According to Jewish tradition, "whoever saves a life saves the world" (BT Sanhedrin 37a). As Texans continue to grieve the 135 confirmed lives lost and cope with the massive devastation caused by the July 4 flash floods, we are again reminded that it is our mandate to champion environmental legislation that will hold industrial polluters accountable and support clean energy solutions as we imagine a safer, healthier future for generations to come. JCoOC readers from around the nation are encouraged to participate in Jewish Earth Alliance’s virtual lobby day.
In spite of current setbacks that will impact environmental stewardship, protections and human health overall, we must not give up hope. Our voices need to be heard by elected officials. Please join concerned members of Jewish communities from around the country for Jewish Earth Alliance’s 6th annual virtual lobby day - this year on July 23, 2025.
Shabbat Rocks Full Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma'ariv service with Carina and Baruch Rock | Friday, August 8at 6:30pm | hosted at a private home in Irvine | RSVP here
Saturday, August 2 at noon | TBESOC - 2A Liberty in Aliso Viejo Following Shabbat morning services, join us for a lunch and learn session led by Jackie Menter, Director of Refugee and Resettlement Services at JFCSLBOC, with an update on the current work of refugee relief organizations around the country as they pivot their focus during these stressful times.
Saturday evening, August 2 at 7:30pm | TBESOC - 2A Liberty in Aliso Viejo | A Tisha b’Av evening program with Sound Healing, Havdalah and the recitation of the Book of Lamentations See flyer and RSVP here
Sunday, August 3 at 10:00am | 3635 Elm Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807 | All are invited to join JCoOC and Temple Beth Shalom in Long Beach for a Tisha b’Av Shaharit service that will include the reading of Lamentations and a special study session.
JCoOC PROGRAMS THIS WEEK
Saturday, June 19 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
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.
JCoOC friends will be joining JFedOC and other organizations in a Community Beach Cleanup on Sunday, July 27 fro 9-11:30am. A great may to meet new people and benefit our county. Tell your friends. Perfect for families. Everyone welcome.
Enrich your summer with Jewish learning Visit the websites below to access current and past course and special program schedules:
AJU Whizin Center for Open Learning: AJU online learning offers classes for adults seeking to build Jewish skills and knowledge and hosts lectures by internationally acclaimed scholars, artists, authors and geo-political experts. Something for everyone!
Jewish Theological Seminary of America | Podcast | Torah Commentary | Lifelong Learning JTS offers online classes that create live, interactive opportunities for study with top-caliber scholars. Encounter compelling Jewish scholarship that brings the texts and wisdom of our tradition to bear on contemporary dilemmas. Courses delve deeply into specific areas of Jewish text, history, philosophy, religion, arts, and literature.
HUC Connect: HUC Connect invites you to join participants from 55 countries to discover something new about Judaism and about yourself through webinars, courses and podcasts.
Shalom Hartman Institute: Online courses, podcasts and programs that courageously address some of the most pressing issues of our time.
Orange County Community Scholars Program: A colorful array of podcasts and videos of current and past lectures spanning 2001-2025. Jewish scholarship at its finest.
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.
Mondays
9:30 am PT | 12:30 am ET
June 30 | July 7, 14, 21 and 28 | August 4, 11, 18 and Register here
Over the past two centuries, the Jewish people have undergone unprecedented change—politically, socially, and spiritually. This 8-week course explores how Jews have confronted the challenges and opportunities of modernity and how leading thinkers have responded with innovation, resistance, reinterpretation, and renewal
Weekly presentations with Jews United for Democracy and Justice
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
