Congregation Etz Chayim

For children in Kindergarten and 1st Grade (and sometimes their grown-ups!) Parents and children explore and experience Jewish holidays, history, values, culture, prayer and more through many different avenues including stories, games, art, music and cooking.

Join us in a moderated conversation on a fundamental topic of our time: the complex relationship between Zionism and anti-semitism in the United States. Each person will have the opportunity to voice their ideas, free of judgment. Participants are encouraged to read The Unraveling of American Zionism by Daniel Gordis as background for the conversation. Though Gordis has a strong perspective, our moderated conversation does not raise one position over another. We welcome critical, opposing perspectives with the only requirement being mutual respect for each other.

A time for those who identify as women to come together to build community, get to know each other, and celebrate the Rosh Chodesh (new moon, new month) holiday. For the month of Tevet, we will gather and make SoulCollage cards. SoulCollage is a simple collage process with images and journaling that helps us access our intuition and inner wisdom. No art experience necessary. Supply list: adhesive (like glue stick), images (from magazines, books), scissors, and 5x8” cards that can be used as the base of your collage. Cards can be index cards, cut up cereal boxes, paper, cardstock, etc.

Pastor Danielle Parish of Spark Church, which meets on Sunday afternoons at Etz Chayim, was an official Conference Observer at this year's gathering in Glasgow. She will report on her experiences and key moments and decisions and discuss how faith communities can continue to pursue justice in our current climate crisis.

Hineini, "Here I am" is a phrase that appears multiple times in the Torah. What does it mean for each of us to respond, "Here I am, a Jew in the 21st century?" For grades 7-8.

This is an ongoing, drop-in class that is open to everyone looking for a deeper, rational understanding of Torah. No Hebrew skills or Torah study experience are required.

Held on the third Wednesday evening of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m., this is an informal gathering allowing us to connect and support the women in our community. We'll meet at Kali Greek Kitchen, 451 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306. (We'll meet inside, or outside on the patio, depending on the weather).

Join Rabbi Emeritus Ari Cartun as he explores the weird and wonderful text of the Talmud. No tidbit is too small to consider, No familiarity with Talmud or Hebrew is needed and all questions are welcome!

Kabbalat Shabbat Service with Rabbi Chaim Koritzinsky. Shabbat evening services are held every Friday at 7:30 p.m. and last about an hour. Sharon Fingold will be speaking on Storytelling and Legacy.

This is an ongoing, drop-in class that is open to everyone looking for a deeper, rational understanding of Torah.