Saturday will mark 20 weeks since Oct. 7, the day that Hamas attacked Israel and the ongoing war began. The Israel-Hamas war has dominated public discourse, sparking protests, cease-fire resolutions and a spike in antisemitism. The Bay Area Jewish community continues to host events to help navigate life in a post-Oct. 7 world. Here are several upcoming events. Did we miss any? Email [email protected].
Sunday, Feb. 25
“Cultivating Hope in a Post October 7th World”—Jewish advocates and educators Amy Albertson and Hilary Hawn and Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen discuss antisemitism faced by Bay Area Jewish young adults. Moderated by American Jewish Committee regional assistant director Oleg Ivanov. Presented by JLeaders. At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 2-5 p.m. $18, $36 at door.
Tuesday, Feb. 27
“State of the Community”—Tye Gregory, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council Bay Area, discusses the work the organization is doing to combat antisemitism and addresses issues facing the local community. Online. 7-8 p.m. Free.
Thursday, Feb. 29
Israel Advocacy Workshop—JCRC Bay Area presents a workshop on how to discuss the Israel-Palestine conflict with elected leaders and offers practical skills for responding to common issues and questions. Online. 12:30-1:30 p.m. Free.
“In Focus: Israel and Gaza”—Journalism professor, political commentator and editor-at-large for Jewish Currents Peter Beinart discusses the Israel-Hamas war. Part of a series presented by Congregation Sherith Israel. Online. 7-8 p.m. Free, registration required.
Friday, March 1
Chochmat HaLev Kabbalat Shabbat—Friday night service with potluck oneg, followed by “Ask Me Anything on Israel/Palestine” HeartSpace circle with Zvika Krieger, who previously worked in Egypt and Lebanon as a journalist and in the US Defense Department and State Department on Israel-Palestinian peace negotiations, security cooperation and humanitarian assistance. At Chochmat Halev, 2215 Prince St., Berkeley. 6 p.m. Free.
Sunday, March 3
Unity March—Solidarity march and rally against antisemitism from Embarcadero Plaza to Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco. Community leaders, activists and politicians will speak at the rally. Meet at Embarcadero Plaza at the foot of Market Street, across from the Ferry Building. 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Monday, March 4
“Zionism: An Emotional State”—Derek Penslar, director of Harvard’s Center for Jewish Studies, discusses his book exploring the emotions that have shaped Zionist sensibilities and practices over the movement’s history. Presented by Stanford’s Taube Center for Jewish Studies. At CCSRE conference room, 450 Serra Mall, Stanford. 5 p.m. Free.
Tuesday, March 5
“Israeli Unity Post Oct. 7”—Discussion with JIMENA program director Sapir Taib and social activist and journalist Ophir Toubul. Part of the Voices of Distinctions series featuring contributors to JIMENA’s Distinctions journal. Online. 11:30 a.m. Free.
Wednesday, March 6
“Peacebuilding in the Heart of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict”—Doctoral candidate Isabela dos Santos explores how the villagers of Wahat al Salam-Neve Shalom, aka the “Oasis of Peace,” live together as a mix of Palestinian Arab and Jewish Israeli citizens of Israel through the lens of everyday peacebuilding. Presented by Taube Center for Jewish Studies, Abbasi Program in Islamic Studies and Department of Religious Studies. At Encina Commons, Stanford University, 615 Crothers Way, Stanford. 5 p.m. Free.
Thursday, March 7
“How To Support Jewish Teens Since Oct. 7”—The Jewish Community High School of the Bay presents a workshop for parents and guardians to learn how to support teens during heightened times of stress and trauma. Topics include managing the college search as a Jewish student, the history of Zionism and understanding slogans and language in the media and online. At S.F. location provided with registration. 5-7 p.m. Free, registration required.
Tuesday, March 12
In Focus: Israel/Gaza with Standing Together—Israeli activists Sally Abed and Alon-Lee Green discuss the work of Standing Together, largest Jewish-Arab grassroots movement in Israel. Presented by New Israel Fund, by The Kitchen, JCCSF, Congregations Sherith Israel, Emanu-El, Beth Sholom and Sha’ar Zahav. At Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California St., S.F. 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 13
Special Lunch With Standing Together—Israeli activists Sally Abed and Alon-Lee Green discuss the work of Standing Together, largest Jewish-Arab grassroots movement in Israel. Desserts provided, BYO lunch. Presented by Congregation Etz Chayim, Congregation Beth Am and New Israel Fund. At Congregation Etz Chayim, 4161 Alma St, Palo Alto. 12:30 p.m. Free.
Standing Together for a Just and Shared Future in Israel—Israeli activists Sally Abed and Alon-Lee Green discuss the work of Standing Together, largest Jewish-Arab grassroots movement in Israel. Presented by Temple Sinai, the New Israel Fund, Congregation Beth El and Congregation Netivot Shalom. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 14
“Supporting Jewish Families in the Post October 7 World”—Jewish LearningWorks presents panel with psychologist and trauma expert Dr. Betsy Stone, congregational educator Hadas Rave and Jewish LearningWorks’ past president Julie Dorsey to share the challenges our schools, camping and youth programs are facing post-Oct. 7, and how they are supporting them. Online. 9:30-10:45 a.m. Free.