Link of the week: This week is National Suicide Prevention Week. This year, it coincides with the Jewish New Year. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 37a) teaches that saving a single life is like saving an entire world. Everyone can (and therefore should) play a role in suicide prevention. Click to find more information from the Wellness Institute.
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Join us for Yom Kippur. Reserve Your Spot! Register Now!
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#Shabbat: Join Us this Week |
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Friday Night Services
Erev Shabbat Shuvah in the Park
September 10, 5:30 - 6:30 pm.
Led by Rabbi Copeland and Martin Tannenbaum – in person at Dolores Park. Shabbat Shuvah is the Shabbat of Return between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. We will meet near the corner of 18th and Church behind the tennis courts and bathrooms, near the accessible path. Bring your own blanket and siddur. Masks are required for unvaccinated persons and encouraged for everyone. Please remember to observe CSZ's fragrance-free policy.
A similar service will be held at 7:30 pm on Zoom
Saturday Morning Service: Sept 11 at 10 am
Join the Zoom Meeting. Meeting ID: 365 434 855 and Passcode: 068575.
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#OfferingsforHighHolyDays |
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Is This the Fast I Desire?
September 13, 12 - 2 p.m. (Berkeley Food Pantry)
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You Don’t Have To Be Miserable: Finding Accessible Alternatives to Yom Kippur tradition
September 14, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Eliana Smithstein, facilitator
Sponsored by the Disability and Accessibility Committee and Hineni Caring Community
Grab a sandwich, put your feet up, it’s Yom Kippur! It’s time for an event for the many who can’t fast, stand for long periods, or stay in services for hours on end. Don’t be miserable - join us as we explore and combat the feelings of shame and isolation that can come with being unable to participate fully in these Yom Kippur traditions. We’ll explore the history and reasoning behind some of these inaccessible traditions, workshop alternative traditions we can be proud of (including creating our own blessing), and build community and support around completing the mitzvah of Shmirat HaGuf - taking care of our bodies.
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Tuesday, September 7 thru Thursday, September 16
During the Days of Awe, the 10 days from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, we notice, wonder about and appreciate ourselves, our communities and the world around us. This daily guide is for kids and their families to explore the awesomeness of this season, a little bit each day. Come and explore.
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It’s-Almost-Sukkot-Gathering at Rabbi Copeland’s Sukkah
Sunday, September 19, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
This event is outdoors. Mychal and Kirsti Copeland's backyard in Mountain View. Light snacks will be provided. Please bring your own beverage (or a beverage to share) Masks are required for unvaccinated persons and encouraged for everyone. If you have not done so already, be sure to sign the CSZ Brit before the event. RSVP to Jan Half at jandot5@gmail.com so we have a head count for snacks and to get address.
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In-person Sukkot with SF LGBT Center’s “Host Homes” program
Monday, September 20, 2021,
6:00 Meet and Greet, 6:30-7:30 pm Program. It will be held at a private home in Glen Park, San Francisco. RSVP for address. Dinner will be served.
Sukkot is a holiday that focuses on both homelessness and community, as we build and live-in temporary dwellings-together. Join us to hear about how we can provide both shelter and community for LGBTQ+ young adults (18-24) experiencing housing instability through the Host Homes program. Join us to hear from the program manager and a former host. Consider watching the Host Homes video.
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Redefining Home: A Sukkot Ritual for Survivors of Abuse
Wednesday, September 22nd, 6:30pm on zoom
During the holiday of Sukkot, we reflect on what it felt like for our ancestors to wander through the desert while not having a permanent, safe place to call home. However, this is no matter of imagination for those who have witnessed or experienced abuse. How can we redefine what home means to us and create new dwellings within us that are spaces of peace and security? To explore this question further, join our Sukkot gathering in support of those who have experienced abuse featuring a guest speaker from Shalom Bayit (Peace in the Home), the Bay Area's foremost voice on ending abuse in the Jewish community. All are welcome, whether you have been personally affected by abuse or are coming to support others.
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Dancing in the Park for Simchat Torah
Monday, September 27, 5:30pm
Have you been jealous of people dancing in Dolores Park? Now it’s your turn! Come celebrate the festival of Simchat Torah in the park as we dance with individual Torahs and read the end and beginning of our (faux) scroll. Bruce Bierman will lead us in touchless dancing as we celebrate Torah! We’ll meet behind the tennis courts near the bathroom, at the corner of 18th and Church, accessible by the path. Parking is tough, so arrive early to find a spot. Masks are required for unvaccinated persons and encouraged for everyone. Please remember to observe CSZ's fragrance-free policy.
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Simchat Torah on Zoom
Tuesday, September 28, 8:30-9:30am
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. This week, as part of our weekly Tuesday morning minyan, we will dance in our seats as we celebrate Simchat Torah at home. For more information, contact Cantor Bernstein.
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Yizkor - Kaddish Memory Circle
Wednesday, September 29th, 8:30 – 9:00 am
We gather each month with those who are grieving for Kaddish Circle. This month, we will observe the Jewish milestone of Yizkor that falls at the close of the Sukkot holiday as well. If you are mourning a loss or even if you aren’t, you are invited to this short, morning space to share memories and recite prayers, including Kaddish. Led by Ora Prochovnick.
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JOIN US FOR A RESET
This year, more than ever, we need a reset to recall our best selves, to regain our sense of awe, to reconnect with one another. Please join us for online services, in-person outdoor rituals and through our social justice work. Let the sound of the shofar reawaken us!
To attend either in-person or on-line components you MUST register first! Register here.
Kever Avot v’Imahot (Honoring our Ancestors). Sunday, September 12, 10:00 to 11:00 am – in person at Hills of Eternity Cemetery
Join us as we walk through the gravesites of our beloved community members as we recite poems, liturgy, and names. Whether or not you have personally had a loss in your life, this contemplative short service is for anyone wishing to contemplate life and death amidst a supportive community. Bring your own lunch, and a chair or blanket. Masks are required for all.
Erev Yom Kippur, Kol Nidre Service Wed., September 15, 7:30 to 9:00 pm
Yom Kippur Services Thursday, September 16, 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 pm
While the adults Zoom into prayer we will have short, festive, fun services for kids under 12 and their families. Stay and play for a while after services. Masks and an accompanying adult are required at all times.
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#SocialAction: Get Involved |
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Racial Equity Group Meeting
Thursday, September 9th
5:00 - 6:30 pm
Interested in working toward racial justice in and outside Sha’ar Zahav? Come to our meeting and let's talk! We have a lot to discuss and work towards together. Questions? You may contact Larry Best.
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Social Action Committee
NOTE CORRECTED DATE/TIME
Monday, September 13
7:00 - 8:00 pm
On fair elections, welcoming the stranger, secure housing and food, ending gun violence, and more! The Social Action Committee is currently working on advancing the “Equality Act” (federal LGBT rights) and the “For the People Act” (assuring national fair elections). Want to join us? Come to our next meeting or contact Nancy Wecker or Geri Kahn.
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New Solar Panels and Climate Action Committee
Monday during the Days of Awe (Sept 13)
5:00 pm (Log off at 5:10, or join our Climate Action Committee meeting until 6:30)
Please join the Climate Action Committee to briefly celebrate our new solar panels (now in operation!)
We'll take ten minutes to share and bless our new photo-voltaics, reflecting on this communal action we have taken, and on our commitment to addressing the climate crisis in the future.
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Explore the Jews of Color Initiative’s
Sunday, September 26
4:00 - 5:30 pm
“This research presents an intersectional account of American Jewish life by exploring the ways in which the ethnic, racial, and cultural identities of Jews of Color (JoC) influence and infuse their Jewish experiences.” Come learn what Jews of Color say about their experiences in this critical new study from the Jews of Color Initiative. We’ll look at the data, discuss what it tells us, and consider the implications for our community Sha’ar Zahav. This is part of our Racial Equity Committee’s 4th Sunday @ 4 Series.
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Book Group Discussion: The Woman Who Smashed Codes
Tuesday, October 5
7:00 - 8:00 pm
How do people choose their careers? Sometimes they reach out, grab them and make new ones. In The Woman Who Smashed Codes, we meet Elizebeth Friedman, a young poet who by serendipity becomes involved in unlocking coded messages – whether in Shakespeare’s plays or from rum-running gangsters or Nazi spies. This true story reads like a thriller, takes us through the World Wars, and describes how Elizebeth, along with husband William Friedman, chased and broke encrypted Nazi messages during World War II. Partly because most of her work was classified and partly due to sexism, Elizebeth never received the credit she was due, or credit was given to her husband or stolen by J. Edgar Hoover. Yet she virtually created the modern code-breaking profession.
Contact Ami Zusman for more information. Ready to try code breaking? HVV BLF RM LXGLYVI. [Key]
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Judaism 101 with Dir. of Education, Sue Bojdak on Zoom
Mondays from October 4 – December 6, 6:30-8:30 pm
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. We will be covering everything from Torah to Israel, spirituality to ethics, through a queer-positive, progressive, inclusive Jewish lens with plenty of room for questions. Our learning will be interactive and communal; come ready to be in the learning with us.
The cost is $149. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. If you have questions, please contact Sue Bojdak. Open to members and non-members.
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Beginning and Continuing Hebrew - On Zoom - 12 sessions
Beginning Class: Tuesdays, starting October 5, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Continuing Class: Thursdays, starting October 7, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Introduction to Hebrew Class: This class is intended for first-time Hebrew students, and will begin at the very beginning by learning the letters and the sounds that they make. This class provides a friendly and supportive learning environment, and patience and sensitivity will be shown to adult learners with limited time for study.
Continuing Hebrew Class: A continuation of our beginning Hebrew class, this course is for students who have already learned the Hebrew alphabet and know some basic vocabulary. This class will provide opportunities to practice reading and decoding Hebrew, and expand your Hebrew vocabulary. Additionally, we shall study several key prayers in the Congregation Sha’ar Zahav’s siddur (prayer book). This class provides a friendly and supportive learning environment, and patience and sensitivity will be shown to adult learners with limited time for study. New students, that have already mastered the Hebrew alphabet (or who have mostly mastered the Hebrew alphabet), are encouraged to join!
Cost is $126/non-members, $54/members, but scholarships are available. For questions, email Susie. This class requires a minimum of 8 students. If the class doesn’t happen, we’ll refund your registration. Class is taught by Michael Lederman.
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Weekly Torah Study Group
Weekly on Thursdays
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.
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Weekly Mussar Group
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.
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#Community: Let's Get Together |
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12-Step Meetings by and for Sha’ar Zahav Members
Weekly on Sundays
1:00 - 2:00 pm
Come listen and share experience, strength, and hope with other members of the Sha’ar Zahav community! Starting on Sunday, June 13th, CSZ will be hosting a weekly 12-step gathering for those members of our community who identify as part of any 12-step community (AA, NA, CMA, Alanon, SA, etc.).
The meeting will be run in the usual 12-step format but will also feature some thoughts and reflections from members who are working to bring their Jewish selves and Jewish traditions to their 12-step practice. The meetings will be on Zoom until further notice. Contact Erika Katske with any questions.
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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.
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#Shabbat: Join Us Next Week |
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#Shabbat: Join Us Next Week
Friday Night Service: September 17 at 7:30 pm
Shabbes Beat, Led by Cantor Bernstein. D'rash by Ron Edelman.
Saturday Morning Service: Sept 18 at 10 am
Join the Zoom Meeting. Meeting ID: 365 434 855 and Passcode: 068575.
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Matt Olsen 9/1
Flavio Epstein 9/4
Samuel Pomrantz 9/5
Karren Shorofsky 9/5
Ellen Press 9/8
Barbara Leff 9/8
Ernest Friedlander 9/8
Tamar Gershon 9/8
Bobby Lu 9/9
Jeffrey Levin 9/11
Lawrence Helman 9/11
Jonathan Kaplan 9/13
Steven Schumacher 9/13
Zoey Romanko 9/13
Eva Rosenbaum 9/13
Naya Loftus-Nguyen 9/14
Robert Geller 9/15
Marion Gillen 9/15
Annye Bone 9/15
Mark Oliver 9/15
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Matthew Patchell 9/16
Tyler Atura Bushnell 9/16
Robert Tat 9/19
Aaron Levine 9/20
Mark Klaiman 9/20
Elizabeth Katz 9/20
Christine Young 9/21
Sarah Grams 9/22
Sulmi
Rubenstein-Markiewicz 9/22
Mark Leno 9/24
Frank Michael Post 9/26
Deena Cohen 9/26
Sophie Rinkoff-Murland 9/26
Gregg Biggs 9/26
Arthur Cohen 9/28
Sadie Joelle Post 9/28
James Frazin 9/28
Carol Dawson Rose 9/29
Judith Wolfe 9/29
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Thank You to Our Grantors |
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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.
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