We invite Jews - particularly those on the margins of mainstream Jewish community, those who are on the path to a Jewish life, Jewish adjacent, those who are part of a Jewish family or friend circle, baby Jews and our wise elders, BIJOC, disabled, queers, trans, bisexuals, anti-zionist, non-zionist, questioning, confused and lost. You are all invited to participate and sanctify the new Jewish year as we grieve, cry, mourn, and also rejoice together.

• Masking in our spaces is optional but encouraged. We acknowledge the tension this creates, and the reality that creating a space that works for everyone is nearly impossible.

• We also recognize that Black and Brown communities are disproportionately impacted by COVID, and we are committed to minimizing risk as much as possible.

• We ask that if you’re feeling sick, please stay home. We encourage everyone to take a COVID test before attending. Masks are available at the door. For indoor gatherings, we will open all windows and doors to improve airflow, use HEPA filters, and provide spacious seating for those who would like to maintain physical distance.

• We will hold RH services indoors and YK services outdoors

• For information about the physical locations and access statements for each location, please reach out, as we do not share our locations online

• We offer priority seating for those who need it and parking as able; please reach out to us to reserve at tzimtzumcollective@gmail.com

Tzimtzum (pronounced tzeem-tzoom) is a community that centers Jews on the margins—uplifting queer, trans, and gender-expansive identities, embracing Black, Indigenous, and Jews of Color, and welcoming people of all backgrounds, all while grounding ourselves in Jewish tradition, ritual, learning, and community. We embrace the intersection of Torah, social justice, and activism, striving to build a community where these values come alive.

We root ourselves in the Jewish diasporic experience. We welcome anti-Zionists, non-Zionists, post-Zionists, and those who are curious, questioning, or wrestling with their relationship to Zionism and Judaism.

We commit to learning and unlearning together as we nurture a liberatory Judaism. We honor that our practice takes place on the unceded land of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, descendants of the Awaswas-speaking Uypi people of present-day Santa Cruz.

Get to know our community to make sure we are mutually compatible. Scroll down to read our values.

It is tradition to wear white on Yom Kippur, many will be doing this, it is up to you!

Prayer and community must be for everyone, and we are honored to model our values l’dor va’dor.  We wholeheartedly welcome and celebrate children attending (with their grownups) as their authentic selves - crying, laughing, playing beneath our feet, and roaming about the community. 

NOTAFLOF: Pay What You Can

At Tzimtzum, no one is turned away for lack of funds (NOTAFLOF). If paying more would be a significant hardship, especially if you come from a historically marginalized background (ie. Black, Indigenous, a Person of Color, and/or disabled, Transgender) this option is for you. Please reach out to gain access to this ticket. Tzimtzumcollective@gmail.com

Become a member today!

If you become a Tzimtzum member starting at $84 a month, you get access to all the services and can join us throughout the year for our gatherings. Information here.

Details to come!

If you are looking for places to stay, we recommend local Airbnb rentals and booking early. The Paradox Hotel in Santa Cruz is across the street from our venue for Rosh Hashanah and the Yom Kippur ball, and they have a rocking pool. There are also great camping options at Henry Cowell State Park and Hip Camp options throughout Santa Cruz.

Beginning in London in 1888, anarchists and other anti-theist Jews began a tradition which by the end of the century, was observed in cities across the Jewish world. Traditionally, Yom Kippur is a somber day of fasting, reflecting and praying for atonement. In direct protest to the heavy spirituality of this fast day, Jewish anarchists began this tradition as a dance and banquet specifically dedicated to challenging the notion that anyone but ourselves can bring about a better world. While this occasion began as explicitly anti-theist, with the inaugural balls ending with declarations that “there is no God,” we seek to bridge this subversive tradition with our contemporary approach to progressive Judaism.

The “Yom Kippur Ball” waned in popularity in the first decades of the 20th century, as many saw it as overly antagonistic to traditional Yom Kippur observance. In the Tzimtzum community, we wish to center the countercultural Jewish experience. In this day and age, it’s about time we bring back this subversive tradition of Jewish joy to honor this largely forgotten radical Jewish tradition.

This gathering is an invitation to question the structures and powers that shape our religion and culture. It is a space to air our grief, raise deep curiosities, and engage in bold questioning, with respect and care.

We will explore radical visions for another world, we’ll experiment together in this edgy revitalization of a past ritual. At the same time, we’ll hold reverence and devotion through prayer, including the powerful Kol Nidre. We invite you to crack open and pour out what is heavy on your heart and soul, we will send this off together to move in a lighter way into the Yom Kippur.

Tzedakah

Rooted in the Jewish value of tzedakah, we believe in redistributing resources so all can live with dignity. In the year 5787, we commit to redistributing at least 1% of the funds that are raised during the High Holy Day season. Members have the opportunity to help allocate these funds.

Entering the Sacred Month of Elul Class

Tuesday, August 12, 6:30–8:30 PM

Explore the themes and practices of Elul as we prepare our hearts and minds for the High Holy Days.

All Bodies/ Genders Mikvah Experience

Saturday, August 16, 6:00 AM

Arrive at 6:00am sharp, we will start right away. This is the time of contemplative practice, the holiest time of day. We will meet near the beach entrance. We will share what we are bringing into the new Jewish year and what we want to leave behind. Everyone will be taught the blessings and how to immerse. We will spread out and give space to submerge and gather back in silence. This ritual will last about 30 min. This is a time to release and renew yourself, as you enter the High Holy Days and the fall season. The mikvah is typically done naked; feel free to do so or bring a bathing suit. Leave jewelry at home; it is traditional to clean oneself before immersing: nails, hair, etc. This is one of the most powerful Jewish rituals. I hope to see you bright and early.

Erev Rosh Hashanah

Friday, September 11, 7:00–8:00 PM (midtown)

Evening service to enter us into the new year!

L’Chaim Club Gathering- 8:15 PM - Join us for drinks, dinner, and community following services. Location to be announced.

Rosh Hashanah Day 1

Saturday, September 12, 10:30 AM–12:30 PM morning service.

Community Picnic- 1:30–4:00 PM – at local beach
Bring your own lunch, beach gear, and enjoy an afternoon together by the ocean

Rosh Hashanah Day 2

Sunday, September 13 – Tashlich

5:00–6:00 PM – Tashlich service
Location to be announced 

Kol Nidre / Yom Kippur Ball!

Sunday, September 20, 6:30–8:30 PM – Kol Nidre Service

Join us as we hold both the sacred and profane, the pious and the anarchistic in a unique ritual which synthesizes traditional Kol Nidre with a Jewish Anarchists’ countertradition popular around the turn of the 20th century. We will release our energies through participatory community-led performances before entering the solemnity of Yom Kippur with the traditional recitations and accompanying instrumentals.

Yom Kippur

Monday, September 21

9:45–10:15 AM – Meditation Session

10:30 AM–12:30 PM – Yom Kippur Morning Service

1:00–1:45 PM – Breakout Session I

2:00–2:45 PM – Breakout Session II

3:00–3:45 PM – Breakout Session III

4:30–6:30 PM – Yizkor & Ne’ilah Services

Friday, October 3

A joyful evening of learning, music, and celebration. Time and location to be announced.