Chanukah 2022
Festivals of Lights: Bringing joy into the winter holidays in your interfaith family
December 4th, 4:30 pm on Zoom
This is the time of year when many think about the holidays we grew up with and what we want to carry on in our families. Whether you are bringing two religious or cultural backgrounds into one home or simply looking to deepen your spiritual experience of the December holidays, come together with others to hear stories and learn tips for avoiding trouble spots and clarifying expectations. From decorating to theology, in-laws to gift giving, we will share family traditions that make the most of this shared, sacred holiday season in a supportive, non-judgmental conversation. Led by Rabbi Copeland and Miriam Menzel.
Klezmer Shabbat!
Friday, December 16th, 7:30 pm in person
It is a night of eating, davening, singing and dancing! Come early at 7 pm for the food and music. Services will start at 7:30 pm. Cantor Bernstein (with voice and piano), Josh Horowitz (on accordion), Cookie Segelstein (on violin) and Frank London (trumpet) will provide the expressive melodies and joyful rhythms. Bruce Bierman will lead us in dance.
Stay after services for more eating, dancing and schmoozing.
Just be sure to register here
After Shabbat Social for Kaf Lameds
Friday, December 16th, 9:30 pm
Join Sha’ar Zahav’s young adult group, The Kaf Lameds, for drinks and community after Klezmer Shabbat, at The Evil Eye (2937 Mission Street) in the Mission District. Please contact Emily Ornelas-Dorian
Sha’ar Zahav Community Chanukah Workshop
Saturday, December 17th, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
It’s a holiday adventure for people of all ages! We’ll begin with a quick Festive Chanukah Shabbat morning service including Chanukah singing and stories. Then…choose your own adventure:
- Latke making
- Candle making
- Dreidel Design Challenge
- Text Study with Rabbi Copeland (for ages 12+)
We’ll close with Latke eating and dreidel playing. Let’s get ready for Chanukah!
First Night of Chanukah: Celebrating the Light and the Darkness
December 18th, 5:00 – 5:40 pm, On Zoom
Join us for a celebration of the first night of Chanukah, which begins a few days before the shortest day and longest night of the year.
We’ll be lighting candles following two different traditions, singing, learning about the history of this holiday, and exploring ways that we can observe Chanukah in an eco-friendly way. Support our local Judaica stores by buying or ordering Chanukah goodies and environmentally safe candles at Dayenu in San Francisco and Afikomen in Berkeley. More eco-resources here for an eco-friendly Chanukah. Try eco-friendlier lighting with non-paraffin/non-petroleum candles like oil, beeswax, or plant-based materials. The brand Ner Mitzvah has pre-filled oil glasses (called Ohr Light), and all of their Shabbat candles are paraffin-free.
Castro Menorah Lighting
Monday, December 19, 6:00 p.m., Jane Warner Plaza at Castro, Market and 17th Street
The Castro Menorah lighting is a fun family event complete with music, singing, dancing, and jelly donuts! Spin a giant dreidel and light your own chanukiah along with our jumbo menorah! Hosted by Congregation Sha’ar Zahav and Castro Merchants Association and the Castro Community Benefit District. No registration required, come and enjoy.
Chanukah Shabbat Hybrid (In-Person and on Zoom)
December 23rd, 7:30 pm
Join in Shabbat services either in-person or on Zoom. Led by Cantor Bernstein and Ariel Spagnolo. Click here to join these services from Zoom.
