WHAT IS A HAVURAH?
The word “Havurah” comes from the Hebrew word “Chaver” meaning
“friend.” At Kehilat Shalom, a Havurah is a group of shul members
who join together to enrich their lives and to reinforce the spirit of
Judaism in themselves and in their children. Each Havurah becomes a
small community of congregants who meet in each other’s homes to study,
socialize and celebrate Jewish life together. The Havurot do not replace
other events of the shul, but instead they supplement and support the social,
religious and intellectual activities of the synagogue.
Someplace to Say It is a somewaht different havurah: it is online. It is a destination, of sorts, for people to come together in the comfort of their own home at a time that works for each individual. The Someplace to Say It havurah is diverse in that it is not all of one gender, or of one family make-up, or one age range. Instead those who join this havurah have a common comfort level with the computer and the communication methods it affords.
It is a low volume, moderated list. If you would like to join, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/someplace_to_say_it/
WHAT DOES A HAVURAH DO?
A Havurot provides a commitment in a social atmosphere for
interested Jews to broaden their knowledge of Judaism, their
Jewish skills and their social acquaintances within the congregation.
To this end, the group may plan activities such as a pot-luck dinner,
a Purim party, building a sukkah in a member’s backyard, conducting a
Havdalah Service, joining together for a camping weekend, reading and
discussing works by contemporary Jewish authors, or holding a Havurah Seder.
WHO IS A HAVURAH FOR?
Affiliated members of Kehilat Shalom who desire to be a part of a more
intimate community within the synagogue family. A Havurah provides
an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth.
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We at Kehilat Shalom are proud of the growth of our congregation
and all of the wonderful things that a large membership has brought
us.
At the same time we recognize that it is easy for people to feel
isolated in a large congregation. Havurot offer a way for newcomers
and members of long standing to be part of a more intimate religious
community within the larger shul family.
If the Havurah idea addresses a need that you have been feeling,
we encourage you to apply now for Havurah placement.
B’Shalom,
Rabbi Mark R. Raphael and Hazzan Kimberly Komrad
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Please contact the synagogue office at (301) 869-7699 if you have
questions or would like to join a havurah.
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