The PJCC welcomes all to take part in learning experiences that celebrate Jewish life and culture. Learn and see how Judaism’s wisdom and practices can help you live with a joyful sense of well being.
PJCC’s Annual Israel Forum:
Making Meaning of this Historical Moment:
Understanding the Challenges & Implications of Israel’s Current Political Landscape
Featuring Award-Winning Journalist Linda Gradstein
Sunday, February 5 • 4:00 pm • Hillsdale High School Little Theater (3115 Del Monte Street, San Mateo)
Sliding Scale Tickets: Complimentary Admission: Free • General Admission: $18 • Supporter Admission: $50
As an American-born, Israel-based journalist, Linda Gradstein offers a unique and nuanced perspective. She is a frequent contributor to Voice of America, CBS Radio, and the Jerusalem Report; and she teaches journalism at NYU–Tel Aviv. Gradstein earned both the Overseas Press Club Award, and the Alfred I. Dupont Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism. Prior to her current assignments, she spent 20 years reporting for NPR. She speaks both Hebrew and Arabic, and raised her family in Israel. Gradstein’s lecture will offer a sophisticated exploration of today’s Israeli politics, and the implications for American Jewry.
PJCC Chai Society donors are cordially invited to an exclusive reception with Linda Gradstein, immediately following her presentation. To learn more about the PJCC’s Chai Society, visit pjcc.org/chai or email development@pjcc.org.
“Linda was insightful, smart, engaging and had a unique perspective in her keen ability to interpret what is happening on the ground in Israel for a sophisticated American audience.”
—Carole R. Zawatsky, CEO, Washington DC JCC
Questions? Please email jewishlife@pjcc.org
Well-Being Walks with Rabbi Laurie
Monthly on Mondays Beginning February 6 • 1:15 pm
Meet in front of PJCC Main Lobby
Just in time for Tu b’Shevat: Join us for our first monthly stroll to the lagoon with a dash of Jewish teaching. Meet in front of PJCC. This collaboration between the Jewish Life and Wellness committees is free and drop-in. This activity will take place monthly on a Monday, so come when you can, and get engaged with your mind, body and spirit!
2023 North Peninsula Scholar in Residence
Rabbi Dr. David Ellenson
Thursday, March 9 – Sunday, March 12
A collaborative partnership with our North Peninsula Jewish institutions
The North Peninsula Jewish community is honored to welcome Rabbi Dr. David Ellenson as our 2023 Scholar in Residence. A leader in the Reform movement, he is internationally recognized for his publications and research in the areas of Jewish religious thought, ethics, and modern Jewish history. Widely respected for his scholarship, integrity, and respectful discourse, Rabbi Ellenson’s collaborative leadership has reflected his commitment to advancing Jewish unity.
More information to come about our Scholar in Residence events! To learn more about Rabbi Dr. David Ellenson, read his bio here.
Reserve your tickets for this year’s events here.
J-BA’IT: San Francisco Bay Area Community Israel Trip
June 26–July 6, 2023
Join the six Bay Area JCCs for the journey of a lifetime as we celebrate Israel’s 75th anniversary. Whether you are traveling alone, with a partner or with your family we invite you to discover and experience this incredible country. The program has been developed to give you the opportunity to be a part of the wider Bay Area community and also to OFJCC Silicon Valley Community Trip to Israel experience program tracks according to your interests. Our time together will be devoted not only to getting to know this land, but also to having many personal encounters that will tie us to its unique communities. We will spend time with our own families and be welcomed as part of the larger Israeli family as well.
This trip is presented in partnership with Oshman Family JCC, Peninsula Jewish Community Center, Addison-Penzak JCC, JCCSF, JCC East Bay, and the Osher Marin JCC. Learn more about the trip here.
Guided Mindfulness Meditation
Mondays • 9:30 am
Join us for meditation practice led by respected scholar and mindfulness mentor Rabbi Lavey Derby.
Meditation is an invitation to cultivate awareness of the present moment without judgment. We approach each moment with courage, curiosity, and compassion, creating space for whatever arises. As we practice, we learn to let go of the struggle with what is, to embrace ourselves and others in compassion, and to rest in the Mystery.
Registration required; email Rabbi Lavey Derby to sign up. Takes place via Zoom.
Life, It’s Complicated Ⓟ Ⓥ
Thursdays • 10:15 am
Note: No meeting November 24
Join Rabbi Lavey in this free ongoing weekly conversation about Jewish topics of interest, Jewish perspectives on contemporary issues, and how Jewish wisdom can help us live a more meaningful life.
Attend in person or via Zoom. Registration required; email Rabbi Lavey Derby to sign up.
Yiddish Club
Tuesdays • 11:00 am
Increase your Yiddish vocabulary, learn about Yiddish culture, and make sure the mamaloshen lives! Yiddish speakers of all levels are welcome; fluency not required. Peer led.
If you are interested in joining the virtual group, please contact Kimberly Gordon (kgordon@pjcc.org) to get the Zoom link.
