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 |
November 2019 YFE Family Shabbat Dinner
Friday, November 15
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Please register.
Join us for our first YFE Family Shabbat Dinner on November 15! We recognize how vital it is for families to have the opportunity to connect with each other during this pivotal time in their children’s lives, and we hope that these new dinners will be a catalyst for building and deepening connections amongst families in our community. These evenings are specifically designed for families with children ages 5-12. Each evening will feature One Shabbat services at 6pm with a children’s pull-out story option and a catered communal dinner at 7pm with age-appropriate activities for children.
Please register for our November 15th dinner by Tuesday November 12th.
Mark your calendar for future evenings throughout this year: December 27, January 17, February 21, March 20, April 17, and May 15.
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.
Interfaith Holiday Party
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Congregant Home near West Portal
It’s time to dress up, stand out, and celebrate our diversity! There’s no right or wrong way to celebrate the holidays, so why not have a little fun? Join our interfaith community for a potluck-style holiday party! Bring a foo that reminds you of your fondest winter holiday memories. This event is open to your whole family – bring the kids! We will have a movie/childcare in a separate room so we can also have adult time. We hope to see you there!
RSVP for location address.
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.
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.
USF Basketball Coach: A Basketball Journey with Jewish Roots
Tuesday, November 12
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Come join us to hear Todd Golden, head men’s basketball coach of the University of San Francisco (USF) Dons and the second youngest division I college coach in the country. Todd has a unique perspective as both a division I and international professional athlete, as well as an assistant of two successful division I collegiate programs and now a head coach. Hear about Todd’s journey and how his Jewish heritage has guided his life and his basketball journey.
THIS IS TURKEY BOWL IX 
Register here
Gentlemen, I’m once again proud to host the tradition of our Thanksgiving morning football game! We’ve built up quite a tradition together – what started as a few guys tossing around a football on Thanksgiving morning in 2011 has turned into a full-fledged family event on Thanksgiving morning. Come on out to Golden Gate Park, bring the kids, bring your wife and enjoy a morning of good ol’ fun playing football.
WHEN: Thanksgiving Morning, 8am/8:30am, slowly gather for coffee, stretch, throw around the ball, etc…kick-off usually around 9am. You’ll all be home by 11.
WHERE: Golden Gate Park, Big Rec Field, near 7th and Lincoln
WHAT IF I’M HUNGRY?: Doughnuts, coffee, beer.
RSVP if you’re in. Invite more friends. Come for an hour if that’s all you can do, show up late, leave early – it’s all about the fun. And betting who gets hurt first.
There’s no better way to start this day then on the field having some fun. See you all there!
P.S.
Logistical questions that come up every year:
- If we have “too many” people, we’ll split up into multiple games.
- Can kids play? Yes, we figure out the best, safest plan – like lining up another kid on the opposite team or running a kids game alongside ours. Or the kids have just as much fun goofing around for an hour.
- Are Hershenson’s cleats new? Nope, nine years old.
Women’s Group and The Tribe for Women
The Congregation Emanu-El Women’s Group offers a wide variety of diverse programs, spanning all demographics of the Temple.
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.
Tribe for Women Pre-Salon with Integrity First for America
Wednesday, November 13
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Join fellow members of Tribe for Women for a special Pre-Salon with Integrity First for America (IFA) on November 13 at 6pm! We will be joined by Amy Spitalnick, Roberta Kaplan, and Karen Dunn from IFA for an intimate reception and conversation about how their identities as Jewish women inform their work fighting white nationalist violence in our country. Wine and snacks will be served.
After our reception we will head together to the evening event at 7pm to learn more about IFA’s important work.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Side by Side October 2019 Session
9:30 am - 11:30 am | Emanu-El’s Side by Side program introduces our youngest children…
Mah Jongg (Room 57)
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm |
USF Basketball Coach: A Basketball Journey with Jewish Roots
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Come join us to hear Todd Golden, head men’s…
