Congregation Etz Chayim

Recent writings on atheism expediently disregard a nuanced and complex history and relationship with religion. In this ETZ TalK, Rabbi Jon Sommer will explore a historical and liminal intersection of religion and non-belief, and how contemporary writers such as Richard Dawkins get it wrong by setting up religion as a convenient target. Rabbi Sommer suggests, rather, that the fundamental concern is not religion, but the lack of critical thought, which leads to errant ways of thinking, and is more challenging and complex to address than religion.

Run for Their Lives is a global movement founded by Israelis in the Bay Area. Their mission is to raise awareness for the hostages held in Gaza. Each week, groups worldwide come together for family-friendly walks or runs lasting 18 (ח"י) minutes. Participants wear red shirts and carry flags representing the 28 nationalities of the hostages. So far there are 70+ groups across the globe, with new ones joining daily. Our Palo Alto group walks every Sunday at 12:30pm. People can join the silent WhatsApp group for location updates and to participate: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BeEgTk1MGlcDTJb6f5DqLX.