Community Recap: Nov 4 - Nov 10, 2025
Date: Nov 11, 2025
Welcome to Shir Hadash's second community recap! This last week was rich with learning and connection to our Torah, with a visit from sofer Rabbi Moshe Druin, the first session of Zug's Everyday Moral Dilemmas series, a lively Jewish Women Authors book group discussion, and more exciting events and happenings. Plus, check out an interview with our very own Rabbi Rafi on rabbinic style!
Sunday, Nov 2: Shir Hadash Knitting and Crocheting Affinity Group
The Shir Hadash Knitting and Crocheting Affinity Group has been meeting for over a year at The Terraces in the Redwood Room, thanks to the thoughtful arrangements made by Shell Rubinstein. We are very appreciative to have such a warm and welcoming space for our gatherings. We meet on the first Sunday of every month from 12:30–2:30 pm, bringing together members from both the Shir Hadash community and The Terraces residents. Our lively group enjoys sharing projects, patterns, and plenty of engaging conversation. Based on the group’s consensus, each member works on their own individual projects rather than a single group endeavor. New members are always welcome to join in the creativity, connection, and camaraderie!
Wednesday, Nov 5: Visit from Sofer and Rabbi Moshe Druid
It isn't often that Shir Hadash's Torah is completely unfurled, but last Wednesday gave congregants a special chance to see it in its entirety. Traveling sofer and Rabbi Moshe Druin (pictured, r.) came all the way from Miami to spruce up Shir Hadash's scroll in the Beit Midrash. Rabbi Druin was also kind enough to get several photos of the Torah (fun fact: he's also a photographer)! If you want to see all of the Torah photos, please email Cayla@shirhadash.org.
Wednesday, Nov 5: Men's Club Membership Dinner
The Men's Club yearly membership dinner went rather well with over 30 members attending the event. The event was catered by Taiwan Restaurant in Willow Glen. After dinner, we watched a taped show which aired last April on HBO, called "Alex Edelman : Just For Us." We would like to thank the Shir Hadash staff for assisting in making this event possible, especially Shanda, Rachel and Diego.
Thursday, Nov 6: Everyday Moral Dilemmas through Project Zug: Session 1
A group of curious and motivated learners gathered in havruta to study Rabbi Avi Strausberg’s course, “Everyday Moral Dilemmas”. This four-session Project Zug course explores in depth what our tradition teaches us about stealing, lying, the halakhah of “whisper networks”, and questionable bed fellows and tainted money. Our havruta partners engaged in lively discussion about the relevance of these teachings as we face modern dilemmas. Shir Hadash members are welcome to join this or other Project Zug courses at any time.
Thursday, Nov 6: Jewish Women Authors Book Discussion Group
Shir Hadash Women's Jewish Women Authors Book Discussion Group met and discussed the novel: Daughter’s Keeper by Ayelet Waldeman. The group meets in a member's home with their “unofficial mascot” Ollie, who loves the belly rubs as well as the discussions! The group meets monthly. For more information, please reach out to vickischnitzer1@gmail.com.
Monday, Nov 10: Shir Hadash Women's Dinner Circle
Shir Hadash Women's dinner circle had a wonderful evening at Aldo’s Restaurant in Los Gatos on November 10! It was such a pleasure to talk, share stories, and enjoy a delicious meal together. Please join us for our next Shir Hadash Women’s Dinner Circle on Tuesday, December 9, at Dry Creek Grill in San Jose. It’s always lots of fun — we’d love to see you there!
Check It Out: Interview Featuring Rabbi Rafi!
Our very own Rabbi Rafi was interviewed for Golda Guide about his Instagram account @rabbinicfitcheck, which he co-runs with Rabbi Arielle Stein. The account spotlights rabbis from around the world and their best outfits, which combine their personal style with Jewish text and tradition. "I think the idea is, how do we have clothes be in service of the sacred and in service of the work we're trying to do in both creating comfort and trust with people?" says Rabbi Rafi. "It's a shame to just sort of wear gray and blue and black every day without a little bit of fun to it. There should be color and there should be joy in all the things we do."
Do you want your Shir Hadash event to be featured in the next Community Recap? Email cayla@shirhadash.org to find out more!