Welcome
Congregation Shomrei Torah is the home of progressive Reform Judaism in Sonoma County. Blending the traditional with the innovative, we are a diverse, inclusive and socially conscious community that provides a doorway to Jewish life through worship, study, social action, fellowship, and play.
Our congregation is a welcoming community for households of every variety. Our clergy are available to marry interfaith and same-sex couples, and our facilities are available to host weddings and other life-cycle celebrations. Click HERE to read about interfaith families at Shomrei Torah.
- Torah Study: Saturdays at 8:45 AM, Click HERE to read this week’s Torah portion
- Shabbat Services: Fridays at 6:15 PM, Saturdays at 10:30 AM
- Rabbi’s Tisch: Second Friday of each month
All Friday evening Shabbat services begin at 6:15 PM in the Sanctuary. Saturday morning services begin at 10:30 AM. The second Friday of every month is a Rabbi’s Tisch, an alternative Shabbat experience consisting of a catered dinner followed by a lively discussion led by our clergy and guest speakers.
- Read our monthly newsletter: The VOICE
- Read our annual guide to programs, holidays and events: The VIEW
- Read the WINTER 2018-2019 VIEW, a guide to programs and events.
January 4, 2019
Rabbi George’s Sermon “The Seventy Names of the Divine”.
Click HERE to watch.
January 9, 2019
Companionship or Death
As we approach Tu B’shvat, I am reminded of the story of Honi Hamagil, Honi the Circle-Maker and the carob tree. Honi lived in Israel around the year 100 BCE. He was a shaman and a miracle-worker. He’s called “the Circle-Maker” because in times of drought he would draw a circle, stand in it and…. READ MORE.
JEWISH LITERARY CIRCLE
The Magic of the Ordinary by Gershon Winkler
Thursday, January 17, 6:15pm
The Jewish Literary Circle, one of the Life Long Learning programs, meets monthly, to read Jewish literature and other published material in an atmosphere of stimulating discussion.
The readings for our next meeting on February 21 is The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish.
FREE, all are welcome. For more information, please contact the office.
Upcoming dates: Mar. 21, Apr. 18, May 16, Jun 20
SHABBAT SERVICE COMMEMORATING MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
Friday, January 18, 6:15pm
LGBTQ Potluck Following Shabbat Services
RABBI STEPHANIE KRAMER TO SPEAK AT 2019 WOMEN’S MARCH SANTA ROSA
Saturday, January 19, 10:00 AM
Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa
Click HERE for more info.
Meet the Social Action Committee and other members of CST in front of 3rd Street Cinema (620 3rd. Street) at 10 AM, look for the CST banner, we will walk over together.
The 2019 Women’s March Santa Rosa will rally and march in support of women’s rights, human rights for all, equality for LGBTQi+, freedom of religion & press, education, gun control, the environment, science, democracy and civil rights. While we have seen success in the 2018 mid-terms, Women’s March Santa Rosa continues in 2019 as our civil and reproductive rights are continually being threatened and we stand united with all those who fight for equality, justice and freedom for all.
The 2019 Women’s March Santa Rosa is free to all including non-profit community groups wishing to table at the event. Diverse and inclusive in nature – this event is meant to be an opportunity for all to come together, connect, be inspired and explore meaningful ways to take action.
JOIN RABBI STEPHANIE AT THE MOVIES
Monday, January 21, 5 PM
Summerfield Cinemas (MAP)
Buy tickets HERE.
“On the Basis of Sex”. The film tells an inspiring and spirited true story that follows young lawyer Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she teams with her husband Marty to bring a groundbreaking case before the Supreme Court and overturn a century of gender discrimination.
Shabbat Shaboogie!
REJOICE! A NIGHT OF JEWISH SONG AND CELEBRATION WITH NAVA TEHILA
Saturday, January 26, 8:00 PM, Concert preceded by a community reception at 7pm.Glaser Center, 547 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa
$15-$25, Purchase tickets HERE.
We have made it through a hard year in Sonoma County. Now come and rejoice in music and community. Jerusalem-based Nava Tehila is one of the world’s most innovative musical prayer communities. Rooted in Middle Eastern, Hasidic, Israeli, and other musical traditions, Nava Tehila pours forth a celebratory, meditative, and joyful experience, designed to make the spirit soar. (Check out some of their music here or at http://www.navatehila.org,)
Sponsoring organizations:Congregation Shomrei Torah, Jewish Concierge of Sonoma County, Congregation Ner Shalom, Congregation Beth Ami, B’nai Israel Jewish Center, Congregation Shir Shalom, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family & Children’s Services, and Wilderness Torah.
For more information contact Carol Appel, 415-847-2992, [email protected].
STaRS L’DOR V’DOR PROGRAM
Sunday, January 27, 9:00 AM
FREE, please RSVP to [email protected].
Please join us for a L’Dor V’Dor (Generation to Generation) program during Religious School! We learn a lot from our parents and our teachers, and we know that YOU have a lot to teach us too! We want to connect with all generations at Shomrei Torah.
Mark your calendar for this special day of breakfast, learning and fun for everyone!
INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM
Presented by the Jewish Community Center Sonoma County
Wednesdays, January 9 - April 17
7:00-8:30 PM (14 classes)
Location: Congregation Ner Shalom, 85 La Plaza, Cotati
Cost: $125. Scholarships are available.
Are you Jewish, Jew-ish, or Jew-Curious? Do you want more knowledge? What did your ancestry DNA tell you? This is an opportunity to meet and learn with Sonoma County’s 10 Rabbis with infinite points of view. This class is open to everyone regardless of previous knowledge or religious background. Just bring an open mind!
To register click HERE. For questions, please call the JCC at 707-528-4222 or Ellen Blustein at [email protected].
LGBTQ INCLUSION AND SUPPORT
Monday, January 28,
6:30pm - 8:30pm Free to attend | Dessert Served
Led by Rebecca Weiner, Representing Keshet
For all teens, parents & interested adults to gain a deeper understanding of the LGBTQI Community
This workshop will explore the LGBTQI identity and adolescent development. We will present common terminology and developmental milestones. We will learn about ways that we all can give support to our LGBTQI teens and become better allies. Through discussion and scenarios, we will have an experiential and thoughtful exploration of LGBTQI teen development. Bring a friend!
Upcoming Summits:
February 25 | Embracing Those with Chronic Illness or Disability; April 8 | Creating a Culture of Inclusion
New Member Shabbat
Friday, February 1, 6:15 PM 
Our clergy, staff and Board of Directors invite members who have joined the synagogue in the past year to attend the New Member Shabbat Service. We will officially welcome you to the CST community with a blessing on the bima and a special oneg. This is also a great time to meet new people and connect with your new community!
We will also be honoring our 4th and 5th Grade STaRS class, who will have a special part in this service.
Talmud Circle Part 2: Tractate Ta’anit - Acts of God: Responses to Natural Disasters
Sundays: February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2
3:00 PM–5:00 PM
Tuition: $75 - $125,
Register Here.
Rabbinic tales of drought, disaster and charismatic holy men illuminate critical questions about power, ethics and ecology in Jewish late antiquity. Through a reading of the Babylonian Talmud tractate Ta’anit (on fasts in response to drought), we will discuss how the Talmud challenges Deuteronomy’s claim that virtue can assure abundance and that misfortune is an unambiguous sign of divine rebuke. Many of these narratives blunt the moral condemnation inherent in disaster – and suggest that blessing often lies beneath the surface of apparent misfortune. This community learning program is a continuation from the Fall of 2018. New participants are welcome.
Mindfulness Meditation – Buddhist Practice, Jewish Wisdom - Rabbi George Gittleman
Wednesday, February 6, 7:00 PM
Sunday, February 17, 3:00 PM
Wednesday, March 6th, 7:00 PM
Sunday, March 17, 3:00 PM
FREE, please RSVP to the office.
Mindfulness Meditation is the practice of cultivating our attention on the present moment: body sensations, mood and the never ending stream of thought that flows through our minds. Through focused attention—meditation—we become more aware of what is true for us and the degree to which our thoughts, habits and life patterns serve our goals and higher aspirations.
Are we happy? Are we living the life we want to live? As we learn to see our truth more clearly a path opens to living a fuller, happier, healthier life. Jewish mindfulness adds the teachings of our tradition to complement and deepen the experience. This 4-session course will include teaching, meditation instruction and periods of silence. No previous experience is necessary.
February Rabbi’s Tisch with Rabbi Geoffrey Dennis
“Mystical Parables: Kabbalistic Storytelling in the Book Brilliance”
Friday, February 8, 6:15 PM
$18 suggested donation for the catered dinner, please RSVP to the office.
What can princesses, palaces, and gardens teach us about God? Sefer ha-Bahir, the Book of Brilliance, is the earliest known work of classic Kabbalah. It’s also a treasury of esoteric parables designed to captivate and educate the reader in divine mysteries.
Geoffrey Dennis is currently rabbi of Congregation Kol Ami in Flower Mound, TX. an adjunct faculty in the Jewish and Israel Studies Program at the University of North Texas since 1999, where he teaches Bible, Rabbinic Literature, and Kabbalah.
A writer and researcher, he has published numerous articles, essays, and encyclopedia entries. He is the author of two books, The Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic, and Mysticism, now in its second edition, and Sefer Ha-Bahir: The Book of Brilliance. He is also an engaging public speaker. His university courses are consistently ranked among most popular in the JISP.
Shabbat Game Night
Friday, February 22, 6:15 PM
Following services, please join us for a burrito bar dinner.
Bring your own board games, cards and tile games to play!
Please RSVP to [email protected] so we know how much food to provide. The cost of this meal is $10 per family.
Jewish Baking with Ronnie Campagna: Rugelach
Sunday, February 24, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Free, attendance limited. RSVP to the office at [email protected]
The first rugelach class was so popular that we are doing it again! Rugelach, an addictive Jewish pastry, is easy to find in Jewish bakeries in New York, Los Angeles and all over Israel, but it’s almost impossible to buy in Sonoma County. In this first in a series of Jewish cooking and baking events, participants will learn about the history and varieties of rugelach while creating this sweet treat from start to finish (in two hours!!).
Memories of your mom’s light-as-a-feather matzoh balls? Wishing you could make delicious and beautiful challah? Babka? Hamantaschen? Passover desserts? Something else? Send an email to the temple office: [email protected].
Death: A Spiritual & Practical Exploration from a Jewish Perspective
Three Wednesdays: February 27, March 6, March 13
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Free, please RSVP to the office.
This 3 session class taught by Rabbi George & Rabbi Stephanie will explore from a Jewish perspective the main spiritual and practical issues that arise around death. No previous knowledge is necessary. You are welcome to sign up for the series or for whatever session(s) are of interest to you.
Session Topics:
- February 27: The End of Life - Preparation and Approaches Including the Question of Assisted Suicide
- March 6: The Jewish Way in Mourning - Jewish Practices and their Meaning
- March 13: Does the Soul Survive? Jewish Views of the Afterlife
Reserve Today for the Congregational Retreat!
April 26-28, 2019 | Point Bonita YMCA, Sausalito
Reserve your spot with a $100 deposit by contacting 707-578-5519 or [email protected].
Please join your congregational family for a community healing retreat. Activities and “chill-tivities” for every type of CST family, big or small, fun for all! Bring your spouse, your kids, your grandparents, or just bring yourself!
Enjoy the beautiful surroundings in the Marin Headlands, completely accessible, close to the beach and ocean air, a break from your allergies. Fun includes hiking, art, study, campfire, lighthouse tour, yoga, or sitting with your book surrounded by nature
Price includes the whole weekend – boarding, meals, and activities!
- Adults 18+: $200
- Kids 4-17: $125
- Kids 0-3: FREE
- Family cap of $500. Scholarships available upon request. Final payment due by March 15.
PASSOVER AT SHOMREI TORAH
It’s not too early, sign up today!
Saturday, April 20, 6:15 PM
Passover at Shomrei Torah is more than the retelling of the ancient story of the Exodus; it honors our ongoing struggle for freedom, justice and equality. There is a place at the table waiting for you.
Our annual Seder on the second night of Passover welcomes both members and non-members.
Seating in the sanctuary is limited; please reserve your seat early to ensure your place at our Seder table.
The cost is as follows:
$36.00 member adult (13 and up)
$46.00 non-member adult (13 and up)
$18.00 member child (ages 5-12)
$23.00 non-member child (ages 5-12)
Free for children under age 5.
Reservations are required as well as meal preference of chicken or vegetarian. Contact the temple off at (707)578-5519 or CLICK HERE to reserve online.
If you are interested in volunteering to help with Passover, please CLICK HERE to sign up!
Watch Services Online
Congregation Shomrei Torah now streams all of our services! Click here to see a past service or event.
Click the PLAY button on the screen below to view a current event or to see an video archive of our previous events..
Activities and Events at Shomrei Torah
Click HERE to read The VIEW: A Guide to Programs, Holidays & Special Events
- KIDdish
- STaRS Religious School
- B’nei Mitzvah Program
- Teens and College Students
- Young Adults
- Social Action and Environmental Action
- LifeLong Learning Classes
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