As a rabbinic intern at Congregation B’nai Tikvah in Walnut Creek, CA, I am offering various gatherings for learning and community through Spring 2027.
Waking Up:
the soul’s season of return
August 14 – September 11, 2026
This is the Hebrew month of Elul, a time of deep introspection and honesty before the holiest time of the year. To prepare for renewal at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, join Amy Tobin – and each other – for a series of gatherings and regular practices of self-reflection.
Together we’ll turn inward to take spiritual inventory, cheshbon ha-nefesh. We’ll draw on both traditional and creative music and prayers, as well as personal writing and learning together.
Anyone is welcome – Jewish or not, and no previous experience with any practice or prayers are needed. Two gatherings are in person, and a series of weekly Friday mornings will be online.
Elul Shabbat Gathering
Friday, August 14 at 6:30pm
(In person, Walnut Creek)
It’s time to get honest with yourself. Get in a room with other people to start the slow process of looking back on your year, on what you need to surrender, on how and who you want to be. Hear the first blast of the shofar, encounter the texts and traditions we study during Elul, and above all, begin to set intentions to prepare for the High Holidays.
Sign up in advance so we can plan for you.
Reflection and Renewal
Sunday, August 23, 10am-12pm
(In person, Walnut Creek)
Mid-month, we’ll deepen our preparation for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. We’ll look at some of the ancient poetry, psalms, and songs that guide this time of year. With time for personal reflection through writing, getting to know each other and making modern meaning from traditional sources.
Sign up in advance so we can plan for you.
Elul Weekly Practice (Series)
Friday mornings
August 21 & 28; September 4 & 11
8:30am – 9:15am
(zoom)
These four, short online gatherings each offer a touchpoint to keep awareness of this season of introspection. Each morning will include writing time, learning, and traditional practices for Elul. If possible, join for all four dates so we can create a sense of continuity and connection together.
Sign up in advance so we can plan for you.
Recent Projects
Can an ancient cosplay myth give 21st century citizens any guidance? The 2026 take on the Jewish holiday of Purim was a stripped-down lounge act. With original music and modern commentary, the show explored the fear, hope, and heroism in the biblical Book of Esther … a story with such old-timey ideas as an idiot king with cruel advisors; xenophobic decrees targeting innocent people; and an autocrat obsessed with his own golden scepter.
80 people got together in Berkeley for a potluck popup seder, to celebrate freedom and springtime, and to acknowledge suffering and to cultivate possibility.
amy tobin 