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Contact office@shaarzahav.org to sponsor Oneg or Flowers for Shabbat. | |
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Friday Night Services for Vayiggash
December 22nd at 7:30pm
Hybrid: On Zoom and In-Person
Led by Rabbi Copeland and Sara Estrella Beroff
Drash by Rabbi Copeland
Register Here for Zoom Service
Meeting ID: 886 7131 3838
Saturday Morning Service:
December 23rd at 10:00am
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.
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Rabbi Copeland will be out of town from December 25th-January 5th. For emergencies during this time, please contact Cantor Bernstein. For emergencies at anytime, leave a message at (707) 412-8573 to have a clergy person call you back. | |
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The office will be closed from December 25th to January 2nd for the holidays.
Staff will be working lightly from home between December 26th-29th.
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We’re Smitten!
TONIGHT! December 20, 6:30pm
Smitten Ice Cream, 904 Valencia St, San Francisco
Many of us have been following the story of antisemitic vandalism at Smitten Ice Cream in Mission. They have fixed up their shop and we are going to support their reopening-by eating ice-cream! Join other Sha’ar Zahavniks as we munch on new Smitten flavors “Choose Love,” and “Pillar of Love,” or buy one of their new “I Choose Love” sweatshirts. Please meet at Smitten!
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In conversation with Daniel Sokatch
Tuesday, January 16, 7pm on Zoom
Daniel Sokatch is the CEO of the New Israel Fund and author of Let's Talk About Israel. Learn about the past decades of Israel's history and the current conflict from an expert on the Middle East.
Register here
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Save the Date: Judaism 101
Mondays, January 22nd to March 18th, 7pm
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.
We offer three modules of our Introduction to Judaism class throughout the year. They each cover different material, and are independent-take one module or take them all! This winter module will focus on Torah, commandments, theology, and the lifecycle. The class format will be a combination of zoom-only and hybrid. Ask Cantor Bernstein any questions.
Registration will be coming next week!
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The Disability and Accessibility Committee welcomes Rabbi Julia Watts Belser to our community for two very special events on January 21, 2024 and January 28, 2024! Join us for both events or either.
Loving Our Own Bones
A Virtual Author Event with Rabbi Julia Watts Belser and Maggid Eli Ramer
Sunday, January 21, 1:00-2:00pm, on Zoom only
Please welcome Rabbi Julia Watts Belser, in conversation with Maggid Eli Ramer, as they discuss her new book, Loving Our Own Bones. Expect a spirited discussion as they fiercely interpret Biblical texts and reflect together about living in a largely ableist world. Imagine hearing the Torah of Moses told in his own disabled voice? How would it change us to honor disability both as an ordinary part of the fabric of our lives—and as a potent catalyst for queer spiritual imagination?
Register for Loving Our Own Bones here
Disability, Social Justice, and Climate Change
Sunday, January 28, 1:00-2:30pm, on Zoom only
Disability communities face heightened risks amidst climate crisis—even as we have potent insights for adapting to a changing world. Rabbi Julia Watts Belser will reflect on key insights emerging from Disability and Climate Change: A Public Archive Project, an initiative she leads to showcase the wisdom of disabled activists and others grappling with climate change. We’ll consider ways to challenge ableism and structural inequality—and explore how Jewish text and practice might help us all find shelter from the storm.
Register for Disability, Social Justice and Climate Change here
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Journey to Judaism: A Discussion Group
Facilitated by Ora Prochovnick, Rose Katz, and James Carlson
Second Tuesday of every month starting January 9th until June 4th
7-9pm, in person at Sha'ar Zahav
This discussion group will explore issues that arise for people who are considering, are in the process of, or have recently completed, converting to Judaism. Those with a Jewish parent (or parents) but raised with little or no Jewish experience and are interested in exploring their connection to Judaism are also welcome to attend. Topics will include questions of identity, community, and family. This group is not an introduction to Judaism course, but rather a place to ask questions and discuss issues with others who are also on this journey.
Please note: A minimum of eight people is necessary for an effective group experience, and in order to create a comfortable environment, the group will not be open to new participants after the second session.
There are no fees or membership requirements for this group, but pre-registration is required. For further information, or to register, please contact Kerasa Tsokas, Director of Administration
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Bereavement Spiritual Support Group in Formation
Date Change Wednesdays, 12-1:30pm, begins in Spring on Zoom
The group is for anyone who is grieving the death of a human being. All types of loss are welcome. Many of our readings will center LGBTQ grief experiences to reflect our community, but all genders and family relationships are welcome. No Jewish knowledge or identification is required. Group size is limited to eight participants and an intake conversation is required pre-registration.
For more information or to register for an intake conversation email Rabbi Copeland
Led by Rabbi Elliot Kukla (he/they)
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Music in the Mishkan
Long-time member, Randall Weiss, and The Bridge Players present the 24th season of Music in the Mishkan on February 18 and April 21 - mark your calendars! All concerts begin at 4:00 p.m. Don't miss these beautiful concerts in our lovely sanctuary!
Order your tickets today!
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Toy Drive
Join the Beit Sefer B’Mitzvah Chavurah in supporting Ukrainian refugee families and children this holiday season. Click this link to donate a toy for a child in need.
If you would like to make a donation outside of Amazon, contact Irina Klay or if you have other questions contact Shelli Fein.
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Blanket Drive - Blankets for the Homeless
A project of the Social Action Committee
There is a bin in the lobby at 290 Dolores to collect new and lightly used blankets to be distributed to the homeless by The Gubbio Project. Drop by and drop off some blankets. We will be collecting through the end of the year. Thank you.
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Recurring Gatherings and Meetings | |
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Theater & Movies Chavurah:
Simone: Woman of the Century
Wednesday, January 3, 6:00-7:15pm on Zoom
Join the Movie and Theatre Chavurah for a discussion of "Simone: Woman of the Century". A French film that explores the life of Simone Veil -- the famous French figure who survived the Holocaust and went on to become a leading politician, human rights campaigner, and feminist -- through a series of non-chronological memories.
Join us: Zoom Link
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SZ Book Group
When the Angels Left the Old Country, by Sacha Lamb
Tuesday, January 9, 7:00-8:00 pm on Zoom
Imagine an angel and a demon, centuries-old friends from a small shtetl. Send them on a journey in early 20th century America, where they and their companions face ghosts, murderers, Ellis Island indignities, and exploitative factory owners – but also unexpected love and self-discovery. A queer Jewish immigration story! Everyone welcome.
Join the Meeting: Zoom link
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Social Action Committee
Monday, January 8th, 6:00pm on Zoom
On fair elections, welcoming the stranger, 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
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12-Step Meetings by and for SZ Members
Weekly on Thursdays
5:00-6:00pm on Zoom
Join CSZ's 12-step group at our new time for some pre-High Holiday reflection in the spirit of recovery! Meetings are open to everyone in our wider SZ community (and the Bay Area Jewish recovery community), and we welcome folks who are members of any 12-step fellowship (AA, NA, Alanon, CMA, etc.). Join us this Thursday at 5pm and use this zoom link. Questions? Email Erika Katske.
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Kaf-Lamed Monthly Gathering
Don't go to Shabbat alone!
Join Sha'ar Zahav's young adult group (The Kaf Lameds) for a monthly gathering at Shabbat Services in person! Perfect for those who've ever felt intimidated to go to Shabbat in person services alone. Or perfect for those who just want a few buddies to join on Friday night services! This is a monthly gathering, where we'll do "Shabbat Together" the 3rd Friday of each month.
Contact Emily Ornelas-Dorian.
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L'Havin: Understanding Israel and Its Neighbors
L'Havin: Understanding Israel and Its Neighbors is a Sha'ar Zahav working group that provides our members and community friends 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.
For more information, contact Rachel Nilson-Ralston.
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Climate Action Committee
2nd Monday of the month, 5:00-6:30pm on Zoom
The CAC gathers monthly to support and educate ourselves and our community on climate issues, including climate grief, policy advocacy, and personal and community strategies to address the urgent crises of climate change and climate justice.
Contact Deborah Levy.
Join the Meeting: Zoom link
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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 Eliana Smithstein 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!
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Remember When
1st Wednesday of the Month
6:45-8:00pm
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. Email Marv Lehrman.
Join the Meeting: Zoom link
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Weekly Torah Study Group
Weekly on Wednesday
8:30-9:30am
Rabbi Copeland and lay leaders lead discussions about the weekly Torah reading. Drop-ins welcome, no experience with Torah nessecary!
Join the Meeting: Zoom link
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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
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Meditation Chavurah
1st and 3rd 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
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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 Ellen Murland.
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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
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Arthur Meirson 12/20
Michele Sullivan 12/20
Jane Kenner 12/21
Emma Simonoff 12/21
Nina Patchell 12/22
Ellen Murland 12/22
Jeffrey Piade 12/23
Trudi White 12/23
Yonah Levy 12/24
Drew Parker-Rose 12/24
Daniel Meyer-O'Keeffe 12/26
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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 | |
For the health and safety of our community, it is Sha’ar Zahav's expectation that all members and visitors who attend in-person services and events will be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. If you are unvaccinated, sick or experiencing any symptoms of illness, please enjoy services and events via Zoom.
Masks are no longer required at in-person services and events. But we are mask-friendly and fully supportive of visitors, members and service leaders who choose to wear masks for their own personal protection.
Sha’ar Zahav is a scent-free environment. Because keeping our synagogue safe for those with scent and chemical sensitivities is part of our commitment to accessibility, please refrain from wearing perfume/cologne or using other scented products.
For more information, email the Accessibility Committee.
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Thank You to Our Grantors | |
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