Stained Glass in SAJ Sanctuary
Torahs in Ark at SAJ
Chairs in Sanctuary at SAJ
SAJ Awning  Upper West Side
Stone Tile
“A tradition can live only so long as it continues to change.”—Rabbi Mordecai M. Kaplan

Welcome to The SAJ Synagogue Community

We’re a community that believes it’s possible to lead a 21st-century life that is deeply rooted in both Jewish tradition and contemporary civilization. Judaism helps us find meaning and inspiration as we seek to lead lives committed to spiritual growth, social justice, and building community. We welcome the richness that diversity brings to this community, where we learn about, struggle with, and even question our Judaism as we continue to "reconstruct" it for our times.

Featured Programs

Next Synaplex Speaker, February 20

Professor Larry Rubin to speak at SAJ

You are invited to our next Synaplex speaker on Saturday, February 20 at 1:15PM, when Larry Rubin will discuss "Let My People Go: Reflections in Black and Jewish"  Read more»

Haiti Earthquake Relief - Responding to the Disaster

Haiti Earthquake ReliefJRF is encouraging our member communities and people everywhere to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Haiti due to the recent earthquake there. On January 31, The SAJ Hebrew School's Bake Sale raised over $400 for Haiti Relief. The next bake sale will take place on Tuesday, Feburary 9, 4:30 PM - 6:00PM. Please stop by to support it. You can also click "READ MORE" for a list of places you can make a donation.  Read more»

Reconstructing Mordecai Kaplan Continues Through February 11

You can still participate in this six-week seminar, led by SAJ member Diane Cole, which explores the work and legacy of the visionary founder of the Reconstructionist movement—and of our synagogue.  Read more»

Adult Education on Biblical Literature and Poetry Begins February 18

Dianne Cohler Esses teaches at SAJ

Modern and contemporary poets often use Biblical images and narratives in ways that are highly personal and at times also sensual. Yehudah Amichai, one of the central poets we will study, is one of the best examples of this practice, breathing new life, so to speak into old wine skins. In this course entitled Internalizing the Word; Biblical Literature and Poetry will explore how poetry helps us read Biblical literature anew. We will analyze the artistry with which poets shifts, often radically, the traditional sense of the text, placing it in the context of personal and sometimes intimate settings and/or in the settings concerning history and the life of a society. We will also consider how biblical images and narratives might be reconfigured in light of our own lives and settings.  Read more»

Rabbi Strassfeld Thoughts

Rabbi's Sabbatical

Sabbatical
Rabbi Strassfeld is currently on Sabbatical through July, 2010. Rabbi Joanna Samuels will be co-leading Shabbat services with Cantor Lisa Arbisser during this time.  Read more»

SAJ Essentials

Engaging Spiritual Life

image of the letter kuf from the San Francisco museum of contemporary Jewish art

The SAJ is committed to the spiritual lives of its congregants. Congregants take an active role in all aspects of the service. Cantor Arbisser welcomes everyone to sing with her throughout the service. Rabbi Strassfeld leads a Torah discussion as opposed to delivering a sermon.  Read more»

Welcoming Family Services

Image of a doll family

Interactive family service of story telling, singing, movement and connection --a service where no one is a stranger and everyone is a friend.  Read more»

Community Meals

Closeup image of strawberries

Community meals are an important part of the SAJ community. Learn about our potluck dinners and Shabbat Kiddush.  Read more»