When it comes to innovative learning opportunities, the Bay Area Jewish community is in a class of its own.
In the days and weeks ahead, several dynamic events, conferences and exhibitions get under way across the region. Each by itself merits a “must see” (or in many cases, a “must do”). Collectively they reveal a vibrant community eager for connection to Jewish faith and culture.
In Millbrae, the 13th International Association of Yiddish Clubs is now meeting for four days of music, workshops and kibitzing in the Mamaloshen. The event has drawn scholars and experts and other enthusiasts from around the world, each intent on preserving Yiddish as a living language.
Next Shabbat, April 30, Temple Sinai in Oakland will premiere Cantor Stephen Saxon’s exciting new musical compositions. Saxon drew on the idiom of gospel to inject some righteous spirit into his music, with refashioned prayers for the lyrics.
Based on Saxon’s online music samples, the audience next week will have never heard an Amidah, Aleinu, Bar’chu or Sh’ma quite like these. Temple Sinai should be rocking that night, as once again Jewish worship and ritual show their amazing adaptability.
Ritual also takes a front-row seat this week at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco with “Reinventing Ritual,” a new exhibition that has reconfigured common Jewish objects –– seder plates, menorahs, spice boxes ––with remarkable flair.
Our cover story describes many of the 57 objects on display, such as the comic book version of the Book of Esther and a Havdallah spice box made from a petri dish. For generations, Jewish ritual objects have elicited ever-new aesthetic engagement with Jewish artists. The proof is on exhibit, through Oct. 3.
On May 2, Lehrhaus Judaica’s annual Bible
by the Bay –– a full day of Torah study –– comes to the gorgeous Oshman Family Jewish Community Center in Palo Alto. Nearly two dozen scholars, rabbis and teachers will explore the Tanach from various creative angles, giving the event its usual popular appeal.
No matter how many millennia go by, we Jews will always gain fresh inspiration and insight by studying our book.
The Bay Area Jewish community is vibrant and exciting, always making time to look inward, re-examine our culture, our religion, our peoplehood, and discover something new.
Naturally, with a region so rich in resources and ideas, it’s possible we left out mention of some upcoming happenings. We wish we could list all of them. Even better, we wish we could attend all of them.
But maybe you can. Put these events on your calendar, and go. Take advantage of this extraordinary community.