1pm – 2:30pm
JCCSF, 3200 California Street, San Francisco
Explore the end of life through Jewish wisdom and values. Discover how our traditions guide the way we live, die, and leave a lasting legacy.
More about The Art of Living and Dying: Looking Through a Jewish Lens (opens in a new tab)
6:30pm – 7:30pm
East Bay Jewish Community Campus, 5957 Chabot Road, Oakland
Novelist Helene Wecker reads from the final book of her Golem and the Jinni trilogy and talks about writing historical fantasy, with a book signing after.
More about JCC East Bay and Litquake Present: Helene Wecker (opens in a new tab)7pm – 9pm
JCCSF, 3200 California Street, San Francisco
A queer Jewish Shabbat evening with storytelling, live performances and an open mic, with Keshet and partner groups.
More about Here-ish & Queer-ish: Stories of Queer Jewish California (opens in a new tab)
9:30am – 12pm
Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos
Pop-up shop for early Hanukkah shopping, offering candles, gift boxes and other holiday items.
More about Shir Hadash Women (Early) Hanukkah Pop-Up (opens in a new tab)
2pm
AMC 14, 700 El Paseo de Saratoga, San Jose
An animated, PG-rated feature retelling the biblical story of the young shepherd David and his confrontation with Goliath.
More about David (opens in a new tab)4:30pm
AMC 14, 700 El Paseo de Saratoga, San Jose
Northern California premiere of a documentary on lawyer Aaron Sapiro's 1920s libel suit against Henry Ford over his antisemitic newspaper.
More about Sapiro v. Ford: The Jew Who Sued Henry Ford (opens in a new tab)7pm – 10pm
AMC Saratoga 14, 700 El Paseo de Saratoga, San Jose
Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival screening of Franz, followed by a discussion moderated by Rabbi Rafi.
More about OFF SITE: "Franz" Screening (opens in a new tab)
7pm – 9pm
Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth Street, Berkeley
Next-level Hebrew lettering class covering several fonts and composition skills, for people with some prior lettering experience. Sliding scale.
More about Intermediate Hebrew Lettering Workshop (opens in a new tab)
9am – 3pm
Congregation B'nai Tikvah, 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek
A day-long poetry and writing retreat with open-ended prompts and small-group conversation, open to all experience levels; sliding contribution, bring lunch.
More about Writing Workshop with Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer (opens in a new tab)6:30pm
AMC 14, 700 El Paseo de Saratoga, San Jose
Documentary on Woody Guthrie's Jewish connections, especially his bond with his mother-in-law, Yiddish poet Aliza Greenblatt.
More about Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls (opens in a new tab)
8pm – 9:30pm
Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Suite 201, Los Gatos
Israeli pianist and singer-songwriter Roy Dahan plays original songs from his four albums in a one-night concert.
More about Roy Dahan: Live Piano Concert (opens in a new tab)8:30pm
AMC 14, 700 El Paseo de Saratoga, San Jose
Barry Avrich's documentary follows retired general Noam Tibon's October 7 drive across southern Israel to rescue his son's family.
More about The Road Between Us (opens in a new tab)
9am – 12:30pm
Peninsula Jewish Community Center (PJCC), 800 Foster City Blvd, Foster City
Shop, connect, and celebrate at the PINK Power Day Marketplace. Check out all of the amazing vendors that will be there: Eve Glatt Ceramics. Bay Area Cancer Connections .
More about PINK Day Marketplace (opens in a new tab)
2pm – 3pm
Albers Chapel, Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit Street, Oakland
Eric Beck Rubin talks with Stewart Florsheim about his novel Ten Clear Days, about a Holocaust survivor weighing medical aid in dying.
More about A Conversation with Author Eric Beck Rubin (opens in a new tab)3pm – 5pm
JCCSF, 3200 California Street, San Francisco
A hands-on clay workshop where participants build and glaze their own pair of Shabbat candlesticks.
More about Shape Your Shabbat: Candlesticks Ceramic Workshop (opens in a new tab)7pm
JCC Palo Alto, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
Israel's Oscar submission: a coming-of-age drama about a boy nearing his bar mitzvah who uncovers a painful secret about his father. Listed as sold out.
More about Tell Me Everything (opens in a new tab)6:30pm – 8:30pm
Albers Chapel, Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit Street, Oakland
Screening of a documentary made with asylum seekers, followed by a panel and light snacks; co-presented with East Bay Sanctuary Covenant.
More about Screening: No Separate Survival (opens in a new tab)
7pm – 8:30pm
Freidenrich Conference Center (Bldg F) 4th Floor, Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
Julian Voloj and OFJCC CEO Zack Bodner talk comics, Jewish representation and the Hyphen graphic anthology, with a book signing.
More about Graphic Novelist Julian Voloj and Zack Bodner Discuss "Hyphenated Jewish Stories" (opens in a new tab)
7pm – 8:30pm
Congregation Kol Emeth, 4175 Manuela Avenue, Palo Alto
Virginia-based Trio Sefardi performs traditional Sephardic songs from the Balkans, Turkey and North Africa, including repertoire learned from Flory Jagoda.
More about Trio Sefardi Concert (opens in a new tab)
5:30pm – 7:30pm
Magnes Collection of Jewish Life and Art, 2121 Allston Way, 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.
More about Ari’el Stachel’s “Other” (opens in a new tab)10:30am – 12pm
Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos
Discussion of Catherine Ostler's book about three daughters of a French Jewish family painted by Renoir.
More about Congregational Book Group (opens in a new tab)
11am – 2pm
Temple Emanu-El, 1010 University Ave, San Jose
Screening of the documentary about a family whose relative was taken hostage in Gaza, with a discussion led by Rabbi Magat.
More about Film Showing: Holding Liat (opens in a new tab)
4pm – 6pm
Peninsula Temple Sholom, 1655 Sebastian Drive, 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.
More about Rabbi Irvin Ungar in Conversation with Rabbi Dan Feder (opens in a new tab)10:30am
PJCC Classroom D, Peninsula Jewish Community Center, 800 Foster City Blvd, Foster City
Author Bart Charlow joins an in-person discussion of his Borscht Belt novel about memory and family legacy.
More about Book club: That Catskill Summer (opens in a new tab)12pm – 1pm
Magnes Collection of Jewish Life and Art, 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley
Brown-bag lunch talk in which photographer Nancy Lee Katz's longtime partner discusses her life and work with the Magnes senior curator.
More about Behind the Scenes: Insights into Nancy Lee Katz with Michael S. Sachs (opens in a new tab)
4pm
Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos
Hands-on classes focusing on general cooking techniques, creative recipes, and plenty of fun in the kitchen. Total of 6 classes!
More about The Junior Jewish Chef (opens in a new tab)1pm – 2pm
PJCC Boardroom, Peninsula Jewish Community Center, 800 Foster City Blvd, Foster City
Join Mollie and the Sweet Shop Boys for a heartfelt musical tribute to one of America’s most beloved artists.
More about Social Spark: Celebrate Dolly Parton (opens in a new tab)
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake Street, San Francisco
Chef and author Beejhy Barhany shares her Ethiopian-Israeli story and the meaning of Sigd, followed by dishes from her cookbook.
More about Stories of Sigd: An Evening with Chef Beejhy Barhany (opens in a new tab)7:30pm – 8:30pm
Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Suite 201, Los Gatos
Russian-language stand-up comedy evening with Israeli comic and TV host Ilya Axelrod.
More about Илья Аксельрод at APJCC (opens in a new tab)
4pm – 5pm
Beit Kehillah, Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Marking the Ethiopian Jewish holiday of Sigd, chef and author Beejhy Barhany leads a traditional coffee ceremony and shares her story.
More about Beth Am Welcomes Guest Speaker Chef Beejhy Barhany, Restaurant Owner and Author of “Gursha” (opens in a new tab)
6pm – 9:30pm
Congregation Beth David, 19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga (Social Hall)
A Havdalah-opened cabaret evening celebrating Jewish composers and lyricists from Gershwin and Bernstein to Sondheim and Hamlisch. $25; RSVP by Nov. 5.
More about The Best of Jewish Broadway (opens in a new tab)10am – 11:30am
Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos
Toddlers and their grown-ups create laminated Thanksgiving placemats; materials provided.
More about A Place(mat) at the Table: A Thanksgiving Art Day (opens in a new tab)5pm – 8:30pm
JCCSF, 3200 California Street, San Francisco
Film premiere, live piano and conversation with Mona Golabek about her mother's Kindertransport escape.
More about Hold on to Your Music – A Mother’s Legacy (opens in a new tab)6pm – 9:30pm
Arrillaga Family Pavilion (Bldg C) 2nd Floor, Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
Russian-language film evening: Elena Yakovich screens and discusses her documentary on Shostakovich as remembered by his wife.
More about «ДВОЕ. РАССКАЗ ЖЕНЫ ШОСТАКОВИЧА». (opens in a new tab)2pm – 3pm
PJCC Boardroom, Peninsula Jewish Community Center, 800 Foster City Blvd, Foster City
Artist and author Wanda Peretz presents an illustrated talk on the painted wooden synagogues of Eastern Europe and the art they inspired.
More about Food for Thought: Drawn Together, How Art Connects through Time and Space (opens in a new tab)
7pm – 9pm
Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California Street, San Francisco
A Kristallnacht anniversary screening of a short film on Jewish refugees in Shanghai, with the filmmaker and archival artifacts.
More about Movie Night: Three Brothers In Shanghai (opens in a new tab)7:30pm – 9:15pm
Conference Room, Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Women's Rosh Chodesh evening rolling rainbow beeswax candles, enough for all eight nights of Chanukah.
More about Beth Am Women Rosh Chodesh: Be the Light - Beeswax Chanukah Candle Making for Kislev (opens in a new tab)7pm – 8:30pm
Albers Chapel, Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit Street, Oakland
An evening of readings from Jewish poets who served in the two World Wars, marking Veterans Day.
More about Veteran's Day Poetry Reading (opens in a new tab)7pm – 9:30pm
Pavilion Floor 1, Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
Photographer Dick Evans and writer Hannah Hindley present their book on Bay Area birds and their migratory journeys.
More about In the Shadow of the Bridge: Birds of the Bay Area | Discussion with the Author (opens in a new tab)7:45pm – 9pm
Peninsula Temple Sholom, 1655 Sebastian Drive, Burlingame
Screening of a 2025 film telling the Holocaust through poems and drawings made by children in Terezín.
More about A Film Screening of Through Children's Eyes (2025) (opens in a new tab)
2pm – 4:30pm
Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
Hebrew-language play with music about Tel Aviv's bohemian Café Kasit, back after ten years for one weekend. Shows Sat Nov 14 at 2pm and 7pm, Sun Nov 15 at 7pm.
More about כסית בתל אביב (Kasit in Tel Aviv) (opens in a new tab)9am – 1pm
Starr-Stevens Judaica Shop, Peninsula Temple Sholom, 1655 Sebastian Drive, Burlingame
Sholom Women's gift shop holds its Hanukkah Boutique with Judaica and holiday gifts for sale.
More about Hanukkah Boutique (opens in a new tab)9:30am – 1pm
Social Hall, Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Holiday market of handmade gifts, Judaica and art from local artisans, plus soup and a bake sale.
More about Find a Treasure (or Two!) at the Beth Am Chanukah Craft Bazaar (opens in a new tab)10am – 12pm
Leslie Community Meeting Room (Bldg D) Room D-129, Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
Hebrew-language morning: storytime and craft for ages 3-7, teen-led board games for older kids, and coffee for parents.
More about ICC: סיפורים מהקופסה (opens in a new tab)11am – 5pm
Magnes Collection of Jewish Life and Art, 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley
A day of art, readings, dance, film and music by LABA Bay Area fellows responding to Jewish texts on the theme of names, plus text study.
More about LABA Live: NAME (opens in a new tab)
2pm
JCHS Performing Arts Theater, 1835 Ellis Street, San Francisco
JCHS students and faculty stage the Lloyd Webber and Rice musical. This is the Sunday matinee; evening shows follow Nov 16-18 at 7 pm.
More about Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (JCHS Drama) (opens in a new tab)5pm – 7pm
JCCSF, 3200 California Street, San Francisco
An evening reception exploring the history of the ketubah with the exhibit's curator and Rabbi Batshir Torchio.
More about Ketubah Renaissance – Reception with the Curator (opens in a new tab)
7:30pm – 9:30pm
Congregation Sinai, 1532 Willowbrae Avenue, San Jose
Opening session of a ten-part playback theater workshop series at Congregation Sinai.
More about Playback Theater Workshop (1/10) (opens in a new tab)7pm – 8:05pm
Sanctuary & Stern Hall, Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit Street, Oakland
Author Michael Cooper reads from his historical novel The Rabbi's Knight. Snacks provided.
More about Book Reading: The Rabbi's Knight, Michael Cooper (opens in a new tab)11am – 12:30pm
Oshman Family JCC, Golda Meir Meeting Room (G-100), 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
Artist talk in Hebrew with Israeli realist painter Yehoshua (Shuki) Griffith, with a screening of his works, on the role of art before and after October 7.
More about ICC: לראות את הסימנים אמנות ומציאות לפני ואחרי 7 באוקטובר (opens in a new tab)6pm – 8pm
JCCSF, 3200 California Street, San Francisco
Turn inspiration from the gallery into something of your own!
More about Papercut Workshop: Tradition Takes Shape (opens in a new tab)2pm – 5pm
Beit Kehillah, Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Documentary about a Jewish lawyer's 1920s libel suit against Henry Ford, followed by discussion led by law professor Michael Asimow.
More about Jewish Film Series Presents: “Sapiro v. Ford: The Jew Who Sued Henry Ford” (opens in a new tab)11am – 4pm
JCCSF, 3200 California Street, San Francisco
Shop for unique handmade crafts, artisanal foods, and one-of-a-kind gifts from local artists, makers and chefs.
More about Hanukkah Maker’s Market (opens in a new tab)3pm – 5pm
JCCSF, 3200 California Street, San Francisco
Get your hands in the clay and make your own ceramic menorah for Hanukkah!
More about Handmade for Hanukkah: Menorah Ceramic Workshop (opens in a new tab)3pm – 4:15pm
Magnes Collection of Jewish Life and Art, 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley
Workshop with LABA scholar Tova Birnbaum on the meaning of names in Torah, followed by a name game with prizes in the gallery.
More about NAME GAME: Pre-show Workshop (opens in a new tab)7pm – 9pm
Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Suite 201, Los Gatos
Performance and conversation with Israeli singer Eden Golan; currently sold out with a waitlist.
More about An Evening with Eden Golan (opens in a new tab)5:30pm – 7pm
Magnes Collection of Jewish Life and Art, 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley
Senior Curator Alissa Schapiro lectures on photographer Ilse Bing, whose career was upended by the Holocaust, and her portrait by Nancy Lee Katz.
More about Ilse Bing: From Jewish Avant-Garde Photographer to Nancy Lee Katz’s Most Complicated Sitter (opens in a new tab)All day
Venue to be announced
Jewish Silicon Valley added a second show with Israeli singer Eden Golan after the first sold out. Time and venue to be announced.
More about An Evening with Eden Golan – Second Performance (opens in a new tab)4:30pm – 5pm
JCCSF, 3200 California Street, San Francisco
Light the community hanukkiyah with us every weekday of Hanukkah. Enjoy live music, crafts and fried treats.
More about Hanukkah Candle Lighting (opens in a new tab)10am – 2pm
Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos
Join us at the annual community-wide Hanukkah celebration at the Children’s Discovery Museum.
More about Menorahs & Miracles (opens in a new tab)5:30pm – 8:30pm
Temple Emanu-El, 1010 University Ave, San Jose
Annual Hanukkah fundraiser with a full holiday dinner and stand-up comedy.
More about Latkes & Laughs (opens in a new tab)12pm – 1:30pm
PJCC Boardroom, Peninsula Jewish Community Center, 800 Foster City Blvd, Foster City
Learn about the unique architectural artistry and cultural significance of the famed wooden synagogues in Poland (destroyed in WWII) and the remarkable dedication of the preeminent architectural historians Maria and…
More about Chai Society Salon & Luncheon: The Wooden Synagogues of Poland with Shana Penn (opens in a new tab)
5:45pm – 9pm
Kehilla Community Synagogue Social Hall, 1300 Grand Avenue, Piedmont
An all-ages Hanukkah evening with Jews on Ohlone Land: candle lighting, latkes, mezuzah-making from local acacia wood and a klezmer dance party.
More about Hanukkah In Huchiun with Multi-Access Candle Lighting (opens in a new tab)7:30pm – 9:30pm
Congregation Beth David, 19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga (Sanctuary)
On the seventh night of Hanukkah, cellist Rebecca Roudman's ensemble mixes klezmer with jazz, blues, folk and hip-hop. Tickets $25.
More about San Francisco Yiddish Combo Concert (opens in a new tab)
6pm – 7pm
Manny's, 3092 16th Street, San Francisco
Jennifer Levine's puppet play with music tells of artist Friedl Dicker-Brandeis, who taught children art in Theresienstadt. A second show follows at 7:30 pm.
More about Under Friedl's Wing (opens in a new tab)1pm – 3pm
Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco
A small-group tour of the museum's conservation center with a textile conservator, then time in the galleries.
More about In Good Company: Insiders Tour of the Asian Art Museum (opens in a new tab)10:30am – 5pm
Orpheum Theatre, San Francisco
Day trip by bus from the OFJCC to a matinee of the Tony-winning musical The Outsiders at the Orpheum.
More about The Outsiders | Travel & Day Trips (opens in a new tab)
5:30pm – 7:30pm
Temple Isaiah (Adult Lounge), 945 Risa Road, Lafayette
Anshei Isaiah's traditional December 24 evening of Chinese food and a movie, open to everyone.
More about MuShu and a Movie (opens in a new tab)Save the date · details to follow
Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
A community-wide celebration of Israel's 79th Independence Day, themed "What's our story?"