Congregation Etz Chayim

We are continuing our lifesaving tradition of hosting blood drives during holiday weeks when blood is always especially needed. Reserve a slot by going to donors.vitalant.org and use the code etzchayim to get to our drive. First-timers welcome! All donors will receive a thank you t-shirt! But the biggest thank you will be the satisfaction that you are helping to save a life with an hour of your time.

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.

Curious about what Etz Chayim might offer you? Meet our Rabbi and Executive Director and some long-time Etzniks to learn what makes Etz unique and, perhaps, the right place for you to find Jewish community.

The Etz/Spark Racial Justice Group is hosting an exploration of our respective history of race, caste, and societal dynamics through the viewing and discussion of the movie "Origin" by Ava Duvernay. "Origin" aims to link the violent repercussions of American slavery and Jim Crow to the horrific crimes of the Holocaust and to India's degrading caste system in a narrative that combines gnawing grief with a cyclical sense of history. The movie is based on Isabel Wilkerson's writing of the book "CASTE: The Origins of our Discontent." Food will be provided. Please RSVP below to help with planning dinner. There will be a facilitated discussion following the movie. This will be a family friendly event meaning we will have activities and supervision for kids during the viewing of the movie.