CONGREGATION SHA'AR ZAHAV

People of all ages and levels of experience with Judaism will LOVE Shabbat Simcha!

10:15: Teaching Service and Tot Program

Teaching service - Designed to help you learn about different parts of the Shabbat Morning Service with Canton Bernstein & Joe Ellen Kaiser.  Parents of tots are welcome to leave their tots in the Tot program at this time.

Tot program (3-5 yr olds) – In this class designed for children ages 3-5 years old, we will discover Jewish prayer through stories, arts and crafts, and song.  We'll start with music led by Sha’ar Zahav’s own Daniel Meyer O’keefe.  Next we will introduce the children to some of the most important Jewish prayers.  Each child will then get to create their very own personal siddur (prayer book) using materials such as collage, fabric, beads, and of course their own imagination. Led by Jessie Austin and Ida Kuluk

11:15: Learning tracks (see below)

12:15: Fabulous catered vegetarian lunch (Oneg room)

Learning Tracks

Shabbat Sing Along - Shabbos songs w/Daniel Meyer-O'Keeffe  - All Ages

Holy Rolling - 2nd and 3rd graders and their Families
You are invited to come test your knowledge about Holiness by playing a giant game where you are the game piece!  Our classroom will be turned into a giant game board, and you will get to roll an enormous die to move around the board.  Answer my questions about Holiness and move closer to the end of the board! - Kendra Lubalin

The Divine Spark - 1st graders to Adults
In this multigenerational playwriting workshop students will focus on creating dimensional and unique characters and then bringing them together into a cohesive short play. Judaism teaches that we all share a divine spark that connects us to a universal holiness. Participants will ignite their creative sparks through improvisation and writing exercises, seeing new sparks develop. What makes these characters different? What brings them together? The workshop will culminate in a reading of our play. - Leslie Einhorn

D'veikut - 6th graders to Adults
Explore and deepen our spiritual connection through chanting and meditation.  This ongoing circle will be hosted by different leaders focusing on a range of paths towards accessing the divine.  Cantor Sharon Bernstein will lead this week with meditation and the singing of Hassidic niggunim.

Parenting as a Spiritual Journey - Adults
We will look at Chapter 3 of Rabbi Nancy Fuchs-Kreimer book, Parenting as a Spiritual Journey, which pairs the ordinary and everyday with a sense of sanctity. We will explore dinnertime as an opportunity for thankfulness, watching the news as an opportunity for deepening our sense of justice, bath time as moments of forgiveness and story time as a chance to make meaning from the day. Come join us!!  Rabbi Camille Angel

Queering the Holiness Code - Adults
A class on reading the "to'evah" verses in the holiness code in a queer positive way. Rabbi Dev Noily

We hope that you will join us for this wonderful Shabbat experience, please look for your EVITE to RSVP for lunch.  In the Shabbos spirit, we are asking people to walk to shul and wear white!!! Questions? Please contact Rebecca Weiner at rebweiner@gmail.com or (510) 872-4903.

Upcoming Dates for Shabbat Simcha: December 5, 2009; January 9, 2010; February 6, 2010; March 6, 2010; and May 1, 2010.