Contact office@shaarzahav.org to sponsor a Shabbat
No Friday Night Services: First Night of Passover

Saturday Morning Service:
April 14 at 10:00 am. Hybrid: On Zoom and In-Person.
Join the Zoom Meeting. Meeting ID: 365 434 855 and Passcode: 068575.
To join by phone for either service, dial +1 669 900 9128 or find your local number.

Second Night Passover Seder:
Saturday, April 16, 6pm on Zoom
Set your table for the holiday and let's get ready to rejoice together in our liberation! Our community seder will take place on the second night, and it is open to members and non-members. Led by Rabbi Copeland, Cantor Bernstein and community members.
To register, click here.
Returning to Hybrid Services
For more info on Registration and Attending In-Person Events and Services, scroll to the end of this email.
While we strive for all our events to be mixed-access, this is not always possible. Some of the events below are only in-person, and some are Zoom only. If you have any questions about a particular event, please contact the office, or the contact listed for the event.
Passover
First Night of Passover: No Shabbat Service
Friday, April 15


Second Night Passover Seder
Saturday, April 16, 6pm on Zoom
Set your table for the holiday and let's get ready to rejoice together in our liberation! Our community seder will take place on the second night, and it is open to members and non-members. Led by Rabbi Copeland, Cantor Bernstein and community members.
To register, click here.

Passover Picnic in the Park
April 17th, 3:00- 5:00 pm
Location: Dolores Park
(Dolores St between 18 and 19th streets, near the accessible path)
 
Celebrate our freedom in the freest spot in San Francisco, Dolores Park! This event is BYOS=Bring Your Own Seder. We won’t be sharing our food with one another, but we will be singing a few of our favorite Passover tunes, thinking about the seder plate rituals and their meaning for us in this particular year, and coming together as a community to celebrate our collective freedom. No RSVP necessary, just grab a blanket, your food, and head to the park! Led by Rabbi Copeland.

Pesach Bingo
This game was conceived while preparing for our community
seder as something to help the young 'uns (and the young 'uns at heart) learn
some of the different parts of the Seder, and stay attuned as the Seder unfolds. Click here to access the bingo cards and instructions.

Pesach Playlist
Click here to listen to a Pesach/Passover playlist curated by Cantor Sharon Bernstein.
Community: Let's Get Together
Yizkor Memory Circle on Zoom
April 22, 9:00 - 9:45 am Passover Yizkor
Have you lost someone recently or in past years? Our Yizkor Memory Circles will be a time to say the names of our individual and communal losses, join in our traditional prayers, and share in the presence of community. Led by Rabbi Copeland.
Here! 2022 Rainbow Campaign 

With your help, we will continue to be Here for you and for our community.

The 2022 Rainbow Campaign is in full swing. The Rainbow Campaign is essential for providing our full range of services. This year we hope to raise $180,000 and secure 100% member participation. We welcome donations from non-members as well. Please check your emails for information or if you'd like to make a meaningful donation now, click here.

Thank you for your support and all that you bring to our community!
Big Banks: Stop Funding Fossil Fuels! 
SF Bay Area Passover Action 
Tuesday, April 19, 4:00 - 5:00 pm at 400 Howard St.
(BlackRock Investments)
Join Sha'ar Zahav and Bay Area Dayenu Circles from many synagogues and Hillels to raise our Jewish voice in uplifting song, dance and prayer to hold banks accountable to their pledges to leave fossil fuels in the ground and invest in sustainable energies.
Wear your Sha'ar Zahav t-shirt! No RSVP necessary, but try to let us know if you'll be there and can proudly help hold our Sha'ar Zahav banner!
Contact Deborah Levy with any questions.
Shabbat Accessibility
April 20 at 6pm on Zoom
How can we make Shabbat services as accessible and inclusive as possible? How is the hybrid model working? What needs improvement? How should we continue to include Zoom-only services in our Shabbat calendar? We want to hear from you - please come to a special Sha’ar Zahav meeting on Zoom. If you can’t attend, please send your comments, with subject line of Shabbat Access, to Ann Daniels.
Register for the meeting: Zoom link
Nonbinary Chanting Minyan
Friday, April 22, 10-10:30am
Curious about a nonbinary way to pray? Join Rabbi Copeland in a short chanting service with entirely nonbinary Hebrew and names for the Divine. All prayers will be in transliteration or English, so come even if Hebrew is new to you. Learn more about the Nonbinary Hebrew Project that made this possible.
Join the discussion: Register here
The Thoughtful Happy Town:
An Original Musical
Saturday, May 14, 11:15am 
in the Oneg Room at Sha'ar Zahav
Everyone is welcome to the world premiere of our original musical crafted by the students of Beit Sefer Phyllis Mintzer. This show is playing one Shabbat only! Don't miss it!  
B'Mitzvah Mentor Gathering
Sunday, May 22, 3-5pm 
in-person at Sha'ar Zahav 
Calling all B'Mitzvah Mentors! Current and past, long-time and brand-new, and those curious about b'mitzvah mentoring are invited to gather for tea and conversation all about b'mitzvah mentoring. We'll share experiences, answer questions, tell you what's new with b'mitzvah at Sha'ar Zahav, and connect all about mentoring.  Save the date and RSVP by contacting Sue Bojdak.
John Lewis Memorial Voter Engagement Group
(a subgroup of the Social Action Committee)

We are working with the Center for Common Ground and the Reclaim our Vote campaign to send out postcards to voters. Please contact Tirtza Pearl if you are interested in joining our group.

Sign up for upcoming webinars here, from the Center for Common Ground. An ongoing series, "Road to the Midterms: Looking Forward and Federal," discusses with members of Congress, voting rights activists and state leaders pro-democracy legislation and efforts. Thursday, April 14: Women's Rights with New York Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney

Immigration Stories
Thanks to all of you who have contributed to our Immigration journal: Keeping the Stories Alive. We will continue to collect stories to the journal over coming weeks
Kabbalistic Omer Counting
There's a Jewish tradition of "Counting the Omer", which is a ritual of counting each of the 50 days between the 2nd night of Passover (exiting slavery) and Shavuot (receiving the Torah). To see a calendar with kabbalistic (mystical) intentions, click here.
Yom Ha'Shoah 2022
Wednesday, April 27, 6-7pm
Meet at the Pink Triangle Memorial
The Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association and Congregation Sha'ar Zahav are honored to host a community gathering to commemorate Yom Ha'Shoah, the Jewish Day of Holocaust Remembrance. SF's First Annual Intersectional and Intergenerational Holocaust Remembrance Event for the Jewish and Queer Communities. Rabbi Mychal Copeland of Congregation Sha'ar Zahav will be leading community prayer and discussion regarding the Holocaust, in which millions of people were systematically murdered and tortured, including Jewish and LGBTQ+ people. For more information, click here.
Everyone Has A Story
April 27, starts at 4pm
 
Join the JFCS Holocaust Center and greater Bay Area community for Holocaust Remembrance Day. On April 27th, come together for a virtual reading of the names, commemoration, and community yizkor service.

4:00 pm (PT) —Reading of the Names (*To remember loved ones on this day, please submit their names here.
6:00 pm (PT) —Ceremony and Program
 
We invite you on April 28th to participate in commemorative workshops, including Holocaust survivor testimony and expert-led conversations focused on the lessons and legacies of the Holocaust. Presented by the JFCS Holocaust Center in partnership with San Francisco synagogues, schools, and community organizations

“An Evening of Songs in Solidarity With Ukraine” 
A Fundraiser for HIAS and the Central World Kitchen 
Hosted by the Jewish Folk Chorus of San Francisco 
 Tuesday, April 19, 7-8:30p.m. Pacific Time, via Zoom 
Our hearts are with the brave people of Ukraine, those fighting for their freedom, and their leadership. We are saddened and outraged at the needless tragedy, horror and death. Join Cantor Bernstein as we hear songs of unity, resolve, and hope in Yiddish, Ukrainian and other  languages.
Register here for the Zoom service
Learning Together
Sha'ar Zahav Earth Day Fair
Saturday April 23rd from 11 am - 1 pm at 290 Dolores St.
led by our Climate Action Committee

Join the Sha'ar Zahav Community in a joyous day of learning and activities around taking steps to protect the climate. Come learn from community members on topics ranging from how-to's for greener living to policy information, as you visit information tables, or do some planting with Beit Sefer Phyllis Mintzer in our Dolores Street garden.

Opportunities to learn about greywater re-use, rainwater collection, composting (of dog poop!), how to use our SZ colored bins correctly, financing home electrification, switching to socially responsible banks, shifting our cities to renewable energy sources and more!

Let's learn together so that we can reduce our communal and individual impact on the planet!

Register Here for In-Person Service. If you attend with anyone who has not pre-registered, be sure they bring idea and proof of vaccination.
Recurring Gatherings and Meetings
Kaf-Lamed Monthly Check In 
Last Friday of the Month, April 29
6-6:30pm on Zoom
All young adults welcome! Kaf-Lameds is Sha'ar Zahav's 20-30s group. We meet on the last Friday of every month at 6pm-6:30pm, switching between meeting virtually and in person. This is a time to briefly check in on each other, plan ideas for events, and create belonging. For more information, please contact KL co-leader Emily Ornelas-Dorian.
Social Action Committee
Monday, May 2
6:00 pm on Zoom
On fair elections, welcoming the stranger, secure housing and food, ending gun violence, and more! At our next meeting we will be focusing on the ballot initiative to create a vacancy tax and we will be planning our upcoming Food Banks. 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.
Join the Meeting: Zoom link
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. Come and learn about the upcoming Earth Day fair! Contact Deborah Levy with any questions.

Join the Meeting: Zoom link
Book Group Discussion: 
City of Thieves: A Novel by David Benioff
Tuesday, May 17, 7:00 - 8:00 pm on Zoom

During the Nazis’ brutal siege of Leningrad, a young Russian Jew, Lev Beniov, is arrested for looting and thrown into the same cell as Cossack deserter Kolya. Lev and Kolya are given a chance to save their own lives, if they can obtain a dozen eggs for a powerful Soviet colonel to use in his daughter’s wedding cake -- a feat virtually impossible during the siege. Read and come discuss! Contact Ami Zusman for more info.
Join the Meeting: Zoom Link
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.
Join the Meeting: Zoom link
Adult Orphans Friendship Circle 
2nd and 4th Wednesday 6:30 - 8:00 pm on Zoom
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
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.
Join the Meeting: Zoom link
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.
Join the Meeting: Zoom link
Art Group: Drop-in
Weekly on Thursdays
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Drop in for a joyful hour of free art-making and connection. Everyone is welcome! The group meets every Thursday. For more information, contact Paisha Rochlin, Barbara Cymrot or AJ Turpen Fried.

Join the Meeting: Zoom link
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.
Join the Meeting: Zoom link
Jewish Yoga
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.
Register for the Meeting: Zoom link
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.

For Sha'ar Zahav Members Only. Register Here to Attend.
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.
Join the Meeting: Zoom link
Birthdays this week!
Avidan Rene Novogrodsky-Godt 4/13
Jay Cohen 4/13
Bonnie Kates 4/13
Marjorie Hilsenrad 4/14
Kaye Hoxter 4/14
Alissa Van Nort 4/15
Bob Gordon 4/16
Diana Buchbinder 4/17
Donald Fischer 4/18
Maelis Perlman 4/18
Carina Elisa Rose 4/19
Returning to Hybrid Services
Registration and Attending In-Person Events and Services

For more info on Registration and Attending In-Person Events and Services, scroll to the end of this email.
Sha'ar Zahav has established the following practices for meeting in-person at this time.
  • Attendees must wear a mask, either N95, KN95 or a surgical mask with a cloth mask over.
  • Attendees must show proof of vaccination, including a booster shot.
  • Please register before attending. Even if you think you might attend, please go ahead and register. We'd prefer that you register and not show up than show up without registering. Registration helps us manage security at the door as well as provides an ability to do contact tracing, should someone come down with Covid following an in-person activity. 
  • Please remember: Sha’ar Zahav is a scent-free environment. Keeping our synagogue safe for those with scent and chemical sensitivities is part of our commitment to accessibility. Questions/concerns? Email us, the Accessibility Committee
Thank You to Our Grantors
Programs at Sha’ar Zahav are supported by the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, the Gilbert and Eleanor Kraus Initiative for Immigrant and Refugee Justice of the Religious Action Center, San Francisco Humanities, and the National Center to Encourage Judaism.
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.