October 8 is a chilling documentary exposing the premeditated forces at work to twist public perception about Hamas’s October 7, 2023 massacre on innocent Israelis within hours after the unspeakable horrors occurred.
We hope that concerned Americans will support this limited public run in larger cities across the country. Please share this opportunity with friends and family.
Shabbat by the Shore presents: Shabbat Rocks! Friday, March 28 at 6:30pm
A special Friday night experience with Rabbi and Rebbetzin Baruch and Carina Rock
Jewish people worldwide have until May 4, 2025 to cast their votes for the 39th World Zionist Congress elections that take place every 5 years. It costs $5 to register to vote, and it is well worth it! Â There are 21 slates of electors, more than half of them Orthodox leaning in support of the current administration's policies that many Israelis and diaspora Jews feel are putting Israel's long-term welfare and security at risk and run contrary to Jewish ethical values and morals on multiple levels.
Money Talks:Â The winners of this election (and it will be an admixture of people from the various slates) will be able to determine how 1 billion dollars should be allocated annually over the next five years to support the most pressing needs across Israeli society and in the Jewish diaspora.Â
We encourage you to do your own research on the different focus issues for the various slates. Read this summary of all platforms. ​​​
The seven slates listed below in alphabetical order each advocate for different aspects of an Israel that is welcoming to Jews of all religious leanings, support rights for women and other marigalized populations and champion a healthy democratic process within Israel:
AID (America-Israel Democracy) Coalition
ANU - A New Union
Dorshei Torah v'Tzion
Hatikvah: The Progressive Slate
The Jewish Future
Mercaz USA
Vote Reform
It is worth noting that the other 14 slates, to different degrees, support Israel's current governmental policies and hold up Orthodox Judaism as the country's standard.  We encourage each of our readers to study all the slates in depth so you can understand what is at stake. Our votes in support of an Israel that we can all feel proud to call home really can make a difference if we all show up.
It truly is remarkable that Jews everywhere can still have a say in how Israel helps its citizens and Jewish communities worldwide. At this frightening moment, the ark of history is heavily bent toward extremism and intolerance. It is everyone's responsibility to exercise any and every opportunity we have to champion human dignity, equality and compassion that we know Israel was created to exemplify.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to research and vote for the platform that resonates most with your values. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Tilchin and the Collaborative Team
Shabbat Rocks: A special Friday night experience with Rabbi and Rebbetzin Baruch and Carina Rock | Friday, March 28 at 6:30pm | RSVP by Tuesday, March 25
Saturday, March 22 at 2pm PT TWELVE STEPS AND TORAH JCoOC partners with Our Jewish Recovery (OJR) every Shabbat afternoon for Torah study informed by the wisdom of Twelve Step recovery. Join us on Zoom. For more information and to be added to the Twelve Steps & Torah email list, click here ​​ For a full menu of OJR programs and meetings click here
Advanced Learning Institute Proverbial Wisdom with Rabbi David Lazar
​​​​​​​Tuesdays at 2pm PT | 5pm ET Mar 4 - Parent & sibling loss Mar 11 - Open group Mar 18 - Spousal loss Mar 25 - Child loss
​​​​​​​Thursdays at 5pm PT | 8pm ET Mar 6 - Spousal loss Mar 13 - Child loss Mar 20 - Parent & sibling loss Mar 27 - Open group
Sunday through Thursday at 6:00pm OC EGAL NIGHTLY MINYAN If you are looking for a place to say Mourner's Kaddish, observe a yahrzeit, or participate in an evening minyan, OC Egal meets online five nights a week. Click here ​​​​​to receive the private Zoom link. All are welcome.
STARTING IN APRIL
CLIMATE ACTION
DAYENU: A Jewish Call to Climate Action
Are you concerned about the decimation of our planet? Join members of OC’s Jewish community committed to working together to speak up, take action and educate others. Dayenu Orange County is waiting for you!
What is a Dayenu Circle and why would I want to be part of it? Dayenu Circles—small groups of people working on climate action—are a way for you to make powerful, positive change with a Jewish voice. Together with just a few friends, fellow community members, or neighbors you can join or create a Dayenu Circle that can be your homebase for climate action.
Israel Philharmonic Tribute: Heartbeat of a Nation Wednesday, March 26, 2025 5:30pm Pre-concert Dinner Reception at The Park Club 8:00pm Performance at Segerstrom Concert Hall
JOURNEYS OF HOPE Exploring Immigration Through Learning, Action, and Community Sunday, March 30, 10am - 5pm Learn more and register here
Immigration is more than just a policy issue—it’s about people, stories, and the values we uphold as a Jewish community. HaNefesh OC invites us to deepen our understanding of immigration justice.
Sunday, March 30: An immersive day trip to LA. Meet immigrants, experience the power of food in connecting communities, and learn from those most impacted by policy changes.
Trump, Ukraine, and Israel: What’s the Real Lesson? Monday, April 7 at 12pm PT | Free | Online
Join Jewish News Syndicate Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Tobin and AJU Scholar in Residence Rick Richman for a timely discussion on Trump’s clash with Zelensky, its impact on U.S. aid, and the parallels for Israel. Recent analysis will consider Zelensky’s approach to protecting his country and its citizens against Russia and what this appears to mean for U.S.-Israel relations given shifting political tides.
Want to explore what AJU online learning has to offer? Browse all of their classes and events! Can't make it live? Register anyway! All participants will receive the recordings of free webinars. Join them in real time to engage with the speaker, ask questions, and be part of the conversation!
Anasia Hitzeman in Concert at Congregation B'nai Israel 2111 Bryan Avenue in Tustin Sunday, May 4th at 5 p.m. Tickets are $18
For their first Artist Spotlight Concert, CBI will showcase the extraordinary musical and performance talent of OC native Anasia Hitzeman. Treat yourself!
The Jewish Collaborative of Orange County is a creative, collaborative, and compassionate community mosaic dedicated to innovating and supporting local and national programming that enriches the landscape of Jewish life and encouraging individuals and families to connect their passions and purpose with Judaism.Â
Mondays May 19, 26 and June 16, 2025 9:30 am PT | 12:30 pm ET Register here
This question in 2025 has deep personal and political consequences with roots in ancient Jewish debates. Rabbi Daniel will trace how ideas of Jewish identity have shifted across time - from biblical categories to the modern crises of belonging. We will explore why there has never been one clear answer to the question of Jewish identity and why the debate itself may be essential to Jewish continuity.
Grounded in the Jewish prophetic value of Pikuach Nefesh, JQ offers free virtual monthly and drop-in support groups for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies. Learn more
ExploringJudaism.org is about embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism and our personal search for meaning and learning. No matter who you are or your experience in Judaism there is something to learn and explore.
Each challah is an edible work of art, baked fresh and hand-braided especially for you! Choose from raisin, traditional, sesame seed and poppy seed. For more information, visit theblessedbraid.com.
JCoOC is an exempt organization in accordance with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code EIN: 36-4844121
