Ultra-orthodox Jewish life has long been surrounded by secrecy from within and intense curiosity from without. This course will focus on four films that present Haredi Jewish life from multiple perspectives. Critical, compassionate and profoundly humane, these films offer an expanded view of the complexities of living within and beyond the strictures of Ultra-Orthodox Jewish life. Our film selection includes two fiction feature films and two documentaries, from the US, Israel and the United... Read more

A compelling nonfiction graphic novel written by Rafael Medoff and illustrated by Dean Motter, Whistleblowers is the true story of courageous individuals who risked their careers—or their lives—to confront the unfolding Holocaust.

Author Rafael Medoff will discuss the stories captured in the book and the process of translating them into the graphic novel format. San Fran... Read more

In partnership with the East Bay International Jewish Film Festival

Vishniac, is a documentary film that captures Europe from the streets of pre-war Berlin to those of Poland and Lithuania.

Watch the film ahead of the program (online), beginning Sunday, November 10.

New to Judaism or trying to deepen your connection to Jewish practice? Join a cohort of fellow explorers to experience the Jewish fundamentals from an embodied and Earth-based perspective. Classes will combine text study, facilitated discussions, personal reflection, and embodied spiritual practices. Subjects will ... Read more

The Talmud Circle is a growing, dynamic and welcoming community of adult participants engaged in modern Talmud study and active conversation. While the majority of participants are continuing students, anyone may join!  No prior experience with Talmud Study is required.  Curiosity, openness, and unconditional mutual regard are all one needs. ... Read more

The concept of middot or “soul traits” inspires a deeper exploration of our inner lives and how we bring Jewish values into our practical daily lives. Working with this traditional Jewish ethical and spiritual practice, we will identify and create new pieces exploring our personalities and spiritual identities. No previous writing or Mussar experience required.

NEW DATE: Sunday, Oct. 27 (same Time)

During these High Holy Days, we have an opportunity to experience the awesome redwoods in our midst through a Jewish lens. Join us for a two-hour hike through the forest reflecting on T’shuva and MORE: anticipating the rainy season -  learning what the forest ecosystems of today may tell us about Jewish beliefs on nature. Moments of silence and meditation will allow is to ponder the Days of Awe each in our own way. Br... Read more

Join the Friday Morning Torah Study Group which has been meeting for 50+ years! Every week features a different teacher from among rabbis, scholars, Jewish educators, artists, and the lay leaders with which our community is blessed. Each session begins with the week's Parasha (Torah portion) and emphasizes deep conversation and multi-faceted perspectives. We offer this program tuition-free, but ask that you please consider a donation to New Le... Read more

Simchat Beit Hasho'eva ("The Rejoicing at the Place of Water-Drawing") takes place during Sukkot. The Talmud says: "He who has not seen the rejoicing at the Place of the Water-Drawing has never seen rejoicing in his life."

This "Water Holiday" brought thousands to the Temple courtyard for a water libation ritual followed by music and dance, burning-torch tossing, handstands, feasting, and a bit of mayhem as men and women mingled.

... Read more

The Talmud Circle is a growing, dynamic and welcoming community of adult participants engaged in modern Talmud study and active conversation. While the majority of participants are continuing students, anyone may join!  No prior experience with Talmud Study is required.  Curiosity, openness, and unconditional mutual regard are all one needs. ... Read more

Nearly every day the situation in Israel seems to take a sharp turn into uncharted territory as we approach a year since October 7th. What are the implications of the assassination of Nasrallah and much of the Hezbollah leadership? Of a possible IDF ground operation in Lebanon? How will these factors impact the hostage release and cease-fire negotiations in G... Read more