friends

Piedmont

A Tot Shabbat for babies, toddlers and children up to age 5 and their families at Kehilla Community Synagogue, with Shabbat songs, prayers, dancing and puppets, held in the back garden.

11:15am – 11:45am

Tot Shabbat

Saratoga

A short, interactive Shabbat program for tots and their families at Congregation Beth David in Saratoga, led by Rabbi Roller with singing, stories and movement.

2pm – 5pm

Jewish Film Series Presents: “Sapiro v. Ford: The Jew Who Sued Henry Ford”

Los Altos Hills

Film screening of Sapiro v. Ford about the Jewish lawyer who sued Henry Ford over antisemitic articles, followed by discussion with law professor emeritus Michael Asimow.

5pm

Havdalah Concert and Dinner with Saul Kaye

San Francisco

Concert with Bay Area Jewish musician Saul Kaye featuring Havdalah, dinner, a campfire and s'mores.

10am – 12pm

JAMS Around the World: Greece

Palo Alto

Sunday session of the JAMS Around the World program for kids, exploring the Jewish heritage of Greece.

10:30am – 3pm

Chanukah Fair

San Francisco

Congregation Am Tikvah's Chanukah fair in the Social Hall.

10:30am – 12pm

PS Women Hanukkah Brunch

Foster City

Hanukkah brunch hosted by the congregation's women's group in the social hall.

11am – 4pm

Hanukkah Maker’s Market

San Francisco

A free Hanukkah holiday market at the JCCSF with 20+ local makers, artists and chefs selling Hanukkah goods, crafts and food, plus Hanukkah activities for all ages.

12:30pm – 2:30pm

Gaza Now: US Policy and Human Suffering

Cotati

A talk by USF professor Stephen Zunes on US policy toward Israel/Palestine and by Dr. Michael Cooper on HEAL Palestine's medical aid for children in Gaza, hosted by Ner Shalom's Israel/Palestine Committee in Cotati.

3pm – 5pm

Handmade for Hanukkah: Menorah Ceramic Workshop

San Francisco

A hands-on workshop at the JCCSF where participants hand-build and personalize a ceramic menorah, choose a glaze, and pick up the fired piece before Hanukkah to light at the community candle lighting.

3pm – 5:30pm

Jewish Baby Network: Pajama Party Fun

Oakland

Sunday afternoon of music, puppets and playtime for families with children ages 0-5, led by the Jewish Baby Network.

3:30pm

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Livermore

Annual service bringing together Livermore and Pleasanton faith communities, with the CBE Choir singing.

9:30am – 4pm

Volunteering with Kol Isha

East Palo Alto

Kol Isha volunteers spend a morning or afternoon shift at the Ecumenical Hunger Program in East Palo Alto, sorting food, packing kits for children and working the produce line before Thanksgiving. Sign-up required.

11:30am – 1pm

60+ Thanksgiving Luncheon: Serving Gratitude

San Francisco

A kosher Thanksgiving lunch for ages 60+ at the JCCSF, with a reflection on gratitude led by Rabbi Batshir Torchio. Advance registration required.

1pm – 2pm

A Joyful Thanksgiving Concert: Come Celebrate with Us

San Francisco

A free Thanksgiving-themed concert at the JCCSF by accordionist Jim Rebhan and soprano Barbara Hollinger, with songs in Yiddish, English, Hebrew and Ladino and klezmer music.

7pm – 8pm

Interfaith Service at CBI

Vallejo

Congregation B'nai Israel in Vallejo hosts friends from St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Benicia for a pre-Thanksgiving interfaith service.

1pm – 2:30pm

Ladino Music: Poetry, Song, and Memory in the Sephardic World

Berkeley

First of three sessions with Rivka Amado on Sephardic Ladino song: narrative ballads, lyrical kantikas, coplas and piyyutim, and how they traveled from Iberia across the Ottoman world.

10am – 12pm

61st Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Saratoga

Annual Thanksgiving gratitude service shared with neighboring faith communities in Saratoga, hosted this year at Sacred Heart.

8pm – 10pm

Young Adult Havdallah Drinks Event

San Jose

Young adults gather after Shabbat for Havdallah, drinks, board games and appetizers at Sinai.

10:30am – 12pm

‘Dreidels, Dancing and Donuts’ – Tot Pre-Hanukkah Party

Piedmont

An outdoor pre-Hanukkah gathering for young children and their families with Kehilla and the Jewish Baby Network: decorating dreidels, learning the blessings and singing Hanukkah songs. Bring your own blanket and snacks.

3pm – 4:15pm

NAME GAME: Pre-show Workshop

Berkeley

An afternoon workshop with LABA scholar Tova Birnbaum on names in the Torah, followed by a name game with prizes in the Magnes gallery. Participants can then see LABA's play NAME GAME nearby.

7:30pm – 9:30pm

Ladies Night Out

San Anselmo

Evening out for women hosted by Chabad of West Marin's Nashim group.

9am

Hanukkah Coat Drive

San Francisco

A month-long coat drive at the JCCSF collecting new and lightly used coats of all sizes for families served by Compass Family Services, which helps unhoused and at-risk families in San Francisco.

7:30pm – 9pm

Beth Am Welcomes Guest Speakers Mark Jacobson and Rob Jackson of Stanford University

Los Altos Hills

Stanford professors Mark Jacobson and Rob Jackson discuss renewable energy, their recent books, and what individuals can do about climate change, at Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills.

1pm – 2pm

Social Spark: The Queen of Hebrew Song

Foster City

Israeli performer Moria Liphshitz presents a one-woman musical about Shoshana Damari, the Yemenite-Israeli singer known as the Queen of Hebrew Song, blending theater, history and song.

1pm – 2pm

Jewish Women Singers: Raising Their Voices Across Generations

San Francisco

A free lecture and sing-along at the JCCSF tracing Jewish women's music from Miriam's timbrel to modern performers like Barbra Streisand, Carole King and Debbie Friedman.

6pm – 8pm

WTS Hanukkah Party

Oakland

Women of Temple Sinai gather to light the menorah, share stories of miracles and sing Hanukkah songs, with food.

7pm – 8:30pm

Ancestral Pilgrimage to Poland with Rabbi Dan and Zoe

Danville

Information evening about a congregational ancestral heritage trip to Poland led by Rabbi Dan and Zoe.

7pm – 9pm

Exploring Reform Judaism in Israel with Anna Kislanski of IMPJ

Los Altos Hills

Anna Kislanski, CEO of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, discusses the current landscape of Reform Judaism in Israel. Also livestreamed.

7pm – 8:30pm

A Conversation with Maya Bronicki

Palo Alto

Maya Bronicki speaks with parents and other adults at Congregation Etz Chayim about Jewish pride, awareness and advocacy, as part of a fall series on Israel, Zionism and antisemitism.

7pm – 9pm

An Evening with Eden Golan

Los Gatos

Israeli singer Eden Golan, a 2024 Eurovision finalist, performs and talks about her career at the Addison-Penzak JCC in Los Gatos. The event is sold out, with a waitlist.

5:30pm – 7pm

Ilse Bing: From Jewish Avant-Garde Photographer to Nancy Lee Katz’s Most Complicated Sitter

Berkeley

Magnes senior curator Dr. Alissa Schapiro lectures on photographer Ilse Bing, a pioneering Jewish woman photographer whose career was upended by the Holocaust, and on Nancy Lee Katz's portrait of her now on view at the Magnes.

6:30pm – 8:30pm

AIPAC San Francisco Leadership EventBy invitation