Alameda's Temple Israel Part of Nov. 4 Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair

Artisans from 10 Bay Area synagogues are joining together to stage a holiday arts and crafts fair open to the general public Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Temple Sinai in Oakland. The third annual “Community Shuk — Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair" will take place in the temple’s Stern Hall at 28th and Webster streets near downtown Oakland. Plentiful parking is available and admission to the event is free.

On sale will be one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry, paintings, sculptures, fabric arts, apparel, photography, accessories, Judaica gifts, stationery, paper goods, toys, Hanukkah items, greeting cards and ceramics.

Kosher-style food along with fresh coffee and cold beverages will be available for purchase throughout the event, with food provided by The Old World Food Truck and Grand Bakery of Oakland.  

Live Klezmer music will be provided by Peter Bonos in the afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m.

Free Hanukkah craft activities will be offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for youngsters in preschool through second grade. Children can make dreidel magnets, gelt bags, flame candle crowns and candy menorahs to take home with them.

“We are very excited this year to have close to 50 artists from 10 congregations offering a wide array of beautiful goods for sale," says event organizer Susan Levy. "Young families are especially invited to attend and start their holiday shopping in a family-friendly, festive setting.”

Congregations with artists participating in this year’s event include Congregation Shir Ami of Castro Valley,  Temple Beth Abraham of Oakland, Beth Israel Judea of San Francisco, Temple Beth Sholom of San Leandro, Kehilla Community Synagogue of Piedmont, Congregation Netivot Shalom of Berkeley, Temple Isaiah of Lafayette, Temple Israel of Alameda and Temple Shomrei Torah of Santa Rosa along with Oakland’s Temple Sinai which is hosting the event.

The fair’s venue is wheelchair accessible.