Please check our website or email the group leader before coming to any event.
Glimpses of Persian Jewish Life
Thursday, March 12 at 7:00 pm
Jewish Community Library: 1835 Ellis St. SF 94115

CANCELLED
Family & Friends Shabbat — Monthly Evening Service
Takes place every second Friday of the month
 Friday, March 13 at 6:00 pm

CANCELLED

Hineni – We are here! Caring for each other in Jewish Community
Friday, March 13
6:00-7:10 pm
Hineni – I am here – the Biblical response when God calls – is also our best response when others need us. This class is an introduction to caring for each other in Jewish tradition: What does our tradition say about visiting the sick and comforting the bereaved, about suffering and what we can do to alleviate the sufferings of others? What do you say – or not say! – when someone has experienced a tragedy, illness or loss? What do you bake? Rabbi Copeland will talk and share texts about how we can be present for people – hineni! – when they need it most. And we’ll sample some casseroles and other dishes that are perfect for soothing weary souls.This is the first in an ongoing series; we’ll discuss possible topics for future classes. As with all our events, please remember to arrive scent-free. RSVPs REQUIRED to Marla Allen at webmarla@me.com . To join via zoom CLICK HERE
Help support our medical supply donation drive!
Sha'ar Zahav is collaborating with a community clinic in the Mission called Clinica Martin Baro. In partnership with UCSF and SF State, Clinica provides free medical care to some of the most vulnerable in our community. It serves a primary mono-lingual Spanish speaking population. We will be collecting medical supplies for the clinic during March. There will be a bin (with a full list of potential items) in the lobby entrance. Examples of potential donations include over the counter medications (e.g. Tylenol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen), hygiene products (soaps, pads/tampons, toothbrushes), alcohol/disinfecting wipes, Nitrile gloves, gauze, and hand sanitizer. Please contact member Carolina Ornelas at carolinaornelas93@msn.com with any questions or concerns. Now through the month of March.
Orientation: Sunday March 22, 9:30am-12:30pm
Class Sessions: Mondays, March 23-April 30 7:00-9:30 pm
Applicants must be able to sound out words written in Hebrew with vowels.
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! To Apply, Click Here . Accepted applicants will be informed by March 3 and will be invited to register and pay for the course at that time. Questions? Contact Jhos Singer at jsinger@jccsf.org or visit jccsf.org .
HIAS Refugee Shabbat Service
Friday, March 27 at 6:00 pm
The Social Action Committee of Sha'ar Zahav and Or Shalom cordially invite you to Refugee Shabbat. As proud participants in HIAS’s National Refugee Shabbat, Jews across the country and abroad will dedicate time and space to refugees and asylum seekers. National Refugee Shabbat is an opportunity to raise awareness of the humanitarian crises, recognize work that has been done, and reaffirm our commitment to the Jewish values of welcoming refugees and asylum seekers. We hope you will join us for this important program:
6:00 pm - Former refugees and asylees share their personal experiences in immigrating to the US.
7:30 pm - Shabbat Service
Please RSVP to Leah Hammond at leaheve@indra.com or Nancy Wecker at nwecker@earthlink.net . This is a free event. Resources // Take Action
Be a Seder Host This Passover
Wednesday, April 8; volunteer by Friday, March 27
Will you be holding a first night seder at your home this year? Would you be willing to welcome one or more fellow Sha'ar Zahavniks to join you? Celebrate Passover by building our community and helping your fellow congregants experience the holiday. If you are interested and able to do this mitzvah this holiday season, contact Sue Bojdak by Friday, March 27. 

Need a Seder This Passover?
Wednesday, April 8; sign up by Wednesday, April 1
Do you need a place to be for first night seder this year? We can connect you with fellow congregants who are opening their first night seders to guests. Celebrate Passover in community. If you are looking for a seder, contact Sue Bojdak by Wednesday, April 1.
Family & Friends Shabbat — Mornings at Dolores Park
Saturday, March 28 at 10:30 am
Join Sha’ar Zahav, Jewish Baby Network SF, PJ Library and Interfaith Family as we bring Shabbat to Dolores Park. Rabbis Reuben Zellman and Mychal Copeland will lead us in Shabbat music and storytelling. Bring a blanket, pack a lunch, and we’ll provide kosher snacks. All events are free! Thank you to the Jewish Community Federation & Endowment Fund for providing financial support for this event.
Sunday, April 26 at 4:00 pm
Long-time member Randall Weiss and The Bridge Players present the 20th season of Music in the Mishkan on Sundays... mark your calendars! April 26 “If the Schumann Fits…” 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!
Ongoing Events
Our SZ Torah Mantles are on Exhibit
At the Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM)!
Now through August 9
Contemporary Jewish Museum: 736 Mission St. 94103
Drawn from the holdings of The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life (UC Berkeley, curated by Francesco Spagnolo) this exhibition showcases a variety of textiles used by the San Francisco Jewish community during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The exhibit will run from Feb 13-Aug 9.
Adult Orphan Friendship Circle
Wednesday, March 11
 6:30-8:00 pm
Second Wednesday of every month
Join us for a communal potluck dinner in the oneg room. Please bring a dish to share. Non-members welcome! For more information contact Paisha Rochlin paimar@pacbell.net or Marjorie Hilsenrad onceupntym@sbcglobal.net
Saturday, March 14
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, March 16
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.ne t, AJ: ajsparkles@gmail.com.
Environmental Justice Group
Monday, March 16
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.
Board Meeting (Va'ad)
Wednesday, March 18
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! We will be moving this meeting to zoom. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to sara.fay.haber@gmail.com .
Shabbes Beat with Cantor Bernstein
Friday, March 20
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 .
Ritual Committee Meeting
Wednesday, March 25
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.
Hiking Chavurah
Saturday, March 28
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!
Meditation Group (SF)
Saturday, April 4
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, April 6
  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
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
18 Adar
Ki Tissa Shabbat Parah

Friday Evening Service - March 13,
7:30 pm 
Led by : Rabbi Copeland & Cantor Bernstein
Drash : Rabbi Mychal Copeland

Flowers Sponsor(s) : Karen Schiller
In memory of my mother, Bobbi Schiller

Oneg Sponsor(s) : Paul Cohen
In memory of my father, Joseph Cohen

Oneg Volunteer(s) :
Paul Cohen & Steve Shotland
Greeter(s) : Bobby Lu
Saturday Morning Service - March 14, 10:00 am
Led by : Ron Edelman

25 Adar
Vayakhel/Pekudei Shabbat haChodesh

Friday Evening Service - March 20,
7:30 pm 
Led by : Shabbes Beat with Cantor Bernstein, Shabbes Beat Band & Chorus

Flowers Sponsor(s) : OPEN
Oneg Sponsor(s) : OPEN

Oneg Volunteer(s) :
Greeter(s) : Rachel Nilson Ralston
Saturday Morning Service - March 21, 10:00 am
Reuben Friedman Bar Mitzvah
Led by : Sarita Groisser & Avi Goldberg
Contact sharonh@shaarzahav.org to sponsor an oneg, kiddush, or flowers
Community Events
March 22 & 29; 9:00 am-4:00 pm (both sessions must be attended)
Jewish Family and Children’s Services: 2150 Post St. SF 94115
Seniors at Home, a division of Jewish Family and Children’s Services, provides support to older adults and people of all ages who have serious or chronic illness, or are at the end of their lives. Our Palliative Care Service helps people remain in their homes as long as possible and provides them with the information, care, and services that they need. Our community of specially trained Palliative Care Volunteers are a key part of these services, playing a vital role in the lives of JFCS’ Seniors At Home clients and their families. Cost: $180. Full scholarships are readily available. Click here for more information or to apply. Questions? Contact Rabbi Daniel Isaacson at palliative_volunteer@jfcs.org .
From HamaQom The Place
Do I have to belong to a synagogue to be buried in a Jewish cemetery? How does tahara apply to trans people? What is the etiquette surrounding shiva? What if I can’t afford a burial? Is it okay for Jews to be cremated? If I have tattoos, can I have a Jewish burial? What do I say to someone in mourning? Join us for a series of discussions about the challenging issues surrounding death and dying. Participants can register for any class at any location, and can pick and choose any number of sessions. Sessions are $10 each and run from Feb-Jun 2020. Registration is open until the day before the session. Questions? Please call 510.845.6420 or email us at info@hmqm.org.
Join JFCS in our community-wide mitzvah to brighten the holiday for hundreds of neighbors! Show homebound seniors, people with disabilities, and families in crisis that their community cares by donating a Seder Sack for delivery by JFCS volunteers. Your gift of $18 will provide one household in need with a delicious assortment of foods to celebrate Passover. Offer a Chai Five for $90 and fill five Seder Sacks! Please donate today! Visit www.jfcs.org/sedersacks
Call 415-449-1206 Or, mail your donation to:
Attn: Seder Sacks, JFCS, PO Box 159004, San Francisco, CA 94115
Happy Birthday!
Tom Medin 3/9
Stephen Shotland 3/10
Dana Vinicoff 3/10
Jessie Ap'neva 3/11
David "Duke" Crestfield 3/12
Hershey Hirschkop 3/12
Judith Scherr 3/12
Deena Lahn 3/13
Andrew Williamson 3/13
Gwendolyn Annabelle Lochlainn 3/14
Blythe Nielsen 3/14
Oona Alexandra 3/16
Joel Lachter 3/16
Geri Kahn 3/16
Ilana Walder-Biesanz 3/17
Rami Kripke-Ludwig 3/17
Falyn Sokol 3/17
Ann Bauman 3/18
Garry Schermann 3/18
Mol Dezern 3/19
Amy Kaufman 3/19
Kathy McHenry 3/20
Michael Abramson 3/21
Jeffrey Shuman 3/21
Paisha Rochlin 3/21
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