Co-presenters
Sponsors
Media Sponsor
Community Partners and Friends of DAWN:
Artis — Contemporary Israeli Art Fund, Birthright Israel NEXT Bay Area and Bay Area Tribe, Consulate General of Israel, The Hub at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, The Israel Center of the San Francisco-based Jewish Community Federation, The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, ACCESS of the American Jewish Committee, AJWS-AVODAH Partnership , Be’chol Lashon, Berkeley Hillel, Bureau of Jewish Education , Congregation Beth Sholom, The Young Adult Community @ Congregation Emanu-ElCongregation Sherith Israel, Contemporary Jewish Museum, EcoJews of the Bay, 510, Hazon, Hillel at Stanford, JDub Records, Jewish Community Center of the East Bay, The Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Foundation of the East Bay, The Jewish Theatre San Francisco, The LGBT Alliance of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties, Moishe House Oakland, Moishe House San Francisco, New Israel Fund’s New Generations , Nita Marin- an innovative project of Rodef Sholom, Oshman Family JCC, Oy Bay!, Progressive Jewish Alliance, San Francisco Hillel, 2nd Saturday at the Cellar, 79ers at JFCS, Temple Beth Abraham – Oakland, UpStart, YAD (Young Adults Division) of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties
Community Partners
Artis — Contemporary Israeli Art Fund
Artis is a nonprofit organization that supports and promotes Israeli contemporary art throughout the world. With a firm belief in the role of the artist as cultural emissary and agent of social change, the goal of Artis is to create opportunities for Israel’s most innovative artists to expand their practice and reach international audiences. They accomplish their objectives by providing artist services and expanding audiences for Israeli art online, in print, and through cultural exhibitions and events, sharing an under-recognized side of a culturally vibrant nation. www.artisrael.org
Birthright Israel NEXT Bay Area and Bay Area Tribe
Two years ago, a local, grassroots group by the name of Bay Area Tribe teamed up with the global phenomenon that is Birthright Israel NEXT to create peer-led programs for folks in their twenties and thirties. Since then, volunteers have led events every month including hiking, cooking classes, restaurant tours, art outings, Shabbat picnics, social action events, Hebrew classes, parties and more. Simply put – they engage in Jewish life in informal settings across the Bay Area that give participants an opportunity to learn more about Jewish history and culture, to meet people from diverse Jewish backgrounds, and to find or form a Jewish community that nourishes mind, body, and soul. Check out their calendar @ bayarea.birthrightisrael.com then bring a friend, or come alone and find out what’s NEXT!
The Consulate General of Israel
The Consulate General of Israel serves the Pacific Northwest Region of the United States: Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Alaska. The Consulate is an official office of the Government of Israel. The Consulate is responsible for coordinating relationships with national and local organizations in the Pacific Northwest Region, offices of public officials, businesses and citizens. http://www.israeliconsulate.org/
The Hub at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco
The Hub thrives on the cutting edge – producing music, theater, literary events, DJs, dance parties and holiday celebrations. Revitalizing valued traditions and connecting people to their heritage, we support innovative art, artists and events that give voice to Jewish identity. www.jccsf.org/thehub
The Israel Center of the San Francisco-based Jewish Community Federation
The Israel Center of the San Francisco-based Jewish Community Federation bridges Israel and the Bay Area. Since its founding thirteen years ago, the Israel Center has introduced cutting-edge art and artists from Israel to the Bay Area Jewish and broader community. The Israel Center strives to integrate Israel and its culture in Bay Area Jewish life, to enhance Israel presence in Jewish education and on campuses and to promote and initiate travel to and long-term programs in Israel. Tzavta, the Israel Center Diller-family funded program for young adults, has nurtured Israel-focused community through a variety of social and cultural programs. http://www.jewishfed.org/israelcenter
The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival (SFJFF) is the oldest, largest and most prestigious Jewish film festival in the world, and the single largest Jewish community event in Northern California, attracting approximately 30,000 to 35,000 ticket buyers annually. As an independent non-profit organization, SFJFF’s history of innovative programming has established it as a field leader in the use of media arts to foster cultural understanding. Its mission is to promote awareness of the diversity of the Jewish people and use cinema to catalyze dynamic public discussions about complex social, political and identity issues confronting modern Jews. The 30th Anniversary SFJFF takes place July 24-August 9 in theaters throughout the Bay Area. To sign up for the mailing list, or to become a member of the Jewish Film Forum, visit www.sfjff.org.
Friends of Dawn
ACCESS of the American Jewish Committee
ACCESS, the emerging leadership division of the American Jewish Committee, seeks to create a vibrant sense of Jewish identity, expand Jewish knowledge and foster a deep and abiding commitment to the young adult Jewish community. ACCESS focuses on identifying and responding to the social, political, career, and religious issues that challenge young adults today. http://www.ajc.org/
AJWS-AVODAH Partnership
The AJWS-AVODAH Partnership sparks and sustains social change by building vibrant communities united at the intersection of Jewish values and passion for social justice. To learn more and take part in their educational, leadership development, skills-training, and social networking events, contact Jocelyn at jberger@ajws.org.
Be’chol Lashon
Be’chol Lashon advocates for a global understanding of the Jewish people that reflects contemporary identity. We foster positive, pluralistic, multicultural expressions of Judaism that embrace the ethnic, racial and cultural diversity that has characterized the Jewish people throughout history, and through contemporary forces including intermarriage, conversion and adoption. http://www.bechollashon.org/
Berkeley Hillel
Berkeley Hillel engages and empowers Jewish community on the Cal campus. Hillel student leaders, professionals and board members are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment with social, educational and religious/spiritual opportunities for personal growth, Jewish identity, community service, social justice, advocacy and leadership development.
Bureau of Jewish Education
Bureau of Jewish Education (BJE) is not only the organizer of the annual, titillating (and free!) Young Adult Feast of Jewish Learning, but is also nationally recognized for launching award-winning initiatives to make Hebrew school more fun and effective, bringing Israel into the classroom and teens to Israel, creating Jewish learning opportunities for children with special needs and their families, and by distributing more than $1 million annually to ensure money doesn’t stand in the way of Jewish experiences. And did you know that the BJE Jewish Community Library boasts the largest FREE public collection of Jewish books, CDs, and DVDs in all of Northern California? Visit www.bjesf.org to learn more.
Congregation Beth Sholom
Congregation Beth Sholom is a place to pray, celebrate and grow. It is a place of solace, contemplation and elation, song and discovery. With open hearts and minds, we honor tradition and embrace change. It is a place where personal choice is respected and lifelong connections are made. For more than 500 families, Congregation Beth Sholom is home. At Beth Sholom, we offer a fresh take on 4,000 years of Jewish tradition. How? By celebrating that no single approach to Judaism fits all. By holding wonderful traditional services and offering new and inviting religious practices. For more information please visit: www.bethsholomsf.org or call 415.221.8736.
The Young Adult Community @ Congregation Emanu-El
The Young Adult Community @ Congregation Emanu-El is one of San Francisco’s most exciting destinations for young Jewish adults in their 20s and 30s. Rabbi Sydney Mintz leads the monthly Late Shabbat, an exclusive young adult Shabbat that is attended by hundreds. From informal learning with the Rabbi to San Francisco Giants games, the Young Adult Community @ Congregation Emanu-El offers a wide variety of programs and events. For more information please visit www.emanuelsf.org/yac or call (415) 751-2541 ext 124.
Congregation Sherith Israel
Founded amid the exuberance of the California Gold Rush, Congregation Sherith Israel has welcomed the Jews of San Francisco and beyond since 1851. Our sanctuary, a jewel of synagogue architecture, has embraced and inspired worshipers for more than a century.Our inclusive environment involves Jews and their families from many backgrounds, including non-Jewish spouses and partners. We’d love to get to know you. Please join us for Shabbat services, a holiday celebration or a tour of our historic sanctuary. Information: Carrie Rice, 415.346.1720, x18, or crice@sherithisrael.org.
Contemporary Jewish Museum
With the opening of its new building on June 8, 2008, the Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) ushered in a new chapter in its twenty-plus year history of engaging audiences and artists in exploring contemporary perspectives on Jewish culture, history, art, and ideas. The new facility, designed by internationally renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, is a lively center where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather to experience art, share diverse perspectives, and engage in hands-on activities. Inspired by the Hebrew phrase “L’Chaim” (To Life), the building is a physical embodiment of the CJM’s mission to bring together tradition and innovation in an exploration of the Jewish experience in the 21st century. www.thecjm.org
EcoJews of the Bay
EcoJews of the Bay aims to inspire environmental action through Jewish values. They do that by engaging Bay Area Jews and Jewish organizations in exploring and celebrating the connections between Judaism and environmentalism. EcoJews maintains a community events calendar and supports many local Jewish environmental initiatives. Visit EcoJews at www.ecojews.org or drop them a line at info@ecojews.org to learn more or get involved!
510: Jewish programming for grads and young professionals.
Are you looking for a down-home, young adult (20-somethings) Jewish community in the East Bay? There are more than enough opportunities with 510, where offering great programs is our modus operandi. We like to eat, drink, and have fun while networking with other Jewish grad students, alumni and young professionals. Join our mailing list or email us at 510@berkeleyhillel.org for more info.
Hazon
Hazon is America’s largest Jewish environmental group. Hazon builds programs and events that give people a chance to explore their relation to the physical world and their Jewishness. www.hazon.org
Hillel at Stanford
Hillel at Stanford creates vibrant, multi-faceted Jewish life for Stanford undergraduate and graduate students and for local young adults. The mission of Hillel at Stanford is “to create Jewish experiences of distinctively positive quality and impact that enrich the lives of students and local young adults, and that prepare emerging leaders to shape the future and lead with Jewish values.” Hillel student leaders, professionals and board members are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment with social, educational and religious/spiritual opportunities for personal growth, Jewish identity development, community service, social justice, advocacy and leadership development opportunities. http://hillel.stanford.edu/
JDub Records
JDub produces and promotes community-supported music, media, and events that forge vibrant connections to Judaism. www.jdubrecords.org /www.jewcy.com
Jewish Community Center of the East Bay
The Jewish Community Center of the East Bay, with locations in Berkeley and Oakland, is a dynamic non-profit organization that promotes intellectual, experiential and spiritual exploration of Jewish culture and tradition; build joyful, progressive and inclusive community; and inspires the active pursuit of Tikkun Olam (repair of the world). For more information go to www.jcceastbay.org
The Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Foundation of the East Bay
The Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Foundation of the East Bay are dedicated to building and sustaining a vibrant and inclusive local Jewish community, and to supporting Jewish life in the East Bay, Israel and throughout the world. http://www.jfed.org
The Jewish Theatre San Francisco
The Jewish Theatre San Francisco creates and presents plays inspired by the Jewish experience that intend to make the culture resonant and meaningful to the diverse communities of the Bay Area. As Traveling Jewish Theatre they have made a national name for themselves as an innovative ensemble over the course of its 30-year history. Since building their own 88 seat theatre at 470 Florida St. in the Mission District in 1997, where they produce an annual season of plays, TJT has not been traveling much outside the Bay Area. They announced that as of this season, their place as a local fixture in both the Bay Area theatre community and in the Bay Area Jewish community will be reflected in the name. The company will be called The Jewish Theatre, San Francisco, keeping the now familiar acronym TJT. http://www.tjt-sf.org/
The LGBT Alliance of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, Marin and Sonoma Counties and the Peninsula
The LGBT Alliance is a group of Bay Area LGBT Jews — and friends and family — who are committed to the principles of tikkun olam (repairing the world) & tzedakah (giving of time, energy, and money to one’s community). They contribute time and resources to ensure the betterment of their community. They make sure the voices of LGBT Jews are heard. They provide opportunities for meaningful involvement in the Jewish community They take care of those in need. They enjoy each other’s company through fun, meaningful social gatherings. Together they are passionately building a visible, vocal, and vibrant LGBT Jewish community. http://www.sfjcf.org/groups/lgbt/
Moishe House Oakland
Moishe House creates fun events for the 20-something crowd centered around Jewish living. We have monthly House Concert Shabbat dinners, art nights, cocktail nights and much more. Moishe House welcomes all people from all walks. Come on in!
Check out their events on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Oakland-CA/Moishe-House-Oakland/217728485450?ref=ts”
Moishe House San Francisco
Moishe San Francisco started in December 2005 with the mission of creating a stronger, more vibrant young Jewish community. They host monthly Shabbat dinners, movie nights, poker nights, reading groups, sporting events, cooking nights, a women’s’ group and many more fun activities. http://moishehousesf.blogspot.com/
New Israel Fund’s New Generations
The New Israel Fund (NIF) is the leading organization committed to equality and democracy for all Israelis. New Generations is an open and vibrant community of young professionals, social activists, and community leaders who are committed to the work of the New Israel Fund. http://www.nif.org/get-involved/new-generations/
Nita Marin- an innovative project of Rodef Sholom
Nita is for modern jews, their families, friends, and honestly, anyone who wants to try jewish stuff. The leaders and participants are creating a community for people who want to do something jewish in an unintimidating way. They get together to ask, practice, and really, just try stuff out. Nita takes shabbat to kitchens, learning to cafes, and havdallah to back yards. They take holidays outside to keep them fresh; they take responsibility for the world in jewish terms; and they experience being jewish as we are (Who wants to pretend to be something we’re not?). They get together with other people to help figure out what we all need jewishly, how to get it, and how to give it. www.nitamarin.org.
Oshman Family JCC
The Oshman Family JCC (OFJCC) is a multi-use facility with programs and services for everyone from tots to seniors and from singles to families. Among the facilities are a state of the art fitness center, a double-court gymnasium, indoor and outdoor pools, a preschool, meeting rooms and a Cultural Arts Hall. Spend some time enjoying the OFJCC’s welcoming atmosphere full of open spaces and gorgeous facilities! www.paloaltojcc.org
Oy Bay!
Oy Bay! is a blog dedicated to news, groups, events, and goings-on for young Jews in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. It is meant not just to be a communal listing as other sites currently are used, but also as a forum for discussions on events and issues pertinent to you. So, this is meant as a two-way thing. A dialogue. So start commenting! http://oybay.wordpress.com/
Progressive Jewish Alliance
The mission of the Progressive Jewish Alliance is to engage Jews of diverse backgrounds to learn, lead, and act in our communities to create a more just and equal society. Our vision of social transformation is inspired by our shared Jewish values and realized through partnership with local and national allies. We seek to change the world by serving as the progressive voice in the Jewish community and the Jewish voice in the progressive community. http://www.pjalliance.org
San Francisco Hillel
Diverse and innovative graduate and undergraduate programs; fun, inclusive and informal. Shabbat dinners, cultural and social events, leading international speakers, community outreach. Regular groups include: Israel, AEPi, LCM (local Jewish sorority) Volunteering and more. Serving the Jewish campus life of San Francisco. All students welcome.
33 Banbury Dr., San Francisco, CA 94132/(415) 333-4922/Fax: (415) 333-4926
E-mail: programs@sfhillel.org Visit SF Hille on the web at http://sanfrancisco.hillel.org/home.aspx
2nd Saturday at the Cellar
Second Saturday is a staple in the Jewish Bay Area young adult scene. Launched in 2001, and happening on the 2nd Saturday of every month since, Second Saturday is a two hour cocktail party featuring delicious appetizers and desserts, five free drinks, talented DJs, rotating guest bartenders (from the community), and over 200 fun young adults. We often partner with other organizations or events and we always ensure a great night. We have even had numerous relationships and marriages come out of the event. Second Saturday takes place from 8:00-10:00pm on the Second Saturday of every month at the Cellar nightclub on 685 Sutter (at Taylor) in San Francisco. $10 and must be 21+. To become a guest bartender email secondsaturday@cellarsf.com. Become a fan on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Second-Saturday/36378186053?v=wall&ref=ts.
79ers at JFCS
79ers is a program of Jewish Family and Children’s Services that provides community for young adults who emigrated from the former Soviet Union when they were children. 79ers mission is to provide programs that explore and celebrate the richness of Russian-Jewish- American identity and make a lasting contribution to the Russian Émigré and Jewish community. http://www.jfcs.org/Services/New_Americans_and_Emigre_Services/GenR/
Temple Beth Abraham – Oakland
Temple Beth Abraham is a growing, vibrant, egalitarian, Conservative congregation that has been in Oakland for over 100 years. It is multigenerational and is often described as “Conservative, but fun.” www.tbaoakland.org
UpStart
UpStart’s mission is to inspire and advance innovative ideas that contribute to the continued growth and vitality of Jewish life. UpStart envisions a Jewish community in which innovation integrated into the culture of emerging and existing organizations so that Jewish life will be relevant and meaningful. UpStart supports emerging Jewish social entrepreneurs and their exciting ideas; consults on innovation and change-processes to established organizations; and serves as the hub of Jewish social entrepreneurship in the Bay Area. www.upstartbayarea.org
YAD (Young Adults Division) of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties
YAD offers young Jewish singles, couples and new Bay Area residents (ages 21 to 40-something) a broad range of social, educational, volunteer, philanthropic and leadership development opportunities. The events connect young professionals and empower them to become active participants in our Jewish community. Their 3,000 members come from all backgrounds and lifestyles, bringing a wide range of perspectives and experiences. http://www.sfjcf.org/groups/yad/
Dawn Advisory Committee
Aaron Bisman, Anne Cook, Laura Fraenza, David Katznelson, Amelia Klein, Amichai Lau Lavie, Rachel Levin, Alana Newhouse, Lou Cove, Roger Bennett, Tiffany Woolf, Tanya Schevitz, Shane Hankins
Special Thanks
We would like to thank all of our partners who made this project possible: the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, the Jewish Community Endowment Fund of San Francisco, the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Jim Joseph Foundation, the Koret Foundation, the Alexander M. and June L. Maisin Foundation, the Bernard Osher Jewish Philanthropies Foundation, the Lisa and John Pritzker Family Fund, and Tablet.