About Us
Shalom and Welcome
SFGW School (San Francisco Gateway to Wisdom) has been a cornerstone of Jewish education and community life since 1985. For nearly four decades, we have been dedicated to fostering a love of Jewish learning, cultivating strong character, and building a vibrant community where students of all backgrounds can explore their heritage and identity.
Our school is more than an educational institution—it is a kehillah (community) where families come together to celebrate Jewish values, traditions, and the pursuit of knowledge. We believe that Jewish education enriches lives, strengthens families, and connects us to thousands of years of wisdom and tradition.
Our Mission & Core Values
Our Mission
To provide exceptional Jewish education that inspires students to embrace their heritage, develop strong moral character, pursue lifelong learning, and contribute meaningfully to both the Jewish community and the broader world.
Core Values
- ✡️ Torah (Learning & Wisdom)
- ❤️ Chesed (Loving Kindness)
- 🤝 Kehillah (Community)
- ⚖️ Tzedek (Justice & Righteousness)
- 🌟 Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World)
Our History
SFGW School was founded in 1985 by a group of dedicated Jewish families who envisioned a place where children could receive a comprehensive Jewish education while developing strong academic skills and moral character. What began with just 15 students in a small synagogue classroom has grown into a thriving institution serving over 300 students from diverse Jewish backgrounds.
Throughout our history, we have remained committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, and unaffiliated families alike feel at home. Our pluralistic approach honors the diversity within the Jewish community while fostering unity through shared values and traditions.
Today, SFGW School continues to evolve, incorporating innovative teaching methods while staying rooted in timeless Jewish wisdom. Our graduates go on to become engaged Jewish adults, community leaders, and bearers of Jewish tradition for future generations.
Founded
Students
Years of Service
Alumni
Our Educational Approach
Hebrew Language
Comprehensive Hebrew instruction from alphabet basics through conversational fluency, enabling students to pray, read Torah, and connect with Israel.
- • Modern Hebrew conversation
- • Prayer Hebrew (tefillah)
- • Torah reading skills
- • Israeli culture & history
Torah & Texts
In-depth study of Torah, Prophets, Writings, and rabbinic literature, teaching students to think critically and engage with Jewish wisdom.
- • Weekly Torah portion study
- • Talmudic reasoning
- • Contemporary Jewish thought
- • Text analysis & interpretation
Jewish Living
Hands-on exploration of Jewish holidays, rituals, lifecycle events, and values, bringing tradition to life through meaningful experiences.
- • Holiday celebrations
- • Shabbat observance
- • Jewish ethics & values
- • B’nai Mitzvah preparation
Jewish History
Comprehensive study of 4,000 years of Jewish history, from ancient Israel through the Holocaust to modern-day Jewish life.
- • Biblical & rabbinic periods
- • Holocaust education
- • Modern Israel
- • American Jewish experience
Programs & Services
👶 Early Childhood (Ages 3-5)
Joyful introduction to Jewish traditions, Hebrew songs, stories, and values through play-based learning.
📚 Elementary (Grades K-6)
Core Hebrew, Torah study, holiday celebrations, and Jewish values integrated with age-appropriate activities.
🎓 B’nai Mitzvah (Grades 7-8)
Intensive preparation for becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, including Torah reading, speech writing, and leadership skills.
🌟 Teen Programs (Grades 9-12)
Advanced Jewish learning, leadership opportunities, Israel education, and community service projects.
👨👩👧 Family Education
Programs designed for whole families to learn and celebrate Jewish traditions together throughout the year.
🔄 Adult Learning
Classes, lectures, and study groups for adults seeking to deepen their Jewish knowledge and practice.
Our Inclusive Community
SFGW School welcomes Jewish families from all backgrounds and denominations. Whether you’re observant or secular, interfaith or single-parent, traditional or progressive—there is a place for you in our kehillah.
Pluralistic
We honor diverse expressions of Jewish life and create space for multiple perspectives and practices.
Welcoming
Every family is embraced with warmth, regardless of Jewish knowledge, background, or level of observance.
Connected
Strong relationships between students, families, and teachers create a true sense of belonging and community.
What Families Say
SFGW School gave our children a strong Jewish identity and the tools to carry on our traditions. The teachers truly care about each student’s growth and wellbeing.
— Rebecca & David L., Parents
As an interfaith family, we were nervous about finding a Jewish school where we’d all feel comfortable. SFGW welcomed us with open arms and has enriched our entire family.
— Sarah & Michael K., Parents
My son’s Bar Mitzvah was the culmination of years of meaningful learning at SFGW. He stood on the bimah confident, knowledgeable, and proud of his Jewish heritage.
— Rachel G., Parent
Join Our Community
Whether you’re looking for a place for your child to learn Hebrew, prepare for B’nai Mitzvah, or simply connect with Jewish tradition, SFGW School is here to support your family’s Jewish journey.
📞 (415) 555-SFGW | 📧 [email protected]
📍 123 Jewish Community Way, San Francisco, CA 94115
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9AM-5PM, Friday 9AM-2PM