Havurah (Friend Groups)

What Is a Havurah?

A Havurah—from the Hebrew word ḥaver, meaning “friend”—is an intimate fellowship group that offers a more personal way to experience Jewish life within a synagogue community. Typically made up of 5–20 individuals or families, Havurot meet regularly to build meaningful relationships through shared learning, celebration, and mutual care.

Havurot are self-directed and flexible, shaped by the interests of their members. Gatherings may include Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations such as Passover or Hanukkah, Jewish learning, social action, and support during life-cycle moments. At their heart, Havurot create a sense of extended family—warm, close-knit communities that deepen and complement congregational life.

The Havurah Tradition at HJC

Five long-standing Havurot were formed by Rabbi Krushan around 1995 and have been meeting continuously ever since—testament to the power of fellowship. Building on that legacy, four new Havurot were launched in 2025, welcoming a new generation of members into this model of connection.

One new Havurah brings together parents whose children grew up side by side in our Religious School—friendships that simply needed a new place to continue. Another group includes parents with very young children, while two others are made up of members in rich, later chapters of life. While it takes time for new Havurot to grow into the kind of “second family” others have cherished for decades, with the HJC community as their foundation, their roots are already strong.

As interest continues to grow, additional Havurot will form to meet the evolving needs and interests of our community.

Learn More

If you would like to learn more about joining a Havurah, please contact Julie Luks at julieluks@gmail.com, Anne Recht at anne.mrecht@gmail.com, or Glenda Kupersmith at glendalisw@gmail.com.

New members may also share their interest with Rachel Gritz, Executive Director when joining HJC.