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 |  

February 2020 YFE Family Shabbat Dinner

February 21
7:00 – 8:30 pm

Join us for our February YFE Family Shabbat Dinner! Our February Shabbat is being co-planned by Tzedek Council’s new Family Tzedek committee, which is working to infuse the Jewish value of tikkun olam into our Shabbat experience. This dinner will feature a drive for Homeless Prenatal Program, as well as educational programming and activities for all children. This month our drive will involve collecting children’s socks and underwear for families experiencing homelessness in our city – we encourage each member of your family to bring one of these items with them to our dinner to contribute!  

5:30pm Welcome oneg with mac and cheese 
6pm One Shabbat service with story pullout for children  
7pm Dinner with age-appropriate activities 

Please register for this dinner.

Jewish Heritage Night at USF

Saturday, February 22
3:00 pm
Register here
Join Rabbi Fenves and her family in cheering on our local USF basketball team at this family-friendly, enjoyable afternoon event! This event is open to all congregants.

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.

Next Men’s Group: January 26
Register here

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. 

Tribe for Men Winter Interfaith Shelter Dinner 
Register here

January 22, 2020
5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
St Mark’s Lutheran Church

Join your fellow Tribesmen for our yearly mitzvah of serving over 100 homeless men a hearty dinner at a local shelter in San Francisco. This is a special night, where giving a smile along with a full plate of food allows us to pray with our feet. And, once we have fed the hungry, as our Tribe-tradition goes, we will then convene for our annual no-host dinner tradition of our own (details given upon online registration)

Questions? Contact Rebecca Reiner at (415) 751-2541 x170 or rreiner@emnauelsf.org

Women’s Group and The Tribe for Women

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.

Winter Interfaith Shelter Dinners
Tuesday, January 21
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

Every January, Congregation Emanu-El joins in the mitzvah of feeding the hungry by providing volunteers to shop, cook and serve dinner to over 100 homeless men for eight consecutive nights at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. These clients are extremely grateful to receive home-cooked meals served by people who look them in the eye and let them know they care. Different congregant groups represent the synagogue each night, and each group brings a unique flavor to the evening and takes home unforgettable memories. Join the Tribe for Women in volunteering to cook and serve dinner on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. Click here to register.