Most often, though, a havurah is a group of individuals that are part of a Jewish community (e.g. TBS).
We have a thriving havurah at TBS called Secular Shmecular (as I am sure you are aware) that meets weekly. The friends of SecShmec have developed very strong bonds with each other and are some of the most active members of TBS. The founders of SecShmec are secular Jews, i.e. Jews who do not identify as religious. That said, both religious and non-religious Jews participate regularly.
Havurot are a very important means by which friendships can develop within the greater community of TBS which is absolutely essential for the vitality of the community as a whole.
So here I would like to share a list of the various havurot that are budding at TBS, along with the point person’s contact information, to help you plug in.
1) Hunger and homelessness Laura Dawson m.laura.dawson@gmail.com and Shelley Kaplan shelleyjkaplan@yahoo.com
2) Refugees and Immigration, Alex Benenson sashazur@gmail.com
3) Environmental Justice, Elliot Maltz emaltz@willamette.edu
While not formally connected to TBS, we also have a Hadassah book group. Contact Robin Ellison, ravshalom18@gmail.com
Are you interested in forming a TBS Havurah that you don’t see here? Please contact Rabbi Eli and let’s talk!
Another way you can create friendships is by volunteering to serve on one of TBS’ committees. Please see your newsletter for a list of committees and the contact information.