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 Hebrew liturgy (prayers)? Join this Elul practice group where we’ll read and study some of our central High Holy Day prayers in a supportive environment. This class is best for students who have learned (or mostly learned) the Hebrew alphabet and will provide opportunities to practice decoding Hebrew words and phrases. This class provides a friendly and supportive learning environment, and patience and sensitivity will be shown to adult learners with limited time for study. Class is taught by Michael Lederman. There is a $36 fee for members and $54 fee for non-members. However no one is turned away for lack of funds. Please email Susie to inquire about scholarships.
Children at Shabbat!
We are ready for babies and toddlers of all ages to come sing, pray and play at Shabbat services! People age 5+ need to vaccinated, boosted and masked during services and those ages 2-4 have to be masked.
We are setting up a spot just for you all with carpet, toys and easy access to the door (for when you and your folks need to step out for a minute). We would love to hear your little voices or watch you fall asleep as we spend time together welcoming Shabbat.
Social Action Committee
Tour at Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM)
Sunday, August 7, tour at 2pm and no host lunch at 1pm
Join us for an in-person tour of the Jim Henson Exhibition and the Tikun exhibition. The CJM is fully accessible for wheelchair users and other visitors who use mobility devices. Join us for lunch at Wise Sons Delicatessen, inside the CJM. Sign up here for the tour. This link is specific to our group and gives you a $2.00 discount off the admission price. For more information about the tour, lunch, admission, please contact Geri Kahn.
Thank you to SZ member Anna Katz who arranged the tour for us!
Recurring Gatherings and Meetings
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. Any questions please feel free to contact Emily Ornelas-Dorian.
Theater & Movies Chavurah: Foxtrot
Social Action Committee
Monday, September 12th 6:00 pm on Zoom
On fair elections, welcoming the stranger, secure housing and food, ending gun violence, and more! At our next meeting we will be focusing on the ballot initiative to create a vacancy tax and we will be planning our upcoming Food Banks. We are also actively recruiting SZ members to join an accompaniment team to assist an Afghan refugee family. Want to join us? Come to our next meeting or contact Nancy Wecker or Geri Kahn.
Join the Meeting: Zoom link
Climate Action Committee
2nd Monday of the Month 5:00 – 6:30 pm on Zoom
Join the Meeting: Zoom link
Remember When
1st Wednesday of the Month 6:30 – 8:00 pm
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. Everyone is welcome! Questions? Please email Marv Lehrman.
Join the Meeting: Zoom link
Adult Orphans Friendship Circle
2nd and 4th Wednesday 6:30 – 8:00 pm on Zoom
For elder members who have little or no family in the Bay Area. We meet for lively discussions and occasional presentations related to aging. Open to the whole SZ Community. Contact Paisha Rochlin for more info.
Join the Meeting: Zoom link. If this zoom link does not work, please email Paisha and she will email you an alternate link.
Weekly Torah Study Group
Weekly on Wednesday
8:30 – 9:30 am
Study the weekly Torah portion with Rabbi Copeland and lay leaders. For the first half-hour, we’ll talk, learn and share thoughts about the portion. In the second half, we will practice our Hebrew reading skills in a compassionate environment! Join for either or both parts of the study. To be added to our SZ Torah listserv, email [email protected]haarzahav.org.
Join the Meeting: Zoom link
Mussar Group
Bi-weekly on Thursdays 7:00 – 8:00 pm
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! For more information, contact Mark Pressler.
Join the Meeting: Zoom link
Art Group: Drop-in
Weekly on Thursdays
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Drop in for a joyful hour of free art-making and connection. Everyone is welcome! The group meets every Thursday. For more information, contact Paisha Rochlin, Barbara Cymrot or AJ Turpen Fried.
Join the Meeting: Zoom link
Meditation Chavurah
1st and 3rd Saturday of the month
10:30 am – 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
Jewish Yoga
You are invited to a Shabbat morning exploration of yoga and Judaism that integrates mind, body, and spirit. Beginners and experienced yoga practitioners are welcome. To be added to our SZ Yoga listserv, email [email protected].
Register for the Meeting: Zoom link
Hiking Chavurah
2nd Saturday of the month, 9:50 am
We hike on the second Saturday of the month
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. For more information, email Karen Schiller and Ellen Murland
Weekday Morning Prayer
Weekly on Tuesdays, 8:30 – 9:00 am
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. For more information, contact Cantor Bernstein.
Join the Meeting: Zoom link