Question 1

What are B’Bayit Groups?

Accepted Answer

Emanu-El B’Bayit groups are a new way for you to find your people at Emanu-El, get to know a small group of fellow congregants well, and help make our large congregation feel small.  One of Emanu-El’s strengths is the breadth and scope of our large congregation, and Emanu-El B’Bayit groups are an opportunity to help you find a sense of home and belonging within our community.

Question 2

What does B'Bayit mean?

Accepted Answer

B’Bayit is Hebrew for “at home” and Emanu-El B’Bayit is our way of bringing our congregation direct to you.  B’Bayit groups will meet in homes, parks, at synagogue… anywhere they choose!

Question 3

What am I signing up for when I join a group?

Accepted Answer

You are signing up to meet ~8-10 times with the same group of congregants, about once a month from fall to spring.  At the end of this spring each group will have the opportunity to decide if they want to continue meeting moving forward.
Throughout the year we hope to have gatherings where all B’Bayit group members can celebrate Shabbat together at Emanu-El!

Question 4

How are B’Bayit groups organized?  How many people will be in each group?

Accepted Answer

Formed by interests, geography, needs, or demographics, each group will consist of up to 20 individuals or 10 families, who join together regularly to celebrate, play, pray, and/or learn with each other.  Each B’Bayit group is led by a fellow member of Emanu-El.

Question 5

Will my group meet in person or virtually?

Accepted Answer

Some B’Bayit groups will be meeting virtually, some in person, and some a combination of both.  Each group’s profile in the B’Bayit Marketplace (https://airtable.com/shrGpFzD6ogVn7fuh/tblNP5AoJPpyxlw55?backgroundColor=purple&viewControls=on)includes how the group will meet.

Question 6

When do B'Bayit groups meet?

Accepted Answer

Each group leader has identified a monthly day & time for their group to gather - you can find each group’s meeting schedule by looking at the groups’ profile in the B’Bayit Marketplace.(https://airtable.com/shrGpFzD6ogVn7fuh/tblNP5AoJPpyxlw55?backgroundColor=purple&viewControls=on) Most meetings will be about 1-2 hours, depending on how much time your group wants to spend together.

Question 7

Do I need to renew my membership before joining a B'Bayit group?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  B’Bayit groups are a benefit of Emanu-El membership.  If you would like to join a group make sure to renew your membership today: https://www.emanuelsf.org/about-us/membership(https://www.emanuelsf.org/about-us/membership)

Question 8

What if I don’t see a group that interests me?

Accepted Answer

Get in touch with Rabbi Sarah Joselow Parris (sparris@emanuelsf.org) and we will guide you on the process of designing your own new B’Bayit group.

“When two people relate to each other, authentically and humanly, God is in the electricity that surges between them.”

Martin Buber

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