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
Get Ready for Torah Softball!
Get your bats and gloves ready and join the best softball league in the Bay Area, BATS. (Bay Area Torah Softball) Congregation Emanu-El is recruiting members to play on their adult co-ed softball team. The BATS softball league provides a fun and non-competitive environment for softball players of all skill levels! The league consists of teams from synagogues in the city and Marin. The season starts in April and the playoffs end in early July. All games will be played on Sundays, and the location will alternate between San Francisco and Marin. The team would be self-funded and is about $54 per player. This includes field rentals, umpires, and balls. If you are interested in joining the team or have any questions please contact Shelby David, sdavid@emanuelsf.org 415-751-2541 x177.
Registration Deadline is February 28, 2019.
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:
Interfaith Night – Winter Interfaith Shelter Dinners 2019
January 22, 2019
5:00 – 8:30 pm
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.
We invite you to volunteer to cook and serve dinner on Wednesday, January 22, 2019. You will meet at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church for the evening.
Men’s Group
Men’s Group events are congregant-only and require registration.
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.
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.
February 24
9:30 am
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. This month, you’ll have the opportunity to learn with Senior Rabbi Jonathan Singer. You’ll meet at a home in Cole Valley; address provided upon registration.
If you have any questions please contact Rebecca Reiner at rreiner@emanuelsf.org or (415) 751-2541 x170.
Men’s Group events are congregant only and require registration.
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 for Men’s Winter Interfaith Shelter Dinner followed by Sushi, Sake, and more Sake!
Thursday, January 24, 5:00 – 8:30 pm
St. Mark’s Church
Register Here!
Join your fellow Tribesmen for our yearly mitzvah of serving more than 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 registration).
Great People, Great Workout! Great Tribe! 
Date: Sunday, February 3
Time: 10 – 11 am
Location: AW-Personalized Training & Sports Performance, 2940 Geary Boulevard, SF
Cost: $8
Tribesmen Leo Shveyd is opening up his gym, AW-Personalized Training & Sports Performance, exclusively for the Tribe for Men where he will tailor a workout for all to be able to participate and excel.
This is a chance for you and your fellow Tribe members to free yourselves from excuses you made in 2018 and now kick-off 2019 the right way. Sweat and smile, while Leo leads you through an energizing workout and learn a few things to carry forward into your own training.
Coffee, green juices, coconut waters, etc. are all available to help you as you come down from your endorphin rush!
Charge $8 cover whatever drinks costs and any overage to charity
Women’s Group
The Congregation Emanu-El Women’s Group offers a wide variety of diverse programs, spanning all demographics of the temple. Please stay tuned for upcoming programs!
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 for Women – Winter Interfaith Shelter Dinners 2019
January 23, 2019
5:00 – 8:30 pm
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.
We invite you to volunteer to cook and serve dinner on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 with The Tribe for Women. You will meet at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church for the evening.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Tribe for Women - Winter Interfaith Shelter Dinners 2019
5:00 pm - 8:30 pm | Every January, Congregation Emanu-El joins in the mitzvah of…
Malcolm Hoenlein - Jan 2019
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Malcolm HoenleinWednesday, January 23, 2019 7:00 - 9:00pmMartin Meyer…
Chuppah and Beyond Winter 2019
7:15 pm - 9:15 pm | Six Wednesdays, 7:15 – 9:15 pm Are you an engaged or newly…