Link of the week: The J wrote a reflective article about their coverage on LGBTQ+ Jews over the years. Sha'ar Zahav was mentioned a couple of times!
|
|
Friday night Shabbat service will be on Zoom only, not Hybrid this week. For a number of reasons we have made the decision to be on Zoom this week. We know that some of you are looking forward to being back in the building and we can't wait to see you next week for our Hybrid service on March 4! If you have any questions, please reach out to Cantor Bernstein. Saturday Morning Shabbat Service will be Hybrid this week.
|
|
|
|
Friday Night Services:
February 25 at 7:30 pm. On Zoom. Led by Karen Schiller, Danny Stellini, and Cantor Sharon Bernstein.
Meeting ID: 886 7131 3838
Saturday Morning Service:
February 26 at 10:00 am. Hybrid: On Zoom and In-Person.
Join the Zoom Meeting. Meeting ID: 365 434 855 and Passcode: 068575.
|
|
Returning to Hybrid Services |
|
|
Community: Let's Get Together |
|
Kaddish Memory Circle
Wednesday, March 2nd
8:30 - 9:00 am
During this time of immense loss and grief, we are holding regular Kaddish Memory Circles to support each other. Martin Tannenbaum will be leading this week's circle. Our entire community is welcome, especially if you’ve had a loss in the past year and might be looking for this kind of space to remember someone in your life. Feel free to invite any friends or relatives who may want to join.
|
|
Looking for a Few Good People
Sha’ar Zahav’s 2022 Nominating Committee is looking for congregants interested in joining Sha’ar Zahav’s Va’ad (Board of Directors). The members of this year’s committee are: Karen Schiller (chair), Joe Harkman, Erika Katske, Martin Tannenbaum and Kelly Thiemann. If you would like to know more about the role and responsibilities or have an idea for a nominee or are interested in joining the Va’ad yourself, please contact Karen Schiller or any of the committee members.
|
|
Upcoming action
with the Social Action Committee (SAC)
Clothing Donations Needed
We are looking for donations of men’s clothing (size small) and blankets for a SAC accompanied newly-arrived immigrant from Venezuela. Please email Tom Medin.
|
|
Music in the Mishkan Returns!
Violinist and longtime CSZ member Randy Weiss is offering 3 concerts, all Sundays at 4 pm in the CSZ sanctuary:
Sunday, March 20: music of Foote, Gershwin and Brahms
Sunday, May 1: music of Krein, Beethoven and Faure
|
|
Judaism 101 with Director of Education Sue Bojdak
Mondays, February 28-May 2, 6:30-8:30pm on Zoom
Open to members and non-members
Judaism 101 is an introduction to Judaism for people who are new or returning to Judaism and are looking for a starting point to dive into Jewish learning and/or Jewish practice. Anyone from any background is welcome. We will be covering everything from Torah to Israel, spirituality to ethics, through a queer-positive, progressive, inclusive Jewish lens with plenty of room for questions. Our learning will be interactive and communal; come ready to be in the learning with us. Cost is $149. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. If you have questions, please contact Sue Bojdak.
|
|
Introduction to Hebrew Class on Zoom
One Hour Evening Class (12) Sessions Tuesdays, March 22 - June 7, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Class Description: Would you like to be able to decode Hebrew, so that you can follow along in the prayer book? Have you always wondered how the Hebrew language works? It is never too late to start learning Hebrew! This class is intended for first time Hebrew students, and will begin at the very beginning by learning the letters and the sounds that they make. This class provides a friendly and supportive learning environment, and patience and sensitivity will be shown to adult learners with limited time for study. You’ll be reading Hebrew words in no time! Open to members and non-members
Continuing Hebrew on Zoom
One Hour Evening Class (12) Sessions, Thursdays, March 24 - June 9, 7:00 - 8:00
Class Description: A continuation of our beginning Hebrew class, this course is for students who have already learned the Hebrew alphabet and know some basic vocabulary. This class will provide opportunities to practice reading and decoding Hebrew, and expand your Hebrew vocabulary. Additionally, we shall study several key prayers in the Congregation Sha’ar Zahav’s siddur (prayer book). This class provides a friendly and supportive learning environment, and patience and sensitivity will be shown to adult learners with limited time for study. New students, that have already mastered the Hebrew alphabet (or who have mostly mastered the Hebrew alphabet), are encouraged to join! Open to members and non-members
|
|
Judaism and the Body with Rabbi Copeland
Postponed for a few weeks
Judaism celebrates our bodies. Practices like eating, praying and sex are our means toward experiencing the Divine, in Hebrew called "avodah b'gashmiut." How does this play out in our daily lives? In queer community? We will study Jewish texts - Midrash, Talmud, Zohar, Hasidut - and breath and stretch to solidify our teachings. No prior experience with Jewish texts or ideas are necessary. Texts will be read in English. Please purchase Jay Michaelson's book, God in Your Body: Kabbalah, Mindfulness and Embodied Spiritual Practice. If you would like assistance in buying the book, please email Susie Idzik.
|
|
Israel/Palestine Working Group
Interested in how we talk about Israel and Palestine at SZ? Join an informal group for members to discuss next steps on how we discuss this important issue in our community. To get involved, contact Rabbi Copeland.
|
|
Prayers for the Planet - A Writing Workshop
facilitated by Maggid Eli Ramer
Tuesday, March 1st at 6-7 pm on Zoom
For some of us the issue of climate change is the most important one that we are facing, as a community and as a species. Maggid Eli Ramer recently wrote a short prayer for the planet that is now available to worship leaders, to include when and where they feel it fits into a service. In this hour-long workshop we will briefly discuss what we think about climate change, and you will have time to write your own short blessing for healing the planet -- all of which will be available to all service leaders.
|
|
Theater & Movies Chavurah
Wednesday, March 2nd
6:00 - 7:30 pm
Join the Film and Theater Group in watching "In Between." Three Palestinian women living in an apartment in Tel Aviv try to find a balance between traditional and modern culture. If you are a SF Library Member, you can watch it for free through the Kanopy channel. It is also available on other platforms. If you'd like to get someone else's perspectives on the movie before or after you watch it, the New York Times has a review of it. For more info, contact Yvette Adida.
|
|
Divorce & Discovery: A Jewish Healing Retreat
October 27-30
We are excited to share a new program offering from Camp Tawonga with you: Divorce & Discovery: A Jewish Healing Retreat, Oct. 27-30, 2022! Visioned and founded by Rabbi Deborah Newbrun, this retreat will help people who may feel broken or in pain find their way back to wholeness – guided by Jewish healing rituals, communal support and professional expertise. Please contact Deborah for any questions.
|
|
Sha'ar Zahav Earth Day Fair
Saturday April 23rd from 11 am - 1 pm
led by our Climate Action Committee
More information coming soon!
|
|
Recurring Gatherings and Meetings |
|
Caring for the Caregivers
3rd Wednesdays, February 16 through July 20
7:00 - 9:00 pm on Zoom
This group provides a place for family caregivers to get support and hear from other caregivers. It is moderated by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is open to caregivers who are caring for older adults or adults with disabilities. Brought to you by the Hineni Caring Community for Sha’ar Zahav members. If you are interested but not a member, or with any other question, contact Rabbi Copeland. This is not a drop in group. $125 and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
|
|
Climate Action Committee
2nd Monday of the Month
5:00 - 6:30 pm on Zoom
Are you concerned about environmental degradation? Want to work with other Sha’ar Zahavniks against climate change? Come share your ideas, get support, and have fun while we work together on some of the most pressing issues facing the planet. Contact Deborah Levy with any questions.
|
|
Book Group Discussion:
Kaaterskill Falls: A Novel by Allegra Goodman
Tuesday, March 29, 7:00 - 8:00 pm on Zoom
Allegra Goodman's novel links the stories of three Orthodox Jewish families, each of them pulled between religious tradition and the secular world. In the late 1970s, an ultra-Orthodox rabbi from NYC and some of his followers spend their summers in the tiny Catskills town of Kaaterskill Falls. The community clashes with the “year-rounders” and also within itself: The rabbi must choose his successor between one son who is brilliant but not a man of faith, and one who is devout but uninspiring; a young mother yearns to make something of herself that the community prohibits. Allegra Goodman beautifully paints a world so close and yet so far apart, and weaves a story of what it means to long, to belong, and to know the great joys and great limitations of community. Read and come discuss! Contact Ami Zusman for more info.
|
|
Social Action Committee
Monday, March 7
6:00- 7:30 pm on Zoom
On fair elections, welcoming the stranger, secure housing and food, ending gun violence, and more! At our next meeting we’re planning the Immigrant Shabbat program for April 8 - we welcome your ideas. We are also actively recruiting SZ members to join an accompaniment team to assist an Afghan refugee family. Want to join us? Come to our next meeting or contact Nancy Wecker or Geri Kahn.
|
|
Remember When
1st Wednesday of the Month
6:30 - 8:00 pm
Hitch a ride on the wayback wagon for a trip down memory lane. Let’s reminisce about the 40’s thru the 70’s together! Different topics each month. We will gather on the first Wednesday of every month. Everyone is welcome! Questions? Please email Marv Lehrman.
|
|
Adult Orphans Friendship Circle
2nd and 4th Wednesday 6:30 - 8:00 pm
For elder members who have little or no family in the Bay Area. We meet for lively discussions and occasional presentations related to aging. Open to the whole SZ Community. Contact Paisha Rochlin for more info.
Join the Meeting: Zoom link. If this zoom link does not work, please email Paisha
and she will email you an alternate link.
|
|
Weekly Torah Study Group
Note Date Switch!: Weekly on Wednesday
8:30 - 9:30 am
Study the weekly Torah portion with Rabbi Copeland and lay leaders. 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 in a compassionate environment! Join for either or both parts of the study. To be added to our SZ Torah listserv, email susie@shaarzahav.org.
|
|
Mussar Group
Bi-weekly on Thursdays 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Mussar is a very practical and flexible spiritual discipline to help you balance soul-traits (Middah/Middot) such as Humility, Loving-Kindness, Generosity, and Silence. Drop-ins are always welcome! For more information, contact Mark Pressler.
|
|
Art Group: Drop-in
Weekly on Thursdays
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
|
Meditation Chavurah
1st and 3rd Saturday of the month
10:30 am - Noon
Everyone is welcome. And you will not regret it! A typical session includes a short and longer silent sit, with chanting, movement, and a short teaching. The group meets on the first and third Saturday of every month.
|
|
Jewish Yoga
TBA
You are invited to a Shabbat morning exploration of yoga and Judaism that integrates mind, body, and spirit. Beginners and experienced yoga practitioners are welcome. To be added to our SZ Yoga listserv, email susie@shaarzahav.org.
|
|
Hiking Chavurah
2nd Saturday of the month, 9:50 am
We hike on the second Saturday of the month
Join other Sha’ar Zahavniks on monthly urban hikes – mostly in SF but we sometimes venture farther afield. This is a great way to get to know other SZ members while exploring the city and beyond. The hikes usually last about two hours. For more information, email Karen Schiller and Ellen Murland
|
|
12-Step Meetings by and for Sha’ar Zahav Members
Weekly on Sundays On Zoom
1:00 - 2:00 pm
Come listen and share experience, strength, and hope with other CSZ members who identify as part of any 12-step community (AA, NA, CMA, Alanon, SA, etc.).
The meeting will be run in the usual 12-step format but will also feature some thoughts and reflections from members who are working to bring their Jewish selves and Jewish traditions to their 12-step practice. Contact Erika Katske with any questions.
|
|
Weekday Morning Prayer
Weekly on Tuesdays
8:30 - 9:00 am
Songs and prayers to set our hearts and minds! This service takes place every Tuesday morning, and is led by community lay leaders and Cantor Bernstein. For more information, contact Cantor Bernstein.
|
|
|
|
Elizabeth Priest 2/24
Paul Peninger 2/25
Alex Ingersoll 2/25
Ethan Frazin 2/26
Benjamin Rainero-de Haan 2/27
Neil Jacob Rosenbaum 2/27
Steven Gaynes 2/28
Danny Kodmur 2/28
Julie Dorf 2/28
Jo Ellen Kaiser 3/1
Arthur Slepian 3/1
|
|
Thank You to Our Grantors |
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
