¡Cantamos!
2024-03-24 15:30 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Join JCC East Bay, Olamim, Jewtina y Co., and Tkiya for our monthly Spanish music series! Come experience the rhythmic fusion of Jewish and Latin traditions with Aviva Jinich, our creative musician and child educator. Embrace our shared cultural bond in this lively musical rendezvous. Tailored especially for families with children ages 0-7. All are welcome!

Register here.

JCC Parent Club Chevrutah (Passover)
2024-03-26 16:00 - 17:00 | CA
How does the Jewish holiday cycle work?
What are the animating ideas, themes, and visions of its practice?
Is there space for dissent, doubt, or disaffection in the calendar?
How do we carry out Jewish celebrations if we are not yet experts?

Join the JCC Parent Club Chevruta* (group of learners), as we discuss these big questions, talk about parenting, learn about Jewish Holidays, and connect as a community.

Register here.

From Lodz to Tel Aviv: The Satirical World of Dzigan and Shumacher, the Most Famous Yiddish Comedy Duo of the 20th Century
2024-03-26 17:30 - 19:30 | The Magnes Collection, 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley, 94720, United States
Please join us for the Second Annual Eva and Martin Libitzky Memorial Lecture.
Taube Philanthropies, the Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life, and Berkeley Center for Jewish Studies present: From Lodz to Tel Aviv: The Satirical World of Dzigan and Shumacher, the Most Famous Yiddish Comedy Duo of the 20th Century, featuring John Efron is the Koret Professor of Jewish History at UC Berkeley.
From the late 1920s to the outbreak of WWII, the comedy duo of Szymon Dzigan and Yisroel Shumacher enjoyed unparalleled popularity in Poland’s world of Yiddish entertainment. Household names and highly paid superstars, their satirical monologues and political skits represented an unprecedented development in the nature of Jewish entertainment—modernist humor. Key to their material was language—the Yiddish of their native Lodz and their characters, a Chaucerian parade of world-weary and world-wise Jews. After the Holocaust and their emigration to Israel, they trained their satirical observations on the contemporary political situation in that country—a genre yet to exist in Hebrew entertainment. This talk seeks to account for the pathbreaking work of these beloved comic geniuses.
Please note this event will take place in person.

Register here.

Older Adults Emergency Preparedness Workshop
2024-03-28 13:30 - 15:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
In partnership with The Center for Independent Living, the JCC East Bay is offering an Emergency Preparedness Workshop for our Older Adults.
During this workshop, we will be covering topics such as: safety tips during disasters, creating an emergency and evacuation plan, building go-bags and stay-boxes, and learning about emergency resources in our community.
Don’t wait until a disaster happens, be prepared!
Please email Sara (sara.feinman@jcceastbay.org) to register.

Art & Artists: The Art of Passover
2024-04-08 11:00 - 12:00 | CA
As most know, the holiday of Passover is based on the story of the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt. The name Passover comes from the passing over of the homes of the Jews during the 10th plague, the death of the first born. Join in this look at the Passover celebration via art objects as visual resources for learning and understanding. This event is virtual and takes place over Zoom.

Register here.

Hebrew-Speaking Parent Group
2024-04-11 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-05-09 10:00 - 12:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Hebrew-speaking parents of early-age kids, babies, and expecting parents are invited to join us for an introductory gathering of our Hebrew-Speaking Parent group! Meetings will be led by emotional therapist and parent counselor, Sharon Grosbard. Light refreshments will be served and little ones are more than welcome!

Register here.

Art & Artists: The Art of Israel
2024-04-15 11:00 - 12:00 | CA
Join us for a survey of the history of the Holy Land through art objects, which begins with the building of King Solomon’s Temple, and continues with the Jewish catacombs, the synagogue mosaics, and the establishment of the modern State of Israel. This program follows the sweep of Israeli history while focusing on the visual arts and artists of recent centuries. This event is virtual and will take place over Zoom.

Register here.

The Joy of Jewish Music and Dance
2024-04-21 13:00 - 16:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Join our new monthly series celebrating “The Joy of Jewish Music and Dance!”
Great for musicians, dancers, and enthusiasts to meet, schmooze, or simply to take in the beauty of these rich traditions.
______________________________________________
Each session has three parts:
First hour: participants can choose between two spaces to learn multi-ethnic music and dance technique and styles.
Second hour: Participants will come together for a dance party focusing on the dances and tunes taught in the prior hour.
Third hour: an informal music jam in one or more of the classroom spaces at the JCC.
Music and Dance performance/teacher schedule:
January 28, 2024 – Qadim Ensemble and Miriam Peretz
February 25, 2024 – Asaf Ophir, Zina Pozen, Ivan Velev, and Bruce Bierman
March 24, 2024 – Zoe Aqua, Dmitri Gaskin, Misha Khalikulov, and Bruce Bierman
April 21, 2024 – Veretski Pass and Bruce Bierman
May 19, 2024 – Saul Goodman’s Klezmer Band and Bruce Bierman
______________________________________________
5-session series: $72.00
Drop-in admission: $18.00-$54.00 sliding scale
100% ticket revenue goes to cover musician/dance teacher fees.
No one turned away for lack of funds. Kids are free.
Presented in association with KlezCalifornia and with support from the Jewish Community Center of the East Bay and KlezCalifornia’s Yiddish Culture Fund.
______________________________________________
Click here for full series registration.
Individual session registration:
April 21, May 19

JCC Parent Club Chevrutah (Yom Hashoah)
2024-04-24 16:00 - 17:00 | CA

Older Adults Passover Luncheon
2024-04-25 11:00 - 13:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
We’re excited to invite JCC East Bay Older Adults to a Passover Luncheon!
This Passover Luncheon will include a delicious Kosher-for-Pesach catered lunch, live Klezmer music, and a special appearance from a local Jewish storyteller to guide us through the story of Passover. Gather in community this Pesach by reconnecting with old friends, seeing new friendly faces, and celebrating Jewish joy! Registration is required.

80 seats/meals available
Cost: $20 per person (cash or card accepted at the door). If this is a barrier for anyone, we have additional subsidies available.

To RSVP: Please email Sara (sara.feinman@jcceastbay.org) by April 19.

¡Cantamos!
2024-04-28 15:30 - 17:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Our last session until the fall!
Join JCC East Bay, Olamim, Jewtina y Co. , and Tkiya for our monthly Spanish music series! Come experience the rhythmic fusion of Jewish and Latin traditions with Aviva Jinich, our creative musician and child educator. Embrace our shared cultural bond in this lively musical rendezvous. Tailored especially for families with children ages 0-7. All are welcome!

Register here.

Walking in the Valley of the Shadow: Jewish Views of the Soul, Afterlife, and Remembering
2024-05-02 19:00 - 20:30 | CA
Jewish Views of the Soul, Afterlife, and Remembering with Rabbi Peretz Wolf-Prusan.
In partnership with New Lehrhaus, learn about the Jewish approach to death and dying, from the traditional to the contemporary, concepts and practices, burial, grief and comforting the bereaved – this is an important topic for all to explore within the safety and support of community.
Update: this event is now virtual-only and will take place over Zoom.

Program cost: $36
Register here.

Holocaust Remembrance Day
2024-05-05 14:00 - 15:00 | CA
The City of Berkeley, Jewish Family and Community Services East Bay, and the JCC East Bay present the 21st Annual Holocaust Remembrance Day.
This year’s program features reflections and memories from acclaimed artist, Kitty Klaidman. Her story reveals her family’s resilience and the extraordinary courage and kindness of the family that saved them.
Ethan Katz, Faculty Director, Center for Jewish Studies at UC Berkeley will also share his story about an inter-generational journey back to Europe and the importance of memory.
Included in this commemoration are comments from a teenage great grandson of a Survivor, music from renowned cello and bassoon duo Rebecca Rust and Friedrich Edelmann, and a moving candle lighting by survivors and their family members living in the Bay Area.
We join in community to honor survivors, the memory of all those who were murdered, those who resisted, and those who rescued victims of the Holocaust.
This free program will take place virtually. Registration is required.
Register here.

Let's Talk About It: Remembering the Holocaust | Zikaron BaSalon
2024-05-05 18:00 - 20:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Remembering the Holocaust | Zikaron BaSalon
Eva Lukacs, a Hungarian Holocaust survivor, will share her story.

Zikaron BaSalon (Remembrances in the Living Room) is a special way to commemorate the Holocaust. Taking place annually in thousands of private living rooms and public settings, it passes the torch from official, large-scale remembrance ceremonies to conversations and stories told in more intimate, meaningful gatherings. All are welcome to join this special gathering to hear and honor the Holocaust story of one of our community members. This event will include opportunities to reflect, ask questions, and ground our awareness and education about the Holocaust in a warm and supportive community, with an age-appropriate lens.

May the memories of all lost in the Holocaust forever be a blessing.
זיכרונם לברכה

Register here.
______________________________________________________
This series is presented in partnership by the JCC East Bay, ADL, and Berkeley Hillel.

Zikaron BaSalon
2024-05-05 18:00 - 20:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Zikaron BaSalon (Remembrances in the Living Room) is a special way to commemorate the Holocaust. Taking place annually in thousands of private living rooms and public settings, it passes the torch from official, large-scale ceremonies to conversations and stories told in more intimate, meaningful gatherings.
Please join us in hearing and honoring the Holocaust story of Stan (Zalman) Felson z”l as told by his son, Jeff Felson. This event will include opportunities to reflect, ask questions, and ground our awareness and education about the Holocaust in a warm and supportive community.
May the memory of Stan (Zalman) Felson z”l and all lost in the Holocaust be a blessing.
זיכרונם לברכה
Register here.

Exploring Music: Jewish Composers & Jewish Influences in Classical Music
2024-05-09 13:00 - 14:00 | CA
Pianist and instructor Clint Edwards has created a series specifically for JCC communities! Dive into masterpieces by J. Strauss, Copland, Shostakovich and Mendelssohn.

May 9: Johann Strauss II – the Waltz-King of Vienna: Exploring the life and works of the 19th century master of the waltz, the stories behind his greatest works, and the rich cultural scene of Vienna.
May 16: Aaron Copland – Appalachian Spring: Exploring one of Aaron Copland’s greatest ballet scores, the history behind the piece, and analysis of Copland’s remarkable compositional methods, in the creation of a 20th century masterpiece.
May 23: Dmitri Shostakovich and the Holocaust – Symphony 13 “Babi Yar”: Though not jewish himself, Dmitri Shostakovich was profoundly impacted by the events of WWII and the Holocaust. As we analyze his monumental 13th symphony (“Babi Yar”), itself a commemoration of the atrocities committed upon Jews in the Soviet Ukraine, we will trace Shostakovich’s commemoration and empathy for the victims of these events.
May 30: Felix Mendelssohn – The Italian Symphony: Exploring the creation of one of Mendelssohn’s greatest works – with musical analysis and biographical insights into his creative process.

This event is presented in partnership with Osher Marin JCC and will take place over Zoom.
Register here.

The Joy of Jewish Music and Dance
2024-05-19 13:00 - 16:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Join our new monthly series celebrating “The Joy of Jewish Music and Dance!”
Great for musicians, dancers, and enthusiasts to meet, schmooze, or simply to take in the beauty of these rich traditions.
______________________________________________
Each session has three parts:
First hour: participants can choose between two spaces to learn multi-ethnic music and dance technique and styles.
Second hour: Participants will come together for a dance party focusing on the dances and tunes taught in the prior hour.
Third hour: an informal music jam in one or more of the classroom spaces at the JCC.
Music and Dance performance/teacher schedule:
January 28, 2024 – Qadim Ensemble and Miriam Peretz
February 25, 2024 – Asaf Ophir, Zina Pozen, Ivan Velev, and Bruce Bierman
March 24, 2024 – Zoe Aqua, Dmitri Gaskin, Misha Khalikulov, and Bruce Bierman
April 21, 2024 – Veretski Pass and Bruce Bierman
May 19, 2024 – Saul Goodman’s Klezmer Band and Bruce Bierman
______________________________________________
5-session series: $72.00
Drop-in admission: $18.00-$54.00 sliding scale
100% ticket revenue goes to cover musician/dance teacher fees.
No one turned away for lack of funds. Kids are free.
Presented in association with KlezCalifornia and with support from the Jewish Community Center of the East Bay and KlezCalifornia’s Yiddish Culture Fund.
______________________________________________
Click here for full series registration.
Individual session registration:
May 19

Beginner Mah Jongg Class
2024-05-21 13:00 - 15:00 | CA
Learn how to play American Mah Jongg!
Join us for a 4-part comprehensive tutorial on how to play American Mah Jongg. This in-depth class will be led by esteemed JCC East Bay Mah Jongg instructors. Sign up today for the JCC East Bay Beginner Mah Jongg Class!

Class Descriptions:
Class 1: Introduction to the tiles, rules on how to play, and the (Jewish) history of American Mah Jongg
Class 2: Practice Playing (close instructor supervision)
Class 3: Practice Playing (instructor supervision as needed)
Class 4: Play in community! (no instructor supervision)

Dates: May 21, May 29, June 4, and June 11
Series fee (all 4 sessions): $80
Registration is required.

Register here.

Older Adults Flower Arrangements Workshop
2024-05-30 13:30 - 15:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Spring into action!
Find your inner florist while learning about the significance of connecting to nature in Judaism.
This colorful, joyful, and fragrant workshop will be led by a local Jewish florist, paired with teachings from a Jewish nature educator.

Indoor event.
Cost: $10
Registration required.

Click here to register via Eventbrite.
Or email Sara: sara.feinman@jcceastbay.org

The 36th Annual East Bay Tikkun: A Day of Learning on Shavuot
2024-06-09 14:00 - 20:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
The 36th Annual East Bay Tikkun:
A Day of Learning in Honor of Shavuot
The JCC East Bay is excited to welcome you to this beloved community event!
Once again, in partnership with dozens of Bay Area synagogues and organizations, we will offer a day of community learning in honor of Shavuot. For safety and security, event pre-registration is required.

VENUE
All classes will be held at the JCC East Bay on 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley.

CLASS SCHEDULE
Shortly before the event, all pre-registered attendees will receive a PDF schedule of classes emailed to the email address with which they registered.

SPACE FOR FAMILIES DURING OUR EVENT
Some organized programming is available for families between 3-5pm. Please note that our Preschool yard will be also available for play time should families choose to bring their children. However, the yard will not be supervised, so we require that an adult stay with their child(ren). Please respect and enjoy our space, recognizing that classes will be in session around the Preschool yard. Your cooperation in helping to keep children as quiet as possible is greatly appreciated.

QUESTIONS?
Email tikkun@jcceastbay.org and we’ll respond in a timely manner.

Register here.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS
As community organizations confirm their partnership, they will be added to this list below:

Assembly
Aquarian Minyan
Base Bay

Camp Tawonga
Chabad of El Cerrito

Chochmat HaLev
Congregation Beth El
Congregation Beth Israel
Congregation Netivot Shalom
Derech HaAretz – Way of the Earth

Eden Village West

Embodied Jewish Learning
Hebrew Free Loan

In-The-Know Club
Jew Oughta Know
Jewish Arts and Culture School
Jewish Baby Network
Jewish Community Center of San Francisco
Jewish Gateways
Jewish LearningWorks
KlezCalifornia
The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life
Moishe House Rockridge
New Lehrhaus
Nigunim Chorus
Shalom Bayit

Sinai Memorial Chapel

Temple Beth Sholom

Torah of Awakening

Urban Adamah

YeaShOre Community

Advanced Mah Jongg
2024-08-28 10:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-04 10:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-11 10:00 - 13:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
A JCC East Bay group that meets weekly on Wednesdays to play American Mah Jongg!
This group is for more experienced players or those wanting to sharpen their competitive edge. Join for good company, tea, and fierce games of Mah Jongg. Drop-ins are welcome.
For more information email Gravity (gravity.goldberg@jcceastbay.org).

Yiddish Conversation
2024-08-28 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-09-04 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-09-11 10:30 - 11:30 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Join us for Yiddish Conversation!
Participants will take turns reading various Yiddish passages aloud – laughing at the stories together, connecting with like-minded community members, and keeping the art of the Yiddish language alive!
Please email Gravity to RSVP: gravity.goldberg@jcceastbay.org

Parenting and Relocation
2024-09-05 19:30 - 21:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Join us for an engaging discussion on parenting and relocation with Sharon Lebi.
Sharon holds a master’s in education (Seminar Hakibbutzim) and served as an educator and VP at Ofira Navon School in Israel for 10 years. She is a certified Adlerian parenting educator. Please note that this lecture will be in Hebrew.
הצטרפו אלינו להרצאה של שרון לבי, על הסתגלות והשתלבות, על פיתוח עצמאות וגמישות מחשבתית אצל ילדינו ועוד. המפגש מתאים להורים צעירים וותיקים (ברילוקיישן ובכלל!) ההרצאה בשפה העברית. על שרון: שרון היא אשת חינוך, מדריכת הורים לצעירים ומתבגרים בגישת אדלר. מתגוררת בקנזינגטון עם משפחתה

Register here.

Still Traveling: Magical Morocco
2024-09-09 11:00 - 12:15 | CA
Many visitors go to Morocco to visit its most famous city, Marrakech. But, the country holds countless interesting treasures throughout the land from its coasts to the deserts!
Join Osher Marin JCC on a virtual trip* to this magical North African country. Morocco has its own unique, fascinating culture – a blend of indigenous Berber, Arabian, Sub-Saharan African & European (Christian & Jewish) influences. In this series on Morocco, join our wonderful, local, professional guide for visits around his diverse & vibrant country to discover wonders that await!

Register here.
*Series will take place over Zoom.

Israeli Family Gathering
2024-09-15 10:30 - 12:30 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Join us for a Hebrew-speaking family gathering!
Connect with the community while enjoying Israeli coffee and pastries.
Lots of fun activities and entertainment for the kids!
Ticket cost:
Family: $36
Couple: $20
Single: $10
Register here.
