Scholar in Residence Anat Hoffman
Jan
9
to Jan 12

Scholar in Residence Anat Hoffman

The North Peninsula Jewish Collaboration presents Anat Hoffman, Advocate for Religious Freedom and Womens' Rights in Israel, for a series of lectures Thursday, January 9 - Sunday, January 12.

Join us at PTBE Sunday, January 12 from 9:30-11 a.m. for her lecture, The Struggles Within: Conflicts That Shape Israel's Identity. More info, and lecture preview here.

Questions? Contact PJCC.

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Mah Jongg at Peninsula Temple Beth El
Dec
15
1:30 PM13:30

Mah Jongg at Peninsula Temple Beth El

Join us for the next PTBE/PTS drop in hosted by PTBE. Please note that familiarity with the game is required since there will be no instruction.

Bring your card, yourself and a friend or two. Also some of the advanced and intermediate tables play for money so do not forget your change purses.

Register here to join us at PTBE.

Contact Lisa Bernstein with any questions about registration.

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Shabbat Hallelu and Community Shabbat Dinner
Dec
6
5:15 PM17:15

Shabbat Hallelu and Community Shabbat Dinner

Temple members are invited to join us for our next Community Shabbat Dinner December 6 at 5:15 p.m. This dinner will precede our Shabbat Hallelu Service which begins at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP by Sunday, December 1 to let us know how many of you will be attending so that we can plan food accordingly. Please include yourself in the total number of adults.

Upon registration, we will bill your temple account.

We are able to offer reduced pricing to participate, with thanks to a generous donation from a PTBE Family underwriting the cost of dinner. 
Cost:
Adults 13-64/ $25 $20
Seniors 65+/ $20 $15
Children, ages 5-12/$20 Free
Children, under 5/ Free

RSVP here by December 1

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PTBE In-person Book Club
Dec
5
7:00 PM19:00

PTBE In-person Book Club

Rabbi Lisa and Lisa Meltzer Penn will lead a discussion about NYT bestselling author Lauren Grodstein's We Must Not Think of Ourselves* (Historical fiction, 304 p. 2023).  

On a November day in 1940, Adam Paskow becomes a prisoner in the Warsaw Ghetto, where the Jews of the city are cut off from their former lives and held captive by Nazi guards to await an uncertain fate. Weeks later, he is approached by a mysterious figure with a surprising request: Would he join a secret group of archivists working to preserve the truth of what is happening inside these walls? Inspired by the testimony-gathering project with the code name Oneg Shabbat, and told with immediacy and heart, We Must Not Think of Ourselves is a piercing story of love, determination, and sacrifice.

 *PTBE will NOT have loaner copies available for this event. Please purchase the book online or at your local bookstore, or visit your local library.

 Questions? Contact Lisa Meltzer Penn.

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Movie & Midrash - Denial
Nov
24
6:00 PM18:00

Movie & Midrash - Denial

We continue Movies & Midrash this year in the theme of Sacred Listening, Sh'ma.

Our next movie will be the 2016 movie Denial, based on Deborah Lipstadt's biographical story.

We will learn about the movie from Roger Feigelson, watch the movie, and Aviv Siegel will lead a lively conversation about the theme of Sacred Listening, about the movie, how the movie connects to the theme, and to our lives. (The movie is about 1 hour 50 minutes and is rated PG-13.)

Please register here and indicate whether you are planning to come in person or join us on zoom (link will be sent to all registrants).

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Artist in Residence Charlie Kramer: Disability Life Coach & Musician
Nov
8
to Nov 9

Artist in Residence Charlie Kramer: Disability Life Coach & Musician

Erev Shabbat Services: Special Guest Charlie Kramer
Friday Nov 8, 6:30 p.m.
Charlie will share his beautiful music and his story of what living with blindness is truly like, breaking common stereotypes and misconceptions about life with a disability.

Singing in the Dark: Concert with Charlie Kramer
Saturday Nov 9, 6:30 p.m.
RSVP Required
Temple members are invited to join us in a journey of the senses, blindfolding ourselves to experience the magical moment of music without our sight. Charlie will guide our community through deeply feeling the challenges in our lives and transforming them into blessings through song, prayer and meditation.  

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Movie & Midrash - 12 Angry Men
Oct
27
6:00 PM18:00

Movie & Midrash - 12 Angry Men

Welcome to a new year of PTBE Movies & Midrash!

This year we will explore in movies, discussions and sharing the theme of Sacred Listening, Sh'ma.We will open the year in a hybrid format  for our first movie of the year:  The 1957 classic Henry Fonda movie 12 Angry Men

We will learn about the movie from Roger Feigelson, watch the movie, and Aviv Siegel will lead a lively conversation about the theme of Sacred Listening, about the movie, how the movie connects to the theme, and to our lives. (The movie is about 1 hour 35 minutes and is not rated.)

Please register here and indicate whether you are planning to come in person or join us on zoom (link will be sent to all registrants).

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Eliana Light at Shabbat Service
Sep
20
6:30 PM18:30

Eliana Light at Shabbat Service

We're excited to host musician and educator Eliana Light on Friday, Sept 20 and include some of her sweet, soulful melodies in our Erev Shabbat service.

Eliana is on tour for the month of Elul, singing and learning with 15+ communities around the country to prepare our minds and hearts for the High Holy Days. She'll share her passion for prayer and unique "t'fillahsophy" with us through word and song.

Learn more about her work and music at www.elianalight.com

Please plan to join us for this very special Shabbat!

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IFC Movie & Midrash - Best of Enemies
Aug
11
5:30 PM17:30

IFC Movie & Midrash - Best of Enemies

Interfaith Friendship Committee is inviting you to our summer triple feature: dinner, movie, and discussion! Join us for a light dinner at 5:30 and movie at 6:15 pm. We will watch Best of Enemies (2019), featuring Taraji P. Henson and Sam Rockwell. The movie is inspired by true events chronicled in The Best of Enemies: Race and Redemption in the New South by Osha Gray Davidson.

 Led by Movie and Midrash co-hosts Aviv Siegel and Roger Feigelson, this event is open to all PTBE members and friends from St. Bartholomew Parish in San Mateo.
RSVP here.

 Questions? Contact Anita Siu or David Prager

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Movie & Midrash - Driving Madeleine
Jun
2
6:00 PM18:00

Movie & Midrash - Driving Madeleine

Driving MadeleineWe continue our next movie with Driving Madeleine,, a 2022 French film.

Approximately 1 hour 31 mins running time and is unrated.

We will learn about the movie from Roger Feigelson, watch it together, and following the movie Aviv Siegel will lead us in a lively discussion and see how the topic connects to our annual theme of Chesed, and to our lives.

Please register here. Indicate whether you are planning to come in person or join us on zoom. (Link will be sent to registrants.)

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A View from the Front Lines: An Israeli's Experience in the War in Gaza
May
22
7:00 PM19:00

A View from the Front Lines: An Israeli's Experience in the War in Gaza

Join us for a captivating discussion with Oren Katzir as he shares his firsthand account of returning to Israel after the October 7 attacks, his reenlistment with the IDF, and his subsequent experiences in Gaza. Gain unique insights into the realities and complexities of the conflict and its profound impact on the Israeli people.

Oren will share his perspectives on broader regional dynamics, including threats from Hezbollah and Iran, and provide an outlook on Israel's future. He'll also address the rampant misinformation surrounding the situation and suggest sources for more reliable information.

Please register here.

Questions? Contact Rob Purnell

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Shabbat Hallelu and Community Shabbat Dinner
May
3
5:15 PM17:15

Shabbat Hallelu and Community Shabbat Dinner

Temple members are invited to join us for our last Community Shabbat Dinner May 3 at 5:15 p.m. This dinner will precede our Shabbat Hallelu Service which begins at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP by Friday, April 26 to let us know how many of you will be attending so that we can plan food accordingly. Please include yourself in the total number of adults.

Upon registration, we will bill your temple account.

We are able to offer reduced pricing to participate, with thanks to a generous donation from a PTBE Family underwriting the cost of dinner. 
Cost:
Adults 13-64/ $25 $20
Seniors 65+/ $20 $15
Children, ages 5-12/$20 Free
Children, under 5/ Free

RSVP here by April 26

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Mah Jongg at Peninsula Temple Beth El
Apr
21
1:30 PM13:30

Mah Jongg at Peninsula Temple Beth El

Join us for the next PTBE/PTS drop in hosted by PTBE. Please note that familiarity with the game is required since there will be no instruction.

Bring your card, yourself and a friend or two. Also some of the advanced and intermediate tables play for money so do not forget your change purses.

Register to join us at PTBE.

Contact Lisa Bernstein with any questions about registration.

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Miriam's Seder
Apr
14
3:00 PM15:00

Miriam's Seder

Our Annual Tradition Comes Alive Again!

Sunday, April 14 in Fellowship Hall
Seder: 3-5 PM $20 per person

Join Beth El Women for a special pre-Seder event led by Rabbi Lisa and Cantor Elana celebrating the women of the Exodus and exploring the Passover story through a feminist lens. We will retell the Passover story with a special focus on honoring the women who empowered the journey, those who came before us, and those in our everyday lives who inspire and lift us up. Bring your favorite Passover dessert and a recipe card to share.  Invite your PTBE friends to join you!

This year at the Seder we are collecting women’s products and diapers for Samaritan House. Your donation is truly needed and appreciated.

Volunteers! If you would like to help on the day of the event please send us an email.

This event is open to adults and teens of all genders 13+

Register Here by Monday, April 8

Cost: $20/person

Questions? Contact Beth El Women

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Movie & Midrash - Living
Apr
6
6:00 PM18:00

Movie & Midrash - Living

We continue our next movie on a new night (Saturday) with Living, a 2022 British film.

Approximately 1 hour 42 mins running time and rated PG-13. 

 We will learn about the movie from Roger Feigelson, and watch together. Following the movie we will study a related Talmudic story, share a lively discussion about education, students, and teachers, and see how the topic connects to our annual theme of Chesed. 

 Please register here. Indicate whether you are planning to come in person or join us on zoom. (Link will be sent to registrants.)

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Adult Shabbat Retreat at Camp Newman
Mar
29
to Mar 30

Adult Shabbat Retreat at Camp Newman

There’s still a little space left!

It's not only kids who get to experience the joy of Jewish Camping! Join your PTBE clergy team Friday 3/29-Saturday 3/30 for a Shabbaton in the beautiful setting of (newly renovated) Camp Newman in Santa Rosa! We will pray, learn, hike, sing, and of course roast s’mores around the campfire - all the fun camp offers! Our theme will be “A Sanctuary in the Wilderness.”

Cost $280/person. Includes 4 meals and lodging.
Lodging For our overnight, PTBE has access to a limited number of rooms in either The Lodge or the Authentic Cabins. PTBE Staff will assign rooms on a first come, first serve basis. We will take into consideration all information shared on the registration form including: accessibility needs, party size, other individual/personal needs, etc.
Learn more about Camp Newman’s accommodations here.

Register here By March 22.

What will we do?
Here’s a sample retreat schedule:

Friday, March 29
5:00 Arrive, Check in Rooms
5:45 Welcome, Intros
6:00 Shabbat Dinner
7:00 Kabbalat Shabbat service
8:30 Bonfire/S'mores/Music around the campfire
9:30 Late night oneg

Saturday, March 30
8:30 Breakfast
9:30-11:00 Shabbat morning service
11:00 Break/Snack 
11:30 Group Program
12:30 Lunch
1:30-3:00 Chuggim Alef  (hike, Torah study, craft)
3:00-3:30 Break
3:30-5:00 Chuggim Bet (hike, Torah study, craft)
5:30-6:15 Sh’ah Simcha (Happy Hour)
6:15-7:15 Dinner
7:15 Havdallah and good-byes

Deadline to register has been extended to Friday, March 8, 2024. 

Cancellation policy: Up to March 6, 2024 full refund. Prior to March 15, 75% refund. Between March 15-22, 50% refund. After March 22, no refund.

Questions? Contact Kate Lauzar

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Purim
Mar
22
to Mar 24

Purim

PURIM IS COMING - JOIN US FOR THE FUN!

Purim Happy Hour and Shabbat Service Featuring Iconic Hits by Jewish Musicians, Friday March 22

Join us for a pre-service Happy Hour from 5:15-6:15 p.m. with The Rise of Mordechai, Esther Persia-Politans, and Haman-ade (non-alcoholic) along with some light snacks. Costumes are encouraged!

RSVP for the Happy Hour here so we can plan accordingly.

 Stay for services and join PTBE Clergy, Alison Levy, and the Hallelu Band for an upbeat Purim Shabbat service with hit songs from your favorite Jewish artists like Neil Diamond, Carole King, Billy Joel, Van Halen and more!

Purim Spiel and Carnival Sunday, March 24

Our annual Purim Carnival begins with the Purim Spiel from 10-11 a.m. followed by the carnival from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Games, food, prizes and MORE.*
*The Shushan Cafe accepts cash only.

All children through 6th grade must be accompanied by an adult.

Purchase your wristbands in advance HERE!

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Movie & Midrash - A Man Called Ove
Feb
10
6:00 PM18:00

Movie & Midrash - A Man Called Ove

We continue our next movie on a new night (Saturday) with the 2015 Swedish movie A Man Called Ove.

Approximately 2 hour running time and rated PG-13. 

 We will learn about the movie from Roger Feigelson, and watch together. Following the movie we will study a related Talmudic story, share a lively discussion about education, students, and teachers, and see how the topic connects to our annual theme of Chesed. 

 Please register here. Indicate whether you are planning to come in person or join us on zoom. (Link will be sent to registrants.)

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Repro Shabbat
Feb
9
6:30 PM18:30

Repro Shabbat

The PTBE community is invited to join our clergy and Rodfei Tzedek to observe Repro Shabbat, an initiative of the National Council of Jewish Women. We will be joined by Jewish documentary filmmaker Erin Persley to learn about her upcoming film, Human Shield. Erin documents the story of clinic escorts who ensure the safety of patients as they seek reproductive health care. Stay after Shabbat services for Oneg treats and a discussion with Erin and Rodfei Tzedek about how we can continue to work for reproductive rights.

 Contact Rebecca Schwartz for more information.

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Adult Education: Why Don't We Talk About God?
Feb
6
5:30 PM17:30

Adult Education: Why Don't We Talk About God?

Tuesdays: Feb 6, 13, 27 and Mar 5, 19, 26
5:30-6:30 p.m.
In person at PTBE, Fireside Room

Have you been talking about God lately? Come and join the conversation with Rabbi Genevieve Greinetz as we explore different ideas and imaginings of God across the span of history. We will look at ideas of God in Torah stories, Jewish philosophies across the ages, and into contemporary thought and art. You’ll walk away with plenty of food for thought and, hopefully, your own personal theology in this six-session course!

Non-Member: $18/Class

To RSVP, please email Nakia in the front office by Monday, February 5.

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Mah Jongg at Peninsula Temple Beth El
Feb
4
1:30 PM13:30

Mah Jongg at Peninsula Temple Beth El

Join us for the next PTBE/PTS drop in hosted by PTBE. Please note that familiarity with the game is required since there will be no instruction.

Bring your card, yourself and a friend or two. Also some of the advanced and intermediate tables play for money so do not forget your change purses.

Register to come soon to join us at PTBE.

Contact Lisa Bernstein with any questions about registration.

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Shabbat Hallelu and Community Shabbat Dinner
Feb
2
5:15 PM17:15

Shabbat Hallelu and Community Shabbat Dinner

Temple members are invited to join us for our next Community Shabbat Dinner February 2 at 5:15 p.m. This dinner will precede our Shabbat Hallelu Service which begins at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP by Friday, January 26 to let us know how many of you will be attending so that we can plan food accordingly. Please include yourself in the total number of adults.

Upon registration, we will bill your temple account.

We are able to offer reduced pricing to participate, with thanks to a generous donation from a PTBE Family underwriting the cost of dinner. 
Cost:
Adults 13-64/ $25 $20
Seniors 65+/ $20 $15
Children, ages 5-12/$20 Free
Children, under 5/ Free

RSVP here by January 26

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Movie & Midrash - Stand and Deliver
Jan
21
6:00 PM18:00

Movie & Midrash - Stand and Deliver

We are kicking off 2024 Movies & Midrash with Stand and Deliver, an American drama from 1988 selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

1 hour 39 min running time and rated PG. 

 We will learn about the movie from Roger Feigelson, and watch together. Following the movie we will study a related Talmudic story, share a lively discussion about education, students, and teachers, and see how the topic connects to our annual theme of Chesed. 

 Please register here. Indicate whether you are planning to come in person or join us on zoom. (Link will be sent to registrants.)

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Adult Education: Jewish Meditation with Saul Kaye
Jan
9
to Jan 30

Adult Education: Jewish Meditation with Saul Kaye

Jewish Meditation Practice with Saul Kaye

 Tuesday, January 9, 16, 23, and 30

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

In Person Only

Members and non-members register here.

Join prayer leader Saul Kaye for an hour of meditation with a Jewish setting twist. Through text prompts, niggunim, breath work, and quiet, add a moment of peace and reflection to your week.

PTBE members - no fee.

Non-Member: $18/Class

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Movie & Midrash - Amelie
Nov
19
6:00 PM18:00

Movie & Midrash - Amelie

We continue our Movies & Midrash this year with the theme of Chesed - Kindness, Loving Kindness to Radical Kindness and everything in between and more.

We will meet for our next movie, which is a French film from 2001 - Amélie (About 2 hours and rated R). 

Roger Feigelson and Aviv Siegel will lead a lively discussion about the movie and continue to unpack what Chesed is, and what the movie can teach us about embedding Chesed in our lives.

 Please register here. Indicate whether you are planning to come in person or join us on zoom. (Link will be sent to registrants.)

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Mah Jongg at Peninsula Temple Beth El
Nov
12
1:30 PM13:30

Mah Jongg at Peninsula Temple Beth El

Join us for the next PTBE/PTS drop in hosted by PTBE. Please note that familiarity with the game is required since there will be no instruction.

Bring your 2023 card, yourself and a friend or two. Also some of the advanced and intermediate tables play for money so do not forget your change purses.

Register Here to join us at PTBE.

Contact Lisa Bernstein with any questions about registration.

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Z3 2023 Conference
Nov
5
9:00 AM09:00

Z3 2023 Conference

Full day conference at the Oshman Family JCC, Palo Alto

Come together in Palo Alto for the 9th annual Z3 Conference, the home and hub for honest dialogue between Israeli and the Diaspora Jewish communities. Gather with Jewish community to hear some of the leading thinkers and make connections with others attending.

PTBE members use this link to purchase tickets, as our guests. Tickets will be free with this link.

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12-Month Interfaith Journey with Turkish-Muslim Friends
Nov
4
5:30 PM17:30

12-Month Interfaith Journey with Turkish-Muslim Friends

Twelve Months by the Bay: a Pacifica-PTBE Journey Together is the Interfaith Friendship Committee’s (IFC) major program in 2024 and a joint initiative with the Pacifica Institute of the San Francisco Bay Area. This collaboration aims at bringing members of the PTBE and the Turkish-Muslim communities together on a twelve-month journey to foster friendship and understanding by literally walking side by side.

People who travel together, grow together. Learn more here.

Please RSVP for our kick-off dinner on November 4 and the programs for the first quarter of 2024.

Questions? Contact Anita Siu or David Prager

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