It’s often said that the Jews are harder to find in San Francisco. Cities like Boston and Baltimore have their Jewish neighborhoods. Los Angeles does, too. But in the Bay Area, it’s trickier.
On Oct. 14, someone looking for San Francisco’s Jews will have no trouble finding them. A large turnout is expected for the inaugural “Sunday in the Park,” at Golden Gate Park’s Speedway Meadow. The event, which is geared specifically toward the Jews who live in San Francisco, was first planned as a family picnic. But with the recent terrorist attacks on the United States, the emphasis has changed a bit.
“People are looking for community at this time,” said Joe Levin, campaign director for the San Francisco region of the Jewish Community Federation.
Bob Tandler, chair of the event, echoed, “It’s not just a picnic. It’s our opportunity to unite in celebration of Jewish life and express our solidarity with Israel and the U.S.”
One of the focal points during the afternoon will be a “circle of unity” for people to gather together to sing Jewish and American songs as well as listen to local politicians and community leaders.
The intention is to “show solidarity with the United States and to support our government and the people whose lives are affected by this, along with our brothers and sisters in Israel,” said Levin.
Many local organizations and agencies will have booths, with each offering a different activity. For example, the Jewish Community Relations Council will have an activists’ station, where people can write letters to their representatives in government and find out more about how to become involved.
Chabad of S.F., which will have a scribe up from Los Angeles, is asking people to bring their mezuzot to be checked, to make sure they are kosher.
“The mezuzah is protection for the Jew when he is in his home and walks on the way,” said Rabbi Yosef Langer, the director of Chabad of S.F. He will be at the booth offering Shabbat candle kits and helping people put on tefillin as well. “The mezuzah not only protects the immediate family, but is protection for klal Yisrael, the whole community.”
The JCRC will also offer people the opportunity to express their solidarity with Israel by creating a giant card that the JCF will take along on its next solidarity mission. The card will feature not only written messages but Polaroid pictures of those who wrote them.
“That makes it much more personal,” said Levin.
The pins with blue-and-white ribbons that the federation was going to hand out to show solidarity with Israel will now have a red ribbon added, in light of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. The Jewish Home will exhibit art created by its residents, and A Traveling Jewish Theatre will offer a puppet-making workshop. Jewish Family and Children’s Services will offer bone marrow screening. Congregation Beth Sholom’s Jewish meditation center, Makor Or, will offer meditation sittings.
The picnic will also offer lots of opportunities to just have fun, with arts and crafts activities for children, as well as face-painting and henna tattoos. In addition, the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco has teamed up with Camp Tawonga and Maccabi sports to organize pick-up games and planned games, like ultimate Frisbee, soccer, flag football and volleyball, for different age groups. Younger kids can participate in a three-legged race and balloon toss.
In addition, musical talent is lined up, with RebbeSoul performing as well as the Sidekicks, a teenage band that often plays the JCC’s Club 18.
Security will be a top priority. “As with all of our events, security is of the utmost importance and this is no different,” said Levin. “We are working hand in hand with the San Francisco Police Department to provide a safe and secure event.” While families are asked to bring their own picnic lunches, dessert and beverages will be provided. Levin urged all San Francisco Jews to come celebrate the vibrancy of their community at the picnic. “Sunday in the Park brings together all the pieces of the Jewish community in one place to celebrate and unite together.”
Tandler sounded a similar note. “In the wake of recent events, so many of us have asked, ‘What can I do?’ It’s easy; simply show up and bring others.”
“Sunday in the Park” will take place from 12 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 14, in Golden Gate Park’s Speedway Meadow, (JFK Drive, between 25th and 30th Avenues), S.F. (415) 777-0411.