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The Jewish News of Northern California

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San Francisco Interfaith Council

Rita Semel
Posted inThe J. Interview

At 104, Rita Semel is proud of a life spent ‘making the world a better place’

Jew,  Jewish,  J. The Jewish News of Northern California
Emma Goss.(Photo/Aaron Levy-Wolins) by Emma Goss November 26, 2025November 26, 2025

When I arrived at Rita Semel’s apartment on the evening of her 104th birthday, bouquets of flowers and birthday cards adorned the room. A potted white orchid was placed on […]

Michael Pappas, executive director of the San Francisco Interfaith Council, addresses the Colleyville hostage crisis in a speech delivered from the bimah at Congregation Emanu-El on Jan. 21, 2022. (Screenshot)
Posted inUncategorized

Interfaith leader: Why I stand with Colleyville’s Jews

by Michael Pappas February 3, 2022February 4, 2022
Rita Semel speaking at her 100th birthday celebration at San Francisco's Congregation Emanu-El, Nov. 23, 2021. (Photo/Dan Pine)
Posted inNews

S.F. faith and political leaders honor Rita Semel, centenarian ‘still leading by example,’ at interfaith Thanksgiving service

by Dan Pine November 24, 2021November 24, 2021
Rabbi Malcolm Sparer died April 1 at the age of 93.
Posted inObituaries

Rabbi Malcolm Sparer, Board of Rabbis president, interfaith pioneer, dies at 93

by Dan Pine April 7, 2020April 13, 2020
Rita Semel at home in San Francisco, where she has devoted herself to public service for decades. (Photo/Norm Levin)
Posted inTrailblazers

Rita Semel, 98, is a tireless leader and ‘interfaith bridge’

by Liz Harris April 2, 2020May 21, 2026
Posted inBay Area

Rita Semel: At 90, a tireless advocate for interfaith understanding

by Dan Pine November 18, 2011May 14, 2026

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