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)
3:30pm
Montclair Presbyterian Church, 5701 Thornhill Dr, Oakland
Israeli author Maya Savir discusses her book on what Israelis and Palestinians might learn from reconciliation efforts in South Africa and Rwanda.
More about Faith Trio Book Event – “On Reconciliation” (opens in a new tab)
5pm – 6:30pm
Fischer Library, Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit Street, Oakland
A kid-friendly potluck Shabbat dinner for the LGBTQ+ community at Temple Sinai and their families, friends and allies. Free; registration requested.
More about Rainbow Shabbat Dinner (opens in a new tab)
10am – 11:30am
Contra Costa Jewish Day School, 955 Risa Road, Lafayette
A free morning of play for young children and their grown-ups at the day school, with a classroom visit, garden and playground time, and a chance to meet teachers and local families.
More about CCJDS Sunday Funday (opens in a new tab)
10:30am – 12pm
Congregation Beth Chaim, 1800 Holbrook Drive, Danville
Opening session of a multi-week class on modern Jewish political thought, starting with emancipation and the rise of political Zionism.
More about Session 1: Politics: Emancipation & Political Zionism (opens in a new tab)12pm – 1pm
Congregation Beth Chaim, 1800 Holbrook Drive, Danville
A congregational blessing for pets and their families.
More about Blessing of the Animals (opens in a new tab)
6:30pm
Chochmat HaLev, 2215 Prince Street, Berkeley
Opening gathering of a monthly series for men and masc-identifying people: the moon-blessing ritual, a bonfire, short teaching, food and discussion; series registration required.
More about Kiddush Levana (Bless the Moon) 5787 (opens in a new tab)
6pm – 8pm
Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Road, Lafayette
A panel with Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, JCRC Bay Area and faith leaders on California's Safe Worship Zone Act, moderated by ADL; reception precedes the program.
More about Sacred Space, Safe Space Event: Temple Isaiah and ADL (opens in a new tab)7pm – 9pm
Kehilla Community Synagogue, 1300 Grand Avenue, Piedmont
First session of a seven-week, in-person course with Rabbi SAM Luckey on Jewish practice and life; open to all, with registration for the full series required.
More about Essentials of Judaism (opens in a new tab)7pm – 8:15pm
Temple Isaiah (Oneg Room), 945 Risa Road, Lafayette
Contra Costa's Registrar of Voters talks about election transparency and ballot access ahead of the midterms, with reflection on voting and democracy in Jewish life.
More about Just Act: Protecting Our Elections with Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder Kristin B. Connelly (opens in a new tab)
10:30am
Oakland (exact location shared closer to the event)
Marking ten years since his passing, a tribute to Shimon Peres's life and vision of peace, with a virtual conversation with his son Chemi Peres. Hosted by the Consulate General of Israel and JCC East Bay.
More about Shimon Peres: A Legacy of Peace and Hope (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)5:45pm – 6:30pm
Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth Street, Berkeley
People in their 20s and 30s gather a flower bouquet from the farm's beds before Kabbalat Shabbat. Free.
More about Petals & Prayers: Pre Kabbalat Shabbat Bouquet Making for Young Adults (opens in a new tab)
6pm – 8pm
Congregation Netivot Shalom (Sanctuary & Social Hall), 1316 University Ave, Berkeley
A Friday evening Kabbalat Shabbat service followed by drinks and snacks; free, with friends and community members welcome.
More about Kabbalat Shabbat and Cocktails (opens in a new tab)
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Congregation B'nai Tikvah, 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek
A free Friday evening Shabbat service led by Rabbi Jennie Chabon, featuring a talk by poet and scholar-in-residence Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer.
More about Shabbat Service with Rabbi Chabon and talk by Scholar in Residence with Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer (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)
9:30am – 12pm
Temple Beth Abraham (Sanctuary), 327 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland
Shabbat morning services featuring a guest talk by Israeli professional soccer player Leo Krupnik, followed by Kiddush.
More about Shabbat Services: Guest Speaker, Leo Krupnik Israeli Professional Soccer Player (opens in a new tab)All day
Athletic Playground, 4770 San Pablo Avenue, Emeryville
A playful contact-dance session for families that uses games and guided movement to practice trust, balance and respect. No experience needed.
More about KAVOD: Contact Dance for Families (opens in a new tab)
10am – 12pm
3000 California St (at Maple), Oakland
All-ages volunteer tree planting in Oakland with Trees for Oakland supplying saplings and tools; sign up to get location details.
More about Tree Planting with Tikkun Olam Climate Justice Action Campaign (opens in a new tab)12pm – 1:30pm
Sanctuary, Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit Street, Oakland
Leaders of three local grassroots groups talk about their work against antisemitism and how to get involved. Pizza is available for a fee.
More about Forum on Antisemitism - Local Grassroots Activists Report (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)2:30pm – 5:30pm
Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth Street, Berkeley
Hands-on workshop on identifying local oaks and turning acorns into food (foraging, leaching tannins and cooking), with notes on oaks in Jewish tradition.
More about Acorn Processing and the Sacred Oak (opens in a new tab)
5:30pm
Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr, Pleasant Hill
Chabad of Contra Costa's gala dinner, honoring Howard and Susan Geifman, Jacob Leshaa and Natalie Todd, and Paul and Donna Sanderson.
More about Leaping Forward Gala (opens in a new tab)4:30pm
Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth Street, 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.
More about Playing with Spirituality (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 – 8:15pm
Congregation Beth El, 1301 Oxford Street, Berkeley, CA
First of two sessions introducing the melodies and patterns of Torah chanting; open to all, no Hebrew needed.
More about Trope Workshop with Cantor Elaya (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)7pm – 8:30pm
Congregation Netivot Shalom (Sanctuary), 1316 University Ave, 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.
More about Jewish and Arab Partnership in Israel During a Time of Crisis, featuring Mohammad Darawshe of Givat Haviva (opens in a new tab)7pm – 8:30pm
Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave, Berkeley
Mohammad Darawshe of Givat Haviva discusses Israel after its elections and building a shared, inclusive society. Co-sponsored with Temple Sinai.
More about Jewish and Arab Partnership in Israel During a Time of Crisis (opens in a new tab)10:15am – 11:30am
Congregation B'nai Tikvah (Library), 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek
First of a free three-part class by Rabbi Emeritus Asher examining the history and record of the Reform movement.
More about The History, Successes and Deficiencies of Reform Judaism (opens in a new tab)4:30pm – 6:30pm
East Bay Jewish Community Campus, 5957 Chabot Road, Oakland
Opening session of an intergenerational program that pairs teens with seniors for shared Jewish learning; this first meeting is a pickle-making session.
More about Better Together (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)7pm – 8:30pm
Congregation Beth El, 1301 Oxford Street, Berkeley, CA
In-person discussion of Molly Crabapple's book on the history of the Jewish Labor Bund in Eastern Europe.
More about Being Jewish in the Diaspora (opens in a new tab)
7:30pm – 9pm
Berkeley Hillel, Beit Midrash, Berkeley
An open-to-all evening on the eve of Election Day celebrating civic engagement and the democratic process, with treats, cake and toasts.
More about Celebrate the MitzVote! (opens in a new tab)5pm – 6:30pm
Magnes Collection of Jewish Life and Art, 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley
Annual Diller Lecture by Harvard historian Derek Penslar on how the world perceived and reacted to the 1948 war, with a reception beforehand.
More about Seeing Through a Mirror: The 1948 War in the Eyes of the World (opens in a new tab)7pm – 8:30pm
Congregation Beth El, 1301 Oxford Street, Berkeley, CA
First of two sessions studying civil rights and social justice through Jewish texts; open to all, not only civil rights trip participants.
More about Exploring Civil Rights, Social Justice, and Jewish Text with Rabbi Bekah (opens in a new tab)1pm
Chochmat HaLev, 2215 Prince Street, Berkeley
A commuter Shabbat retreat on Jewish spirituality and the elder years, opening with an afternoon in Tilden Park and running through Saturday.
More about Elders Shabbaton with Adamah SF and Chochmat HaLev (opens in a new tab)10:15am – 11:45am
Congregation B'nai Tikvah, 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek
A free talk by Hadassah regional president Karen Bloom on Hadassah Medical Organization's innovations and stories from its Youth Aliyah villages.
More about Lifechanging Stories of Innovation and Impact: How Hadassah is Saving Lives and Nurturing Futures by Karen Bloom (opens in a new tab)1:30pm – 3:30pm
Temple Isaiah (Social Hall), 945 Risa Road, Lafayette
An interfaith volunteer project with Peace Lutheran Church and Tri-Valley Hindu Community assembling Thanksgiving bags for Monument Crisis Center; ages 10 and up.
More about iCare Interfaith Thanksgiving Fixings (opens in a new tab)6pm – 8:30pm
Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth Street, Berkeley
Make elderberry syrup from berries grown on the farm and a jar of fire cider tonic, and take both home for winter.
More about Elderberry & Fire Cider Workshop (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)6:30pm – 8:45pm
Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Road, Lafayette
A one-night concert with Cantors Leigh Korn and Chanin Becker, the adult volunteer choir and the Mizmor Band, marking the congregation's 75 years through Jewish music and stories.
More about Cantors' Concert 2026: Our Story, Our Song (opens in a new tab)5:45pm – 8:45pm
Congregation Beth El, 1301 Oxford Street, Berkeley, CA
Havdalah and Thanksgiving dinner with Netivot Shalom and the Pacifica Institute, bringing together neighbors of different faiths.
More about Interfaith Thanksgiving (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)6pm – 9pm
Temple Isaiah (Social Hall), 945 Risa Road, Lafayette
An adults-only, Western-themed Hanukkah party with rabbi-led line dancing, BBQ and latkes, drinks and games; registration closes November 9.
More about Women of Isaiah Hanukkah Hoedown (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)All day
Congregation Netivot Shalom (Sanctuary), 1316 University Ave, Berkeley
A Shabbat celebrating the congregation's young people, with youth of all ages leading different parts of the service.
More about Youth Led Shabbat (opens in a new tab)10:30am – 12pm
Lake Temescal, between the Temescal North Parking Lot and the lake, Oakland
An outdoor pre-Hanukkah gathering for young children with Jewish Baby Network: decorating dreidels, learning the blessings and singing holiday songs.
More about ‘Dreidels, Dancing and Donuts’ – Tot Pre-Hanukkah Party (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)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)6pm – 7:30pm
Kehilla Community Synagogue, 1300 Grand Avenue, Piedmont
A musical Kabbalat Shabbat marking the first night of Hanukkah with communal candle lighting, followed by a vegetarian potluck dinner.
More about Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 1st Night Hanukah and Potluck Dinner (opens in a new tab)6pm – 9pm
Congregation B'nai Tikvah, 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek
A family Shabbat evening combined with a Hanukkah celebration.
More about Family First Shabbat/Hanukkah Celebration (opens in a new tab)4pm – 8pm
Congregation Beth El, 1301 Oxford Street, Berkeley, CA
Chanukah festival for all ages with dinner, a chorus performance and a children's program. Tickets $15 adults, $11 kids.
More about Shine Your Light - Beth El's Chanukah Festival (opens in a new tab)6pm – 9pm
Congregation Beth Chaim, 1800 Holbrook Drive, Danville
The congregation's community Chanukah party on the first night of the holiday.
More about Beth Chaim Chanukah Party (opens in a new tab)9:15am – 11:30am
Temple Building & Outdoors, Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit Street, Oakland
A Sunday-morning Hanukkah celebration for families, hosted by Temple Sinai's Kesher TK-5 program indoors and outside.
More about Family Hanukkah Celebration @ Kesher TK-5 (opens in a new tab)2pm – 2:30pm
Fischer Library, Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit Street, Oakland
A short Hanukkah talk that answers one of the questions people ask most often about the holiday.
More about The Second-Most-Often Question Asked About Hanukkah (opens in a new tab)4pm – 6pm
Temple Beth Abraham (Social Hall), 327 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland
The congregation's Chanukah celebration in the Social Hall.
More about TBA Chanukah Party (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)6:30pm – 8pm
Sanctuary, Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit Street, Oakland
A Hanukkah Shabbat evening service that rededicates the sanctuary, with music from the adult choir. Also livestreamed.
More about Erev Shabbat Hanukkah Service With Rededication Of Sanctuary Featuring Adult Choir (opens in a new tab)10:15am – 12pm
Congregation B'nai Tikvah, 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek
Cornell food science professor emeritus Joe Regenstein reviews kosher basics and recounts certifying Nabisco's cookie line and Cornell's dairy plant; free.
More about Helping Them Go Kosher: Nabisco Cookies and Cornell University's Dairy Plant – Two special projects in my own Kosher Journey (opens in a new tab)7pm – 8:30pm
Sanctuary, Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit Street, Oakland
Pianist Catherine Kautsky plays music of classical Vienna and works by composers exiled or killed in the Holocaust, with images and commentary.
More about Vienna and the Anschluss: Intersections of Music, Politics, and Judaism (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)9am – 1pm
Stern Hall, Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit Street, Oakland
A Saturday-morning shakshuka gathering at Temple Sinai.
More about International Shakshukah Day (opens in a new tab)