Do you suffer from roast chicken syndrome? At Or Shalom Jewish Community, it doesn’t matter if you have roast chicken, shrimp pad thai, or pepperoni pizza on your Shabbat dinner table. (But we do keep it kosher pescatarian at Or Shalom functions!)

As San Francisco’s only Reconstructionist congregation, we’re part of a movement that honors the evolving nature of Judaism. We look to our past and consider it in the context of our present. We’re the congregation that has a Considering God Salon, an Interfaith Action Committee, and a current events-focused News Minyan. We march for social change and to the beat of our own drum. And we love to celebrate with music––so much so, that we have an ensemble of long-time members.

We’d love to know you and hope you will consider us as your spiritual home in the Bay Area. Or Shalom’s community is growing, and we’d like to invite you to connect with us this year. There are many terrific spiritual communities in San Francisco, but what sets Or Shalom apart is that we’re bold, relevant, and barrier-free. Here’s what we mean:

Or Shalom is bold. Our approach to Judaism is a call to action and a belief in the power of connection. We’re determined to make a difference for our city, state, country, and planet. 

Or Shalom is relevant. We’re not afraid to ask the big questions and search for meaning. Through our services, adult education, children's programming, and social justice and action activities, we connect Torah to today.  

Or Shalom is barrier-free. We welcome everyone with heartfelt love. There’s no set mold or criteria to join our community, and you don’t have to be Jewish to be welcomed and to participate at Or Shalom. 

We hope you’ll consider joining our community. It’s hard to put a number on the value of an Or Shalom membership, which includes a full menu of year-long programming and tickets to High Holy Days. Every dollar counts as we strengthen our community and build for tomorrow, and we trust that you’ll find the right amount that works for you. 

Please know, there are no financial barriers to be a member at Or Shalom. We only ask that you contribute what is best for you. Please reach out to our executive director Amy Mallor (amy@orshalom.org) if you’d like to discuss arrangements. 

Here is what your membership can help support: 

• $120 covers the cost of a permit for an outdoor Shabbat service at Pine Lake Park in Stern Grove.

• $420 supports one month of our annual tech support, including Zoom.

• $1,000 covers the cost of oneg Shabbat services for the year.

• $2,200 supports the cost of audiovisual and live-streaming technology for High Holy Day services.

• $3,900 covers the cost of Shulcloud, our primary congregant relationship management software. 

• $5,400 covers a portion of our communication and outreach efforts.

• $8,500 covers the cost of the High Holy Day services, including venue and staff costs.

• $10,000 helps support our wonderful music program.

As you can see, every dollar counts as we strengthen our community and build for tomorrow.

At Or Shalom, we choose Judaism––not the other way around. We’re a congregation of individuals and families who seek meaning in our own lives, aspire to improve the lives of others, and carry on our spiritual history from generation to generation. We look forward to meeting you. 

We are Or Shalom: Bold. Relevant. Barrier-free.  Join us!

B’shalom,
Matt Rudoff, President                             Amy Mallor, Executive Director