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Weekly Newsletter
April 17, 2025
17 Nisan 5785 | Parshat Pesach
| | | | | 333 Cortland Ave, SF, CA 94110 | |
Or Shalom Teen Program (8th–12th Grade)
Saturday, April 19, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
331 Cortland Ave
Our Spring pilot teen series continues! These monthly gatherings are a chance for 8th–12th grade Or Shalom teens to connect, learn, and take action together. Crafted in partnership with participants, this three-part series explores what it means to be Jewish in today’s world, how we might show up for justice, and what the future of Or Shalom’s Teen Program could look like.
Each session includes Havdalah, text study, discussion, advocacy planning, and time to hang out with friends. This session will include a Passover-friendly dinner and snacks.
For more information and to register, click here.
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SHALOM!: Greeting One Another in Reconstructionist Communities
Tuesdays, April 22 - May 6, 6 - 7 PM
Zoom
SHALOM! is a three-part greeter training informed by principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion taught by Guest Instructor Rabbi Ash Sofman of Reconstructing Judaism. It's open not just to folks in the traditional "greeter" role for a community, but to other people who may serve as a first point of contact, such as clergy, board members, educators and executive directors, and even security.
The three parts focus on bias mindfulness; safety, security, and greeting; and perceiving our spaces through the eyes of guests. There's some frontal teaching, group discussion, short case study-style scenarios to run through, other creative exercises, and take-home resources and references.
The first installment of this series begins Tuesday, April 22. For more information and to register, click here.
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Traveling Shabbat
Friday, April 25, 6 - 8:30 PM
Golden Gate Heights
Join us for Traveling Shabbat at the home of Jackie Barshak. Address and contact information are provided in the confirmation email after registration.
Please bring a vegetarian potluck dish to share. We will enjoy a community meal following the service.
About the Host: Since I joined Or Shalom last September I've come to know what it's like to be in community. If you spot me secretly smiling at a Shabbat or at one of Rabbi Faryn's classes, know that it's because I'm joyful to be in your Jewish family. Although firstly your sister, I am the granddaughter of Sadie and Joseph, who along with the other ancestors fled the poor conditions and antisemetism of the Ukraine at the turn of the 20th century. Their home was made on the lower east side of Manhattan, from where I hail. My home is open for you to drop in anytime, no need to call in advance, I'm here waiting for you. So grateful to find the beloved community in these challenging times.
For more information and to register, click here.
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Sing Shalom
Saturday, April 26, 10 - 11:30 AM
Holly Park, 625 Holly Park Circle, San Francisco
Join Or Shalom and Jewish Baby Network's Jeni Markowitz Clancy for an outdoor baby and tot Shabbat with music, shakers, puppets, dancing, playtime, and more!
The suggested donation for this event is $18 to help cover costs. No one is turned away, so please give what you can.
Our programs are designed for families with children aged 0-36 months, but bring the whole family! Grandparents and extended family welcome too.
We always have great snacks, fun art supplies, and play spaces for older siblings too. We welcome everyone, including unaffiliated, single and multi-parent, multi-faith, multi-ethnic, multi-abled, and LGBTQ+ families. Registration is appreciated but not required. Registration helps us plan and be in touch in case anything changes. You do not need to be a member of any organization to attend this event. Please register to attend HERE.
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Reconstructing Israel with R' Faryn
Wednesdays from April-May, 7:00 - 8:30 PM
331 Cortland Ave
Reconstructionism is not a set theology or doctrine, but rather a historical and analytical lens, an ongoing process, and an embodied practice. In this 8-week series, we’re applying that lens—what we call “Reconstructing”—to the concept of Israel. Is “Israel” a person? A people? A place? A nation-state? A state of mind?
Each week builds on the last, offering space to explore and wrestle with the evolving meaning of “Israel” through a Reconstructionist lens. Whether you're returning or joining for the first time, come ready to reflect, question, and engage in this dynamic process of reconstructing identity, history, and possibility.
For more information and to RSVP, click here.
Note: There will be no Reconstructing Israel session on Wednesday, April 23. Rabbi Faryn will be participating in the JFCS Community-Wide Yom HaShoah Commemoration that evening. We encourage you to attend the commemoration in place of class that week. Class will resume on April 30.
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Ceasefire Circle Meeting
Sunday, April 20, 4 - 5:30 PM
331 Cortland Ave
All are invited to the in-person meeting of the Ceasefire Circle on Sunday, April 20, from 4-5:30 pm at 331 Cortland. We’ll report on our project fundraising for Hussam and Raeda in Gaza and their current situation – big thanks to all donors! We will hear from Chase Carter, Or Shalom member and Development and Communications Director of the Center for Jewish Nonviolence (CJNV).
For more information and to register, click here.
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Yom Hashoah | Holocaust Remembrance Day
Wednesday, April 23, 6 - 7:15 PM
JCCSF, 3200 California St
Join us for San Francisco’s annual Yom HaShoah Commemoration as we honor the voices of Holocaust survivors and liberators, 80 years after the end of WWII.
The evening will feature a short film (REMEMBER THIS), a conversation with Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis and Dr. Anita Friedman, and a Commemoration and Yizkor Service led by Bay Area clergy—including Rabbi Faryn. Music will be provided by Songs of Truth, featuring compositions written during the Holocaust.
Presented by the JFCS Holocaust Center and the JCCSF, in partnership with local Jewish organizations and congregations including Or Shalom.
To view the full schedule and register, click here.
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Nosh & Learn & Lunch-Bag Making with the Southside Jewish Collaborative
Sunday, April 27, 12:15 - 1:45 PM
at Am Tikvah, 625 Brotherhood Way
Come to nosh, learn and make lunch bags for unhoused San Franciscans. Our teaching this month will be from R' Chayva. The Southside Jewish Collaborative's Nosh & Program has been thriving for about ten years. This year we are alternating locations between our Collaborative partners, Am Tikvah and Congregation Ner Tamid.
Accessibility Information: Am Tikvah is ADA accessible.
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OS Chesed Circle
Click here to join.
Assist Or Shalom members with visits, rides and meals.
Questions? Email Madeleine at madelevin@gmail.com.
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Nachshon Collective Freedom Seder
Saturday, April 19, 3:00 PM
Mission Terrace
People of all ages are invited to join the Nachshon Collective — a young adult Havurah out of Or Shalom — for a Freedom Seder. This Freedom Seder will explore what liberation looks like in our society today, including non-Zionist and anti-Zionist viewpoints. All are welcome to join us but please note that the Freedom Seder is not a place for political debate, but rather a holiday ritual observance.
This event will take place at the home of Stacey Leyton & Pierre Barolette in the Mission Terrace neighborhood in San Francisco. The full address and contact information will be given at registration.
For more information about the Nachshon Collective, the history of Freedom Seders, and to register, click here.
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Or Shalom in the News!
We’re proud to share that J. The Jewish News recently featured our school in a fun and thoughtful article on the unexpected power of… pickles.
What began as a simple snack became a full-on cultural exploration, with students shouting “Pickles!” during class and even sketching them during doodle time. With guidance from Head of Youth & Family Education Sarah Moss Yanuck, students explored pickling as a global and Jewish tradition, made quick pickles to take home, and read excerpts from Sandor Katz’s The Art of Fermentation.
And when Katz’s famous deli pickles arrived from New York? Second-grader Klieo wasn’t impressed: “These were OK, but I’ve had better.”
Read the full article and see how a briny little snack turned into a joyful, meaningful Jewish learning experience:
Read the article here.
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2025 Membership Retreat
Friday, June 13 - Sunday, June 15
Walker Creek Ranch, Petaluma
We’re thrilled to return to beautiful Walker Creek Ranch in Marin County for the Annual Or Shalom Community Retreat, taking place Friday to Sunday, June 13–15, 2025.
Join us for a restorative weekend of hiking, canoeing, singing, swimming, study, and Shabbat under the trees. Stay one or two nights in private or shared lodge rooms or peaceful campsites. The retreat is open to all, with special programming for kids and teens.
Registration is required by May 11. Financial assistance is available to members—indicate your interest on the registration form and email Debbie at librarylil@gmail.com to discuss.
Need help with lodging, carpooling, or accessibility? Let us know on your form or reach out to Debbie directly. Interested in leading a workshop? Submit your idea here.
We can’t wait to spend this meaningful weekend with you.
For more information and to register, click here.
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Gan Yarok at Fernwood Cemetery
Gan Yarok, the nation’s first green Jewish cemetery, is located at Fernwood in Mill Valley and offers burial using only biodegradable materials, with separate Orthodox, Conservative, and Community sections.
Or Shalom members receive 15% off burial costs through our congregation’s membership in the Gan Yarok Association.
For more information or to learn about green burial practices, contact David Cooper or visit fernwoodcemetery.com.
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Or Shalom Mobile App Relaunch! Stay Connected on the Go
We’re excited to announce the relaunch of the Or Shalom Mobile App! Now, staying connected with our community is easier than ever. With the app, you can access the member directory, stay up to date with events and prayer times, and find helpful links to our WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram
How to get started:
- Search for ShulCloud Mobile Member App in the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.
- Download and install the app.
- Log in with your Or Shalom credentials—our logo will appear automatically!
Experience Or Shalom at your fingertips! Download the app today and stay connected wherever you are.
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Tzedakah
We gratefully acknowledge these contributions from our community:
When making a donation online, please be sure to specify where to allocate.
Wendy Thurm & David Greene, in memory of Milton Thurm
Allan Pleaner, in memory of Elec Klein
Rachelle Resnick, in memory of Jerome Muchin
Leslie Roffman & Bob Goodwin, In memory of Leonard Roffman
Gail & Ron Gurewitz, in honor of Or Shalom
Chad & Kathy Balch, in memory of Frank Pagano
Gloria Kolbe-Saltzman, in memory of Esther Gochin and Ulrich Kolbe
Judy Olasov, in memory of Anthony Louis Olasov
Matthew & Motomi Rudoff, in memory of Marcia Colby Rudoff
Debbie Benrubi, for the Retreat Scholarship Fund
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Yahrzeits
On the anniversary of their deaths, we remember:
Paul Auster, Susan Brook, Ola Carlson, Harry Chesley, Jeffrey Dinsmore, Stanley Gerbus, Judy Hiller Goldberg, Alice Hammel, Eileen Hansen, Tom Hodgson, Philip Kirschner, Trudy Lionel, Margaret McCullough, William Merrick, Mel Morganstein, Hope Isadora Reichbach, Irena Raulinaitis, Gertrude Roth, Emanuel Saltzman, Murray Schneider, Litza Schlanger, Jack Van Der Hout, Frank White.
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To submit an Or Shalom group-sponsored event for the newsletter, email newsletter@orshalomsf.org
by the Monday before you want it to be included.
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