Jews’ Next Dor

Congregation Beth David’s Young Adult Group (CBDYAG)

Young Adult Shabbat in the Park: Saturday, July 26, 2008

Posted by jewsnextdor on July 22, 2008

Celebrate the end of the week with Jews’ Next Dor, and enjoy Shabbat and the outdoors together.

Join Jews’ Next Dor, Congregation Beth David’s Young Adult Group open to all Jewish 20 and 30 somethings for Shabbat in the Park (facebook). This Saturday, July 26, 2008.

Come anytime between 9:30am and Noon to Congregation Beth David (CBD) and join with the congregation for Shabbat morning services including Torah reading. Learn a little about this week’s portion from this podcast 2-minute Torah Parsah Matot.

At noon we’ll meet in the lobby of CBD and walk together to a local park to enjoy potluck lunch, the outdoors and each other.

Wear:

  • If joining us for services you may want to dress up a bit more then you would for the park. Majority of the males wear slacks with a button up dress shirt and majority of the women wear skirts, some wear slacks with a nice top. You can wear whatever you’re comfortable. You’re welcome to bring a change for the park and change in the restrooms at CBD.
  • Wearing sunscreen or having a hat for the park is recomended.
  • Wear/bring shoes that you can walk a few blocks in, and you can walk on grass in. The park has lots of grass.
  • Comfortable outdoor wear for the park, especially if you plan on playing any outdoor sports.

Bring:

  • A vegetarian or dairy dish to share that’s ready to serve and won’t spoil in the sun. Please post what type of dish you plan to bring so we don’t end up with only dessert or only salad. Paper goods will be provided.
  • A change of clothes/shoes if want something more casual for the park.
  • Blanket/towel to sit on in the park, there are limited picnic tables in the park.
  • Sports equipment (ex. frisbee)

Schedule:

  • 9:30am-Noon Shabbat morning services at Congregation Beth David (come any time)
    • 10/10:15ish Torah Services begins
  • Noon Meet in the lobby at CBD then walk to the Park.
    • Time to change clothes if needed. Besure to have your potluck dish and anything you want for the park with you.

A few other details:

  • Congregation Beth David is located at 19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga, Ca 95070.
  • RSVP to jewsnextdor[at]gmail.com appericated, let us know what potluck dish you’re bringing, if we should look for at services or if we’ll see you at noon to walk to the park.
  • Congregation Beth David is a Conservative synagogue, seating is open and egalitarian.
  • Look for some young adults at services in the back pew, in the center set of pews.
  • The bulk of services will be done in Hebrew there are books with transliteration at the seats. A few readings are in English as well as the Torah discussion.
  • Please post what dish you plan to bring

Posted in CBDYAG, Congregation Beth David, Events, Holidays, Jews' Next Dor, Young Adults | Tagged: , , , , , , | No Comments »

“Someone to Run With” Hit Israeli Film in Palo Alto

Posted by challahbackgirl on July 18, 2008

With all the SF Jewish Film Festival Hype, don’t forget that that Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival offers films year round, and at their festival October 26 to November 19. August 17 they bring you the hit Israeli Film Someone to Run With. Playing in Palo Alto. See the Trailer and details below.

The hit Israeli film, “Someone to Run With,” based on the book of the same name by renowned Israeli author David Grossman, will be shown in Palo Alto as part of a joint sponsorship of the Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival, the Albert L. Schultz Jewish Community Center of Palo Alto, the Israel Center and the Israel House.

Sponsors - JCCPA, Israel Center, Israel House

The film will be screened at the Cubberley Community Theater, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto (map), Sunday, August 17 at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served on the patio, following the film.

For ticket information, go to www.brownpapertickets.com, or call 1-800-838-3006. Tickets are $8 in advance, and $7 in advance, seniors and students. At the door, tickets are $10, and $9, senior and students.

Someone to Run With

SUMMARY: A teen-aged girl suddenly disappears, becomes one of Jerusalem’s “throw away” children, and falls into the clutches of a Fagin-like character. Concurrently, a teen-aged boy is assigned to track her down to serve a dog license citation. As the boy realizes that she is in danger, it becomes his mission to rescue her. Based on the novel by famed Israeli writer David Grossman, the young characters mature quickly and at the same time overcome fear.

Director: Oded Davidoff; Israel, 2006; Hebrew with English subtitles; Color; Feature Length: 118 Min.

Posted in Community, Culture, Events, Israel | No Comments »

Jewish Families Group: Creating Meaningful Jewish Moments

Posted by cbdyag on July 17, 2008

POSTPONED DUE TO COMMUNITY FUNERAL

The first class of the new Congregation Beth David series for young Jewish families is this Sunday, July 20.

Creating Meaningful Jewish Moments

Teaching children to love Judaism is one of our most important and potentially meaningful tasks as Jewish parents. Although this may seem challenging, especially amidst the hectic life of having a toddler, it is a lot easier than it sounds. All it takes is an open heart, a few tips and tricks, and the desire to dedicate a few moments during our daily lives to the creation of Jewish memories. Come join us for this user-friendly three part series designed to help you share your love of Judaism with your toddler.

Babysitting will be provided so that you can bring your toddler with you. Bagels and coffee will also be provided. All levels of experience and knowledge are welcome and each class is independent of the other so you can feel free to drop in on any one that you choose.

If you have any questions, please contact Rabbi Schonbrun at 408.366.9104 or
EencoderM(”schonbrun”,”beth-david”,”org”)
schonbrun@beth-david.org . This event is open to the community.

Time: 10:30-11:30 am

Dates/Topics:

POSTPONED Date TBA July 20: Layla Tov: Creating Bedtime Ritual
August 3: Shabbat Shalom: Making Shabbat Special
August 17: Tzedakah: Creating a Sharing and Caring Toddler

Where: Congregation Beth David, 19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga, Ca, 95070

About the Jewish Families Group:

The Jewish Families Group is open to all Jewish families in the greater Silicon Valley. The purpose of the group is to allow Jewish families expecting babies, with babies, or young children, to meet each other. It is all volunteer run. If you would like to volunteer to run an event, to be added to the email list, or removed from the list, send an email to:

EencoderM(”rstashower”,”gmail”,”com”)

rstashower[at]gmail.com.

The Jewish Families Group is connected with Congregation Beth David. The group started when several congregants just had babies and several more were pregnant. Those babies are now toddlers and young children, and more babies are on the way. Community-wide, we found others wanting to join the group, some with babies, some with slightly older children. All are welcome.

Posted in Congregation Beth David, Families | No Comments »

AIDS Walk SF in the News

Posted by jewsnextdor on July 16, 2008

Team Jews’ Next Dor is gearing up for AIDS Walk SF this Sunday, July 20, 2008. Thanks to everyone who’s sponsored our walkers, you can still do so on our team page. Or join us Sunday morning, at Golden Gate Park, Sharon Meadow. Check in as a walker at 9am then join us at our team table.

Here’s a bit about this year’s walk that was in the recent news.

Reuters: AIDS Walk San Francisco Takes Big Green Step Forward

KRON 4: AIDS Walk San Francisco Boosts Number of Teams and Benefiting Agencies

From Reuters

AIDS Walk San Francisco Takes Big Green Step Forward

San Francisco's Largest AIDS Fundraising Event Goes GREEN with Online
Communications, Recycling and Awareness

SAN FRANCISCO, July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Francisco AIDS Foundation
and AIDS Walk San Francisco announced today key initiatives to 'Green' the HIV
fundraising event that is already a San Francisco institution. The initiatives
include the introduction of Green Walkers, composting, and enhanced recycling.
"With the Foundation's focus on the overall health of our community, as
well as our commitment to preventing new HIV infections, 'greening' AIDS Walk
made great sense," said Mark Cloutier, Chief Executive Officer of the San
Francisco AIDS Foundation. "Every person who participates will walk towards a
future where people and our shared environment are both healthier." Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Community, Events, Jews' Next Dor, Social Action, Young Adults | Tagged: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Are you a Jewish Film Buff? Enter the SFJFF Trailer Trivia Contest

Posted by challahbackgirl on July 9, 2008

Miss UniverseGet ready for the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival’s (SFJFF) 28th season, by watcher their trailer (http://sfjff.org/festival_2008/trailer/festival/) that is packed with clips from past seasons of the festival and great Jewish films. Recognize the films in the trailer? Great! Enter the festivals contest to win festival passes to the 29th season, be the first to have tickets for next year’s festival. Here’s all the details from the festival website:

Enter the SFJFF’s Trailer Trivia Contest!

There are over 40 clips comprising our Festival trailer this year. How many can you identify? Check out our trailer at http://sfjff.org/festival_2008/trailer/festival/ then send your best guesses to trailer@sfjff.org. The person who responds with the most correct answers will get two all-Festival passes to the 29th San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, at a general admissions value of $225 each — and a total value of $450!

Hint: Trailer clips are almost entirely from features, documentaries and shorts that have been screened in past San Francisco Jewish Film Festivals.

E-mail your entries to trailer@sfjff.org along with your name, phone number, email address, and mailing address. Please format your entry in list form so that each film clip title is on a separate line. All entries must be received by August 11th, 2008. Contest winner will be announced August 31, 2008.

This year’s trailer was directed by Bay Area filmmaker Tiffany Shlain, founder of the Webby Awards and director of The Tribe (SFJFF 2006).

Good luck contestants, and happy viewing!

Posted in Community, Culture | Tagged: , , , , , , , | No Comments »

First Ever Second Saturday Stoplight Party: Dress to Stop Traffic

Posted by challahbackgirl on July 9, 2008

The monthly party for the Jews on the Second Saturday at the Cellar in SF is stopping trafficing this month, as they host their first Stoplight Party. What does this mean? If you’re single & available wear GREEN. If you’re taken wear RED. And if it’s questionable wear YELLOW.

Facebook event

For 2 hours every month, the Cellar closes its doors to the public and hosts an exclusive event for anyone Jewish, ages 21-40.  Over 250 of you join us every month making it the hottest place to be! If you haven’t experienced the Second Saturday scene now is the time to check it out.

Everyone receives 5 FREE Drinks Tickets to use from 8-10pm in both rooms. We feature rotating Jewish Guest Bartenders serving up your concoctions and scrumptious desserts to enjoy. $10 cover all night. This event is not to be missed!

The Cellar, 685 Sutter Street (at Taylor), San Francisco, Ca 94102

Make sure you’re on their list to receive more information. Want to bartend? Email secondsaturday@cellarsf.com.

For those looking for a more mellow social activity for Saturday night, head on over to the Drive-in with Jews’ Next Dor

Posted in Community, Events, Young Adults | Tagged: , , , | No Comments »

Natan Sharansky in Palo Alto July 15, 2008

Posted by challahbackgirl on July 9, 2008

Natan Sharansky: Defending Identit y

in conversation with David Waksberg

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

1:00 pm

at Kehillah Jewish High School

3900 Fabian Way / Palo Alto, CA 94303

FREE!

Complimentary light lunch catered by Izzy’s Bagels

RSVP to Jennifer Eisenbud Sawle (jeisenbud@bjesf.org) at 415.751.6983 x108

Co-sponsored by:

ALSJCC, Jewish Community Federation, , Kehillah Jewish High School,

Congregations Beth Jacob, Etz Chayim, and Kol Emeth

BJE Jewish Community Library and BJE Peninsula Learning Resource Center.

Autographed books will be available for sale by bob and bob fine jewish books and gifts.

Identity gave me the strength to become free.

When Jews abandon identity in the pursuit of universal freedom, they end up with neither.

Yet when they embrace identity in the name of freedom, as Soviet Jews did in the 1970s, they end up securing both.

-Natan Sharansky, Defending Identity

Natan Sharansky is an internationally renowned human rights activist, political leader, and author. He is the Chairman of the Shalem Center’s Institute for Strategic Studies. Natan Sharansky was born in 1948 in Donetzk, Ukraine. After graduating from the Physical Technical Institute in Moscow, he became active in the human rights movement. At the same time he applied for an exit visa to Israel, which he was denied for “security reasons”. In 1977, a Soviet newspaper alleged that Mr. Sharansky was collaborating with the CIA. Despite denials from every level of the U.S. Government, including President Carter himself, Mr. Sharansky was found guilty and sentenced to thirteen years in prison, including solitary confinement and hard labor. In the courtroom prior to the announcement of his verdict, Mr. Sharansky in a public statement said: “To the court I have nothing to say – to my wife and the Jewish people I say ‘Next Year in Jerusalem.’” After nine years of imprisonment, due to intense international pressure, Mr. Sharansky was released on February 11, 1986, emigrated to Israel, and arrived in Jerusalem on that very day.

David Waksberg is the Executive Director of the Bureau of Jewish Education. A leader in the Soviet Jewry movement, David was the Executive Director of the Bay Area Council for Soviet Jews and Vice President of the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews.  David worked with Natan Sharansky and other leaders of the Soviet Jewish emigration and human rights movements to promote freedom and Jewish Identity for Soviet Jews.  David was one of the founders of the first human rights bureau in Moscow in 1990, and helped establish the first JCC in St. Petersburg.

Posted in Community, Events | No Comments »

New HIV Benchmarks Worldwide: Join AIDS Walk SF

Posted by jewsnextdor on July 4, 2008

Signup for AIDS Walk SF 2008 by Noon July 9th

Register for Team Jews

We reached our team member goal! Thanks to all those, including Rabbi Pressman, who have signed up to walk 10 with us in the fight against AIDS. You can still sign up to join our team, Jews’ Next Dor online until Noon on Wednesday, July 9th.

But now we need everyone’s help to reach our fund raising goal. AIDS Walk San Francisco benefits the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Proceeds from the event also fund HIV/AIDS Community Grants, administered by the Horizons Foundation.  In 2008, grants will be distributed to 50+ HIV/AIDS organizations serving the six Bay Area counties.See the full list of who benefits here, not to mention the great exercise the walkers get. You can sponsor our whole team, or individual walkers, a few of our walkers have taken the Star Walker Challenge, to raise $1,000, please help them reach their goals. Thank you in advance for all your tax deductible donations. Let’s help AIDS Walk SF have a another record breaking year! Together we can step up and stop AIDS.

San Francisco AIDS Foundationwww.SFAF.org .  Established in 1982, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation develops innovative solutions, combining  evidence-based strategies with community experience to fight HIV/AIDS and promote holistic good  health.  With the unrestricted funds raised by AIDS Walk San Francisco, the Foundation is able to provide direct services to thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS and focus intensive prevention programs to  those most at risk of contracting the disease.

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation continues to lead the way in HIV/AIDS advocacy, lobbying for critical  policy change in Sacramento and Washington, and working to ensure unfettered access to life-saving HIV  treatment and care.

Your support enables the Foundation to realize its mission of ending the pandemic and human suffering  caused by HIV.

Check out the 40 page Program Guide in PDF now. New statistics are currently coming out on HIV, see what the SFAF has to say about them. Still 25% of people don’t know they have HIV.
HIV statistics

Posted in CBDYAG, Community, Congregation Beth David, Events, Jews' Next Dor, Social Action, Young Adults | Tagged: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

28th Annual San Francisco Jewish Film Festival July 24-August 11

Posted by challahbackgirl on July 3, 2008

I can’t believe it’s that time of year again, it’s like only yesterday that we were enjoying, or standing in line for the 27 annual SF Jewish Film Festival. But, it’s Back this year for it’s 28th festival, and it has grown. This year’s festival features 70 films, from 19 countries presented in 114 screening in 5 locations.

Georgia My LoveFor those of you who spent time waiting in line last year at the Palo Alto venue, only to not get in. This year they’ve changed venues to a bigger theater, but learn from the past and get your tickets in advance! This a popular festival, and you’ll want to be sure to have a seat.

The festival also features many great events, like meeting directors, opening night bashes, and special deals. Not to mention many of these films are premiering, and have won or been nominated for awards.

The line up includes films for everyone, from documentary’s to comedy, from romance to politics, you name it, this festival has it all. With such a diverse selection, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy. Or you’ll be like me and be over whelmed just reading the program guide.

One of the films recommended for young adults is Black Over White. Which is about The Idan Raichel Project 2006 concert tour in Ethiopia, and issues of identity. You’re rocked out to their music a few times over the last two years, most recently at Israel in the Gardens. Now have a different experience with the band, get to the them. And don’t miss out on The Hubs post film happy hour with the filmmakers, after the SF showing. (facebook event for happy hour)

Join The Hub, Be’chol Lashon, and the New Israel Fund for an exclusive happy hour with the filmmakers of ‘Black Over White’ at A Bon Port. Light Mediterranean apperizers and wine will be served.

TICKETS FOR THE SCREENING DO NOT INCLUDE ENTRANCE TO THE HAPPY HOUR

TICKETS FOR THE HAPPY HOUR ARE $5

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW AT 415.292.1200! SPACE IS VERY LIMITED!

Black Over WhiteBLACK OVER WHITE
Tomer Heymann followed Israeli pop/world-beat band The Idan Raichel Project on their 2006 concert tour to Ethiopia and emerged with a documentary that rollicks and rocks. The film, part lighthearted road trip, part examination of multiculturalism in Israel, is a close-up ride with the young Israeli-Ethiopian-Yemenite band members, who muse on the loss of their heritage and on their excitement as tourists embracing roots in Africa. Black Over White deftly explores their cultural ambivalence and their experience of racism back home in Israel. One of the musicians is reunited with his grandmother in Addis, music is made with rural villagers and in urban clubs, and in one poignant sequence, future immigrants to Israel meet the musicians. The culminating concert—a fusion of Middle Eastern multiethnic grooves—is a success and emotional high point, but for the band members, the meaning of home remains elusive.

Film starts at 4:30 at the Castro Theater
Happy Hour starts at 6:30 at A Bon Port

Founded in 1980, the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival is the first and largest of its kind in the world. Today, we are more than a festival: we are the leading advocate for independent Jewish cinema.

Other films recommended for the young adult crowd are Flipping Out, Homemade Hero, It Kinda Scares Me, Jews in Shorts, Mom, I didn’t Kill Your Daughter, Stalags-Holocaust and Pornography in Israel, Tel Aviv by Girls. But of course you’re welcome to see any of the films offered.

Get your tickets now as films are sure to sell out!

If you’ve seen or see one of the films at the festival we’d love to post your comments (review). Send your guest post to jewsnextdor[at]gmail.com

888-go-kosher film

Posted in Community, Culture, Events, Israel, Learning, Music, Young Adults | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Music Saves Lives Van’s Warped Tour Blood Drive: Congregation Beth David July 8th Noon to 6pm

Posted by challahbackgirl on July 3, 2008

American Red Cross has team up with Van’s Warped Tour for a slew of Music Saves Lives blood drives. Give Blood, Get Music, or rather VIP backstage passes. One of these drives will be held at Congregation Beth David, next Tuesday, July 8 from Noon to 6pm. Visit the American Red Cross website (https://www.beadonor.com/) to schedule an appointment. Buy Warped Tour tickets online.

Music Saves Lives

To find out the location, date, and time of other Music Saves Lives drives, including San Francisco, San Jose, Walnut Creek and others enter sponsor code, warpedvip, for the list of drives from now through August 11.

The Music Saves Lives drive at Congregation Beth David will be held in the Social Hall, 19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga, CA 95070 from Noon to 6pm.

Just one blood donation can save up to 3 lives, so start saving lives today. See the Red Cross website for eligibility requirements.

Red Cross Logo

Posted in Community, Congregation Beth David, Social Action | Tagged: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »