Dec 18th, 2025

This week, we light the menorah with heavy hearts.

We are deeply saddened by the recent acts of violence reported both in the United States and abroad, and in particular, the tragic events in Australia. Our hearts are with all those who have been impacted, and we mourn the loss of life and the harm felt by individuals, families, and communities.

We encourage our community to hold one another with care and to lean on the strength of connection that defines who we are.



May this Festival of Lights bring comfort,

healing, and hope to all who need it.



Special thanks to those who have brought light, in its many forms, to us here at the JCC in the past few weeks.

Friendship Circle's 12/16/25 Hanukkah Party

Left: Community lighting of our big menorah in Windsor 12/4/25
Center, Right: Our preschoolers learning about Hanukkah through oil painting and counting.

Looking forward to seeing you out at the many incredible events in our county still ahead!

CHANUKAH CELEBRATION - Candle-Lighting & Singing

FRI, DEC 19 
4 PM

Putnam Plaza, Petaluma

Rain or Shine - 
bring an umbrella if needed!

All ages - 
and everyone is welcome

SHABBANUKAH!


FRI, DEC 19 • 6 - 9 PM  

Salmon Creek Elementary School, Occidental

Please join Makom Shalom on Friday December 19th for Kabbalat Shabbat and a 6th night of Hanukkah celebration.

We will welcome Shabbat in song with abbreviated Kabbalat Shabbat services and kindle the Hanukkah lights, celebrating Hanukkah in song.

Potluck feast and latke bar will follow.

SHABBAT HANUKKAH

FRI, DEC 19 • 6:15 - 8 PM  
Shomrei Torah

During the darkest time of year, we celebrate light. So come light up the night at Shabbat Hanukkah – literally! Bring a hanukkiah with candles from home and we'll illuminate the sanctuary, lighting candles together at the beginning of the service.

Shomrei Shirah (CST's choir) and youth will add a musical glow, and we'll enjoy delicious donuts and latkes at the oneg. 

REGULAR JEWISH MEDITATION/ MINDFULNESS PRACTICE

TUESDAYS, 5:30 - 6:30 PM
DEC 30  
Online via Zoom 

This free series of mindful/meditation practices continues! This will be a time for grounding, sitting practice and a "Dharma/Torah" teaching. 
Everyone is welcome.

Please contact Shomrei Torah's office
cst@cstsr.org for the Zoom link.

TOT SHABBAT 
With a Hanukah Flavor!

SAT, DEC 20 • 10:30 AM
Beth Ami, Santa Rosa

December 20: Tot Shabbat! 

Congregation Beth Ami’s Tot Shabbat Program invites all with children ages one to five, for a Shabbat experience with a Hanukah flavor!

Saturday, December 20th, 10:30 am to noon, in the CBA lounge. Featuring Lauren Kalmanson from the Tot Shabbat team. Come enjoy music, storytelling, crafts, special Hanukah treats and enjoy our fabulous playground. We look forward to seeing you.

For more info: (707) 360-300

office@bethamisr.org 

COMMUNITY CHANUKAH PARTY

& LATKE NIGHT!

SUN, DEC 21 • 4:30 - 7 PM
Beth Ami, Santa Rosa

The eighth night of Chanukah we will host our traditional Beth Ami Board-sponsored latke dinner. Schmooze, card/board games, a short service witth Rabbi Koas, light candles (Bring your Chanukiah and 9 candles!) Chanukah songs with Susy Boimoil Starr and Jeremy Lipsin! Latke (and salad and dessert) dinner.

MUST RSVP to the Beth Ami office by Thursday Dec. 18, and have ID to show at gate. Please expect enhanced security measures. 707-360-3000 or office@BethAmiSR.org

Cost: FREE but donations are gratefully accepted, and keep this tradition going.

We are collecting non-perishable food for the Redwood Empire Food Bank, and winter items for the residents of The Palms.

CHINESE FOOD & COMEDY NIGHT

THURS, DEC 25 • 4:30 PM
Beth Ami, Santa Rosa

'Kung Pao Comedy' Beth Ami style! 5 course vegetarian Kosher Chinese dinner at 4:30 pm followed by comedians from the Barrel Proof Lounge.

$60 (BYOB)

Please sign up by Monday December 22 with the CBA office or online (Open link below, then click event or purchase.) 

COMMUNITY CHANUKKAH CELEBRATION - 8TH NIGHT 


SUN, DEC 21 • 3:30 PM 
Shir Shalom, Sonoma

Congregation Shir Shalom invites Sonoma friends, neighbors, and their families to celebrate the final night of Chanukkah. The festivities will include lighting the 8th candle on the menorah, dancing in front of the synagogue on W. Spain St. and enjoying potato latkes and hot chocolate.

Please note:

W. Spain will be closed to traffic,

between 2nd and 3rd streets,

at approximately 3:30 pm.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for families and community members to come together, enjoy the spirit of Chanukkah, and experience the traditions that make this holiday so special”

- Shir Shalom Rabbi, Steve Finley

FILM SCREENING - Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink

THURS, JAN 11 • 1:30 - 4:30 PM

Ner Shalom, Cotati

Ner Shalom Tzedek committee presents: STRIPPED FOR PARTS: AMERICAN JOURNALISM ON THE BRINK This 90-minute documentary film, this story of one secretive hedge fund that is plundering America’s newspapers and the journalists who are fighting back. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with local journalists.

Suggested donation $10 or pay what you can. 

FREE GENEALOGY CLASSES

Santa Rosa Junior College

Enrollment Opens

FRI, DEC 5

Class Starts

THURS, JAN 15 • 10:15 AM   

Online via Zoom 

Please see Category 505 Discussion Classes under Genealogy

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