Events & Speakers

Chana Bloch

Erev Shabbat Service March 9
Poet, translator, and scholar, Chana Bloch taught English at Mills College for over 30 years. Her most recent book, Blood Honey, has been described as “poems of intimate memory and sure-handed imagination [that] survey the human condition with a tender, compassionate, and unflinching gaze.”

Lehrhaus: The Kings and Queens of Israel: Studies in Triumph and Tragedy

Wednesdays, March 14, 21, 28, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at Congregation Shomrei Torah
Thanks to the recent discoveries in archaeology and ancient text research, we know far more about Israel’s monarchs than we did just 10 years ago.  This course will integrate biblical scripture, excavation finds and Near Eastern texts to let students time travel to the world of David and Solomon (and their queens), the not-so-infamous Ahab (and Jezebel.) Cost: $40/$30 members.  Contact Congregation Shomrei Torah to register.

“Blood Libel” and the Massacre of 1190

Wednesday, April 4
“Blood libel”, the medieval misconception that Passover rituals demand the use of Christian blood, justified often violent anti-Semitism.  Learn more about the origins of the blood libel, a tragedy it caused in medieval England and the recent resurgence of the slur, from Adrian Praetzellis, Professor of Anthropology at Sonoma State University.  7:00 – 8:30pm.  Free.

Gabi Moskowitz

Erev Shabbat Service April 13
Chef, writer and the editor-in-chief of the nationally-acclaimed blog, BrokeAss Gourmet, Gabi Moskowitz teaches readers how to prepare fresh, wholesome, restaurant-inspired meals on a budget. April will mark the publication of her first cookbook.

Lehrhaus: “Wine and the Jewish Spirit” with Rabbi David White

April 25
Why is wine different from all other agricultural products, particulary in Judaism?  Explore how wine inspires us to find spirituality in the course of everyday life with Rabbi David White, Executive Director of WineSpirit, a secular program connecting wine and spirituality.  Of course, there will be wine tasting!  Wednesday, 6:30 – 8:30pm.  $30 for members.  Contact Congregation Shomrei Torah to register.

Rabbi Lavey Derby: “The Master Stories that Shaped Jewish Consciousness”

May 2, 9, 16, 23

Study three core stories of the Jewish people – creation, covenant and exodus – with Rabbi Lavey Yitzchak Derby, the eight generation direct descendant of the Chassidic master Reb Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev and a student of the Zohar and Chassidic teaching since 1971.  Four Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:30pm.

Dan Nichols In Concert

May 6
Rock on Shomrei Torah with one of the most beloved and influential contemporary Jewish music bands in the country in a concert for all ages! Dan Nichols’ energy, enthusiasm and music enriches every Jewish community that he visits in a meaningful and inspirational way, and his music, like The Na Na Song and B’tzelem Elohim, are among the most popular songs in liberal Judaism today