Sonoma Resources

 

There are many opportunities for engaging in Jewish life in Sonoma County

If you’re interested in ways to connect Jewishly in Sonoma, we’re here to help.  Whether that means a chat over a cup of coffee, sending an introductory email on your behalf, or joining our Jewish Meetup group, there are a variety of options.

Below is a listing of Sonoma and regional resources we’ve compiled to help you participate in a wide variety of social and cultural events, family and children's events, and educational, religious, and volunteer activities. 

Sign up for our newsletter, view upcoming Jewish holiday and Shabbat gatherings, plus the latest art, music and cultural events, on our community-wide calendar. 

Sonoma County Congregations

Petaluma

B'nai Israel Jewish Center, 707.762.0340

Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma, 707.559.8585

Sonoma

Congregation Shir Shalom, 707.935.3636

Cotati

Congregation Ner Shalom, 707.664.8622

Santa Rosa

Congregation Beth Ami, 707.360.3000

Congregation Shomrei Torah, 707.578.5519

Sonoma County Chabad Jewish Center, 707.577.0277

Religious Schools

Chabad Hebrew School – Sonoma County Chabad Jewish Center

Congregation Beth Ami Nursery School, contact the Director at 707.360.3030

Shabbat Connect – B’nai Israel Jewish Center, contact Hillary Fox 

Gan Israel Preschool, contact Leslee Lauritzen at 707.763.5136

Nitzanim – Adventures in Jewish Learning for Kids & Families, contact 707.664.8622

KIDdish and STARS – Shomrei Torah Religious School

 

Jewish Summer Camp

If you're thinking about summer plans for your kids, Jewish camp offers physical, mental, and spiritual health and well-being. There are a wide variety of adventurous day and overnight camps and programs. All are a transformative opportunity for kids and teens to learn about Judaism and experience it in a fun, relevant way. They’ll also develop self-confidence, independence, and leadership that will last them long after the summer’s gone. Camp scholarships are available at Bay Area Camp Collective.

Jewish Community Center, Sonoma County Summer Day Camp, Camp Chai, Santa Rosa: Contact Ellen Blustein, Executive Director at 707.528.2549

Camp Aleph - Camp Aleph is an affiliate of the international Chabad summer camp network, call 707.559.8585

Camp Tawonga in Yosemite

Camp Ramah in Monterey Bay

Camp Newman in Santa Rosa

Eden Village West in Healdsburg

Teenagers

The JCC's Teen program, called Chaverim, serves teens entering 8th grade through 12th from all five Sonoma County synagogues and the Jewish community at large. Chaverim provides a unique venue that inspires involvement in Jewish life. Students meet by grade level for weeknight dinner discussions. Meetings provide social interaction and engaging discussions dealing with relevant emerging young adult issues as well as ethical topics – all through a Jewish lens. Contact Rick Concoff at 707.823.3916

SCUSY: Sonoma County United Synagogue Youth

Hillel

Hillel of Sonoma County is devoted to creating exciting and innovative social, cultural, educational and religious activities, serving students at SSU and SRJC. Students connect to their peers through social action, Jewish learning, Shabbat dinners, arts and entertainment, and schmoozing and eating. Contact the director at 707.795.5464

Birthright Trips to Israel

Birthright Israel is a nonprofit educational organization that sponsors free 10-day heritage trips to Israel for Jewish young adults, ages 18-26. Scholarships are available. For more information visit the Federation’s Young Adult page.

Sonoma County Jewish Resources

Jewish Community Center of Sonoma County (JCC)
Based in Santa Rosa, the JCC serves all of Sonoma County, and offers programs for Children, Teens and Seniors; Film Festivals, Classes, Cultural Events and Community Outreach. No membership is required for participation. Contact: 707.528.4222

Jewish Community Free Clinic (JCFC)
The JCFC provides completely free medical care to anyone in need. Santa Rosa office: 707.585.7780

The Jewish Federation of San Francisco, Marin, Peninsula, and Sonoma Counties (the Federation)
A philanthropic catalyst, connecting Bay Area Jews – of all ages, backgrounds, and perspectives – to the power we have as a community to improve the world. We partner with donors, organizations, and foundations to address the pressing issues facing our community, and develop innovative strategies that result in deep and lasting impact locally, in Israel, and around the world. Scholarships for schools, college, Jewish camp, Birthright trips are also available. Santa Rosa office: 707.568.6207

Jewish Family and Children's Services of San Francisco, Marin, Peninsula, Sonoma (JFCS)
A Jewish social service agency offering counseling, family support, parenting programs, and services for seniors. For all inquiries, call: 707.303.1501.

Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)
A public affairs organization working on behalf of the Bay Area Jewish community. It represents synagogues and Jewish organizations on critical issues affecting Jews as individuals and as a community. Regional office: 415.957.1551

Chevra Kadisha
The Jewish Burial Society offers support and services in the Jewish practice of burial to any Jew, regardless of one's affiliation or level of observance in their lifetime.

Shalom Bayit
Domestic violence resource for Bay Area Jewish women. A hotline is available as an immediate resource. Helpline: 866.742-5667 (SHALOM-7) toll free within the Bay Area, and 510.451.7233 (SAFE) outside the Bay Area.

Bay Area Jewish Healing Center
Jewish spiritual care to those living with illness, to those caring for the ill, and to the bereaved through direct service, education and training, capacity building, and information and referral. Call 415.750.3436

Interfaith Families
The premier resource supporting interfaith couples exploring Jewish life and inclusive Jewish communities. The San Francisco office contact is 415.878.1998

Children with Special Needs – "Celebrations" for children and young people with special needs, and their families
A program that celebrates the Jewish cycle of holidays through art, music, movement, food and story. All are welcome: Jewish families, interfaith families, families from afar. Eight sessions happen, annually, at Congregation Ner Shalom and off-campus, as well. Contact Leslie Gattmann at 707.829.6987

"Adults and Seniors" Friendship Circle – A program for adults 55+
Luncheon & Learn, Bay Area Excursions, Away Trips, Community Outreach. Contact Jalena Mays, Program Director at 707.528.1476

Hadassah
Connects Jewish women and empowers them to effect change through advocacy, advancing health and well-being, and support of Israel, 707.545.5036

Norcal Shomrim
Unites people of the Jewish faith in the field of law enforcement, promotes friendship and support, encourages the religious spirit of the members and their families, and works towards the welfare of all. Contact Jerome D. Cobert, at 707.799.1167

Hebrew Free Loan
Interest-free disaster relief loans are available to help in recovery from flooding, wildfire, and other emergencies. For 122 years, they have provided interest-free loans to assist Jewish residents of Northern California become financially self-sufficient and pursue their dreams. Types of help include loans for students, small businesses, first-time homebuyers and more. Apply online or contact Andi Vollmer: 415.546.9902 x110 to discuss your situation

Jewish Learning Resources

MyJewishLearning is a leading transdenominational website of Jewish information and education.

aish.com has published over 10,000 articles – on career, dating, parenting, spirituality, Israel events – offering "wisdom for living" for the modern world.  The goal is to give every Jew the opportunity to discover his or her heritage in an atmosphere of open inquiry and mutual respect.

Jewish LearningWorks improves and extends Jewish learning because learning is fundamental to Jewish life, identity, community and continuity.

BimBam creates and distributes fun, accessible and smart digital media about Judaism for kids, adults and families who want to spend quality time online.

PJ Library sends out free Jewish children's books and music to Jewish and interfaith families on a monthly basis by subscription. Contact Viven Braly for more information at 415.499.1223

J. The Jewish News of Northern California is the Bay Area's premier source for Jewish news – online and via a weekly newspaper.

Holocaust Studies

The Alliance for the Study of the Holocaust and Genocide at Sonoma State University honors the experience and preserves the memory of the innocent victims, survivors, and rescuers impacted by the tragedy of genocide and also supports Holocaust and genocide education. For more information, contact Barbara Lesch McCaffry at 707.585.2291

The Center for the Study of the Holocaust and Genocide: provides education about the origins, nature and consequences of the Holocaust and genocide. Contact its director, Myrna Goodman at 707.664.4076

Consulate General of Israel of the Pacific Northwest

The official site of the government of Israel as represented by the consulate in San Francisco. Contact is 415.844.7500

Looking for a friendly face to join you at one of these events? Contact me at 415.512.6217. If I can't make it, I'll introduce you in advance to one of the hosts.

Did you attend one of the programs featured in our newsletters? Please share your feedback so we can continue to improve programming and create a more welcoming, inclusive Jewish community.