JCC East Bay

LABAlive: Original art inspired by Jewish texts
2022-12-03 18:30 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Join LABA East Bay: A Laboratory for Jewish Culture at the JCC East Bay for a two-part series of art, performance, ancient Jewish text teachings, wine and schmoozing. The works featured in LABAlive come from the 2022 LABA East Bay artist fellows, and are inspired by their study of the theme of “BROKEN” in our open-minded, non-dogmatic beit midrash. Come to one–or both!
PART 2
1) Filmmaker Sari Gilman shares a sample of her film-in-progress, which explores the benefits and costs of belonging and her sometimes painfully, other times beautifully, fractured nature of her Jewish identity through an examination of her family’s divergent views on Israel.
2) Choreographer/dancer Risa Jaroslow and two dancers will be performing “shards” of movement that Risa collected during the pandemic, which, together, they have built into new choreography.
3) Artist Leah Koransky presents a series of two-dimensional artworks which will incorporate light, shadows, and glass to explore “brokenness” as a visual language.
4) Multidisciplinary artist David Israel Katz presents an installation based on the Aleinu, underlining the elements of befuddlement and breakdown found in this notorious prayer text.
5) Filmmaker Ken Paul Rosenthal presents a graphic video portrait of poet Julia Vinograd that is constructed from the individual letters of a poem she recites about God and Jerusalem’s broken romance.
6) LABA scholar Sam Shonkoff will talk about that time the vessels of light containing the universe shattered into a million pieces.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Click here to view the line-up for Part 1.

Still Traveling: Southern Italy’s Archeological Treasures
2022-11-21 11:00 - 12:15, 2022-11-14 11:00 - 12:15, 2022-11-07 11:00 - 12:15, 2022-10-31 11:00 - 12:15 | CA
Let us whisk you away for an “armchair adventure” on an interesting, educational, fun, and live-guided group tour to a destination beyond your front door.
Our fantastic guide in Napoli – Antonella – returns with an all-new exploration of important archeological sites (some famous, some hidden gems) not far from her hometown. Zoom with us live to Italy for “tours” with our terrific, professional, local guide, who shares sites & insights of this dynamic city!
NOTE: This is a 4-part event. “Give-Us-a-Try” tickets are available for October 31 only. All others must be purchased together.
Click here for tickets and info.

Hygiene Drive for Women’s Daytime Drop-in Center
2022-11-16 08:00 - 17:00 | CA
Join the JCC East Bay in supporting our unhoused neighbors who do not have access to shelter and other important resources. From now until November 16th we will be collecting hygiene products to donate to the Women’s Daytime Drop-In Center in Berkeley, a space for unhoused women and children to receive drop-in services and other life-saving resources. Drop off your products at the JCC East Bay and help make someone’s fall season a little more comfortable!
If you would like to order directly from the Drop In Center’s wish list or reference it for your donations, please click here for their amazon wishlist.

Volunteer with Urban Tilth
2022-11-06 10:00 - 14:00 | CA
Join the JCC East Bay on the site of one of Urban Tilth’s most beautiful projects: the Richmond High School Garden. Urban Tilth is a Richmond-based organization committed to building a more sustainable food system within a just and healthy community. On Sunday, November 6th, the JCC East Bay will help Urban Tilth prepare the garden for fall so Richmond High School students can continue learning and growing in the space. We hope to see you there! All ages are welcome. Lunch graciously sponsored by Hebrew Free Loan following the event.
Learn more and register here.

Election Day: Sign up to Help Protect the Upcoming Election
2022-11-04 08:00 - 17:00 | CA
Election Day is November 8, 2022. The JCC East Bay is proud to be joining a Jewish community-wide effort to combat election misinformation. Election Protection is an impactful, nonpartisan way to ensure free, fair, safe, and accessible elections for everyone. Read more about the Jewish Partnership for Democracy here !
Read more about the different forms of election protection below and sign up here to get involved.
In-Person Poll Monitors (called “Field Monitors”)
In-person poll monitors (which they call “Field Monitors”) are deployed around the country to ensure all actors are playing by the rules. This can mean answering voter questions, documenting challenges to voter access, identifying polling place accessibility issues, reporting potentially threatening behavior, or other similar actions. Volunteers will be deployed in teams based on emerging needs at polling locations around the country during early voting and on Election Day. Virtual training is offered in advance. Shifts are typically 4 hours.
Staffing the Election Protection Voter Assistance Hotline
Operated by the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the Election Protection hotline (also known as 866-OUR-VOTE) supports voters by providing on-demand access to legal professionals to answer questions, help navigate the voting process, and respond to reports of problems. This opportunity is available only to legal professionals.
Hotline volunteers are the first line of communication with voters experiencing an issue. Volunteers will answer voters’ questions on everything from their polling place’s address to figuring out if they’re eligible to vote to unusual or menacing activity at polling sites.
Social Media Monitoring
Operated by Common Cause, social media monitors help scan popular social media sites for mis- and dis-information related to the 2022 election and in some cases identify voters who are posting about problems voting in order to connect them to resources and support.
Monitors are assigned shifts during which they look exclusively for information related to election administration (voting, ballots, election workers, etc.) and do not track mis- or dis-information related to any specific political issues. Identified mis- and dis-information is added into a central database, which volunteers access during shifts, and is sometimes flagged for takedowns by social media platforms. No one is asked to enter unsafe spaces on the internet and volunteers are counseled on staying safe during these efforts.

Family Funday
2022-10-30 10:30 - 12:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Grab your blanket and join us in the JCC courtyard with Risa Lenore of Jelly Jam Time, for our Family Funday! Risa will lead us in songs, interactive stories, dancing, crafts, and more! This event is for children 2-7 years old (younger and older siblings are always welcome) and their families. Each Family Funday we will embrace a Jewish value. In October we will explore the Jewish value Kavod (Respect). Registration is required.
COVID Guidelines:
1) All JCC staff are fully vaccinated (including boosters).
2) All attendees will have to show proof of vaccination (including boosters, if eligible) prior to entering.
3) Proof of vaccination is required for those 5 years of age or older at the door.
4) Well-fitting masks are required indoors, masks are optional outdoors.
5) Please be mindful of social distancing.

LABAlive: Original art inspired by Jewish texts
2022-10-22 19:30 - 21:30 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Join LABA East Bay: A Laboratory for Jewish Culture at the JCC East Bay for a two-part series of art, performance, ancient Jewish text teachings, wine and schmoozing. The works featured in LABAlive come from the 2022 LABA East Bay artist fellows, and are inspired by their study of the theme of “BROKEN” in our open-minded, non-dogmatic beit midrash. Come to one–or both!
PART 1
1) Director and circus performer Jeff Raz presents “Circus/Borders,” a community-based circus/theater exploration of borders. (Co-created by theater director Rebecca Novick)
2) Writer Michael David Lukas reads from his new novel manuscript, a post-apocalyptic retelling of the biblical Book of Esther.
3) Artist Lauren Ari presents new painting and sculpture, and “Moving Red Earth,” a collective ritual.
4) Harpist Jennifer Ellis plays new, original music that embraces the joyfully rich sounds of a “broken” harp.
5) Writer, teacher, and illustrator Meg Adler explores midrash (creative interpretation) as the filling in of the Torah’s narrative cracks with “story spackle.”
6) LABA scholar Deena Aranoff talks about that time when Moses broke the tablets.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Click here to view the line-up for Part 2.

Movie, Nosh, Discuss: Teen Movie Night
2022-10-21 16:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Our monthly film series of the year returns for October! Join us as we continue the epic saga of Obi-Wan Kenobi – whether you’re a first-timer joining the galaxy far, far away or can recite every Jedi by name and rank, everyone is welcome! After watching Part III & Part IV, teens are welcome to join in group discussions over snacks.
Please note that registration is required and all teens must provide proof of vaccine prior to entering and remain masked. *Light refreshments (all vegetarian) will be provided and consumed outside. We recommend warm layers and a reusable thermos to fill up on hot beverages post-film.
Click here to register.
COVID Guidelines:
1) All JCC staff are fully vaccinated (including boosters).
2) All attendees will have to show proof of vaccination (including boosters, if eligible) prior to entering.
3) Proof of vaccination is required for those 5 years of age or older at the door.
4) Well-fitting masks are required indoors, masks are optional outdoors.
5) Please be mindful of social distancing.

Family Sukkot: Shake Your Lulav and Etrog!
2022-10-09 10:30 - 12:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Get your shake on! The JCC East Bay, Jewish Baby Network of the East Bay, PJ Library Bay Area, and Jewish Gateways are teaming up for a fun and interactive morning of shaking the lulav, storytelling, crafts*, singing, dancing, and puppets. This program is geared for children 0 – 7 years, with a special space and program provided for families with babies by Jewish Baby Network of the East Bay.
*Please note that some activities may include food products. While peanut butter will not be used, please be mindful if your child has food allergies.
Click here to register.
COVID Guidelines:
1) All JCC staff are fully vaccinated (including boosters).
2) All attendees will have to show proof of vaccination (including boosters, if eligible) prior to entering.
3) Proof of vaccination is required for those 5 years of age or older at the door.
4) Well-fitting masks are required indoors, masks are optional outdoors.
5) Please be mindful of social distancing.

Community High Holidays Services 5783/2022
2022-09-25 19:00 - 2022-10-05 19:30 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
The High Holidays have the power to lift us out of our individual worlds and connect us deeply to one another and to that which connects us all. We are thrilled to be partnering with Jewish Studio Project and the Berkeley High Holy Day Community again this year to bring you a moving and heart-opening High Holiday experience this September and October! Mark your calendars to join us — in-person or virtually — for our uplifting, musical, liturgically-grounded, and justice-themed services throughout Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Whether you’ve joined us in years past or this will be your first time at our services—welcome! Open to all, these services bring together an intergenerational, cross-denominational community seeking depth and connection during these sacred days.
You only need to register once to be able to access all of the services:
1) Erev Rosh Hashanah: Sunday, September 25 at 7pm
2) Rosh Hashanah Day: Monday, September 26 at 10am
3) Kol Nidre: Tuesday, October 4 at 6:30pm
4) Yom Kippur Day: Wednesday, October 5 at 10am
5) Ne’ilah: Wednesday, October 5 at 5:30pm

More Details
1) We require registration through the Eventbrite platform both for virtual and in-person attendance.
2) Please note that seating capacity will be limited this year due to Covid considerations.
3) Registering early gives you access to virtual services and ensures that you will be the first to know all the details about in-person services as more information becomes available.
4) Services will be accessible online through a high-quality live stream, as well as in-person at our JCC East Bay location in Berkeley. More information about in-person services is coming soon.

LABA East Bay Exhibit at the Osher Marin JCC: COMMENT!
2022-09-12 - 2023-01-04 | Osher Marin JCC, 200 N San Pedro Road, San Rafael, CA, 94903, United States
There is still time to see the LABA East Bay visual artists exhibit Comment! on display at and in partnership with Osher Marin JCC from now until January 4, 2023. The show is accessible during Osher Marin JCC’s opening hours, 6am-8pm (closure calendar here).
But wait – there’s more!
On December 18, join us for a fun evening of text, ritual, and klezmer music to celebrate the closing of our LABA East Bay Comment! exhibit and the first night of Chanukah! Before the entire exhibit heads to the Peninsula JCC, dive into some texts with LABA faculty and join in a creative candle lighting ritual before listening to the klezmer stylings of LABA fellows The San Francisco Yiddish Combo.
Get your tickets here.

Movie, Nosh, Discuss
2022-09-09 16:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Our first film series of the year is back! Join us as we dive into the epic saga of Obi-Wan Kenobi – whether you’re a first-timer joining the galaxy far, far away or can recite every Jedi by name and rank, everyone is welcome! After the film, teens are welcome to join in group discussions over snacks.
Please note that registration is required and all teens must provide proof of vaccine prior to entering and remain masked. Light refreshments* will be provided and consumed outside. We recommend warm layers and a reusable thermos to fill up on hot beverages post-film.
Click here for registration.
Questions? Please reach out to Brianna Sommer, Director of Youth & Teen Programs at briannas@jcceastbay.org!
COVID Guidelines
1) All JCC staff are fully vaccinated (including boosters).
2) All attendees will have to show proof of vaccination (including boosters, if eligible) prior to entering.
3) Proof of vaccination required for those 5 years of age or older at the door.
4) Well-fitting masks are required indoors, masks are optional outdoors.
5) Please be mindful of social distancing.
*All food provided will be vegetarian. Please email our Director of Youth & Teen Programs Brianna with any food allergies or dietary restrictions.

March with JCC East Bay at Oakland Pride!
2022-09-04 09:00 | CA
Join the JCC East Bay as we march in the Oakland Pride Parade! The parade starts at 10am and we will begin congregating at 9am.
Click here to sign up and save your spot.

Still Traveling: Buzzing Berlin
2022-08-01 11:00 - 12:15 | CA
Let us whisk you away for an “armchair adventure” on an interesting, educational, fun, and live guided group tour to a destination beyond your front door.
Join us via Zoom for four virtual trips to Berlin, Germany’s capital, which is buzzing with history (much good, some not – obviously!) & culture. In fact, it was once called “the Athens on the Spree (River)” because of the significant cultural, scientific, and architectural developments and achievements that happened there.
NOTE: This is a 4-part event. “Give-Us-a-Try” tickets are available for August 1 only. All others must be purchased together.
Click here for tickets and info.

Still Traveling: Magical Morocco
2022-07-11 11:00 - 12:15 | CA
Let us whisk you away for an “armchair adventure” on an interesting, educational, fun, and live guided group tour to a destination beyond your front door. In this new mini-series on Morocco, our wonderful, local, professional guide returns for a virtual tour that highlights three unique aspects of this diverse & vibrant country!
NOTE: This is a 3-part event and all tickets must be purchased together.
Click here for tickets and info.

Still Traveling: Specific Spain & Complex Catalonia
2022-06-27 11:00 - 12:15, 2022-06-20 11:00 - 12:15, 2022-06-13 11:00 - 12:15 | CA
Let us whisk you away for an “armchair adventure” on an interesting, educational, fun, and live guided group tour to a destination beyond your front door. Join James Sokol to zoom to Spain for four virtual “trips” with our beloved, professional guide Marta. A Spanish native, Marta brings a local perspective and interesting insights into her country, her region, her town & her traditions.
NOTE: This is a 4-part event and all tickets must be purchased together.
Click here for tickets and info.

Family Fundays!
2022-06-12 10:30 - 12:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Grab your blanket and join us in the JCC courtyard as Risa Lenore (of Jelly Jam Time) our Family Fundays! teacher leads us in children’s songs, interactive stories, dancing, crafts, and more! This event is for children 2-7 years old (younger and older siblings are always welcome) and their families.
Each Family Fundays! we will explore a Jewish value. This Sunday we will explore the Jewish value Kehilla (Community).
Registration is required. Click here to register.

Still Traveling: Specific Spain & Complex Catalonia
2022-06-06 11:00 - 12:15 | CA
Let us whisk you away for an “armchair adventure” on an interesting, educational, fun, and live guided group tour to a destination beyond your front door. Join James Sokol to zoom to Spain for four virtual “trips” with our beloved, professional guide Marta. A Spanish native, Marta brings a local perspective and interesting insights into her country, her region, her town & her traditions.
NOTE: This is a 4-part event and all tickets must be purchased together. Only the June 6 ticket can be purchased as a single “Give-Us-A-Try” ticket.
Click here for tickets and info.

34th Annual East Bay Tikkun: A Day of Learning on Shavuot
2022-06-05 13:30 - 18:30 | CA
[June 2 update] Due to the forecast of rain on Sunday, all classes and venues are prepared to pivot to indoors with masks required. We intend to keep people as comfortable and safely-spaced as possible and will be making indoor/outdoor decisions as close to the start of classes as we can, but please be prepared to be indoors in the case of inclement weather. Also, please note that classes being hosted by Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) will now be held at the synagogue on 1630 Bancroft Way and not as previously scheduled at 1324 Allston Way.
We are happy to share that the 34th Annual East Bay Tikkun: A Day of Learning on Shavuot* will be in person this year. For COVID safety purposes it will be held during daylight hours and outside (weather-permitting) at a variety of participating venues in Central/North Berkeley. All attendees are required to be vaccinated and boosted in order to attend.
All attendees are required to register ahead of time: please click here to register. Once classes are confirmed, those who’ve registered will be sent a follow-up link to register for specific classes.
New for this year’s Tikkun, we will be offering programming in partnership with Edah and Tkiya Music for families with children in preschool through 5th grade. Families are invited to create art, play games in Hebrew, dance, and learn some Torah!
Participating Venues
JCC East Bay | 1414 Walnut Street Berkeley, CA 94709
Congregation Beth El | 1301 Oxford Street Berkeley, CA 94709
Congregation Beth Israel | [June 2 update] 1630 Bancroft Way Berkeley, CA 94703
Congregation Netivot Shalom | 1316 University Avenue Berkeley, CA 94702
Community Partners (listed alphabetically and updated regularly)
Aquarian Minyan
Berkeley-Oakland Midrasha
Beyt Tikkun Synagogue Without Walls
Chochmat HaLev
Congregation Beth El
Congregation Beth Israel
Congregation Netivot Shalom
Edah at Studio 70
Embodied Jewish Learning
Graduate Theological Union
Hebrew Free Loan of San Francisco
Jewish Community Center of San Francisco
Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund
Jewish Gateways
Jewish LearningWorks
Jewish Studio Project
Kehilla Community Synagogue
New Lehrhaus
Nigun Collective
Nishmat Shalom
Or Zarua Reconstructionist Havurah of the East Bay
Project Shamash (a program of Bend the Arc)
Shalom Bayit
Shalom Hartman Institute of North America
Temple Sinai
Tkiya
Torah of Awakening
YeaShOre Community
*We dedicate this year’s Shavuot learning to the memory of Rachel Brodie z”l.

Still Traveling: Picturesque Paris
2022-05-23 11:00 - 12:15, 2022-05-16 11:00 - 12:15 | CA
Let us whisk you away for an “armchair adventure” on an interesting, educational, fun, and live guided group tour to a destination beyond your front door. Join trip leader James Sokol to zoom away and spend time with our terrific, professional guide – Brad – returns with a new set of interesting trips with four different themes in the gorgeous and romantic “the City of Light!”
NOTE: This is a 4-part event and all tickets must be purchased together.
Click here for tickets and info.

Family Fundays!
2022-05-22 10:30 - 12:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Grab your blanket and join us in the JCC courtyard as Risa Lenore of Jelly Jam Time, our new Family Fundays! teacher leads us children’s songs, interactive stories, dancing, crafts and more! For children 2-7 years old and their families. (younger and older siblings are always welcome!) Each Family Fundays! we will explore a Jewish Value.
Risa Lenore Anderson Dye is known for her creative energy in teaching and for her engaging puppet shows. Her business, Jelly Jam Time congeals her passions into a practice of teaching story-dancing and performing puppet shows for young audiences. She plans to bring many more stories to life.
Click here for tickets and information.

Songs & Stories: A Tribute to Stephen Sondheim
2022-05-18 13:00 - 14:00 | CA
Among the most important figures in 20th-century musical theatre, composer & lyricist Stephen Sondheim was praised for having “reinvented the American musical” with shows that tackled “unexpected themes that range far beyond the [genre’s] traditional subjects” with “music and lyrics of unprecedented complexity and sophistication.” Join jazz & cabaret entertainer Gilda Solve to rediscover some of Sondheim’s best-known works including Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Into the Woods and of course, his brilliant lyrics from West Side Story.
Guests are welcome to ask questions via the chat throughout the program.
Tickets & Notes:

“Early Bird” Ticket: $12.50; available until 48-hours prior to the performance.
“Regular” Tickets: $15; available until the start of the performance.
All tickets are 1) are per device, not per person on Zoom, and 2) are non-refundable & non-exchangeable.

Click here for tickets and information.

B is for Bagel with author Rachel Teichman!
2022-05-15 10:30 - 12:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Join JCC East Bay, PJ Library Bay Area, the Collective Book Studio, and Mrs. Dalloway’s for a bagel-baking event with B is for Bagel author Rachel Teichman! Learn how to make Rachel’s quick bagel recipe, and discover bagel flavors from A-Z in this new children’s book. Decorate your own mini-bagel with fun toppings for a sweet snack!
All book purchases will come signed with free scratch n sniff bagel stickers, plus attendees will have the chance to win even more bagel goodies.
Click here for tickets and more information.

COVID Guidelines:
All event staff are fully vaccinated (including boosters). All attendees will have to show proof of vaccination (including boosters, if eligible) prior to entering and remain masked throughout the event. Attendees will be able to remove their masks when eating/drinking, which will take place outdoors.

Registration required (no drop-ins)
Proof of vaccination required for those 12 years of age or older at the door
Masks required for participants 2 years of age or older
Please be mindful of social distancing

From Ukraine to the Bay: The Jewish Community Response to Refugee Crises
2022-05-11 18:30 - 20:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Join the conversation about the Jewish community’s response to refugee crises at a joint event with JCC East Bay, HIAS, & JFCS East Bay!
Hear from refugee crisis advocates, Joe Goldman of HIAS and Robin Mencher of JFCS East Bay, about their organizations’ efforts to support refugees with resettlement programs, legal assistance, and humanitarian crisis campaigns. This event will feature a moderated panel discussion between Goldman, Mencher, and Melissa Chapman, CEO of the Jewish Community Center of the East Bay.
Click here for registration information.
HIAS is a Jewish humanitarian organization that offers assistance to refugees of all backgrounds.
JFCS East Bay is a social services agency that supports individuals, families, older adults, and refugees/immigrants in the East Bay region.
Featured Panelists:
Joe Goldman is the Community Engagement Director for the Western Region at HIAS, the world’s oldest – and only Jewish – international humanitarian agency serving refugees and asylum seekers of all backgrounds. He mobilizes activists, organizations, and lawmakers across California to ensure that displaced people are treated with the dignity they deserve. Before joining HIAS, Joe worked at MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, the San Francisco-based Jewish Community Relations Council, and began his career working on several political campaigns and progressive advocacy efforts. Joe holds both a BA in Political Communication and Master’s of Political Management from The George Washington University in Washington, DC and lives in his native Los Angeles with his husband, Adam.
Robin Mencher is the CEO of JFCS East Bay, and has served in this role since December 2020. Prior to JFCS East Bay, Robin served as executive director of KQED Education where she led the public media organization’s service to the education community in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. She has also worked as a program director at the San Francisco Education Fund, where she focused on media and digital literacies, youth voice, technology integration, teaching English learners, and educational equity. As an active member of the Jewish community, she has served on the New Generations and SF Bay Area regional board of directors of the New Israel Fund. Mencher earned her M.A. in Education at Mills College and her B.A. in American Studies at U.C. Santa Cruz. She also studied at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies year program and attended Hebrew University for a year as an undergrad.
Additional Information:
Doors open at 6:30pm and the event starts promptly at 6:45pm. Light refreshments will be provided.
Vaccination and booster required, masks encouraged. Event will be held outdoors.
