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
Events Open to the Community
2nd Annual Lag Ba’Omer* Sing Along with Cantor Attie and your rabbis! 
Wednesday, May 22
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Terrapin Crossroads, San Rafael
Please join us for our 2nd Annual Lag Ba’Omer* sing along at Terrapin Crossroads (Phil Lesh from the Grateful Dead’s music Mecca ) in San Rafael!
Join us for no-host dinner and drinks. Bring your instruments and join our Cantors for singing around the fire. If you haven’t been to the Terrapin before: imagine a warm summer evening with the bay lapping at the shore while you sit around a campfire singing as the kids play in the playground.
*Jewish outdoor festival traditionally regarded as end of 2nd century plague:)
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.
Upcoming Interfaith Group Events:
Stay tuned for future events!
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 0-18, 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.
The Tribe’s Family Fun Day at The Vineyard Club
***DATE CHANGE: Sunday, June 9, 2019, 11:00 am – 4 pm 
Geyserville, California (exact address given upon registration)
Cost: $22.50 per adult, $15.00 per child (cost includes lunch)
Register here!
Back again by popular demand!
Join Rabbi Bauer’s family, along with other familiar and new Tribe families, for a special fun-filled day at the Vineyard Club celebrating the end of another great year. Relax, mingle, and play! The whole family can spend the entire day enjoying the lake and the surrounding scenery together.
You’ll be able to swim, jump on a water trampoline, play tennis, basketball, (bring your own game balls) and pétanque. We’ll have a large grassy area for games (bring your own), a large sandy beach area, and a full playground! You’re welcome to bring kayaks, stand up paddle boards, or any fun water toys.
Taco truck lunch provided!
Space is limited, so register soon.
***Tribe for Men SAVE THE DATE! (more details and registration coming soon)
Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 11 Tribe for Men Annual Camping Trip with kids at Camp Cazadero, Cazadero CA
Women’s Group
The Congregation Emanu-El Women’s Group offers a wide variety of diverse programs, spanning all demographics of the Temple.
Mother Daughter Relationships: Why Do We Feel So Close, and Yet So Far Away?
A Discussion on Psychological and Spiritual Perspectives
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Temple Emanu-El
We have all navigated a mother daughter relationship since birth. For some of us this has been rewarding, for some complicated, and for most of us, dynamic throughout. No matter the quality, it has impacted who we are as women and our role in many relationships. Join us to explore both psychological and spiritual perspectives of this relationship whether you are a daughter or a daughter AND a mother. In celebration of Shavuot, reflect on Jewish perspectives on mothers and daughters. Deepen your understanding of various influences on this relationship and identify ways it changes throughout your life.
Join Rabbi Beth Singer and psychotherapist Sharon Epel LMFT for what promises to be a lively discussion.
The Tribe for Women
The Tribe for Women is a group of Congregation Emanu-El mothers of children, birth through 18 years old. We look forward to seeing you at our next event.
The Tribe’s Family Fun Day at The Vineyard Club
***DATE CHANGE: Sunday, June 9, 2019, 11:00 am – 4 pm
Geyserville, California (exact address given upon registration)
Cost: $22.50 per adult, $15.00 per child (cost includes lunch)
Register here!
Back again by popular demand!
Join Rabbi Bauer’s and Rabbi Fenves’s families, along with other familiar and new Tribe families, for a special fun-filled day at the Vineyard Club celebrating the end of another great year. Relax, mingle, and play! The whole family can spend the entire day enjoying the lake and the surrounding scenery together.
You’ll be able to swim, jump on a water trampoline, play tennis, basketball, (bring your own game balls) and pétanque. We’ll have a large grassy area for games (bring your own), a large sandy beach area, and a full playground! You’re welcome to bring kayaks, stand up paddle boards, or any fun water toys.
Taco truck lunch provided!
Space is limited, so register soon.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Celebrate Lag Ba'Omer at Terrapin Crossroads!
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm | Join Rabbis Ryan Bauer, Jonathan and Beth Singer, and…
Celebrate Lag BaOmer at Terrapin Crossroads!
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm | Join Rabbis Bauer, Jonathan and Beth Singer, and Cantor…
Cooking for Congregants - May 23, 2019
9:00 am - 11:00 am | Do you enjoy cooking? Participate in this mitzvah led…