See also: Netivot Shalom Preschool

Re: Jewish Reconstructionists in East Bay?

I belong to Congregation Netivot Shalom in Berkeley. It is not a Reconstructionist congregation, but there is a strong Reconstructionist presence, and I know some members are involved in a Reconstructionist Havurah. I've also recently received an email about a new Reconstructionist Havurah in Berkeley, Or Zarua (perhaps the same group). The email said that the group ''includes 22 children - all of whom are in Jewish day schools or other supplementary schools -- and two Reconstructionist rabbis. The congregation provides monthly prayer services and other activities, and they hope to grow in the years ahead.'' The only contact information I have for them is the Director of Outreach & External Affiliations for the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation, Rabbi Shawn Zevit. His email address is SZevit[AT]jrf.org Elizabeth

Re: Trying to get more connected to my Jewish roots - Sinai or Kehilla?

You might also want to consider Netivot Shalom in Berkeley. Although you may be somewhat intimidated by the fact that it is a Conservative (middle of the road practice-wise with the service in Hebrew) congregation, the other issues that seem to be of concern to you might be well addressed there. The dress is ''Berkeley Casual'', and it's pretty much impossible to tell who has money and who does not. The level of practice of the congregants varies widely. The congregation is medium sized, and lots of the congretants are Jews by Choice and Jews who are returning to a spiritual path or beginning to practice. A number of the congregants are academics, and although many are political, people seem to come to services more for religious observance and a sense of community, with political activities mostly addressed in seperate context (not always, though....it is Berkeley, after all.) The Rabbi, Stuart Kelman, has offered frequent ''beginners'' classes, and makes a special point of helping people get their bearings in what for many is a new environment. My husband, who speaks no Hebrew, seems to enjoy services there. It's also extremely family friendly, with ''tot Shabbat'' services for young children and their parents. It might be worth a Saturday morning.

The congregation is moving from rented space at the Berkeley JCC to a new home on University avenue. Good luck finding the right spot to join---and don't give up, sometimes it takes a while to feel ''at home'', wherever you choose to be!

Re: Jewish temple for agnostic non-Jew and family

This is in reply to both messages about synagogues. First, I'd suggest checking out Netivot Shalom, which meets at the Berkley Jewish Community Center. http://www.netivotshalom.org/

It's a nice congregation and definitely a place you might meet other people whose parents were hippie atheists or who have graduate degrees in philosophy, or possibly both together. It's very ''Berkeleyish'' and easy going-- not as political as Kehillah and not as upscale in the financial sense as Temple Sinai.