Havurah
Add friendship to your membership
What is a Havurah?
A Havurah offers friendship, an extended family, and a great way to
be part of a close-knit group within the Beth El family. The word Havurah
comes from the Hebrew word chaver, meaning "friend." A Havurah
provides its members with an opportunity for personal and spiritual
growth through new and lasting friendships. This all comes about by
socializing, learning, and celebrating Jewish life together.
How is a Havurah Formed?
A Havurah is formed based on interests and similarities of congregants.
Based on information provided by prospective Havurah members, the Havurah
chair-person puts groups together, helps organize each new Havurah and
is available for ongoing advice.
Who runs the Havurah
and plans events?
The group runs itself. Successful groups choose a coordinator who ensures
that member information is current and that events are being planned
and attended, usually monthly. Members usually take turns planning events,
and the coordinator is usually rotated annually.
Why join a Havurah?
Havurot offer a way for newcomers and members of long standing to be
part of intimate group setting within the larger temple family. In a
small group you really come to know others and become known. Havurah
members celebrate each other's joys and comfort each other during difficult
times.
What kinds of things does a Havurah do?
It varies with each group's desires and could include sharing holiday
celebrations and life cycle events, socializing and attending temple
functions together. Your group can celebrate holidays such as enjoying
a Shabbat dinner together, building a Sukkah or having a Hanukkah party.
Your group may want to perform mitzvot by participating in community
service projects. A Havurah can have fun socializing by having a pot
luck dinner or hiking though the woods. Joining a Havurah allows you
to develop close ties with other temple members and to have an"
extended family" within the Beth El community. (While Beth El will
provide ideas and support for Havurah actives, each Havurah is self-directed.
Responsibility for activities rest with the Havurah.)
As a member of a Havurah,
what do I need to do?
Be committed to the group and have fun! Each member should make attending
Havurah events a priority.
How can I start the
process of joining a Havurah?
Beth El currently has 15 Havurah groups for temple members of all ages
and interests. Some involve children - others do not. If there is not
a Havurah that matches your interests, we can help you form a new group!
We are constantly trying to match people in order to
add to, or form new Havurot. for the Havurah application form.
