Omer Counting Spiritual Practice
Thursdays through May 21
(May 14, 21)
7:45-8:15 pm
From Passover through the holiday of Shavuot in late May, we observe a centering practice called Counting the Omer. The psalmist says, “Give us the wisdom to count our days,” and during this time of uncertainty and waiting, our Omer practice will guide us in finding meaning in each day. Join Rabbi Copeland this evening through May 21, for a short, spiritual closing of the day: a chant, a kavannah (intention) for the week utilizing Jewish mystical wisdom, and counting the day together.
Drop in whenever you can
!
We will be using
Cantor Bernstein’s Omer counter tool
to help us stay on track. No experience with this simple ritual is necessary.
Meeting ID:
201 067 230
Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128
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Family & Friends Shabbat is Coming to you on Zoom!
Friday, May 15
4:30 pm
Join Rabbi Reuben Zellman and Educator Sue Bojdak for a quick (1/2 hour) fun, interactive Shabbat service including music, stories, and puppets for people ages 3-7 and their family and friends. BYOD (dinosaur) and BYOC (candles). We'll welcome the Shabbat dinosaur and light candles together.
We are hoping to be back with you in shared space in June! Questions? Contact our Education Director, Sue Bojdak at
education@shaarzahav.org
.
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Young Adults Shabbat
Friday, May 15
6:00-6:45 pm
(candle lighting at 6:15)
Join us as we check-in with how we're each doing, meet new people, and light Shabbat Candles. This is a judgement-free space to share, question, and reflect. Suggested ages 22-38. Contact Carey Averbook
caverbook@pm.me
or Heidy Ramirez
heidy@shaarzahav.org
.
Meeting ID:
134 920 431
Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128
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Community Shabbat Evening Service
Friday, May 15
7:30 pm
Start Shabbat in community! Join us for Shabbes Beat with Cantor Bernstein and a drash by member, Tiela Chalmers.
Now that we know we'll be sheltering until at least the end of May - its a great time to purchase your very own copy of
Siddur Sha'ar Zahav
so you can follow along during Zoom services!
Click Here
to get your own!
Meeting ID:
452 290 988
Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128
Need help getting on Zoom or with other technologies? Contact
Sara Haber
, she'll help you one on one!
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Lay-led Shabbat Morning Service
Saturday, May 16
10:00 am
Join us for a lay-led shabbat morning service.
Meeting ID:
365 434 855
Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128
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May You Live To Be 120: Talking About Death
Sunday, May 17
3:00-6:00 pm
Jews often bless each other with the phrase “May you live to be 120!” and we hope you do. Even if you do live that long, however, you still need to make plans for when the time comes. Sha’ar Zahav’s “Talking About Death” Zoom event will make it easier to talk and think about death, especially at a time when it's on all of our minds. We’ll explore the legal, ethical, and spiritual aspects of end-of-life decisions.
Simcha Paull Raphael, Founding Director of the DA'AT Institute for Death Awareness, Advocacy & Training, and author of
Jewish Views of the Afterlife
will start the afternoon, followed by breakout sessions on a range of topics including writing wills and directives, making burial choices and arrangements, trusts, planned giving, and writing your own obituary. Presented by the Sha’ar Zahav Chevra Kadisha. For more information, contact
rabbi@shaarzahav.org
. (Member:Free/Non-member:$25)
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Tree of Life Yoga
Monday, May 18
8:00 am
You are invited to explore a contemplative approach to Yoga and Judaism that integrates mind, body, and spirit. We will blend traditional yoga and Judaism, integrating Jewish prayers, chants, & meditation. Led by Mychal Copeland.
Meeting ID:
354 552 296
Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128
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Weekday Morning Service
Tuesday, May 19
8:30-9:15 am
Songs and prayers to set our hearts and minds for the coming day! Led by Cantor Bernstein. For information, contact
cantor@shaarzahav.org
.
Meeting ID:
287 279 861
Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128
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Tuesday, May 19
5:00 pm
The Reform movement via the Religious Action Center is starting a civic action campaign to gear up for the election. "Every Voice, Every Vote" is a nonpartisan civic engagement campaign bringing the full force of the Reform Jewish Movement to bear on strengthening our democracy by encouraging everyone to participate in the 2020 U.S. election, and ensuring that our Reform Jewish values are present in the public square. This campaign has three areas of focus: Mobilizing our voters, engaging student voters, and combatting voter suppression. You can learn more and sign up for the virtual town hall
Click Here
.
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Weekly Torah Study-Parashat Hashavuah
Wednesday, May 20
8:30-9:30 am
Study the weekly Torah portion with Rabbi Copeland! For the first half hour, we’ll talk, learn and share thoughts about the portion. In the second half, we will practice our Hebrew reading skills on a few verses of the week’s reading in a compassionate environment! Join for either or both parts of the study. Worried about your Hebrew skills? We invite a variety of levels, so relax! You can also just listen in. Contact Rabbi Copeland with questions
rabbi@shaarzahav.org
.
Meeting ID:
959 8750 6446
Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128
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Kaddish Memory Circle
Thursday, May 21
8:30 am
Have you experienced a loss in your life? We will pause to honor the lives of loved ones, share names and memories, say Kaddish, and support one another in our mourning process during this time of distancing. We will be gathering virtually in remembrance periodically during these months ahead and invite you to join for any and all of these Kaddish Memory Circles. Led by Rabbi Copeland.
Meeting ID:
912 9311 2403
Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128
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Don’t Miss "Circus of Books"!
Sunday, May 24
7:00 pm
Over the next 3 weeks, we recommend that you
watch “Circus of Books” on Netflix
. This poignant and hilarious documentary by Rachel Mason focuses on her modest Jewish parents who were also the longtime proprietors of a bookstore that sold gay pornography in West Hollywood. Or if you’d like, join us to watch it together at 5 pm, Sunday May 24.
And then join us for
a Zoom discussion and conversation with the filmmaker, Rachel Mason and long-time member and documentary filmmaker, Nancy Kates
.
This event is open only to Sha’ar Zahav members.
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Group will meet Tuesdays, June 23-August 11
This eight-week group is for anyone mourning a person who has died. Open to Congregation Sha'ar Zahav members and the wider community. Rabbi Natan Fenner of the Bay Area Jewish Healing Center will facilitate on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm, at Sha'ar Zahav and/or through Zoom (TBD closer to June 23rd). Contact
BAJHC
at 415-750-3436 or
program@bajhc.org
for more information. Advance registration is required for this space-limited group. Sha’ar Zahavniks will have a chance to register before the wider community, so if you’re interested, respond immediately to ensure a spot.
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SZ Tech Corps
Do you have tech skills and are looking for a way to support our community? If you're skilled at Zoom we could use your help! Please contact Carey Averbook at
caverbook@pm.me
. Additionally, if you're comfortable with WordPress and other website-building technologies, please contact
heidy@shaarzahav.org
.
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Looking for a Hevruta/Study-buddy?
In these times of Sheltering in Place, shared learning can be an important source of spiritual and intellectual nourishment. Our SZ Adult Education team is
building a network of learners to engage with Jewish texts in Hevruta
(paired study) or small group study. We hope to create spaces where people of much or no background in Jewish texts can be engaged in shared curiosity as well as support each other in these difficult times. Please email Morey Lipsett at
moreyland@gmail.com
if you are interested in studying
Talmud
,
Torah
/
Tanakh
,
Zohar
or something else (philosophy, literature, liturgy, anything you want!) as well as what times you are generally available.
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Now, more than ever, as we work to support you, we need your support. Whether you’re a member or not, we’re here for you — with online services, learning, inspiration and community. Please consider a donation today!
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Meditation Group (SF)
Saturday, May 16
10:30 am
First Saturday of
every
month (generally)
Everyone is welcome. Typical session includes a short and longer silent sit, with chanting, movement, and a short teaching. Please contact Andy Schwartz at
andy@schegg.org
for more information.
New Zoom Information
Meeting ID:
894 8009 6573
Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128
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Board Meeting
(Va'ad)
Wednesday, May 20
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! We will be moving this meeting to zoom. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to
sara.fay.haber@gmail.com
.
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Adult Orphans Friendship Circle
Wednesday, May 27
6:30-8:30 pm
2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month
Meeting ID:
965 6970 6237
Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128
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6:00 pm
Usually first Monday of the month
Everyone welcome! Bring your interests, curiosity, passions, questions.Together we can make a difference. Questions? Contact Geri Kahn
gekahn@gmail.com
or Nancy Wecker at
nwecker@earthlink.net
. If you’re able, please share your CARE payment through the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity Migrant Emergency Fund. Undocumented immigrants don’t qualify for government relief and are especially hard hit during the pandemic: https://www.im4humanintegrity.org/2020/03/strengthen-the-safety-net/
Meeting ID:
683 592 660
Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128
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Ritual Committee Meeting
Wednesday, June 3
7:00 pm
Ron Edelman and James Carlson co-chair RitCom. They work with our Rabbi and Cantor to set Sha'ar Zahav's ritual agenda and continue strengthening our clergy-lay partnership in service leading and other ritual activities. Want to learn more? Join us! For information, contact
ritual@shaarzahav.org
.
Meeting ID:
474 456 278
Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128
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Environmental Justice Group
Monday, June 8
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
.
Meeting ID:
852 592 669
Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128
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Hineni Caring Community:
Helping our Members During the Pandemic
(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 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
.
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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.
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22 Iyar
Behar/Behukkotai
Friday Evening Service
May 15, 7:30 pm
Led by
: Cantor Bernstein
Drash
: Tiela Chalmers
Saturday, Lay-led Morning Service
May 16, 10:00 am
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29 Iyar
Bemidbar
Friday Evening Service
May 22, 7:30 pm
Led by
: Cantor Bernstein
& Howard Steiermann
Drash
: Paisha Rochlin- Lehrman
Saturday, Lay-led Morning Service
May 23, 10:00 am
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Sunday, May 17
12:00-12:30 pm
Join us for a live reading of
Lil Miss Hot Mess'
new book
The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish
on
SF Oasis' Facebook LIVE
and on Instagram Live (@TheOasisSF)! A fun frenzy of fierceness, this book will appeal to readers of all ages.
Playing off “The Wheels on the Bus,” this nursery rhyme book from a founder of Drag Queen Story Hour is a fun, freewheeling celebration of being your most fabulous self.
The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish
encourages readers to boldly be exactly who they are. Written by a founding member of the nationally recognized Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH), this playful picture book offers a quirky twist on a classic nursery rhyme by illustrating all of the ways to “work it”.
Lil Miss Hot Mess is known for her activism and high-concept performances. She helped lead the
#MyNameIs
campaign against Facebook's so-called "real names" policy, and has performed everywhere from San Francisco's legendary worker-owned bar The Stud to Stanford University, SF MOMA, and Saturday Night live.
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Thursday, 21 May
1:00-2:15 pm
Adopting Jewish culture and community as an adult can be both challenging and empowering. For queer people, becoming Jewish raises issues not only about religious affiliation but also about the nature of gender identity and sexual orientation. If Jewish queers have a double identity as “twice blessed” — in the words of an early anthology of Jewish LGBTQ stories — then LGBTQ people who become Jewish as adults are thrice blessed. Join three thoughtful LGBTQ activists as they reflect on forty years of Jewish queer life, their choices, and what these mean in terms of Jewish communal diversity. An online Jewish Queeries Series event brought to you by the
Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion
.
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The San Francisco Department of the Environment, in partnership with the San Francisco County Transportation Authority, has launched a new program,
Essential Worker Ride Home
,
for late-night commuters with limited to no transit options returning home.
Essential workers who are eligible can be reimbursed up to 10 taxi rides per month, per person, and up to $70 per ride.
To learn more about the program's eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit
sfenvironment.org/essential-worker-ride-home
and help us spread the word. If you’d like to share with your network, please feel free to access ready-made social media and outreach content
here
.
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Volunteers are available pick up groceries for you...
After a short intake, a volunteer will contact you. You give your shopping list and cash to a volunteer and they will shop wherever you want. Please pass this information onto whom ever you think might benefit. The number to contact is: 415-355-6700.
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Are you struggling financially?
Jewish Family and Children’s Service
provides the following services:
- Urgent home health care, meal and grocery delivery, and virtual Safe At Home calls to isolated seniors and those with disabilities.
- No-interest loans and grants to help individuals, families, and small businesses through this crisis.
- Expert advice and counseling for anyone in need of mental health services, including children and teens.
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We are aware that many of you may not support or use Amazon services generally and, in particular, some may be feeling concern for those who continue to work in order to provide so many of us with essential items via delivery. We also know that many of our members are depending on delivery services to stay safe during this time. As always, we encourage you to make choices that are best for you.
If you do choose to
use Amazon, please consider
supporting this community by selecting Sha'ar Zahav as your charitable organization using the link:
smile.amazon.com
.
We also encourage writing a comment in support of Amazon workers under “Customer Service - Contact Amazon”.
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Chaltu Bernstein 5/10
Larisa Migachyov 5/10
Daniel Loftus 5/11
Kailin Koch 5/12
Sylvie Olson-Dorf 5/12
Benjamin Malakoff 5/12
Judith Ellen Rubin 5/12
Sophie Navarro 5/12
Raymond Cutino 5/13
Zephaniah Bensaid 5/14
Micah Ludeke 5/14
Leah Hammond 5/16
Charlie Shaw 5/17
Gary Winter 5/19
Gabriel Oliver-Polsky 5/19
Ruth Bernstein 5/20
Richard Wilson 5/20
Lillian Schaechner 5/20
Jessica Alexandra 5/21
Emery Cohen-Wallach 5/23
Barb Cymrot 5/23
Jane Rice 5/24
David Gluck 5/24
Robert Katz 5/26
Pierre Adida 5/27
Sherie Koshover 5/28
David Ogus Thor Langdon 5/28
Grant Shreiner 5/28
Chase Tanner 5/29
Elliott Sprehn 5/29
Trudi Hauptman 5/29
Crow Martin-Fromm 5/31
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You are receiving this email because you expressed interest in Sha'ar Zahav. Be sure to add
office@shaarzahav.org
to your (email) contacts list so that our communications land in your inbox! All our events take place at Sha'ar Zahav 290 Dolores Street, unless noted otherwise. To unsubscribe, please click on the "Unsubscribe" link at the bottom of this email.
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