Tifereth Israel Congregation

Seeking a Community withn TI - Join a TI Havurah

By Jennifer Kefer

I grew up at a synagogue that was much like TI.  It was a warm and intimate mid-size congregation.  I was active in USY and attended Hebrew School.  My parents were on the synagogue board and our family frequently attended services.

Yet, many of my fondest "synagogue" memories occurred outside the synagogue building with my family's Havurah, or friendship group.  For as long as I could remember, I celebrated Hanukkah and broke the fast with the same eight families.  Each summer, our group rented cabins in Yosemite.  And throughout the year, we attended services together.  These families attended my Bat Mitzvah–and my wedding. 

My husband and I knew we wanted to create a similar "community within a community" when we joined TI.  So, five years ago, when our first child was born, I reached out to other congregants in our demographic (under 40 with at least one infant or toddler child).  Our little group ("Havurah M'Kor") flourished, growing to more than one dozen TI families.

For nearly five years, our group has met monthly.  Our activities are varied.  We've gone ballroom dancing and camping; played poker and Pictionary; organized a private pre-Passover wine-tasting, Hanukkah parties and Sukkot potlucks.  When a new child is born, the group arranges meal deliveries for the new family. 

Although many of our events occur away from TI, participation in the group has not made our family any less engaged in the synagogue.  To the contrary, I am more inclined to attend services and synagogue programs because I know that I will see other familiar faces.  Equally important, my children have gotten to know their peers in a way they never could at synagogue alone.  In short, belonging to a Havurah has strengthened my family's commitment to TI by providing another way for us to connect to the community.

By all accounts, Havurah M'Kor has been a stunning success.  However, after a Hanukkah party with 27 children and as many adults, we recognized that the group was at capacity and we needed to create similar opportunities for others at TI.  Members of our group joined forces with the Membership Committee to help create a mechanism for starting additional Havurot at TI.  I hope you'll join one.

A Havurah allows you to develop a more intimate relationship with other congregants.  Ideally, each group will include 8-10 member units who collectively plan activities (both secular and Jewish).  The Task Force has already created a Havurah Guidebook, which we plan to distribute to the newly formed groups to help with the basics.

While our original group was organized for families with young children, I can imagine a similar group for "empty nesters" or "retirees."  Parents of school-age children may also be interested in forming a Havurah.  At my childhood synagogue, congregants with RVs formed a "camping Havurah." The possibilities are endless.

The Havurah Taskforce plans to respond to questions and collect applications from prospective members through April.  We will form Havurot and help schedule kick-off events in late May early June.  We will continue to accept applications after that time and additional Havurot will be formed on a rolling basis.

If you are interested in joining a Havurah, please downlaod and fill out a havurah application. Completed applications as well as any questions you may have can be emailed to havurah@tifereth-israel.org. Applications can be returned to Adriana in the TI office as well. If you don't have access to e-mail or the web, call the office and we will mail you an application.

Tifereth Israel is a unique and welcoming place.  I have found that my participation in a Havurah has only enhanced my experience.  I imagine you will too and I encourage you to join one of our fledgling groups.