< Go back to Readers’ Choice 2023 Listings
SAN FRANCISCO
Congregation Beth Sholom
(415) 221-8736 • bethsholomsf.org
A new Readers’ Choice winner this year, Beth Sholom encourages one and all “to discover, deepen and express their Jewish identity through learning, ritual, service and enriched community life.” With roots that date back to 1906, Beth Sholom strives to build and sustain a community “empowered to make a positive difference in the world.”
Congregation Sha’ar Zahav
(415) 861-6932 • shaarzahav.org
The Bay Area’s first and only LGBTQI synagogue, Sha’ar Zahav embraces diversity of all kinds, including sexuality, gender, race and ability. Single members, couples, interfaith individuals and single-parent and multicultural families are all welcome. Founded in 1977, the Reform congregation offers programs that focus on Jewish experiences both authentic and transformative.
EAST BAY
Congregation Netivot Shalom
BERKELEY
(510) 549-9447 • netivotshalom.org
Organized in 1989 out of the founding members’ “collective commitment to creating an egalitarian spiritual home for Conservative/Masorti Jews,” Netivot Shalom — a new Readers’ Choice winner this year — welcomes intermarried couples, nontraditional households, old and young. “We explicitly recognize and cherish each other as teachers and students.”
Temple Beth Abraham
OAKLAND
(510) 832-0936 • tbaoakland.org
A Conservative synagogue founded in 1907, Beth Abraham is known for blending the traditional with the contemporary, and is “proud to reflect the values and energy of the Bay Area in the 21st century.” At the “warm and uplifting” Kabbalat Shabbat, singing and participation are encouraged. Adult education classes are available, as are monthly mah jongg classes.
Temple Sinai
OAKLAND
(510) 451-3263 • oaklandsinai.org
Known for progressive social action programs, this large Reform congregation welcomes “Jews by birth, Jews by choice, interfaith families and those wishing to learn more about Judaism.” Innovation is a focus here, and the historic Beaux Arts-style building, which opened in 1914, houses an award-winning preschool and religious school.
SOUTH BAY/PENINSULA
Congregation Beth Am
LOS ALTOS HILLS
(650) 493-4661 • betham.org
A longtime favorite among J. readers, this popular multigenerational Reform congregation has committed to live as a holy community where the study and practice of Judaism inspires and challenges members to “do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with our God.” Women’s groups, learning cohorts and family groups all are available.
Peninsula Temple Beth El
SAN MATEO
(650) 341-7701 • ptbe.org
Beth El considers every member both a teacher and a learner, and seeks to “inspire and nourish your spirit by cultivating an energetic, engaged Jewish community enwrapped in Torah, music, worship, belonging, justice, and Israel.” Through the wide forging of bonds, the synagogue’s social action programs and creative worship help members find purpose and meaning.
NORTH BAY
Congregation Rodef Sholom
SAN RAFAEL
(415) 479-3441 • rodefsholom.org
Coming soon — Rodef Sholom’s expanded new home is predicted to open in late spring at the site of the original building. Meanwhile, the Reform congregation continues to ignite “the passion to connect — with Jewish values, with each other, and with our world.” Social justice and climate action are focal points, with innovative pilot programs available.