In May, recognized as Jewish American Heritage Month, a San Francisco synagogue, Anshey Sfard, highlights the contributions of Jews in America while facing community challenges. The synagogue serves as a cultural anchor for new arrivals like Tovael Hagai, who found belonging after relocating from London. With a historical background in welcoming diverse Jewish populations, the synagogue is amid a slow decline in congregation numbers. To strengthen community bonds, the synagogue has introduced monthly Shabbat dinners, allowing members to connect and celebrate their heritage more deeply, countering the decline in attendance.
"I just moved halfway across the world from London to San Francisco and I found this synagogue and service. And that gave me this feeling of like, 'wow, I'm in this place that I have no idea but this is my home.'"
"It's dwindling. The community is dwindling in San Francisco, people coming to the synagogue."
"We pray from the same books. It's just the style of the prayer and the pronunciations are a little bit different. The Sephardic food has more spices. The personality also is a little bit spicier than the Ashkenazi."
"To combat that problem, a little over a year ago, Anshey Sfard began hosting Shabbat dinners for the community on the first Friday of every month."
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