4pm – 4:40pm
Jessica Lynn Saal Town Square, Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
Free outdoor family concert with children's performer Andy Z, featuring singing, dancing, storytelling and puppets.
More about Andy Z's Fall Harvest Jam (opens in a new tab)
6:30pm
Peninsula Temple Sholom, 1655 Sebastian Drive, Burlingame
Civil rights icons Elizabeth Eckford and Minnijean Brown Trickey recount desegregating Little Rock's high school in 1957, presented with the Sojourn Project.
More about An Evening With the Women of The Little Rock Nine (opens in a new tab)
7pm – 8pm
Beit Kehillah, Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Jonathan Jacoby of the Nexus Project discusses countering antisemitism while defending democracy and free speech.
More about Fighting Antisemitism While Protecting Democracy and Free Speech (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)
7:30pm – 9pm
Congregation Etz Chayim, 4161 Alma Street, Palo Alto
A Friday evening service revisiting the familiar melodies that long defined Etz Chayim's Shabbat worship. No signup needed.
More about Throwback Shabbat Service (opens in a new tab)
9am – 1pm
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve
A roughly four-mile Shabbat hike with clergy and docent naturalists, discussing the weekly Torah portion along the trails.
More about Shabbat in Nature - Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve (opens in a new tab)
12:15pm – 2:30pm
Congregation Kol Emeth, 4175 Manuela Avenue, Palo Alto
Jerusalem Education Institute founder Charlotte Korchak leads a teen Q&A lunch on Israel, followed by an adult Shabbat talk on modern antisemitism from right and left.
More about Shabbat with Guest Speaker Charlotte Korchak (opens in a new tab)
7:30pm – 9pm
Peninsula Jewish Community Center (PJCC), 800 Foster City Blvd, Foster City
Season-opening chamber concert with the Escher String Quartet playing Haydn, Shostakovich and Brahms, followed by a dessert reception with the artists.
More about Up Close Concerts: Escher String Quartet (opens in a new tab)
8am – 12pm
Crystal Springs Golf Course, Burlingame
Annual golf tournament with breakfast and lunch, organized by four Peninsula congregations, raising funds for the JFCS food bank.
More about PJC Golf Classic Tournament (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)3pm – 5pm
Sanctuary, Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Educator Charlotte Korchak tackles common misconceptions about Israel and Zionism and how to answer them, with open Q&A.
More about Fallacies About Israel, Zionism, and the Jews — and How to Respond (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)3:30pm – 5:30pm
Jeff Center for Families (G106), Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
Service project for middle schoolers and up decorating coasters to welcome new LifeMoves residents to interim housing.
More about Decorate Coasters to Brighten Someone's Day (opens in a new tab)1pm – 2pm
PJCC Boardroom, Peninsula Jewish Community Center, 800 Foster City Blvd, Foster City
Afternoon performance by award-winning banjoist Jack Convery, mixing traditional jazz, ragtime and stories.
More about Social Spark: Timeless Banjo (opens in a new tab)11am – 12:30pm
Peninsula Jewish Community Center (PJCC), 800 Foster City Blvd, Foster City
In this six-week exploratory course, we’ll dive into the BIG questions around God and God’s relationship to Humankind.
More about OMG, Can You Believe?! (Melton Learning) (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)
10am – 11:30am
Etz Chayim, Palo Alto 4161 Alma St. Palo Alto CA 94306
Get to know other Peninsula families with little ones and celebrate with music and play. (0-5 years) (New Parents) (Jewish Parenting).
More about Family Fun Time with JBN and Etz Chayim (opens in a new tab)12:30pm – 3pm
Social Hall, Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Learn about Beth Am's social justice groups through hands-on activities and collection drives, with refreshments.
More about Participate in Beth Am's Mitzvah Day (opens in a new tab)1:30pm – 3pm
Baylands, Palo Alto
A reflective walk-and-learn with Rabbi Zelony at the Palo Alto Baylands, contemplating the month of Cheshvan.
More about Stroll N' Study w/ Rabbi Zelony (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)6pm – 8pm
Peninsula Jewish Community Center (PJCC), 800 Foster City Blvd, Foster City
Free AJC and Club Z workshop giving parents of middle and high schoolers practical tools for responding to antisemitism at school.
More about Empowered Parents: When Antisemitism Shows Up at School, Will You Know What to Do? (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)7:30pm – 9pm
Congregation Etz Chayim, 4161 Alma Street, Palo Alto
A pop-up band builds a Shabbat service from Halloween-themed songs, linking spooky folklore to Jewish texts and prayer themes.
More about Fifth Friday Halloween Shabbat Service (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)8:30am – 7:30pm
Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, 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.
More about Z3 Conference 2026 (opens in a new tab)8:30am – 7:30pm
Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
At a moment when questions of Jewish power, vulnerability, belonging and responsibility are impossible to avoid, the Z3 Conference creates a Jewish public square where we don’t just discuss them, we claim them.
More about Z3 Conference 2026 (opens in a new tab)4pm – 6pm
Beit Aseifa/ Zemel Room, Congregation Beth Jacob, 1550 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City
Casual afternoon of board, card and trivia games hosted by the Men's Club; bring a favorite game or just come play.
More about Men's Club is Hosting: Game Event (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)7pm – 9pm
OFJCC Teen Lounge, Room M-121, Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
Information fair where high schoolers and families meet representatives of Israel gap-year and mechina programs.
More about OFJCC "LEAP" Year and Mechina Fair (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)9:30am – 12:30pm
Oshman Family JCC, Arrillaga Family Pavilion (Bldg C) 1st Floor, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
Opening session of the ICC's 19th Hebrew-language job search workshop (five sessions, Nov 5 to Dec 10), covering US resumes, networking, interviews, salary negotiation and AI tools for Israelis.
More about ICC²: Job Search Workshop Series (opens in a new tab)1:15pm – 2:15pm
Congregation Kol Emeth, 4175 Manuela Avenue, Palo Alto (Sanctuary)
Rabbi Doron Rubin, CEO of Israel's Masorti movement, gives a post-service briefing on Masorti Jewish life in Israel.
More about Shabbat Shiur with Rabbi Doron Rubin (opens in a new tab)1:30pm – 2:30pm
Chapel, Congregation Beth Jacob, 1550 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City
Israeli educator Amit Meir speaks about Adam V'Adama, his network of agricultural high schools combining farming, leadership and Zionist values.
More about Speaker: Amit Meir – Founder and CEO of Adam V’Adama (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)2pm – 4pm
Beit Kehillah, Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Workshop with author Barbara Kivowitz for caregivers and those receiving care, on coping together with chronic illness.
More about Love in the Time of Chronic Illness: Helping Patients and Caregivers Cope with Illness (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)2:15pm – 4:15pm
Garfield Community School, 3600 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park
Hands-on volunteer shift helping Second Harvest distribute food to clients; involves lifting and carrying.
More about Second Harvest Food bank volunteering (opens in a new tab)7:30pm – 8:30pm
Congregation Kol Emeth, 4175 Manuela Avenue, Palo Alto (Community Room)
A post-election wrap-up with Rabbi David Booth on Israel's emerging coalition math and how the US midterms may affect Israel.
More about Israeli Election Briefings with Rabbi Booth (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)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)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)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)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)1:15pm – 2:15pm
Congregation Kol Emeth, 4175 Manuela Avenue, Palo Alto
Rabbi Booth explores classical Jewish teachings on disagreement and guides structured listening across differing views on Israel. In person only.
More about Disagreements for Heaven's Sake: Israel (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)7:30pm – 9pm
Peninsula Jewish Community Center (PJCC), 800 Foster City Blvd, Foster City
An hour of Latin jazz from the Roger Glenn ensemble, followed by a meet-the-artist dessert reception.
More about Up Close Concerts: Roger Glenn Latin Jazz Ensemble (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)10am – 11:30am
Arrillaga Pavilion, 1st floor, Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
Author Julie Grabscheid reads from her Charlie & Gigi picture books, followed by an activity; each family gets a signed book.
More about Wag Along! A Charlie & Gigi Storybook Party (opens in a new tab)3:30pm – 5pm
Social Hall, Congregation Beth Jacob, 1550 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City
A pajama-themed Havdalah gathering for young families with the Jewish Baby Network.
More about JBN Pajama Havdalah (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)1pm – 2pm
Albert and Janet Schultz Cultural Arts Hall (Bldg F), Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
One-hour concert by Orquesta Típica Tarareando tracing Argentine tango from its golden age to today, with coffee afterward.
More about Tango and Beyond | Music in the Afternoon (opens in a new tab)11am – 1pm
Freidenrich Conference Center (Bldg F) 4th Floor, Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
Hebrew-language talk by Rania Dean introducing Druze history, culture, traditions and ties to Israel.
More about Tzavta Club | Learning about the Druze community | with Rania Dean (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)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)9:30am – 4pm
Ecumenical Hunger Program, 2411 Pulgas Ave., East Palo Alto
Volunteer shifts sorting food, packing kits and staffing the produce line at the Ecumenical Hunger Program during the Thanksgiving season. Limited spots; signup closes Oct. 28.
More about Volunteering with Kol Isha (opens in a new tab)7:30pm – 9pm
Beit Kehillah, Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Stanford professors Mark Jacobson and Rob Jackson discuss renewable energy and what individuals can do about climate change.
More about Beth Am Welcomes Guest Speakers Mark Jacobson and Rob Jackson of Stanford University (opens in a new tab)7pm – 8:30pm
Congregation Etz Chayim, 4161 Alma Street, Palo Alto
Maya Bronicki returns to talk with parents and other adults about Jewish pride, awareness and advocacy, part of a fall series on Israel and antisemitism.
More about A Conversation with Maya Bronicki (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)
10am – 11am
The Reading Bug, 785 Laurel St, San Carlos
Hanukkah-themed activities with Wornick teachers and music by Isaac Zones for 3–5 year olds and their families, co-sponsored by PJCC and PJ Library.
More about Hanukkah Party at The Reading Bug with Isaac Zones (opens in a new tab)3:30pm – 5pm
Beit Kehillah, Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Chanukah party for little ones and their families with menorah lighting, crafts and snacks.
More about Festival of Lights Chanukah Party: Tot Celebration With Jewish Baby Network (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)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 – 7pm
Peninsula Sinai Congregation, 499 Boothbay Avenue, Foster City
A community Chanukah festival for Foster City held at Peninsula Sinai Congregation.
More about CHANUKAH Community Festival - Foster City (opens in a new tab)8:30am – 5:30pm
Peninsula Jewish Community Center (PJCC), 800 Foster City Blvd, Foster City
Divorce & Discovery will be hosting a day of healing, connection, laughter, and Jewish wisdom designed especially for adults who are divorced or in the process of divorce.
More about Divorce & Discovery: One Day Retreat to the PJCC (opens in a new tab)4pm – 5pm
Albert & Janet Schultz Cultural Arts Hall, Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
The Jewish a cappella group The Maccabeats return for a Hanukkah concert of harmonies and humor (an evening show follows at 6:30).
More about The Maccabeats Afternoon Show (opens in a new tab)1pm – 2pm
Albert and Janet Schultz Cultural Arts Hall (Bldg F), Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
Clarinet, bass and accordion trio plays an hour of klezmer classics and eclectic tunes, with coffee and snacks after.
More about Klezmer and Friends | Music in the Afternoon (opens in a new tab)11am – 1pm
Freidenrich Conference Center (Bldg F) 4th Floor, Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
Tzavta Club lecture in Hebrew by Israel Antiquities Authority archaeologist Dr. Amit Re'em on the search for King David's tomb and the archaeology of Jerusalem.
More about Tzavta Club | Mysteries, Adventures, Ancient Legends & Modern Science: The Archaeology of Jerusalem Revealed (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)9:30am – 4:30pm
Palo Alto (Oshman Family JCC program; room not stated)
First session of Gvanim 17, an ICC program for a small group of Bay Area Israelis exploring Israeli-Jewish identity and Jewish life abroad, running January to April 2027.
More about ICC Gvanim 17 (opens in a new tab)Save the date · details to follow
Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
The Oshman Family JCC's annual community event.
Save the date · details to follow
Details to follow
Community commemoration on the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day.
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Details to follow
The ICC's annual run and ride in memory of the fallen.
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Details to follow
The ICC's annual community ceremony for Israel's Memorial Day.
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?"