Ask JCI&R: Volunteering in the Jewish Community

Q: I would like to volunteer in the Jewish community. Do you have information on volunteer opportunities?

A: Volunteering is chicken soup for the soul, and it’s your chance to help the community. When you want to volunteer, but don’t know where to start, we can give you ideas and leads to fit your interests.

Here are some places to contact about volunteering:

Jewish Coalition for Literacy trains volunteers to become reading tutors in public elementary schools, pediatric clinics and after school programs. Day and evening hours are available. If you don’t have time to be a tutor, you can help organize a book drive.

Jewish Family and Children’s Services is looking for volunteers for a wide variety of programs in all the regions. You can be the wheels for a needy family, brighten up a senior’s day, or mentor a child in San Francisco, Marin, the Peninsula and Sonoma.

Shalom Bayit needs volunteers to help at events with childcare, office help, collecting used cell phones, and organizing mitzvah projects. Their youth program, Love Shouldn’t Hurt, does outreach in the schools. Shalom Bayit helps bar and mitzvah students with projects.

Jewish Community Center of San Francisco has plenty of volunteer opportunities including preschool assistance, senior kosher lunch programs, and ushering for performances, and much more. You can even volunteer for the 2009 JCC Maccabi Games in San Francisco, August 2-7.

Volunteer Match is a great resource for other opportunities in the community.

For more ideas for volunteering and connecting to Jewish life, call JCIR 415.777.4545 or toll-free 877.777.JCIR (5247) or e-mail Info@JewishNfo.org. Jewish Community Information and Referral is a free and confidential service of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, and the Peninsula. Please visit our website, www.sfjcf.org/resources.

Yours for the asking

Adorned with pomegranates and fruits from Israel, Resource, A Guide to Jewish Life in the Bay Area 2009 has arrived and is waiting for you. If you’d like a copy sent to your home just email Info@JewishNfo.org. You can also view the resource guide online by visiting www.sfjcf.org/resource. We hope you enjoy the new issue and find it useful!

Did you know that we offer many other informational publications serving our community? Have a look at the areas of interest and titles below and let us know if you’re interested in receiving one (or even two or three) copies of any of the following:

Israel information:
Touring map of Israel
An Insider’s Guide to Israel
Where to Turn and A Guide to Ulpan study (aliyah information)

Family education:
Bridges Interfaith Family Newsletter and Information for Interfaith Families
Alef Bet, the Letters, Language & Literature of the Jewish People
Common Threads: the Fabrics of Jewish Life
Rosh Hodesh
Havdalah: How to
Kids and the Law: An A-to-Z Guide for Parents
When you become 18: A survival guide for teenagers

Émigré information:
Creating Success: Russian-English Guide to Financial Security

Senior information:
Seniors and the Law: A Guide for Maturing Californians
New Lifestyles, Area Guide to Senior Residences and Care Options
Senior Alternatives: Informed Decisions

Information for Holocaust survivors:
A Guide to Compensation and Restitution for Holocaust Survivors

Visitor information:
Where Magazine

Other:
JCIR bookmark/calendar 2009 (5769/5770)
Jewish calendar for 5769 (2008/2009)

For more information about connecting to Jewish life, call JCI&R at 415.777.4545 or toll-free within the Bay Area 877.777.JCIR (5247) or email Info@JewishNfo.org.

Jewish Community Information and Referral is a free and confidential service of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties. Please visit our websites www.JewishNfo.org and www.sfjcf.org.

Help for Hard Times

Ask Jewish Community Information and Referral (JCI&R) about community resources providing assistance in these hard times. As the need for emergency assistance increases dramatically, helping each other is the Jewish community’s highest priority.  If you or someone you know needs help, do not hesitate to call us at 877.777.JCIR/5247.

Here is a sample of the services available:

Jewish Family and Children’s Services Emergency Assistance Network offers counseling and case management, financial and credit counseling, and short-term financial loans or grants. Jewish Family and Children’s Services has branches in San Francisco, Marin, North Peninsula, Palo Alto,  Santa Rosa, the Silicon Valley and the East Bay.
www.jfcs.org
415.449.1200

Jewish Vocational Service Jewish Employment Network offers career and employment workshops including: Moms in career transition; Re-careering after age 50; On-line networking for jobs and careers; Recession proofing your career; Job search help and career coaching.
www.jvs.org
415.391.3600

Hebrew Free Loan is here to help with interest free loans for a variety of needs, including: adoption, business, debt consolidation, emergency, recently unemployed, special needs, lifecycle and student loans.
www.hflasf.org
415.546.9902

Shalom Bayit provides critical crisis support and tangible emergency aid, including food, safe housing, telephone service, financial and legal service to Jewish battered women.
www.shalom-bayit.org
866-Shalom7 (866.742.5667)

Help Link United Way Bay Area connects you to hundreds of community services including help for the elderly and emergency services.
www.211bayarea.org
211, or 800.273.6222

Jewish Community Free Clinic, based in Sonoma County, is a free volunteer-based medical clinic, offering free medical care to the uninsured.  The clinic offers treatment for minor health problems, education about health and nutrition,  medical information and referrals.
www.jewishfreeclinic.org
707.585.7780

For more information about emergency assistance and connecting to Jewish life, call JCI&R, 415.777.4545 or toll-free 877.777.JCIR/5247 or e-mail Info@JewishNfo.org.

JCI&R is a free and confidential service of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, Marin, the Peninsula and Sonoma counties. Please visit our websites www.JewishNfo.org and www.sfjcf.org.

Top ten things to do on the fourth day of Chanukah, Wednesday, December 25

True, your favorite shops and restaurants may be closed this year on the fourth day of Chanukah, Wednesday, December 25 (a.k.a. Christmas), but there’s still plenty of fun things to do around the Bay Area. Here’s some of the best and brightest ideas for the fourth day of the festival of lights.

10. Celebrate the Contemporary Jewish Museum’s first Chanukah in their new home. December 25 is a free day at the museum from 11 am – 3 pm, a holiday gift to you, and a fantastic opportunity to see some great exhibits. www.thecjm.org

9. Eat Chinese food and laugh at a stand-up comic. Gary Gulman performs live at Ming’s in Palo Alto, December 24, 7 pm, and December 25, 6 pm. Hilarious entertainment and unforgettable camaraderie are guaranteed. www.mings.com

8. Host a Chanukah Seder. You’ve had Passover Seder, now you can host a Chanukah Seder for the fourth night. Click here for instructions.

7. Laugh at the 16th annual Kung Pao Kosher Comedy, December 24, 6 pm, and December 25, 5 pm dinner show. www.koshercomedy.com or call 925.275.9005.

6. Witness the impressive “Yes We Can” Menorah in Burlingame, a menorah made of canned foods, donated by the community, which will be distributed to the needy after Chanukah. www.chabadnp.com or call 650.341.4510

5. Schmooze with friends, food and a movie at Temple Emanu-El. There will be lots of Chinese food, family style, a latke cook off, and a movie, December 24, 6 pm. www.emanuelsf.org

4. Skate in the downtown Walnut Creek ice rink. The Chabad of Contra Costa brings you Chanukah on Ice, with sufganiot and crafts for children, December 25, 7 pm. www.JewishContraCosta.com or call 925.937.4101.

3. Enjoy storytelling, music, latkes and prizes, at Afikomen, the Jewish gift shop, in Berkeley, December 25, 10 am – 6 pm. www.afikomen.com or call 510.655.1977.

2. Party for a purpose! Dance at the 12th Annual Latke Ball, the premier social event for young Jewish adults, an evening of fun and groove, at the Ruby Skye, 420 Mason Street, San Francisco, December 24, 9 pm. www.sfjcf.org/go/latke

1. Join Chabad at Union Square in San Francisco, Bill Graham style, December 24 and December 25. Ceremony starts 4:30 pm. www.chabadsf.org or call 415.668.6178.

Nun, gimel, hey, shin! Let the magic of Chanukah begin!

Are you looking for…

• Lyrics and music to traditional and contemporary songs?
• The meaning behind the word “Chanukah”?
• Family and tzedakah Chanukah projects?
• Fun gift, party, and entertaining ideas?
• Community menorah lighting events?
• Traditions for lighting the candles?
• Directions for the dreidel game?
• Latke and holiday recipes?
• Or just trying to get the candle wax drippings off your menorah?

You’ve come to the right place!

For information about Chanukah and connecting to Jewish life, call JCI&R 415.777.4545 or email us at Info@JewishNfo.org.

Jewish Community Information and Referral is a free and confidential service of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin, and Sonoma counties. Visit our website: www.sfjcf.org/resources.

Ask JCI&R: Jewish Education

Q: I’m interested in learning more about Judaism. Can you recommend some resources within our local community?

A: The Bay Area is rich with opportunities to study Judaism.

The first place that comes to mind is Lehrhaus Judaica.  If you check out their course catolog, you will see that they offer courses year-round in History and Current Issues, Text and Thought, Prayer and Theology, Literature and the Arts, Introduction to Judaism, and Hebrew and Yiddish.
http://www.lehrhaus.org

I also highly recommend the Bureau of Jewish Education. Their library hosts Northern California’s largest public collection of Jewish books: more than 20,000 titles. They also organize many free lectures and exhibitions throughout the year. http://bjesf.org

And no list would be complete without checking out the Resource guide for local synagogues, Jewish community centers, and universities.  Most of them, if not all, offer courses on different aspects of Judaism.  http://www.sfjcf.org/resources/guide

Lastly, there are numerous outstanding self-directed Jewish education websites.  My favorite is http://www.myjewishlearning.com.  I also recently discovered a new website produced by local Sarah Lefton called G-dcast. Every week they feature the parsha of the week presented in an entertaining and easy to understand cartoon.  http://www.g-dcast.com. This week’s is Parshat Chayei Sarah:

If you need any more information on local Jewish education resources, call JCI&R 415.777.4545 or email us at Info@JewishNfo.org.

Jewish Community Information and Referral is a free and confidential service of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin, and Sonoma counties. Visit our website: www.sfjcf.org/resources.

Tova torah mikol sechoira: Learning Torah is the best avocation.

Ask JCI&R: Jewish life on campus

Q: I just started college, and I’m not sure where to go for the upcoming high holidays.  Can you help me find campus services or a local synagogue that will take me in?  Thanks!

A: We are happy to help you out.  We keep listings of the Jewish student organizations, Jewish studies programs, and kosher eateries for many campuses.  If you are interested, we also have information on student trips to Israel, education loans, and scholarships.

For the specifics on your campus, or for more information about connecting to Jewish life, call JCI&R 415.777.4545 or email us at Info@JewishNfo.org.

Jewish Community Information and Referral is a free and confidential service of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin, and Sonoma counties. Visit our website: www.sfjcf.org/resources.

Shana tova!

Ask JCI&R: The traditions of the high holidays

Q:  The New Year 5769 looms on the horizon.   I would like to better understand the traditions connected with the holidays.

A:  The New Year begins with Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot. These holidays are exceptional opportunities to celebrate with family and friends. The Tishrei (the first calendar month of the Jewish year) holidays have many symbols and traditions associated with them. Contact us and we will explain the traditions, including tashlich - the gathering at a body of flowing water on Yom Kippur - and ushpizin - the custom of inviting honorary guests to the Sukkah. If you want to buy or create your own Shofar, we can direct you. We can also tell you Rabbi Sa’adiah Gaon’s ten reasons to hear the Shofar. Please let us know if you want to know more about the fall Holy Days, from A to Z. Shana tova! 

For more information about connecting to Jewish life, call JCIR 415.777.4545 or local toll-free in the Bay Area 877.777.JCIR (5247), or email us at Info@JewishNfo.org.

Jewish Community Information and Referral is a free and confidential service of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin, and Sonoma counties. Visit our website: www.sfjcf.org/resources.

Ask JCI&R: Top 10 ways to explore the Jewish Bay Area

Welcoming Jewish visitors this summer who enjoy architecture, baseball, films, food and more? Show them our milk and honey of the San Francisco Bay Area–Jewish style.

Here are our top ten ways to explore the Jewish San Francisco Bay Area!

10. Tour a kosher chocolate factory. (Contact us for sweet details)

9. Pray in the Chabad cable car and in inspiring synagogues

Rabbi Yosef Langer and a key supporter welcome travelers aboard the inaugural tour of goodness and kindness. (Photo: Chabad.com)

8. Read about early Jewish philanthropists at the BJE Library

7. Shop for Jewish books, gifts and art. Look for gift shops on our website

6. View architecture at the magnificent Haas Lilienthal House, a wonderful example of Victorian heritage with Jewish history

5. Touch George Segal’s the Survivor sculpture at the Lincoln Park, near the Legion of Honor

4. Feeling Festive? From July 24-August 11, view films at the Jewish Film Festival at locations in the Bay Area! And on September 21, join us at the To Life! Jewish Cultural Street Festival in Palo Alto

3. Eat and drink at kosher restaurants and kosher wineries

2. Cheer on the San Francisco Giants on Jewish Heritage Night. August 25–Save the date

1. See exhibits in the NEW Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco, the Judah Magnes Museum in Berkeley or check out our website for a list of galleries displaying Jewish art.

The new Contemporary Jewish Museum just opened on June 8!

The Magnes is an amazing museum of art and history focused on the Jewish experience.

For more information about connecting to Jewish life, call JCIR 415.777.4545 or local toll-free in the Bay Area 877.777.JCIR (5247), or email us at Info@JewishNfo.org.

Jewish Community Information and Referral is a free and confidential service of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin, and Sonoma counties. Visit our website: www.sfjcf.org/resources.

Ask JCI&R: Connecting to Jewish communities while traveling

Editor’s note: Today I’m excited to introduce our newest contributor to this blog, Judy Musante, who will be writing a monthly column, “Ask JCI&R.” The series will cover questions frequently received by the Federation’s Jewish Community Information and Referral department. Judy, who is in her bat mitzvah year at the Federation, has been writing a similar column for other local publications for over a decade. We welcome her expertise, and look forward to her upcoming pieces.

Q: We are planning our upcoming summer vacation abroad.  We enjoy connecting with other Jewish communities while traveling.   Where can I find out the names of synagogues, Jewish sightseeing, and kosher restaurants in our favorite destinations?

A: For all you wandering Jews out there: Whether you are traveling for fun or business, relocating, or just plain curious, Jewish communities and synagogues exist everywhere, from Alaska (The frozen chosen) to Zurich.  Call us and we will share capsule histories and demographics.  We can connect you with synagogues, food, kosher restaurants, gift shops, mikvaot and historic sites.   Cruising?   We can tell you about kosher cruises.   Surfing?  We share websites for the world Jewish traveler.

For more information about connecting to Jewish life, call JCIR 415.777.4545 or local toll-free in the Bay Area 877.777.JCIR (5247), or email us at Info@JewishNfo.org

Jewish Community Information and Referral is a free and confidential service of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin, and Sonoma counties. Visit our websites www.JewishNfo.org and www.Jewishfed.org.