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
Follow search
Jewish Cultural Celebrations in Berkeley, CA
Participate in Jewish Cultural Celebrations in Berkeley, CA 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
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
Family Chanukah Festival: Spark
Light up your Chanukah with hands-on discovery, joyful Jewish learning, and STEM-based activities that illuminate the magic of the holiday! Join us at the JCC East Bay—with our wonderful partners Camp Tawonga, Wilderness Torah, Eden Village West, Oakland Hebrew Day School, Camp Newman and The Contemporary Jewish Museum—for an afternoon full of creativity, community, and festive fun.
Families will enjoy crafts, music, games, and delicious treats while exploring the themes of Chanukah through science and art. Spark excitement with activities such as:
✨ Circuit-Powered Hanukiya✨ Let the light in with window art and other sparkly decorative crafts✨ Dreidel games for all ages✨ Glow-in-the-dark games, hula hoops, and face painting✨ Make—and taste!—gooey sufganiyot, sizzling latkes, and spun-sugar cotton candy✨ And so much more!
Perfect for families with children ages 2-8, this celebration blends joyful play with meaningful Jewish learning about light, resilience, and creativity.
Sunday, 14, 14.00 - Sunday, 14, 16.30 Berkeley, CA _$25
Older Adult Chanukah Luncheon
Celebrate Chanukah with your community at the JCC East Bay! Join us for a catered lunch, Chanukah music, and a chance to connect or reconnect with your community!
This event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the Jewish older adult community in the East Bay. Whether you're a regular at the JCC or you've never been to one of our programs, we would love to see you there!
Thursday, 18, 11.00 - Thursday, 18, 13.00 Berkeley, 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
Thursday, 18, 11.00 - Thursday, 18, 13.00 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.
Thursday, 18, 11.00 - Thursday, 18, 13.00 San Francisco, CA 0.00
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.
Thursday, 18, 11.00 - Thursday, 18, 13.00 San Francisco, CA 25.00