Israel-Related Programming

Israel may be thousands of miles away, but it is never far from the hearts and minds of our readers. Local synagogue programming offers creative ways to build bridges with the Jewish state and learn, learn, learn.

Congregation Ner Tamid offers popular Israeli programs that range from music (performed monthly at Shabbat services) to conversation (an Israel Independence Day visit from Deputy Consul General Gideon Lustig). “The goal is to have members connect with Israel on an emotional and spiritual level, away from the news and politics,” says Achi Ben Shalom, program director.

Beth Jacob Congregation in Oakland is committed to connecting congregants to Israel. The synagogue brings in Jewish leaders and local Israelis to celebrate Israel’s independence on Yom HaAtzmaut. “The love for Israel in our community is amazing,” says Associate Rabbi Michael Davies. To augment their knowledge, “members are always taking advantage of our classes and connections,” he says.

Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills brings Israeli culture home in novel ways. “This last year we used film and television as a way to narrate conversation among our congregants,” says Senior Rabbi Janet Marder. The synagogue also offers three types of trips to Israel — adult, family and teen-oriented — ensuring that everyone is included.

Participating in the Year of Civil Discourse Initiative, a community-wide project to foster safe and open debate, is one way Congregation Beth Jacob in Redwood City has encouraged spirited discussion about Israel. “I feel that Israel is a deep piece of our Jewish identity,” says Rabbi Nat Ezray. “At Beth Jacob we have created a safe place to be passionate about Israel and to explore and question our involvement.” The congregation also is planning a trip to Israel with other Bay Area synagogues.

In the North Bay, Congregation Kol Shofar recognizes the State of Israel as a geographic and spiritual center for the Jewish people. Its Bridges to Israel program promotes education, dialogue, donations and active engagement. “Part of our Tichon program for teens involves extensive discussion about Israel and facilitates young adults to be involved,” says Rabbi Chai Levy.

San Francisco

Congregation Ner Tamid

 (415) 661-3383

www.nertamidsf.org

East Bay

Beth Jacob Congregation

Oakland

(510) 482-1147

www.bethjacoboakland.org

Peninsula/South Bay

Congregation Beth Am

Los Altos Hills

(650) 493-4661

www.betham.org

Congregation Beth Jacob

Redwood City

(650) 366-8481

www.bethjacobrwc.org

North Bay

Congregation Kol Shofar

Tiburon

(415) 388-1818

www.kolshofar.org

 

Social Action Programming

From donating food to building houses to helping the needy, synagogues often lead the way in social justice efforts in the Jewish community.

At Congregation Sha’ar Zahav, social action is a shared community concern. “Our very existence is about social action. We encourage all members to give a voice to people who are often silenced,” says president Karen Schiller. She notes that Sha’ar Zahav was the first Jewish organization to support the San Francisco Organizing Project and remains deeply involved in everything from state budget issues to LGBT concerns.

If you’re looking for a way to serve the hungry, look no further than Congregation Beth El, also known as “the chicken shack” for its decades-old food program. On the third Sunday of the month, 40-some volunteers gather to feed more than 200 hungry people. “Through this simple mitzvah we work together, creating a wonderful opportunity for all,” says Norm Frankel, executive director.

At Temple Isaiah, everyone bands together to create strong future leaders. “Our programs are the ‘reach out and touch someone’ kind of programs,” says social action chair Amy Faltz. The Winter Nights program shelters, feeds and educates those in need. “What’s so great about these different programs is that our members come together and create lifelong friendships from helping others,” says Michael Liepman, executive director. To expand its impact, the synagogue recently began working with Habitat for Humanity.

Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills is another leader in social action programming, whether helping out at the Urban Ministry of Palo Alto soup kitchen, connecting with a sister congregation in the Ukraine or holding a social justice weekend. Through it all, congregants learn firsthand what it means to give back to the local and global community. “We really strive to have all of our members, young or old, participate and bring a change to their surroundings, “ says Assistant Rabbi Adam Rosenwasser. The newest social action program is Avodah, focusing on youth education and leadership building.

Congregation Rodef Sholom is the first Bay Area synagogue to hold Mitzvah Day, which is now nearly 20 years old. Each year this day of social action draws more than 600 volunteers. Tzedek Circles are a more recent addition to Rodef Sholom’s mission; earth, shelter, food and justice circles each represent areas of social need.

San Francisco

Congregation Sha’ar Zahav

(415) 861-6932

www.shaarzahav.org

East Bay

Congregation Beth El

Berkeley

(510) 848-3988

www.bethelberkeley.org

Temple Isaiah

Lafayette

(925) 283-8575

www.temple-isaiah.org

Peninsula/South Bay

Congregation Beth Am

Los Altos Hills

(650) 493-4661

www.betham.org

North Bay

Congregation Rodef Sholom

San Rafael

(415) 479-3441

www.rodefsholom.org

 

Adult Education Programming

School-age students aren’t the only ones learning in a classroom these days. Adult education is a hot commodity. Just look at the programs these winning synagogues have to offer.

Adult education at S.F. Congregation

Emanu-El takes on many forms. “In the past year our goal has been to continue expanding the locations and times of our programs. We really want to make it as accessible as possible,” says Mary Jane Eisenberg, adult education coordinator. A core program is Yesod, a two-year study of the Tanach, rabbinical and modern period text. Other classes focus on Israel, Jewish music, culture and more.

Beth Jacob Congregation in Oakland offers adult classes every day except Friday. Shabbat University is a favorite. Topics have included “Universal Health Care in Jewish Law” and “Mezuzah: What, Where and How.” “It’s a tremendous gift to be able to share the teachings of the Torah and Jewish culture with my adult community,” says Associate Rabbi Michael Davies.

In the Peninsula/South Bay region, growing attendance reflects the enthusiasm for adult programming at Congregation Beth Jacob in Redwood City. The synagogue prides itself on its adult b’nai mitzvah classes. With weekly Torah, Hebrew and lecture series, adults can find many ways to further their learning. “Our adult programs have created a depth of connection to Jewish life,” says Rabbi Nat Ezray.

“We have a really strong, united community of people who love to learn,” says Rabbi Chai Levy of Congregation Kol Shofar. The Marin synagogue provides educational opportunities and activities in several realms, such as politics, homelessness and green sustainability. “Eat, Pray, and Schmooze” is a monthly program that brings congregants together to learn and commune.

San Francisco

Congregation Emanu-El

(415) 751-2535 • www.emanuelsf.org

East Bay

Beth Jacob Congregation

Oakland

(510) 482-1147 • www.bethjacoboakland.org

Peninsula/South Bay

Congregation Beth Jacob

Redwood City

(650) 366-8481 • www.bethjacobrwc.org

North Bay

Congregation Kol Shofar

Tiburon

(415) 388-1818

www.kolshofar.org

 

Interfaith Programming

Interfaith means different things to different people. But all of our Readers’ Choice winning synagogues have at least one thing in common: an emphasis on acceptance and learning.

Congregation Sherith Israel partners with the Jewish Outreach Institute in New York to create programs for parents and grandparents in interfaith families. “Here at Sherith Israel, we work to make all programs interfaith,” says Carrie Rice, membership director. Congregants and community members also enjoy classes about Judaism, Jewish cooking and more.

Interfaith programming at Temple Sinai in Oakland is designed to create a tighter sense of community. In past years, reports outreach committee chair Dawn Kepler, the synagogue has been recognized for its interfaith programs, including a Belin Award. “Funny, You Don’t Look Jewish” and other workshops address the social, spiritual and emotional concerns of interfaith families.

“The mission of Congregation Beth Am is really to support the families and couples in their Jewish journey,” says Associate Rabbi Sarah Wolf. The popular “Cooking Jewish Whether You’re Jewish or Not” series is a way to bring non-Jewish members of the Los Altos Hills congregation and community together to practice something Jewish and fun. Beth Am also offers programs to deepen Jewish learning and understanding. “We have an open, inclusive community that welcomes all families. Everyone is accepted here,” Wolf says.

Congregation Rodef Sholom in San Rafael also opens its doors to all in the community. Interfaith programming allows individuals and families to explore and learn about the many facets of Judaism. “All our programs are very inclusive,” says Moji Javid, director of community connections. For interfaith families choosing to raise their children Jewish, programming emphasizes discussion and action.

San Francisco

Congregation Sherith Israel

 (415) 346-1720

www.sherithisrael.org

East Bay

Temple Sinai

Oakland

(510) 451-3263

www.oaklandsinai.org

Peninsula/South Bay

Congregation Beth Am

Los Altos Hills

(650) 493-4661

www.betham.org

North Bay

Congregation Rodef Sholom

San Rafael

(415) 479-3441

www.rodefsholom.org