CONGREGATION SHA'AR ZAHAV

Congregation Sha’ar Zahav is not just a synagogue – it’s a community. Participating in the life of our congregation is the best way to become part of that community, help to build and strengthen it, and be nurtured and sustained by it. Whether you want to meet some great new people, have fun, achieve some spiritual fulfillment or make the world a better place (or all of the above), there are many ways to get involved. For more information about anything listed on this page, contact programming@shaarzahav.org unless otherwise noted.

Ritual Life

Observe Shabbat through prayer and song, join us for services and celebrations of all Jewish holidays, and mark significant lifecycle events. Click here for details about Ritual Life at CSZ.

Torah Study

One of the central parts of Jewish life is study, and nothing is more important or illuminating than communal reflection on Torah, our most sacred text. Torah study is held on Saturday mornings at 9 am.

Adult Education

Ongoing education is an essential part of Jewish life. We provide a range of educational opportunities for adults throughout the year. Click here for details about Adult Education at CSZ.

Child & Family Education

We have a comprehensive program of education and activities for children of all ages, and their families. Click here for details about Child & Family Education at CSZ.

Social Action

Congregation Sha’ar Zahav is committed to the principle of Tikkun Olam – repairing the world. The Social Action Committee engages and educates our community in current social issues, and we are proud to have forged a new partnership with the San Francisco Organizing Project. Click here for details about Social Action at CSZ.

Social and Cultural Programs

Where to begin?! We have programs galore at CSZ – something for everyone to participate in. And if there’s something we don’t have, you can step up and make it happen!  Past programs have included:

Movies, Music & Theater

• Screening and discussion of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America
• CSZ Nights at the Theater (NCTC and Best of Broadway)
• Music in the Mishkan – our own chamber music concert series
• A Concert with Peter and Bethany Yarrow – A Legacy of Commitment, Ideals, Hope & Dreams

Community and Interfaith Programs

• Yours Mine Ours: A Workshop for Dual Faith Couples
• Thanksgiving Interfaith Service - a service of thanks and blessing with our neighbors from other faith communities
• Community Memorial Service with the Bay Area Jewish Healing Center

LGBT Programs

• Pride Freedom Seder
• CSZ marches in the Pride Parade
• Commemoration of World AIDS Day
• Cruise the Castro Street Fair with CSZ!

Holiday Celebrations

• Simchat Torah Street Party Torah Bash
• Not Your Grandma’s Latkes! – A Chanukah Extravaganza
• Tu B’Shvat Nature Walk
• Purim Megillah Madness
• CSZ’s “Home Made” Pesach Seder
• Tikkun Leil Shavuot

Israel Programs

• Working for Social Change in Israel, with Anat Hoffman of the Israel Religious Action Center
• A Discussion with the Israeli Consul General
• Israeli Folk Dancing Classes
• Screening and discussion of Keep Not Silent - 2004 Israeli Academy Award winner for Best Documentary

Bikkur Cholim

Members provide practical assistance to other members in need, including transportation to medical appointments, home and hospital visits, and support during times of illness or mourning.

Affinity Groups

Members with shared interests often come together in formal committees or informal chavurot (affinity groups), to create a range of programs and activities for themselves and for the wider community. These groups come and go based on the changing needs, interests and demographics of our membership. We have had chavurot for young adults, singles, seniors, bisexuals and residents of the East Bay, to name a few. Some of the groups that exist today include:

• BOOK GROUP: Reads and discusses works of literature of interest to our community.
• ISRAEL COMMITTEE: Seeks to deepen our community's connection to the people, culture, history and land of Israel.
• WOMEN'S CHAVURAH: Plans social, spiritual, and educational programs and events for all people who identify as women.  For more information please visit our Yahoogroup.

Administrative Committees

CSZ’s strong tradition of lay leadership extends to every aspect of congregational life. Many of the business functions that are critical to our community are provided by members through administrative committees, including:

• BUILDING & GROUNDS COMMITTEE: Maintains CSZ's building and property and coordinates building modifications.
• DUES COMMITTEE: Develops dues policy and provides a confidential and respectful process for handling dues adjustment requests.
• FINANCE COMMITTEE: Assists the treasurer with financial planning.
• LIBRARY COMMITTEE: Maintains CSZ’s library and helps acquire new materials.
• NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE: Produces the Jewish Gaily Forward, CSZ’s now-bi-monthly newsletter.
• NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Assists the Va'ad by selecting a slate of congregants annually to be confirmed by the congregation for service on the Va'ad.
• PROGRAM COMMITTEE: Coordinates adult education, social activities, the celebration of major holidays and events, and other programs.
• PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE: Handles media relations, general publicity and advertising.
• VA'AD: The board of directors of the synagogue. The Va'ad consists of six officers (President, three Vice Presidents, Treasurer, Recorder) and nine at-large members. The Va'ad is responsible for the material and business life of the synagogue.
• WELCOMING COMMITTEE: Welcomes new and prospective members to CSZ and helps integrate them into the community.