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Kehillah: Small Groups

Building Community and Connection at Rodef Sholom - Formed by Congregants for Congregants

Kehillah Groups are intentionally created small groups, which create natural points of connection between like-minded adults in our community. Join a group that catches your eye, connect with others in the community, and have fun! Current Kehillah Group information is listed below. Kehillah Groups are open to everyone with priority given to congregants in good standing.  Please note that many groups have limited space.  

Got a great idea for a new Kehillah Group? The possibilities are endless, and we are here to support all lay leaders through the entire process, and help bring them to life! If you're interested in starting a Kehillah group, contact Moji at moji@rodefsholom.org.

Sign up for a Kehillah Group


Current Kehillah Groups

NEW! Understanding Israel 
Meets in person twice a month 

Come join to learn about, explore, and gain a deeper understanding of Israel through books, discussion, and attending events. History, culture, economy, future & how we as diaspora Jews are a piece of this complex puzzle. Email Moji at moji@rodefsholom.org to register or learn more.


The REAL Deal Women's Group
Attention Recent Empty Nesters: REAL is excited to partner with MeetMe to offer a six week community-building group for women who are about to enter or have recently entered the empty nest stage of life. We will share our experiences, learn tools and strategies, and support one another as we navigate this new phase.This interactive learning program is led by congregant Jennifer Golbus and her partner Jennifer Overboe of MeetMe life coaching. The group kicks off on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at 10:30am.  Six session dates are: January 28, February 4, February 11, February 25, March 3, March 10. GROUP CURRENTLY AT CAPACITY; Registration no longer available.


Wounds Into Wisdom
A study group based on Rabbi Firestone’s work and book, Wounds into Wisdom. We will together explore the gifts and wounds of our ancestors and ancestry, the collective Jewish history and people, and how it all impacts ourselves, our families, and the world around us. This will begin in the Fall and will be facilitated by congregant Debbie Freed, who looks forward to sharing this healing journey with fellow travelers.


NEW! LGBTQIA+ Connections
Within Rodef Sholom is a vibrant LGBTQIA+ community. We say hello to each other at services or as we pass in the community, but, let’s get together to deepen our connections. Interested? Email Pat Goldman at yaddos@aol.com or Eileen Levy at eflevy@gmail.com to sign up and learn more. 

Women's Sacred Song Circle
Six Gathering Dates: June 21, June 27, July 12, July 25, August 16, September 6
Wake up the inner divine feminine through singing, prayer, and sound healing: connect to the beauty of sound, help deepen your meditation practice, calm your mind, and open your heart. Together we’ll explore Hebrew, English and Sanskrit songs, mantras and prayers as we harmonize the body and spirit. No prior musical or singing experience is required. Join a circle with women and female-identifying individuals for six sessions over the summer. Led by Lisa Wertheim.


Happy Trails
Are you happiest when your feet hit a new trail? Rodef Sholom’s Hiking Group meets at a local trail the last Sunday of every month at 9:30am. All ages are welcome to gather for monthly hikes of around 3-5 miles each, exploring our beautiful local landscapes. Led by Ralph Jacobson. To be on the contact list, email Ralph at rljesq@ix.netcom.com


Canasta Meld Masters
Meets Each Tuesday, 1-3pm

Are you an avid Canasta player, or have you always wanted to learn? Pick up some of the finer points of the game and have some great conversations over cards. 


Female Boomers
All female-identifying individuals–age 50's- 60's-ish–who are already well-versed in the art of empty nesting will enjoy this group. Connect with peers and discover a greater sense of self in a low-pressure, fun environment! We will meet for eight sessions (a mix of online and outdoors in person gatherings; exact plan to be determined by the group).  A new group will begin in June 2023.


SF Giants Fan Club
All Rodef Sholom SF Giants fans: we may not agree on who our favorite player is (Pederson? Crawford? Webb?) but we can all agree that there’s nothing like our hometown heroes! Let’s get out to the ball field and cheer on our Giants. Led by Julie Austin. 


Rodef Rebels Co-ed Softball Team 
Rodef Rebels is our championship adult co-ed softball team that participates in the BATS (Bay Area Torah Softball)! Whether your preferred spot is in the stands or on the field, get in on the action. No experience needed. 18 and older. Full schedule to be shared with the team upon registration. Join our team today! Interested in cheering the team on from the stands? Check out the Rodef Rebels 2023 season calendar of upcoming games.


Men’s Spiritual Journey Group 
Come join this group to discuss such things as life journeys, religious backgrounds, differing relationships to God, Torah portions, roles as Jewish fathers, husbands or men, tzedakah, and our roles in Jewish or secular organizations.  For more information, please contact Mike Ralston (mikeralston@att.net) or Steve Saxe (saxe.steven@gmail.com). Meets the second Monday of the month. See the calendar for dates.


Lawyer's Group
This Kehillah group is for Rodef Sholom attorneys , paralegals, and law students.  Events include speakers and discussions of a variety of topics. This group is led by Ralph Jacobson, and meets quarterly. Schedule to be determined by the group.


Wise Aging
Developed by the Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS). This initiative is designed to help participants explore the years beyond mid-life as a unique opportunity for growth and discovery. Each group will meet for eight sessions and will use discussion, teaching, support, and mindfulness to meet the social, spiritual and emotional needs of all participants within the group. New group starting on Wednesday, March 29.


Day Time Book Group
All bibliophiles are invited to join for monthly noon book conversations. Participants take turns suggesting books that will be challenging or just simply a good read.  The group will delve into Jewish books and authors as well as new books and some classics, and discussions are lively and participatory.  Serious readers who would also like to have fun are welcome! Led by Sharry Schwarzbart. This group meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at noon on Zoom, but may switch to in-person with lunch following.  


ON PAUSE
Rodef Sholom Song Circle

Let your heart sing! Join song leader and congregant Marv Zauderer for this monthly drop in Song Circle. Learn easy English language songs in the oral tradition - no need to read music and no previous experience necessary. We will meet outside in the Courtyard in a distanced circle. Vaccination and mask wearing required. Come sing in harmony with us!

Email Marv marv@singwithmarv.com with questions.


Past Groups
Anti-Racist Parents
Artists Group 
Bikes and Bagels 
CASTE Book Discussion 
Elul Shabbat  
Group Spiritual Guidance
Kehillah Jam Group
Multi-Racial Families
Monday Mussar
Mussar for Those Affected by Cancer 
Mussar Exploration
People of Color/Jews of Color  
Racial Justice Study Group 
Songs of Shalom 
Sunday Mussar 
Women’s Walking 

Mon, March 18 2024 8 Adar II 5784