Elul Offerings
Prepare for the Days of Awe with the Emanu-El community.
Rabbi's Tish
Shabbat Dinner and Learning With Senior Rabbi Ryan Bauer
Friday, August 21
7:30 - 9:00 pm
Emanu-El Chapel
“Tish” is the Yiddish word for “table,” and this gathering is all about coming together around the table for food, conversation, and learning. Join us on Friday, August 21 after Shabbat services for an intimate dinner and special pre-High Holy Days discussion led by Rabbi Ryan Bauer.
Space is limited, and registration costs $36.
Pipe Organ Meditation
In Spiritual Preparation for the High Holy Days
Friday, September 4
5:15 pm
Main Sanctuary
Let the rich, contemplative tones of our century-old pipe organ guide you into stillness and reflection. Featuring traditional melodies of the High Holy Days, this instrumental meditation offers a peaceful space to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect to the spiritual essence of the upcoming season. Led by Cantor Arik Luck with organist John Hirten.
Selichot
This Is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared
Elul Book Club With Rabbi Noah Westreich
Saturday, September 5
8:00 - 9:30 pm
Emanu-El Chapel
This Is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared is essential reading during the High Holy Days season. Rabbi Alan Lew's seasonal classic addresses the themes of teshuvah, mortality, and the slow inner work of preparing ourselves for the Days of Awe. In this intimate, discussion-based gathering, we'll explore it together, tracing its searching reflections on what it means to truly show up for the High Holy Days. The conversation will focus on the broad strokes, so come having read as much as you can; an open heart matters more than finishing every page. Held on Selichot, one week before Rosh HaShanah, this single session book club offers a warm and reflective space to turn toward the new year in good company.
Selichot Service
Saturday, September 5
10:00 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 our rabbis with Cantor Marsha Attie. Pastries and tea start at 9:30 pm.
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.
Men's Mikvah with Rabbi Ryan Bauer
Sunday, September 13
6:30 - 7:30 am
Baker Beach
This mikvah is for male-identifying community members and ends in time for participants to attend our morning service. With Rabbi Ryan Bauer.
Women's Lounge: Mikvah & Brunch
Sunday, September 13
8:30 - 8:40 am: Arrival
8:40 - 9:10 am: Mikvah
9:10 - 10:00 am: Brunch
China Beach
Rosh HaShanah is a time of reflection, return and new beginnings. Please join Rabbi Rena Singer and Cantor Marsha Attie 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!
