The B’Vakasha Initiative
The B’vakasha Initiative unlocks welcoming spaces at the JCCSF to community groups and nonprofit organizations to host a group event or gathering in a Jewish-affirming space, at low or no cost.
Do Your Jewish at the JCCSF
At the JCCSF, b’vakasha, Hebrew for “please,” “you’re welcome,” or “go ahead,” is more than a translatable word. It’s a mindset. A welcome. An invitation. A gesture of relational care.
We know you have great ideas and need a place to bring them to life. The B’vakasha Initiative unlocks welcoming spaces at the JCCSF to community groups and nonprofit organizations to host a group event or gathering in a Jewish-affirming space, at low or no cost. Fill our rooms with your ideas, creativity, and joy, and contribute to a vibrant Jewish San Francisco.
Who Can Use Our Spaces
Whether you’re strengthening connections, sharing culture, or sparking conversation, we’re here for you. You or your group :
- Aligns with the JCCSF’s values of inclusivity, community, and Jewish cultural vitality.
- Brings events or gatherings that enrich Jewish life, celebrate diversity, and foster connection.
- Needs accessible, affordable space to gather, share, and belong.
Spaces That Bring People Together
We have many versatile spaces that work well for a range of small to medium size event types – from board meetings and workshops to lectures and small social events.
Ready to Host Your Gathering?
We’re excited to learn about your vision. After we learn more about your plans, needs, and check out our calendar, you’ll hear back in 2 – 5 business days. We’ll provide you with a simple space use agreement, liability waiver, and guidelines for space use. That’s it – space is yours!
Get started by emailing [email protected] to tell us more about you, your idea, and begin our conversation.
Let’s talk!
Support The B’Vakasha Initiative
We’ve already supported over 1,600 participants and granted more than $70,000 in free and subsidized space to our community-rooted partners. Help continue to grow this program.
Rent Space at the JCCSF
If you want to host a corporate event or a private event such as a bar/bat mitzvah, baby naming or gala, renting a space might be an option. Get all the details here.
FAQs
Why B’vakasha?
Who can request access to rooms at the JCCSF?
We welcome:
- Nonprofit organizations
- Volunteer-led community groups
- Emerging initiatives that serve the broader Jewish or San Francisco community
- Groups that align with the JCCSF’s values of inclusivity, community, and Jewish cultural vitality.
- Events or gatherings that enrich Jewish life, celebrate diversity, and foster connection.
- Groups that need accessible, affordable space to gather, share, and belong.
Every event that happens in our building reflects and represents the JCCSF in the eyes of the community. Therefore, it’s important to us that your event doesn’t conflict with our mission or values.
What kind of events can be part of The B’vakasha Initiative?
We endeavor to say “yes” to people with needs for a safe, Jewish-affirming space. Examples include:
- Cultural and arts events
- Learning and dialogue sessions
- Jewish holiday celebrations
- Social wellness gatherings
- Jewish affinity or identity-based community circles
Is there a cost?
Can B’vakasha hosts charge admission?
Yes, but only with prior discussion and approval. We look at potential calendar conflicts with our own publicly available events, your approach to selling tickets, and consider if a co-presenting relationship would be mutually beneficial.
It is important to us that your event, especially if publicly offered, is not in conflict with our mission or values because every event that happens in our building reflects and represents the JCCSF in the eyes of the community.
What happens once I’m approved?
You’ll receive:
- A point of contact for logistics and coordination
- Space use confirmation
- A checklist of what to bring/know for your event
- Orientation in person, over the phone, or via a video call
- We ask that you share photos and impact stories for community documentation. We will send a survey form to capture this information after your event. This program is only possible with funding from our generous supporters, who appreciate learning about the impacts of this program.