We welcome you to our community!
Congregation Shir Shalom (Song of Peace) is located in the City of Sonoma, California. We are an intimate community that welcomes different levels of Jewish practice in a beautiful setting—providing inspiration for worship, learning, and friendship.
If you live in Sonoma or are visiting and would like to attend our services or events you are welcome to join us. Please email i[email protected]
Congregation Shir Shalom (Song of Peace) is located in the City of Sonoma, California. We are an intimate community that welcomes different levels of Jewish practice in a beautiful setting—providing inspiration for worship, learning, and friendship.
If you live in Sonoma or are visiting and would like to attend our services or events you are welcome to join us. Please email i[email protected]
SAVE THE DATE
SAVE THE DATE
. . .
Adult Education
Come Learn with Rabbi Steve and Reb Neal
Nine Thursdays in January, February, and March
From 1:00 pm to 2:15 pm
January 16, 23, and 30
Three, in-depth lessons on our Shabbat Prayer Book. Discover the origins of the prayers, hidden surprises in the Hebrew, and much more.
February 13, 20, and 27
Three, in-depth sessions on Grief and Loss. Kristie Kesel Walthard, from the Hanna Bereavement Program, is the facilitator and guest lecturer on the 13th and 20th. Reb Neal and Rabbi Steve will be teaching the final session on bereavement on the 27th.
March 13, 20, and 27
A trio of discussion-based lessons on The Book of Esther - Just in time for Purim! What hides between and beneath the verses of this story will amaze you!
Please RSVP HERE
Come Learn with Rabbi Steve and Reb Neal
Nine Thursdays in January, February, and March
From 1:00 pm to 2:15 pm
January 16, 23, and 30
Three, in-depth lessons on our Shabbat Prayer Book. Discover the origins of the prayers, hidden surprises in the Hebrew, and much more.
February 13, 20, and 27
Three, in-depth sessions on Grief and Loss. Kristie Kesel Walthard, from the Hanna Bereavement Program, is the facilitator and guest lecturer on the 13th and 20th. Reb Neal and Rabbi Steve will be teaching the final session on bereavement on the 27th.
March 13, 20, and 27
A trio of discussion-based lessons on The Book of Esther - Just in time for Purim! What hides between and beneath the verses of this story will amaze you!
Please RSVP HERE
. . .
Sharing Family Stories
Wednesday, January 22nd at 7 pm
Community Room
Sharing Family Stories will meet again on Wednesday January 22, 2025
at 7 pm in the community room. The topic for the next discussion will be to create
a map and stories about the mosaic that makes our community so rich.
For further information and to RSVP please contact
Linda Goldman at [email protected].
Wednesday, January 22nd at 7 pm
Community Room
Sharing Family Stories will meet again on Wednesday January 22, 2025
at 7 pm in the community room. The topic for the next discussion will be to create
a map and stories about the mosaic that makes our community so rich.
For further information and to RSVP please contact
Linda Goldman at [email protected].
. . .
La Luz at CSS Friday Service
Friday, January 24th at 6:30pm
Sanctuary
Join us as Leonardo Lobato, Executive Director of La Luz, shares a timely and thought-
provoking talk, Shared Humanity in Divided Times: Immigration Policy and Local Actions.
Sponsored by the Social Action Committee, this discussion will explore the challenges faced
by our immigrant neighbors, the impact of shifting policies, and the local actions we can take
to build unity and resilience in these divided times.
Don’t miss this important conversation!
Friday, January 24th at 6:30pm
Sanctuary
Join us as Leonardo Lobato, Executive Director of La Luz, shares a timely and thought-
provoking talk, Shared Humanity in Divided Times: Immigration Policy and Local Actions.
Sponsored by the Social Action Committee, this discussion will explore the challenges faced
by our immigrant neighbors, the impact of shifting policies, and the local actions we can take
to build unity and resilience in these divided times.
Don’t miss this important conversation!
. . .
Lifelong Learning Invites You to Lunch and Learn
Lincoln and the Jews with Guest Speaker Mick Chantler
Saturday, February 15th at 11 am
Community Room
Join Mick, a passionate history instructor since 2011, as he takes us on a fascinating journey into President Abraham Lincoln's connection with America’s Jewish community. Discover how Lincoln’s admiration for Jewish thought shaped his views on life, death, and destiny in this engaging lecture!
To RSVP, please contact Marian Gasser:
[email protected] or 909.600.8753
Lincoln and the Jews with Guest Speaker Mick Chantler
Saturday, February 15th at 11 am
Community Room
Join Mick, a passionate history instructor since 2011, as he takes us on a fascinating journey into President Abraham Lincoln's connection with America’s Jewish community. Discover how Lincoln’s admiration for Jewish thought shaped his views on life, death, and destiny in this engaging lecture!
To RSVP, please contact Marian Gasser:
[email protected] or 909.600.8753
. . .
Annual Gala
Saturday, March 1st at 5:30 pm
Burlingame Hall
Save the date for our Annual Gala! More details coming soon.
Get your tickets HERE.
Prices go up February 15th
Saturday, March 1st at 5:30 pm
Burlingame Hall
Save the date for our Annual Gala! More details coming soon.
Get your tickets HERE.
Prices go up February 15th
. . .
Sonoma State University
42nd Annual Holocaust & Genocide Lecture Series
January 21st to May 6th, 2025
Tuesdays, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
The Holocaust and Genocide Lecture Series at Sonoma State University, now in its 42nd year, is a cornerstone of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, bringing distinguished speakers from around the world to share their expertise and personal experiences.
This highly regarded series explores a unique theme each year to provide diverse perspectives on genocide, past and present. This year’s theme, “Genocide Past, Present, and Future?” invites students and the broader community to examine the causes, impacts, and prevention of genocide. Featuring Holocaust survivors, liberators, and scholars, the series challenges participants to reflect on human resilience, individual accountability, and the moral responsibility to combat injustice.
For further information and lecture dates, click HERE.
To register, click HERE.
42nd Annual Holocaust & Genocide Lecture Series
January 21st to May 6th, 2025
Tuesdays, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
The Holocaust and Genocide Lecture Series at Sonoma State University, now in its 42nd year, is a cornerstone of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, bringing distinguished speakers from around the world to share their expertise and personal experiences.
This highly regarded series explores a unique theme each year to provide diverse perspectives on genocide, past and present. This year’s theme, “Genocide Past, Present, and Future?” invites students and the broader community to examine the causes, impacts, and prevention of genocide. Featuring Holocaust survivors, liberators, and scholars, the series challenges participants to reflect on human resilience, individual accountability, and the moral responsibility to combat injustice.
For further information and lecture dates, click HERE.
To register, click HERE.
. . .
Experience PARADE
CSS Partnership with Broadway SF
May 13 – June 8
We’re thrilled to announce a special partnership between Congregation Shir Shalom and Broadway SF to experience the Tony Award-winning musical PARADE! Based on the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager charged with a heinous crime in 1913, this riveting and deeply moving production reminds us that to love, we must truly see one another.
As part of this partnership, CSS members can enjoy a discount code offering savings of up to 20% on tickets. Plus, Broadway SF will donate $5 for weekend shows and $10 for weekday shows to CSS, based on ticket sales using the code.
To Order:
ONLINE: bit.ly/SHIR-SHALOM
Select your seats noted with an 'encircled star' icon
PHONE: (888) 746-1799 and mention promo code SHIRSHALOM
Stay tuned for upcoming details about a potential group trip to see the show together. Don’t miss this unforgettable production!
CSS Partnership with Broadway SF
May 13 – June 8
We’re thrilled to announce a special partnership between Congregation Shir Shalom and Broadway SF to experience the Tony Award-winning musical PARADE! Based on the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager charged with a heinous crime in 1913, this riveting and deeply moving production reminds us that to love, we must truly see one another.
As part of this partnership, CSS members can enjoy a discount code offering savings of up to 20% on tickets. Plus, Broadway SF will donate $5 for weekend shows and $10 for weekday shows to CSS, based on ticket sales using the code.
To Order:
ONLINE: bit.ly/SHIR-SHALOM
Select your seats noted with an 'encircled star' icon
PHONE: (888) 746-1799 and mention promo code SHIRSHALOM
Stay tuned for upcoming details about a potential group trip to see the show together. Don’t miss this unforgettable production!
UPCOMING SERVICES and EVENTS
All Zoom links will be sent via the newsletter, Rabbi Steve's Friday Message or contact us through i[email protected]
SATURDAY TORAH STUDY
January 4, 11, 18, 25
February 1, 8, 15, 22
9am via Zoom
Come join us as we engage in the Torah portion for the week - Parshat HaShavuah.
JEWISH BIBLE TEXT STUDY
Wednesdays
January 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
February 5, 12, 19, 26
9am via Zoom
We study the Mussar approach, delving into the challenges of the practical application of the wise words of our sages. We read in both English and Hebrew.
SATURDAY MORNING SHABBAT
January 11th
February 15th
10 am in the Sanctuary
Via Zoom and In Person
FRIDAY NIGHT POTLUCK AND SHABBAT
January 24th
February 28th
5:30 pm Potluck in-person in the Community Room
6:30pm Shabbat in-person
CSS IS MAKING NEWS . . .
JWeekly
A Sonoma Hebrew School opens to non-Jews in bid to combat antisemitism
ABC7 News
North Bay Hebrew school opens up to non-Jewish students in bid to combat antisemitism
Social Action and Community Outreach
Meal deliveries to the home-bound through S.O.S. (Sonoma Overnight Support)
We still have an immediate need (which has increased in Sonoma) to deliver meals. The delivery takes about one hour + once a week or as often as you would like to volunteer. Some people volunteer each week, others every other week, or once a month, and others when they can. All are needed. With questions or to get more information contact: Barbara Sachs Senn ( Social Action Committee) at [email protected]
Sunday Supper for H.A.S. (Homeless Action Sonoma)
Every other month members of Shir Shalom gather in Burlingame Hall on a Sunday afternoon to prepare and then deliver a family style meal for H.A.S. For more information on this please reach out to Lee Wanetik at [email protected].
Meal deliveries to the home-bound through S.O.S. (Sonoma Overnight Support)
We still have an immediate need (which has increased in Sonoma) to deliver meals. The delivery takes about one hour + once a week or as often as you would like to volunteer. Some people volunteer each week, others every other week, or once a month, and others when they can. All are needed. With questions or to get more information contact: Barbara Sachs Senn ( Social Action Committee) at [email protected]
Sunday Supper for H.A.S. (Homeless Action Sonoma)
Every other month members of Shir Shalom gather in Burlingame Hall on a Sunday afternoon to prepare and then deliver a family style meal for H.A.S. For more information on this please reach out to Lee Wanetik at [email protected].
How to support Israel and each other at this difficult time.
Click here for a message from our leadership.