The word “Chavurah” (Chavurot, plural) comes from the Hebrew word “Chaver,” meaning friend. Each Chavurah is a small community of congregants that meet in each other’s homes to study, socialize and celebrate Jewish life together. A chavurah is your intimate group within the larger Kol Ami community with whom you can grow as a whole person through a communal Jewish experience. It provides the chance for you to learn and re-learn the ways of Jewish life. It is where Jewish families experience Jewish life the way it was intended – with other families. A Chavurah is an experience that improves with time. You can’t expect to feel a special kinship with your fellow Chavurah members after one meeting. You are involved in creating a community through commitment, flexibility, and patience. A Chavurah is a group that requires YOU on an ongoing basis. You must be willing and able to attend monthly meetings, host the meetings in your home when it is your turn, and keep things running smoothly.

Joining a Chavurah is your decision to rekindle a past experience that brought value to your life, begin a new journey, and be open to new feelings and knowledge. No two people will experience the same feeling at the same time. Each person brings their past and needs to the Chavurah. Chavurah is where members have equal responsibility in deciding how the Chavurah runs and the opportunity to share their knowledge. Each member is a follower, as well as a leader. Chavurah is intentionally comprised of small groups so that each person’s contribution and presence can be felt. Your support assures the continuation of your Chavurah. It doesn’t just happen- YOU make it happen. Chavurah can be social. Each group has its own personality. Chavurot that meet regularly will form strong networks of growing relationships.

A Chavurah costs your time, your energy, your commitment, nothing more or less.

Kol Ami creates Chavurot on an ongoing basis. Please contact helenekid@verizon.net or pick up an application in the office with any interest or questions.  For more information about Kol Ami’s vibrant chavurahs, contact Helene Kramer or Carolyn Fink.