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!

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

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.

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.

Jewish but not religious? 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.

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.

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!

Join us as we celebrate what lights us up at Tri-Valley Cultural Jews’ Hanukkah Celebration on Saturday, December 21st from 5-7pm in Castro Valley. The menorah (or candle holder) will be lit and latkes (potato pancakes) will be fried. Come spin the dreidel and enjoy games and crafts with our warm, welcoming community. Please bring your favorite latke topping and a dish to share.

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Sukkot? Jewish but not religious? Celebrate Sukkot with us! Sukkot is a fall holiday that celebrates the harvest with the tradition of building a temporary shelter called a sukkah. As is our tradition, we’ll build our sukkah and spend the morning schmoozing and decorating it. It is also traditional to share a meal under the sukkah, so we invite you to bring a potluck brunch dish to share. The fun starts on Sunday, October 20th at 10:30am in Pleasanton. Please bring a branch to put on top of the sukkah, a fruit to hang as decoration and a dish to share. We will have crafts and fun for all.

Still looking for a meaningful way to observe Yom Kippur? Jewish but not religious? Join Tri-Valley Cultural Jews on Saturday, October 12 for our Yom Kippur gathering featuring music, readings and discussions. The event will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Livermore. Reservations are required; email culturaljews@gmail.com. Suggested donation: $25/non-member adult. All are welcome, regardless of ability to donate.

Rabbi Judith Seid will lead a short ceremony of repentance and forgiveness at 2 p.m. Discussions sessions following will include mental health, forms of governance, education and invasive/endangered species during which participants will be encouraged to examine how they can have impacts on these social problems in the year to come. The afternoon will conclude with a remembrance (nizkor) ceremony. Quiet activities will be available for children for whom the afternoon might be inappropriate.