Making Connections Virtually
This year’s Jewbilee day of Jewish learning was virtual, but the joy of learning together burned more brightly than ever, as the South Bay community gathered on January 31, 2021, around the theme of social justice and social action.
“Fabulous presenters” • “Inspiring” • “All the presenters were terrific. It was informative, moving and motivational” • “Great speakers and lots of new ideas” • “All panels had outstanding speakers” •”Jewish teachings in the context of the world” • “What a fantastic conference!! Mazal Tov to all!!” These are just a few of the comments from attendees at the end of the day.
Jewbilee 2021 is over, but the connections will stay. More than 240 attendees learned, explored and acted around the themes of social justice and social action. The knowledge, the ideas, the drive, the mission, and our ability to work together with many other Jewish partners and friends, were a true testament to the power of community.
A Focus on Social Justice
Hosted by the Addison-Penzak JCC and other South Bay Jewish organizations, this year’s Jewbilee featured Zoom sessions such as “Criminal Justice Reform in Santa Clara County: Why and How,” “Environmental Action: How You Can Make a Difference” and “Dismantling Racism: How About Reparations?”
Keynote speaker Rabbi Jennie Rosenn of Dayenu, a New York–based, climate-focused organization, opened the event by sharing her two decades of experience with Jewish nonprofits that seek to bring about social change. The Q&A was moderated by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Silicon Valley’s Diane Fisher.
Peninsula JCC’s Rabbi Lavey Derby led a 15-minute meditation session to help break up the day. The day ended with a reflection period, where attendees discussed the day’s workshops in small breakout groups.
Jewbilee also offered young adult and teen sessions, focused on youth homelessness and social action, respectively.
In Case You Missed It
Watch recordings of the Jewbilee sessions.
For more information, see apjcc.org/jewbilee or email [email protected].
Jewbilee 2021 Sponsors
Jewbilee Day of Learning was made possible by the following sponsors: Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest SF, Dianne Portnoy Endowment for Jewish Life & Learning, Los Gatos Memorial Park, Darling Fischer Family Mortuaries, and Bonnie Slavitt. The APJCC is proud to be a part of the Koret Initiative on Jewish Peoplehood, and is supported further by the Taube Foundation for Jewish Life & Culture.
Jewbilee 2021 Organizers
Jewbilee 2021 was organized by the Addison-Penzak JCC together with Congregation Beth David, Congregation Emeth, Congregation Shir Hadash, Congregation Sinai, Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest SF, the Israeli American Council (IAC), Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley, Moishe House Silicon Valley, Moms Demand Action, NAMI Santa Clara County, PJ Library, Repair the World, Shalem Institute, and Temple Emanu-El.
Partners included Behavioral Health Contractors’ Association (BHCA), City Year, Dayenu, Desert Stars, Faith in Action Bay Area, Glide, HIAS, Igy, The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, Ma’alot Farm, Olim Beyahad, Sacred Heart Community Service and Power Through Protest: a series of programs from the Peninsula JCC, JCC East Bay, the Los Gatos JCC, and the Osher Marin JCC.
