Calendar
Tauber SPARK 2022
Mini-University Experience
Option 1: The Jewish Family: Past, Present and Future
Taught by Rabbi Dvora Weisberg, Ph.D.
Session 1: The Jewish Family in Formation
This session will explore the biblical and rabbinic constructs of family. We will follow the evolution of the family from the tribal and clan-based vision of the Torah to the household or nuclear family described in the Talmud.
Session 2: The Jewish Family in Tradition: The Real and the Ideal
Classical Jewish texts offer statements about ideal relationships between parents and children, between spouses, and with other family members. At the same time, we have stories that suggest the ideal was often supplanted by real life conflict and tension. This session will offer a contrasting view of law and stories about family relationships.
Session 3: A Multitude of Jewish Families: A Contemporary View
We live in world where our definitions of and ideas about family are challenged by changing societal norms. This session will focus on ways that Judaism can continue to expand its understanding of family and what values can guide us in creating Jewish families.
Tauber SPARK 2022
Mini-University Experience
Option 2: Essential Jewish Philosophers: Hillel, Maimonides and Spinoza
Taught by Rabbi Peretz Wolf-Prusan
Sessions 1 – 3: Hillel, Maimonides and Spinoza
Leo Strauss (d. 1973) provocatively suggested that “modern Judaism is a synthesis between rabbinical Judaism and Spinoza.” We can draw a line back in time from Spinoza to Maimonides to Hillel. Each are located in liminal moments in the lifeline of the developing Jewish people: Hillel and Rabbinic Judaism beyond sovereignty and territoriality, Maimonides systematizing Jewish philosophy and law, and Spinoza’s critique of unearned authority and the pursuit of reason.
Tauber SPARK 2022
Mini-University Experience
Option 3: Why it’s our Obligation to Take Care of Mother Earth (The Torah Says So)
Taught by Rachel Siegal, Dr. Barak Gale and Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz
Session 1: To Till and to Tend the Earth – Rachel Siegal
Join Rachel Siegal of Hazon in exploring one of Judaism’s central tenets, to till and to tend the Earth. Our interest in the environment has deep roots! We’ll look at some traditional texts together to ground ourselves in ancient wisdom, and perhaps expand our own concept of sustainability to include some radical ideas around rest, release and justice.
Session 2: The Shmita of Shmitas – Jewish and Climate Time Coincide at 100 Seconds Before Midnight – Dr. Barak Gale
Not just a routine Shmita year, no nothing like it. The Shmita of Shmitas has dreadful warnings like “Code Red for Humanity.” Word has it that understanding the science of Climate Upheaval will not extract us from this existential threat – too bad, Dr. Barak Gale loves talking thermodynamics. This session will cover Jewish values, art, poetry, ritual, stories, successes, and yes, some science as well. Barak will persuade you how fun it is to share a poem or sing, say, Olam Hesed Yibaneh, if you testify at a hearing! We look forward to hearing from you and how you engage with your gusto, your heart and your faith. Make it fun. Make it prayer. Make it Tikkun Olam.
Session 3: Ethical Kashrut – Rabbi Dr Shmuly Yanklowitz
What is the relationship between ethics and kashrut in the 21st century? What are the trends occurring now? Learn Jewish texts with Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz about Jewish perspectives and explore new models of Jewish activism.
Join us for In-Person Friday Night Shabbat Services this Friday, March 11th at 6:00 pm!
Led by Rabbi Jason Rodich and Cantor Marsha Attie.
To best ensure we can provide a safe and sacred experience, please note the following:
- Advance registration is required. If for any reason you are not able to register in advance, you are still welcome to attend and we will take care of registration at the gate.
- All individuals age 5+ must show proof of vaccination and may voluntarily unmask indoors and outdoors.
- Those ineligible for vaccination (including children under 5) must remain masked and provide proof of test taken within 24 hours of the event (rapid antigen or PCR). Please be prepared to show proof of negative test upon entry.
- Full vaccination status is required for those eligible when participating in our programs. Consistent with city, state, CDC and other public health authority guidance, COVID-19 vaccines are the most important and effective tool in preventing COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and death. Per updated SFDPH guidelines, a fully vaccinated individual means:
- The individual is two weeks past completing the full initial course of vaccines AND
- One week past receiving a booster of any type, once eligible for a booster.
- Please have your proof of vaccination and ID ready before approaching the front gate at Emanu-El.
- All clergy have been vaccinated and are routinely tested.
- Please review our COVID-19 on-site event protocols so you’ll know what to expect. We're so excited to welcome you back into our beautiful sanctuary.
Our services will also continue to be held virtually, on our Livestream page and Facebook Live. To follow along with prayers, click here for a free online Mishkan T'Filah prayer book.
We understand rules and norms are changing quickly. Our COVID advisory team continues to monitor legal requirements and best practices and may change requirements as the environment changes.
If you have any questions about the upcoming trip to Germany with Rabbi Jason Rodich, please join us for a Q & A Session in Person to discuss!
We will meet at Emanu-El on March 11th before our Young Adult Late Shabbat from 7:00-8:00 pm.
Location: TBD
Germany Close Up
A most beloved program, Germany Close Up is back! A trip for young American Jews run by the German government with the goal to explore the country and experience German culture. This is an incredible opportunity to join Rabbi Jason Rodich on the journey of a lifetime!
The program will focus on the following topics:
- Berlin and united Germany
- The Holocaust and the Nazi Era (incl. a visit to a former Concentration Camp)
- Transatlantic/German-American relations (incl. a meeting with officials of the German Federal Foreign Office)
- Current German Politics
- Jewish Life in Berlin, past and present
- German-Israeli relations
- Visit to a city outside of Berlin
Germany Close Up Policy:
- 20-25 participants in the program
- Applicants will be selected by Germany Close Up in consultation with Emanu-El
- Each applicant needs to be 21-39 years old at the time of the trip!
- Jewish (according to the Reform movement)
- A citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada
We love and adore all of our members, including those who don’t fit these criteria. This policy is set by the funders in Germany and is not flexible.
Please check our website for more background information on Germany Close-Up!
March 11th at Congregation Emanu-El
8pm: Pre-oneg & Schmooze / 8:30pm Service / 9:45pm Oneg
We are overjoyed to invite you to a special Late Shabbat at Emanu-El! Join us for a festive evening of community-building and incredible music. Be sure to come hungry!
Schmoozing, wine and snacks start at 8pm, with the service at 8:30pm, and the oneg with tacos, drinks, and music to follow at 9:45pm.
If you are looking to connect with other 20s & 30s in the Bay Area Jewish community, this is the place for you! Bring your mask, your vax card, and your best friends.
Covid safety precautions & requirements for attending:
- Masking is required for all indoor Emanu-El events. Masks are not required for outdoor events, including in the courtyard.
- Full-vaccination, for those who are eligible, are required for ALL Emanu-El events
- For those who are ineligible for vaccination, we are accepting PCR or rapid test results
- No food or drink inside.
We can't wait to celebrate Shabbat with you!
Torah Study with a member of our Clergy, followed by Mourner's Kaddish and Healing Prayer. To participate, click here.
Join us for In-Person Shabbat Morning Services in our Main Sanctuary along with one of our b'nei mitzvah celebrants!
To best ensure we can provide a safe and sacred experience, please note the following:
- Service will be in the Main Sanctuary.
- Advance registration is required. If for any reason you are not able to register in advance, you are still welcome to attend and we will take care of registration at the gate.
- All individuals age 5+ must show proof of vaccination and may voluntarily unmask indoors and outdoors.
- Those ineligible for vaccination (including children under 5) must remain masked and provide proof of test taken within 24 hours of the event (rapid antigen or PCR). Please be prepared to show proof of negative test upon entry.
- Full vaccination status is required for those eligible when participating in our programs. Consistent with city, state, CDC and other public health authority guidance, COVID-19 vaccines are the most important and effective tool in preventing COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and death. Per updated SFDPH guidelines, a fully vaccinated individual means:
- The individual is two weeks past completing the full initial course of vaccines AND
- One week past receiving a booster of any type, once eligible for a booster.
- Please have your proof of vaccination and ID ready before approaching the front gate at Emanu-El.
- All clergy have been vaccinated and are routinely tested.
- Please review our COVID-19 on-site event protocols so you’ll know what to expect. We're so excited to welcome you back to into our beautiful sanctuary.
Click here to watch on our website livestream page. To follow along with prayers, click here for a free online Mishkan T'Filah prayer book.
We understand rules and norms are changing quickly. Our COVID advisory team continues to monitor legal requirements and best practices and may change requirements as the environment changes.
Join us for In-Person Shabbat Morning Services in our Martin Meyer Sanctuary along with one of our b'nei mitzvah celebrants!
To best ensure we can provide a safe and sacred experience, please note the following:
- Service will be in the Martin Meyer Sanctuary.
- Capacity is limited to allow attendees to social distance if they are more comfortable doing so.
- Advance registration is required. If for any reason you are not able to register in advance, you are still welcome to attend and we will take care of registration at the gate.
- All individuals age 5+ must show proof of vaccination and may voluntarily unmask indoors and outdoors.
- Those ineligible for vaccination (including children under 5) must remain masked and provide proof of test taken within 24 hours of the event (rapid antigen or PCR). Please be prepared to show proof of negative test upon entry.
- Full vaccination status is required for those eligible when participating in our programs. Consistent with city, state, CDC and other public health authority guidance, COVID-19 vaccines are the most important and effective tool in preventing COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and death. Per updated SFDPH guidelines, a fully vaccinated individual means:
- The individual is two weeks past completing the full initial course of vaccines AND
- One week past receiving a booster of any type, once eligible for a booster.
- Please have your proof of vaccination and ID ready before approaching the front gate at Emanu-El.
- All clergy have been vaccinated and are routinely tested.
- Please review our COVID-19 on-site event protocols so you’ll know what to expect. We're so excited to welcome you back to into our beautiful sanctuary.
We understand rules and norms are changing quickly. Our COVID advisory team continues to monitor legal requirements and best practices and may change requirements as the environment changes.
Need a place to celebrate Purim? Love drag queens? Just want to have a fun Wednesday night?
Join Value Culture and Manny’s with the help of Nice Jewish Boys SF, JCC SF, Congregation Emanu-El & Grand Bakery for a Purim party that will make you scream “YASSSSSSS QUEEN ESTHER!”
The event will kick off with a megillah reading by Emanu-El clergy at 6:00 pm.
Starring SF’s best Queens: Katya Smirnoff Skye, Miss Shugana and Belle Bottoms (Rabbi Rodich's husband)!
