VISIT BETH SHOLOM

OUR BUILDING

Beth Sholom’s Sanctuary was completed in 2008, where many of our ritual services are held. The CBS building is energy efficient and technologically sophisticated, with functional spaces designed specifically for our needs as well as those of the greater community. In 2001, the renowned San Francisco architect Stanley Saitowitz was selected to create a vision for Congregation Beth Sholom’s new spiritual home. Even before the project broke ground, Saitowitz’s design won Unbuilt Design honors from the San Francisco chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

ACCESSIBILITY

Congregation Beth Sholom is a modern, ADA-compliant facility with two main levels. Our Sanctuary, Koret Hall and Eva Gunther Plaza are all on the second floor, and can be accessed by an elevator inside the hallway behind the main stairs.

OFFICE HOURS

The CBS office is open to the public:
Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Fridays 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

As a courtesy to our staff, if you would like to meet with someone, please reach out to them ahead of time to schedule an appointment.

We have member-only and public events. Please see our full calendar for details.

COVERING OUR HEAD AND RESPECTING SACRED SPACES

At Beth Sholom, we strive to take the rich tradition of the Jewish people and make it relevant to our modern and changing world. As an inclusive, egalitarian community, we have respect for all who gather with us in our holy prayer spaces. As a traditional sign of respect for the sanctity of the space and those gathered in it, it is the custom of our congregation, and therefore encouraged for all, to cover one's head upon entering any prayer space at Beth Sholom. We require all people who lead prayer, have an honor to the Torah or ark, or who stand at the amud (center table) to wear a head covering.* Thank you for respecting our valued traditions and the choices of those in our community.

*Head coverings can take many forms: traditional kippot, hats, scarves, lace doilies, etc.

FACILITY RENTALS

Many of the spaces below are available for private and public rentals. From Friday evening at sundown until Saturday evening at sundown, we are unable to host events that require use of electricity.

Contact Beryl Rubin at brubin@bethsholomsf.org.

  • The Sanctuary

    We gather in the Sanctuary as a community every Shabbat morning and on holidays. The dramatic space was designed with the layout of early synagogues in mind, which encouraged worshipers to daven (pray) in a communal way. The seating area of the Sanctuary sweeps up in an arc to the north and south of the bimah so that participants face one another as well as the service leaders, bringing the entire community together in song and prayer. The Sanctuary has a seating capacity of 586 people.

  • Koret Hall

    Koret Hall is the synagogue’s main facility for shabbat kiddush, B’nai mitzvah, and wedding celebrations, along with other congregational and community events. The space comfortably seats 240 people for a sit-down luncheon or dinner (or 200 with dancing), and will accommodate over 410 people for films, lectures, and other events.

  • Gronowski Chapel

    Congregation Beth Sholom has the distinction of being the only conservative synagogue in the bay area with daily minyans. Minyans are usually held in this chapel. The Gronowski Family Chapel incorporates many of our old sanctuary’s stained-glass windows, which depict the story of the Jewish people while also incorporating universal icons of emancipation.

  • Makom Shalom

    This is a space for meditation, yoga, and other mindfulness practices. Makom Shalom is open each Shabbat for congregants and visitors to take advantage of some quiet, even if no formal service is being led. This space is most often used for Makor Or meditation retreats.

  • Eva Gunther Plaza

    Eva Gunther Plaza, beautiful and peaceful in its own right, has become an extension of Koret Hall and, on occasion, the Sanctuary. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we learned how to fully utilize this space. If you visit us on a sunny Shabbat morning, you will find children playing along with congregants enjoying their Kiddush at outdoor seating. We have even set up our plaza as an outdoor prayer space. The plaza is perfect for your favorite outdoor events!

  • Main Meeting Room

    The Main Meeting Room serves as a flexible gathering space for many of our small events: mah jongg, small Shabbat dinners, morning minyan coffee, film screenings, CBS Authors Series, happy hours and more!

ADDITIONAL FACILITY SPACES

Rainbow Courtyard

This festive outdoor space situated between the Main Meeting Room and Koret Hall.

Rabin Library

The CBS Rabin Library features comfortable seating, study areas, and a gathering space for storytelling and other children’s programming. Our lending library is well-stocked with books on Jewish life, ritual, and thought.

Kosher Kitchen

Congregation Beth Sholom keeps a strict Kosher kitchen, under the supervision of our Rabbi. To reach the Rabbi for specific questions about our policies, please email rabbi@bethsholomsf.org.

Administrative Center

The Fields-Rayant Administrative Lobby welcomes congregants and visitors to our staff offices. This space is ready to welcome you five days per week during business hours and promises a cup of tea or coffee.