Congregant Gatherings

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Congregant Gatherings

As a large congregation, we recognize the importance of small group connection and we create many opportunities for learning, socializing, and enjoying local culture together. These gatherings generally occur in the evening hours or on weekends.

For weekday gatherings at the temple, check out these opportunities.

| Interfaith Group | Men’s Group | The Tribe for Men | Women’s Group | Tribe for Women | Young Adult  | Emanu-El 30s/40s Group

Upcoming Tribe Event:

The Tribe’s Annual Summer Rustic Camping Retreat at Camp Cazadero!
Date: Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 11
Location: Camp Cazadero, Cazadero CA
Cost: Prices listed are per participant. All meals (& coffee!)/activities included in price!
Adults: $190.00
Child 12+: $190.00
Child 5-11: $125.00
Under 5: FREE
REGISTER HERE

Rabbi Bauer and Cantor Luck welcome you to our Tribe for Men camping retreat where our Emanu-El kids enjoy nature with one another and their dads.*  This year, you have the option of tent camping or sleeping in a cabin!

The weekend will include Shabbat services, pool swimming, outdoor sports, hiking, guitar strumming, s’mores, and of course queso (with late-night Bourbon for the dads) and MORE!

*Single mothers and LGBTQ+ families, your family is welcome! Please contact Rabbi Bauer or Cantor Luck to discuss how your family’s participation will work best for you.

More information regarding sleeping accommodations and volunteer sign-ups will be provided after registration. Please read your confirmation email information.

You must arrive to the campgrounds before sundown on Friday night (it is a 2 HOUR drive from Emanu-El). No arrivals in the dark allowed.  If you are coming for just one night, we recommend you come early Saturday morning so you can enjoy our Saturday activities (No price adjustments available for one night).

All registration closes July 19.  No refunds will be offered after July 22.

Interfaith Group

What Emanu-El Means When Using the Term “Interfaith”

When Emanu-El says “interfaith” in the context of “interfaith couple” or “interfaith family” or “people in interfaith relationships,” we’re inclusive of both immediate and extended families – interfaith couples where one person is Jewish and one is not, couples that include converts to Judaism who still have non-Jewish relatives, people with one Jewish parent, parents of intermarried children, grandparents of children being raised by intermarried parents, etc.

Interfaith families may include those who identify their family as Jewish, as more than one religion, as a “faithist” couple – one that tries to connect two partners’ point’s of view, one Jewish with a belief in a higher power and the other, an atheist looking at different interpretations and connections to Jewish traditions and custom, or who are unsure of how they identify. Our goal is to meet these families where they are and facilitate deeper connection to Jewish life. In addition, we recommend interfaithfamily.com as a valuable resource.

Interested in learning more about Judaism? Take a look at Introduction to Judaism.

Men’s Group

Men of Congregation Emanu-El have a monthly opportunity to socialize and study with a member of the clergy at a private home. This cross-generational group provides a small group experience so important to building community. All events are 9:30 – 11:30 am unless otherwise noted. Men’s Group events are congregant only and require registration. If you have any questions please contact Rebecca Reiner at rreiner@emanuelsf.org or (415) 751-2541 x170.

Thanks to donations from two members of the Men’s Group, the majority of gatherings are now offered for free.  If you would like to sponsor a Men’s Group breakfast, please let us know.

Men’s Group events are congregant only and require registration. Location address given upon registration.

We wish you a wonderful Summer. Our monthly gatherings will resume in the fall.

The Tribe for Men

An active and committed group of dads of Congregation Emanu-El ages 30-50, with children ages birth-18, who regularly come together in meaningful ways to have fun and form real relationship through deep connections and intimate community. Tribe for Men events are congregant-only and require registration. The Tribe for Men welcomes all fathers who fit the criteria above, regardless of gender and/or sexual identity. 

Women’s Group

The Tribe for Women

The Tribe for Women is a group of Congregation Emanu-El mothers of children, birth-18 years old. We look forward to seeing you at our next event.

The Tribe for Women Sonoma Gathering

August 10 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Please join us for a special Tribe for Women gathering in a congregant’s home near Healdsburg (75-90 minutes from SF) in Sonoma County for a day of relaxation, wine-tasting and fun! This event is meant to coincide with the Tribe camping trip and hopes to take advantage of the briefly child-free situation that some may find themselves in. This is a great way to get to know other Women of the Tribe.

There will be massage therapists on site for anyone who registers in advance, a pot-luck lunch, wine-tasting with a nearby winery, some pool time/down time and a chef-cooked three course dinner. Just pick what you want and register for those items. Please note massages will start as early as 10AM, so plan to arrive by then.

If you’re staying for dinner, please bring a bottle of wine or other beverage to share. Please bring something to share for lunch.

Once we have all the registrations, we will try to find ways for folks to carpool from SF. Please note if you’d be willing to drive and how many people you can fit.

Please also note if you’re interested in nearby overnight options. There are nearby houses in walking distance that might be available to rent and a nearby hotel that is a five minute drive away.

REGISTER HERE