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Resource Guide

To help you navigate the vast array of Jewish resources in the Bay, we’ve compiled our first (and ever-evolving!) Gather Guide.
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The Gather Guide

Whether you’re looking for an urban Jewish farm, a synagogue without walls, or somewhere to spend Shabbat dinner, we’ve got you covered.

The Gather Guide is a starting point — reach out to us if you have suggestions on organizations or initiatives to add.

If you’re not sure where to begin, let’s get coffee and we can strategize!

Jump to a topic you’re most interested in:

Community Building | Advocacy & Service | Synagogues

Community Building

Home to Rabbi Frankie Sandmel and Elaina Marshalek, Base Bay is on the Berkeley-Oakland border in Rockridge. Join them for a variety of gatherings from Shabbat dinner to weekly Torah study to holiday celebrations.

Inside Scoop

Lots of folks in their 20s and 30s hang out here! Most programs are in the evenings with some daytime/weekend gatherings.

Contact

Rabbi Frankie Sandmel
rabbi.frankie@moishehouse.org

Learn More

Camp Nai Nai Nai is for anyone ages 21-39 who wants to experience the joy, beauty, and silliness of Jewish summer camp.

Inside Scoop

Their core offering, Camp West, happens in Northern California once a year (in 2022, it was at Camp Newman in Santa Rosa—stay tuned for next year’s).

Learn More

Honeymoon Israel provides immersive trips to Israel for cohorts of young couples that have at least one Jewish partner. HMI offers opportunities for personal exploration and for building a lifelong local community.

Inside Scoop

They’ve got a whole slew of East Bay-specific events so make sure to explore those listings. Read their eligibility criteria for more details on who their trips are for and when they happen.

Contact

Randi Reed
Randi.reed@honeymoonisrael.org

Learn More

Jewish Studio Project cultivates creativity as a Jewish practice for spiritual connection and social transformation.

Inside Scoop

JSP hosts a lot of rad virtual programs for people of all ages (including lots of young adults!), as well as in-person High Holiday services in the East Bay. They’ve also got a beautiful studio in West Berkeley.

Contact

Candace Goodwin
cgoodwin@jewishstudioproject.org

Learn More

The JCC East Bay creates healthy communities inspired by Jewish values, culture, and tradition.

Inside Scoop

Some events happen at their Walnut Street location in North Berkeley. They’re in the process of opening a new campus in Rockridge in the next 3-5 years. Yay!

Contact

Sarah Wolfman-Robichaud
sarahwr@jcceastbay.org

Learn More

Jewtina y Co. is a Jewish and Latin organization on a mission to nurture Latin-Jewish community, identity, leadership and resiliency, while celebrating Latin-Jewish heritage and multiculturalism.

Inside Scoop

Many of their events are virtual but some have been in person in the East Bay. Stay tuned as they grow.

Learn More

JIMENA’s mission is to achieve universal recognition for the heritage and history of the 850,000 indigenous Jewish refugees from the Middle East and North Africa. Their programs aim to ensure that the accurate history of Mizrahi and Sephardic Jews is incorporated into mainstream Jewish and Middle Eastern narratives in order to create balance in attitudes, narratives, and discourse about Middle Eastern refugees and the modern Jewish experience.

Inside Scoop

A lot of their programs are virtual but they also have a substantial community in the Bay Area.

Contact

Sapir Taib
sapir@jimena.org

Learn More

J Leaders inspires Jewish young adults to grow their leadership capacity, connect with like-minded peers, and make a positive difference in the world by providing impactful leadership skill development illuminated by Jewish wisdom.

Inside Scoop

Their programs run the gambit, ranging like their flagship 6-month Leadership Academy, 1:1 Mentorship, Jewish Leadership Forums featuring prominent business and Jewish leaders, and one-off community-building events such as Shabbat dinners and fun outings with partner organizations.

Contact

team@jleaders.org

Learn More

Kol is a unique weekend retreat that brings together singers, musicians, and learners of diverse backgrounds.

Inside Scoop

Their inaugural retreat was in 2022 at Urban Adamah—stay tuned for information about their 2023 retreat.

Contact

Kol Retreat
kolretreat@gmail.com

Learn More

LABA is a laboratory for Jewish culture and a program of the Firehouse, located in San Francisco. LABA presents Judaism’s rich literary and intellectual tradition in a free and creative setting, so that these fertile stories and ideas spark new thought and creative work.

Inside Scoop

They open applications to artists and creatives to join their fellowship just once a year (in the fall) but they also host public events.

Contact

Elissa Strauss
labafirehouse@gmail.com

Learn More

The LUNAR Collective cultivates connection, belonging and visibility for Asian American Jews through intersectional community programming and authentic digital storytelling.

Inside Scoop

They have lots of virtual opportunities to connect plus in-person programming throughout the Bay Area! Several of their staff and volunteers are also based in the Bay.

Contact

LUNAR Collective
hello@weareasianjews.org

Learn More

The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life, is a museum and research center at the University of California, Berkeley. It is one of the world’s preeminent Jewish museums. The Magnes connects people of all backgrounds with the history, vibrancy, and diversity of Jewish life around the world through its collections-based exhibitions and programs.

Inside Scoop

The Magnes is free and open to the public Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 11-4 and Thursdays 11-7 during the academic year. They are easy to get to in downtown Berkeley and also have a lot of cool programs!

Contact                   

Magnes Staff magnes@berkeley.edu

 

Minyan Dafna is an independent traditional egalitarian minyan in Berkeley that comes together two to three times a month for Friday night (Kabbalat Shabbat) and Shabbat morning davening.

Inside Scoop

At this point, services are mostly two Saturday mornings a month but their mailing list is the best way to stay in the know. This is a volunteer-run project so signing up to help is a great way to get involved.

Contact:

info@minyandafna.org

Learn More

Mission Minyan is a vibrant, lay-led, non-denominational Jewish community centered in San Francisco’s Mission District. They gather for spirited, liturgically complete davening (prayer), as well as study and social events. Their practice is guided by traditional halacha (Jewish law), gender equity, and respect for variations in personal observance.

Inside Scoop

Mission Minyan hosts Friday night services every week, a Tisch (community meal) about every other month, as well as Saturday morning services roughly every other week. They generally meet at the Women’s Building in the Mission District of San Francisco.

Contact                      

 info@missionminyan.org

Learn More

Moishe House residents host a wide range of programs, all created by and for Jewish adults in their 20s and early 30s.

Check out the two houses in the East Bay:

Lake Merritt, Rockridge

And the four houses in San Francisco:

Dolores Park, the Castro, Nob Hill, and San Francisco Russian Speaking Jewish House.

Inside Scoop

Each house has a different flavor and set of programs, based on the interests and skills of the residents. Check their specific calendars and Facebook pages/groups for more intel.

Learn More

Retreatology is the premier training in the art of Jewish Retreat-Making. Participants (or “Retreatologists”) learn how to create a Jewish gathering for their friends and community from start to finish. From goal-setting to venue selection to experience design, we cover it all. We are looking for community builders, creatives, and people who dream big!

Inside Scoop

Retreatologists are eligible for a grant of up to $5,500 to plan and execute the Jewish learning retreat they have always dreamed of creating. Whether it’s creative writing, Jewish mindfulness, Jewish food or Torah yoga, Retreatology and Moishe House are here to make it possible.

Contact

retreatology@moishehouse.org

Learn More

 

New Lehrhaus is the Bay Area’s non-denominational lifelong Jewish learning institution dedicated to academic excellence, open inquiry, contemporary relevance and cultural and religious pluralism.

Inside Scoop

Most classes are on Zoom, with lots of options for learning Biblical and Modern Hebrew, Talmud, and much more.

Contact

New Lehrhaus
programs@newlehrhaus.org

Learn More

Nigun Collective gathers to sing nigunim—soulful, wordless melodies from new and old Jewish tradition—in community.

Inside Scoop

Held at a rotation of locations, including Base Bay, Moishe House Rockridge, and Urban Adamah. Add yourself to their Google Group to get more intel. Listen to past collectives and learn tunes here.

Contact

Atid Kimmelman
atid.b.k@gmail.com

Learn More

Olamim is a Latin Jewish learning community for families and individuals. They offer culturally-responsive programs grounded in community-based research on Latin Jewish families. Through education, research, and cross-community partnerships, Olamim generates greater access to heritage language and culture, bridge diverse communities, and create a foundation for Latin inclusion and belonging in Jewish communal life.

Inside Scoop

Their community programs include a year-round Olamim Family School, seasonal Spanish-language programs that center nature and the arts, and community-wide holiday festivals that center Latin Jewish cultural expressions. Although many of their experiences focus on families, they encourage everyone to check them out!

Contact

Ariela Ronay-Jinich

olamiminfo@gmail.com 

Learn More

Inspired by ancient Jewish wisdom, OneTable is a national non-profit that empowers folks (21-39ish) to find, share, and enjoy Shabbat dinners, making the most of their Friday nights.

Inside Scoop

Check the Bay Area page to find a dinner or host your own!

Contact

Zoe Stricker
zoestricker@onetable.org

Learn More

 

Onward Israel focuses on personally and professionally uplifting young people, allowing them an authentic taste of modern day Israel while gaining experience and knowledge through an internship opportunity. 

Inside Scoop

Onward offers several young adult focused programs, from a Bay Area summer program to Career Passport (a WorkCation program in Tel Aviv) to the Tel Aviv Pro program. Inquire with them directly for the status of these programs, which do vary throughout the year.  

Contact

Jason Steckler.

jasonst@onwardisrael.org

Learn More

A volunteer-run group that meditates every Wednesday evening at 6.30pm, with time for check-ins and sharing.

Inside Scoop

Join this WhatsApp group and look at their spreadsheet (linked in the group chat) to see upcoming sits. A good way to get involved is to host or facilitate one evening.

Learn More

Urban Adamah is an educational farm and community center in West Berkeley that integrates the practices of Jewish tradition, mindfulness, sustainable agriculture, and social action to build loving, just, and sustainable communities.

Inside Scoop

UA has tons of in-person and virtual events for a wide range of interests and ages so be sure to check their calendar. For folks 21-30 years old, explore their residential, multi-month fellowship where you live on the farm!

Contact

Urban Adamah
Info@urbanadamah.org

Learn More

Wilderness Torah awakens and celebrates earth-based Jewish traditions through inclusive and intergenerational village-building.

Inside Scoop

WT mostly offers multi-day in-person festivals as well as some online classes. Tons of young adults show up here, and we recommend going with a friend if you can.

Contact

Wilderness Torah
info@wildernesstorah.org

Learn More

Advocacy & Service

The Anti-Defamation League is an international Jewish non-governmental organization based in the United States that specializes in civil rights law and combats antisemitism and extremism.

Inside Scoop

Each year, the ADL offers the Glass Leadership Institute (GLI), specifically for young adults, a multi-month leadership development program that empowers participants to fight hatred in their communities. They usually open applications in the fall.

Contact

Alystar Sacks, Assistant Regional Director, Central Pacific Region

ASacks@adl.org

Learn More

The Bay Area Chapter of Bend the Arc: Jewish Action is a movement of progressive Jews across America who are building a country that lives up to our values of justice and equality for all.

Inside Scoop

The best way to get involved is to volunteer! Ask about the locations of their chapters as there are a few in the Bay Area.

Learn More

Hebrew Free Loan is a non-profit which offers interest-free loans to the Jewish residents of Northern California and to all employees of Jewish organizations (regardless of religious background). Loans are available for education, fertility, debt consolidation, small business, Covid relief, and more.

Inside Scoop

Most loans are up to $20,000 (business loans are up to $50,000) and can be turned around within days. Assistance is available for individuals, families, and small business owners.

Contact

Valerie Rocklin, Loan Operations Manager

 

Learn More

 

IPF Atid was created in July 2017 as Israel Policy Forum’s young professional-led community to engage and empower the next generation of leaders to build a resilient community, elevate discourse, and advance a two-state vision in Israel.

Inside Scoop

They host a number of young adult events,  including Shabbat dinners, and lectures, as well as fellowships, summits, delegations, and other programs, that are both virtual and in-person.

Contact

Max Webb
mwebb@ipforum.org

Learn More

J Street organizes pro-Israel, pro-peace, pro-democracy Americans to promote US policies that embody our deeply held Jewish and democratic values and that help secure the State of Israel as a democratic homeland for the Jewish people. We believe that only a negotiated resolution agreed to by Israelis and Palestinians can meet the legitimate needs and national aspirations of both peoples.

Inside Scoop

J Street’s Young Leaders Network is  is a national organizing cohort whose members work on the political, legislative and communal fronts to advance diplomacy and progressive Israel-related policies and principles.

Learn More

JFCS East Bay is a community-based, direct social and human services organization that serves and supports Alameda and Contra Costa County residents of all ages, races, and religions. Guided by Jewish values and in collaboration with the diverse communities we serve, JFCS East Bay contributes to the resilience of communities, families, and individuals through advocacy and comprehensive support services at every stage of life.

Inside Scoop

Check out all the ways to Get Involved through a variety of volunteer opportunities that support Holocaust survivors, older adults, folks with disabilites, and immigrants and refugees. Whether you’re looking for a one-time opportunity to give back or become a regular volunteer, JFCS East Bay has meaningful ways to support and engage with your community!

Contact

JFCS is a lifeline for children, families, and older adults facing personal crises or challenges. For residents of San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, Santa Clara, and San Mateo counties, JFCS provides over 40 programs, including home care for seniors, therapy for children, youth volunteer programs, services for people with disabilities, and much more.

Inside Scoop

Check out their Young Adult Community Connection program, which has monthly volunteer opportunities for professionals in their 20s and 30s who are looking for a way to contribute, learn, and connect through service and volunteering. They also run a leadership fellowship!

Contact

Tamar Zaken
tamarz@jfcs.org

Learn More

JOCI works to build a truly multiracial, anti-racist Jewish community in which Jews of Color can experience joy and reach their full potential and belonging as leaders and community members.

Inside Scoop

Founded in the Bay Area, JOCI mostly hosts virtual programs and offers grant opportunities. Sign up for Galim, their incredible newsletter, as they sometimes host in-person meet-ups for Jews of Color and presentations for the wider community.

Learn More

Jews On Ohlone Land activates our Jewish communities in solidarity with Indigenous sovereignty.

Inside Scoop

There are lots of ways to support their work, including becoming a member, paying the Shuumi land tax, sharing their newsletter, and more.

Learn More

The New Israel Fund (NIF) helps Israel live up to its founders’ vision of a society that ensures complete equality to all its inhabitants. Our aim is to advance liberal democracy, including freedom of speech and minority rights, and to fight the inequality, injustice and extremism that diminish Israel.

Inside Scoop

New Generations is NIF’s is their community of young professionals, social activists, community leaders, and students in their 20s and 30s who are committed to the work of NIF. They have a San Francisco chapter, which hosts webinars, movie screenings, giving circles, fellowships, book clubs, and Shabbat dinners where you can break bread and learn about social justice.

New Gen provides an opportunity to learn about and engage with the most important issues facing Israel today by building relationships with activists on the ground.

Learn More

Repair the World mobilizes Jews and their communities to take action to pursue a just world, igniting a lifelong commitment to service.

Inside Scoop

A group of young adults cooks soup every Wednesday, and there are other recurring and one-off events as well.

Contact

Celena Ritchey
celena.ritchey@werepair.org

Learn More

Northern California’s first and only Jewish agency dedicated solely to ending domestic violence in the Jewish community, Shalom Bayit fosters the social change and community response necessary to eradicate domestic violence in the Jewish community. They provide programs and services to over 2,000 individuals throughout the Bay Area each year. Contact them at 510-845-SAFE.

Inside Scoop

There are lots of ways to get involved with the work Shalom Bayit does including community organizing, office support, outreach, event planning, and public speaking.

Contact

Liana Thomason                       Liana@shalom-bayit.org

Learn More

Synagogues

Chochmat is a Jewish Renewal congregation that is a source of fresh, relevant, and inspiring pathways into Jewish practice.

Inside Scoop

Check out HeartSpace, a group for open-hearted, spiritual folks in their 30s(ish) to meet new friends and build community. They meet about monthly—join their WhatsApp group for details. They hold a mix of online and in-person programs!

Learn More

Congregation Emanu-El is a Reform synagogue in the Richmond district of San Francisco. They are dedicated to connecting members with their Judaism and history at the highest level and bringing Jewish values to life in meaningful and inspiring ways.

Inside Scoop

There are tons of offerings for young adults, including their famous Late Shabbat (every second Friday), plus holiday gatherings, a leadership committee, and more.

Contact

Sarah Squarsino Overton
soverton@emanuelsf.org

Learn More

Netivot Shalom began in 1989 and grew out of their founding members’ collective commitment to creating an egalitarian spiritual home for Conservative/Masorti Jews.

Inside Scoop

They have a young adults group that meets about once a quarter for Shabbat dinners and holiday celebrations—ask about their WhatsApp group.

Contact

Elana Congress
elana.congress@gmail.com

Learn More

Kehilla Community Synagogue is a Jewish spiritual home for politically progressive people by Lake Merritt in Oakland.

Inside Scoop

There are lots of queer and trans folks on the bimah and in the community, as well as specific programs for POC/Jews of Color. A mix of in-person and virtual services, learning, B*mitzvah programs, conversions, and more.

Glitter Kehilla is a community space for 20- and 30-somethings that hosts Shabbat potlucks!

Contact

Rabbi SAM
rabbisam@kehillasynagogue.org

Learn More

The Kitchen is a synagogue that meets at various locations in San Francisco. In their words, they are “one part Shabbat + justice + torah community, one part San Francisco experiment and one part tool kit for Jewish life at home.”

Inside Scoop

If you’re feeling iffy about attending Shabbat services by yourself, or just want to meet other young and definitely social adults, then Kitchen Social Club is for you.

Contact

Kayla Pollack
kayla@thekitchen.org

Learn More

The Orchard is a sacred community within Beth Am, a progressive Reform synagogue in Silicon Valley. Located in Los Altos, The Orchard is led by one of the Beth Am rabbis, Jonathan Prosnit.

Inside Scoop

This group is specifically for young adults and young families! Lots of beautiful, in-person events.

Contact

Emily McCrone
emily_mccrone@betham.org

Learn More

Temple Sinai is a Reform synagogue located in uptown Oakland, not far from Lake Merritt. They are a diverse community of individuals of all ages who come together for prayer, learning, community, social justice, and more.

Inside Scoop

Temple Sinai is primarily comprised of families with young children, including those who join for the preschool or religious school (called Kesher), as well as empty-nesters, older adults, and Jews by choice. Sinai offers many classes per year, including an Introduction to Judaism course in partnership with Beth El in Berkeley. Twice a month, they hold musical services including their well-attended First Friday musical service in the round featuring an all-volunteer band.

Contact

Rabbi Julie Bressler

rabbibressler@oaklandsinai.org

Learn More

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