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

Friday Night Services for Beshallach

January 26th at 7:30pm

On Zoom Only

Led by Rabbi Copeland and Larry Wexler

Drash by Britta Pomrantz

Register Here for Zoom Service

Meeting ID: 886 7131 3838

Saturday Morning Service:

January 27th 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.

Community Get Together!

Judaism 101

Mondays, January 22nd to March 18th, 7pm

It's not too late to join!

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.

Register here

Shul School - Prayer Practicum

Mondays, February 5th to March 18th

(excluding President's Day)

6-7pm

A series of hands-on workshops taught by Cantor Sharon Bernstein designed to help people get more familiar with the prayers in synagogue services. Each session will focus on a different prayer, covering Hebrew pronunciation, melody, and meaning of the prayer, both literal and metaphorical, with a particular emphasis on each person finding their own understanding and practice. No prior knowledge of Hebrew is necessary! The class format will be a combination of zoom-only and hybrid.

Register here

The Disability and Accessibility Committee welcomes Rabbi Julia Watts Belser on January 28, 2024! 

Co-sponsored by Kehilla Community Synagogue and

Kehilla Disability Justice Committee



Disability, Social Justice, and Climate Change

Sunday, January 28, 1:00-2:30pm, on Zoom only

Co-sponsored by the Climate Action Committee

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

Special Notes for Both Events:

Important Information for Attendees



Zoom Auto Captions are available

ASL Interpretation provided by ProBono ASL

If you have specific accessibility needs not covered here already or any accessibility questions, please let us know using this form here so we can collaborate.

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

Last chance to join!

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.

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

Rabbi's Coffee Hour

Wednesdays until the end of February 12:15-1pm, at Manny's Cafe

Come hang out at Manny's Cafe down the street from Sha'ar Zahav and chat with Rabbi Copeland over coffee or lunch.

Understanding and Responding to Antisemitism with Project Shema

February 7th, 6:30-8pm on Zoom only

MEMBERS ONLY

Project Shema is a training and support organization built by progressives to help our Jewish community and allies understand and address contemporary antisemitism. They focus their efforts on the unique ways anti-Jewish ideas can emerge in discourse around Israel and Palestine. Project Shema was literally built for a moment like this, and they will provide our community with the analysis, resources, and strategies you need to address the anti-Jewish language we are seeing. Participants will receive an extensive resource guide with actionable next steps and messaging guidance. Contact Rabbi Copeland for more information, or click here for more about the organization.

Register here

Kaf-Lamed Monthly Gathering:

Sushi with the Rabbi

Friday, February 16, 5:45pm-7:15pm

Warakubune Sushi (307 Church St.)

Forget the challah! (at least until after Shabbat services), swap Manischewitz for Sake and join Sha'ar Zahav young adult group for another monthly Shabbat Together for a feast unlike any other: Sushi at Warakubune, a local Sushi restaurant near 290 Dolores! We'll be joined by Rabbi Mychal Copeland for a lively discussion. All are welcome! Then around 7:15pm, head over to Sha'ar Zahav for Shabbat Services. Suggested ages: 20s-30s. Any questions, contact: Emily Ornelas-Dorian.

Music in the Mishkan

Long-time member, Randall Weiss, and The Bridge Players present the 25th 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!

Recurring Gatherings and Meetings

SZ Book Group

I Must Be Dreaming, by Roz Chast

Tuesday, February 20, 7:00-8:00 pm on Zoom

This month we’ll be discussing best-selling cartoonist Roz Chast’s engaging new graphic memoir, I Must Be Dreaming. In it she illustrates and explores her inner dream world in a way that’s funny, eerie, deep, and illuminating for all of us, woven through with insights from poets, philosophers and therapists.  

Join the Meeting: Zoom link

Social Action Committee

The first Monday (unless a holiday) of the month

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

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.

L'Havin: Understanding Israel and Its Neighbors

Last Monday night of each month, 6pm

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.Led by Rachel Nilson-Ralston. Contact the office to add yourself to the listserv.

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

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!

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

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

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 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

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.

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

Jonathan Igor Williamson 1/24

Neil Hart 1/25

Anshel Mamet 1/26

Howard Hahn 1/27

Mike Klayman 1/27

Blair Lewis 1/27

Nic Pinnick 1/29

Sophie Rosenmoss 1/29

Juliet Rothman 1/29

Ruth Schoenbach 1/30

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.

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, the National Center to Encourage Judaism and the generous support of our members. Toda rabba!

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.