April 3rd, 2026

Passover - Evening of Wed, Apr 1, 2026 – Thu, Apr 9, 2026

TIME TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

It's April, which means, the fest is about to start. 
Opening this year with a moving tribute to a true Jewish-American hero:

CHARLES GRODIN: 
A REBEL WITH A CAUSE 

THURS, APRIL 16 • 1 & 6:30 PM
Rialto Cinemas, Sebastopol CA

Raised in a Jewish household in Pittsburgh, Charles Grodin’s life embodied the concept of Tikkun Olam or “repairing the world.”  The film not only celebrates Charles Grodin’s hilarious acting career, but also his remarkable, decades-long, successful fight to get wrongly convicted people — most of whom were mothers of color with young children — out of prison. 



STARRING Robert De Niro, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Elaine May, Carol Burnett, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, Alan Arkin, Ellen Burstyn, Marc Maron, Lewis Black, Marlo Thomas, Jon Lovitz, plus several of the women Charles Grodin got released from prison.

SONOMA COUNTY 
YOM HASHOAH COMMEMORATION


SUN, APRIL 19 • 3 PM

Santa Rosa, CA

This is a very special event and we'd be honored if you'd join us. This year’s theme will center on the impact of the Shoah on children of survivors, who are now tasked with carrying on the legacy and experiences of their parents. Three of those second-generation survivors will discuss how those experiences have shaped their lives.

There will be musical performances, as well as candle lighting by Jewish survivors, lighters for the Roma, LGBTQ, Disabled, Righteous Among the Nations, and Political Prisoners, and those targeted by genocide.

​

This program is free

Attendees must register ahead of time. 

Please know security is a top priority at this event. 


Attendees can expect security support from the second they arrive and park their cars, through to, and during the entire event.


The security plan has been both reviewed and approved by our community security partners. 


Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns: yomhashoahsoco@gmail.com 

New Newsletter!

ENROLLING SUMMER 
& FALL 2026

Some summer sessions 
still available!


Our JCC SoCo kehillah (community) continues to grow stronger each year, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome back alumni families for another wonderful summer, while also opening our doors to new friends joining us for the first time. Welcoming ages 2-6 for summer!

PASSOVER DINNER -
With Rick Concoff


FRI, APRIL 3 • 6 - 9 PM
Ner Shalom, Cotati

As in many years past, La Bodega in Sebastopol is sponsoring an amazing Passover Seder vegetarian /vegan dinner led by local Jewish musician, educator, and Jewish community leader Rick Concoff.

Rick will guide us through a joyful, meaningful and creative Seder (Not long).

PASSOVER RITUAL &

LIBERATION CELEBRATION


SAT, APRIL 4 • 4 - 8:30 PM

Salmon Creek School, Occidental

Gather with Makom Shalom for a participatory Passover ritual and liberation celebration. Anchored by the Four Cups and the Passover story, we will gather in the forest to offer our gratitude for our world, face the grief-ridden narrows, see our way to liberation, and celebrate our freedom. This will not be your Bubbe’s seder!



Kids will have a journey of their own to soak in Passover themes, have fun in the forest, and create a Passover play.

Sliding scale, free for members  

"SHE IS A TREE OF LIFE" -

2 Part Series


SUN, APRIL 3 • 12:30 - 2 PM

SUN, APRIL 24 • 12:30 - 2 PM
Online (via Zoom)

Exploring the Kabbalistic Tree of Life Through the Sacred Practice of Counting the Omer: 
A Psycho-spiritual Journey


The Kabbalistic Tree of Life offers a fascinating framework for understanding our human experience on spiritual, mental, emotional and embodied levels. During the period between Passover and Shavuot, the sacred practice of counting the Omer provides a gateway for engaging with the wisdom of the Tree of Life as a daily practice for transformation, release and soul growth. Join us for an experiential class series. Bring your journals, artmaking supplies, and open minds and hearts!

$18 for Ner Shalom members

$36 for Guest 
(or pay what you can afford)

MONTHLY MUSICAL FAMILY SHABBAT - Fun For All Ages


SUN, APRIL 4 • 9, 10:30 AM
Online (via Zoom)

Tot Shabbat | 9:00 AM

Join Rabbi Irwin for songs, stories, and joyful moments designed for our littlest ones and their grownups. Music, movement, and meaningful connections!

Musical Family Shabbat | 10:30 AM

Celebrate Shabbat with a joyful morning service and Torah reading. Perfect for elementary-aged kids, B. Mitzvah learners, and their families. Led by Rabbi Irwin & Mia Zimman.

Free.

Bring your favorite vegetarian Matzah finger food. We'll provide the Coffee!

GOD IS IN THIS PLACE

A Conversation with Rabbi George Gittleman & Rabbi Irwin Keller

THURS, APRIL 16 • 7 PM - 8:30 PM
Ner Shalom, Cotati (and online via Zoom)

What is the role of “place” in our individual spirituality and our collective Jewish imagination? Jacob has a dream of angels and attributes his vision to the site itself, saying, “God is in this place and I didn’t know it.” References to the Land of Israel populate our prayers; the climate of Israel dominates our calendars. Others among us feel closeness to the Divine in other site-specific ways: ancient ruins, graveyards, mountains, canyons, oceans. 

Join Rabbi George Gittleman and Rabbi Irwin Keller as they explore what it is in place itself that enlivens spiritual experience, and what are the perils of spirituality that is bound up with particular geography.

THE ZINGERAY ENSEMBLE OF 
JEWISH FOLK CHORUS 
OF SAN FRANCISCO

SUN, APRIL 19 • 1 - 3 PM

Shir Shalom, Sonoma

Please join us as we celebrate Congregation Shir Shalom’s 30th Anniversary & the Zingeray Ensemble’s 100th!

The chorus will be performing a medley of Ladino music and songs. Following the performance, there will be a hosted reception offering a selection of Sephardic finger foods.

There is no charge to attend the concert and reception, but RSVP by April 12 to Linda Goldman at lindbgold@gmail.com. Please also direct any questions to the same email.

Sponsored by the Lifelong Learning Team of Congregation Shir Shalom

FREE MINDFULNESS/MEDITATION PRACTICE

EVERY TUES • 5:30-6:30 PM
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.

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