A petty Russian dictator launches an ill-advised war of territorial conquest against an enemy that proves impressively resilient. The year? 1904. This talk explores a historic event with deep resonance today—the Russo-Japanese War—and uncovers the surprising role of American Jews at the historic peace conference in New Hampshire.

Thursday, May 4, 4–5:30pm on Zoom

We all have stories to tell. This fun, highly participatory workshop will help you discover and tell stories from your own life. Along the way you'll learn the essential techniques of storytelling, helping you to bring your tales to life and find more. You'll also hear some great stories from other participants, as well as tales Joel has gathered over his many years as a travelling storyteller, so bring along friends and family.

(Suitable for adults and older kids, teen-age and up.)

In partnership with Congregation Kol Emeth and Congregation Beth Am

Explicitly and implicitly, Torah texts point to the idea that we are stewards of a planet to which we never gain title. Surprisingly visionary obligations follow to treat this earth with reverence. This course will focus on a journey through Torah and later rabbinic teaching searching for wisdom to safeguard our only shared home.

Tuesday, November 14 @ 7–8:30pm; FREE

This f... Read more

Gather with 30- to 40-something friends (must be over 21) to hear Maggid Singer reveal some of Judaism's connections to their sacred inebriant, alcohol, throughout the centuries. From references in the Torah to the outsized role Jews played in establishing and perfecting the most American of spirits—Bourbon—alcohol has maintained a steady presence in Jewish culture for millennia. How then did Jews get the reputation for being uninvolved in alcohol? What is kosher... Read more

In partnership with Temple Sinai and KlezCalifornia

Watch and discuss scenes from Shtisel while eating classic Ashkenazi foods featured in the show in this fun, interactive program. We will explore traditions and foods and hear commentary from Ron Reissberg—who spent several years in Haredi (ultra-orthodox) yeshivas in Israel and the US—about the community and its practices, and share y... Read more

Grounded in Jewish values and concepts of what it means to be human, we will critically examine the intrusion of AI into increasingly more aspects of our daily experiences. Jewish teachings will provide a framework for critically determining if, what and when to engage with artificial intelligence applications.

Wednesday, February 21 @ 7–8:30pm, on Zoom

In partnership with the Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life

With ketubah artists David Moss, Deborah Ugoretz & Rachel Biale

The art of illuminating ketubot (Jewish marriage contracts) spans Jewish communities from India and Iran, to Europe, North Africa, and America. In the late 1960s several calligraphers and artists revived and re-envisioned this art, key among them David Moss in Berkeley (housed at the Magnes Museum) and Stuart Kelma... Read more

In partnerships with the Jewish Studies Program at UC Davis and the Centers for Jewish Studies at UC Berkeley and the Graduate Theological Union.

The 30th day of mourning (Shloshim) marks the end of the first month after a death, when the bereaved return to most daily activities, except parties and celebrations. We will gather to remember David ... Read more