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.
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.
Funding by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation provides program funds and stipends to connectors for the first two years.
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
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
Jews Read Palestinian Stories
Many of us grew up celebrating the 20th century miracle of Israel reborn as political state. Our hearts are breaking over the unimaginable violence and loss of life of Israelis and Palestinians this year. Might reading the personal narratives of Palestinians over this last century shed light on our understanding of the conflict? Might we be able to simultaneously hold the stories and pain of both peoples? This monthly intergenerational gathering is an opportunity to come together with others who like to read and who are interested in better understanding the experience of Palestinians through their own voices. Interested in learning more? Please fill out this short Google form. Connector: Judi Wisch.
Mah Jongg
Monthly gatherings bring people together for playing, conversation, and learning. All levels are welcome including those new to the game who can learn from experienced players in the group. Meetings are held at CBI on the first Thursday evening of the month. Connector: Beverly Blatt
Mazel Tots
for Gan Keshet Families
A Havurah for parents with young children in Gan Keshet to gather, “kvetch and kvell” about the ups and downs of parenthood. Bagels and coffee included. Come share stories, exchange tips and create lasting friendships with other jewish parents in the community. Connector: Aaron Berkenwald.
River Valley Avodat Lev
Avodat Lev, meaning “heart work,” is a songful, contemplative prayer practice that follows the format of the weekday services in a mix of simple chants, meditations, and poetry in Hebrew and English. Avodat Lev was developed by the Adamah program at Isabella Freedman. No prior prayer knowledge or practice is required and all are welcome. Services are held on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 6:30–7:30 pm at Temple Israel Greenfield.
The Power of Political Folk Music for Social Change
...A Women's Song Circle
This havurah will provide an uplifting and empowering space to sing beloved political folk songs in community. We’ll use the the songbook Rise Up Singing, but members are encouraged to bring additional songs to the group, as well. To keep our time centered on music, we kindly ask that we save political discussions for other spaces. The havurah will be group-led, with a different member guiding each monthly gathering. We’ll welcome drop-in participants for the first three months before forming a more committed circle. Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month, 7:00-8:30 pm. To learn more, contact Nina Spiro.
Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
In this Havurah we will meet to share our stories of our childhood sexual abuse in hopes that connecting in a group will help us heal collectively. We will read healing texts – prayers, poems and even sing songs. This is a peer-led group that meetss the second Thursday of the month at 7pm on Zoom. Email Amy Stein for the link. If you wish to remain anonymous you can email Amy with a different email or name. We won’t disclose any information that is shared in the meetings nor will we disclose who comes to the meetings. This havurah centers queer and trans people, plus allies.
Ukulele
In this Havurah we will meet to share our stories of our childhood sexual abuse in hopes that connecting in a group will help us heal collectively. We will read healing texts – prayers, poems and even sing songs. Group members can bring art, poems and songs that they created that are helping with their healing process. We will share our pain and be witnessed by others. We will end with a meditation. During our shares we will simply witness and listen and not respond to anything the person shared. Connector: Donna Sarro.
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.
Complete an application and email it to Amy Stein. Please reach out to Amy if you have questions.