After over two thousand years of Jewish life in the Iberian Peninsula, the Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492. Most of them, known as the Sephardim (“Sepharad” is Spain in Hebrew), left with only two types of possessions: their language - the Ladino - and their music. This program explores Ladino culture: its historical account, language and music found in Ballads, lyrical songs (Cantikas), Coplas, and liturgy. Dr. Rivka Amado is a musician and lecturer specializing in Judeo-Spanish music, culture and history with a focus on Sephardic women’s songs and spiritual experience. Registration is required and will be through New Lehrhaus. A. Sign up for Sunday, February 4,10:30 am - 12:00 pm, Zoom $12.00/person B. Sign up for a 3-part series: Sunday, February 4 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm, Zoom only Mondays, February 12 & 26, 7-8:30 pm, Zoom only $36.00/person After the 2/4 session, we will reduce the tuition for the 3-part series from $36 to $24 so people who attend on 2/4 and then want to sign up for the full series will have the $12 they paid for the 2/4 session calculated in. Etz Chayim never wants finances to be an obstacle to learning. If you are interested in participating and would like financial assistance, please contact Ellen Bob.

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.