Kenesset Israel Torah Center

09/02/2026

07/28/2026

Dear KITC community,

We are excited to announce that starting August 15th, Rabbi Baruch Rock will be the Rabbi at Kenesset Israel Torah Center.

Born and raised in New York, Rabbi Baruch Rock most recently served as the Director of Synagogue Youth Programming at Beth Jacob Congregation of Irvine. He was previously the Interim Director of Jewish Life and Learning at Pardes Jewish Day School in Scottsdale, AZ and as the Senior Rabbi at Orot HaCarmel Synagogue in San Diego. Rabbi Rock received his Orthodox Semicha from the Straus Rabbinical Seminary under Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, a Master of Arts from Ben Gurion University, and a Bachelor of Arts from New York University.

A strong love of Israel is a significant part of his approach to Judaism. Rabbi Rock will be at KITC twice a month and during holidays and will be available daily by email or phone. He will be teaching classes for KI both in-person and online. Rabbi Rock will also be on the faculty at the Jewish Community High School of the Bay in San Francisco.

Rabbi Rock is excited about serving KITC and putting down roots in Northern California. He loves astronomy and whitewater rafting. Rabbi Rock and his wife Carina, have four children; David, Osher, Eden and Halleli.

Please see the shul emails & weekly announcements for the events to welcome Rabbi Rock. Looking forward to the new year.
Arnie Golub, President

Rabbi Baruch Rock

07/20/2026

KITC will be hosting meaningful and traditional Tisha b'Av services starting this Wednesday (7/22) at 9:10pm. To attend, please contact [email protected].

Tisha b'Av is the time when we hit "rock bottom," a day of deep sadness that we observe through many customs. Nevertheless, you will find in taking part that we somehow find light amid the darkness, hope amid the despair, and never lose faith that there will come a time when the sadness will be tranformed into joy and celebration.

KITC's services will follow the traditional liturgy for Tisha b'Av, including the moving recitation of Eicha (Lamentations) and singing of Kinnot (dirges spanning Jewish history), led by our wonderful rabbi and cantor, Rabbi Evan Rubin.

KITC will also be screening the film "While We Were Celebrating" at 6:20pm on the 23rd. See below for a description.

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WHILE WE WERE CELEBRATING
An original film from AISH

The story of a year when antisemitic violence struck Jewish communities on our holiest days, and the Jewish answer that has sustained our people for generations:
to celebrate again.

Through exclusive interviews and first-hand testimony across three continents, the film takes viewers inside the aftermath of attacks that shattered families, communities, and celebrations.

MANCHESTER • BONDI BEACH • HAIFA

Join AISH’s Jamie Geller as she travels across three continents to meet the survivors and resist the scenes of the attacks. Then, hear from Rabbi Daniel Rowe as he explores the Jewish response to hatred and loss and our enduring will to celebrate again.

07/18/2026

WHILE WE WERE CELEBRATING: Tisha B'Av Showing
An original film from AISH
6:20 pm Thursday, July 23
Contact [[email protected]] for location.

The story of a year when antisemitic violence struck Jewish communities on our holiest days, and the Jewish answer that has sustained our people for generations:
to celebrate again.

Through exclusive interviews and first-hand testimony across three continents, the film takes viewers inside the aftermath of attacks that shattered families, communities, and celebrations.

MANCHESTER • BONDI BEACH • HAIFA

Join AISH’s Jamie Geller as she travels across three continents to meet the survivors and resist the scenes of the attacks. Then, hear from Rabbi Daniel Rowe as he explores the Jewish response to hatred and loss and our enduring will to celebrate again.

If you would like to be a sponsor of this event, please
contact Morissa Rubin or Devorah Lackner.

05/13/2026

Zoom Invitation to Yom Yerushalayim Celebration

Come Celebrate Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) on Thursday May 14th, 7:00-7:30pm PDT, on Zoom with a look at some exquisite poetic songs, ancient and modern. Invite your family and friends to envision Yerushalayim together through the beautiful expressions of her unique meaning! [Bilingual program, No Hebrew knowledge required]

Topic: Celebrating Yom Yerushalayim with Poetic Songs
Time: May 14, 2026 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Contact [email protected] for link before 6pm, Thursday.

05/11/2026

National Jewish Outreach Program
Sunday Night Mini-Series
Observing Shabbat: What really is work and what really is rest?
May 24 and May 31, 7 pm
Taught by Rabbi Evan Rubin
RSVP: [email protected]
(location will be provided with registration)

05/10/2026

You are Invited to a Light Festival Shavuot Dinner
Thursday night, May 21, 9 PM after services
Challah, Lasagna: dairy or vegan, salad and cheese cake
early bird RSVP by May 18. $20 adult / $15 kid (ages 5-13)
afterward $25/$20
RSVP here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScdg2-atr_YuDclYaSZHDaJ9NCbOlmDMju81TnDO2V0ZXKrIw/viewform
Location sent upon registration.

LEARNING SCHEDULE
Rabbi Rubin will speak between Mincha and Maariv—Shavuot-The Holiday Without a Mitzvah or a Date
Maariv 8:45 pm
Dinner to begin at approximately 9:00 pm
Learning to Follow Dinner
10:00 pm Will Simon—A Mysterious Melody-A Look at the Yom Tov Kiddush and Akdamut
10:30 pm Rabbi Nancy Wechsler—Expressions of Jewish Joy
11:00 pm Jonathan Lightman—Reflections on Sefer Zefania

05/06/2026

We LOVE You Too!

Thank you for supporting the Eden Campaign!

Because of YOU,
and the incredible support from all our matching donations,
we’ve succeeded in raising over $44K
for Kenesset Israel Torah Center.

We could never have done it without you. Thank you!
And most importantly, we welcome you to come to KITC
for services, classes and events.

Let us see KITC flower and grow!
If you would like to subscribe the KITC weekly newsletter use the button below...
SUBSCRIBE to newsletter: [email protected]

And it's NEVER TOO LATE to Donate and partner with KITC for all the great programs and events throughout the year! https://kitcsacramento.org/support-kitc/

05/05/2026

It's NEVER TOO LATE To Donate!!
https://causematch.com/kitc/
Bonus Round available due to our generous matchers!
If you missed the show, come for the encore!!!!!

04/24/2026

Lag B'Omer Celebration!, Tues., May 5, 5:30pm.

BBQ: Hamburgers, hotdogs, veggies dogs and burgers, corn and dessert.

$15 earlybird adult/$10 kids 3-13 through April 28th.
[after April 28 $20/$15]

To RSVP contact [email protected]

Location Provided on Registration.