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! Healthcare Connections
Dates & Times TBD
We are creating a new group for Rodef Sholom medical professionals to connect socially and professionally: Learn about Jewish medical ethics; share and learn about how others practice and keep up with newer procedures. All ages and all practices (doctors, nurses, medical techs, aids, pharmacists, and anyone working in the medical field) are welcome, whether retired, partially or full practicing.
NEW! Second Season Singles
Meets 1-2 times per month
Dessert Social, RSVP HERE
Are you a single member of our Rodef Sholom Community? Would you like to meet other singles in our community to socialize and create community with. Join this new social group, aimed at bringing together boomer singles. All are welcome, whether you are single by choice, divorce, or loss of a partner. Email moji@rodefsholom.org to learn more.
Expand your social network and make new friends. Second Season Singles is not a dating service, but if you meet the right person, that’s a bonus. We’ll be planning one or two events each month. Examples may include: dinners out, pot-luck dinners, music venues, movies, shows, dancing, Trivia Night, swim parties, wine-tasting, hikes, and more! We are looking to help you connect with other singles in our community.
NEW! Understanding Israel
Meets in person twice a month
Join this lay led group to learn gain a deeper understanding of Israel through videos, readings, discussion, and attending events. Present day in the context of history, culture, economy, future & how we as diaspora Jews are a piece of this complex puzzle. Email Jeannette Longtin at jcl46@comcast.net 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. 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 (New dates coming soon!)
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, email lisa@tawonga.org for details).
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. For more information, email Gail Berkowitz at gberkow612@gmail.com.
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).
SF Giants Fan Club
All Rodef Sholom SF Giants fans: we may not agree on who our favorite player is 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. For more information, email julie@drjulieaustin.com.
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 2024 season calendar of upcoming games. For more information, email Mark Comin at mscomin@comcast.net.
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. For more information, email Ralph at rljesq@ix.netcom.com.
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 groups starting in the Fall. For more information, email moji@rodefsholom.org.
Day Time Book Groups*
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! This group meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at noon on Zoom, but may switch to in-person with lunch following.
*Both groups are currently full; please reach out to moji@rodefsholom.org if you'd like to start a new group.
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
Rodef Sholom Song Circle
Songs of Shalom
Sunday Mussar
Women’s Walking
