12:30pm – 2pm
Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California Street, San Francisco
A lunchtime talk with memoirist Yuliya Patsay on how food carries Jewish identity and family memory.
More about Nosh 'n Schmooze with Yuliya Patsay (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)
5pm – 9pm
Hillel at Stanford, 565 Mayfield Ave, Stanford
Stanford alumni in their reunion year gather at Hillel for a social hour, a Conservative-style Shabbat service and a kosher dinner with students and staff. Free; RSVP requested.
More about Reunion Shabbat 2026 (opens in a new tab)
7:30pm
Chabad Palo Alto, 3070 Louis Rd, Palo Alto
A Mexican-themed Friday night Shabbat dinner for young professionals at Chabad Palo Alto. Tickets are $25.
More about CYP Mexican-Style Shabbat Dinner (opens in a new tab)
2pm – 4pm
Laurelwood Park, 3471 Glendora Dr, San Mateo
A relaxed afternoon picnic for young Jewish professionals on the North Peninsula, with lunch and lawn games in the park.
More about YJP Autumn Picnic (opens in a new tab)
5:30pm – 8:30pm
Social Hall, Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Casual 49ers watch party with tailgate food and drinks, welcoming younger members and their kids.
More about Beth Am Men Guys' Night Out - 49ers Watch Party (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)
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)
7:15pm
Congregation Beth Sholom, 301 14th Avenue, 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.
More about Building a Shared Society: Strengthening Arab-Jewish Relations in Israel (opens in a new tab)
12pm – 2pm
Congregation Etz Chayim, 4161 Alma Street, Palo Alto
Mohammad Darawshe of Givat Haviva's Center for Shared Society discusses Israel's post-election landscape over a catered lunch. RSVP required.
More about Lunch and Learn with Mohammad Darawshe (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)
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)
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)
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)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 – 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)6pm
North Peninsula (venue not listed)
An evening of communal challah baking for adult women, led by challah teacher Rochie Pinson. General admission is $50.
More about Mega Challah Bake with Rochie Pinson (opens in a new tab)5:15pm – 8:30pm
Sanctuary, Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Community dinner, Shabbat service installing Rabbi Heath Watenmaker with guest Rabbi Rick Jacobs, and an oneg with Israeli dancing.
More about Great Big Shabbat: Installation Service of Senior Rabbi Heath Watenmaker (opens in a new tab)
6pm – 9pm
Congregation Sinai, 1532 Willowbrae Avenue, San Jose
An evening service followed by a community Shabbat dinner cooked by the Sinai Cooking Club; priced per adult and child, RSVP required.
More about Friday Evening Service and Shabbat Dinner (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)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 – 1:30pm
Temple Emanu-El, 1010 University Ave, San Jose
Sisterhood fair with a sweet and savory bake sale, lunch items and vendor prize drawings.
More about Sisterhood Holiday Fair (opens in a new tab)4pm – 6pm
Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California Street, San Francisco
A gentle yoga class followed by wine and cheese; bring your own mat.
More about In Good Company: Yoga Flow and Pinot (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)
5:30pm – 8pm
Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, 3200 California St, San Francisco
Young adults volunteer at the third annual Friendsgiving dinner with JFCS's social club for neurodivergent adults, co-presented with JCCSF, Beth Sholom and Repair the World.
More about Friendsgiving with the Shupin Social Club! (opens in a new tab)
7:30pm – 9pm
Oshman Family JCC Building F 4th Floor, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
Hebrew lecture by food researcher and engineer Dr. Shai Shemesh on the kitchen of the future, including 3D food printing and how technology may change cooking and eating.
More about מה אוכלים מחר? - על המטבח העתידי והדפסת תלת מימד של מזון (opens in a new tab)7pm – 9pm
Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Suite 201, Los Gatos
Save the date for our annual fundraiser. Check out last year’s event . org ) for sponsorship opportunities. VIP Reception and Dinner from 5-7.
More about Powering Hope: Jewish Silicon Valley Annual Fundraising Event (opens in a new tab)7:30pm – 9pm
Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake Street, San Francisco
A Friday night community dinner and conversation about building a congregation rooted in justice work.
More about Emanu-El in Action: A Community Dinner for Tzedek (opens in a new tab)
11:30am – 1pm
JCCSF, 3200 California Street, San Francisco
Celebrate with a traditional holiday meal and a meaningful service in fellowship with members of our warm and welcoming community.
More about 60+ Thanksgiving Luncheon: Serving Gratitude (opens in a new tab)7pm – 9pm
Woods, 530 Haight Street, San Francisco
The 30s-and-40s group lights the menorah and shares holiday treats and drinks at a Lower Haight bar.
More about Millenni-El Chanukah Meet-Up! (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)7:15pm – 9pm
Newman Hall, Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California Street, San Francisco
A post-service Chanukah Shabbat dinner with music and dancing; tickets required.
More about Chanukah Community Dinner (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 – 8pm
Congregation Beth David, 19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga (Social Hall)
Havdalah and second-night Hanukkah candle lighting with a choral sing-along and latkes. Free; RSVP requested.
More about Hanukkah Havdalah & Harmony (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)6:30pm – 8:30pm
Conference Room & "Deshe Upper Field", Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Young adult group marks Havdalah and the second night of Chanukah with candles, songs, latkes, sufganiyot and dreidel.
More about The Orchard: Havdalah Chanukah (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)5pm – 7pm
Burlingame Avenue at Park Road, Burlingame
A public Chanukah celebration around an ice menorah, with a 6 PM lighting, gelt drop, live music, crafts, latkes and doughnuts.
More about Chanukah: Lights on Ice (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)6:30pm – 8pm
Loma Brewing Company, 130 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
21+ Hanukkah social right after the downtown candle lighting, with communal tables and fried snacks.
More about Adult After Party @ LOMA BREWERY (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)
5:30pm – 7pm
Social Hall, Congregation Beth Jacob, 1550 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City
Community Chanukah celebration with a group candle lighting and party; free with sign-up.
More about Chanukah Community Candle Lighting and Party (opens in a new tab)6pm – 9pm
Temple Emanu-El, 1010 University Ave, San Jose
Sisterhood Hanukkah potluck with a gift-exchange game; bring a side dish and a wrapped gift.
More about Sisterhood Hannukah Party (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)
12pm – 3pm
Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos
Shir Hadash Women's yearly Hanukkah party, held right after the congregational town hall.
More about SHW: Annual Hanukkah Party (opens in a new tab)5pm – 8pm
Beit Kehillah, Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
A December 24 evening of Chinese food, board games and a sing-along movie.
More about Beth Am's 3rd Annual Yule at the Shul (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)6pm – 9pm
Temple Emanu-El, 1010 University Ave, San Jose
Christmas Eve Chinese dinner and board games hosted by the Sisterhood; pay at the door.
More about Chinese Food & Game Night (opens in a new tab)6pm – 7:15pm
Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California Street, San Francisco
Christmas-night Kabbalat Shabbat followed by a festive oneg with Chinese food.
More about Shabbat Chow Mein (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)
Save the date · details to follow
San Francisco
JCRC's annual community freedom seder, San Francisco edition.