Religion
Torah offers inspiration for drawing near, even in these times of separation
At this time of social isolation and fragmentation, whom do you need to draw closer to? Vayigash, one of last month’s Torah portions, brings us the…
Obituaries
Deaths for the week of Jan 10-16, 2021
Obituaries are supported by a generous grant from Sinai Memorial Chapel. This page will be updated throughout the week. Submit an obituary here. Victor…
Torah
Impatient for justice? Congratulations — you’re human
The Torah column is supported by a generous donation from Eve Gordon-Ramek in memory of Kenneth Gordon. Shemot Exodus 1:1-6:1 Rabbi: These are the names…
Lifecycles
Lifecycles for the week of Jan. 8, 2021
B’nai Mitzvahs Myca Elizabeth Barbieri Daughter of Jaime and Anthony Barbieri, Saturday, Jan. 9 at Temple Sinai in Oakland. Ava Esther and Amalia…
Organic Epicure
Israeli street food is inspiration for new kosher catering outfit
Food coverage is supported by a generous donation from Susan and Moses Libitzky. Spencer Brodie was always interested in food. On any Jewish holiday,…
Religion
Shaken by violence at Capitol, Bay Area rabbis offer solace
Jews “know the danger of the mob.” That’s what Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco wrote in a message to congregants on Wednesday evening, following a…
First Person
The prayer for the government comes alive
I remember many years ago feeling ambivalent about the prayer for the government recited in synagogues every Shabbat morning. Were we sanctifying the…
Parenting
My kids want to know: Are fairies real? Are Jedi? What about bats?
We’ve been watching a lot of family movies over our extended winter break, and my children have questions. Regarding “Home Alone”: Do the robbers really…
Bay Area
From retail shop to Jewish center: East Bay Chabad spruces up new digs
It used to be a shop that sold healing crystals, but for the past year, the storefront at 1710 University Ave. in Berkeley has been the place that Rabbi…