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Jewish Renewal

Makom Shalom — aka the Forest Synagogue of West Sonoma County — is the most recent addition to the local communities inspired by Earth-based Judaism and Jewish Renewal. (Courtesy Makom Shalom)
Posted inReligion

A ‘Forest Synagogue’ grows in Sonoma County

by Sue Fishkoff September 19, 2025September 20, 2025

Inside a “fairy ring” of young redwoods that sprang up around the downed trunk of an older tree, a new congregation has begun praying together in the tiny, rural town […]

Zvika Krieger, the new spiritual leader of Chochmat HaLev, has brought Jewish spirituality to many milieus — including leading Shabbat services at Burning Man in 2018. (Background photo/Sasha Juliard)
Posted inBay Area

Chochmat HaLev, Berkeley’s ‘graying’ Renewal synagogue, names Zvika Krieger new spiritual leader

by Dan Pine April 25, 2022April 25, 2022
Keshira haLev Fife, a kohenet (Hebrew priestess), is the founder and leader of Kesher Pittsburgh, an independent, post-denominational Jewish community. (Photo/JTA-Courtesy Fife)
Posted inOpinion

Don’t call them ‘fringe’: Innovative Jewish groups seek respect from the mainstream

Gary Rosenblatt by Gary Rosenblatt and JTA February 22, 2021February 22, 2021
Lena Sclove is a prospective rabbinical student whose husband is Hindu. (Photo/Mahip Rathore)
Posted inReligion

As more American Jews intermarry, seminaries face calls to ordain intermarried rabbis

Alix Wall by Alix Wall and Forward February 9, 2021February 11, 2021
The V'ahavta page of Siddur Masorti: An Egalitarian Səfaradi Siddur. (siddurmasorti.com)
Posted inHanukkah

3 Hanukkah gifts for the liturgy lover in your life

David A.M. Wilensky
(Photo/Aaron Levy-Wolins)
J. The Jewish News of Northern California Staff Headshots. by David A.M. Wilensky December 10, 2019December 17, 2019
SooJi Min-Maranda is among the few people of color in visible leadership roles in the Jewish community. (Photo/JTA-J.D. Scott)
Posted inJewish Life

Meet the Korean-American woman who leads the Jewish Renewal movement

Josefin Dolsten by Josefin Dolsten and JTA April 17, 2019
Soon-to-be-cantor Jessica Leash is one of the founders of Ha-Emek, which has since rearranged itself into Silicon Valley Jewish Meetup.
Posted inJew in the Pew

Year-old congregation is a well of Renewal in a valley of tech

David A.M. Wilensky
(Photo/Aaron Levy-Wolins)
J. The Jewish News of Northern California Staff Headshots. by David A.M. Wilensky November 30, 2017June 10, 2026
Protest signs say things like "Tell Members of Congress, Stop All Aid to Contras"
Posted inUncategorized, Bay Area

A liberal lion steps down: Kehilla rabbi leaves legacy of social action

Alix Wall by Alix Wall February 9, 2017February 10, 2017
a group of people stand in a line in front of a banner that says "changing roles of jewish clergy"
Posted inBay Area, News

Four Bay Area residents among new Aleph spiritual directors

by Perry Fein January 31, 2017February 1, 2017

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