An aufruf is the traditional calling-up of the bride and groom (well, traditionally just the groom) to the Torah before the wedding. Basically, it's just a typical Saturday-morning Shabbat service with an extra opportunity for some blessings over the couple. At our aufruf, Annie will be chanting some Torah and Haftarah and leading some of the service. She encourages you to sing--or mumble!--along.

We're excited to celebrate our aufruf at the synagogue to which we belong, Sha'ar Zahav. Sha'ar Zahav is San Francisco's first gay and lesbian synagogue and is firmly committed to queer rights and inclusion in the Jewish community (and beyond). It has published an influential queer-oriented siddur (you'll get to see it at services!) and is constantly working to affirm diversity and work toward social justice.

As part of its mission to affirm egalitarianism, Sha'ar Zahav relies on its lay members to lead services. In other words, the rabbi and cantor are there for spiritual guidance but aren't running the show. Interaction is encouraged, and in lieu of sermons we have community discussions. It makes for very lively services!

There's no dress code; some members show up in jeans. Just wear what feels like an appropriate, respectful getup for a religious service. Traditionally, women cover their shoulders and men wear kippot (available at the synagogue).

Originally known as "The Oaks," the red-brick, 63-room Tudor mansion stands on forty acres along Adeline Drive in north Burlingame. When first constructed in 1915, the estate included a sunken English rose garden, tennis courts, green houses, a large carriage house, and a 150,000 gallon reservoir. Now it serves as a lovely architectural site for soirees like Annie and Tyler's.

We encourage you to arrive early--we'll have music from 3:30 on!

Schmooze, laugh, and play lawn games from 9am-12pm on the day after the wedding! Feel free to come and go as you see fit--you can take off early for Napa or roll in late wearing dark sunglasses. We'll have sweet and savory crepes made on-site!

If you'd like to attend and aren't sure you're invited, check in with us about space--because we're hosting this at a private home we're limiting attendance to out-of-town guests and immediate family.

Please take care to park on one side of the street so we leave enough room for regular traffic. Also, bear in mind that shoes will be removed at the door...so don't wear anything that necessitates a specific shoe to complete the look. JUST KIDDING! That's not a thing.

Special thanks to the Lampmans for so generously opening up their gorgeous home for the occasion. Everyone else--you're in for a treat! This house is absolutely stunning, and the hosts are even lovelier.