Torah Portion of the Week

Ages 18+
Online

A free weekly online Torah study class for adults. Enjoy the magic of the rest of the world falling away as we engage in deep discussions arising from Torah texts.

WeeklyTorahHeroRabbiMeirah

Join us for the oldest book club in the world: Torah study. We read passages aloud together and pause frequently when Rabbi Me’irah stops us – to ask questions, ponder or give different points of view. We sharpen our perceptions of the world, of ethics, and gain a deepened Jewish perspective on life. You don’t need to be Jewish or read Hebrew or know anything about Judaism to join our discussions and enjoy.

Rabbi Me’irah Iliinsky was ordained at Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 2007, after a career as a clinical social worker. She has worked as a hospital and hospice chaplain, founded the school of Jewish-Living Arts at Or Shalom Jewish Community, and serves as the community rabbi at Rhoda Goldman Plaza. She has harnessed her art into her teaching of Judaism in what she calls “Visual Portals to Sacred Texts.” She has self-published three books available on Amazon: Tu Bishvat: A Mystical Seder, Mapping the Journey: TheMourner & The Soul, and Siddur Erev Shabbat: Rhoda Goldman Plaza. Her website is Versesilluminated.com.

We are a small, friendly group, and welcome you to drop in on Fridays from 12:00 – 1:00 pm. To receive the Zoom link for this class, please email Shiva Schulz [email protected].

Please give yourself a few minutes ahead of each session to connect to Zoom so we can all begin on time.

 

 

There is a line in Pirkei Avot, in regard to torah study, which says "Find yourself a teacher, get yourself a friend."  Rabbi Iliinsky has been that teacher for me. I had a friend with whom I attended her classes for many years until that friend passed away several years ago. But I have stayed with Rabbi Iliinsky and have learned much from her. I hope to be able to study more with her as the years march on.

Michael B.

Torah Portion of the Week Participant

Rabbi Me'irah has faithfully presented a class that I have attended for, I believe, three years. The rabbi presents the current parsha in homespun ways, bringing in her personal stories to make the section relevant.  Her outlook is broad and includes modern approaches of Jewish Renewal and Reconstruction which can add to my instinctive, conservative viewpoint.

Anonymous

Torah Portion of the Week Participant

I’ve been attending Rabbi Me’irah’s class since she started at the JCCSF, and unless I was away, I haven’t missed any. She’s a great teacher and often brings in her experience as a therapist, which adds an interesting angle to the learning. I hope to continue for many more years.

Pablo L.

Torah Portion of the Week Participant

August 2025
Jewish Life

TWIST OF TRADITION: HANDS-ON CHALLAH

Date
Friday, August 22
Time
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Braid your own challah to take home and bake, filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of tradition and joy.
RepairTheWorldTzedek
Jewish Life

The Lunch Club: Serving Up Tzedek with Repair The World

Date
Tuesday, August 26
Time
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Join us for The Lunch Club, a monthly service event in partnership with Repair the World, where we make sandwiches for ...
September 2025
NewbornPlaydayHero
Jewish Life

Newborn Playgroup

Date
Sunday, September 7
Time
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Connect with fellow new parents through Jewish Baby Network in a warm, inclusive space for songs, stories and meaningful ...
Arts & Ideas

Yiddish San Francisco: Keeping Culture Alive

Date
Monday, September 15
Time
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Learn how Jewish immigrants made the Yiddish language part of San Francisco’s cultural and political life in the early ...
Yom Hashoah
Healthy Aging

Annual Yizkor Memorial Service

Date
Friday, September 19
Time
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Remembering those we loved, laughed with and looked up to. Join us in this moving ritual for comfort with loving ...
Healthy Aging

60+ Jewish New Year Luncheon: Reflect & Renew

Date
Friday, September 19
Time
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Celebrate with our inclusive community and enjoy a delicious luncheon and holiday fun.
GET TICKETS Learn More
Members $15 | Public $15
Arts & Ideas

A GOLDEN NEW YEAR WITH TASTE OF TALENT – A MUSICAL CELEBRATION!

Date
Friday, September 19
Time
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Get ready for 5786 with a joyful and memorable afternoon of music as this beloved ensemble returns to the Pottruck ...
Jewish Life

Tashlique at Crissy Field

Date
Tuesday, September 23
Time
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Celebrate a modern spin on the Rosh Hashanah ritual of tashlich with Reboot and the JCCSF as we make joyful noise at ...