Sign up for Weekday J and get the latest on what's happening in the Jewish Bay Area.

"This comes down to giving our kids memories — memories of a Jewish community celebrating together, singing together, dancing together and studying together," he said. "In this way we can celebrate the new week and our daily lives, in community — around those things that unite us as Jews."

The evening will begin at 7:30 p.m. with an outdoor havdallah service overlooking the bay. If it rains, the service will be moved indoors.

Events for all ages will follow, lasting until 11 p.m.

Half a dozen East Bay religious schools will show off their fancy footwork at a rikudiah (dance festival). The choir from Tehiyah Day School in El Cerrito will provide a warm-up of Jewish songs.

Teens can enjoy a theatrical performance by the all-female teen troupe Lilith's Midrash. Everyone is invited to the Israeli-style disco with a disc jockey spinning both Israeli and American dance favorites.

All ages can test their Judaic knowledge in a Jewish "Jeopardy"-style quiz game. Remember, every answer must be phrased in the form of a question.

Other programs include arts and crafts, a discussion on the topic "Judaism and Cosmology" and a community fair offering information on East Bay synagogues, agencies and organizations. Meanwhile, all the Lawrence Hall of Science's interactive exhibits will be open for exploration.

Molly Aronson-Gelb of Oakland, a teen participant in last year's event, called it "amazing.

"Havdallah is one of my favorite celebrations. Everyone feels close and is sharing a moment. It is amazing to be with 1,000 people and still have that feeling. It made me feel like my community was everyone there," she said.

The evening's events will be interpreted for the hearing impaired.

Weather permitting, the hall's usual array of sidewalk stargazers will be onsite with their telescopes.

Of course, noshes will be available, including Noah's bagels and shmear, Peet's coffee and tea, Semifreddi's biscotti and a birthday cake celebrating Israel's 50th year — provided by Oakland's Grand Bakery.

Havdalah Beneath the Stars is presented by the Center for Jewish Living and Learning of the Jewish Federation of the Greater East Bay. Sponsors include Afikomen Jewish Books and Gifts, Rappaport Design and Gan Eden Winery.

Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for teens and children. Volunteers and children under 2 are free. Tickets are available at Afikomen, 3042 Claremont Ave., Berkeley; at the Contra Costa JCC, 2071 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek; or by sending a check payable to: CJLL, 401 Grand Avenue, #500, Oakland, CA 94610. Tickets for checks received after Feb. 21 will be held at "will call" at the Lawrence Hall of Science. For more information or to volunteer, call (510) 839-2900, ext. 330.