Contact office@shaarzahav.org to sponsor a Shabbat
Friday Night Services:
July 22nd at 7:30 pm.
Hybrid: On Zoom and In-Person.
Led by Rabbi Copeland and Larry Wexler.
D'rash by Deborah Levy.
Meeting ID: 886 7131 3838

Saturday Morning Service:
July 23rd 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.
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.
Calls to Action
Beit Sefer Phyllis Mintzer is Looking for Volunteer Hebrew Tutors
Our Beit Sefer needs YOU! Would you enjoy a chance to study Hebrew one-on-one with a student in grade 5-7 through this year? Consider joining our Hebrew Tutoring team. Check out the details here. Contact Sue Bojdak to tell her you are interested.
It’s time to come together! 
No, not the High Holy Days just yet – Membership Renewal! 
Today, members were sent an email noting your prior support and asking you to make a personally significant financial commitment. It takes each of us to assure a vibrant community – and to meet our $1 million budget. So, please commit now – and save yourself and our volunteers the need to nudge you. You can follow the link in your email or click here. (And if you’re not yet a member, here’s how). If you have questions, please email Susie Idzik 
Have you been on an Israel/Palestine group trip?
Jackie Feldman, visiting Israeli professor who is teaching "Israel, Palestine, Holy Land: Tourism Imaginaries and Practices" is seeking folks for students to interview who have participated or led an Israel/Palestine tour, in-person or online. We are curious about your motivations. Interviews are anonymous and will be about an 1.5 hours. Contact Jackie Feldman.
Community: Let's Get Together
John Lewis Voter Engagement Group
POSTCARD AND DANCE PARTY!
Sunday, July 31,1:30 - 4pm
The Florida campaign is in full swing. Join with us and the Center for Common Ground’s Reclaim Our Vote campaign as we write to 1.2 million infrequent Black voters in Florida. These are voters who did not vote in the past 3 primaries; 61% of Black voters in Florida do not vote. We will provide all the supplies - pens, cards, postage and food! (No promises but we might have crepes!) (Masks are required and food will be eaten in a separate area). Please RSVP to Tirtza Pearl, so she knows how many addresses and postcards to bring. This is our first in person event and we are very excited! We will be socially distanced but close enough to enjoy writing together. And, yes, we are also going to dance! We will be on Zoom too. Click here to join online.

WEBINAR SPONSORED BY THE CENTER FOR COMMON GROUND
Thursday, August 4, 5pm
Every week, the Center For Common Ground hosts webinars as part of an ongoing series, "Road to the Midterms: Looking Forward and Federal," where members of Congress, voting rights activists and state leaders join for in-depth discussions on important pro-democracy legislation and efforts that you can help support as we gear up for the 2022 midterm elections. On Thursday, August 4 at 5:00 p.m., PST., Florida State Senator Shevrin Jones will discuss Operation Blackout the Vote and voter turnout for Black voters. Jones is the first openly gay Black person elected to the Florida Legislature! Sign up here.
Join Sha’ar Zahav at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
July 21 – August 7
There will be more than 70 films from 14 countries that inspire, unite, and spark conversations in and beyond our community at the Castro in San Francisco, the Albany Twin in the East Bay, and online. Sha’ar Zahav is a Community Sponsor for Two Films:
Concerned Citizen, Sunday July 24th, 8:45 pm at the Castro Theatre. Ben and Raz are a young, attractive, financially secure gay couple, ready to take the next step in their relationship in the form of having a baby through surrogacy. However, they fit uneasily into the Eritrean refugee neighborhood in which they live.
The Therapy, Wednesday, July 27th, 3:30 pm at The Albany Twin. Set in Jerusalem, this gripping documentary exposes the harmful practices of so-called conversion therapy from within. Director Zvi Landsman compassionately follows the lives of two gay men—Lev (54) and Ben (23)—who underwent conversion therapy and testify before the Knesset about whether or not conversion therapy practices should be made illegal, but from opposing sides.
Visit sfjff.org for tickets, a full schedule, and film guide.
Social Action Committee 
Tour at Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM)
Sunday, August 7
tour at 2pm and no host lunch at 1pm
Join us for an in-person tour of the Jim Henson Exhibition and the Tikun exhibition. The CJM is fully accessible for wheelchair users and other visitors who use mobility devices. Join us for lunch at Wise Sons Delicatessen, inside the CJM.
Sign up here for the tour. This link is specific to our group and gives you a $2.00 discount off the admission price.
For more information about the tour, lunch, admission, please contact Geri Kahn.
Thank you to SZ member Anna Katz who arranged the tour for us!
Induction Cooking
Wednesday, July 27 online
Cities across the nation have pledged to reduce their use of natural gas (which contains methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more powerful than carbon dioxide for causing climate change). And while many residents have expressed deep concern about switching out their gas stoves their are some great alternatives. Join the Climate Action Committee in learning more about Induction Cooking at this on-line workshop on July 27th.
More information here.
Recurring Gatherings and Meetings
Social Action Committee
Monday, August 8th
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, get-out-the vote actions and scheduling Food Bank volunteer days. We are also actively recruiting SZ members to join an accompaniment team to assist either an Afghan or Ukrainian refugee family. Want to join us? Come to our next meeting or contact Nancy Wecker or Geri Kahn
Join the Meeting: Zoom link
Book Group Discussion:
My Father's Paradise: A Son's Search for His Jewish Past in Kurdish Iraq
by Ariel Sabar
Tuesday, August 9, 7:00 - 8:00 pm on Zoom
My Father's Paradise tells the story of Yona Sabar, who grew up in an isolated corner of Kurdish Iraq where Aramaic (once the daily language of most Jews) was his mother tongue. When antisemitism forced Yona and his family to flee to Israel in the 1950s, he overcame poverty and prejudice against Mizrahi Jews in Ashkenazi-dominated Israel. Then, as a distinguished UCLA professor, he made preserving the ancient Aramaic language and culture his life's mission. Read and come discuss! Contact Ami Zusman for more info.
Join the Meeting: Zoom Link
Climate Action Committee
2nd Monday of the Month
5:00 - 6:30 pm on Zoom
If you missed our recent Earth Day Fair, you missed a busy and exciting morning! Thanks to the Climate Action Committee for putting on this event, and to all who participated!
Here is a link to resources provided, on a variety of interesting and important topics.
Contact Deborah Levy with any questions.
Join the Meeting: Zoom link
Kaf-Lamed Monthly Gathering
Don't go to Shabbat alone!
August 12, 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 2nd Friday of each month. Any questions please feel free to contact Emily Ornelas-Dorian.
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
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 Idzik.
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!
Maia Ross Trupin 7/20
Vicens Sanmartin Cano 7/21
Ron Edelman 7/23
Nancy Meyer 7/23
Jacob Pannor-Watenpaugh 7/23
Melissa James 7/24
Andy McDonald 7/24
Finch Matai DiGirolamo Klein 7/25
Alan Ferrara 7/26
Returning to 290 Dolores
Attending In-Person Events and Services

Starting at the end of April, our policy is as follows.
  • Shabbat Service: Masking during the service is required. Following the service, you may remove your mask to enjoy oneg.
  • 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.
  • Proof of vaccination is required, including a booster shot.
  • 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.
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.
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.