What’s a havurah?
A havurah aims to be an intimate community where deep, caring, supportive relationships are fostered between the members of the group as they share and explore a Jewish focus of their own choosing. The group sets its own agenda, is peer-led, and meets on an ongoing basis. The havurah should ultimately have a minimum of seven people, meet nine times a year or more, have a Jewish focus and shared leadership.
Who might form a havurah?
Single folks out of college; families with young children; women; men; LGBTQ folks; empty nesters; people in the same neighborhood, age cohort or profession.
What’s the focus of a havurah?
That’s up to the group itself. Some possibilities: share Shabbat and holidays; work together for social justice; do mitzvot like community service or visiting the sick; do outdoor activities like hiking and/or biking; form a singing circle; do art; cook; read books; explore and find self-expression through Jewish culture; study Jewish teachings; cultivate Jewish spiritual practices.
What’s the role of the connector?
In short, the connector brings people together based on a shared Jewish interest to form a havurah. This involves:
- Reaching out to individuals who are looking for a Jewish connection, listening to their interests and ideas.
- Convening prospective members and facilitating an initial meeting to discuss group goals, focus, and next steps.
- Helping the group develop expectations around scheduling, communication, and decision-making.
- Facilitating the members of the group taking full ownership of all aspects of the havurah.
- Bringing the support and resources offered by the HGF HI to the attention of the havurah.
- Attending sessions with other connectors and staff for training, workshops, and idea sharing.
- Completing a brief quarterly report highlighting havurah developments, progress, challenges, and successes.
- Reaching out to HI staff when you need support.
What are the benefits for the connector?
HI offers the connector:
- A stipend of $1,000/year given quarterly after reports are submitted for the first year.
- Up to $1000/year for program expenses.
- Access to support and training from the HI staff.
The connector can derive great satisfaction from helping fellow Jews find and shape a warm, supportive, and rewarding Jewish community and participating in that community as well.
Note: While connectors may be Jewish professionals, personally they must be members of the havurah and may not be acting on behalf of their employers.