The MLJC’s mission is to provide opportunities and events
that nurture a vibrant and enduring Jewish identity,
culture and community in the Mother Lode.
THE MOTHER LODE JEWISH COMMUNITY
YOUR JEWISH CONNECTION
IN CALIFORNIA'S GOLD COUNTRY
Serving
Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa
and Tuolumne Counties
JOIN US
Welcome to the MLJC website. Our group was formed in 1987 by four families living in the Murphys/Arnold corridor. It grew quickly and in 1996, incorporated as a 501(c)3 to serve the needs of the small Jewish population here in the Mother Lode. While there is no synagogue or temple located in any of the four counties from which most of our members are now drawn, there are families and individuals who wish to meet one another and celebrate the various holidays, festivals and life cycle events that comprise Jewish life and culture.
All of our events and activities are open to those of the Jewish faith and their families and friends as well as those wishing to learn more about Judaism. For those of you who are not yet MLJC members, we sincerely hope you will join us in our celebrations and events throughout the year and one day perhaps decide to join as members.
Information about upcoming events.
We do not own or occupy a building or meeting space. Our gatherings most often take place in the homes of our more centrally located members…those in the Murphys/Copperopolis and Sonora/Jamestown areas. Some of our larger gatherings, such as Passover and Chanukah, are typically held in a local meeting hall or restaurant in the same “central” locations.
Our only criteria for membership is that one member of the family be Jewish. We do not have a denominational framework. We’re not specifically Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, Renewal, Liberal, or Humanist.
All are welcome!
Become a member or renew online.
P.O. Box 2212, Murphys, CA 95247
MLJC does not have a denominational framework. We’re not Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, Renewal, Liberal or Humanist. All are welcome!
2023-2024 Jewish Holiday Calendar ~ 5784
All holidays begin at sundown on the evening before the date specified.
Leil Selichot ... Prayers for forgiveness in preparation for the High Holidays
Begins sunset of Saturday, September 9, 2023
Rosh Hashanah ... The Jewish New Year
A time of rejoicing and of serious introspection,
a time to celebrate the completion of another year while
taking stock of one’s life.
Begins sunset of Friday, September 15, 2023
Ends nightfall of Sunday, September 17, 2023
Yom Kippur .... Day of Atonement; the holiest day of the year.
Begins sunset of Sunday, September 24, 2023
Ends nightfall of Monday, September 25, 2023
Sukkot ... Feast of Tabernacles
The holiday when we expose ourselves to the elements in covered huts, commemorating G‑d's sheltering our ancestors as they traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land.
Begins sunset of Friday, September 29, 2023
Ends nightfall of Friday, October 6, 2023
Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah ... Day of Celebrating the Torah
Begins sunset of Friday, October 6, 2023
Ends nightfall of Sunday, October 8, 2023
Chanukah ... Festival of Lights
Begins sunset of Thursday, December 7, 2023
Ends nightfall of Friday, December 15, 2023
Tu B’Shvat ... New Year for Trees
Begins sunset of Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Ends nightfall of Thursday, January 25, 2024
Purim ... Commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from
the wicked Haman in the days of Queen Esther of Persia.
Begins sunset of Saturday, March 23, 2024
Ends nightfall of Sunday, March 24, 2024
Pesach (Passover) ... The Feast of Unleavened Bread
Celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt.
Begins sunset of Monday, April 22, 2024
Ends nightfall of Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Lag B'Omer ... 33rd day of counting the Omer
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Shavuot ... marks the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai
Begins sunset of Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Ends nightfall of Thursday, June 13, 2024
For a complete list of Holidays and other important dates as well as Shabbat candle lighting times and similar information, go to HebCal.
Check out MLJC Celebrations on our EVENTS tab (at top)
Join Us At Our Next Event
Erev Rosh Hashanah
September 15th
Pot Luck Dinner and Services
Click on Event Schedule for Details