Congreagation Sherith Israel is another congregation we had the pleasure of visiting the last time we were in San Francisco. Rabbi Jessica is a awesome and nice woman. We had the pleasure of introducing ourselves and talking about good things of our congregation back home. Lots of up and down stairs here inside the building. Parking structure is not bad either. Congregation Sherith Israel is a wonderful place, and beautiful place. People here are friendly and welcoming to all. read more

I've been a member of Sherith Israel for over twenty years and watched it go through lots of ups and downs. It's been around since 1850, but it's anything but ancient. They like me to describe themselves as 'a 170 year old startup', which is spot on. They're opening a preschool in Fall, 2023; have an active teens program, which recently traveled to Washington, DC to engage with elected officials and interact with other Jewish kids from across the country. So many other programs, including a vibrant volunteer membership network that cooks and delivers meals for battered women and children; a dynamic Climate Action Team; single's program; and on and on and on. A lot of reviewers focus on the (admittedly amazing) historical building, but to me the most compelling thing about this congregation to me are the warm, welcoming individuals of all ages and backgrounds who call this community their home! Check out Friday night services at 6pm or take a walk through its rich history every Wednesday afternoon at 2pm. You'll be glad you did. read more

Congregation Sherith Israel - One of 30+ stained glass windows - Synagogues Near Me - San Francisco, California

A couple of the congregants were super friendly and introduced me to several others at the Friday evening Shabbat Service. This is a unique Synagogue with a diverse group of Jews. This Synagogue has a spot for all types. If you don't fit in at other Synagogues you might find yourself at home at this one. read more

Members since 2004. We were immediately made to feel welcome on our first visit. Our kids attended religious school from K thru 12 and still keep in touch with their teachers. Beautiful building. Welcoming and inclusive congregation. Lots of fun and interesting programming with something for everyone. Happy to be part of this community. read more

Beyond gorgeous. Wonderful welcoming space that even hosts occasional events outside of the Jewish community.

Gorgeous temple right in the middle of Pacific Heights. I came here for Yom Kippur service and it was beautiful. It only lasted about two hours (the late service) with a great Rabbi and Cantor. The sermon was even....GOOD (and most are very, very B-O-R-I-N-G...)! The architecture is gorgeous with opalescent stained glass windows and a large dome that's got to be at least 150 feet high. The temple apparently has been around since the early 1900s and even survived the 1906 quake. Everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming...They let students in for free if you have your student ID. read more

Congregation Sherith Israel - Synagogues Near Me - San Francisco, California

Any temple unto god is amazing! I'm not Jewish, however I'm STONGLY opposed to all this Jewish Hatred!!! It makes me sick!!!!!!!!! What in the world is going on??????? I'm sickoned!!!! I know that's not a word. But what's happening in the world today. I'm sickened. I would love to say I love this man! Sal Spector he was I think what you call The Cantor. In Beverly Hills synagogue! I doubt he's still alive. But he was truly a blessing to me!!!!!! If you need someone to watch the Temple at night. I'm a night owl. And would never let someone do damage!. At least. I pray to god I won't miss any hatred!!!!!!! read more

amazing temple. the pipe organ is amazing.just restored. the services are great. no one is left out in the place.all are welcome. feel the spirt.be one with hashem.great people.i dont know why there isnt a thousand people at the congregation. the building its self is worth the visit. gorgeous. stained glass .wow. marble. the services are always joyous. i recommend a visit on friday night.6pm sharp. read more

It's a shame, really. I really WANTED to love this synagogue. After all, I was a member here for 3 years. When I first joined, I had high hopes: I wanted to join the choir, but it turned out that the cantor at the time was a diva and unfriendly, making the choir an unappealing thing to join. And I had hoped for some young adult programming. Alas, there is none here. And when I attempted to start some, I was met with a brick wall of unhelpfulness. I wanted the rabbi to bless my new home and help me put up the mezzuzah. When I asked him, he told me he was going on vacation and blew me off. It was embarrassing, humiliating, and to this day, my home remains unblessed. I wanted to join a committee in order to help contribute more to the synagogue as an active member. My attempts to join were blocked at every juncture. All sorts of weird, vague excuses as to *why* I was being blocked were offered, but none really made any sense or rang true. When one of the coordinators was looking for volunteers to lead tours of the building, I volunteered. And never heard back. When I checked in, I was told they were still trying to organize things. Hmm. Okay? So I stopped paying my dues. And it took almost a year for anyone to notice. And only then did anyone want to know whether or not I was happy as a member, ie, when the money stopped coming. But honestly? I think it's probably too late for me. I feel like I wasted 3 years trying to become part of a community that really didn't want to have "my kind" there. I realized I felt like I wasn't welcomed into the Sherith Israel community, and honestly feel a little bitter about that. This shul is great if you are very hetero-normative, very normal, and have young kids. Then you'll probably get a lot out of your experience at this synagogue. And if you are older, wealthier, whiter, and donate a lot of money to Sherith Israel, you will be treated very well. They'll probably even try to put you on the board, or at least one of the committees. But if you're young, don't have kids, pay your dues but can't afford a lot, you probably will be mostly ignored here. Some of us who fell into this demographic connected with each other, and remain friends. So that's nice. At least I got that out of my experience with Sherith Israel. But most of us didn't feel so welcomed here, and most have found other synagogues where they feel more included. I'm still dangling out there, between shuls. This makes me sad, because I really DO miss attending Friday night services regularly. I really wanted a Jewish community around me. I really did want to contribute something more than money to Sherith Israel. But apparently that wasn't meant to be. Oh, well. read more

I've been a member here since I believe the day I was born and Sherith Israel is a second home to me. While the walls are now brown, they will always look pink in my eyes, as they used to be painted before the seismic retrofit. The building has been here since before the 1906 earthquake and was the largest surviving building after the quake. It went on to house all the city's most important documents, as it survived where City Hall had failed. The main chapel is a beautiful, cavernous room with handmade stained glass windows, a hand painted ceiling, and more lightbulbs than you can count during a Rosh Hashanah silent prayer. Religious beliefs aside, a visit is worthwhile just to see this gem of San Francisco architecture. Fun fact: The stained glass window of Moses holding the tablets in front of Mt. Sinai. Well, the mountain in the back is actually an image of Yosemite's Half Dome!! California history lives here! The services are Reformed and focus on a San Francisco brand of Judaism. The kind where you put an orange on the seder plate as a protest to that one time someone said "A woman belongs on the bimah as much as an orange belongs on the seder plate!" Yes, we doth protest. Speaking of women on the bimah: Sherith Israel is a fan, with two awesome lady rabbis who manage to appeal to both SF-bred toddlers (read: discerning and precocious, but still children) and conservative 80 year olds who miss the traditions of their homelands. Come for the Jewish guilt, stay for the community. And, perhaps, the possibility to give your kids their first crush in religious school. It's a Jewish right. read more

Howwww did I not make it here before? My search for rainy-day fun often brought me to the Daly City Party Playhouse, where I'd drop $12 for 2 hours of limited fun for my 16 month old. This playgroup is comparable in price and is MUCH more geared to the younger set, with several different play-slides, houses, rocking horses, and those puffy structures made out of gym-mat materials. The little song-story happens about halfway through (the playgroup goes from 10:30-noon), and is also great -- Jenny is there on Mondays and Wednesdays and does the parachute thing, which throws my daughter into paroxysms of joy. Meredith does Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and she's enthusiastic and fun. It's a huge relief to let her climb to her heart's content without worrying she'll crack her head on my kitchen floor. My favorite part is the little couches across one wall. She just sits on them like she's waiting for Oprah to come out and interview her about her new book. read more

Have been a member for nearly 4 years and we're still very happy with Sherith Israel. Started attending to enjoy the gorgeous architecture and music, but it was Rabbi Raphael's thoughtful sermons and attention to his congregants that kept us coming back. I ended up converting here, working closely with congregational volunteers and clergy, and am always touched by how welcoming everyone continues to be. We love the community, we love the educational programming, and we love attending services. Nothing better than the sun setting behind the Half Dome stained glass on a Friday night :) read more

I too was raised Jewish by heritage but was unaffiliated (never member of a congregation). Once I became a parent and wanted to provide Jewish education and religious instruction earlier in my son's life than I had received in my own life I quickly found that CSI was the place (FWIW I started going to Hillel at 9 which was too late for me to feel invested enough to want to study for my Bar Mitzvah so I never had a ceremony though I did attend HIgh Holy Day services most years through college). I soon realized I myself also wanted to be part of the community, beyond bringing my son to Sunday school. Also, my oldest family friends had been CSI members when they lived in SF and that really meant a lot. I wanted a congregation that helped us connect to Jewish traditions and learning while at the same time not coming across as doctrinaire or old-fashioned. Like those ads say, if you are looking for the intersection of authentic and contemporary for Jewish life and community, look no further. Contact CSI and talk to Amy or Rabbi Larry or Rabbi Julie or Carrie or Nancy to learn more about us. PS I don't know that I would ever rate my temple -- any temple -- 5 stars. For me 5 stars is off the charts exceptional. read more

I took my nine month old son to a playgroup at Sherith Isreal for the first time yesterdayand it was truley a great experience! He loved it and the staff was awesome. They are organized and sincerley great with kids. Meredith the woman who was overseeing the group has a special "circle time" of songs that really teach and interest the babies. I would recommend this place to any mother any day. read more

This is my home away from home! Sherith is a loving and welcoming community that holds some of my closest friends. According to my parents, I loved it from the minute we joined when I was 3. The youth group is like a family for me and even though I now live 45 minutes away from temple, it is always worth the drive to be there. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a temple. -Nora H.L. (I'm 14 and in the youth group!) read more

My family loves Sherith Israel! It is a warm and inviting congregation, with lots of social action opportunities. It's the perfect size: big enough to have lots of great programming and plenty of people to get to know; and small enough that you can really feel like part of the community in a very short time. And very welcoming of families with young children! read more

My wife and I visited Sherith Israel yesterday for their Wed. 2pm tour. Alan was our guide to this beautiful and historic temple and he did a great job explaining everything (we're not Jewish btw) and we came away with a better understanding of Judaism and the Jewish community's history in San Francisco. The rest of the staff there was also very welcoming! Sherith Israel is very well worth seeing! read more

I attended this temple as a child and am grateful for the caring I received there. The education was memorable and the Sunday School teachers had great joy in teaching Judaism. We always had fun projects and I will always treasure the family memories and Sabbath and holiday services. read more

I've been a member for 20 years and love the congregation. The synagogue has put a number of tumultuous years WAY behind. Membership is growing, the budget has been balanced for years, and the seismic retrofit is underway! Also, there's a great range of programming, including a great ongoing social action initiatives. read more

What a shame, my Israeli boy friend and I moved to SF and decided to go to check this synagogue sense is so close to our home, Saturday morning , surprised the security up front put many negative comments why we couldn't go inside cuz they were having services, we both are Jewish and he didn't want us to go in , after been extremely shocked we i persiste to see the temple inside and suddenly a very rude lady came to us on a very negative way screening to another guy that works there for allowing us in! I was in shocked ! I never seeing anything like this in my life , we were both completely not believing on what was going on , all we want was check the temple and perhaps make friends , and instead we were very bad treated , rudeness with no measurement, thanks on the way out the other guy let us go check the temple upstairs... but it was like he was doing something ilegal and us too , and it's Shabbat !! Weird! I never seeing anything like this , I am a member of another synagogues in the past where everyone is extremely nice to others included strangers that are coming unexpected ! We for sure are not going back and let's search for another synagogue ,what a shame cuz this one is one block way from out house ! read more

What can I say! The entire group over at CSI is so welcoming, warm, friendly and real. From the first day I walked through the door they welcomed me and my family with open arms and have been wonderful. This is a temple you want to go to! Friday night services are great and they have tons of wonderful family friendly events too like Tot Shabbat, etc. read more

I've been taking my 23 month old to the playgroup at Sherith Israel since he was about a year old. It's a huge space with lots of different types of toys. Plenty of space to just run and jump. There's always other kids there but never too many so it's nice to be able to just sit and relax while the kids have fun. The woman who does circle time is genuinely enthusiastic about it and it's one of the few places my shy son will participate in it. An added bonus is the snacks for the kids and tea for the adults. It's also very affordable compared to other playgroups. They're open M, T, Th and Fridays 10:30am-12pm. read more

This space rocks! I have been going to Sherith Israel playgroup with both my children for over four years. It is great for all ages from little crawlers to active toddlers. It is one of the biggest play spaces in the city. It is bigger then a lot of outdoor parks so on rainy, cold, cloudy days this is a great place to chill while your kid runs crazy with all the great toys and play structures. The leader, Meredith, runs two short circle times in the 90 minute session. The kids love her and she is fabulous at interacting with them. Naps are necessary on these days since the kidz have a great workout! read more

I've been taking my 15 month old son here for a few months and we both LOVE it. Here's why he loves it: giant cars to ride around in, trains, toy cars, other things with wheels, big yoga balls, instruments, bubbles, cars to ride around on, books, music time, parachute play, cars, buses, blocks, dump trucks, choo choo trains, books, play kitchen, play house, slides, foam sculptures to climb, graham crackers, and did I mention lots of things with wheels? (He's obsessed.) Here's why mama loves it: it's a huge enclosed space, nice mix of people and ages, it's a refuge from the fog/rain/hot sun, other moms to talk to, a place to sit down and drink some coffee and watch your little one play safely, 2 short circle times for introducing babes to structure and group participation. This is just a great place for everyone. It's a workout for them b/c they can run and climb and play but it's NOT a workout for moms which is a nice break in the day. It's relaxing, has a good energy and a nice feel of community. All the moms chat with each other and help facilitate play and keep an eye on the kids. read more

I'm not religious by any means, but I came here for an intimate Andrew Bird concert last night. Sherith Israel, as a venue, is phenomenal. There is nothing bad that I could say about this place. The dome is magnificent, and there is a beautiful, large stained glass window on the side of the synagogue to let light in (presumably in the mornings). The lights, the painted ceiling... just beautiful. The seats are cushioned and spaced in a way that everyone can see the stage / front and center of the room. I don't think a lot of concerts are held here, but if Shertih Israel was somehow ever in need of fundz, holding small, intimate concerts here for mellow bands or artists would not be the worst idea... read more

This place is great! They have a really large room full of toys for the kids to play with, and they run two short circle times with songs/instruments/bubbles. Oh, and snacks too! My son really likes it here, and is able to tucker his little self out playing with the ride on toys, soft climbing equipment, slides, and play houses. They have really friendly staff, and provide a warm and friendly experience for the children and parents. read more

A beautiful synagogue, a wonderful clergy and staff, and a warm, welcoming congregation. From Friday night services and onegs to lively Torah study sessions, to fun classes (cooking, personal finance, etc), this is a wonderful place to experience Jewish community! read more

Play group at Sherith Israel is always clean and staffed with an enthusiastic instructor. In a huge room the kids run/crawl around, taking breaks for circle time. There's tons of toys and they are always wiped down. Play group doesn't happen on Wednesdays and its busier on rainy days. read more

My 18 month old son and I have gone to Tuesday's playgroup with Meredith twice in the last 2 weeks! It's an awesome space. Lots of fun things for toddlers to play with as well as several circle times with songs and instruments. My son leaves happy and tuckered and ready for his nap. Doesn't get better than that! read more

A very welcoming congregation. Defines the meaning of "fellowship". Al that I met were the embodiment of the best in "Reform" Judaism.

My wife has been bringing my sons since my older was 8months old. Its been a terrific experience... inclusive, safe, laid back and fun for our boys. If only everything was this easy and worthwhile. read more

We go there every week. Big and safe place for toddlers. Teacher is nice. My daughter loves there

I brought my 7mo old daughter here last week and we loved it! I am so surprised that it's not totally packed! Though that would be difficult since the playgroup area is so spacious, I still can't believe more parents aren't taking advantage of this gem! We are not Jewish, which didn't matter one bit. It's such a welcoming space, and the playgroup didn't contain any religious elements. Though the one on Friday does have a Shabbat celebration we'll check out one of these weeks because it sounds like something great to expose her to. There is so much for my little one to do. Lot's of soft-play equipment to climb on, toys to play with, and even little cars and trikes, once she's ready to roll around on her own. The playgroup alternates between free time and circle time. Circle time included singing, bubbles, and even a parachute! I'm so glad I found a place with all the wonderful elements of Gymboree (climbing, parachute, bubbles, singing), without the pressure to perform, or the rush of packing in everything in such a short time. (I know Gymboree is great for some folks, but we have a more relaxed attitude about our daughter's development, trusting that she will develop at her pace in her way without being told to climb or given exercises to "work her abdominal muscles".) There was also plenty of time to chat with the other parents while our little ones interacted. All in all, a great place to play and create community! read more

Seriously moms...this is the best, cleanest, biggest, most centrally located indoor playgroup in town. ALWAYS clean, plenty of room for my 2 year old boy to RUN..which is so important on rainy days especially....most importantly there is circle time where we sing and dance...I looooooooove this place... read more

Until I joined Congregation Sherith Israel earlier this year, I had never been a member of a synagogue. I had dabbled in synagogues for years, but no place ever felt like home, and I had lost faith that any synagogue would ever feel like home. Sherith Israel is a truly special place. My fiancee is a member of the tribe by association only, and I had never imagined that a synagogue would truly welcome him as much as it welcomed me. The rabbis and staff have made sure that we know unequivocally that we're welcome and cared for. When I walk into the synagogue, I feel like I've come home, and I never leave the synagogue feeling anything but grateful and blessed that I have found it. read more

I have attended playgroup at Sherith Israel twice now. It is great for my 2.5 year old because there are lots of toys in a huge room so she has plenty of room to run around and things to keep her entertained. It is also good for my 6 month old as we can do circle time together and there are age-appropriate toys for him, as well. It's a great place to bring the kids - especially when the weather is bad. read more

This is a great place! We've been going to this playgroup (sporadically)for about 10 months . My son is 3 years old and my daughter is 6 months old. My son loves the space and so do I - tons of indoor room to run, play, and let out energy especially on those cloudy/foggy/rainy days. The space is HUGE and very well kept. Toys are cleaned on a regular basis. Meredith oversees the group and does circle time twice during the 1 1/2 hour time slot. She is so sweet with the children and very personable with the mothers. She truly enjoys what she does and it shows. Now that I have two children, it's nice to know there's a safe, fun environment for my toddler, while I play with the infant. A great place and one you must try. And the prices are very reasonable for SF. read more

My family has been a member of CSI since the mid seventies. I've watched the Temple go through multiple ups and downs over the years. I am so excited to report that right now-there is tremendous new energy and excitement at the Synagogue. We have young, innovative, enthusiastic clergy. Rabbi Jessica Graff and Cantor David Frommer who, with their families, are energizing the Congregation, religious school and programs. The full service preschool, Marin Day Schools, offers both a Jewish and secular creative, developmentally appropriate program offering full and part time schedules. The Temple and MDS/BH preschool welcomes new families and would love to show you our congregation and preschool. Please call or come by and get to know us. read more

We recently joined Congregation Sherith Israel and although couldn't use the Temple's beautiful sanctuary (due to renovations), we had the pleasure and honor of having Rabbi Larry Raphael officiate our wedding. He did a fantastic job. He's a man of warmth, skill, intellect, and inclusion. Speaking of, every occasion we've had to attend a Sherith Israel event has been fantastic: intimate, friendly, illuminating, and inclusive. The Cantor, the Congregation, and the beautiful temple are very, very special. Highly recommended! read more

best community spirit in SF ... the senior Rabbi, Larry Rafael is the best in the business...come join us any Friday night for warm welcoming spiritual pursuit read more