Jewish Gateways, an open community, invites all to explore and connect with Jewish traditions.
Our “come as you are, no experience necessary” environment encourages wandering and wondering Jews and their families and friends to discover what is personally meaningful.
Learning and discussing at an adult gathering
Listening to a story at a family gathering
Rosh Hashanah family service
Learning and discussing at an adult gathering
GROWING TOGETHER JEWISH FAMILY LEARNING
Saturdays, 10:00 am-12:30 pm, twice a month
September 2023 - May 2024
Growing Together Family Learning offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for families to explore Jewish values and traditions together. An alternative to traditional Hebrew or religious school, it offers supportive community, connection, and learning for the whole family.
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JEWISH GATEWAYS' B-MITZVAH PROGRAM
Two year program
Three meetings per month
September 2023 - May 2024
Jewish Gateway’s unique two-year program, rooted in family learning, is about more than just the ritual. Our B-Mitzvah program supports students as they become teens, engaging them with Judaism that is relevant and meaningful.
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Upcoming Events
UNROLL & TOUR THE TORAH
Saturday, October 7, 11:30 am
Epworth United Methodist Church
Join Jewish Gateways as we unroll the entire Torah and get a look at its stories and some of the highlights from our tradition that it contains--the Sh’ma prayer, the two versions of the Ten Commandments, and more! All are welcome, including newcomers!
This is a celebration of the holiday of Simchat Torah, Rejoicing in the Torah.
COMMUNITY SHABBAT CELEBRATION
Friday, October 13, 6:00-8:00 pm
TBD in the Berkeley Area
Join Jewish Gateways for good company, good food, and Shabbat blessings. Rabbi Bridget will lead us in exploring "What Can Jewish Tradition Teach Us About Democracy?"
Rabbi Steph will lead related activities for children. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together, whether you're a long-time Jewish Gateways participant or new to our community.
PLAY AT HOME: SHORT PLAYS TO BE ENJOYED AT HOME
Thursday, October 19, 7-8:30 pm PT
Online via Zoom
Jewish Gateways member Robin Blum will lead the reading of several short plays. They were crafted during the pandemic by the Play at Home project to be read at home or on Zoom. Everyone will have the chance to read if they choose. Readings will be followed by a discussion about the experience and the specific plays.
TORAH FOR EVERYONE
begins Wednesday, October 11, 7-9:00 pm PT
Online via Zoom
Are you curious about what's actually in the Torah, and whether it might be meaningful to you? It can seem intimidating, boring, even offensive.
In an open environment, we'll take a new look at Torah from a sophisticated, adult perspective, with all points of view welcome. Come to one session, a few, or the series.
MUSSAR: CULTIVATING CHARACTER THROUGH ETHICAL & SPIRITUAL GROWTH
beginning in October
This powerful Jewish practice can help us more consistently be who we mean to be, for our own growth and for the improvement of the world.
In twice-monthly groups led by Rabbi Bridget, we explore qualities such as patience and compassion through learning, discussion, writing, and more. Email her for more info.
HERE ALL ALONG: FINDING MEANING, SPIRITUALITY, AND A DEEPER CONNECTION – IN JUDIASM
begins Tuesday, October 17, 12 - 1:00 pm PT, online
Renowned speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz was a typical "lapsed Jew" till she looked deeply at Judaism, discovering how profound, relevant, and beautiful can be. Rabbi Bridget leads an 8-session exploration of this fascinating, relatable book online. Come to the series or to the sessions you choose.
JOIN US FOR CANDLELIGHT, MUSIC, AND FRIENDLY FACES
Shabbat Candle Lighting
Fridays, 6:00 pm PT, online
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Set up your candles, wine or juice, and challah, and join Jewish Gateways musicians and community members online for singing, candle lighting, and blessings! All are welcome, adults or children, Jewish or not. The words to the songs and blessings will be visible as we sing them.
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Get a Taste of Our Rabbis' Teachings
The Virtuous Cycle of Teshuvah
Sermon for Erev Yom Kippur
2023 • 5784
Rabbi Bridget Wynne
Most of us would like to be better people and live more in keeping with our deepest values. How do we do this, in the midst of life’s pains, difficulties, annoyances, and all we cannot control?
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We may resist looking at the actions, or inactions, we regret. Who wants to feel guilty? And we do hear a lot about “Jewish guilt".
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But does Jewish tradition really teach us to feel guilty? I don’t think so. The guilt many Jews joke about comes not from Judaism, but from a particular immigrant culture that many of us are descended from.
In fact, as Rabbi Ruth Adar pointed out to me, teshuvah is a cure for guilt, Jewish or otherwise, moving us instead towards responsibility and action.
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Rediscovery and Return:
A Rosh Hashanah Reflection on Teshuva and the Joys of New Beginnings
2023 • 5784
Rabbi Stephanie Kennedy
On Rosh Hashanah, and throughout the month leading up to the High Holidays, we are called to engage in a profound act of returning.
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To do teshuva is to embark on a pilgrimage back to the core of our being — to that space within us that remains hopeful, and pure. It's in this journey that we rediscover potentials that may have lain dormant amidst the hustle of our daily lives — dreams unchased, passions unexpressed, or connections overlooked.
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Thank you to all of our wonderful participants who
embody our values of inclusion and personal connection!
If you are interested in co-creating our community, learn more here.
