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!

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!

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.

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 The Rose Code by Kate Quinn. See you on Sunday, September 29th 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, affiliated with CSJO. Email us at culturaljews@gmail.com or call (925) 399-8029 if you have questions or want to find out more about our community.

Have you seen Israelism yet? Join us for a potluck and viewing of the critically acclaimed film on Saturday, March 9th at 4pm. For more info on the film and its creators, visit: https://www.israelismfilm.com/ An alternative movie will be available for younger viewers. Please bring a dish to share! Email us at culturaljews@gmail.com or call (925) 399-8029 for more info or to get on our Evite list.

Join us for a potluck and viewing of the critically acclaimed film Israelism on Saturday, March 9th at 4pm. For more info on the film and its creators, visit: https://www.israelismfilm.com/ An alternative movie will be available for younger viewers. Please bring a dish to share! Email us at culturaljews@gmail.com or call (925) 399-8029 for more info or to get on our Evite list.

October 11. 5:00–6:00 p.m.
TOPIC: How do you work peacefully with someone who thinks or believes differently from you? What guides you? Has your participation in Interfaith Interconnect been helpful? Any participant who wishes to share their personal response (up to 3 minutes) is invited to speak.
Optional breakout discussion groups 6-6:30pm.
Online via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89423157061
Meeting ID: 894 2315 7061.
Zoom room opens at 4:45.

Tri-Valley Cultural Jews is hosting a three part speaker series highlighting Jews in various countries around the world. The presentations will take place in different restaurants which represent the topic of the presentation. Come join us for a fascinating journey around the world where Rabbi Judith Seid will tell us about the history and contribution of the Jews in each region while we all enjoy food from that location.

First in the series: Jews of India
Saturday, May 26 at 6:00 pm
Sansar Indian Restaurant
2220 First Street, Livermore

No Host – Visit sansarindiancuisine.com for menu and pricing.

Please RSVP at (925) 485-1049 by May 20. Also include your email or phone number so we can contact you if there are any last minute changes.
(Save future dates: June 30, 2018 – Jews of China; and July 28, 2018 – Jews of Central Asia)