Contact office@shaarzahav.org to sponsor Oneg or Flowers for Shabbat.

Scroll down to read more about our exciting Oneg Chavurah!

Friday Night Services for Tetzavveh:

March 7th at 7:30pm

Hybrid: On Zoom and In-Person

Led by Cantor Bernstein and Josh Muller

Drash by Cantor Bernstein

Meeting ID: 886 7131 3838

Saturday Morning Service

March 8th at 10:00am

Hybrid: On Zoom and In-Person

Led by Alan Gordon and Ron Edelman

Join the Zoom Meeting.

Meeting ID: 365 434 855

Passcode: 068575.

To join by phone for either service, dial +1 669 900 9128 or find your local number.

All events are open to members and (not yet) members unless otherwise stated!

Purim!

The World Turned Upside Down

Thursday, March 13, 5pm, Hybrid (In-Person at SZ and on Zoom)

It's Adar, the month in our Jewish calendar where we acknowledge the topsy-turvy reality of our world. Who would you be in an upside down world? Come dressed up for Purim or borrow from our Purim costume supplies! Don't miss out on making your own grogger or our hamantaschen tasting after services!

5pm: Dinner (in-person only)

5:30pm: Art Activities and Purim Workshop begin (in-person only)

6:30pm: Services followed by oneg (Hybrid)

Note: The downstairs pizza dinner is $5 per person eating.

Pre-registration is required so that we can order the right amount.

Hamantaschen Bake Off

Thursday, March 13

The Oneg Chavurah is sponsoring a Hamantaschen Bake Off. Bring two dozen of your favorite (store bought or home-made) hamantaschen — traditional or with a twist! After services and our Purim Shpiel, we'll gather to enjoy the many varieties. Of course, there will be a prize for “Best Hamantaschen!” (Bragging rights count, yes?)

Email Kerasa Tsokas to sign up and to answer any questions.

Learn with Us!

The Narrow Bridge: Does emigration make sense for you?

Monday, March 10, 7pm, Hybrid

Led by Neil Grungras and Rabbi Copeland

Open to members and non-members!

Many of us are wondering whether it’s time to consider moving elsewhere in the world. Would living in another country be right for you? What factors should you consider? What forms can relocation take? Where can you go? What are the pathways to getting there? This session is part of a series, but each individual session stands alone. To see the information for all sessions, click the registration link.

Many thanks to The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund for providing financial support for this series.

Rabbi Irwin Keller book talk:

Shechinah at the Art Institute

Friday, March 14, 6pm, Hybrid (In-person at SZ and on Zoom)

Rabbi Irwin Keller will speak to us about his new book, Shechinah at the Art Institute, a collection of luminous essays, memoir, and poetry. Irwin Keller is a rabbi, former drag queen, and self-proclaimed "hope-monger." This book leads us on dazzling journeys into Jewish mysticism, love, loss, memory, gender, AIDS, and the Milky Way itself. Buckle your seatbelts.

Read Maggid Eli Andrew Ramer's book review here.

Rabbi Irwin Keller will be selling his books, get one signed!

Hebrew Review Party!

Monday, April 7, 6:30-8:30pm, Hybrid: in-person at Sha'ar Zahav and on Zoom

Rabbi Reuben leads an upbeat, interactive review of Hebrew reading, including letter and vowel - shaped refreshments! Join an evening of systematic review, questions, and practicing with others. This refresher is also the kickoff for Hebrew 2 in Non-Binary Times (April 14 - June 16).

Please note this is not our Hebrew 2 class.

You can join this review without taking Hebrew 2.

Hebrew 2 in Non-Binary Times

Mondays, April 14-June 16, 6:30-8:30pm, Hybrid (in-person at SZ and on Zoom)

7-9pm, on Zoom only

Taught by Rabbi Reuben Zellman

Know how to sound out Hebrew, but not much more? This class is for you! We'll gain understanding though essential grammar, vocabulary, and a side of genderqueer linguistics -- exploring how today's Hebrew is expanding through feminist, trans and non-binary creativity. All genders and backgrounds welcome!

Judaism 101

Tuesdays, February 25-June 20 (12 sessions)

7-9pm, on Zoom only

Taught by Cantor Bernstein

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. Our learning will be interactive and communal; come ready to be in the learning with us.

Community, Let's Get Together!

Save the Date: Mac and Cheese Book Talk Night

Friday, March 21, 6pm

Join Erin Wade in celebrating Jewishness, queerness and cheesiness during this pre-Shabbat book talk. You'll hear how Wade left her demanding but lucrative law career to open a mac ’n’ cheese restaurant in Oakland.

More information as well as registration coming soon!

Fourth Annual Alvin H. Baum Jr. Memorial Lecture

Sunday, March 23, 6:30-8pm, In-Person at Xavier Auditorium (USF)

The fourth annual Alvin H. Baum, Jr. Memorial Lecture in honor of an LGBTQIA+ Jewish social justice activist and Sha'ar Zahav member will be delivered by Rabbi Sydney Mintz. For the the past 28 years, Rabbi Mintz has served as spiritual leader and activist with the historic Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco.

Sha'ar Zahav is a proud sponsor.

For more information and to register, click here

TJIF: Trans Justice! It's Friday!

1st Fridays: March 7th, April 4th and May 2nd

6:15-7:15pm, Hybrid at Sha'ar Zahav

People of all genders and cultures are welcome

Start your Shabbat with justice! People of all genders and cultures are encouraged to join in specific activities to fight back against anti-trans bigotry and to hold us in community. Led by Rabbi Eliana Kayelle with Rabbi Reuben Zellman, hosted by Congregation Sha'ar Zahav & Keshet.

Trans* Together

2nd Fridays: Friday, March 21st, April 11th and May 9th

6-7:15pm, Hybrid at Sha'ar Zahav

For trans, intersex, and non-binary folks only

We're living in exhilarating and terrifying times. Trans, intersex, and non-binary folks are invited to our own space to connect with community, eat and have fun. Choose art/maker space, music circle, youth program or Jewish study, or just hang out. Light dinner provided. People of all cultures and backgrounds are warmly welcome.

Hosted by Congregation Sha'ar Zahav and Keshet.

Winter Blanket & Clothing Drive

Bring your new and lightly used blankets and warm clothing, including new socks to 290 Dolores St. They will be distributed to the homeless by The Gubbio Project. We will be collecting all winter long.

Recurring Gatherings and Meetings

Theater & Movies Chavurah:

The Brutalist

Tonight! Wednesday, March 5, 6:00pm on Zoom

Join the Theater & Movies Chvurah in their discussion of The Brutalist. Escaping post-war Europe, visionary architect László Toth arrives in America to rebuild his life, his work, and his marriage to his wife Erzsébet after being forced apart during wartime by shifting borders and regimes. Available on multiple streaming platforms.

Join us: Zoom Link

Adult Orphans Friendship Circle

2nd and 4th Wednesday, 6:30-8:00pm on Zoom

Open to members only!

For members (60+) who have little or no family in the Bay Area. We meet for lively discussions and occasional presentations related to aging. Contact Paisha Rochlin for more info.

Arts Chavurah

Every 3rd Sunday of the month, 10:30am-1:30pm,

Please note that the March meeting is in a new location!

in-person, at a member's home,

address upon registration

Originally an annual Yom Kippur workshop, this newly created monthly chavurah celebrates all forms of creativity—your imagination sets the limit! Supplies like watercolors, pencils, and charcoals are provided, but feel free to bring your own, including writing journals. A fridge and microwave are available, so bring lunch and any extra materials you’d like!

RSVP to Jackie Cohen

Social Action Committee

The first Monday (unless a holiday) of the month

March 3rd meeting will start at 5:30pm on Zoom

On fair elections, defend the immigrant, secure housing and food, ending gun violence, and more! Want to join us? Come to our next meeting or contact Nancy Wecker or Neil Young.

Join the Meeting: Zoom link

Climate Action Committee

5:30-6:30pm on Zoom

2nd Monday of the month

Come share your ideas on how to maintain climate awareness and take action on climate at SZ, including learning of a climate-related State proposition we can all support. We'll also talk about coordinating with other SZ social justice committees. All ideas welcome!

Hope to see you there. Contact Deborah Levy.

Join the Meeting: Zoom link

Weekday Morning Prayer

Weekly on Tuesdays

8:30-9:00am

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. Contact Cantor Bernstein.

Join the Meeting: Zoom link

Weekly Torah Study Group

Weekly on Wednesday

8:30-9:30am

Have you studied Torah but wondered what happens next? We're studying the Prophets (Nevi'im). Drop-ins welcome, no experience with text study necessary. This group is lay lead.

Join the Meeting: Zoom link

Hineni

Can you do a mitzvah for someone in our community?

Hineni, our caring community at SZ, is in great need of more volunteers (and in more Bay area regions!) to meet the caring needs of our community. If you can help by making a call, helping with an errand, making a home visit, or offering a ride; please fill out this form so we can better match you to members and their needs.

Food Creates Community!

Please join our new Oneg Chavurah with other Sha’ar Zahav members who volunteer to cook, bake or shop to assure we have a plentiful and delicious oneg each week. We’re also building a library of recipes and menus and would welcome your contributions. From now through September, you can sign up to organize, cook, bake or shop — once or many times.

To learn more, please email oneg@shaarzahav.org.

Caregiver's Group

1st Wednesday of the month, 7-8:30pm on Zoom

Are you a caregiver for someone in your life? A parent, relative, spouse? Christina Irving of the Family Caregiver Alliance leads our monthly Caring for the Caregivers group. If you are interested, please reach out to Rabbi Copeland. $125 suggested donation for 4 sessions. Find out more about the Alliance here.

Disability and Accessibility Committee

If you identify as disabled, are exploring that identity or have a loved one with a disability and are interested in joining the Disability and Accessibility Committee, please reach out to the committee for more information. If you are interested in learning more about disability and how you can become a better ally, stay tuned for educational events to come!

L'Havin: Understanding Israel and Its Neighbors

Last Monday night of each month, 6pm

SZ Members Only

L'Havin: Understanding Israel and Its Neighbors is a Sha'ar Zahav working group that provides our members with support, knowledge, and dialogue skills that deepen our relationship with the land and peoples of Israel and Palestine, and to advance understanding and healing within our Jewish community. You do not need to come with any previous knowledge of the topics we may discuss or with any set viewpoints. In fact, we encourage all to come with open ears and a learner’s mindset. Led by Rachel Nilson-Ralston. Contact the office to add yourself to the listserv.

Mussar Discussion Group

Bi-weekly on Thursdays

7:00-8:00pm

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! Contact Mark Pressler.

Join the Meeting: Zoom link

Meditation Chavurah

1st Saturday of the month

10:30am-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

Hiking Chavurah

2nd Saturday of the month, 9:50am

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. Email Karen Schiller and Deanne Edwards.

Birthdays this week!

Elias Rose 3/5

Stephanie Godt 3/5

Chava Novogrodsky-Godt 3/5

Nancy Wecker 3/5

Smadar Lavie 3/5

Kevin Stein 3/6

Jill Pomrantz 3/7

Arlene Singer 3/7

Tom Medin 3/9

Sam Yelland 3/9

Stephen Shotland 3/10

Dana Vinicoff 3/10

Jessie Ap'neva 3/11

While we strive for all our events to be mixed-access, this is not always possible. Some events 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.

Health and Safety Policies at 290 Dolores

Vaccinations and Masks

For the health and safety of our community, all who attend in-person services and events should be vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are unvaccinated, sick, or experiencing any symptoms of illness, please enjoy services and events via Zoom. While masks are not required at in-person services and events, we are mask-friendly and fully supportive of visitors, members, and service leaders who choose to wear masks.

Fragrance-Free Environment

Sha’ar Zahav maintains a fragrance-free environment at all its in-person services and events. In order to support those who are physically harmed when exposed to chemical fragrances (difficulty breathing, migraines, flu-like symptoms), please refrain from wearing perfume/cologne or using other scented products. For more information on this subject, click here.