Contact [email protected] to sponsor a Shabbat

Friday Night Services:

March 17th at 7:30 pm.

Hybrid: On Zoom and In-Person.

Shabbes Beat led by Cantor Bernstein

Register Here for Zoom Service

Meeting ID: 886 7131 3838


Saturday Morning Service:

March 18th 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.

Community Get Together!

Happening Tomorrow!

How to Overcome Toxic Polarization

a conversation with Professor Peter Coleman, author of The Way Out

March 16, 7-8:30pm, hybrid at Sha'ar Zahav

Learn insights from leading research on how deeply polarized and divided societies can and do change. Join author and professor Peter Coleman, The One America Movement, multi-faith leaders, and congregants of conscience to discover the science, actions, skills and competencies that will help you navigate these times most effectively, as well as what to look for in groups and organizations in your community that are already working to make our United States more functional again. Co-sponsored by First Mennonite Church of SF.

If attending in person, register here.

If joining online, register here.

Morning Chanting with Gender Neutral Hebrew

 Friday, March 17, 9:00-9:45am on Zoom

Want to start your day and transition into Shabbat by connecting with yourself, others, and the Divine with morning chanting? Do you have a hard time with the male language in our liturgy? Love morning singing? Join Rabbi Copeland in morning Hebrew chanting that uses entirely gender-neutral Hebrew for names for the Divine. All prayers will be in transliteration or English, so come with any level of Hebrew, even if it's totally new to you.

Learn about the Nonbinary Hebrew Project that makes this minyan possible.

Register here: Zoom meeting

Join the WhatsApp Group

Her Birth and Later Years: New and Collected Poems, 1971–2021 (virtual), Presented by Irena Klepfisz

 Sunday, March 19, 2:00-3:00pm on Zoom

Named a finalist for the 2022 National Jewish Book Award, Irena Klepfisz’s Her Birth and Later Years: New and Collected Poems 1971-2021 is the first complete collection of Klepfisz’s work covering the past five decades. It includes her innovative bilingual Yiddish/English poems as well as poems about relatives murdered during the war, immigration, office work, a lost Yiddish writer, a Palestinian boy in Gaza, and various people in her life.

Sha'ar Zahav is a co-sponsor for this Jewish Community Library event.

For more information and to register, click here.

May You Live to be 120: Talking About Death

Sunday, March 26, 3pm-7:15pm

Hybrid: In person at Sha'ar Zahav

For Members only

Jews often bless each other with the phrase “May you live to be 120!” But even if we live that long, we still need to make plans for when the time comes. Our keynote speaker, end-of-life expert Jim Van Buskirk, will address the challenges of talking about death, and in breakout sessions we'll be exploring a range of topics including - the legal, ethical and spiritual aspects of end-of-life decisions, writing wills, making burial choices and arrangements, and talking about mourning practices. Click here to learn more about our keynote.

Whether attending online or in person, please register here.

Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) Panel 

on the Power of Pro-Trans Legislation

Wednesday, March 29th, 6:00-8:00pm

Hybrid: In-Person at Sha'ar Zahav

Please join us for a panel discussion about the Power of Pro-Trans Legislation. TDOV is held in memory of Ray Bernstein z"l. 

6:00 - Come Early and experience Nonbinary Chanting

6:30 - Welcome and a few words about the SZ Trans & Nonbinary Committee

6:35 - Personal Story about why visibility is important & Primer on Pronouns

7:00 - Panel on the Power of Pro-Trans Legislation

If joining via Zoom, register here.

If joining in person, register here.

Music in the Mishkan

Long-time member, Randall Weiss, and The Bridge Players present the 23rd season of Music in the Mishkan on April 2, April 16 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!

Rainbow Update

“We’re giving to Rainbow because we value being part of this synagogue community, we love our rabbi, and we know that dues don't cover all of Sha'ar Zahav's expenses.”


--Lynn Eden and Ruth Schoenbach

"poof in my living room" by Barb Cymrot

Our Rainbow Campaign is happening now! Our primary goal for the Rainbow Campaign 2023 is to have 100% participation from SZ Members. So far, 56 households (18% of our membership) have given. As of today we have raised $58,959 of our $165,000 goal. Thank you to all who have given so far. You can give by clicking this link.

Save the Date

JCRC Bay Area Freedom Seder

Monday, April 3, 6:00-8:00pm San Francisco City Hall

Co-lead by San Francisco Supervisors

our member, Rafael Mandelman and Myrna Melgar

Now more than ever, the story of Passover and the Jewish Exodus from Egypt resonates with modern experiences of systemic injustices and the dangerous fractures facing our society. The Freedom Seder inspires us to build bridges and take meaningful action to help solve the most critical issues facing the Bay Area. For more information and to get tickets: Click Here

Shupin Passover Seder

Sunday, April 9, 5:00-8:00pm

exact address will be sent to confirmed attendees

sponsored by JFCS

This is a family-friendly Passover Seder open to families of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, generously sponsored by the Berke Family. For more information and to get tickets: click here.

Please RSVP by March 31st.

Recurring Gatherings and Meetings

Theater & Movie Chavurah: "Tár"

Monday, April 3rd

6:00pm on Zoom

The movie is all about Cate’s character Lydia Tár, a fictional, world-renowned composer and conductor whose personal and professional challenges surface as she’s in the midst of preparing to record the last of Mahler’s symphonies. It’s up for a number of Oscars including best film and best actress. It’s available to stream on Peacock (with no charge) or for $5.99 on Apple TV, Amazon Prime or YouTube.


Join the Meeting: Zoom link

Social Action Committee

Monday, March 13

6:00-7:30pm on Zoom

Together we can create a more Just and Peaceful World. Act to Welcome the Stranger, Secure Housing and Food, End Gun Violence, Protect Fair Voting, and more! At our next meeting we’ll plan Food Bank volunteer shifts and organize a special SZ trip to the AIDS Memorial Quilt! What’s on your mind? Come to our next meeting or contact Nancy Wecker or Geri Kahn

Join the Meeting: Zoom Link

Kaf-Lamed Monthly Gathering

Don't go to Shabbat alone!

March 17, 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.

Book Group Discussion:

The Color of Love: A Story of a Mixed Race Jewish Girl

by Marra B. Gad

Tuesday, March 21, 7:00-8:00pm on Zoom

“Jewish boys didn’t want to explain my brown skin. And Black boys could not understand or embrace my Judaism,” Marra Gad writes in her memoir. Whatever our ethnic, racial or religious background, Gad's story raises questions about how we see others, how others see us, how we see ourselves -- and how (or if) we can open ourselves to love and accept those unlike ourselves.

For more info, email Ami Zusman. Everyone welcome!

Join the discussion: Zoom Link

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

L'Havin Understanding Israel and Its Neighbors

4th Monday of the Month   

6:00-7:00pm on Zoom

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. Please contact [email protected] if you’re curious.

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

Cancelled for March

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

Weekly Torah Study Group

Weekly on Wednesday

8:30-9:30am

Join the Meeting: Zoom link

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

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, 9:50 am

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.

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.

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

Birthdays this week!

Priyanka Shah Grunwald 3/15

Benjamin Kram 3/16

Joel Lachter 3/16

Geri Kahn 3/16

Michael Rosenberg 3/16

Falyn Sokol 3/17

Rachel Kripke-Ludwig 3/17

Ann Bauman 3/18

Zebulon Dezern 3/19

Mike Abramson 3/21

Paisha Rochlin-Lehrman 3/21

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.

Returning to 290 Dolores

Attending In-Person Events and Services


Our policy is as follows.

  • 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.
  • Well-fitting masks covering the mouth and nose are required at services, and are optional at other in-person events. N95 or KN95 masks are recommended and will be provided if you don’t have one. Masks may be removed for eating at onegs/receptions following services.  
  • 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. Key cards are available to all members. Please reach out to get yours.

Click here for information about our vaccination policy
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 [email protected] 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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