Shabbat Message - Friday, September 18, 2026

This week's Torah portion, Ha'azinu (Deut 32:1-52), features a poetic song delivered by Moses to the Israelites on the very last day of his life. It is the next-to-last portion in the Torah and is usually read on Shabbat Shuvah, which is between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

There is no CJC Shabbat service tonight, but plan to join us for our Kol Nidrei service on Sunday evening and Yom Kippur services on Monday.

Dear CJC Members & Friends,

We are in the midst of an eventful season for CJC. Our services on Rosh Hashanah (last Friday and Saturday) were well-attended and well-received. Many people commented on how wonderful the music was and how heartfelt the prayers were. I was pleased to be able to share what's been on my mind in the form of an evening sermon and a morning sermon.

In the weeks ahead, we have a busy schedule of events and holidays, which you can read about below. But I want to mention that today, we are getting ready to welcome Shabbat Shuvah, which falls between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. If the Days of Awe are a period that requires effort, examination, and reflection, Shabbat Shuvah is like being in the eye of the storm.

It's a restful 24-hour period with a different 'flavor' of teshuvah - of returning. I like to think of it as a time of returning to our ancestral roots. According to a midrash, we stood together at Sinai and entered a covenant there between God and the Jewish people. Each year we are called upon to renew that covenant, and Shabbat is a good time for that, in whatever way is most meaningful to you.

For example, if you're helping at the Coastal Cleanup Day event tomorrow morning (see below), you can think of it as a way of renewing your commitment to Tikkun Olam. If you're attending the Summer's End Concert (see below), you can imagine yourself standing shoulder-to-shoulder in a mixed multitude at Sinai. There are many ways to express your commitment to the values you regard as important, precious, and even sacred.

Throughout history, our global Jewish community has transcended the definitions of race and religion. More than these alone, Judaism is a culture and way of life intended to serve as a vehicle for transmitting our values from one generation to the next, and there are many ways to live by our values and pass them on.

It can become complicated when you add in factors like antisemitism and free speech - factors that are being used by our President to advance his own agenda. (If you want to read more about that, it's well documented here.) But deeper than these complexities is a connection that shall always remain alive in our hearts when we renew it, especially around this time of year and on Shabbat.

Let me conclude by citing a tradition which suggests that if we did our best this past year and have truly apologized for those things we did and said that were less than our best, our names will be inscribed in the Book of Life during the ten Days of Awe, and will be sealed at the close of Yom Kippur.

And so the traditional greeting, now through Monday, is G'mar Chatimah Tovah, meaning "a good final sealing," This has nothing to do with the reflecting pool. Instead, it is a sealing that can assure us that the coming year will bring - for us and our loved ones - happiness, health, and peace. I wish that for all the members and friends of our beloved community. And for those who will be fasting, I wish you a Tzom Kal, an easy fast.

גְּמַר חֲתִימָה טוֹבָה וְצוֹם קַל ... and Shabbat Shalom, Reb Moshe

Register here for our Yom Kippur Services

Sunday, September 20, Kol Nidre service 7:00 pm-8:30 pm

Monday, September 21, Morning service 9:30 am -1:00 pm ; Family service 4 pm; Yikzor 4:30 pm; Neilah 5:15pm; Break-the-fast 6-7pm

Sign up for the potluck break-the-fast and volunteer opportunities here. For additional details and registration links, see our holiday web page here.

RECENT EVENTS

Cantorial Soloist Cindy Paley with her husband (Herzel) and Reb Moshe after our Rosh Hashanah Family Service & Tashlich. Also present was our Ba'al Tekiah, Philip Chapnick.

On the second day of Rosh Hashanah, Cindy, Reb Moshe, and members of the Coastside Kehillah Band (Greg, Walter & Paulette) performed for seniors at Rhoda Goldman Plaza in San Francisco. They were delighted to hear holiday music and learn about our community.

UPCOMING CJC EVENTS

Sunday, September 20 - CJC's Kol Nidrei service to feature Jewish pianist

In addition to music by Reb Moshe, Cindy, and members of the Coastside Kehillah Band, accompaniment for our Kol Nidrei service will be provided by pianist Alexander Malinas.

Alex made history as the youngest-ever winner of the Highsmith Orchestra Composition Competition at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Passionate about blending tradition and innovation, Alexander curates immersive musical experiences that reflect the vibrancy of Jewish musical expression. There was a recent article about him in the J Weekly. We are fortunate to have him with us this year!

PARENTS: We encourage young people to attend our Yom Kippur services, which can help them build a personal connection to Jewish tradition, community, and reflection.

Being present with our congregation connects them to the broader Jewish community and history. Children and teens can see their parents and elders taking spiritual commitments seriously, ensuring that our traditions are passed down to the next generation.

They will learn the importance of saying "I'm sorry," making amends, and striving to do better in the coming year. Even without fasting, age-appropriate participation teaches self-regulation and reflection. Powerful moments like the Kol Nidrei service offer emotional and musical resonance that stays with young people. We hope to see our next generation participate.

Friday, September 25 - CJC's Annual Shabbat in the Sukkah in Half Moon Bay, 6pm

Sukkot begins on September 25. Join us for a kid-friendly Shabbat service and potluck dinner in (or near) our sukkah. Kick off this week-long harvest festival by helping to decorate the sukkah. Shake the lulav, smell the etrog, and join us in joyful songs that help shape memories of, and connections to, our ancient traditions. RSVP with Brianne.

Saturday, October 3 - Simchat Torah Dance Party in Half Moon Bay, 7-9pm

Simchat Torah is a joyful holiday that marks the end of our annual Torah reading cycle. Traditionally on this holiday, Jews come together to dance like crazy, often in circles with someone holding or dancing with the Torah in the center. This year, Jewish dance specialist Bruce Bierman will facilitate a variety of Jewish dances in the course of an hour.

After that, Reb Moshe will share more information about the holiday. We may even lift a few people up in chairs and open the Torah scroll at the end. All ages and experience levels are invited. RSVP with Brianne for the address.

EVENTS WITHIN THE WIDER JEWISH COMMUNITY

TOMORROW, September 19 - California Coastal Cleanup Day, 9am-12pm

Join friends and neighbors to help clean up several coastside beaches and creeks and help protect people and wildlife by eliminating plastic pollution before it can cause more harm.

The California Coastal Commission is hosting this event all over California. For more info and a map of beaches and waterways, click here.

TOMORROW, September 19 - Summer's End Music Festival in HMB, 11am - 5pm

This free, all-ages celebration at the new amphitheater in John L. Carter Memorial Park will showcase the Coastside's vibrant arts and music community with a full day of performances, family-friendly activities, local vendors, complimentary food, and fun for everyone.

Saturday, September 26 - Sukkah-by-the-Sea in El Granada, 1:30 - 4:00pm

Join Aryae & Wendy in their sukkah (not far from the sea) for friendship and Sukkot rituals and blessings. Email Wendy for details and to RSVP. If you have a sukkah and would like to invite other CJC members to come visit, let Reb Moshe know.

Saturday, September 26 - Combatants for Peace at Etz Chayim, 2:30-4:30pm

In the West Bank, occupation, settler violence, and ethnic cleansing are escalating. Come hear 'Combatants for Peace' activists share how they are organizing amid daily violence and profound power asymmetry to forge a path toward peace and security for all. Register here to attend via Zoom or in-person at Congregation Etz Chayim in Palo Alto.

Sunday, September 27 - Dancing in the Sukkah at the PJCC, 11am-12:30pm

Celebrate Sukkot with music and movement led by Jewish dance educator Bruce Bierman, hands-on activities, creative projects, a light brunch, and opportunities to connect with the North Peninsula Jewish community. Children and adults alike will have the chance to shake the lulav, smell the etrog, and participate in mitzvot inspired by the themes of gratitude, kindness, and welcoming guests. You can register here. To carpool, email Brianne.

Sunday, September 27 - Sukkah-by-the-Sea in El Granada, 1:00-3:00pm

Join Aryae & Wendy in their sukkah (not far from the sea) for friendship and Sukkot rituals and blessings. Email Wendy for details and to RSVP.

Monday, October 5 - Information Session on California's Ballot Propositions, 7pm

Want to learn about the 14 statewide propositions on the November 2026 ballot? CJC’s Community Chavurah, in conjunction with Indivisible: La Honda & Coastal Communities, is sponsoring an information session with analysis by the non-partisan League of Women Voters. You can participate via Zoom or in-person at Chip & Linda's home in Half Moon Bay. RSVP to lindabgold@coastside.net for the Zoom link or address.

Wednesday, October 7 - "From Pain Towards Hope" Commemoration, 7-8:30pm

This October 7 commemoration will bring the North Peninsula Jewish community together for a shared musical journey led by Israeli-American singer and educator Gilad Paz. Shaped by reflections from our own community, the evening will move through memory, grief, resilience, and hope. This free event will take place in Foster City. Registration is required here. To carpool from the Coastside, email Brianne to let her know you're going.

Wondering what else is coming up? You can always check our website here. And follow us on Facebook! Kerry Lobel posts frequent announcements and items of interest here:

The Mission of CJC is to provide an inclusive community that supports connection to Jewish life, both cultural and spiritual, on the coast from Pacifica to Pescadero.

We rely on the generosity of our members and friends. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation using the Donate button below to support our presence in the local community.

Did you know that you can donate shares of stock to CJC? Donating shares of stock can be a tax-effective way to give, benefiting both you and CJC. For more info, email Monica.

If you like receiving this message, please forward it to others so they too can subscribe by clicking the Subscribe button. If you do not wish to continue receiving it, but do want to continue receiving the monthly CJC Update, click "Update Profile" below.