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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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To donate to the 2024 Chanukah Appeal, please click here. Thank you for your generous support.

Happening at Etz

All Events
  • Monday ,
    DecDecember  9 , 2024
     
     
    Etznik Talk- Meir Amit: Reflections on an Israeli Hero (Library & Zoom)

    Monday, Dec 9th 7:00p to 8:00p
    Shai Tsur will share the history of his grandfather Meri Amit, IDF General, Head of the Mossad, Knesset Member, and technological visionary, who passed away 15 years ago. He was one of the people most responsible for introducing computers to upgrade Israel's intelligence capabilities, and in a way was one of the progenitors of Israel's tech industry. The talk will both be about the historical figure and also my memories and relationship with him.

    MORE INFO

  • Sunday ,
    DecDecember  15 , 2024
     
     
    Representatives from Israeli Bedouin Communities Visit Etz Chayim (Double Tree)

    Sunday, Dec 15th 12:30p to 2:30p
    In December, Dr. Yeela Raanan, CEO of the Regional Council for the Unrecognized Villages of the Negev, and Obna Sana, a Bedouin architect and urban planner, will visit Etz Chayim to share their experiences. They will discuss the resilience and solidarity of the Bedouin communities in the Negev during the October 7 crisis and their ongoing efforts for community support and development.

    MORE INFO

  • Sunday ,
    DecDecember  15 , 2024
     
     
    Etz Bookworms Meeting (Room 12 & Zoom)

    Sunday, Dec 15th 4:30p to 5:30p
    Book selections: For 12/10: Lisa Barr, A Woman on Fire For 1/14: Elizabeth Graver, Kantika (this year’s One Bay One Book selection) For 2/11: Norman Eisen, The Last Palace For 3/10: Anna Berest, The Postcard For 4/07: Naomi Ragen, An Unorthodox Match

    MORE INFO

  • Monday ,
    DecDecember  16 , 2024
     
     
    Journeys through Talmudic Stories with Aviv Siegel (Library or online)

    Monday, Dec 16th 7:00p to 8:15p
    Prepare to be surprised by the Talmud! This ancient text, written by our Rabbis nearly 2,000 years ago, is filled with stories that still resonate with us today. You'll find inspiring, thought and heart provoking tales of love, jealousy, pride, competition, shaming, kindness, courage, relationships, and more.We will go on an interactive journey through some Talmud: we will explore some stories together and discuss their implications for our lives today.

    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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Learn More

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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Wed, December 4 2024 3 Kislev 5785