About Us
Founding
The MLJC was formed in 1987 by four families living in the Murphys/Arnold area of Calaveras County. The group grew quickly and incorporated in 1996 as a 501(c)(3) to serve the needs of the small Jewish population living in the four central Sierra counties that form the heart of California’s ‘Mother Lode’ region, including Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne and Mariposa counties. While there is no synagogue or temple located in our region, MLJC members join together frequently throughout the year to celebrate the various holidays, festivals and life cycle events that comprise Jewish life and culture.
President's Message
Welcome to the Motherlode Jewish Community! We try to have one event a month to celebrate and observe Jewish Holidays together. We meet at members' homes. We have one or two shabbat services a year. We welcome all Jewish People into our group. Our only membership requirement is for one member of your family to be Jewish. Judaism in the Sierra Foothills is different from being in a city. There is no Kosher Butcher and no Synagogue unless you drive to the Valley. We make do with what we have and enjoy each other's fellowship.
Rodger Orman
President, Mother Lode Jewish Community
