Havurot

Havurot and member groups at Or Shalom create opportunities for deeper connection around shared interests, experiences, or identities. Some groups are open to all members; others are private or invite-only depending on the nature of the conversations.

Book Group
Meets monthly to discuss books of Jewish interest, with selections chosen by the group. Open to all members—no exclusivity, no prior reading lists required to join.

Contacts: Rachelle Resnick (rresn50@gmail.com) and Robin Roth (robinroth1@comcast.net)
Email: bookgroup@orshalomsf.org
Join Book Group

Gen X-ish
A social group for members who loosely fall within the Gen X generation. Originally formed for empty nesters, this group has grown into one of Or Shalom's most vibrant member communities.

Contacts: Liz Isaacs (lizreye@gmail.com) and Alisa Groocock (alisa.groocock@gmail.com)
Email: genx-ish@orshalomsf.org
Join Gen X-ish

Holocaust Descendants
A confidential group for direct descendants of Holocaust survivors. Due to the personal and sensitive nature of these conversations, the group is private and invite-only.

Contacts: Jody Reiss (jodysf@sonic.net) and Noah Butter (noahbutter@gmail.com)
Please also contact R' Faryn if you're interested in joining.

LGBTQ+ Havurah
Launched in 2025, this growing group is building community for Or Shalom members who identify as LGBTQ+. The group is in its formative stages and welcomes community members interested in helping organize.

Join: Signal Group

Music Ensemble
Our volunteer music ensemble brings live instrumentation and song to every Musical Shabbat, as well as select holiday celebrations throughout the year. The ensemble helps create the joyful, participatory spirit that defines Or Shalom’s musical prayer.

Contacts: Doug Mandell (douglas@toast-enterprises.com) and Robyn Talman (ratalman@yahoo.com)
Email: ensemble@orshalomsf.org
Join Music Ensemble

Nachshon Collective
A group for self-identified “young adults” in San Francisco building vibrant Jewish communities beyond Zionism. Inspired by Nachshon ben Aminadav’s act of courage in being the first to step into the Red Sea before it split, the group embraces liberatory Jewish practice rooted in justice and collective wisdom.

Contact: Cameron Tenner (camerontenner@gmail.com)
Join: WhatsApp Group

Pacifica Havurah
For Or Shalomers living in Pacifica. Neighbors gather for casual walks, gatherings in members' homes, and neighborhood connection.

Contacts: Norisa Berardi (norisa.berardi@gmail.com) and Deborah Schlanger (debbydiet@att.net)
Email: pacifica@orshalomsf.org
Join Pacifica Havurah

OS Connect: Or Shalom Member Listserv

OS Connect is a private listserv open to all Or Shalom members. Use it to stay connected and share within the community.

What you can do in this group:

• Promote non-Or Shalom events you’re organizing or attending.

• Make requests or offers (rides, referrals, giveaways, etc.)

• Ask for help or offer support within the community.

Email: osconnect@orshalomsf.org
Join OS Connect