NO SHABBAT SERVICE TONIGHT...

but next week, we will have a very different kind of Shabbat service. See details below.

Today is the fifth day of the Omer. Do you want to know what that means, and why it matters? Basically, it's a way of observing the time between Passover and Shavuot as a period of heightened introspection. Here's a 3-1/2 minute video that explains everything.

In addition to this Jewish mindfulness practice, you can enjoy a curated playlist of contemplative, prayerful songs to accompany you on this spiritual journey. And Aryae's "Omer Counter" is a nice resource. Below are some other resources you might find helpful in the coming weeks leading up to Shavuot on June 1.

Shabbat Shalom & Chag Pesach Sameach!

Reb Moshe

PHOTOS AND VIDEOS FROM OUR PASSOVER SEDER

This year's seder was held in the spacious community center at Senior Coastsiders in HMB. We had a crowd of about 100 seder participants which included an enthusiastic ensemble, several families, and lots of young people. It was a fun and meaningful celebration for all.

There were also prompts and discussions on serious subjects that included immigration, antisemitism, authoritarianism, and a remembrance of the hostages who are not yet free.

One participant described the seder as "spectacular." You could feel the energy in the room.

Just listen to the short clips below from "Those Were the Plagues" and "Miriam's Song".

We send out a big "thank you" to all the volunteers who made the event a great success!

COMING UP

Tues, April 22 - Coastside Earth Day Resource Fair at the HMB Library, 3:30-7pm

Other related events include a Recycling Day on Sat, April 26 at the Smith Field Parking Lot, and a Coastal Wildflower Day on Sun, May 4 at Venice Beach State Park. More info here.

April 23 - Yom HaShoah - Holocaust Remembrance Day (local events on 4/23 & 27)

(To see the full-size flyer, click on the image.)

Virtual Candle Lighting Service & Name Reading 

Wednesday, April 23 | 7:30 pm via Zoom

Join for an intimate service marking the beginning of Yom HaShoah with a candle-lighting ceremony and the reading of names. No need to register. The Zoom link is available here.

North Peninsula Yom HaShoah 2025 Program

Sunday, April 27 @ 3:00 pm – 5:45 pm at Congregation Beth Jacob in Redwood City

This program will guide participants through a journey of mourning and learning as we remember the victims of the Holocaust. Register for the 4/27 event here . If you are able to volunteer, the tasks are listed here. To carpool, email Brianne.

Thurs, April 24 - A Brief But Spectacular History of China, by Philip Chapnick, 7pm

China has a rich history and culture that remains a mystery for many Americans. Join CJC member Philip Chapnick, who lived in China from 2010–2016, for a unique exploration of China’s deep and profound history, culture, philosophy, and art over the last 5000 years. More info here.

Friday, April 25 - Meditative Shabbat at the Ananda Valley Farm in HMB, 6:30pm

The Ananda Valley Farm sits on 67 acres in a beautiful, secluded valley in HMB, accessible via Frenchmans Creek Road. It's owned and operated by a spiritual community that is happy to have us enjoy a meditative Shabbat experience in their yurt. This will be new for CJC.

The evening will not include a dinner. Since the 1-1/2 mile dirt road to the farm is not lit, we'll begin at 6:30pm so we'll be done before sunset (at 7:55pm). For more details, email Brianne.

April 26 - Join CJC members for PelicanFest at Linda Mar Beach, 10:30 - 1:30pm

Earth Day is April 22 but why not make it Earth Week? PelicanFest is an extended Earth Day celebration filled with engaging activities, inspiring speakers, and a commitment to ocean conservation. Organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, California State Parks will be there. Details here.

Thurs, May 1 - Celebrate Israel's 77th birthday at the PJCC, 5-7:30pm

Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) falls from sundown on April 30 to sundown on May 1. This year, we are invited to the PJCC to enjoy shwarma and falafel, crafts for kids, a petting zoo, cotton candy, popcorn and sno-cones, live music and Israeli folk dancing.

Early bird tickets are $20 through April 14; Tickets purchased April 15-30 are $25; Tickets on the day of the event are $30; Children ages 5 and under are free! More info and tickets here.

May 30-31 The Shabbat of Unplugging Challenge (JFCS)

This is an initiative sponsored by Jewish Family and Children's Services and will be widely promoted through the Northern Peninsula. Participating congregations, including CJC, will be hosting services and dinners to which newcomers will be invited. Stay tuned for where our service and dinner will be held. To learn more about the initiative, visit the JFCS site here.

Sat, May 31 - Climate Future Film Festival at the Odd Fellows in HMB, 7pm

Ten films from eight countries explore the artistic & human response to climate change

This intimate short-film festival explores our responses to many possible climate futures. Bill McKibben, co-founder of 350.org and founder of Third Act, is the program's Honorary Judge. Local organizations that are doing climate resiliency work will be present before and after the screening for additional community engagement. Watch trailer here. RSVP here.

Sun, June 1 - Family Circle, CJC Picnic and Annual Shavuot Climb

Join us at the Square Peg Ranch in Montara for the last day of our Family Circle educational program for this year. We'll enjoy visiting the horses at the ranch, we'll enjoy a picnic lunch on their tables, then the hearty souls who will climb Montara Mountain with the Torah will begin their trek. Save the date and stay tuned for details.

Jewish university presidents: Trump is exploiting campus antisemitism, not fighting it

There’s one thing that unites the university presidents that have so far prominently stood up against President Donald Trump’s ongoing assault on higher education: They’re Jewish. Start with Harvard University’s president, Alan Garber, who on Monday issued the most forceful rebuke yet to Trump’s efforts to establish federal control over campuses.

In a letter to students, faculty and staff, Garber wrote that Harvard would reject the “unprecedented demands” that the federal government had made, under the guise of combating antisemitism on Harvard’s campus, for the university to avoid the freezing of up to $9 billion in federal grants and loans. “The University,” Garber wrote, “will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.” [Read the article here.]

10 things to do with your kids during Passover in the Bay Area

There are only so many times we can sit through a seder and cry to “Deliver Us” before the magic of Passover wears off. Here are 10 ideas for keeping kids engaged in the holiday, divided into DIY projects to do at home and road trip-worthy activities to do out and about.

No Matzah? No Problem! 10 Ways to Make a Sandwich During Passover

Oh no – did you already run through your matzah stash during your seder? Here's a list of ten creative ways to get your sandwich fix when bread is off the menu.

Wondering what else is coming up? You can always check our website here.

Rabbi Moshe Heyn serves as CJC's Spiritual Leader, advancing the interests of the broader community by fostering a vibrant Jewish presence on the Coastside. You can read more about him 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.

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.