SAJ | Society for the Advancement of Judaism

“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

Robert Putnam, Bowling Alone author, to speak at SAJ

On Saturday, January 28 at 1;15PM, Robert D. Putnam, Malkin Professor of Public Policy at Harvard University, and author of Bowling Alone will speak about his most recent book, American Grace, How Religion Divides and Unites Us, which focuses on the role of religion in American public life. The conclusion of Putnam’s earlier book, Bowling Alone – that “the vibrancy of American Civil society has notably declined over the past several decades” – generated controversy and considerable public debate. Read more»

Shabbat Morning Music Service

SAJ resident musicians will accompany the service on Saturday, January 28 at 10:00AM. This is a meaningful, spiritually alive, musical Shabbat experience, featuring musicians Naomi Less, Glenn Grossman and Brian Gelfand.

Let Us Know What You are Doing for the 90/90/90

If you are doing a Social Justice Project or a Learning Project in celebration of the SAJ's 90th Anniversary, please let us know about it. If you click this link, you can find a project to do, let us know what you've done or give comments on projects you've done.

SAJ 2012 Retreat

We hope you will join the SAJ for its spring retreat, April 20 -22, 2012. The Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center will be a great place to spend Shabbat and the weekend with SAJ friends, old and new.

Click here for the SAJ Retreat Brochure.

Click here for the SAJ Retreat Registration form

Learning Resources

Click here to see a list of learning resources. There are audio recordings and words of prayers and songs, as well as instructions for ritual ceremonies.

Rabbi Strassfeld Thoughts

Gratitude Continued - Blessings

As mentioned last week, Judaism has a traditional gratitude practice--the reciting of blessings-berakhot. There are different berakhot for the various categories of food and drink.

Over bread and meals:
Barukh atah adonai eloheinu melekh ha-olam ha-motzi lehem min ha-aretz.
Praised are You, Eternal One our God, source of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth. 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

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

File available for download:

kosher-list.doc

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