Local Jewish Life
The history of Jews in Santa Cruz dates back to the 1850s, around the time of Gold Rush. Home of Peace, the local Jewish cemetery established in 1877, may be the oldest continuously operated Jewish gravesite west of the Mississippi. The biggest jump in the local Jewish population came with the arrival of a University of California campus in 1965. (For more local Jewish history, see "Jewish Pioneers Played a Big Role in Santa Cruz" at the SC Public Library site.) While our number has never been large–currently between 6,000 and 8,000, depending on who's counting– Jews, notably some UCSC alumni, faculty and staff, have a prominent place in cultural, commercial and political life in Santa Cruz.
There is no federation, JCC, day school, mikvah, or kosher restaurant in Santa Cruz county--not even a kosher-style deli. Instead, Santa Cruz's Jewish life centers around a handful of local organizations– local congregations, Jewish Studies on campus, SC Hillel and student groups. These contribute religious, educational, cultural and social programs to a vibrant communal presence in Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay area.
The following provides information about Jewish resources in the area and beyond.
There is no federation, JCC, day school, mikvah, or kosher restaurant in Santa Cruz county--not even a kosher-style deli. Instead, Santa Cruz's Jewish life centers around a handful of local organizations– local congregations, Jewish Studies on campus, SC Hillel and student groups. These contribute religious, educational, cultural and social programs to a vibrant communal presence in Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay area.
The following provides information about Jewish resources in the area and beyond.
Santa Cruz Congregations
Temple Beth El Aptos (Reform)
In a time when so many Jews are indifferent to and alienated from their heritage, it is imperative that the synagogue become the conveyor of meaningful Jewish identity. At Temple Beth El, spiritual exploration, religious experience, political action, and cultural expression all have a place of importance. TBE welcomes all who seek to be a part of us, regardless of lifestyle, marital status, age, family configuration, or religion of origin. Bring an open mind, a willing heart, and together we will find our way as modern Jews.
Kol Tefillah (Conservative)
Since its founding, Congregation Kol Tefillah has found its enduring strength as a Jewish community to be rooted in certain core values and principles that embody and enhance the shared religious values of its membership. Kol Tefillah is constituted as a traditional congregation. We are affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. The Torah is our guide, informing us how to act as a community in the service of G-d.
Chadeish Yameinu (Renewal)
We seek spirit in community and community in spirit. We enjoy participatory davennen, Torah study, chanting, singing, dancing, and Bibliodrama. We experiment with form, content, and leadership in our spiritual quests. All of our worship services are free and open to anyone. We invite to you to come to a Shabbat or other event and become acquainted with our community. Most events are held at the First Congregational Church on High St., close to SC Hillel and the campus.
The Rohr Chabad Student Center at UCSC
True to the philosophy of Chabad, and guided by the love, inspiration and blessings of the Rebbe, the Chabad Student Center at UCSC strives to enable, assist, and encourage every Jew connected to this campus to grow in their own unique way and at their own indivinual pace in the circle of the three loves: Love of your fellow; Love of your heritage; and Love of your G-d. At Chabad we believe that these three loves are the secret to a better self, a better community, and a better world. Chabad Student Center is a home for Jewish celebration and a center for Jewish education near UCSC off of Bay St.
Chabad by the Sea
The Santa Cruz center of the worldwide Chabad Lubavitch movement, directed by Rabbi Yochanan and Baily Friedman. They have one question for you: "How can we help you?"
Kolaynu: The Progressive Jewish Voice of Santa Cruz
Join us in celebrating community-led Jewish events "Santa-Cruz-Style": progressive, participatory, egalitarian, creative, and peace-oriented. We welcome individuals and families of all configurations, genders and orientations. We embrace participants of all levels: interfaith, questioning, and friends of Jews. Our High Holiday services include feminine/gender-neutral/masculine prayers & blessings and contemporary readings in English. Children are welcome! We welcome you in the spirit of Shalom!
In a time when so many Jews are indifferent to and alienated from their heritage, it is imperative that the synagogue become the conveyor of meaningful Jewish identity. At Temple Beth El, spiritual exploration, religious experience, political action, and cultural expression all have a place of importance. TBE welcomes all who seek to be a part of us, regardless of lifestyle, marital status, age, family configuration, or religion of origin. Bring an open mind, a willing heart, and together we will find our way as modern Jews.
Kol Tefillah (Conservative)
Since its founding, Congregation Kol Tefillah has found its enduring strength as a Jewish community to be rooted in certain core values and principles that embody and enhance the shared religious values of its membership. Kol Tefillah is constituted as a traditional congregation. We are affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. The Torah is our guide, informing us how to act as a community in the service of G-d.
Chadeish Yameinu (Renewal)
We seek spirit in community and community in spirit. We enjoy participatory davennen, Torah study, chanting, singing, dancing, and Bibliodrama. We experiment with form, content, and leadership in our spiritual quests. All of our worship services are free and open to anyone. We invite to you to come to a Shabbat or other event and become acquainted with our community. Most events are held at the First Congregational Church on High St., close to SC Hillel and the campus.
The Rohr Chabad Student Center at UCSC
True to the philosophy of Chabad, and guided by the love, inspiration and blessings of the Rebbe, the Chabad Student Center at UCSC strives to enable, assist, and encourage every Jew connected to this campus to grow in their own unique way and at their own indivinual pace in the circle of the three loves: Love of your fellow; Love of your heritage; and Love of your G-d. At Chabad we believe that these three loves are the secret to a better self, a better community, and a better world. Chabad Student Center is a home for Jewish celebration and a center for Jewish education near UCSC off of Bay St.
Chabad by the Sea
The Santa Cruz center of the worldwide Chabad Lubavitch movement, directed by Rabbi Yochanan and Baily Friedman. They have one question for you: "How can we help you?"
Kolaynu: The Progressive Jewish Voice of Santa Cruz
Join us in celebrating community-led Jewish events "Santa-Cruz-Style": progressive, participatory, egalitarian, creative, and peace-oriented. We welcome individuals and families of all configurations, genders and orientations. We embrace participants of all levels: interfaith, questioning, and friends of Jews. Our High Holiday services include feminine/gender-neutral/masculine prayers & blessings and contemporary readings in English. Children are welcome! We welcome you in the spirit of Shalom!
Food
There are no kosher restaurants or markets, or even Jewish-style delis or Israeli restaurants in Santa Cruz or Monterey. If you search for "kosher Santa Cruz" you'll find an article long out-of-date: Noah's Bagels hasn't been kosher for more than a decade. Even Costco has discontinued serving kosher hot dogs at its lunch counter. Here are the best local alternatives.
Note: The listing below is not an endorsement by Santa Cruz Hillel and is provided solely for information purposes.
Vegetarian/VeganMiddle Eastern/Falafel
San Jose/Peninsula/SF/Oakland/Berkeley listings
Some of these lists include restaurants that are no longer in business, so check with each location directly beforehand.
Note: The listing below is not an endorsement by Santa Cruz Hillel and is provided solely for information purposes.
Vegetarian/VeganMiddle Eastern/Falafel
- Santa Cruz Falafel
- Falafel House Santa Cruz
- Laili
- Khyber Pass
- India Joze
- Falafel Hut, 309 Beach St, SC
- AJ's Market, 5955 Soquel Dr, Soquel
- Zameen
- Mr Kabob and Falafel
- Bagelry - 320 Cedar Street Unit A (plus 2 other locations)
- Noah's - 1411 Pacific Ave.
- Zoccoli's
- Garden Liquors & Deli, 1815 Soquel Dr, SC
- Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria - offers Jewish holiday take-away meals
- Four Gates Winery - kosher, organic, estate-bottled
San Jose/Peninsula/SF/Oakland/Berkeley listings
Some of these lists include restaurants that are no longer in business, so check with each location directly beforehand.
Regional Organizations
- Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties- Largest federation in Northern California, with extensive programming and resources.
- Resource- Guide to Jewish life in the Bay Area
- Oshman Family JCC, Palo Alto - A large new campus offering a wide range of programs and resources.
- Addison-Penzak Silicon Valley JCC - Closest JCC to Santa Cruz, offers educational programs and events.
- Contemporary Jewish Museum - Non-collecting exhibition space making the diversity of the Jewish experience relevant for a twenty-first century audience with innovative exhibitions and programs that educate, challenge, and inspire. Its mission is to be an engaging forum for diverse audiences where new perspectives on Jewish culture, history, art, and ideas thrive.
- Magnes Collection, Bancroft Library, UC Berkeley - A significant collection on Jewish cultural history, integrating visual, musical and material cultures with traditional text-focused approaches. Formerly an independent museum, this collection was recently merged into the UCB Library system.
- J. Magazine - Northern California Jewish weekly
Calendar
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