We thank those who have generously donated to our Annual Fund:

Ken Porter & Diane Epstein-Porter, in memory of Geraldine Satz and Jerry Epstein; Madeleine Levin; Catharine Clark, in honor of Carol & Orlo Clark; Sylvia Sabel & Joel Rubinstein; Eleanor & David Louis; Jerel Glassman & Beth Mazie; Anonymous, in honor of Rabbi Katie; Anonymous; Jody Reiss, in honor of Lillian Markind; Linda Chafetz; Meryl & James Bennan; Bonnie Willdorf; Bryna Rifkind in honor of Lillian Markind; David & Eleanor Louis; Stephen Gerard & Trudy Lionel; Howard Fallon in memory of Kendra Fallon & Julee Pygin; Julie & Danny Brook; Jessica Burdman; Robyn Talman; Angelique von Halle; Nicole Avril & Daniel Gelfand in memory of Fred Avril; April Lapidus

Our observance of the first night of Hanukkah will include making sandwiches and distributing them to the hungry, lighting the first candle, offering blessings and songs with our brothers and sisters on the street. You can participate via Zoom or in person.

5:30 pm - Rabbi Katie and leaders from the SF Night Ministry will host an online gathering where we will learn about the work of the SF Night Ministry serving those living on the SF streets. We will connect through Zoom to the live Open Hanukkah service described below. 

Zoom Link + HANUKKAH

5:30 pm - in-person alternative at 16th & Mission (BART plaza)- Open Hanukkah with the SF Night Ministry and Rabbi Shana of Ner Tamid. Distribute packed meals, light the first candle of Hanukkah and offer blessings and song in person with our brothers and sisters on the streets. Parking available at Hoff St. garage (please, no valuables left in cars!).

Friday, December 3 at 6pm via YouTube

A joyful, musical, Shabbat and Hanukkah service led by Ner Tamid with guest appearance by Rabbi Katie. This is NOT a Zoom event; it will be streaming on YouTube. Here is the link.

Rabbi Katie and Or Shalom member Margo Freistadt are quoted in this article about a recent attack on the Islamic Center of San Francisco in Bernal Heights. They were among many supporters who sent messages of support. "Your friends at Or Shalom Jewish Community stand with you. Keep the faith!" wrote Freistadt. Rabbi Katie noted that "an attack on a minority religious community is... an attack on all religious minority communities." If you would like to help the Islamic Center clean up after the vandalism and improve their security, here is the donation page.

At the next Considering God Salon our topic will be "Celebrating Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights." What meaning does this celebration have for us, for our spirituality and our beliefs, this year especially? The discussion may widen to other "juicy" Jewish holidays that have special meaning or importance in our lives. We'll talk about how each of us celebrates, and what we reject or find difficult.

All are welcome. Please register here and the Zoom link will be sent to you.

The community extends its sympathy to Suzanne Lifson Salazar on the death of her aunt, Marilyn Rosen.

The parsha for this week is Vayeishev (Genesis 37:1-40:23)

Commentaries:

from Truah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights

from American Jewish World Service

from Reconstructing Judaism

We have consolidated our phone numbers. To reach Or Shalom by phone, please call: (415)469-5542