In this richly illustrated course, we’ll start by searching out the beginnings of Jewish Spain over 2,000 years ago, including the Roman and later Visigothic centuries. Then we’ll focus on the Muslim invasion and the Golden Age of Islamic Spain that followed. This was the era of La Convivencia, when Jews, Christians and Muslims lived largely in peace and shared and contributed to a common culture far advanced beyond the rest of Europe’s states. From there, we’ll chronicle the slow but steady advance of Christian armies, finally leading to the Expulsion of Jews (and Muslims) from Spain in 1492 and later years. We’ll close with a look at the fate of Sephardic Jews after the Expulsion as well as the fate of Spain in those centuries right up to today.

What confers sacredness onto space? Distinguished sanctuary designers will discuss how they approach the shaping of spaces meant to focus the mind and transport the soul. Stanley Saitowitz, Susie Coliver and Steve Rajninger, and Craig Hartman will describe the thinking behind sacred spaces they have designed, via introductory Zoom sessions and site visits, where you will experience their ideas in vivo at two contemporary synagogues and a Catholic church.

Stanley Saitowitz—Hebra... Read more

What confers sacredness onto space? Distinguished sanctuary designers will discuss how they approach the shaping of spaces meant to focus the mind and transport the soul. Stanley Saitowitz, Susie Coliver and Steve Rajninger, and Craig Hartman will describe the thinking behind sacred spaces they have designed, via introductory Zoom sessions and site visits, where you will experience their ideas in vivo at two contemporary synagogues and a Catholic church.

In partnership with the American Jewish Historical Society and YIVO

In Partnership with the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto, Congregation Beth Am, the Jewish Community Library, A Wider Bridge, and The East Bay International Film Festival

In partnership with Manny’s and JCCSF

Discover the fascinating history and unique customs of this ancient Jewish community in Central Asia—its history and customs, its fate during the years of war in Afghanistan, and the story of Manny’s Afghani Jewish family.

As we welcome the New Year, how are we as a community welcoming the strangers among us? Where does “Welcoming the Stranger” come from as a Jewish value--and how have we as a people interpreted it over time? How are we currently welcoming Afghans, Ukrainians and others into our community? And how is this landscape changing as the rules for asylum seekers are being challenged?

The Bay Area Talmud Circles bring teachers and students to learn together over a page of Talmud. Never studied Talmud? You’re in for a treat! Bring your curiosity and questions to this hour of dialog about the Talmud and the Berkeley/Marin Community Talmud Circle in particular. No previous knowledge of texts, languages, or history is required, only your own life experience and a sense of adventure.

The Judicial Reform proposed by Netanyhu’s government encompasses a complex web of proposed legislation with the hallmark one, revoking of the "unreasonableness clause" under review by Israel's Supreme Court (September 12). One of Israel's leading civil rights attorneys will provide a deep dive into the legal issues in the context of a fuller understanding of Israel's judicial system.

This introduction to the Bay Area Community Talmud Circles is your opportunity to dip your toes into the Sea of Talmud. This session will explain, reveal and demystify this formative work of the Jewish literary tradition. This session is an antidote to “Talmudic Reference Dysfunction (TRD), an embarrassing condition that can cause shame and humiliation” when others around you are discussing and quoting the Talmud.  In English, about an hour, with great value. In person or on Zoom.

Most likely you remember the 1989 classic Driving Miss Daisy starring Morgan Freeman, Jessica Tandy and Dan Aykroyd. The film takes place in 1950s Atlanta. Award-winning historian Fred Rosenbaum will explore Black-Jewish relations in America's South at our next Around the World with Fred event.