This Week in Jewish SF

Trivia and free dinner midweek, an Outside Lands pre-party, and three very different Friday nights.

The film festival wrapped, Tu B'Av came and went, and August settles in. Wednesday brings free trivia with dinner and drinks, Thursday it's Adam Swig getting the city festival ready at The Chapel, and Friday you've got a real choice: Song of Songs on Potrero Hill, arak and zemirot in the Richmond, or funky house at a wine bar on Polk. Pick your table.

Candle lighting: Friday, August 7 at 7:53 PM
Havdalah: Saturday, August 8 at 8:53 PM
Parashat: Re'eh

A relaxed, welcoming weekly Torah class covering the week's parashah. Whether you're a regular or it's your first time, everyone is welcome.

🕗 8:00 PM
📍 Anshey Sfard, 1500 Clement St
🔗 MORE INFO

Cantor Sharon Bernstein's introductory course covers the Jewish calendar, Shabbat, holidays, rituals, prayer, and the Jewish lifecycle. Great for anyone new to Jewish practice or looking to reconnect.

🕖 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Zoom
🔗 JOIN AND LEARN MORE

Beth Sholom's Chesed v'Tzedek group is gathering after evening minyan to write get-out-the-vote postcards. Packets provided, good company guaranteed.

🕡 6:30 PM
📍 Congregation Beth Sholom, 301 14th Ave
🔗 MORE INFO

A weekly Torah deep dive at Chevra Thilim. Thoughtful, grounded, and a great midweek reset.

🕖 7:00–8:00 PM
📍 Chevra Thilim, 751 25th Ave
🔗 MORE INFO

An evening of trivia, community, and friendly competition celebrating Jewish life, culture, and the languages of global Jewry. Dinner and drinks are free, which is a strong opening bid. For young professionals ages 21–39; the address is sent 24 hours in advance.

🕖 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Address provided upon RSVP
🔗 RSVP HERE

Community legend Adam Swig and Value Culture team up with The Chapel to get you festival ready before Outside Lands opens its gates. DJ sets from Seth Finkin, Malki, and a surprise guest, plus Yerdrink specials, giveaways, hair braiding, friendship bracelets, and free festival-approved clear bags while supplies last. Going to OSL or not, it's a party. 21+.

🕗 8:00-11:00 PM
📍 Curio at The Chapel, 775 Valencia St
🔗 RSVP

The monthly young professionals Sephardic Shabbat returns: arak and schmoozing at 6:00, candle lighting at 7:00, services at 7:15, dinner at 8:00, and ja'leh with Shabbat songs to close out the night. This month's full open bar is sponsored, so come thirsty.

🕕 6:00–11:00 PM
📍 Anshey Sfard, 1500 Clement St
🔗 RSVP HERE

The Kitchen is back from its summer pause. All in, informal, transformational: Song of Songs at 6:00, Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma'ariv at 6:15, then Shabbat dinner by Chef Chris Ratcliff at 8:00.

🕕 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, 953 De Haro St
🔗 REGISTER + DINNER TICKETS

Malki and Dantz spin a funky house DJ set at Amelie wine bar on Polk. Wine, dancing, and a much better use of your money than an Outside Lands ticket.

🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Amelie, 1754 Polk St
🔗 RSVP

The city is full of tables on Friday night, and most of them would be glad to have you. So many incredible communities around SF, so go out, explore, and see what resonates!

It's Shabbat Mevarchim: we bless the new month of Elul this week, which means the season of reflection is officially around the corner. Services and kiddush luncheons abound across the city, from the Richmond to SoMa. Find a shul, stay for kiddush, and eat something. You earned it.

Rikud By The Bay: Young Adults Israeli Dance (Wednesday, August 12) Monthly Israeli dance night for young adults 18–40, no experience necessary. Basic steps taught before open circles, lines, and partner dancing. $18 single, $30 for you and a friend. 7:00–10:00 PM. 🔗 RSVP

Rosh Chodesh Elul (Thursday–Friday, August 13–14) The month of reflection begins, and shofar season with it.

The Shofar's Call: Welcoming Elul at Sherith Israel (Friday, August 14) Sherith Israel welcomes Elul with a shofar-centered gathering before Shabbat, 5:00–5:45 PM. 🔗 REGISTER

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