April 2013 — Jewish Civilization Between Cross and Crescent
This session's topic, from our newest video series, was "Judah ha-Levi's Cultural Critique." Albany Community Center, Rooms I and II

April 2013 — Bagel Brunch: Holocaust Remembrance
Wescreened the film Harbour of Hope directed and written by Magnus Gertten today, about the nearly 30,000 survivors sent to Malmo, Sweden. Joining us was a member of the Swedish American community, Joanna Bankier, a scholarin this area. Albany Community Center, Rooms I and II.

April 2013 — Shabbat: Legacy of Rescue
After a brief member-led humanistic Shabbat service, Bay Area author Marta Fuchs spoke about her book Legacy of Rescue: A Daughter's Tribute, the story of her father, Morton (Miksa) Fuchs, in wartime Hungary and the man who saved him, Zoltán Kubinyi. Afterwards, we also celebrated our members' April birthdays with a cake. Music and song-leading provided by Ben Brussell. Albany Community Center, Rooms I and II.

March 2013 — Jewish Civilization Between Cross and Crescent
This session's topic, from our newest video series, was "The Rise of the Spanish Jewish Community." Albany Community Center, Rooms I and II.

March 2013 — Bagel Brunch: When Uppity Women Challenge the Rabbinical System
The featured speaker was author Rachel Biale. Rachel Biale was born and raised in Kibbutz Kfar Ruppin in Israel. She received her B.A. and M.A. in Jewish History from UCLA and her M.S.W. from Yeshiva University. She is the author of Women and Jewish Law (Schocken, 1984) and other books. She was the Bay Area Regional Director of the Progressive Jewish Alliance, and has been involved in social justice projects for many years.

March 2013 — Passover Seder
We held our member-led and unique humanistic Passover Seder where we featured not only the traditional exodus story but the real exodus stories of some of our members and their families. This seder was a partially catered, partially potluck event--and very delicious--for affordability. Albany Community Center, Community Hall.

February 2013 — Jewish Civilization Between Cross and Crescent
This session's topic, from our newest video series, was "The Philosophy of Saadia Gaon." Albany Community Center, Rooms I and II.

February 2013 — Bagel Brunch: Darwin Day - Science Denial, From Climate Change to Evolution
The featured speaker was Minda Berbeco, an expert on climate change and terrestrial systems, with a Ph.D. in Biology from Tufts University. Dr. Berbeco has taught, written, and presented talks on how the biological world will change with global warming, and how science deniers are affecting the national conversation. "Academic Freedom" bills are being introduced at the state level across the country to undermine quality science education. Originally devised to weaken evolution education in public schools, these bills have been expanded in recent years to include climate change science as well. Under the guise of teaching students critical thinking skills and protecting educators, this legislation insidiously erodes science education by promoting misinformation as scientific controversy. Dr. Berbeco spoke about the history of these bills, status of current legislation, and the future of science education in America. Albany Community Center, Rooms I and II.

February 2013 — Shabbat: the Science of Climate Change
After a brief service, our speaker, Dr. Linda Swift, a geologist, addressed the science of climate change. Following the talk and service, we also celebrated our January, February and March member birthdays with a cake at our oneg. Music and song-leading was provided by Ben Brussell. Albany Community Center, Rooms I and II.

January 2013 — Jewish Civilization Between Cross and Crescent
This session's topic from our newest video series was "Saadia Gaon and His World." Albany Community Center, Rooms I and II.

January 2013 — Bagel Brunch: DIgging the Bible: Archaeology and Biblical History
Our Bagel Brunch today featured Prof. Aaron Brody, Robert & Kathryn Riddell Associate Professor of Bible and Archaeology, Director of the Bade Museum, Pacific School of Religion. Prof Brody spoke about the intersections of archaeology and biblical history.. Albany Community Center, Rms I and II.

January 2013 — Tu B'Shvat Seder
We held our member-led and unique humanistic Tu B'Shvat seder. Music and song-leading was provided by Ben Brussell. Albany Community Center, Rms I and II.

December 2012 — Jewish Civilization Between Cross and Crescent
The topic of our newest video series was "Bagdad and the Gaonic Age." Albany Community Center, Rms I and II.

December 2012 — Bagel Brunch: Jews in the French Revolution
Our December Bagel Brunch speaker was Dr. Sheila Delany, on the topic "Jews in the French Revolution." Delany is professor emerita of English at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia, and the author of many books, including Writing Woman: Sex, Class, and Literature, Medieval and Modern (1983, 2007), Chaucer and the Jews (2002), and Anti-Saints: The New Golden Legend of Sylvain Marechal (2011). Albany Community Center, Rms I and II.

December 2012 — Potluck Chanukah Party and Silent Auction
Our member-led humanistic Chanukah party and silent auction was held with music and song-leading provided by Ben Brussell and Glen Deardorff. The SIlent Auctionwas terrific and included theater tickets; original art and ceramics; private party entertainment; yoga lessons, country retreat; handyman services, food, dinners, and other great items donated by Kol Hadash members. Albany Community Center, Community Room.

November 2012 — Jewish Civilization Between Cross and Crescent
The topic of our newest video series was "The Beginnings of Jewish Life Under Islam." Albany Community Center, Rms I and II.

November 2012 — Bagel Brunch: The Sunni-Shia Schism
The featured speaker of our November Bagel Brunch was Prof. Maziar Behrooz, presenting "The Sunni-Shia Schism and its Effect on Middle East Politics." Albany Community Center, Rms I and II.

November 2012 — Shabbat
Our member-led humanistic shabbat celebrated Walter Roos' 95th birthday, and we had a discussion of our shabbats--what should they look like in the future? Music and song-leading was provided by Ben Brussell. Albany Community Center, Rms I and II.

October 2012 — Sukkot Potluck (members only)
Our Sukkot potluck was held at a Ann and David's home in Berkeley..

October 2012 — Jewish Civilization Between Cross and Crescent
The first topic of our newest video series was "The Rabbinic Legacy prior to Islam." The series explores Jewish history from Babylon to early modern Europe in this engaging series of video lectures, "Between Cross and Crescent: Jewish History from Mohammed to Spinoza." Taught by David Ruderman, professor of history at the University of Pennsylvania. Lecture was followed by discussion led by Kol Hadash members Dr. Marily J Boxer, emrita professor of history, SFSU and Dr Bernie Rosen, emeritus professor of philosophy, Ohio State University.Albany Community Center, Rms I & Il.

October 2012 — Bagel Brunch: Upcoming Election Issues
Our Bagel Brunch featured League of Women Voters speakers (and members) Jean Saffir and Helene Lecar. Albany Community Center, Rms I and II.

October 2012 — Shabbat: Children and a Better World
Our member-led humanistic shabbat was lead by Gabie Berliner and our commentary exercise was led by Jane Freeman. Music was provided by Ben Brussell. We also collected donations for the homeless families in the Berkeley school district. Albany Community Center, Rms I and II.

September 2012 — Erev Rosh Hashanah
Our member-led humanistic observance of Rosh Hashanah featured a commentary given by Dr. Marilyn Boxer, Professor of History Emerita, SFSU, entitled "Rosh Hashanah, September and a Secular Life." Music and song-leading was provided by Kimberlye Gold. Albany Community Center, Community Room.

September 2012 — Tashlikh Service and Potluck Picnic
Our member-led humanistic observance of Tashlikh was held at the Willows picnic site at Tilden Park in the hills of the East Bay. There was an optional one-hour hike before the service, and a potluck barbecue picnic afterwards.

September 2012 —Erev Yom Kippur
Our member-led humanistic observance of Yom Kippur featured a commentary delivered by Dr. Elaine Leeder, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Sonoma State University and author of My Life with Lifers. Music and song-leading was provided by Ben Brussell, Kol Nidre played by cellist Hannah Addario-Berry. Albany Community Center, Community Room.

August 2012 — Bagel Brunch: The Poetry of Yehuda Amichai
Our Bagel Brunch today featured guest speaker Dr. Chana Kronfeld, Professor, Comparative Literature, UC Berkeley, to present "The Full Severity of Compassion: The Poetry of Yehuda Amichai." Amichai was an Israeli poet and humanist. Albany Community Center, Rms I and II.

August 2012 — Shabbat: Economic Justice
Our humanistic shabbat was led by member Harold Lecar. Music and song-leading was provided by Ben Brussell. Albany Community Center, Rms I and II.

July 2012 — Bagel Brunch: Holocaust and Armenian Genocide Films
Our Bagel Brunch today featured returning guest speaker Dr. Lawrence Baron who focused on The Jewish-Armenian Connection: Holocaust and Armenian Genocide Films.

July 2012 — Jewish Intellectual History Series
We showed a video followed by a half-hour discussion: "Sherwin Wine and Humanistic Judaism." Commentary and discussion was led by Dr. Marilyn Boxer, historian and Dr. Bernie Rosen, philosopher. Albany Community Center, Rms I and II.

July 2012 — Shabbat: Literature with lots of poetry, song and story
Our humanistic shabbat was led by member Rosalind Leighton. Music and song-leading was provided by Ben Brussell. Albany Community Center, Rms I and II.

June 2012 — Jewish Intellectual History Series
We showed a video followed by a half-hour discussion: "Feminist Jewish Theology." Commentary and discussion led by Dr. Marilyn Boxer, historian and Dr. Bernie Rosen, philosopher.

June 2012 — Shabbat: In Memory's Kitchen
Our member-led humanistic shabbat was led by member Claudio Bluer. Commentary reading was about food and hope from In Memory's Kitchen--A Legacy from the Women of Terezin. Music and song-leading provided by Ben Brussell.

May 2012 — Bagel Brunch: JEWISH GENEALOGY
Our Bagel Brunch today featured speaker Jeremy Frankel, Bay Area Jewish Genealogical Society.

May 2012 — Jewish Intellectual History Series
We showed a one half-hour video followed by a half-hour discussion: "Theological Responses to the Nazi Holocaust." Video featured Prof. David Ruderman, University of Pennsylvania, part of the Teaching Company series on Jewish Intellectual History. Commentary and discussion led by Dr. Bernie Rosen, philosopher. Albany Community Center, Rms I and II.

May 2012 — Shabbat - Commentary: Molly Freeman, J Street
Our humanistic shabbat was led by member Eloise Fox. Music and song-leading was provided by Ben Brussell. Commentary provided by Molly Freeman from J Street on the Two State Solution. Albany Community Center, Rms I and II.

April 7 — PASSOVER SEDER: A Modern Exodus
Our unique and humanistic community seder was member-led with music provided by Ben Brussell.The meal was a partially-catered, partially-potluck event held at the Albany Community Center. The catered portion of the event was by Scott Cardel Catering of Oakland.

April 2012 — Jewish Intellectual History Series
We showed a one half-hour video followed by a half-hour discussion: "Abraham Heschel--Mystic and Social Activist." Video featured Prof. David Ruderman, University of Pennsylvania, part of the Teaching Company series on Jewish Intellectual History. Commentary and discussion led by Dr. Marilyn Boxer, historian and Dr. Bernie Rosen, philosopher. Albany Community Center, Rms I and II.

April 2012 — YOM HASHOAH Commemoration: Original Play
We were pleased to present an original play by member Rabbi Milton Matz entitled "Mischlings: Hiding in the Open," about the remarkable early life of Jutta Organek, wife, holocaust survivor and member of Kol Hadash until her death two years ago. Albany Community Center, Community Hall.

April 2012 — Shabbat - Commentary theme: MUSIC
Our humanistic shabbat was led by member Roberta Maisel. Music and song-leading was provided by Ben Brussell, with new songs by both Ben and Roberta. Albany Community Center. Rms I and II.

March 2012 — Bagel Brunch: CHARLOTTE SALOMON
Our Bagel Brunch today featured speaker Dr. Mary Lowenthal Felstiner on her book, "To Paint Her Life: Charlotte Salomon in the Nazi Era," about a remarkable young painter who perished in the Holocaust. Albany Community Center.

March 2012 — Shabbat - Commentary Theme: AGING WITH INDEPENDENCE
Our humanistic shabbat was led by member Gabie Berliner with guest speaker Marjorie Wolf, member of Ashby Village and past president of the Jewish Federation of the East Bay, to deliver the commentary. Music and song-leading was provided by Ben Brussell. Albany Community Center, Rms I and II.

February 2012— Jewish Intellectual History Series
We showed a one half-hour video followed by a half-hour discussion: "Mordecai Kaplan and American Judaism." Video featured Prof. David Ruderman, University of Pennsylvania, part of the Teaching Company series on Jewish Intellectual History. Commentary and discussion led by Dr. Marilyn Boxer, historian and Dr. Bernie Rosen, philosopher. Albany Community Center.

February 2012 — Bagel Brunch: DARWIN DAY
Our annual Darwin Day Bagel Brunch this year featured Professor Jere Lipps, UC Berkeley Dept. of Integrative Biology and Curator of Paleontology, UC Museum of Paleontology. He is a "hands on" paleontologist, as was Darwin himself. Lipps is an academic who advises environmental groups on how better to direct conservation efforts. Albany Community Center, Rms I and II.

February 2012 — Shabbat
Our special member-led humanistic shabbat was led by member Jane Freeman. Commentary was provided by guest speakers Laurie Williams and Allen Zabel on Climate Change and the Cap and Trade debacle. Additionally, we held a special Oneg afterwards to celebrate founding members Ada and Lee Spanier, who are moving to Chicago. Music and song-leading was provided by Ben Brussell.

January 2012 — Bagel Brunch: JAPANESE-AMERICAN INTERNMENT DURING WWII
Bagel Brunch today featurde both a film and speaker: Forsaken Fields, about Japanese-American farmers in California; and a presentation by Dr. Joseph Yasutake who was interned with his family at several locations in the West.

January 2012 — Jewish Intellectual History Series
We showed a one half-hour video followed by a half-hour discussion: "Martin Buber's Jewish Existentialism." Video featured Prof. David Ruderman, University of Pennsylvania, part of the Teaching Company series on Jewish Intellectual History. Commentary and discussion led by Dr. Marilyn Boxer, historian and Dr. Bernie Rosen, philosopher.

January 2012 — Tu B'Shevat Seder and Shabbat
We held our Tu B'Shevat seder (our environmental holiday celebrating the "birthday" of the trees) and humanistic shabbat, led by member Alana Shindler, and shared tree fruit, nuts and charoset. Music and song-leading was provided by Ben Brussell. Albany Community Center.

December 2011 — Bagel Brunch: THE STORY OF STUFF
Our topic was materialism/consumerism and the environment, featuring the Story of Stuff video. Member Alana Shindler added commentary on "Jews and Stuff" as well as local recycling efforts, and led the discussion.

December 2011 — Jewish Intellectual History Series
We showed a one half-hour video followed by a half-hour discussion: "The Jewish Adventure with Socialism." Video features Prof. David Ruderman, University of Pennsylvania, part of the Teaching Company series on Jewish Intellectual History. Commentary and discussion led by Dr. Marilyn Boxer, historian and Dr. Bernie Rosen, philosopher..

December 2011 — Shabbat and Potluck Chanukah Celebration
Our humanistic Shabbat and Chanukah celebration was led by members Judith and MIchael McCullough, with a commentary by Michael McCullough. Music and song-leading was provided by Ben Brussell.

November 2011 — Jewish Intellectual History Series
We showed a one half-hour video followed by a half-hour discussion: "Three Zionist Visions." Video featured Prof. David Ruderman, University of Pennsylvania, part of the Teaching Company series on Jewish Intellectual History.

November 2011 — Bagel Brunch: ADULT CHILDREN
Our Bagel Brunch today was led by member Dr. Roberta Maisel on her book "All Grown Up: Living Happily Ever with Your Adult Children." Commentary featured Helene Lecar and Bill Nemoyten. Albany Community Center.

November 2011 — Shabbat
Our humanistic shabbat was led by member Bill Nemoyten, whose commentary was Jewish family history. Music and song-leading was provided by Ben Brussell. Albany Community Center.

October 2011 — Bagel Brunch
Our Bagel Brunchwas led by guest speaker Prof Mary Ann Irwin on "As SF votes, so votes California: Selina Solomons and the 1911 Woman Suffrage Campaign." Albany Community Center.