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

In partnership with KlezCalifornia

In this strictly reading and iberzetsn (translating) Yiddish class, students will have an opportunity to read various myselekh (stories), pamelekh (slowly) and mit geduld (with patience), so that even those who have only “cheder” (elementary school) level proficiency can participate and follow along. The instructor will provide PDF readers in Yiddish with English translation.

October 9–D... 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 and at BASE-Bay, Rockridge

Come learn about the spiritual legacy and theology of Hasidism, a movement of mystical renewal founded in the 18th century whose fire continues into the present day. We'll pay special attention to teachings on devotion, prayer, community, ecology, and the possibility of finding the sacred in ordinary moments.

Wednesdays, January 10 and 31 @ 7–8:30, hybrid 

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