November 9–15, 2026

A short week, a full Shabbat, and a few good reasons to leave the house.

Rosh Chodesh Kislev lands midweek, which means Chanukah is closer than it feels. Before that, there's a Kristallnacht film night, a young professionals tea and learning, Shabbat Tables, and Jewish Film Festival favorites on Saturday night. Here's what's on.

Candle lighting: Friday, November 13 at 4:41 PM
Havdalah: Saturday, November 14 at 5:40 PM
Parashat: Toldot

Tonight. Four political commentators with a combined audience in the billions share one stage for the first time. Expect a sharp conversation on America, Israel, and Jewish safety, plus practical debate and online advocacy tips you can use right away.

Sigd is the Ethiopian Jewish holiday marking the acceptance of the Torah and the longing for Jerusalem. Worth knowing about, even if you're headed somewhere else tonight.

🕖 7–9 PM
📍 Richmond District, San Francisco, exact address with your ticket
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A short documentary marking the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht. Three brothers escape Nazi-occupied Austria, find safety in Shanghai, and build new lives in San Francisco. Discussion with local filmmaker Nick Andrus follows. Free.

🕖 7–9 PM
📍 Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California St
🔗 RSVP

The relaxed, welcoming weekly class at Anshey Sfard. Toldot opens with twins who start fighting before they're born, and a bowl of stew that changes everything.

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

Chevra Thilim's weekly Wednesday Torah deep dive. Toldot has a famine, a well dispute, a pot of stew, and a stolen blessing. Bring questions.

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

A monthly young professionals class at Anshey Sfard, with Moroccan tea and cookies. This month: "Shabbat: Understanding God's Greatest Gift." Drinks at a nearby bar after. Free, RSVP recommended.

🕢 7:30 PM
📍 Anshey Sfard, 1500 Clement St
🔗 RSVP

Candle lighting at 4:41 PM.

Chevra Thilim, Knesset Israel, Chabads, Emanu-El, Sherith Israel, Beth Sholom, Sha'ar Zahav, and Anshey Sfard all hold their usual Kabbalat Shabbat services. Pick a room and show up.

Services and kiddush at Chevra Thilim, no membership needed. Just walk in. Shabbat ends at 5:40 PM.

🕤 9:30 AM–1:00 PM
📍 Chevra Thilim, 751 25th Ave
🔗 MORE INFO

Jacob and Esau wrestle before they're even born, and one bowl of stew decides who gets the birthright. Hear it read from the scroll, then stay for the food. Chevra Thilim, Beth Sholom, Anshey Sfard, Adath Israel, and Chabad all put out a kiddush after davening.

Audience favorites from the 46th SF Jewish Film Festival are back on the big screen. Narrative Shorts at 4:30, then The Baddest Speechwriter of All at 7:30, a short documentary followed by live protest music from The LewNer Family Singers. Ticket holders also get a community happy hour with Jewish Film Institute staff and filmmakers. $19–$20 per screening.

🕓 4:00–10:00 PM
📍 JCCSF, 3200 California St
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A six-session course on the mystical backstory of your soul: why you have the tastes, dreams, and recurring challenges you do, and how to use them. Sessions run on Sundays. The sticker price is $99, but nobody gets turned away, so don't let that stop you.

🕤 9:30 AM
📍 Chevra Thilim, 751 25th Ave
🔗 MORE INFO

Dinner, wine, and an evening honoring Northern California student leaders and Dumisani Washington of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel, who receives the Pursuer of Peace Award. Carly Gammill speaks on legal remedies for fighting antisemitism. Tickets run $36–$150.

🕔 5:00–8:30 PM
📍 San Francisco, location with registration
🔗 MORE INFO

A Fireside Chat with Michael Moritz (Monday, November 16, 5:30–7:30 PM): Moritz discusses his memoir "Ausländer," Jewish identity, and family history, with a reception to start. Presented by SF Hillel and UCSF. Free. Location comes with your RSVP. RSVP (Waitlist Only Now).

Mahjong at the JCCSF: Social Play (Monday, November 16, 6:00–9:00 PM): Know the tiles already, or want to learn at the table? Show up, find a seat, and play. Tickets from $36. REGISTER

The Lunch Club: November Lunch Bag Making (Tuesday, November 17, 6:30–8:30 PM): The monthly volunteer night for people in their 20s and 30s, with JCCSF and Repair the World. You help make about 200 sandwiches and pack lunch bags for shelter residents, and pizza is on the house. RSVP

Jewish Singles Speed Dating + Mixer (Thursday, November 19, 7:30–10:30 PM): Organized speed dating, then a relaxed mixer with one drink included. Two age groups, 27–35 and 35–45. $15 cover once you're approved, and the location is shared then. RSVP by November 15. RSVP

CYP Shabbat Dinner at Chevra (Friday, November 20, 7:00 PM): Chevra's young professionals Shabbat dinner. $36 per person, jumping to $50 at midnight on Wednesday, November 18, so book early. RSVP

That's a wrap!

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