Join Us
“Hillel said: ‘Separate not thyself from the community’…” Pirke Avot, 4:7
Join Us Now! Click here for our Membership Form
We Welcome YOU to Our Community!
We are proud to have been a part of the San Francisco community since 1850. While our history provides us with a rich heritage, embracing new congregants ensures that we will be here to serve generations to come. You are the future of Congregation Emanu-El.
Why join?
Our members build community by being in relationship with one another. We believe in the teachings and values of Judaism and are committed to transmitting this knowledge to all generations. We celebrate in community, knowing that sharing our joyous times makes life’s special moments even sweeter. And having support during the tough times makes them bearable.
Benefits of Membership Include:
- High Holy Day tickets and Sanctify-Ark Moments
- Emanu-El B’Bayit Groups (small group offerings)
- Discounted classes and program fees
- Member-only programs
- Life cycle events and care from clergy
- Discounted facility rentals for life cycle events
- Temple Chronicle subscription
- Opportunity to join the Tikkun Emanu-El Shuk (local small business support)
- Priority Preschool admissions
- Opportunity to enroll in Youth and Family Education/Bnei Mitzvah Program
Joining Emanu-El guarantees you are not only investing in your own Jewish journey, but you are securing a space and place for the future of the Jewish people. You are becoming another link in the chain of Jewish tradition.
Who will feel comfortable at Congregation Emanu-El?
Our members reflect the diversity of the Bay Area, coming from all walks of life and many different religious backgrounds and ethnicities. We welcome singles and single parents, interfaith families, LGBTQ+, Jews by choice, Jews of color, and Jewish families in all their diversity. Our programs are designed to meet the diverse spiritual, religious, educational, and social needs of our members.
How do I find “my people” within the larger Emanu-El community?
There are many ways to become involved with our Emanu-El community and to become acquainted with other congregants. There are many opportunities to connect with smaller groups and find people with common interests. Our membership and engagement team will help you find your pathway and your people. Other ways to get involved include: education, social justice, and various community events in your neighborhood and beyond.
How do I connect with clergy, educators and staff?
We encourage you to get to know our rabbis, cantors, educators, executive director, membership and engagement directors, and other staff by attending Shabbat services and by your active involvement in our programs and activities. You may also request a private meeting with any of our staff.
What about membership dues?
At Congregation Emanu-El, the first year of membership dues are voluntary – you pay what you wish. After the first year, we offer suggested dues commitment levels, based on your age and family size/structure. You will not be charged additional fees for security, maintenance, or other temple costs. You are encouraged to pay whatever you are able, whether it is higher or lower than the suggested amount. No one is ever turned away for financial reasons. Our fiscal year is July 1 – June 30 and all dues are 100% tax deductible.
NEW THIS YEAR – Emanu-El’s Virtual Membership Option: If you live outside the Bay Area, and want to join us virtually, our new Virtual Membership option is for you! Please contact Director of Membership Experience Ariana Estoque for details.
To learn more about membership or to visit the synagogue in person to learn more, please contact Director of Member Experience, Ariana Estoque
We hope you will choose to become part of the present and future of our congregation and complete the membership form now.
Questions? Please email Ariana Estoque or call (415) 750-7552.
Current Congregation Emanu-El Members
To manage your membership, please log in and visit your account page. *Note: As of May 8, 2021, our login portal no longer supports Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 and 10. Please consider using another browser.
Seeking volunteers to be part of a “New Member Welcome Committee”
We are looking for current members to help us welcome new members to our community. We all know that personal outreach is the best way to build meaningful connection and long-term communal commitment. The ask is easy: we would pair you with a new member/family and ask that you call them, get to know them, share your experience, knowledge and love for the synagogue, and then check up on them monthly. It’s easy and very meaningful.
If you are interested in sharing your passion and connection to Emanu-El with others, please contact Ariana Estoque at 415-750-7550 or at [email protected]
