In partnership with the Jewish Community Library

Jonathan Branfman will draw from his new book, Millennial Jewish Stars: Navigating Racial Antisemitism, Masculinity, and White Supremacy (New York University Press, 2024). The book uses examples from film, television, and digital media to clarify how antisemitism works in real life, and especially how antisemitism interacts with race. Although these topics can seem abstra... 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

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 ac... Read more

Part of “LEHRHAUS ALEHOUSE” at Beer Baron in Rockridge. First drink is on us!

The Mishna speaks of Tu Be’Av, an ancient matchmaking festival, one that disappeared until the modern period, when it was revived in the Land of Israel and in the Orthodox world. On the holiday, great rabbis pray, without charge, for unmarried men and women to find their mates. But who revived this festival? Neither Zionists nor Orthodox rabbis. Join us to discuss the role of a divorced woman... Read more

Eicha, “how,” is the first Hebrew word of the Book of Lamentations, and its Hebrew title. Lamentations is read on Tish’a B’Av, but what really happened/happens on the 9th of Av, Tish’a Be-Av?

The French Revolution offered Jews the opportunity to become citizens, but at the cost of abandoning their communal autonomy. Was it a good deal?

Fewer than two thousand Jews lived in North America during the American Revolution. Some were Tories, some sided with the rebellion, and a significant number couldn't make up their minds whose side they were on. Whether they took part in the fighting, held down the homefront, or tried to steer clear of all the trouble, they couldn't help but be implicated by the war's turmoil and outcome.

In partnership with Congregation Beth Emek

Superman, Batman and the Fantastic Four were all created by young Jewish men. In fact, almost all of the original DC and Marvel superheroes, except Wonder Woman, were created by Jewish writers and were drawn by Jewish artists. We will discuss the many theories of why this may be true. We will consider why, until five or ten years ago, the comic book industry was dominated by Jewish men and women, as writers, artists, pencilers and publishers. We will also look at the Jewish roots for some of these superheroes and supervillains, and the handful of characters who are identified as Jewish today. We may even read a graphic novel!

In partnership with ReBoot

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 partnership with the Jewish Community Library