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

Friday Night Services for Shemoth

January 5th at 7:30pm

Hybrid: On Zoom and In-Person

Led by Cantor Bernstein and Lia Rawlings Fein

Drash by Cantor Bernstein

Register Here for Zoom Service

Meeting ID: 886 7131 3838

Saturday Morning Service:

January 6th 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.

Rabbi Copeland will be out of town from December 25th-January 5th. For emergencies during this time, please contact Cantor Bernstein. For emergencies at anytime, leave a message at (707) 412-8573 to have a clergy person call you back.

Community Get Together!

Shabbat Recovery speaker

Friday, January 12, 7:30pm

Rabbi Sue Reinhold brings decades of experience as a learner, listener, business leader, entrepreneur & intrapraneur, student of culture, recovering addict, storyteller and scholar, and formal study of the methods of spiritual advising to her work in Braveheart Advising and her project, Addict Torah.

Brought to you by SZ's 12-step group.

In conversation with Daniel Sokatch

Tuesday, January 16, 7pm, Hybrid

Daniel Sokatch is the CEO of the New Israel Fund and author of Let's Talk About Israel. Learn about the past decades of Israel's history and the current conflict from an expert on the Middle East.

Register here for in-person

Register here for Zoom

Judaism 101

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

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

The Disability and Accessibility Committee welcomes Rabbi Julia Watts Belser for two events on January 21, 2024 and January 28, 2024! 

Co-sponsored by Kehilla Community Synagogue and

Kehilla Disability Justice Committee

Loving Our Own Bones

A Virtual Author Event with Rabbi Julia Watts Belser and Maggid Eli Ramer

Sunday, January 21, 1:00-2:00pm, on Zoom only

Please welcome Rabbi Julia Watts Belser, in conversation with Maggid Eli Ramer, as they discuss her new book, Loving Our Own Bones. Expect a spirited discussion as they fiercely interpret Biblical texts and reflect together about living in a largely ableist world. Imagine hearing the Torah of Moses told in his own disabled voice? How would it change us to honor disability both as an ordinary part of the fabric of our lives—and as a potent catalyst for queer spiritual imagination?

Register for Loving Our Own Bones here

Disability, Social Justice, and Climate Change

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

Co-sponsored by the Climate Change 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

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.

Please note: A minimum of eight people is necessary for an effective group experience, and in order to create a comfortable environment, the group will not be open to new participants after the second session. 

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

Bereavement Spiritual Support Group in Formation

Date Change Wednesdays, 12-1:30pm, begins in Spring on Zoom

The group is for anyone who is grieving the death of a human being. All types of loss are welcome. Many of our readings will center LGBTQ grief experiences to reflect our community, but all genders and family relationships are welcome. No Jewish knowledge or identification is required. Group size is limited to eight participants and an intake conversation is required pre-registration.

For more information or to register for an intake conversation email Rabbi Copeland

Led by Rabbi Elliot Kukla (he/they)

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

Theater & Movies Chavurah: 

Simone: Woman of the Century

Tonight! Wednesday, January 3, 6:00-7:15pm on Zoom

Join the Movie and Theatre Chavurah for a discussion of "Simone: Woman of the Century". A French film that explores the life of Simone Veil -- the famous French figure who survived the Holocaust and went on to become a leading politician, human rights campaigner, and feminist -- through a series of non-chronological memories.

Join us: Zoom Link

SZ Book Group

When the Angels Left the Old Country, by Sacha Lamb

Tuesday, January 9, 7:00-8:00 pm on Zoom

Imagine an angel and a demon, centuries-old friends from a small shtetl. Send them on a journey in early 20^th century America, where they and their companions face ghosts, murderers, Ellis Island indignities, and exploitative factory owners – but also unexpected love and self-discovery. A queer Jewish immigration story! Everyone welcome.  

Join the Meeting: Zoom link

Social Action Committee

Monday, January 8th, 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.

Kaf-Lamed Monthly Gathering

Don't go to Shabbat alone!

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.

L'Havin: Understanding Israel and Its Neighbors

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.

For more information, contact Rachel Nilson-Ralston.

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

Alexandra Jacobs 1/3

Desmond Bernstein 1/5

Nathan Robinson 1/6

Naomi Rosenmoss 1/7

Robin Shanholtz 1/7

Danya Rubenstein-Markiewicz 1/8

Amy Schustack 1/8

Marius Greenspan 1/9

Amalia Cymrot-Wu 1/9

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.