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Friday December 21, 2007

Shorts: Bay Area

Gan HaLev hosting family music program

A new Sunday morning music program for young children and their families will begin 10 a.m. Jan. 6 at Congregation Gan HaLev in Marin’s San Geronimo Valley.

The free program, funded by a grant from the Bureau of Jewish Education in San Francisco, will meet twice a month and is open to the public. Participants will learn Jewish songs and holiday traditions from around the world, listen to stories and do craft projects.

Classes will meet at the San Geronimo Valley Community Center, 6350 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Geronimo. To register or for more information, call (415) 488-4524.

Rabbi responds to city complaint

A complaint from the San Francisco Planning Department questioning whether Rabbi Bentzion Pil was violating city codes by hosting large religious events at his home was met with a curt response from the rabbi’s lawyer.

In a letter to the city, attorney Al Anolik questioned the Planning Department’s characterization of the rabbi’s Richmond District home as a “synagogue,” claiming that hosting daily minyans and Shabbat dinners does not make one’s home a religious institution.

A complaint was originally filed with the city by a neighbor of Pil’s who claims he cannot find street parking for his business’ two large trucks because of frequent gatherings at the rabbi’s home. Anolik told j. that the neighbor has been harassing Pil.

Since sending his letter to the city late last month, Anolik said last week neither he nor Pil have heard from the Planning Department.

OU Israel missiongeared for families

The Orthodox Union will sponsor a mission to Israel from Jan. 20 to 27. The itinerary includes Yad Vashem, the Ayalon Institute, Masada and Latrun, site of many of Israel’s famous battles. B’nai mitzvah kids are especially welcome, as the trip takes place during “yeshiva week,” when many Jewish schools are on winter break. For information and to register, call (212) 613-8124 or visit www.ou.org/israelmissions.

Service learning program in S.F. still open

The Jewish Service Learning Certificate program is currently accepting its second cohort of students.

The certificate is a collaboration between San Francisco State University’s Jewish Studies program and the S.F.-based Bureau of Jewish Education. Classes begin in January.

The one-year graduate certificate trains Jewish community professionals and volunteers to develop service learning programs through the study of educational theory, Jewish thought and practical hands-on skills needed to implement service learning projects.

Classes are held Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at SFSU’s downtown campus in the Westfield shopping center.

Space is limited. To learn more or reserve a spot, contact Jaré Akchin at (415) 751-6983 ext. 113 or via email at jakchin@bjesf.org.

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