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Friday Night Services:
December 16th at 7:30 pm.
Hybrid: On Zoom and In-Person.
Klezmer Shabbat (see description below)
Led by Cantor Bernstein and Klezmorim
Register Here for Zoom Service
Meeting ID: 886 7131 3838
Saturday Morning Service:
December 17th at 10:00 am.
Hybrid: On Zoom and In-Person.
Abbreviated Service
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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Please join us for Klezmer Shabbat!!
Friday, December 16
It is a night of eating, davening, singing and dancing! Come early at 7pm for the food and music. Services will start at 7:30pm. Cantor Bernstein (with voice and piano), Josh Horowitz (on accordion), Cookie Segelstein (on violin) and Frank London (trumpet) will provide the expressive melodies and joyful rhythms. Bruce Bierman will lead us in dance. Stay after services for more eating, dancing and schmoozing.
Let us know if you're coming so we can plan: register here
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Young Adult Shabbat Social
Friday, December 16, 9:30pm
Evil Eye (2937 Mission St.)
Join Sha'ar Zahav's young adult group, The Kaf Lameds, for drinks and community after Klezmer Shabbat, at The Evil Eye in the Mission District. Please contact Emily Ornelas-Dorian, 408-881-4817.
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Yoga of Rededication
CANCELLED: Saturday, December 17th, 9:00-9:50am
In person at Sha'ar Zahav
Celebrate the Chanukah holiday by resuming our in- person yoga practice, led by Rabbi Mychal Copeland. We will move, chant, and share in our holiday of lights. Wear clothes you can move in. No previous experience with yoga is necessary; a few mats provided. Can’t come but interested? Email Susie to get on our yoga list. Members and nonmembers are invited.
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Sha’ar Zahav Community Chanukah Workshop
Saturday, December 17th, 10:00am-12:30pm
In person at Sha'ar Zahav
It’s a holiday adventure for people of all ages! We’ll begin with a quick Festive Chanukah Shabbat morning service including Chanukah singing and stories. Then…choose your own adventure:
- Latke making
- Candle making
- Dreidel Design Challenge
- Text Study
We’ll close with Latke eating and dreidel playing. Let's get ready for Chanukah!
RSVPs are appreciated
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First Night of Chanukah:
Celebrating the Light and the Darkness
Sunday, December 18th, 5:00-5:40pm, On Zoom
Join us for a celebration of the first night of Chanukah, which begins a few days before the shortest day and longest night of the year. Led by Karen Schiller and Eli Andrew Ramer. Register here
We'll be lighting candles following two different traditions, singing, learning about the history of this holiday, and exploring ways that we can observe Chanukah in an eco-friendly way. Support our local Judaica stores by buying or ordering Chanukah goodies and environmentally safe candles at Dayenu in San Francisco and Afikomen in Berkeley. More eco-resources here for an eco-friendly Chanukah. Try eco-friendlier lighting with non-paraffin/non-petroleum candles like oil, beeswax, or plant-based materials. The brand Ner Mitzvah has pre-filled oil glasses (called Ohr Light), and all of their Shabbat candles are paraffin-free.
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Castro Menorah Lighting
Monday, December 19th, 6:00pm in person
Jane Warner Plaza at Castro, Market & 17th Street
The Castro Menorah lighting is a fun family event complete with music, singing, dancing, and jelly donuts! Spin a giant dreidel and light your own chanukiah along with our jumbo menorah! Hosted by Congregation Sha’ar Zahav and Castro Merchants Association and the Castro Community Benefit District. No registration required, come and enjoy.
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Chanukah Shabbat
December 23rd, 7:30pm
Hybrid: In-Person and on Zoom
Join in Shabbat services either in-person or on Zoom.
Led by Cantor Bernstein and Ariel Spagnolo.
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Community: Let's Get Together | |
The Vigil:
Annual Homeless Persons Memorial
Thursday, December 15, 5:30pm
Civic Center Plaza (Polk Side)
Join people of all faiths, or no faith, to remember those who have died this year while living on San Francisco Streets. In silence, in prayer, in song we'll remember them, honor them, mourn our loss, reach out to each other for comfort and hope and show our solidarity in working for change.
More information here
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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. We hold a range of narratives and relate differently to the ideas and realities of Israel, Palestine, and the Israeli-Arab conflict, yet are united in our desire to advance peace and justice.
To start, L’Havin is holding Zoom calls on the fourth Monday of each month, and we invite anyone who is interested to join us! 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. Please contact lhavin@shaarzahav.org if you’re curious.
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Music in the Mishkan
Long-time member, Randall Weiss, and The Bridge Players present the 23rd season of Music in the Mishkan on January 8, April 2 and May 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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Hebrew
Taught by Michael Lederman
Introductory Hebrew
Tuesday, January 10 - March 14, 7-8pm on Zoom
Continuing Hebrew
Thursday, January 12 - March 16, 7-8pm on Zoom
Register for both classes here
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Judaism 101
Mondays, January 9- April 3
(excluding Jan. 16th and Feb. 20th)
6:30-8:30pm on Zoom
Taught by Sue Bojdak, Director of Education
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. If you have questions, please contact Sue Bojdak.
Register for the class here
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Drash Workshop
Monday, January 9th, 7pm on Zoom only
Have you wanted to try giving a Shabbat drash? Or maybe you're not so new to the practice but want a refresher. Learn how to write and present a beautiful Torah teaching from Maggid Eli Ramer and Rabbi Mychal Copeland with our drash coordinator Kay Magilavy.
Register for the Meeting: Zoom Link
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Journey to Judaism: A Discussion Group
Facilitated by Ora Prochovnick, Rose Katz and James Carlson
Six Mondays (the last Monday of each month), starting January 30th, 7pm-8:30pm
This discussion group will explore issues that arise for people who are considering, are in the process of, or have only recently completed, converting to Judaism. We also welcome those who have a Jewish parent (or parents), but were raised with little or no Jewish experience and are interested in exploring their connection to Judaism. 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. Class sessions will alternate meeting in person with meeting on Zoom. Hybrid access will not be available for the in-person sessions. For further information, click here.
To register, please contact Executive Director Susie Idzik
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Recurring Gatherings and Meetings | |
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Kaf-Lamed Monthly Gathering
Don't go to Shabbat alone!
December 16, 7:30pm
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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Racial Equity Committee
Monday, December 19
6:30-8:00pm on Zoom
The Racial Equity Committee is back to meeting regularly! Subsequent meetings will be held on the the third Monday of the month at 6:30. Come help assure that CSZ is always a place of welcome, inclusion and equity for all.
Join the Meeting: Zoom link
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Book Group Discussion:
He, She and It, by Marge Piercy
Tuesday, December 20, 7:00 - 8:00 pm on Zoom
It is the near future, and North America is a toxic, overheated wasteland after nuclear war. Most people live unprotected from the poisoned atmosphere or in domed cities ruled by mega-corporations. But in the free town of Tikva, scientist Malkah has illegally created a cyborg to protect her town from corporate takeover. Piercy's novel, which weaves between this dystopian future and stories of the 17thth century golem of Prague, deals with environmental disaster, a 1984-type world, courage, love, and the question of what's human. For more info, email Ami Zusman.
Join the Meeting: Zoom Link
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Theater & Movies Chavurah: Jojo Rabbit
Wednesday, January 4th
6:00 pm on Zoom
The movie follows a 10-year-old boy, Johannes Betzler, an idealistic and misguided Hitler Youth during WWII. He lives with his mother, Rosie, and is often visited by an imaginary friend — a cartoonish version of Adolf Hitler. It’s a dark satire directed by Taika David Cohen, known professionally as Take Waititi — an Academy-award New Zealand filmmaker and actor (who also appears in the film). There are many options to stream it: Apple TV, Amazon, YouTube, DirectTV and Sling among them - each for $3.99.
Join the Meeting: Zoom meeting
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Art Group: Drop-in
Weekly on Tuesdays
Hybrid: In person and on Zoom
10am-11:30am
Drop in for a joyful hour and a half of free art-making and connection. Everyone is welcome! The group meets every Tuesday. Contact Paisha Rochlin or Barbara Cymrot.
Join the Meeting: Zoom link
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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
6:30-8:00pm
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
Join the Meeting: Zoom link
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Mussar 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
3rd Saturday of the month until 2023, 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. Email Karen Schiller and Ellen Murland
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12-Step Meetings by and for SZ Members
Weekly on Sundays On Zoom
1:00-2:00pm
The meeting will be run in the usual 12-step format but will also feature some thoughts and reflections from members bringing Judaism into their 12-step practice. Contact Erika Katske.
For Sha'ar Zahav Members Only. Register Here to Attend.
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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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Aaron Goldman-Maclachlan 12/14
Isabel Lahn-Schroeder 12/14
Philip Charney 12/15
Samuel Ryan 12/15
Ron Lezell 12/15
Nina Raff 12/15
Serena Stein 12/16
Ina Turpen Fried 12/17
Arthur Meirson 12/20
Michele Sullivan 12/20
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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. | |
Attending In-Person Events and Services
Starting at the end of April, our policy is as follows.
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Shabbat Service: Masking during the service is required. Following the service, you may remove your mask to enjoy oneg.
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For all other events, masking is optional. Children 2-5 will be required to mask. We welcome you to keep wearing masks if you choose.
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Proof of vaccination is required, including a booster shot.
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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.
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Updated Registration Policy
Registration: Registration will no longer be required for most in-person services and events. If you have a key card, please let yourself in. If you do not, you will be asked to sign in and show proof of vaccination. Key cards are available to all members. Please reach out to get yours.
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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.
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