מה חדש | Ma Hadash (What's New?) Blog
Community Recap: Feb 3 - Feb 9, 2026
Date: Feb 10, 2026
Last week at Shir Hadash, we held a wildly successful Beit Omanut art event that allowed attendees of all ages to express themselves creatively. Plus, rehearsals began for Rabbi Rafi's installation Kabbalat Shabbat, Shir Hadash Women's book club met for the first time this year, and congregants and community members donated to Stanford's Blood Drive.
Community Recap: Jan 27 - Feb 2, 2026
Date: Feb 3, 2026
Last week, Shir Hadash hosted a moving ribbon ceremony , got started on an epic closet cleaning project, and enjoyed a celebratory Shabbat Shirah honoring Shell Rubenstein's 90th birthday.
Community Recap: Jan 20 - Jan 26, 2026
Date: Jan 27, 2026
Last week, Shir Hadash Women's walking circle stepped into 2026 with their first walk of the year, our every own Rabbi Rafi hosted a lively Nosh and Knowledge, and Rabbi Elie Kaunfer was our guest of honor during our Scholar-in-Residence Weekend. Plus, read Rabbi Rafi's moving d'var torah for Parashat Bo. Keep reading to get the full recap!
Community Recap: Jan 13 - Jan 19, 2026
Date: Jan 20, 2026
It was another great week at Shir Hadash, full of learning and lending a helping hand to the community. Attendees welcomed the month of Shvat with a Rosh Chodesh celebration, Tova Birnbaum's Nashim series kicked off with great success, and the community came together for a stunningly successful Mitzvah Day. Keep reading to get the full recap!
Community Recap: Jan 6 - Jan 12, 2026
Date: Jan 13, 2026
After a peaceful couple weeks to conclude 2025, the Shir Hadash community hit the ground running, with a plethora events starting the calendar year off on a good note. Rabbi Rafi debuted a brand-new midweek Torah study, over 100 people gathered for an ultra-fun Happy Hour and Havdalah, and Shir Hadash ECC opened its doors to the community for its Open House and Preschooler Party. Plus, the Rabbinic Fit Check Instagram account, ran by Rabbi Rafi, is gaining even more media attention! Keep reading to get the full recap!
Date: Jan 5, 2026
Author: Rachel Wilson
Some of you may have noticed some shifts in the kitchen over the past few months. Most gratefully, we have hired Sam, a student of hospitality and a member. Sam handles most of our Schmooze and Oneg duties, helps out with Shabbat Cafe prep, and works in our JET cooking program.
Community Recap: Dec 16 - Dec 22, 2025
Date: Dec 23, 2025
This Hanukkah week at Shir Hadash was truly one to remember. 200 people showed up for the Hanukkah Shabbat and Festival, enjoying a delicious dinner and festive activities while being surrounded by warmth, light and song. Additionally, the Men's Club hit the town for a Hanukkah hockey game, Shir Hadash Women's walking group explored the holiday lights in Willow Glen, congregants and Rabbi Rafi enjoyed a screening of A Serious Man, and more!
Community Recap: Dec 9 - Dec 15, 2025
Date: Dec 16, 2025
This week, the Women's Dining Circle enjoyed their last meal of 2025, our own congregant Sylviane Borenstein hosted a wonderful Nosh and Knowledge, and the community came together for Hanukkah on Main. Plus, guarantee a thank you in the next Community Recap by volunteering to help at this Friday's Hanukkah Shabbat!
Community Recap: Dec 2 - Dec 8, 2025
Date: Dec 9, 2025
After a restful Thanksgiving, Shir Hadash sprang back into full force to welcome December with a host of exciting events. Shir Hadash Women kicked off the Hanukkah season with multiple festive events, the congregation convened for a town hall meeting, and the brand-new Blossom Parenting Center welcomed expecting parents for an informative meeting. Plus, meet Shir Hadash's new mascot, Shuly the Teddy Bear!
Date: Dec 5, 2025
Author: Rabbi Rafi Ellenson
It is my absolute pleasure to announce that we will be hosting R. Elie Kaunfer, President and CEO of the Hadar Institute, for a weekend filled with joyful learning together on January 23rd and 24th.
Community Recap: Nov 18 - Nov 24, 2025
Date: Nov 25, 2025
It was another great week at Shir Hadash, with a slate of exciting events taking place all over our community. Shir Hadash Women stepped into a brand-new walking group program, members turned up to learn about Medicare with expert Jane Ogle, and Rabbi Rafi, Cantor Devorah and the Shir Hadash choir shined bright at Los Gatos' Interfaith Thanksgiving Service.
Community Recap: Nov 11 - Nov 17, 2025
Date: Nov 18, 2025
Shir Hadash was abuzz this past week, especially over the weekend! Congregants came together for a very camp-y Shabbat service, dinner and Tisch on Friday, and showed up on Sunday to donate blood and support the community. Plus, congregant Jeremy B. Shapiro recently published a book!
Community Recap: Nov 4 - Nov 10, 2025
Date: Nov 11, 2025
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!
Staff Spotlight: - Shir Hadash's New Communications and Community Life Coordinator!
Date: Nov 10, 2025
Author: Cayla Newnan
If you've been to the Shir Hadash office over the last few weeks, you may have noticed a new face. That new face would be me, Cayla Newnan. Last month, I started working full-time as Shir Hadash's new Communications and Community Life Coordinator.
Community Recap: Oct 27 - Nov 3, 2025
Date: Nov 3, 2025
Welcome to Shir Hadash's first-ever Community Recap, a wrap-up of exciting events that took place in our community over the last week. Keep reading to see updates from the Growing Together Task Force, Shir Hadash Women, and Men's Club.
Blood Donations Save Lives — Just Ask Robert
Date: Oct 27, 2025
Author: Dale Bergman
Blood donations aren’t just helpful — they’re lifesaving. Robert is living proof. Please consider donating. Your generosity could be the reason someone gets to celebrate another holiday.
Date: Aug 8, 2025
Author: Ruth Saldivar
We gathered on the Sunday of Tisha B'Av to return our focus to our work on redemption and repair – we wanted to do our part. We heard from Fr. Jon Pedigo, the Executive Director of PACT and a Catholic priest of a predominantly working class, Spanish-speaking congregation.
Visit to the 7 Species Garden
Date: June 13, 2025
Have you checked out the 7 Species Garden recently?
Milestones: Growing Meaning and Experiential Growth in our K-6th Kulanu Youth Program!
Date: May 27, 2025
Author: Jojo Sidney, Milestones Lead
As we prepare for the Milestones Shabbat Services, I want to congratulate our community's students for their hard work and dedication. Launching this new Milestone initiative means deepening Jewish experiences and preparing our students for life as a Jewish adult.
Exodus and the Birth of Song: Rising Song Immersive 2025
Date: May 12, 2025
Author: Julee Ogawa & other Rising Song Attendees
On the Sunday after we welcomed Rabbi Devorah Sacks Mintz to Shir Hadash, a group of eight Shirhadashniks ventured up to Berkeley for the Hadar West Rising Song Immersive.
Joy and Connection at this year's Shir Hadash Family Camp!
Date: May 6, 2025
Author: KJ @ Shir Hadash
Last weekend my blankets and pillows were packed, and dreams of s'mores were in my children's thoughts as my family drove toward Shir Hadash Family Camp, as did the 18 families who came together for this great Shabbaton in nature!
Teen Leaders: Our New SALTY Board
Date: May 5, 2025
Author: Camille on the SALTY Board
SALTY—Shir Hadash Adolescents Leading Teens and Youth—is all about building leadership, friendship, and Jewish identity in a fun, welcoming space for 7th–12th graders. On April 27th, we hosted one of our most important events of the year—elections for the 2025–2026 SALTY Board—and it was a huge success!
Rabbi Nico gives opening blessing at the Sacramento Yom HaShoah Ceremony in State Assembly
Date: Apr 28, 2025
Author: Tamar @ Shir Hadash
On Monday, April 28, 2025, I had the honor of joining Rabbi Nico Socolovsky at the California State Capitol. Rabbi Nico was invited as a guest rabbi by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens to offer a prayer (video in the post!) to the California State Assembly during the California Legislative Jewish Caucus’ Yom HaShoah Ceremony.
Planting Seeds: How a Community Garden Can Grow More Than Just Plants
Date: Apr 22, 2025
Author: Rachel @ Shir Hadash
Planting a seed might seem like a small act, but it can lead to big things—especially when a whole community gets involved. Starting a community garden isn’t just about growing vegetables or flowers. It’s about growing friendships, pride, and a sense of belonging. It’s about planting seeds in more ways than one.
Note by Note: Introducing our "Living Room"
Date: Apr 17, 2025
Author: Shir Hadash
Spring is a time of renewal, and at Shir Hadash, we are experiencing a beautiful blossoming across many areas of our congregational life. Our refreshed space now offers comfortable seating, efficient workstations, and cozy table areas—perfect for impromptu meetings, casual chats, or even a lively game of Mah Jongg!
Shir Hadash Attends Union for Reform Judaism Scheidt Seminar!
Date: Apr 15, 2025
Author: Stuart Katzman
Following in the footsteps of the past several Shir Hadash presidents, I recently attended the URJ’s Scheidt Seminar. This annual gathering convenes congregational presidents and president-elects to learn, enhance leadership skills, build relationships and network with congregational peers.
The Men’s Club’s Yom HaShoah Candle Project
Date: Apr 8, 2025
Author: Shir Hadash Men's Club
Men’s Club has, for many years, provided Yahrzeit candles to congregants to use in their observance of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day). As we have done in the past, we will continue to provide candles to those congregants who request them. Deadline extended! Reply by April 15 for your Yom HaShoah Candle!
Rosh Chodesh - Shir Hadash Women Gatherings!
Date: Apr 7, 2025
Author: Shir Hadash Women
Women of Shir Hadash gather to celebrate Rosh Chodesh (head of the month) close to each new moon. We situate ourselves in sacred space, time and community to dive into the flavors, themes, history and customs related to each month.
IsraElla MUSIC: Insights into Israel, From Ella
Date: Apr 4, 2025
Author: Shinshinit Ella Bargil
As part of our work to bring young modern Israeli perspectives to Shir Hadash, we’ve invited our Shinshinit, Ella, to help our teens understand different cultural aspects about growing up as a modern, Israeli teenager. This first IsraElla feature is focused on: MUSIC! Check out the two Spotify Playlists
ON ALL OTHER NIGHTS… Shir Hadash Women’s Seder 2025
Date: Apr 3, 2025
Author: Shir Hadash Women
Shir Hadash Women, under the amazing organization of member Susan Cohen and the leadership of Cantor Devorah Felder-Levy, created for the women of our congregation a special Women’s Seder. Over 45 women attended the participatory Seder!
Date: Apr 1, 2025
Author: Galit, Mitzvah Day lead organizer
Thanks to the amazing Congregation Shir Hadash community coming together on Mitzvah Day so much was accomplished! Thank you all who volunteered and to our amazing Mitzvah Project Leaders!
Discovery School Visits Shir Hadash!
Date: Mar 28, 2025
Author: Shir Hadash
In March 2025 over 100 students from Discovery School took a field trip to visit Shir Hadash as part of their world religions curriculum! Rabbi Nico guided them through learning and discussing the essentials of Jewish life and what they could find and see at our synagogue.
Date: Mar 25, 2025
Author: Shir Hadash
Last week Rabbi Nico had the special opportunity to meet with and support Telma and Achi, grandparents of Alon Ohel, a hostage being held captive by Hamas.
The Joy of Purim at Shir Hadash!
Date: Mar 20, 2025
Author: Shir Hadash
WOW! Thank you for bringing the joy and festive spirit to our incredible Purim holiday experience this year! Let's look back on the fun from last week.
Shir Hadash Teens: Wisdom on Immigration!
Date: Mar 2, 2025
Author: Shir Hadash
Yasher Koach (congratulations) to Shir Hadash teens Ben & Alli who gave a thoughtful Dvar Torah on Feb 28 in San Francisco!
Date: Feb 25, 2025
Author: Cantor
In the highest heavens and in the deepest depths, from stars to stones, through oceans and air, all of creation sings its gratitude and praise: “Halleluyah!” (Psalm 148)
Date: Feb 12, 2025
Author: KJ
Shir Hadash teachers, madrichim (teen teacher's assistants), and students were in full force both leading sessions and attending sessions at their year's Kids Jewbilee event at the Los Gatos JCC!
Rabbi Michael's Israel Trip Experience
Date: Jan 23, 2025
Author: Rabbi Michael
This past Tuesday, I got back after spending the past several weeks in Israel, with my family and then with a group of Reform Rabbis led by the leaders of the Steven Wise Free Synagogue. I can't begin to recount everything I saw, but I'll give it a try.
Men's Club Annual Hanukkah & Comedy Event a big success!
Date: Jan 6, 2025
Author: Men's Club
Twenty-five members enjoyed an evening of smoozing, dinner and comedy video entertainment.
A Special Postcard Delivery & Response from Tene Yerushalmi
Date: Dec 31, 2024
Author: Rachel @ Shir Hadash
On our first day of Hanukkah we had a surprising miracle (Nes Hanukkah): The Israeli post brought us about 10 postcards with heartwarming messages from you!!!
Connecting Shay Agnon Israeli Students and Our Kulanu Youth at Shir Hadash!
Date: Dec 30, 2024
Author: Rachel @ Shir Hadash
Deepening our Kulanu program's ties to Israel and growing an understanding and connection between our students and Israel is an important part of our Kulanu program goals.
Shir Hadash Coat Drive a Success!
Date: Dec 27, 2024
Author: KJ @ Shir Hadash
Bringing warmth to the City Peace Project's coat drive, Diane Fisher dropped off our collected items last week!
Elevating Life with Jewish Tradition: Photos from Tot Shabbat and Youth Shabbat on 12/7
Date: Dec 10, 2024
Author: KJ @ Shir Hadash
Our lively Tot Shabbat, joyful Youth Shabbat, and meaningful Shabbat Service brought the beauty of sacred Shabbat moments to life for all who attended.
Celebrating our Adult B'nai Mitzvah!
Date: Dec 5, 2024
Author: KJ @ Shir Hadash
We honor their journey of dedicated study—a journey that closes meaningful chapters of the past, brings profound purpose to the present, and looks ahead to a future of strengthened Jewish identity and commitment.
More about our Adult B'nai Mitzvah cohort members...
Date: Nov 28, 2024
Author: KJ @ Shir Hadash
In this season of gratitude we are grateful for the magic that we create when we come together, and for the joy and the ruach (spirit) of Shirhadashniks! Spirituality, Wisdom, Community, and Social Responsibility are our core values and when we say that “We Are Elevating Life with Jewish Tradition” we really mean it!
Date: Nov 22, 2024
Author: KJ @ Shir Hadash
On Monday, November 18, JCRC proudly hosted Here I Am: Silicon Valley in San Jose, bringing together civic and elected leaders from across the South Bay to stand united against hate in the face of rising antisemitism.
Date: Nov 20, 2024
Author: Bob Friedberg
Rabbi Nico Socolovsky and Robert Friedberg presented a clinical roundtable at the 58th annual conference of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) in Philadelphia, PA.
We loved it and we love you! Rabbi Shai Held's Shabbat with us.
Date: Nov 13, 2024
Author: KJ @ Shir Hadash
After having enjoyed a Shabbat full of learning with Rabbi Shai Held we are so full of love for our community and for the quality of our experiences together. We heard from many of you about how meaningful this experience was. What a great success it was!