Elul Offerings
Prepare for the Days of Awe with the Emanu-El community.
Welcome Back Tot Shabbat
Friday, September 5
5:00 - 6:30 pm
Emanu-El Rooftop
Tot Shabbat will take place on our brand-new rooftop, which features a vibrant new play area and gathering space for all ages. It's a joyful spot to celebrate, connect, and enjoy the view. Led by Rabbi Sarah Joselow Parris with Cantor Arik Luck.
Shabbat Em-Anu
Shabbat ‘With Us’
Saturday Morning Service
Saturday, September 6
10:00 - 11:30 am
Martin Meyer Sanctuary
This special Shabbat morning service will feature heartfelt participation from members of our congregation alongside our clergy. Community members will help lead prayers, chant Torah, and share brief teachings, bringing added depth, warmth, and connection to our shared Shabbat experience.
Everyone is warmly encouraged to take part or simply come to rejoice in the spirit of Shabbat. A festive kiddush lunch will follow the service.
Grand Reopening Shabbat Celebration
Friday, September 12
4:00 pm - Festive Reception
6:00 - 7:30 pm - Service
Main Sanctuary & Throughout Our Renovated Building
Join us for a historic celebration as we reopen our doors and mark a new beginning for Congregation Emanu-El.
Starting at 4:00 pm, all congregants are invited to a special reception where you can enjoy delicious bites and appetizers, live music, explore newly renovated gathering spaces, and reconnect with friends and the community.
From 6:00 to 7:30 pm, we'll share in an unforgettable Shabbat service led by our clergy team and featuring several guest speakers, as well as a special rededication blessing of our community's spiritual home, celebrating 100 years of Jewish life at 2 Lake Street.
Selichot
Saturday, September 13
9:30 - 11:00 pm
Main Sanctuary
Selichot marks the first major step in shifting our mindset toward the High Holy Days. Tradition teaches us that midnight through dawn is the time when God's mercy is most accessible, which is why Selichot is customarily observed late in the evening.
As we approach this sacred season, we invite you to a unique and intimate late-night Selichot service—returning for its second year by popular demand. Held in the stillness of the night, this powerful gathering offers a space for deep reflection and repentance.
Join us for a candlelit, acoustic, and unplugged service, enhanced by Moroccan tea and pastries served beforehand in the foyer. Come open your heart and soul as we prepare for the Days of Awe in a serene and meaningful atmosphere. Led by Rabbis Ryan Bauer and Noah Westreich with Cantor Marsha Attie. Pastries and tea start at 9:30 pm.
Learn About the Tzedek Collective:
A Pizza & Care Kit Packing Party
Sunday, September 14
12:00 - 1:30 pm
Ulam & the Courtyard
Calling anybody who wants to volunteer, make a difference, and meeting new Jewish friends through the Tzedek collective! Let’s kick off the year with good deeds, good food, and great company.
We’ll start by packing care kits for those in our city who would use extra support. We will then enjoy pizza and salad while connecting with one another and hearing about the Tzedek Collective’s plans for the year ahead.
Rooted in the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world), the Tzedek Collective gathers our community to serve, learn, and act for justice— together. Whether you’ve joined us before or are curious to get involved, this is the perfect time to jump in.
Shofar Masterclass
Sunday, September 14
12:30 - 1:30 pm
Martin Meyer Sanctuary
Calling all shofar blowers and those who are shofar curious! If you play any kind of horn or wind instrument (or have just always thought you would be good at shofar), we want you! Join Rabbi Sydney Mintz for our shofar blowing workshop and learn about the spiritual meaning of the shofar, the different calls, and practice getting a big sound out of that ram’s horn. BYOS—bring your own shofar if you have one! Let us know if you don’t—we’ll have a few extra on hand!
Please be in touch with Rabbi Rena Singer at rsinger@emanuelsf.org with any related questions.
Where Do We Belong?
Rethinking Homeland, Home, and the Jewish Future
with Dr. Yehuda Kutzer
Wednesday, September 17
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Martin Meyer Sanctuary
October 7th shook the foundations of how many Jews relate to both Israel and the Diaspora. This conversation explores what it means to live with layered commitments—to America, to Israel, to the Jewish people. How do we hold complex loyalties without being torn apart by them?
Yehuda Kurtzer will be in conversation with Senior Rabbi Ryan Bauer.
Organ Meditation
Friday, September 19
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Main Sanctuary
Let the rich, contemplative tones of our historic organ guide you into stillness and reflection. Featuring traditional melodies of the High Holy Days, this meditative concert offers a peaceful space to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect to the spiritual essence of the season. Led by Cantors Marsha Attie and Arik Luck. No registration required.
September Marin Shabbat
Friday, September 19
5:15 - 7:00 pm
Tam Junction PizzaHacker
Join us across the Golden Gate for a joyful evening of Marin Shabbat at PizzaHacker!
Led by Rabbi Ryan Bauer and Cantor Marsha Attie, we’ll welcome Shabbat with music, blessings, and the special spirit of togetherness that defines our community.
Come early to grab a drink on us, connect with friends old and new, and settle in for a short, family-friendly service. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a round of delicious pizza (our treat!) and ease into the sweetness of Shabbat.
As the sun sets, we’ll pause to sing, reflect, and embrace the sacred rhythm of Shabbat—a time to slow down, connect, and celebrate in community.
We can’t wait to see you there!
High Holy Days Mikvot
Meditate, chant, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking Pacific Ocean at this year’s mikvot. Bring warm clothes, a towel, and an open heart.
Women’s Lounge Mikvah and Bagel Brunch with Rabbis Sydney Mintz and Rena Singer
Sunday, September 21
8:30 - 9:30 am - Mikvah
9:45 - 11:15 am - Brunch
China Beach
Rosh HaShanah is a time of reflection, return and new beginnings. Please join Rabbis Sydney Mintz and Rena Singer for our annual ritual of mikvah including meditation, chanting, and immersion in the incredible Pacific Ocean. Plus, we'll enjoy a lovely bagel brunch after!
Men's Mikvah with Rabbi Ryan Bauer
Wednesday, September 24
6:30 - 7:30 am
Baker Beach
This mikvah is for male-identifying community members and ends in time for participants to attend our 2nd Day Rosh HaShanah morning service.
Rosh HaShanah Dessert Picnic Potluck
Between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, don’t miss our Sweet Celebration for SF Good Neighbor Week!
Sunday, September 28
2:00 - 4:30 pm
Emanu-El
As part of the First Annual San Francisco Good Neighbor Week, a celebration of community and kindness, Congregation Emanu-El is hosting a special Rosh HaShanah Dessert Picnic—and we need you to make it truly sweet! We are inviting our members to bring their cherished Rosh HaShanah desserts to share with our neighbors in 94118 and from our community. Whether it’s a family recipe passed down through generations or a new creation inspired by the season, your dessert will help us welcome the new year with warmth and joy.
