Congregation Emanu-El

Congregation Emanu-El Congregation Emanu-El is a dynamic Jewish home where we honor our past, shape the future, and connect to something bigger than ourselves.

Since 1850, Congregation Emanu-El’s renowned clergy, dedicated board and welcoming staff serve our congregants and provide an open, responsive, nourishing environment in which to personalize discovery of the three pillars of Jewish life: Worship, Learning, and Community. Enter our architecturally inspiring Temple and access the many portals to Judaism offered at Congregation Emanu-El. The light-f

illed courtyard is a vital intersection of congregational activity. Our dome is an inviting beacon and safe haven, gracing the skyline and continuing our link to the cultural, religious, and civic life of San Francisco. As the largest Reform synagogue in Northern California, we take great pride in our rich heritage and nationwide reputation for innovation. Temple leaders work hard to secure the Congregation’s future through careful resource and facilities management, and thrive on inventive ways to engage and serve our congregants. Congregation Emanu-El’s members are committed to the enduring values of all Jews: love of family, education, philanthropy, mitzvot—righteous deeds, and tikkun-olam—the repair of the world. Office Hours
Monday - Thursday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm in observance of Shabbat

Upcoming Office Closures: July 4

With just three Shabbatotleft before Rosh HaShanah, we continue our personal and communal preparations for the upcoming ...
08/21/2026

With just three Shabbatotleft before Rosh HaShanah, we continue our personal and communal preparations for the upcoming High Holy Days. This period of time is meant to slow us down, have us reflect, and dream about what we want for this High Holy Day season and upcoming year.

If you are looking to connect, explore community, and find your place for the year ahead, join us for Back to Shul on Friday, August 28 at 5:00 pm. Before services, Emanu-El will be activated with opportunities to meet fellow congregants, learn about our ongoing volunteer initiatives, connect with our clergy team, and explore our large range of community groups. Back to Shul is a joyful entry point into community life: a time to reconnect, explore, and deepen your sense of belonging. We look forward to seeing you!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/back-to-shul-the-magic-of-emanu-el-tickets-1992024203015?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/19/2026

Last Shabbat, we joined together to welcome the month of Elul, a season of reflection and preparation for the High Holy Days.

Rabbi Noah Westreich shared his perspective of teshuvah — renewal — during this transformative time. Watch the full sermon on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zie9JThL8cI

As we entered the month of Elul together last week, Rabbi Noah Westreich reflected on the purpose of observing Shabbat i...
08/17/2026

As we entered the month of Elul together last week, Rabbi Noah Westreich reflected on the purpose of observing Shabbat in community: "We are here to connect with our own hearts and our own selves. The wisdom of this isn't so much in the how or the what — the wisdom is in the why."

Watch the full sermon on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zie9JThL8cI

There's a particular kind of joy in watching someone show off a building they love.This week Joel Roos (one of our aweso...
08/16/2026

There's a particular kind of joy in watching someone show off a building they love.

This week Joel Roos (one of our awesome Presidents) and David Goldman (our esteemed former executive director) gave a tour of Emanu-El to board of directors and some key staff from Congregation Beth Am. Joel and David don't just point at the architecture. They tell you who sat where, what happened in that room, why that corner matters. The building is undoubtedly beautiful. The stories are better.

Thank you, Joel and David. And to our friends at Beth Am - our door is open anytime.

This morning our Youth & Family Education team sat down with our incredible security director for a real conversation ab...
08/16/2026

This morning our Youth & Family Education team sat down with our incredible security director for a real conversation about keeping our kids - and everyone else - safe.

We're grateful for a team that shows up for the hard conversations — and for families who trust us with the people they love most.

Busy Sundays at Emanu-El are the best! Here are some of our congregants enjoying the News, Views, and Schmooze, led by t...
08/16/2026

Busy Sundays at Emanu-El are the best! Here are some of our congregants enjoying the News, Views, and Schmooze, led by the amazing Judi Leff!

Our YFE team is getting ready for an amazing year
08/16/2026

Our YFE team is getting ready for an amazing year

08/15/2026

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08/15/2026

Preparing for Shabbat!

We have entered Elul — the High Holy Days are approaching. As we welcome the new month and begin the journey toward tesh...
08/14/2026

We have entered Elul — the High Holy Days are approaching. As we welcome the new month and begin the journey toward teshuvah, renewal, we are looking forward to all of the ways we spend the Days of Awe in community with you each year.

Every Rosh HaShanah, we practice Tashlich at Baker Beach — we cast our regrets into the sea, revel in our musicians’ gifts, and sing and dance as a community. We hope to see you there again this year.

Learn about all of our High Holy Days offerings, from the month of Elul through Sukkot and Simchat Torah, at hhd.emanuelsf.org.

Address

2 Lake Street
San Francisco, CA
94118

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm
Sunday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+14157512535

Website

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