Congregation Emanu-El

This synagogue has more active programs going on than any other synagogue I have encountered, including Sinai in LA (which is quite large). They have a variety of classes, community groups, volunteer opportunities, etc. Right after joining, multiple persons from the synagogue reached out to me to say welcome and offer ways for me to get involved. The clergy and leadership here clearly are passionate about creating a community. This is hands down the best traditional synagogue in San Francisco.

We had our wedding here about 3 years ago… We had a BLAST !!! Thank you every one !!!

If your a young jew or a jew with a family in the bay areas this is the epicenter of your Jewish universe. Incredible community of good people and programming. A caring community for young and old. The pre-​school is the best around.
Five rabbis — young, seasoned, excitable and learned.
If you are looking for a congregation — look not further

I need to go back. I miss the late shabbat. The oneg after was pretty nice but I started to avoid it after the young adult events started draw more smarmy people. I just need to do more of the other events which are well planned like the hikes.

I think Emanu-​El used to be ⁴⁄₅ stars but since Rabbi Peretz has left, I have seen little reason to go back. Peretz was the heart and soul of the place, and with him gone, it’s suffering for sure. I love Marsha Attie and Jonathan Ferris – they’re great song leaders. I hope that they can find someone as cool as Peretz, but I don’t think that’s possible.
Rabbi Pearce has never been super friendly to me or my family. I don’t think a lot of the congregants care for him.

We got married at Emanu-​El and could not have been more pleased with the space, the rabbi, and the staff. The main sanctuary is one of the most beautiful inside spaces in the City. The Guild Hall was a great place for the reception. Rabbi Mintz hit exactly the right notes in the service itself. The staff at Emanu-​El did a great job keeping everything running smoothly and without stress. Have your wedding and reception here.

it’s probably the most gorgeous synagogue i’ve ever been inside. the entire staff is amazing and they go to great lengths to put on interesting programs and provide a really inclusive environment. i’ve never felt so at home in a temple.

i went to the late shabbat service geared towards «young adults» here last friday and was really pleasantly surprised. i was nervous i would awkwardly be one of 5 losers to spend their friday night in temple but the place was actually packed. i guess since they only do it once a month people can make it a priority. or maybe i am just jaded by my orange county upbringing where people only go to temple up until their bat/​bar mitzvahs, on high holy days, and then after they have kids.
anyways, a lot of the songs were different from what i know, which always kind of annoys me (i know the words but not the tune) but the cantor had such a beautiful voice and there was a violinist and i believe an oboe? it was really peaceful. everyone seemed really nice and there was a general sense of camraderie in the room. it seems like there is a really great community at emanu-​el and i look forward to becoming a part of it. i think next month i will go to the pre-​service wine and cheese reception for newcomers so i can maybe mingle a bit… i will definitely be back and i am glad to be welcomed into a synagogue that respects the fact that as a young professional, i can’t afford member dues yet… i am already envisioning my wedding in the courtyard and my children’s naming ceremonies… stop it, hormones, stop it!

When I’m celebrating the High Holidays at the JCC at the singles table, everyone else is wishing they’re here. Apparently, this is the hook-​up for singles.
I did celebrate Shabbat here and LOVED it. It was a small crowd of primarily parents of young children. We shared a meal; heard some kids perform; and I even met an ex-​Christian who was part of the Jesus movement. Wonderful.

We joined last year since we had a baby.
Then we planned our religious wedding ceremony and wedding party there.
Here are a few comments:
— We are a mixed faith couple and feel warmly welcomed (unlike at Beth Shalom)
— It is a stunningly beautiful place, truly very special
— The venue is phenomenal for a wedding, is affordable for members, and provides some of the equipment (in particular, but not only, all dishes and glasses) which results in significant savings.
— We got a lot of praise for Rabbi Mintz who performed our ceremony. She met with us 3 times prior and had us do good homework to prep.
— Svetlana and Tosca who helped respectively with the logistics and the ceremony planning were great.

Beautiful inside and out, this is a true SF landmark.
Plus, the Meyer concert series is becoming very well known with some great artists. Check out the schedule here:
More about the Emanu-​el congregation:
Top 25 Buildings of SF 2007

The most beautiful synagague I have ever stepped foot in. There is a very calming energy here.

Sher is right, Emanu-​El is exceptional beautiful.
Rabbi Kushner is super amazing! If you see an opportunity to attend one of his events you should definately go!
But… there are 5 Rabbis (and then Rabbi Kushner is a «Scholar in residence» or something). All of the Rabbis are quite different and though there is sure to be one that resonants with you there is also sure to be one makes you want to skip service on when he/​she is leading.