Welcome to Tri-Valley Cultural Jews

We are a Secular Humanistic community serving those who identify with the Jewish People through family, culture and history, rather than through religion. Serving the Greater East Bay with holiday celebrations, opportunities to express your progressive social values, and education for children, adults and families. We are affiliated with the Cultural and  Secular Jewish Organizations.  Please view the Upcoming Events link for a look at future activities. We look forward to seeing you!

Repro Rights Shabbat

Join our Secular Humanist Jewish community on Sunday, February 22nd from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, for a powerful Reproductive Rights Shabbat hosted by Tri-Valley Cultural Jews.

Come watch a thought-provoking film on reproductive rights and join us for a dynamic conversation about this critical issue. After the discussion, stay for delicious potluck snacks and meaningful connections with others who care about justice and equality.

It’s a chance to reflect, share, and take action—together as a community.

All are welcome! RSVP today!

Tu B’Shvat

Celebrate Tu B'Shvat The New Year of the Trees Tu B'Shvat Farm Day and Potluck! Sunday, Feb 16th, 1-4pm, Livermore, CA. A row of fall colored cartoonish trees separates the light green text from the brown subheading. Tri-Valley Cultural Jews, Secular + Humanist, culturaljews@gmail.com,  (925) 399-8029

Join Tri-Valley Cultural Jews on Sunday, February 16th, for a meaningful Tu B’Shvat afternoon at a beautiful, historic farm! Enjoy nature, community, and sustainability as we celebrate the Jewish New Year for Trees.

We’ll gather from 1-4 PM for farm tours, hands-on activities, and a special connection to the earth. Then, stay for a cozy potluck—bring a dish to share and enjoy the warmth of community.

Whether you’re a longtime member or new to the group, all are welcome to join in this unique celebration of nature, renewal, and tradition.

RSVP today and be part of this special day!

Not A Book Club

We’re excited to invite you to join our NOT a Book Club — a special perk for our community members! It’s not your average book club. This is the place to explore thought-provoking reads you might not have otherwise picked up. Whether it’s an unexpected genre, an author you haven’t read before, or a book that challenges your perspective, this is your chance to stretch your literary boundaries.

What to Expect:

  • A relaxed, no-pressure environment to discuss books that might surprise you.
  • Thoughtful, open-ended conversations with fellow members.
  • A celebration of diverse perspectives within our secular humanist Jewish community.

How It Works:

  1. We’ll choose a book that offers new insights and prompts meaningful discussion (this month it’s The $12 Million Stuffed Shark: The Curious Economics of Contemporary Art by Don Thompson).
  2. You read it (or even skim it — we’re not picky).
  3. Join the group to discuss, debate, and share your thoughts — with no expectations, just conversation!

Date & Time: Sun, Feb. 23, 3pm

We’d love for you to be part of it — because sometimes the best way to explore new ideas is by stepping outside of our usual reading habits.

Please RSVP on the Evite to let us know if you’ll be joining!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Philsopher’s Cafe

Ready to laugh, think, and dive deep into a fascinating topic? Join us for our next Philosophers’ Cafe discussion, where we’ll explore the role of humor in our culture(s) — from its power to heal and unite to its potential to divide and offend.

Humor is universal, yet incredibly personal. What makes us laugh? How do different cultures approach humor? What does it say about us as individuals and communities? We’ll explore these questions and more in a lively, thoughtful conversation, all in the spirit of open dialogue and respect.

Details:

Topic: The Role of Humor in Our Culture(s)
Date & Time: Feb. 6th, 7pm
Location: Zoom 

Cost: Free to members, $15 suggested donation for non-members adults if you are able. We are happy to apply it to your membership if you decide to join.

Whether you have a favorite comedian, a joke that changed your perspective, or simply a curious mind, we’d love to hear your thoughts! As always, our discussion is open to all, with no prior philosophy degree required—just bring your ideas and sense of humor!

We look forward to laughing and thinking with you!

Repro Rights Shabbat

You’re Invited: Film Screening & Discussion on Reproductive Rights

Presented by Tri-Valley Cultural Jews

Join us for a thought-provoking afternoon as we explore the intersection of reproductive rights, ethics, and social justice through the lens of film. This community event will feature a screening of Under G-d, followed by an engaging discussion about the legal, moral, and humanist perspectives on reproductive freedom.

Date: Sat, Feb 22, 2025
Time: 3-4:30pm
Location: Castro Valley, CA
Cost: $15 per non-member adult, if you are able

The film offers a powerful portrayal of the struggles individuals face in exercising their reproductive rights, and the discussion will center on how these issues align with our values of human dignity, autonomy, and justice.

After the screening, we’ll host a facilitated conversation about the challenges to reproductive rights, especially in the current political climate, and how secular humanists can engage in advocacy and support for reproductive justice.

Please bring a snack to share.

This event is open to everyone, regardless of religious background, and aims to create an inclusive space for thoughtful dialogue on a critical topic.

RSVP by emailing us at culturaljews@gmail.com or call (925) 399-8029 if you have questions or want to find out more about our community. You can find us at www.trivalleyculturaljews.org. We’re TriValley Cultural Jews on FaceBook and tvcj_official on Instagram

We hope you can join us for this important and timely event!

In solidarity,

Tri-Valley Cultural Jews

Tu B’Shvat

Join Tri-Valley Cultural Jews as we celebrate Tu B’Shvat, or what is often called The New Year of the Trees, or Jewish Arbor Day. This year we are celebrating with a farm day and a potluck in Livermore, CA on Sunday, February 16th from 1-4pm. Learn about the history of historic ranches, followed by a Secular seder and potluck. Our event will be outdoors, so please dress accordingly.

Not-a- Book Club

Light blue border with art deco style swirls, and bright salmon pink center rectangle with white stencil of an open book at the top. TVCJ Members Only NOT A Book Club, January 12th, 3pm, 2025, Tri-Valley Cultural Jews, culturaljews@gmail.com, (925) 399-8029

TVCJ’s NOT a Book Club is our chance to read something we might not have otherwise picked up. Join us for our discussion of Typically Jewish, by Nancy Kalikow Maxwell. See you on Sunday, January 12th at 3pm!

This special group is a perk for our members. Want to find out more about who we are and what we do? TVCJ is an accepting, welcoming, diverse community of Cultural Jews and their families. Email us at culturaljews@gmail.com or call (925) 399-8029 if you have questions or want to find out more about our community.

Hanukkah Celebration

Blue background. Partial visible stylized Jewish candle holder on left side. Tri-Valley Cultural Jews, Secular + Humanist, culturaljews@gmail.com,  (925) 399-8029. Hanukkah Celebration, Sat Dec 21st 5-7pm Pleasanton CA. Latke making, Community, Music, Crafts.

Still looking for a way to celebrate Hanukkah? Join us for Tri-Valley Cultural Jews’ Hanukkah Celebration on Saturday, December 21st at 5pm in Pleasanton. Celebrate the festival of light with us as we light candles and fry potato pancakes called latkes. There will be crafts and games for all! Please bring your favorite latke topping and a dish to share.

Jewvie Movie

Red background. Tri-Valley Cultural Jews, Secular + Humanist, culturaljews@gmail.com,  (925) 399-8029. It's showtime! Stylized bucket of popcorn. 7 Dec. Opening 3pm Castro Valley. Get your popcorn and have a seat. Jewvie Movie + Potluck Snacks. Book your seat for...Remembering Gene Wilder.

Here is a new movie perk for our members! Join us on December 7th at 3pm for a screening of the documentary film, Remembering Gene Wilder. From the film website, “Interviews and never-before-seen footage provide insight into the life, career and legacy of actor and comedian Gene Wilder. The star of “Willy Wonka,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein” and many more is remembered by those who knew and loved him in this documentary.” Located in Castro Valley. Please bring a snack to share!