Affinity Groups

Affinity Groups 2025 (For Temple Sinai Members)  

Temple Sinai Affinity groups, only for Sinai members, are designed to create community and connection for new members or those  who would like to meet new people. They are small “chaverot” which are interest-based and guided by their members. Our Affinity Group Committee will help to maintain continuity and focus as well as create groups as desired. Group interests are (almost) unlimited, and may include Shabbat dinners, hiking, games, book groups, parenting topics, or more!

Each affinity group must have a minimum of 5 temple members; one will be a volunteer liaison, keeping the group connected. You will receive an email from an organizer shortly after registering.

Groups are forming now, and will continue to be, according to the needs and desires of our wonderful congregation. See list of Affinity Groups below and sign up here. Or if you have questions, you can reach out to us at affinitygroups@oaklandsinai.org

NEW GROUP: Grandparents!  Has your first grandchild just arrived (mazel tov!)? Did you recently move here to be near your grandchildren? Are you a grandparent interested in socializing with others (bragging rights for all!) and sharing fun or thoughtful ideas? The group members will determine how, when and where to meet.

Art Appreciation–Visits to galleries and studios, discussions of favorite artists, speakers, field trips- the possibilities are endless!

Arts and Crafts, and Needle Arts–Meet in a group member's home every few weeks to work on their projects, e.g.drawing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, etc., chatting while they create!

Baking–Come bake, share recipes, learn, schmooze, and nosh!

Board Games–Monthly 'play dates' meet at members' homes once a month. Members bring games, some nosh and have fun! Come be part of this great group! 

Bocce–The group bowls about every six weeks on Sunday afternoons at the home court of temple members, keeping up their energy via the excellent snacks they bring!  

Book Group–There are several lively book groups, each determining its own format, rules, books read, and capacity. When one group fills up, another one is formed.  Come meet fellow book-lovers!

Bridge–For bridge enthusiasts who already know how to play or are being reintroduced to the game. A friendly, social bridge game.   Meets at individual homes on a Thursday evening once a month.

Cooking (Taste Buds)–A newly formed group for those who love to cook! Different regional cooking/cultural recipes are made, eaten and shared! Ideas for meals include themed dinners, guest instructors, technique centric cooking, field trips to food production facilities, specialty classes, and tastings. 

Conversational Hebrew–Meet in a private home, speak Hebrew! The group needs a few additional members, then kol b'seder! 

Day Trippers–This group needs a few more members to move forward. Join in exploring the Bay Area—there is so much to see! Participants will decide as a group when, where and how often to meet. 

Film Interest Group–There are several groups of film lovers, each determining its own format, rules, choice of films, where and when viewed, and size of group. 

Gardening- A group for enthusiasts of any level of expertise, to venture together on field trips, visit one another’s gardens, share tips and cuttings, hear guest speakers, and more

Hiking–Outdoor enthusiasts! A monthly Sunday hike is proposed by members which vary in challenge from very gentle to a little more sweat breaking! Weather dependent. Dogs generally welcome (some trails on leash).

Jewish Authors–A book group devoted to the work of Israeli and other Jewish authors, both classic and contemporary. (This of course does not preclude any of our other book groups from reading in this genre as well!)

Jewish Genealogy–Finding Your roots! The group has been on hiatus but is looking to get back to discussing methods and progress, and visiting the Family Research Center in Oakland.

Mah Jongg–Group recently formed, come join in the fun. Currently playing once a month in people's homes on a Tuesday evening. Instruction  could be possible if you don't know how!

Sinai Songsters–The Sinai Songsters generally meet monthly on the 3rd Sunday of the month near Piedmont in Oakland to play and sing member's favorite songs.  Bring your instrument and/or your voice as well as a predetermined number of print outs of lyrics and chords for any songs you'd like the group to sing.  You do not need to read music or have perfect pitch to sit with us in a circle, enjoy community, and play! 

Pickleball–Play this popular game of pickle ball in teams (weekly? monthly?) at local courts. Some minimal cost may be involved to reserve a court. Must have one’s own racket. Range of experience. We're almost there! Just need a couple more players! 

Shabbat Dinner–“Shabbatniks” as they are affectionately known, meet every 6 weeks for a potluck Shabbat dinner and interesting conversation. Members may volunteer to host, but that is not a requirement. The number of participants each time is determined by the host. Sign-ups are on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Travel Dreams and Planning–Members meet every few weeks in a private home to  share tips, experiences, resources, even country-themed potluck dinners!