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		                                    Welcome		                                </span>
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		                            <span class="slider_description">Etz Chayim is an independent congregation
located in the heart of Silicon Valley</span>
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		                            	Learn More		                            </a>

Happening at Etz

All Events
  • Wednesday ,
    JulJuly  2 , 2025
     
     
    Etznik Talk Judaism: An Overview of the Philosophy and Practice as Understood by Alex Sadovsky (Online Only)

    Wednesday, Jul 2nd 12:00p to 2:00p
    This presentation is an attempt to analyze the teachings of Judaism by considering: a) its ambient context on the one hand and (b) its inner constructs and workings on the other hand. Alex has prepared a series of visuals to help articulate his ideas. Alex was born in Odessa, USSR (now Odessa, Ukraine). His family immigrated to the US when he was 14. He went to the University of California to get his degree in mathematics and currently works for NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. Alex, his wife Katya, and their sons Zachar and Noam, are members of Etz. Alex takes trombone lessons and practices martial arts (not at the same time).

    MORE INFO

  • Saturday ,
    JulJuly  19 , 2025
     
     
    The Road to Recovery - with Director Udi Ben Seadia

    Shabbat, Jul 19th 8:15p to 10:00p
    Udi Ben Seadia, a writer and theater director, has been volunteering to drive Palestinian patients from checkpoints to hospitals in Israel—a journey he now explores in a new documentary. The film delves into the human stories and complex questions surrounding Israeli-Palestinian dialogue, especially after October 7, 2023. Udi will be present at the screening for a post-film conversation with the audience.

    MORE INFO

  • Sunday ,
    AugAugust  17 , 2025
     
     
    Etznik Talk - Jews of Bahrain: A Personal Perspective with Vicky Sweiry Tsur (Online & in person)

    Sunday, Aug 17th 7:30p to 9:00p
    Join me as I share the story of the tiny Jewish community in Bahrain through the customs and lifestyle of my family, and the ups and downs experienced by Jews in an Arab land.

    MORE INFO

  • Friday ,
    AugAugust  29 , 2025
     
     
    Women's Retreat 2025 (off-site)

    Friday, Aug 29th 9:00a to 11:55p
    ETz Women's Retreat Walking the Path of Renewal with Tova Birnbaum A Journey of Hope, Healing, and Connection August 29-31 Jesuit Retreat Center in Los Altos Please click here to learn more and register

    MORE INFO

 

Everyone is welcome!

We are Jews who were raised Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Orthodox, or Secular. We are Jews who have or have not been Bar/Bat Mitzvah. We are Jews by choice or part of an interfaith family. Our common thread is that we are all interested in furthering our spiritual life, singing, Jewish education and community participation.  We invite you to come to a service or one of our activities.

קהילת "עץ חיים" הינה מקום מיוחד במינו. בית חם, פתוח ומקבל אשר אינו משתייך לזרם דתי כלשהו ומורכב מחילונים, מסורתיים, רפורמים וקונסרבטיבים, משפחות יהודיות ומעורבות, ישראלים ומקומיים המנהלים ביחד חיי קהילה יהודית עשירים

BECOME A MEMBER

About Us

Located in Palo Alto California, Congregation Etz Chayim is a vibrant Jewish community, participatory and egalitarian, independent and inclusive, which melds elements from Judaism’s different branches to create our own practices. Together with our spiritual leader, Rabbi Chaim Koritzinsky, our congregants are exploring what it means for each of us to identify as a Jew (or a part of a Jewish family).

 

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If you seek a spiritual experience within a diverse Jewish community that emphasizes worship, singing, learning, service and community, Etz Chayim may be a good fit for you. If you want to talk to someone, simply stop by or phone or office at 650-813-9094.


CONTACT US

Experience Etz

Shabbat Services

Shabbat evening services are held every Friday at 7:30 p.m. and last about an hour. Shabbat morning services are held every Saturday at 10 a.m., and with Torah reading, last about two hours. Everyone is welcome to attend either service, including services that celebrate a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

Adult Learning

At Congregation Etz Chayim, we view adult learning as a stepping stone to deeper knowledge and understanding of the rich Jewish tradition. We offer diverse intellectual, creative and spiritual programming to strengthen connections among congregants and help us integrate Judaism into our lives.

Teens

Are you a teenager looking for ways to broaden your involvement with Jewish life in the Bay Area or to make new friends or lend a hand in your community? Are you a parent thinking about the next steps of Jewish engagement for your teenager? There are many opportunities for teens, and we can help you identify the right one for you.

Youth & Family Education

We offer learning opportunities for families with children as young as two years old through high school. Building community is a cornerstone of our philosophy and mission, and our youth learning programs reflect that value.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

We are exceptionally proud of our Bar/Bat Mitzvah program and how students and families experience the process of preparing for and celebrating this important life event. Our program is rigorous, meaningful and individualized, and serves to build community and connections among the students and families.

Community Responsibility

What inspires you to get up in the morning? What keeps you up at night? Could you answer these questions about the person you live with? Work with? Pray with? When we ask what we as a congregation wish to do in the area of Tikkun Olam, a first step is to have one-on-one conversations to strengthen relationships with one another.

Interest Groups

Etz social groups are member driven. We currently have groups who hike together, read together, sing together, and knit together, among many other activities. Have another interest? Members are always free to start their own groups.

Next Gen

Next Gen is a Jewish community of adults in their 20's and 30's affiliated with Congregation Etz Chayim. We participate in the life of the Etz Chayim community by holding member led events to explore our connections to Judaism and each other. Everyone is welcome. 

BECOME A MEMBER

Since 1995, our diverse Jewish community has gathered to worship, celebrate, learn, and share life’s joys and sorrows. We invite you to become part of this community.

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Sat, June 21 2025 25 Sivan 5785