Embrace ancient traditions. Create new ones. Break bread. Break new ground. Take a break to breathe deeply. Bring the family. Participate in experiences that engage body, mind, and spirit. Join us, for wellness—the Jewish way.
The PJCC is committed to both Wellness and Jewish values and ideas. SHALEM: The Jewish Wellness Initiative melds these two core missions.
Jewish tradition has a great deal to offer anyone who seeks wholeness of body, mind, and spirit. Judaism’s wisdom, teachings, and practices support us to live flourishing, resourced, integrated, resilient lives with a joyful sense of balance and well-being.
From ancient teachings to modern-day practices, we are encouraged to cultivate qualities—such as gratitude, joy, compassion, mindfulness, thoughtful reflection, as well as physical wellness—to enhance our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
By providing programs that allow you to experience the intersection of wellness programs and Jewish wisdom, we are offering a new field called “Jewish Wellness.” Join us, for wellness—the Jewish way.
Jewish Wellness offerings are organized according to the PJCC’s ‘wellness your way’ formula: Nourish, Move and Engage. Nourish your body and mind with wholesome foods and programs that promote healing and healthy choices. Move your body for greater physical strength, flexibility, and stress relief. Engage your mind and connect with your community to build meaningful relationships and enhance cultural, intellectual and spiritual understanding.
Experience our Menschville Podcasts. Join Rabbi Lavey Derby and Julie Emden for 10-minute meditation and yoga practices that help you focus on one “middah” (character trait) as we move through the year.
Watch for upcoming events!
Get your hands dirty and join us for a service day in the PJCC Justice Garden! Activities this month include gardening work and learning about food justice issues. All levels of experience are welcome. Registration is required; ages 4+.Instructor: Meghan Orth, Garden Manager.
Friday, May 25 (Note new date) • 10:30 am – 12:00 pm • Treehouse A • $10 for Center and Community Members/$15 for the Public
The Torah refers to Israel as “a land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of olive and honey.” These Seven Species figured prominently in both the foodways and religious observance in ancient Israel — the first fruits of their harvests were brought as offerings to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem — and they remain important in Israeli agriculture and Jewish culture today. Each species contains a special holiness reflected in the unique blessing recited after eating them, thanking God for the goodness of the land. Learn more about the significance and health benefits of these species, followed by a cooking demo and tasting of recipes featuring one or more of these fruits. Pre-registration required. Instructor: Nicole Cruz.
Sunday, May 6 • 1:30 – 3:30 pm • Yoga Studio • $18 for Center and Community Members/$25 for Public
Awaken and open the body to cultivate equanimity (Menuchat Ha’Nefesh) in your life with this Iyengar-based yoga practice focused on balancing postures and twists. The practice will be infused with teachings from the Jewish mystical tradition. Pre-registration required.
Instructors: Julie Emden, RYT-500 and Tracey Green.
Join a friendly, social group for 2–4 mile hikes in San Mateo County or San Francisco. Hikes are usually held on the first Sunday of the month. (All are welcome, but hikes are geared towards those in their 60’s and 70’s.) For details, email Dave Cohen or call 650.574.2558.
Thursdays, weekly • 1:30–2:30 PM • Board Room
Free for Center and Community Members and the Public
Drawing on the experience of mindfulness and on insights of the Jewish spiritual path, give yourself the gift of wellness through meditation. Instructor: Rabbi Lavey Derby.
Fridays (*See below for dates) • Two Sessions: 9:30–10:30 am and 10:30–11:30 am • Board Room • Free for Center and Community Members and the Public
Celebrate Shabbat in a relaxed and playful, community atmosphere with music, creative prayer, movement, and more. Experience and connect with Shabbat in a brand new and energetic way guranteed to nurture family bonds and build connections to Jewish life and values. For grownups and their little ones. Registration required.
Spring dates: April 13–June 1, 2018
Instructor: Jeni Markowitz Clancy
Saturday, May 12 • 3:00 – 5:30 pm • PJCC Campus • Free for Center and Community Members and the Public
Unplug. Slow down. Experience what it means to be connected. Meet up with family and friends for a screen-free afternoon. Enjoy live music, fun for families and adults, food and drink for everyone! Co-sponsored by Reboot. Free! All are welcome!
See the Pink Ribbon page for more information about ongoing programs. For more information, please contact our Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist, Vicki McGrath at vmcgrath@pjcc.org or 650.378.2727.
