Welcome

Sha’ar Zahav (Hebrew for Golden Gate)

Founded in 1977 and rooted in our history as San Francisco’s gay and lesbian synagogue, we offer the warmth and comfort of chosen family. To that end, we embrace a diversity of individuals of all sexualities, genders, races and abilities. We welcome a diversity of families, including single members, interfaith, single-parent, and multicultural families.

Join us as we come together with open hearts to learn and grow with each other, lifting each other up to do what we never thought possible. We invite you to meet our members and leadership and to explore all that Sha’ar Zahav has to offer.

 

Mission: Sha’ar Zahav embraces all who participate in our community in their individual holiness, in a celebration of Jewish life. We find strength in diversity and create new Jewish traditions that honor our modern lives, both celebrating and questioning tradition. Our ritual services celebrate the diversity of beliefs and identities, give meaning to our everyday lives and Jewish journeys, and are expressed through our own Siddur and congregant participation. Our programs focus on creating authentic and transformative Jewish experiences that are relevant in our lives. In our school, children and their families experience Jewish community and learn to affirm diversity and the sacredness of every person.

Recent blog posts

What’s Happening at Sha’ar Zahav

Learn to Read High Holy Day Prayers in Hebrew One hour evening class (4) sessions Tuesdays, August 30th through September 20, 7-8pm Welcome in Elul with a mini course of Hebrew and get prepared for High Holy Days! Have you sat in High Holy Day services wishing you had a bit more comfort with the…

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Hybrid Services – In-person and on Zoom 02/2022

  An Update on In-Person Events and Services Dear Sha’ar Zahav Community, We hope that you are healthy and well. We would like to update you on Sha’ar Zahav’s plans regarding meeting in person at 290 Dolores. Our Reopening Task Force met again on Thursday, February 10 and had a spirited conversation about returning to…

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Wingsong: for all the friends who died of AIDS

Wingsong: -Maggid Andrew Ramer      I carry you on my back I carry every one of you who has died on my back        You are not a burden      your weight is exalting      each one of you      is another feather      in my arched wings      You carry me     …

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