JCC East Bay

The Joy of Jewish Music and Dance
2025-05-18 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Join our 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. Bring your instruments and dancing shoes.
This month’s workshop is all about Klezmer music! The workshop will be led by teaching artists Dmitri Gaskin, Misha Khalikulov, and Bruce Bierman
During the first 90 minutes, participants can choose between spaces to learn multi-ethnic music and dance technique and styles. Participants will all come together for a 30 minute dance party focusing on the dances and tunes taught in the prior hour. The remaining segment will be an informal music jam in one or more of the classroom spaces at the JCC East Bay.
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Dmitri Gaskin (he/him) is an accordion player and composer specializing in Klezmer music. He performs with bands Tsvey Brider, Baymele, and Saul Goodman’s Klezmer Band. With his duo Tsvey Brider (“two brothers” in Yiddish), Dmitri has co-written an album of new Yiddish song, Kosmopolitn (Borscht Beat, 2022). He has also performed and taught at music festivals including Yidstock, Yiddish Summer Weimar, KlezCalifornia, Klezmer on Ice, and others. Outside of Klezmer, Dmitri won the ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award for contemporary classical music. He studied accordion with Josh Horowitz and Alan Bern. Dmitri lives in rural Santa Cruz county with his wife and their four goats.
Misha Khalikulov is a cellist and music educator born in Soviet Uzbekistan and raised in San Francisco. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Cello Performance from UCLA, studying under Antonio Lysy. Misha spent nearly 14 years with the internationally touring group The April Fishes, performing extensively in Europe and Asia. He is also a member of the Klezmer trio Baymele, alongside accordionist Dmitri Gaskin and violinist Matthew Stein, and has performed with acclaimed artists like Anthony Russell. Misha plays with contemporary group StringQuake and Hungarian folk group Vadalma. In January 2019, he toured Vietnam with Vietnamese musician Van-Anh Vo. Passionate about bridging divides through music, Misha teaches children through several non-profit organizations, including Harmony Project Bay Area and Bay Area Music Project. He has recorded on over 40 albums across various styles.
Bruce Bierman is a celebrated Jewish dance master, theater director, and arts educator. He is co-artistic director of the award-winning Yiddish Theatre Ensemble in Berkeley where he has directed and choreographed The Megilleh of Itzik Manger for the Berkeley Jewish Music Festival, Sholem Asch’s God of Vengeance, and most recently Between Worlds starring Naomi Newman. He served as Yiddish dance and theater dramaturg for Paula Vogel’s Tony Award winning play, Indecent at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Arena Stage and the most recent production at the San Francisco Playhouse which YTE also co-produced. Bruce was also a lead dancer and teaching artist with the Los Angeles Aman Folk Ensemble bringing world music and dance to youth throughout the L.A. Unified School District.
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Register here.
Single session tickets: Sliding scale $25-54

Co-presented by KlezCalifornia

Be Mitzvah Open House
2025-05-18 16:45 - 18:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
You’re invited to join us for a taste of JCC East Bay Be Mitzvah program!
The Be Mitzvah journey is a meaningful time of growth, reflection, and learning. Finding the right community and program can be challenging, but we’re here to help.
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JCC East Bay is excited to partner with Judaism Your Way to offer 6th – 7th graders a new Be Mitzvah program.
The Be Mitzvah program offers a two-year, in-person small group learning program that guides students through this pivotal coming-of-age experience, offering a customizable approach that prioritizes their personal connection to Judaism. This experience prepares students for a distinctive, meaningful, and personally curated Be Mitzvah ceremony that focuses on helping youth discover their individual identity within a Jewish context.
This event is designed for parents and tweens to learn more about this special program.
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Register here.

Advanced Mah Jongg
2025-05-21 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-05-28 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-03 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-10 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-17 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-24 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-01 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-08 10:00 - 13:00 and 1 more date | 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
2025-05-21 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-05-28 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-09-03 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-09-10 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-09-17 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-09-24 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-10-01 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-10-08 10:30 - 11:30 and 1 more date | 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

Flower Arranging Workshop
2025-05-22 10:30 - 12:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Join the JCC East Bay for a Flower Arranging Workshop!
We’re hosting a fun and interactive workshop where you’ll learn the art of creating beautiful floral arrangements. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to unleash their creativity and learn new skills.
During the workshop, you’ll get hands-on experience arranging different types of flowers and foliage. Expert instructor April Schlanger will provide guidance and tips to help you create stunning bouquets and centerpieces. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore your passion for flowers and connect with fellow flower enthusiasts. Let your creativity bloom!

Register here.
Cost: $10
All the flowers you need are included in the ticket price, as well as a basic glass vase. If you would like, you are welcome to bring your own vase.

The 37th Annual East Bay Tikkun: A Day of Learning on Shavuot
2025-06-01 14:00 - 20:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
The 37th 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 schedule of classes emailed to the email address with which they registered.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Please visit the JCC East Bay Shavuot page for an updated list of partners and more information about the JCC East Bay.

SPACE FOR FAMILIES DURING OUR EVENT
Please note that our Preschool yard will be 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.

IMAGE
Special thanks to JCC East Bay Artist-in-Residence, Rebecca Schisler, for the generous use of her image, “Walk Humbly with your G-d.”

Register here.

East Bay Jewish Writing Circle
2025-06-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Beit Chabot, 5939 Chabot Rd, Oakland, CA, 94618, United States
Join fellow community members for a monthly generative writing experience. With an open theme, facilitators will bring to the table a genre, idea, passion, or otherwise Jewish-themed passage to inspire the evening’s compositions.
Our June session will be facilitated by Dan Schifrin.

Register here.

Israeli Welcome Brunch and Gathering
2025-08-10 10:30 - 12:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
הנכם מוזמנים לבראנץ’ פתיחת השנה וקבלת פנים למשפחות ישראליות שתערך ב JCC בברקלי!
ברוכים הבאים לברקלי! אנחנו כל כך שמחים שהגעתם, נשמח להזמין אתכם לבראנץ’ קבלת פנים ומפגש למשפחות ישראליות ב-JCC East Bay.
האירוע יהווה הזדמנות ל:
להכיר משפחות ישראליות חדשות באיזור
להתחבר למשפחות ותיקות באזור שתוכלנה להציע תמיכה והכוונה לחיים באזור
לגלות משאבים שיכולים לעזור במעבר ולהקל על ההשתלבות בקהילה
וסתם הזדמנות נהדרת לבלות עם אנשים נהדרים מהקהילה, לחבר ילדים ומבוגרים
אנחנו נרגשים לקבל את פניכם באופן אישי ולעזור לכם להרגיש בבית בקהילה החמה והתוססת שלנו.
אם יש לכם שאלות, אל תהססו לפנות ל-Gravity בכתובת: gravity.goldberg@jcceastbay.org
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Dear Families,
Welcome to Berkeley! We’re so glad you’re here, and we’d love to invite you to a Welcome Brunch and Gathering for Israeli Families at the JCC East Bay.
This casual and friendly event is a chance to:
Meet other Israeli families who are also new to the area
Connect with longtime local families who can offer friendship, support, and insight into life in the East Bay
Discover helpful resources to ease your transition and build community.
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Register here

East Bay Jewish Writing Circle
2025-08-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Beit Chabot, 5939 Chabot Rd, Oakland, CA, 94618, United States
Join fellow community members for a monthly generative writing experience. With an open theme, facilitators will bring to the table a genre, idea, passion, or otherwise Jewish-themed passage to inspire the evening’s compositions.
Our August session will be facilitated by Ali Michael Cannon.

Register here.

Nosh With Your Neighbors
2025-09-18 11:30 - 13:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Join fellow Older Adults for a bring-your-own Kosher style lunch. This is a great place to meet your neighbors, connect with your Jewish community, and enjoy a meal in the company of friends new and old! Desserts, coffee, and tea are provided.
Each month will feature a guest speaker. In September, we will hear from a Regional Parks Nature Specialist who will provide exciting early insights into our upcoming Nature Walk activity.
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For more information email Gravity: gravity.goldberg@jcceastbay.org

¡Cantamos!
2025-09-28 10:30 - 12:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Come welcome the Jewish New Year at ¡Cantamos!
Blow the shofar! Dip apples in honey! Experience the rhythmic fusion of Jewish and Latin traditions with Verónica Freidkes, our creative musician, child educator, and Argentinian singer.
Together, through joyful singing and movement, we’ll embrace our shared cultural bond in this lively musical rendezvous.
Tailored especially for families with children ages 0-8. All are welcome!
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¡Ven a recibir el Año Nuevo Judío en ¡Cántamos!
¡Toca el shofar! ¡Moja las manzanas en miel! Experimente la fusión rítmica de las tradiciones judía y latina con Verónica Freidkes, nuestra música creativa, educadora infantil y cantante argentina.
Juntos, a través de cantos y movimientos alegres, abrazaremos nuestro vínculo cultural compartido en esta animada cita musical.
Diseñado especialmente para familias con niños de 0 a 8 años. ¡Todos son bienvenidos!
Register here.
¡Cantamos! is a collaboration between JCC East Bay, Olamim, Jewtina y Co., and Tkiya.
¡Cantamos! es una colaboración entre JCC East Bay, Olamim, Jewtina y Co., and Tkiya.

East Bay Jewish Writing Circle
2025-09-29 19:00 - 20:30 | Beit Chabot, 5939 Chabot Rd, Oakland, CA, 94618, United States
Join fellow community members for a monthly generative writing experience. With an open theme, facilitators will bring to the table a genre, idea, passion, or otherwise Jewish-themed passage to inspire the evening’s compositions.
Our September facilitator will be Gahl Pratt-Pardes.
Register here.

Sukkot Community Celebration
2025-10-05 15:00 - 17:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Get your shake on!
Celebrate Sukkot with the JCC East Bay. We’ve partnered with Berkeley Moshav, Jewtina y Co., Eden Village West, Wilderness Torah, and Camp Tawonga to bring you a fun and interactive afternoon.

Shake a lulav and etrog, make a delicious smoothie, decorate a family picture frame, create multicultural sukkah decorations, play Sukkot games, and more!

Register here.
Cost: $12/per adult

Nosh With Your Neighbors
2025-10-09 11:30 - 13:00 | JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
Join fellow Older Adults for a bring-your-own Kosher style lunch. This is a great place to meet your neighbors, connect with your Jewish community, and enjoy a meal in the company of friends new and old! Desserts, coffee, and tea are provided.
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For more information email Gravity: gravity.goldberg@jcceastbay.org
