Welcome to
Congregation Sherith Israel
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This Week at CSI
Judaism: A Sampler
Tuesdays, August 25, Sept. 1, Sept. 15, 6:30pm, Bart Hall
Whether you are Jewish or not, or have some Jewish knowledge or none, you are invited to join Rabbi Larry Raphael, Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller, and outreach fellow Lisa Erdberg for this stimulating three-part overview to explore Judaism. Students will look at Jewish beliefs, text, the synagogue, denomination differences and holiday and cultural observances. Exciting Discussions, interesting texts, and an opportunity to meet the clergy make this a unique experience that shouldn't be missed.
Jewish Heritage Night at the Giants
Thursday, August 27, 7:15pm, AT&T Park
It's not to late to show your pride on Jewish Heritage Night. Contact Craig Solomon directly at the Giants, 415-972-2239 or csolomon@sfgiants.com, to purchase tickets near the CSI section.
Shabbat Salon
Friday, August 28, 6pm, Sanctuary
Services will include an open discussion of a topic from a contemporary Jewish perspective.Tonight will be the naming of Bianca Pearl Kochavi and Mazalit Raquel, daughters of Shulamit Glaubach.
Congregants born this month will be called up for a special blessing. After services stay for our monthly Birthday Oneg co-sponsored by Shulamit Glaubach. Bring friends and family to celebrate!
Torah Study
Saturday, August 29, 9:15am, Bart Hall
Study the weekly Torah portion with a lively group and Rabbi Larry Raphael. Nosh on bagels and lox and enjoy a stimulating discussion.
Shabbat Services
Saturday, August 29, 10:30am, Sanctuary
A highlight of Saturday morning services at Sherith Israel is the light streaming through our magnificent stained-glass windows while the sounds of prayer and song ascend upward. Intimate and informal, our Saturday morning services follow the basic structure of the Mishkan T'filah prayerbook.
Come celebrate the B'nai Mitzvah of Ari McGuire, son of Carol DeNola, and Ethan McDonald, son of Daniela Kirschenbaum and Andrew McDonald. Enjoy a Kiddush lunch in Bart Hall following services sponsored by the families.
Shabbat at the Beach
Saturday, August 29, 10:30am, Rodeo Beach
We had so much fun in July, we are holding Shabbat at the Beach in August too.
Bring the whole family for a lively Shabbat morning experience at Rodeo Beach at Fort Cronkite in the Marin headlands.
- Meet other early childhood families
- Bring a blanket and beach toys
- Pack a lunch and snacks
Have fun and celebrate with Meredith Reich (early childhood educator), Bruce Bierman (drum and dance teacher) and songleader Lior Benhur.
RSVP as soon as possible.
Hebrew Boot Camp
Session I – Sunday, August 30, 9:30am
Session II – Sunday, September 13, 9:30am
Labé Lounge
Jump start your aleph-bet with this two-session class that will help you start reading Hebrew or fill in gaps if you're a little rusty. The classes will be taught by talented Hebrew teacher Ella Ben Haggai. Fee: $40.
Young Judaea 100th Year Anniversary Reunion
Sunday, August 30, 1-5pm, Congregation Sherith Israel
Reconnect with old, network with new friends, and bring photos! There will be a silent auction with great items. Cost is $20 per person in advance or $30 at the door. All proceeds will benefit the Western Merchav and CAMP CYJWest.
Coming Events
Kabbalat Shabbat Services
Friday, September 4, 6pm
Our Kabbalat Shabbat Service offers a reflective approach through a focus on our core prayers.
Live It Up Shabbat
Saturday, September 5
Join any or all of our family Shabbat morning activities.
Shabbat Electives
9:15am – Torah Study (Bart Hall)
10am – Yoga (Classroom 12), Drumming and percussion (Labe Lounge), Playing and schmoozing (Newman Hall)
10:30am – Adult service (sanctuary)
10:40am – Tot Shabbat (Newman Hall), Lively Learners Minyan service with music, Torah reading and story for ages 5 and up (Chapel)
11:30am – Kiddush (Newman Hall)
High Holy Day Midrasha
Tuesday, September 8, 6pm
Register now for one of two exciting workshops to expand your focus before the High Holy Days.
Feasting, Fasting, and Focusing: Getting Comfortable with the High Holy Days
A workshop with Helaine Weinstein and Lisa Erdberg for all who are new to Jewish observance or who want to increase their knowledge and comfort level. Topics include major themes and rituals of the High Holy Days.
Internal Narratives: What Am I Doing in Shul All Day?
A creative workshop with Rabbi Larry Raphael and Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller to help you prepare for the High Holy Days.
The evening will include a light dinner and singing of favorite High Holy Day songs with Cantor Glassman.
Ongoing Programs
Shabbat Services Schedule
First Friday
November-June: Kabbalat Shabbat with Koleynu Choir
July-October: Kabbalat Shabbat
Second Friday
Family Shabbat (ECE potluck and congregational potluck)
Third Friday
November-June: Journey to Shabbat (special meditation and music with guest musicians)
July-October: Kabbalat Shabbat
Fourth Friday
Shabbat Salon
Fifth Friday
Kabbalat Shabbat
Toiletry Drive Ends Soon
Help Those In Need
It's not too late to donate to our toiletries drive! You have until August 31.
Project Homeless Connect desperately needs the following items:
- Toothbrushes and Toothpaste (ask your dentist to donate a bunch!)
- Soaps
- Shampoo
- Combs and Brushes
- Deodorant
Please bring your donations to the marked barrel in the elevator hallway.
Sherith Israel is on Facebook!
Become a fan of Sherith Israel on Facebook by clicking here.
Job Strategy Cafe
2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 10am-noon
Sweet Jo's at the JCC, 3200 California St.
A free informal, bimonthly drop-in meeting for job seekers. For more information contact Shiva Schulz at sschulz@jccsf.org.
Parent Baby Playgroup
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, 10:30am-noon, Newman Hall
Parents and children (infants to 4-year-olds) are invited to enjoy playtime, singing, puppets, bubbles, parachute games and parent discussion in our large, cozy playroom with our early childhood educator, Meredith Reich.
$12 – drop-in
$65 – 10-visit card for members
$80 – 10-visit card for non-members
Free – first visit, second Mondays, and when you bring a friend
Teach the Children
You Have 168 Hours in a Week and a Child Needs Only One
In response to the overwhelming number of San Francisco school children reading below grade level, the Jewish Coalition for Literacy trains, places and supports volunteer reading tutors working with students in grades K-3.
Contact: Sandy Kovtun at 415.661.3954, srkovtun@gmail.com, or Janet Parker at 415.282.1495, jparkersf@hotmail.com.
Traveling Overseas this Summer?
We have Reform congregations in 42 countries on six continents around the world. For information about visiting a Reform synagogue where you will be, go here or email olsonsteve@sbcglobal.net for further help.
We need your help! Sign up with eScrip and
You Can Earn $200 Annually for CSI!
Sign up online–it's quick and easy. eScrip works with merchant partners to contribute to groups like ours each time you shop–at no cost to you!
It's this easy:
- Visit www.escrip.com
- Click on "sign up"
- Follow the instructions to register your grocery cards and your existing credit/debit cards.
Your annual contribution potential:
- Grocery – $72
- Retail – $24
- eScrip online mall – $50
- eScrip dining – $24
- eScrip visa – $60
Sign up today and earn money for Sherith Israel!
Shop at Cole Hardware and Benefit Sherith Israel!
When you check out at any of the Cole Hardware locations, mention Congregation Sherith Israel Religious School and our account number "2266" and CSI will receive 10% of your purchase price as a donation.
Scholarships Available
Jewish overnight camp… First Time teen trips to Israel… College scholarships… Jewish day camp (JCC)… Jewish day school… Jewish weekend specialty camps… Jewish Preschool…
The S.F. based Jewish Community Federation has scholarship funds available for students participating in any of these programs. For more information on eligibility requirements, or to apply for a scholarship through one of these programs, please visit the Bureau of Jewish Education website and click on “Financial Aid”. Still have unanswered questions? E-mail finaid@bjesf.org for a prompt response. The application process is now open for all programs listed. Application deadlines are specific to each program; please check the BJE web site for details.
Volunteers Needed To Do Historical Research
If you have an interest in learning how to assist with historical research into the Sherith Israel archives, please contact Nancy Drapin at 415-346-1720 ext 30 or ndrapin@sherithisrael.org. Training will be provided.
Be a Part of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
The Sherith Israel Social Action Committee is supporting a Jewish Community Supported Agriculture project of the JCCSF called "Tuv Ha'Aretz". This project enables the Jewish community to suport local, sustainable agriculture giving members access to local, organic produce at competitive prices.
CSI families interested in learning more should contact CSI member Susan Shapiro at 
or Rabbi Eve Ben-Ora at the JCCSF, 
. Print information is also available on the table outside the sanctuary.
Join Others and Connect to Mitzvah Opportunities
Do you want to connect to our congregation-based community organizing project or help with a mitzvah project. David Morgenstein, Chair of the Social Action Committee has agreed to coordinate and direct those who contact him seeking further opportunities to be involved. You can reach David at Davemorgenstein@gmail.com.
Koleynu Congregational Choir
Practices are on Sunday mornings
Sing at Holidays and first Friday of the month Shabbat Services. Everyone with a love of singing is welcome. Contact Cantor Glassman at 346-1720 Ext 14 or CantorGlassman@sherithisrael.org
Unless otherwise specified, the events and programs listed on this page are open to both members and non-members. We encourage our members to invite their friends and neighbors to Sherith Israel programs