Shabbat Havurah FAQ

 

 

The Shabbat Havurah program is an effort to form connections within our Beth El community. As we return to shul, to normalcy, and to each other, we will focus on nurturing new or deeper relationships through welcoming Shabbat together in small groups. Every month, one member of each Havurah will host their group to welcome Shabbat on Friday night with blessings, songs, and Shabbat dinner. This program will run for one year. If all goes well, we’re looking forward to offering this program again in future years, and giving you an opportunity to participate in several Havurot.  

 

All Beth El members are welcome!  

 

How are the Shabbat Havurot grouped? 

Registration will be open until February 1, 2023 at which point we will group Havurot based on the preferences you provide! Shabbat Havurot are open to those of every age and stage of life. Whether you would like to be in a group with a similar age/stage demographic or a mixed age/stage, we will do our best to find you a Havurah home. Be sure to fill out the registration form here fully with all of your preferences.  

 

When your Havurah is formed, you will be given a contact list of the people in your group, and instructions for making initial contact. You should take the days following your Havurah assignment to develop a “hosting schedule” for your Havurah, determining who will host each month’s meal, as well as discussing issues like the dietary needs of people in your group. 

 

Yes! Simply make a note of your request on your registration form. Keep in mind that this is an opportunity for you to get to know new people in the congregation. We'll do our very best to honor requests and, generally, to put you in a group that is a good fit. 
 

Each Havurah will have between 8-12 individuals (a couple counts as 2 individuals, and a family of 4 counts as 4). 

 

When will I know who’s in my group? 

We will announce the Havurot at a Kick-Off event on Sunday, February 5. More details will be emailed to you upon registration. 

 

It is free to join a Shabbat Havurah. All that is required is a desire to form meaningful relationships and a commitment to participate in monthly gatherings.   

 

What are my obligations as a member of a Shabbat Havurah? 

As a member of a Shabbat Havurah, you commit to attending monthly Shabbat dinners, and to host once over the course of the year. We understand that conflicts come up sometimes, but in general, please make yourself available for these monthly dinners.  

 

If you are unable to host at your home, that’s ok! We will be sure to add you to a Havurah with people than can host repeatedly.  

 

We will have a kick-off event to welcome you to the Shabbat Havurah program and go over some details. We suggest the dates below for your Shabbat Havurah gatherings. If your Havurah chooses a different date each month, that’s fine too. The time of each dinner is up to your Havurah as well.  

  

Here are the suggested Shabbat Havurah dates: 

February 10, 2023

March 10, 2023

May 12, 2023

June 9, 2023

July 7, 2023

August 11, 2023

September 8, 2023

October 13, 2023

November 10, 2023

December 8, 2023

 

Additionally, Rabbi and Robin Shulman will host several Havurot throughout the year for a Shabbat lunch in the park so each Havurah will have a chance to enjoy a Shabbat meal with the Shulman family and get to know other Havurot. Your date with the Shulman family will be preassigned and your Havurah will work it into the hosting schedule you create. Your Havurah may choose to skip that Friday night in lieu of the Shabbat lunch, but it’s up to you!  

 

What type of Shabbat meal will I be expected to serve? 
Any kind you want! We suggest serving dairy/vegetarian meals. Just be sure to check dietary requirements & allergies with your Havurah. The host will determine whether they will provide the entire meal, or whether it will be potluck. 

 

We will provide resources with the blessings, songs, and Jewish text-based discussion material. You may also invite another member of the Havurah to recite the blessings. You will be inviting the Havurah into your home, make it your own and share your family’s traditions.   

 

Not really. You can choose to host your dinner at any time of the evening that works for you and the other members of your Havurah. Your meals can be as short or as long, as casual or as formal, as kid-friendly or as adult-centric as you want. It's really up to you! 

 

  

Sounds great! Sign me up! Is there a registration deadline? 
Yes! The deadline for registration for the 2023 Shabbat Havurah program is January 25, 2023. Click here to sign up 

 

Reach out to Dvora Vinick if you have any questions.