PJCC Art Gallery - Peninsula Jewish Community Center
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PJCC Art Gallery

Located in the Koret Learning Center hall, the Art Gallery at the Peninsula Jewish Community Center is committed to showcasing the works of talented Jewish artists as well as presenting exhibits that explore Jewish values, themes and ideas. Our exhibits are designed to stimulate personal thought and lively conversations among our members and guests. Exhibits are free and open to the public!

Mental Wellness: Caring for Our Whole Selves (Shleimut) Series at the Peninsula Jewish Community Center (PJCC), running from April to June 2025, integrates Judaism, mental wellness, and the arts to foster dialogue, reduce stigma, and promote holistic well-being. The program includes art exhibitions, interactive workshops, and wellness activities.

In partnership with the Blue Dove Foundation and BeWell.
With appreciation for the Eva Chernov Lokey Endowment for Programs.
With thanks to sponsor Peninsula Health Care District.

 

Jewish Voices on Mental Health

April 10 – June 25, 2025

Judaism has a long tradition of recognizing that refuah shleimah, healing and wholeness, is not just physical; it is holistic with physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual components that are all interconnected. Creating and experiencing art are powerful tools that allow us to cope with challenges, foster connections with our community, and deepen our understanding through empathy.

This exhibition aims to foster a space for open dialogue on mental health, reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction. The seven artists whose works are on display: Lindsay Belnick, Sarah Cohen, David Coons, Sam R. Fein, Serach Aleria Sarra, Michael Dean Shelton, and Ellen Weinstein all responded to an open call seeking art that explores intersections between Judaism and mental health.

Curated by David Coons with contributions from Carly Coons, Kimberly Gordon, and Beth Lipschutz.

 


Wellness & Mindfulness

Wellbeing Walks
Mondays, April 21, May 12, June 9 | 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM
Join us for a refreshing walk with reflections on Jewish teachings and wellbeing.
Meet at PJCC Front Desk | FREE

 

Author Talk: Shulamit Sofia From Oy to Joy
Tuesday, April 29 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Learn about maintaining joy and a positive mindset as you age with author Shulamit Sofia, MSW.
PJCC Board Room | FREE – Register here

 

Shalom Within: Jewish Wisdom for Mental Wellbeing
Monday, May 19 | 11:00 AM
A virtual session blending Jewish teachings with modern mental health practices.
Zoom | FREE – Register here

 

Slow Looking: A Mindfulness Practice
Monday, June 9 | 11:00 AM
Looking mindfully helps us be fully in the moment. Expand your observation process through mindfulness practices to help increase awareness and mindful presence.
PJCC Board Room | FREE – Register here

Children & Families

Supporting Kids with Anxiety

Thursday, May 8 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
A practical workshop drawing on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for caregivers supporting anxious children. Presented by Carly Coons, Director of Education and Programming at the Blue Dove Foundation and Beth Lipschutz, Wellness Educator, BeWell.
ECE MPR | FREE – Register here

 

Kids’ Night Out: Minds in Bloom
Saturday, May 17 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Children (Grades TK-5) will engage in mindfulness activities, art, and music to support mental wellbeing, concluding with a movie night. Dinner included. This is a drop-off event, so grown-ups also have a night out!
ECE MPR | $45 – Register here

Visual Art

Art With the Artist: Calm Sewing with Ellen Weinstein
Sunday, May 4 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
A hands-on sewing workshop exploring creativity and mindfulness. No experience needed. All ages welcome.
PJCC Art Gallery | $20 (Materials Included) – Register here

 

Gallery Reception and Tour
Sunday, May 4 | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Meet curator David Coons and artists Sarah Cohen & Ellen Weinstein. Refreshments provided.
PJCC Art Gallery/Lobby | FREE – Register here

Community Conversations

Mental Health 101
Thursday, April 17 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
This presentation by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) San Mateo County provides information on the prevalence and diversity of mental health conditions and personal testimonies.
PJCC Board Room | FREE – Register here

 

“Gratitude and You” Workshop
Wednesday, May 7 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Explore Jewish teachings on gratitude and its impact on wellbeing. Participants are welcome to arrive early (for a social lunch at noon) with a brown bag lunch (no pork or shellfish, please) or purchase one at Café at the J. Hosted by Get Up & Go & Beth El Senior Friendship Club.
PJCC Board Room | FREE – Register here

 

Values & Prayer in Mental Wellness
Thursday, May 8 | 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Examine middot (Jewish values) and prayers like Mi Sheberach in connection to mental wellbeing.
PJCC Conference Room A | FREE – Register here

 

Fri J: Taking Care of Our Mental Wellness
Friday, May 9 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
In the spirit of Shabbat, drop by for self-care tips and resources to incorporate into your daily routine.
PJCC Lobby | FREE

 

Building Belonging: Supporting LGBTQ+ Resilience & Wellbeing
Wednesday, June 4 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Explore ways to foster resilience and hope in the LGBTQ+ community.
PJCC Classroom AB | FREE – Register here

North Peninsula Jewish Collaboration 

Friends of all backgrounds are warmly invited.

Mourning & Learning: Yom HaShoah 2025
Sunday, April 27 | 3:00 PM – 5:45 PM
The program includes an optional session on intergenerational trauma and collective healing led by Mor Gavish, psychotherapist.
Congregation Beth Jacob | FREE – Register and learn more at pjcc.org/yomhashoah.

 

Shavuot Celebration of Jewish Learning
Sunday, June 1 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
A night of Jewish learning with a special focus on Judaism’s approach to mental health.
PJCC | FREE

 

 


The PJCC is immensely grateful to our visionary donors.

The PJCC is proud to be a part of the Koret Initiative on Jewish Peoplehood.

We are honored to present this program through the Taube Center for Jewish Peoplehood at the PJCC.

Programs at the PJCC are made possible in part through generous support from our donors. To learn more or make a contribution, visit pjcc.org/donate.

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