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SAN FRANCISCO
Congregation Beth Sholom
(415) 221-8736 • bethsholomsf.org
With a history that dates back to 1906, Beth Sholom encourages one and all “to discover, deepen and express their Jewish identity through learning, ritual, service and enriched community life.” A modern Conservative synagogue, 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
Founded in 1977, Sha’ar Zahav is the Bay Area’s first and only LGBTQI synagogue, embracing diversity of all kinds, including sexuality, gender, race and ability. Single members, couples, interfaith folks and single-parent and multicultural families are all welcome. This Reform congregation offers programs that focus on Jewish experiences “both authentic and transformative.”
Congregation Sherith Israel
(415) 346-1720 • sherithisrael.org
This Reform congregation is a new Readers’ Choice winner this year — but hardly new to San Francisco. Founded during the California Gold Rush, this historic landmark synagogue with an awe-inspiring sanctuary is known for “marrying the newest innovations to thousands of years of Jewish history” through a variety of services and programs.
SOUTH BAY/PENINSULA
Congregation Beth Am
LOS ALTOS HILLS
(650) 493-4661 • betham.org
This popular multigenerational Reform congregation, a longtime favorite among J. readers, 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 are among the special programs.
Congregation Beth Jacob
REDWOOD CITY
(650) 366-8481 • bethjacobrwc.org
On the “progressive leading edge of the Conservative movement,” Congregation Beth Jacob — a new Readers’ Choice winner this year — aims to be “the most inclusive synagogue community on the San Francisco Peninsula by providing a range of opportunities” for members and their families “wherever they are educationally, spiritually, and personally.”
Congregation Kol Emeth
PALO ALTO
(650) 948-7498 • kolemeth.shulcloud.com
A new Readers’ Choice winner this year, Congregation Kol Emeth welcomes everyone to this traditional, egalitarian Conservative synagogue located in the heart of Silicon Valley. An inclusive synagogue, Kol Emeth is “a place to learn, grow, pray and make face-to-face human connections.” A variety of programs meet a wide range of congregants’ needs.
NORTH BAY
Congregation Kol Shofar
TIBURON
(415) 388-1818 • kolshofar.org
Founded in 1962, Congregation Kol Shofar — a new Readers’ Choice winner this year — is a dynamic Conservative congregation “rooted in the enduring values of Jewish traditions, while embracing innovations that enrich contemporary Jewish life.” Spiritual growth and connection to a caring community are cultivated among people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
Congregation Rodef Sholom
SAN RAFAEL
(415) 479-3441 • rodefsholom.org
Congregation Rodef Sholom’s brand-new, 22,000-square-foot, two-story building dedicated in May is open at last, at the site of the original building. This 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 also available.
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 welcomes intermarried couples, nontraditional households, old and young. “We explicitly recognize and cherish each other as teachers and students.”
Temple Sinai
OAKLAND
(510) 451-3263 • oaklandsinai.org
“Jews by birth, Jews by choice, interfaith families and those wishing to learn more about Judaism” all are welcome at this large Reform congregation known for progressive social action programs. Innovation is a focus here, and the historic Beaux Arts-style building, which opened in 1914, houses an award-winning preschool and religious school.
Temple Isaiah
LAFAYETTE
(925) 283-8575 • temple-isaiah.org
The oldest and largest synagogue in Contra Costa County — and a new Readers’ Choice winner this year — Temple Isaiah has deep roots in a “uniquely Californian, vibrant approach to Jewish tradition and innovation.” The diverse membership of the Reform congregation uses “our hearts, minds and hands to fulfill in modern times the ancient prophetic call to social justice.”
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