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		                                    Welcome		                                </span>
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		                            <span class="slider_description">Etz Chayim is an independent congregation
located in the heart of Silicon Valley</span>
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		                            	Learn More		                            </a>

To renew your 2025–2026 membership, please click here.

Please make sure you are logged in to your account before proceeding. If you have any questions, please call 650.813.9094.

Thank you!

 

Happening at Etz

All Events
  • Sunday ,
    AugAugust  3 , 2025
     
     
    Tisha B'Av Observance (Double tree)

    Sunday, Aug 3rd 7:00p to 9:00p
    We will commemorate Tisha b’Av, the 9th of the month of Av, the saddest day in our calendar, with a short Mincha/Maariv service, followed by chanting the Book of Lamentations of Jeremiah in a mixture of Hebrew and English, leading to a discussion on the content and its relevance to us in today’s world. Traditionally, this event is a one day fast. Our event coincides with the end of the fast and concludes with Havdalah and a simple meal, allowing discussion to continue informally. All are welcome, no registration needed. The meal will be a potluck – bring something if you can (not required).

    MORE INFO

  • Thursday ,
    AugAugust  7 , 2025
     
     
    Etznik Talk - Sharing Stories through Artist Books & Sculptures with Judy Serebrin (Library & Online)

    Thursday, Aug 7th 7:00p to 9:00p
    Judy Serebrin will show an overview of her artist bookwork and sculptures and will share how she has used these artistic mediums to wrestle with issues concerning the environment and other topics related to oppression and liberation. She will share some of her journeys of creation, including using an Etz Torah as reference for her interpretation of ‘Shoftim’ in the Women’s Torah Project.

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  • Saturday ,
    AugAugust  9 , 2025
     
     
    New Kitchen Celebration

    Shabbat, Aug 9th 4:00p to 5:30p
    Please join us in celebrating the new Etz Chayim Kitchen on Saturday, August 9, from 4 pm to 5:30 pm. Everyone is invited, whether or not you "sent a gift." This is your opportunity to see the new kitchen and schmooze in the pavilion. 4 pm to 4:45 pm Kitchen Tours 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm Refreshments and Dedication Party in the Pavilion We'll have ice cream treats, summer fruits and festive beverages.

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  • Wednesday ,
    AugAugust  13 , 2025
     
     
    Etznik Talk - What You've Been Missing? - A Look into the Design and Use of Our Etz Chayim Website with Ted Schachter (Library & Online)

    Wednesday, Aug 13th 7:30p to 9:00p
    Ted will talk about what he does for the website and give an introduction on how to navigate and find what's on today’s website. He welcomes your comments and any suggestions you have for improvements in this interactive session.

    MORE INFO

 

Everyone is welcome!

We are Jews who were raised Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Orthodox, or Secular. We are Jews who have or have not been Bar/Bat Mitzvah. We are Jews by choice or part of an interfaith family. Our common thread is that we are all interested in furthering our spiritual life, singing, Jewish education and community participation.  We invite you to come to a service or one of our activities.

קהילת "עץ חיים" הינה מקום מיוחד במינו. בית חם, פתוח ומקבל אשר אינו משתייך לזרם דתי כלשהו ומורכב מחילונים, מסורתיים, רפורמים וקונסרבטיבים, משפחות יהודיות ומעורבות, ישראלים ומקומיים המנהלים ביחד חיי קהילה יהודית עשירים

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About Us

Located in Palo Alto California, Congregation Etz Chayim is a vibrant Jewish community, participatory and egalitarian, independent and inclusive, which melds elements from Judaism’s different branches to create our own practices. Together with our spiritual leader, Rabbi Chaim Koritzinsky, our congregants are exploring what it means for each of us to identify as a Jew (or a part of a Jewish family).

 

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If you seek a spiritual experience within a diverse Jewish community that emphasizes worship, singing, learning, service and community, Etz Chayim may be a good fit for you. If you want to talk to someone, simply stop by or phone or office at 650-813-9094.


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Experience Etz

Shabbat Services

Shabbat evening services are held every Friday at 7:30 p.m. and last about an hour. Shabbat morning services are held every Saturday at 10 a.m., and with Torah reading, last about two hours. Everyone is welcome to attend either service, including services that celebrate a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

Adult Learning

At Congregation Etz Chayim, we view adult learning as a stepping stone to deeper knowledge and understanding of the rich Jewish tradition. We offer diverse intellectual, creative and spiritual programming to strengthen connections among congregants and help us integrate Judaism into our lives.

Teens

Are you a teenager looking for ways to broaden your involvement with Jewish life in the Bay Area or to make new friends or lend a hand in your community? Are you a parent thinking about the next steps of Jewish engagement for your teenager? There are many opportunities for teens, and we can help you identify the right one for you.

Youth & Family Education

We offer learning opportunities for families with children as young as two years old through high school. Building community is a cornerstone of our philosophy and mission, and our youth learning programs reflect that value.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

We are exceptionally proud of our Bar/Bat Mitzvah program and how students and families experience the process of preparing for and celebrating this important life event. Our program is rigorous, meaningful and individualized, and serves to build community and connections among the students and families.

Community Responsibility

What inspires you to get up in the morning? What keeps you up at night? Could you answer these questions about the person you live with? Work with? Pray with? When we ask what we as a congregation wish to do in the area of Tikkun Olam, a first step is to have one-on-one conversations to strengthen relationships with one another.

Interest Groups

Etz social groups are member driven. We currently have groups who hike together, read together, sing together, and knit together, among many other activities. Have another interest? Members are always free to start their own groups.

Next Gen

Next Gen is a Jewish community of adults in their 20's and 30's affiliated with Congregation Etz Chayim. We participate in the life of the Etz Chayim community by holding member led events to explore our connections to Judaism and each other. Everyone is welcome. 

BECOME A MEMBER

Since 1995, our diverse Jewish community has gathered to worship, celebrate, learn, and share life’s joys and sorrows. We invite you to become part of this community.

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Sun, August 3 2025 9 Av 5785