Congregation Kol Emeth Competitors

Congregation Emanu-El is dedicated to advancing our members' lifelong involvement in Judaism, engaging them in communal prayer (avodah), the study of sacred texts (Torah), and the performance of compassionate deeds (g'milut hasadim). When intrepid Jews journeyed around the Horn or overland in 1848 as part of the migration west, little did they imagine that they would be helping to found one of the most dynamic Jewish communities in America. San Francisco—the city that sparked the imagination of a nation—is the home of Northern California's landmark temple, Congregation Emanu-El. Officially established in 1850, our congregation has over 2,100 households, many of whom have been involved with the congregation since its founding. We are the oldest congregation west of the Mississippi.

Since our founding in 1825, B’nai Jeshurun (BJ) has been at the forefront of the American Jewish experience. As we approach our third century, our vision is focused on the spiritual work of transformation and on the creation of a Jewish path that is authentic, profound, and helps all members of our community seek and live their purpose to the fullest. Our spiritual leaders and our approximately 1,800 member households share a vision of a diverse, dynamic, and welcoming community that offers many paths to Jewish religious life. Our unfolding vision for life after the pandemic imagines a dynamic mix of in-person and virtual prayer, learning, and programming that is accessible to all seekers wherever they are. As such, our staffing model is evolving to build and deliver this unique offering with excellence and care. B’nai Jeshurun is committed to creating a staff culture and congregational community that is accessible, inclusive, and equitable. In particular, we have been on a journey over the past several years to understand the history and impact of racism in America, within the American Jewish community, and within the BJ congregation and staff in particular. We seek to build a community and staff that reflects and celebrates the diversity of America, as well as of the Jewish community, and are looking for team members who want to be part of our ongoing learning, and to contribute to it.

At Temple Israel, Jewish wisdom inspires us as we navigate and improve our ever-changing world. The vision of Temple Israel is to be a world leader of innovative Jewish community. The values we lead with at Temple are: Kedusha (Believing): Our beliefs and experience of the sacred evolve through individual reflection, meaningful ritual, and shared experience with our diverse community. Mah'ahsot (Acting): Our actions are influenced by a commitment to tzedakah, tradition, and openness to reinvention in our ongoing pursuit of justice. Kehillah (Belonging): Our sense of belonging is cultivated by participating in a committed, welcoming, and inclusive community that is there for each of us wherever we are on our journey and whenever we need it.