Very well organized programming, rich array of services, social activities etc but never felt very…read morewelcome so did not renew my membership after 1 year. As a newcomer I experienced a lot of clickishness, and a lack of feeling welcome at, for instance the oneg shabbats, which is where such bonding as a newcomer would take place. Interestingly I did witness, on a couple occasions, an AA person, who also appeared to be new or in process of considering whether to join, being shown great attention with a well organized welcomong committee response laying out the red carpet. I was also surprised to find one of the rabbis not to be very warm and friendly as was described in the other reviews. Whenever I saw her at an event and happened to make eye contact, her response was never warm and inviting. With such a large congregation I did not expect anything more than a smile or a hello but this did not happen-- not surprising however since this appears to be the cultural norm for Sinai's congregation as a whole. Now if I was a different demographic.... that might have made a difference!

I am still in disbelief that we found such a perfect temple for us! Take away the Judaism part, and…read morethis is still one of the most inclusive communities I have ever been a part of--the community here has totally brought new life into me after a few major life events. Sometimes it feels reminiscent of a really great cruise: all sorts of activities and events on the itinerary and there's always food around! ;-) My husband and I shopped around and went to a lot of different temples to get a feel of their communities, and we just kept wanting to come back here. I love how diverse this temple is, too--all faiths, all cultures, all skin colors, all beliefs--it's just simply the type of community I want my children to grow up in.

I spent most of my adult life avoiding synagogues mostly due to a chronic lack of compassion, or…read moreindifference, towards Palestinians that I experienced in almost every synagogue I've visited for the past thirty years. Kehilla does a brilliant job at holding an inclusive and welcoming space for Jews like me who do not align with the atrocities being committed by the government of Israel. They have a variety of social action groups and ways to get involved in local and global activism from a Jewish perspective. Our kiddo went through the hebrew school and B'nai Mitzvah program and it was an extraordinary experience for all of us. The program design is so rigorous and so special - you get to know other families and really go through the program as a cohort in a way that was mutually supportive, fun and fulfilling. The leadership of Kehilla is extraordinary. Rabbi Dev is a brilliant, soulful, deep and compassionate leader who I have learned so much from. Hazzan Shulamit is a beautiful spirit with a giant heart - the joy bursts out of her - it feels like the sun is shining every time I'm in her presence. There are so many other phenomenal people providing spiritual and musical direction - Debbie Fier, Beth Dickenson, Julie Nesansky, Avi Rose, Fresh Lev White, Sharon Grodin, and Rabbi Sam to name a few... Kehilla has a very deep bench of leadership. I look forward to Kehilla's high holy days every year. Instead of feeling like it is obligatory and boring, like I used to feel through my entire childhood, at Kehilla, I feel like I am on a profound journey into the depths of my own soul ... it is not a normal service. It allows space for transformation and growth - and it is just beautiful!

"Sigh...Don't you just LOVE Shabbat?" exclaimed Julie, who was leading Kabbalat Shabbat, after a…read morerousing rendition of "Rom'mu" on my first visit to Kehilla. Her expression of pure bliss and joy has stuck with me ever since. Yes, I do love Shabbat!! Kehilla is a renewal synagogue and, therefore, a bit on the non-traditional, earthy-crunchy side. This makes for a shul that is equal parts ecstatic and meditative; a warm, friendly congregation; a welcoming "come as you are" vibe; and a strong focus on social justice. I've been attending the monthly Kabbalat Shabbat and always leave feeling spiritually energized. The music is especially awesome. Thanks to percussionist Debbie Fier and cantor Shulamit Wise Fairman, it's not unusual for folks to to get up and dance! Other pluses include a scent-free seating area and a sizable parking lot. I recommend Kehilla to any and all who love Shabbat!

Our child is in the 2nd year of Edah. She began going 3 days a week and we increased to 4 days…read morebased on her request. Then we went to 5 days because she asked for more. She has learned to read Hebrew, has a basic vocabulary, and has an in-depth knowledge of the Jewish holidays. Edah is a great after school program because the teachers (Danny, Inbal, Batya, Yael, and the past teachers) that engage and get to know each individual student. And they are guided by Oren who leads by example. Our child wants to learn because she is engaged and wants to be there. Edah is not just an after-school daycare. It is an educational nurturing environment that happens to revolve around Jewish subjects.

We are so happy with Edah! Our daughter loves going there, and she is learning Hebrew so quickly…read more There are a variety of activities - including a focus on outdoors and nature, which we love. And, most importantly, the teachers and staff are fantastic and are great role models for the kids.

Centro Latino has improved my Spanish skills immensely! They are kind and friendly and the teachers…read moreare very knowledgeable. They ensure that you understand the language and ensure that you improve your listening, speaking, and reading skills! And the company is very good at communicating. The schedule is very flexible and can work for anyone's schedule. Highly, highly recommend!

I have been taking classes at Centro Latino for 4 years now. The entire time I have been working…read morewith Ximena, and she has been so great as a teacher. She cares a lot about my learning individually and is constantly catering the class to my strengths and weaknesses. We play fun games, listen to spanish music, learn about the history of various countries and their people, and do it all in spanish as a double-learning opportunity. I went from not remembering any of the spanish I learned in high school to being able to understand and converse more confidently than I ever have. The classes have emphasized proper grammar but also really help with interacting socially and in certain situations with spanish speaking people. I have used the skills I've developed to have many full, 30+ minute conversations with people in spanish speaking countries, and it's given me an opportunity to connect with people I wouldn't have otherwise. Highly recommend them.

Temple Sinai Preschool is a truly special place. Our oldest attended through TK and our youngest is…read morecurrently finishing her first year of preschool. Both children absolutely thrived. The teachers are dedicated, knowledgeable about child development, and extremely talented at fostering the learning that goes on during the preschool years. We have loved the play-based curriculum, as it provides a lovely balance of structure while also creating plenty of opportunities for children to develop cognitive, emotional, and social skills through their natural language of play. Communication between parents, teachers, and the administration is excellent. We are also grateful for the community we have built - we were new to the East Bay when our oldest first started and the preschool provided multiple ways to connect with other families. As a parent, psychologist, and community member, I highly recommend this wonderful, wonderful school!

The preschool is fantastic. the staff is highly qualified (many child development degrees). This is…read morea Jewish preschool and while i am not I find the community to be very inclusive. When i was looking for preschools i avoided schools with religious orientation- but the staff was so amazing that it was hands down a great choice. I am one of those nuts who toured 20-30 preschools! the only minus: their billing tends to get mixed up

I took the memoir writing class on zoom the summer of 2024. The teacher advised that people were to…read morelisten to everyone's final project, a personal memoir, without commenting on the content. It was extremely difficult for me to write about my traumatic and very personal experience of an abusive coworker from over two decades prior, and completely erased from my mind. I bravely wrote my memoir and even more bravely shared it. I alluded to this abuser having "a special place in hell" for what she had done. This well-earned sentence was torn apart by another participant in the class. Her complete disregard for the trauma I had been through and her single lens focus was totally ignored by the teacher. I was humiliated. The teacher not only ignored her comments about the content in my writing, but she even encouraged the participants comments. I never shared my writing again and I never will.

I just finished Junse Kim's Intro to Fiction class. This was the best writing class I have ever…read moretaken. Each lesson is a lesson on an aspect of the craft of writing and he gives you concrete instructions and actionable feedback. I used to just pants it and I only knew if what I did worked or didn't work. I never knew why and trying to fix it was a crap shoot. Now I know how to debug my own writing, I know how to make what worked better, and I know what I should be doing in the first place. It is incredibly exciting and freeing of writer's block. I am writing a memoir, not fiction, but the craft he teaches applies to all genres. Thank you so much Junse. If I ever finish my memoir, it will be all due to you!

Both my kids were at Gan Shalom -- we loved every second of it. The teachers, the space, the joy,…read morethe community. It was amazing -- I wish my kids were still there instead of in high school. :-) Since my time there, they have a new building and a new director. I hear great, great things. Being Jewish is not a prerequisite but attracts most of the families to the community. The pre-school is a part of Berkeley's orthodox synagogue but the preschool is not prescriptive and how you do Jewish (or not) is something that is respected/celebrated. Robin who taught my kids is still there making kids feel connected and joyful. Like I said, I want my kids back there now.

Our daughter was at Gan Shalom Preschool for two years, and we couldn't have been happier with our…read moreexperience. The Jewish content was fantastic, the teachers were miraculous, and great friends were made. The Jewish vibe was fun and musical, and seemed to work for kids at every level of the religious observance spectrum. The new house and yard were also fantastic, full of light and nature. Along with the core teachers, we loved all the specialists, especially in music, dance and performance. We had many great options to choose from when going to a preschool, and Gan Shalom exceeded our expectations. D.S.

Rabbi and Rebbetzin Bell are wonderful. They have hosted me several times for Shabbat dinner. Rabbi…read moreBell is always there for me if I have any questions about Judaism. Do not be worried that the rabbi will try to "make you religious." Chabad is famous for meeting people where they are and giving them access to real Jewish practice. In addition, Rabbi Bell knows that people are looking for real answers to deep questions, and is happy to sit down with you and answer whatever questions you may have. Chabad of El Cerrito is a real gift to El Cerrito, bringing a Judaism that is warm, friendly, joyous, and practical. If you are interested, just call them and tell the rabbi you want to meet at Starbucks and Rabbi Bell will be there for you. The rebbetzin is also very accessible (and makes great challah!).