We want to hear from you!
In order to improve programs for Millennials (adults ages 23-38) at Sha'ar Zahav, and better plan for the year, we ask that you please take five minutes to complete this short survey. Thank you!
Mondays: January 27, February 3 
6:30-8:30 pm
AND Friday, March 6 @6:00-7:15pm in honor of Shabbat Zachor (Shabbat of Memory)
A series for the Sha'ar Zahav community addressing senseless hatred in our society from intersecting angles. Join Rabbi Copeland as we host local leaders, view contemporary hatreds individually and as they intersect with one another, and learn strategies for dismantling the havoc they wreak.  Register .
Tuesday, January 28
6:30-8:30 pm
Italian Cultural Institute: 601 Van Ness Ave. Suite F, SF 94102
On International Holocaust Remembrance Day the Italian Cultural Institute is screening Shores of Light , a poignant untold story of warmth and compassion after a terrible war. Thousands of Jewish survivors arrived in Southern Italy after WWII, on their way to the land of Israel. The film weaves rare historical footage with unique current testimonials capturing a ray of light after great darkness.
Comm. Andra Bucci , one of the 45 girls who survived Auschwitz, will join us for the screening. Introduction by Prof. Francesco Spagnolo (UC Berkeley).Musical tribute by soprano Sharon Bernstein . Entrance: Free

The Mourner’s Kaddish Mystified & Demystified
Wednesday, January 29
6:30-8:30pm
Ever wonder why some sit, some stand, which parts we say together and which we don’t? Why does this ritual vary in different synagogues and denominations? Come learn about how heaven, pergatory, AIDS and the Holocaust have all affected the way we say this important prayer. Teaching led by Rabbi Copeland and Cantor Bernstein, brought to you by the SZ Ritual Committee.
MillennialsSushi Dinner
Friday, January 31
6:00-7:30 pm
Are you interested in helping guide the direction and ideas for our millennials programs/events in 2020? If so, join us for a leadership dinner with Rabbi Mychal. We'll discuss our needs and voice opinions on upcoming events. (suggested age group 23-37) For questions text 415-527-0072 or email heidy@shaarzahav.org
Tuesdays 7:00-8:00pm, Jan 28 – Apr 7
It is never too late to start learning Hebrew! This class is intended for beginning Hebrew students, and begins by learning the letters and the sounds that they make. Please contact the class instructor, Michael Lederman at Michael.lederman@gmail.com with questions.
Thursdays 7:00-8:00pm, Jan 30 – Apr 2
A continuation from beginning Hebrew, this course is for students who have previously studied Hebrew, who seek opportunities to refresh their Hebrew skills, practice reading and decoding Hebrew, and expand their vocabulary of Jewish Heritage words. We will study several key prayers in Sha’ar Zahav’s siddur (prayer book).  Please contact the class instructor ( Michael.lederman@gmail.com ) with questions.
Queercore Talmud: Powered by the JCCSF at Sha’ar Zahav
Orientation: Sunday March 22, 9:30am-12:30pm
Class Sessions: Mondays, March 23-April 30 7:00-9:30pm
Queer – unusual, different, curious, LGBTQI
-core – a counter-cultural perspective, a small group of people, at the center
Talmud – a compendium of ancient Jewish thought, law, culture, and spiritual insight

Stay tuned for applications in early February.
Applicants must be able to sound out words written in Hebrew with vowels -- sign up for our Intro or Continuing Hebrew courses this week!

The ideal candidates for this learning are side-ways thinkers from the fringes—L,G,B,T,Q,I folks, women, Yentl fans, language nerds, unicorns and beyond! Anyone, LGBTQI-identified or not, regardless of experience, who craves taking a deep dive into ancient Jewish queer-headed wisdom texts, in the original language, in an inclusive, immersive, and supportive learning environment need apply! For more information or questions contact Jhos Singer at jsinger@jccsf.org
Tree of Life Yoga
Saturday, February 1
9:00-9:55 am
Led by yoga instructor Rabbi Mychal Copeland. You are invited to explore a contemplative approach to Yoga and Judaism that integrates Jewish prayers, chants, & meditation. Wear clothes you can move in. We supply the mats. All are welcome, regardless of religious background, Jewish or yoga level, member or visitor. For more information, please contact Rabbi Mychal Copeland rabbi@shaarzahav.org
Every first Monday of the month for five months beginning in February:
February 3, March 2, April 6, May 4 and June 1
7:00-9:00 pm
Facilitated by Ora Prochovnik and Rose Katz
 
This group will explore issues that arise for people who are considering, are in the process of, or have recently completed, converting to Judaism. Those with a Jewish parent (or parents), but raised with little or no Jewish experience and are interested in exploring their connection to Judaism are also welcome to attend. Topics will include questions of identity, community, and family. This group is not an introduction to Judaism course, but rather a place to ask questions and discuss issues with others who are also on this journey. There is no charge for this group, however, pre-registration is required . For further information, or to register, please contact Rose Katz at 415-567-3327 ext. 706 ( rkatz@jewishlearningworks.org ).
Shabbat Shira - Bridges of Song Community Sing
Friday, February 7 at 8:00pm
A multi-cultural, multi-faith evening of song-sharing to create bonds of connection, love, strength and community. People of all faiths, backgrounds, cultures, and identities are invited to come together: to sing and knit ourselves together into a net of sustenance and protection for all. If you have a song you'd like to suggest, please contact Cantor Sharon Bernstein at cantor@shaarzahav.org .  

The community sing will be preceded by a condensed Shabbat service at 7:30pm -- All welcome. 
Long-time member Randall Weiss and The Bridge Players present the 20th season of Music in the Mishkan on Sundays... mark your calendars!
February 9
March 1
April 26
All concerts begin at 4:00 p.m., followed by a wine and cheese reception. Don't miss these beautiful concerts in our lovely sanctuary! Reserve Tickets .
Ongoing Events
Saturday, January 25
9:00 am
Every Saturday except B'nei Mitzvah days
Join a lay-led weekly Talmud study group. No experience necessary. For information, contact Jackie Kaplan .
Fine Arts for Sha'ar Zahav Members
Drop-Ins Welcome 
Monday, January 27
10:30 am - 1:30 pm
Every Monday except holidays
Bring your art supplies, lunch and parallel play with other creative congregants.If you have any questions, please contact your Fine Art Committee hosts: Paisha: paimar@pacbell.net, Barb: bcymrot@sbcglobal.net, AJ: ajsparkles@gmail.com.
Ritual Committee Meeting
Wednesday, January 29
7:00 pm
Interested in leading services, giving a drash (talk), helping develop new liturgy, or sharing your ideas? Then join RitCom! Meetings are open to all members; you can be a ritual expert or a newbie – we all learn together. Contact  ritual@shaarzahav.org .

James Carlson will be stepping in to co-chair the Ritual Committee with Ron Edelman, who continues as co-chair. We look forward to Ron's and James's working with our Rabbi, Cantor, and the Ritual Committee in helping to set Sha'ar Zahav's ritual agenda and continuing to strengthen our clergy/lay partnership in service leading and other ritual activities.
Meditation Group (SF)
Saturday, February 1
10:30 am
First Saturday of every month
Everyone is welcome. Typical session includes a short and longer silent sit, with chanting, movement, and a short teaching. Contact Andy Schwartz for information.
Monday, February 10
 6:00 pm
Usually first Monday of the month. 
Everyone welcome! Bring your interests, curiosity, passions, questions.Together we can make a difference. Social Action group sends a warm Thank You for your generous donations of winter clothing for a newly arrived immigrant Honduran family and the Gubbio Project for the homeless. There is continual need for socks, blankets, and travel toiletries.
Contact Leah: leaheve@indra.com or Nancy: nwecker@earthlink.net
Environmental Justice Group
Monday, February 10
6:30 pm
Generally meets the second MONDAY of every month
Join us as we find ways to protect Earth, from changing our personal habits to reducing our shul’s carbon footprint; from divesting from fossil fuels to supporting local, state, and federal policy changes that can truly make a difference. Come share your ideas and make friends while doing this urgent and sacred work. Contact Terry Fletcher, gillianf19@gmail.com.
Adult Orphan Friendship Circle
Wednesday, February 12
 6:30-8:00 pm
Second Wednesday of every month
Home Match: Connecting Homeowners with Folks Seeking an Affordable- Place to Live Open to Everyone. Tori Shepard will present Home Match, a non- profit organization to help connect homeowners with people seeing an affordable place to live. 
She will also cover other services for older adults in San Francisco including Rebuilding Together, another non-profit that provides home safety modification like grab bars, handrails, etc for those who want to age in place. For more information contact Paisha: paimar@pacbell.net , Marjorie: onceupntym@sbcglobal.net
Hiking Chavurah
Saturday, February 15
10:00 am
 Third Saturday of every month
Come see the city from a new perspective with other Sha’ar Zahav members. Then join us for lunch after we complete the days’ hike. Contact Karen Schiller and Ellen Murland for more information!
Board Meeting (Va'ad)
Wednesday, February 19
6:30 pm Dinner, 7:00 pm Meeting
Third Wednesday of every month, open to all members
Our Board of Directors is responsible for expressing the voice of the community. If you’re curious about Sha'ar Zahav's behind the scenes work, come to a Board meeting! Contact president@shaarzahav.org .
Shabbes Beat with Cantor Bernstein
Friday, February 21
7:30 pm
Third Friday of the month
It’s all about that Shabbes groove! Sing, dance, and pray. Joy up, relax, breathe, sway! Join Cantor Sharon and the Shabbes Beat band and chorus at this monthly rock, jazz, Latin, and blues service and get your Shabbes rest on. For more information contact Cantor Bernstein .
Hineni Caring Community
(formerly Bikkur Cholim)
Hineni ” is the biblical answer our ancestors gave when God called out to them: “I am present,” or “I am ready.”   Our Hineni Caring Community wants to do what we can to help our members, whether it’s outreach by our clergy or practical assistance from members of our community who can be present for them. Do you have a need or know someone who does? Or can you perform a mitzvah like running an errand, making a visit, offering a ride, or bringing food? Find out how you can help fellow Sha’ar Zahav members by signing up with our online community, or ask any questions about Hineni Caring Community, by contacting us at HineniLeaders@shaarzahav.org
A new, short-term emergency housing program. The Initiative matches congregants experiencing a housing crisis with members who can open their home and serve as a temporary host. If you or someone you know needs urgent housing or if you may be able to offer short-term housing, please contact makom@shaarzahav.org .
A welcoming group focused on fostering Jewish identity in an inclusive social setting for gay, bi, queer, and trans men. Creating social spaces and service opportunities that foster meaningful connections and generate a positive impact in our community. Check out njb-sf.com for upcoming events.
Scents and Sensibility Task-force
A group is helping to build a scent-free Sha’ar Zahav. For information contact Bob Gordon .
Pray
28 Tevet
Vaera
Friday Evening Service - January 24,
7:30pm 
Led by : Cantor Bernstein, Warren Baim, Reuben Friedman (bar mitzvah student)
Drash : Laura Lowe

Flowers Sponsor(s) : OPEN
Oneg Sponsor(s) : Miriam Menzel
In loving memory of my parents, Roslyn Ludwig Menzel and Herbert Menzel

Oneg Volunteer(s) :
Ann Bauman & Kelly Thiemann
Greeter(s) : Kelly Thiemann

Saturday Morning Service - January 25, 10:00am
Led by : Alan Gordon
6 Shevat
Bo
Friday Evening Service - January 31,
7:30pm 
Led by : Rabbi Mychal Copeland
Sarita Groisser & Brad Friedman
Drash : Marc Lipschutz

Flowers Sponsor(s) : OPEN
Oneg Sponsor(s) : Janet Klein
In loving memory of my grandmother,
Frannie Klein

Oneg Volunteer(s) :
Ernest & Katheleen Friedlander
Greeter(s) : Amy Schustack

Saturday Morning Service - February 1, 10:00am
Led by : Ron Edelman
Contact sharonh@shaarzahav.org to sponsor an oneg, kiddush, or flowers
Community Events
Sunday, January 26
2:00-3:00 pm
Pink Triangle Park + Memorial: Market St. and 17 St., SF 94114
Join us as we observe the International Holocaust Remembrance Day with a brief program, wreath laying, and groundbreaking of further improvements to the Park + Memorial.
Combatants for Peace at Manny’s in San Francisco! There is another way!
Sunday, February 9
4:00 pm
Manny’s: 3092 16th Street, @ Valencia (doors open at 3:45)
For over a decade, Combatants for Peace has embodied and served as a model for our values of freedom, democracy, security, respect and dignity for all. Combatants for Peace is an Israeli-Palestinian bi-national community – a community that exemplifies viable cooperation and renunciation of all forms of violence. 

A unique opportunity to hear from the people on the ground! Palestinian Ismail Assad and Israeli Galia Galili will share their stories of personal transformation as well as the work they are doing to bring Peace, justice and equality to their homeland. 

Come and engage in dialogue with community members to participate in a positive way in ending this long-standing conflict. Free and open to all. Light refreshments provided.  RSVP at Beth@afcfp.org
Happy Birthday!
birthday_dog_party.jpg
Yolande Schneeman 1/19
Jane Aceituno 1/20
Eileen Lynette 1/20
Lila Naparst 1/21
Harold Lahn-Schroeder 1/21
Nathan Kling 1/22
Martin Tannenbaum 1/22
Laureen Kim 1/22
Jonathan Igor Williamson 1/24
Victoria Estevez 1/25
Anshel Mamet 1/26
Howard Hahn 1/27
Blair Lewis 1/27
Nic Pinnick 1/29
Sophie Rosenmoss 1/29
Shoshana Levenberg 1/29
Lynn Eden 1/30
Nora Downs 1/31
Steven Nacamulli 2/1
Paul Bodner 2/1
Jason Simonoff 2/1
Joan Goldman 2/1
Zoe Friedman 2/2
Spencer Fischer 2/2
Shahpour Matloob 2/2
Jacob Robinson 2/3
Ivan Willard 2/4
Denise Gordon 2/4
Ami Zusman 2/5
Andrew Fyne 2/6
Andrew Sullivan 2/6
Erika Katske 2/8
Irene Friedman 2/9
Emily Dorian 2/9
Elias Ross Trupin 2/10
Andrew Berger 2/10
Marion Vera Williamson 2/11
Matthew Zvi Rawlings-Fein 2/12
Leva Choden 2/13
Avi Goldberg 2/13
Avraham Giannini 2/14
Beth Ross 2/14
Irene Ogus 2/14
Lisa DiGirolamo 2/14
Ema Morales-Diaz 2/15
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