Join us as we welcome in Shabbat in true Gan Izzy style - with friends, fun and good food! Family and friends welcome
Friday, 31, 18.00 - Friday, 31, 20.00 San Francisco, CA _$25
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Jewish Cultural Celebrations in California
Participate in Jewish Cultural Celebrations in California supporting important causes and bringing your community together. These events celebrate cultural heritage while raising awareness and funds for organizations serving the Jewish community.
Annual Gan Izzy Family Shabbat Dinner 2026
Vashti to Ginsburg: A Tradition of Jewish Female Resistance
Discover a powerful lineage of Jewish women who challenged norms, claimed their voices, and redefined what it means to lead with courage.
Together we’ll peer into the bold, complex, and often subversive ways Jewish women across time have resisted, reshaped, and reimagined the worlds they inherited. From the biblical courage of Ruth, the moral tenacity of Judith, and the defiance of Vashti, to the modern-day boundary-breakers Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Bella Abzug, and Barbra Streisand, we will trace a heritage of resistance that is spiritual, political, and deeply personal. Through text study and discussion, we'll consider what it means to challenge authority, live as a heroine, and act with audacity and as well as how these stories might inform our lives today.
Rabbi Batshir Torchio is a ritual and spiritual practitioner who has been engaging with folks for lifecycle events and learning. She was ordained at AJRCA in Los Angeles, where she learned with rabbis and scholars from across the broad spectrum of Jewish movements. Batshir is moved by the translation and ownership of ancient ritual into contemporary meaning; to “make the old new, and the new, holy.” (Rav Kook) In addition to her role as Senior Jewish Educator at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, Batshir also guides tours through Israel and Poland, and is a life-cycle officiant, both locally and abroad.
Thursday, 30, 13.00 - Thursday, 30, 14.00 San Francisco, CA _$25
☀️ Shabbat on the Beach ☀️
Warm your toes in the sand, and join your community in singing and celebrating the joys of a magical Shabbat experience in Santa Moinca!
Bring a friend, or the whole family! Warm your toes in the sand, and join your community in singing and celebrating the joys of a magical Shabbat experience.
Feel free to bring your own instruments to join Rabbi Katzan during Shabbat on the Beach. Make sure to bring beach chairs, blankets, jackets, and your own dinner if you plan to picnic on the beach afterward. Challah and grape juice will be provided.
We are at Santa Monica Beach – Lifeguard Station #28 (look out for the blue and white Mishkon flag)
Friday, 10, 17.30 - Friday, 10, 19.00 Santa Monica, CA _$25
NextGen Shabbat with Chef David Nayfeld
Enjoy a meaningful Shabbat with great food and company, personal stories, and reflections on identity, family, and community.
You’re invited to a special Shabbat evening with David Nayfeld, Executive Chef and Founder of the acclaimed Che Fico, as part of the JFCS NextGen Leadership Speaker Series.
Known for his bold, soulful approach to Italian cuisine, David will share a heartfelt and often humorous look at his journey—from growing up in a family of Soviet Jewish immigrants to becoming one of San Francisco’s most celebrated chefs. He’ll reflect on his experiences as a father, the influence of his Jewish identity on his life and cooking, and what it means to build something meaningful while staying grounded in your roots.
David’s story is also deeply connected to Jewish Family and Children's Services (JFCS). When his family first arrived in San Francisco from the former Soviet Union, they were supported by JFCS—making this an especially meaningful full-circle moment. He’ll speak about resilience, rebuilding, and the power of community along the way.
Expect an evening of personal storytelling, honest reflection, and engaging conversation, along with a delicious Shabbat dinner in a warm and welcoming setting. There will be time for your questions and the opportunity to connect with other thoughtful young adults from across the Bay Area.
The JFCS NextGen Leadership Speaker Series highlights inspiring Jewish changemakers shaping our communities and beyond.
Open to all young adults (20s–40s) in the Bay Area. Tickets are $25 and include Shabbat dinner from David's restaurant Bubbaleh.
Friday, 10, 18.00 - Friday, 10, 20.00 San Francisco, CA _$25
Beth Chaim: Torah Tots on February 8th
Join us as we celebrate Tu B'shvat. We will have a story, music, an activity and a snack.
For littles 0-5 and their parent.
Sunday, 08, 10.00 - Sunday, 08, 11.00 Danville, CA _$25
Tu B'Shevat Festival
Celebrate the birthday of the trees with us on Sunday, February 1 with activities for the whole family! Wristbands are required for entry.
What can you expect?
Carnival-style activities and games including face painting, bounce houses, art projects, animal interactions, balloon twisting, and more! Plus, the roller rink is back! Our rock wall will also be open for climbing!
What about food?
Our favorite foods will be available for purchase! Options will include coffee, smoothies, fresh fruit cups, and pizza. Food prices range from $5 to $10 per item and discount food tickets can be purchased in advance.
Admission
Wristbands are required for all attendees including adults, and can be purchased using the Eventbrite dialogue below.
Wristbands provide unlimited access to all activities, including face painting, bounce houses, carnival games, art projects, animal interactions, balloon twisting, and more! Our favorite foods will be available for purchase! Options will include coffee, smoothies, fresh fruit cups, pizza, waffles, and ice cream.
Pick up your wristbands either at Will Call on the day of the Festival, or if you would like to skip the line, come by our front office to pick up your wristbands during regular business hours before the event. Advance sales end on January 29 but there will be wristbands for sale at the check-in booth on the day of the event.
Food prices range from $5 to $10 per item and discount food tickets can be purchased in advance.
Early bird pricing ends Jan. 5!
Sunday, 01, 10.00 - Sunday, 01, 14.00 Los Angeles, CA _$25
Tu Bishvat Honoring the Legacy of Shlomo Bardin's Tree-Planting Tradition
For more than seven decades, Brandeis-Bardin has marked the season through tree planting—a tradition championed by our founder, Shlomo Bardin, to help generations feel deeply connected to the land, to Jewish values, and to one another. This year, we proudly honor that legacy by gathering to plant new roots for the Jewish future.
Enjoy a spirited Tu Bishvat celebration with lunch, singing, and a special seder led by Alonim, BCI, and Ziegler alum Rabbi Joshua Katzan. Share this meaningful day with friends, family, and fellow alumni as we come together to rejoice in the miracle of the tree.
Our Alumni Committee is excited to welcome you:
CIT Year: Harriet Scharff ‘66 | Ken Goodman ‘80 | Stacy Schneider Schnaid ‘82 | Jen Thomas ’85 | Lisa Niver ’88 staff | Dana Saly '89 | Rebekah Belzer ‘94 | Dena Zelig Grimshaw '96 | Alisha Pedowitz ‘96 | Jackie Grinwald ‘98 | Offer Grinwald ‘99 | Eli Zevin ‘04 | Rachel Weinberg ’11
Event Highlights:
Family Tree Planting: Help bring new life to the Brandeis-Bardin landscape (rain or shine).
Lunch, Tu Bishvat Seder & Songs: A community meal and joyful singing led by Rabbi Joshua Katzan.
Optional Hike: Explore the rolling hills of our beautiful campus (weather permitting).
Special Alumni Swag: Take home a meaningful keepsake.
Activities for children will also be provided.
This day will honor our past and celebrate the next generation of Camp Alonim families.
RSVP today to reserve your spot and help us grow the Camp Alonim community together.
Sunday, 01, 10.30 - Sunday, 01, 13.30 Simi Valley, CA _$25
***Winter*** Teen Community Shabbat
Join together with Jewish teens as we celebrate Shabbat with joy and vibrance, and experience the power of our ever-growing YAM community!
Enjoy a delicious (teen-inspired) dinner, and socialize with new and old friends from across San Diego County. Interactive games and teen community announcements throughout. Featuring a delightful menu designed by our captains.
Optimal security provided.
Friday, 16, 19.00 - Friday, 16, 21.00 San Diego, CA _$25
Celebrate Hanukkah with Us! The Living Menorah Ceremony
Enjoy the festivities of Hanukkah with a presentation by Gerry Cousins Phelps, and Interfaith Minister as we create a Living Menorah.
Sunday, 14, 10.00 - Sunday, 14, 12.00 Beaumont, CA _$25
Community Tot Shabbat and Kiddush
Join us for a joyful and interactive pre-Hanukkah Tot Shabbat service with music and storytelling, followed by grape juice and challah on the bimah with Rabbi Katzan, and a kiddush lunch. Tot Shabbats are free, and members and non-members are welcome.
Schedule:
10:45 a.m. Free play
11-12 p.m. Tot Shabbat service
12 p.m. Grape juice and challah on the bimah with Rabbi Katzan
12:15 p.m. Kiddush lunch (bagels, fruit, and more)
For children ages 0–5. Tot Shabbat is free and open to members and non-members—please sign up if you’ll be joining us!
Saturday, 13, 10.45 - Saturday, 13, 12.30 Los Angeles, CA _$25
Latest Events
Annual Gan Izzy Family Shabbat Dinner 2026
Join us as we welcome in Shabbat in true Gan Izzy style - with friends, fun and good food! Family and friends welcome
Saturday, 13, 10.45 - Saturday, 13, 12.30 San Francisco, CA 55.20
Vashti to Ginsburg: A Tradition of Jewish Female Resistance
Discover a powerful lineage of Jewish women who challenged norms, claimed their voices, and redefined what it means to lead with courage.
Together we’ll peer into the bold, complex, and often subversive ways Jewish women across time have resisted, reshaped, and reimagined the worlds they inherited. From the biblical courage of Ruth, the moral tenacity of Judith, and the defiance of Vashti, to the modern-day boundary-breakers Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Bella Abzug, and Barbra Streisand, we will trace a heritage of resistance that is spiritual, political, and deeply personal. Through text study and discussion, we'll consider what it means to challenge authority, live as a heroine, and act with audacity and as well as how these stories might inform our lives today.
Rabbi Batshir Torchio is a ritual and spiritual practitioner who has been engaging with folks for lifecycle events and learning. She was ordained at AJRCA in Los Angeles, where she learned with rabbis and scholars from across the broad spectrum of Jewish movements. Batshir is moved by the translation and ownership of ancient ritual into contemporary meaning; to “make the old new, and the new, holy.” (Rav Kook) In addition to her role as Senior Jewish Educator at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, Batshir also guides tours through Israel and Poland, and is a life-cycle officiant, both locally and abroad.
Saturday, 13, 10.45 - Saturday, 13, 12.30 San Francisco, CA 0.00
☀️ Shabbat on the Beach ☀️
Warm your toes in the sand, and join your community in singing and celebrating the joys of a magical Shabbat experience in Santa Moinca!
Bring a friend, or the whole family! Warm your toes in the sand, and join your community in singing and celebrating the joys of a magical Shabbat experience.
Feel free to bring your own instruments to join Rabbi Katzan during Shabbat on the Beach. Make sure to bring beach chairs, blankets, jackets, and your own dinner if you plan to picnic on the beach afterward. Challah and grape juice will be provided.
We are at Santa Monica Beach – Lifeguard Station #28 (look out for the blue and white Mishkon flag)
Saturday, 13, 10.45 - Saturday, 13, 12.30 Santa Monica, CA 0.00
California's Pacific coastline runs for hundreds of miles where coastal mountains meet the sea — rugged headlands, turquoise coves, and sea stacks along the route from Big Sur and the Central Coast to beaches north and south.