Havurot
A havurah (derived from the word for friend, connection, company) is a group bound together by a common interest. It is a grassroots, non-hierarchical model of Jewish community. There are many, many Jewish communities in the US that function as havurot. Check out the National Havurah Committee for more.
Most often, though, a havurah is a group of individuals that are part of a Jewish community (e.g. TBS).
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. 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.
Please note: these havurot are for TBS members only. However, if you are not a member and want to participate in one of these groups, please contact the office.
Sewing Havurah
Come to share your expertise or learn a whole new skill. Contact Julie Sudduth Klinger for more information.
Virtual Book Club
The virtual book club will meet the first Thursday of the month at 6pm.
Join Me’ira Fritts and Casandra Johns for a virtual book club focusing on works relevant to Jewish progressives and leftists. Our first book is Safety Through Solidarity by Shane Burley and Ben Lorber Please email Me’ira if you’re interested in joining!
Beginner Hebrew
We will be starting with an adult primer and will meet exclusively by Zoom the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at 7 pm. If you are interested in the class please call Francine Shetterly for information on the materials.
Torah Cantillation Class
Have you ever thought of learning to chant from the Torah? Perhaps you have a family event, or a Bar/Bat Mitzvah approaching? Or, you know how to read from the siddur and follow the prayers on Shabbat, but want to deepen your Jewish practice? If so, this course may be for you!
The course explores many of the mysteries surrounding chanting or “leyning” Torah. It presents both the theoretical foundation plus practical hands-on sessions designed to learn the musical notes essential to singing from the Torah. The course is designed for beginners – or those who would like a refresher – and are keen on adding to their Jewish knowledge.
Currently we are learning from The Art of Torah Cantillation, by Cantor Marshall Portnoy and Cantor Josee Wolff, UAHC Press. Each participant is expected to purchase this book. Prerequisite: Basic level of fluency in reading Hebrew, and a sense of musicality
You can chant Torah! Contact Larry if you are interested in learning.
Jew Foo (Jewish Food)
Love cooking? Want to expand your summer repertoire while supporting Jewish content creators and meeting new friends? Join in as we try up some recipes from Danielle Renov’s cookbook, Micro Peas: The Salad Formula. There will be opportunites to participate online and in person. This book can be purchased through TBS’ affiliate link to receive a portion of each sale.
Please also sign up for our WhatsApp group — Susannah Skyer
(You are absolutely welcome even if you don’t love cooking and are just hoping to learn some new recipes and stave off boredom as you feed your family yet again!)
Reconstructing Judaism Study Group
4th Sunday of every month
1:00 – 2:00 pm
Temple Beth Sholom, Salem
■ Curious about Reconstructionist Judaism?
■ Want to dive deeper into Jewish identity, tradition, and innovation?
Join us for engaging discussions, open questions, and learning in community!
No prior knowledge needed—just bring your curiosity and an open mind!
Come explore the origins of Reconstructionism, its essential tenets in comparison with other denominations, and how it brings together tradition and modern Jewish life in thoughtful, meaningful ways.
This group will be facilitated by TBS member Marc Overbeck, who serves on the Board of Reconstructing Judaism, and has studied Mordechai Kaplan and his writings for several years. All are welcome!
50+ Women's Havurah
This havurah is for women age 50 and older who would like to spend some time in community together. Any member should feel free to organize events or activities. In the past, we’ve had a women’s seder and Havdalah/game night. Our events do not need to be Jewish-themed, but could be anything of interest to members of the Havurah. Contact Meredy Goldberg Edelson to join.
ChaGaT
This is TBS’ social justice committee: Chinuch (education), Gemilut hasadim (acts of kindness) and Tikkun Olam.
There are three subcommittees of ChaGaT:
1) Hunger and homelessness, Shelley Kaplan
2) Refugees and Immigration — Josie Silverman Mendez and Levi Herrera Lopez
3) Environmental Justice — open leadership position
Spiritual Practices
This group started in 2017, led by Rabbi Eli, to discuss Jewish metaphysical texts, kabbalah, the tree of life, meditation and related subjects lesser known in traditional Jewish practices. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month from 1 to 3 pm (hybrid). We are currently studying the mystical meanings of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, including numerology, using several texts as sources. We are being facilitated by Mara Cook, who brings a wealth of knowledge and resources to us. Whatever we are studying, it leads to many interesting discussions. We welcome you to come join us, or just try it out and see if it fits. Link to Zoom is in the weekly email or the newsletter.
Teva Havurah — outdoors
This group is all about outdoor outings. Looking for leadership for this group. Contact the office if interested.
Families and Friends Havurah
This group is primarily for families with children between the ages of 0-18 but anyone is welcome! Contact Daniel or Mari Adatto We try to meet once or twice per month for havdalah and/or Shabbat lunch. Join the Whatsapp group.
Secular Shmecular
Secular Shmecular meets every other Sunday at Panera to socialize and discuss topics of interest. 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. Contact Pam McCollum 971.218.7023 or Laura Dawson 503-999-7074 for more information and to join the fun!
Hadassah Book Club
While not formally connected to TBS, we also have a Hadassah book group. Contact Robin Ellison.
Writers' Havurah
Are you a writer or an aspiring writer that would like to workshop your compositions? Contact Darren Howard.
Poetry Havurah
This is be a place for poets and poetry lovers to share and workshop original poems or introduce favorite works. Contact John Leys if you are interested in joining.
TBS Talks Israel
This havurah was formed to create a supportive space for discussing, learning about, and deepening our connection to the Jewish state. Currently, this havurah communicates through a WhatsApp group chat. Contact Marc Overbeck or David Clyne to join.
Ne'imot — Singing group
Ideas for new havurot?
Are you interested in forming a TBS Havurah that you don’t see here? Please click here to contact the office.