Homegrown, peer-led, Jewish micro-communities that foster deep interpersonal connections
There are many ways for us to build community and to find meaning at the intersection of our Jewish identities—as parents, young adults, spiritual seekers, outdoor enthusiasts, bakers, and more. The havurah initiative is a platform that supports opportunities to share Shabbat, to learn together, to share stories, to explore interests, and to incorporate Jewish ritual into our lives. Havurot are open to both CBI members and non-members.
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Havurot have 7 to15 members, meet 9 times per year or more, have a Jewish focus, and share leadership among its members. These are intended to be small groups of committed members who meet regularly. Each havurah has a connector or co-connectors who cultivate the vision of the havurah, manage communication and scheduling, and report back to the CBI havurah coordinator.
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Funding by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation provides program funds and stipends to connectors for the first two years.
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Join a Havurah
Email Amy Stein to learn about joining a havurah. The below havurot that are open to new members.
Biking
Have you been looking for a Jewish/CBI-based biking group to explore the beautiful environs of western Massachusetts? Join us for monthly Sunday morning rides through some of the best cycling countryside around. Each ride will cover 18–22 miles. ​Connector: Joel Feldman
Comedy Improv
Throughout Jewish history, humor has been a key strategy in persevering through difficult times. This havurah gathers twice monthly on Monday evenings. If you have any experience—however limited—in comedy, improv, or acting, you’re welcome to join us as we play short- and long-form games and hone our improv skills as individuals and as a group. We are creating a space to foster connection and nourish our souls through playfulness. Connector: Heidi Hass
Documentary Films
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For people of all ages who are interested in learning through the art and substance of the documentary film genre. Films are chosen by the group, streamed between meetings, and discussed in monthly gatherings on the second Thursday of each month with food and socializing. A hybrid option is also available. Connector: Ellen Pader
The Found Tribe
A Jews of Color Havurah
Are you a Jew of Color (JOC) looking for a tight-knit community with others who truly understand both the challenges and joys of being a JOC? Join The Found Tribe, a havurah for self-identified JOCs to build community, find support, go on fun adventures, and just hang out. Connector: Emet Marwell
A note on the name: Out of the 12 Tribes of Israel, 10 are considered lost. Many have theorized that specific pockets of Jewish communities (who often could be considered People of Color) around the world are descendants of one of the Lost Tribes. The name “The Found Tribe” evokes a sense of belonging and reclamation of JOC’s place in Jewish spaces.
Hearing Our Voices, Knowing Our Stories
Women in Jewish Texts
Interested in learning about the stories of women in Jewish texts? Wondering what their relevance is to us today? Join for a monthly discussion of Jewish women in text. We'll read, learn, and explore the stories of these powerful ancestors. We meet monthly on the second Tuesday of the month from 5:15-6:45 mostly on Zoom and occasionally in person. Connector: Tiertza-Leah Schwartz
Ivrit BeHavurah
Join this warm and welcoming Hebrew learning group for adults of all levels. Facilitated by a native speaker, this weekly havurah blends casual conversation, grammar, and cultural exploration in a relaxed, supportive environment. Whether you're just beginning or brushing up, come connect through language and community —one word at a time. This Havurah will meet weekly in Northampton on Tuesday evenings. Connector: Anna Axenov
Havurot at capacity that are currently closed
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Am Yisrael Chai-vurah (Leah Finch)
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Bonfire and Potluck (Rebecca Edwards)
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Caregivers Havurah (Naomi Tannen)
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Cookbook Club (Amy Meltzer)
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Developmental Stage (Chaya Grossberg)
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Families with Young Children (Rachel Piscette)
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Jewish Cultural Artists (Rachel Leader)
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Jewish History and Life (Henny Lewin)
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Men’s Group (Owen Mitz)
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Shabbat Dinner (Jan Nettler)
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Veg Pod (Elly Alexander)
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Wounds into Wisdom (Leslie Leff)
Start a New Havurah
We are currently accepting applications for new havurot. Each havurah must have a connector who serves as a lead organizer. While havurot are intended to be non-hierarchical and peer-led, the connector plays a critical role in managing communication and scheduling for the group, cultivating the vision of the havurah, filing reports, and attending check-in meetings with CBI's havurah coordinator. Connectors are paid a stipend for the first two years for their work getting the group up and running. Rolling deadline for applying, one year commitment to the project.
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Complete an application and email it to Amy Stein. Please reach out to Amy if you have questions.