Chavurah

What is a chavurah?
The word, chavurah, comes from the Hebrew word, chaver, meaning "friend." A chavurah is a group of Or Shalom members who gather regularly throughout the year to enrich their lives by socializing, learning and celebrating Jewish life together. Participating in a chavurah is one way to meet other temple members in a smaller, more personal setting, in which new relationships and friendships can be developed from within the congregation.

What does a chavurah do?
Chavurah members plan activities of their own choosing. It could be a potluck dinner, building a sukkah, attending a Shabbat service together, studying a text, going apple picking, attending a concert or play, whatever...it's your choice! Among the joys of chavurah are sharing Shabbat, life-cycle events and the Jewish holidays.

How large is a chavurah? How often does it meet?
An Or Shalom chavurah is usually made up of 6-8 families, or 15-20 individuals. The number, frequency and day and time of meetings are entirely decided by the members of the chavurah. Most groups meet monthly or semi-monthly, in homes of their members or wherever they choose for an activity.

Why NOW?
Joining a chavurah gives you a more intimate sense of community, within the larger Or Shalom community. Building and maintaining community is an integral part of the vision for our future. The chavurah experience gives you the feeling of an "extended family" within our congregation.