Introducing the “Tikkun Olam” Committee
February 8, 2011
We are pleased to introduce the revitalized Havurah Social Action Committee which will be known as the Tikkun Olam Committee. The new committee will continue Havurah’s long-term commitment to the work of tikkun olam (“repair of the world”), and the pursuit of justice. The committee will be guided by values that prioritize the participation and engagement of a broad range of Havurah members in this work.
In Havurah’s on-going work of tikkun olam, members have been involved in a range of projects focusing on service, advocacy, education and/or financial support. Projects have differed in levels of participation, scope and sustainability. As a community, we share pride in all our accomplishments. Going forward, we will continue to recognize and honor individual efforts and initiatives.
The Tikkun Olam Committee will have a shared leadership triad of Layton Borkan, Steve Rudman and Ben Walters. We are looking for three to four more committee members. Would you be interested in participating in the Committee’s work?
If you are interested in helping us to get this new committee up and running, we welcome you to join us (Steve, Ben, Layton) on the Committee as we work to create decision-making processes and procedures that will help us support the work of tikkun olam in our community.
Please contact Ben Walters, Layton Borkan, Steve Rudman, to get connected.
Two Important Membership Events to put on your Calendar!
February 1, 2011
Calling All ‘New’ and ‘Not-So-New’ Havurah Members!
Havurah’s newly-invigorated Membership Committee recently learned that many of our members have never received an in-depth orientation regarding the basics of Reconstructionist Judaism, our rabbi’s role, the role of the Steering Committee, the participatory ‘duties’ and numerous opportunities for members to engage, serving on Havurah’s committees that advance our collective vision, and about our beautiful synagogue. So, please join us for this adult-oriented evening program on Sunday, February 13, and learn more about us. We look forward to seeing you. Please note details below:
Date: Sunday, February 13
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Havurah Shalom
Refreshments: wine and hors d’oeuvres
RSVP by Friday, February 11.
Empty Nesters/Freedom Nesters/ Re-Nesters Come one! Come All!
Attention Havuarah families with grown children ( 18-30+)
We invite you to attend a brunch and lively discussion on Sunday Feb 27th, 10 am-Noon, about how the definition, needs, and issues facing families with grown children has changed from the traditional view of “empty nesters”. Adult children returning to the home, or never leaving, economic needs, intensive grand parenting duties, addiction, blended complex mispucha relationships – only some of the issues which have been brought to our attention.
Come and enjoy some lox and bagels, and share your family stories. Adela Basayne will facilitate the discussion. Shirley Rackner and Carol Chestler will talk about the first empty nester social group which has existed for a number of years, and which they hope to reinvigorate. Brainstorm with us any ways Havurah might help to strengthen our community connections and provide support during transitional times.
We look forward to seeing you.
Date: Sunday, February 27 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Location: Havurah Shalom
Inter-generational Brunch & Brainstorming Session
RSVP by Friday, February 21.
If you are interested in helping to plan this brunch, or have ideas to offer, please contact Marcia Suttenberg.
Social Action – Moving Forward!!
November 29, 2010
Join us for the next Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner on December 10th. Online registration now available!
November 17, 2010
Second Friday Kabbalat Shabbat Services: December 10 at 6:30 pm
Did you miss it!? Or were you one of 140 standing through the opening niggun of the service, joining in song and prayer as we welcomed in the day of rest? We provided the food, and you provided the energy throughout a memorable evening.
The next dinner is scheduled on December 10th and is the Human Rights Shabbat, being celebrated across the country, on the 61st Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
A modestly-priced dinner will be incorporated into the service starting at 6:30 pm(contact the office for details). Water and Teas are provided so please bring your own wine and juice.
If you can’t attend dinner, please come to the service portion.
Future Dates: January 14, February 11, March 11, April 8, May 13
You won’t want to miss the next one. Send in your RSVP form and your check, and you can still make the December 3rd deadline for the December service. Or pay online, using this convenient registration website . Please note that there is a $1.00 service charge for each person for online registration.
And place this event on your calendar on the second Friday of each month.
Green Empowerment Update: Havurah Celebrated Sukkot With a Helping Hand to Nicaragua
October 19, 2010
On September 26th, Havurah celebrated Sukkot with a great event called Sharing the Bounty. 150 Havurahniks and friends came out to celebrate the harvest festival and join in the activities. We carried water and sounded the shofar reflective of ancient rituals surrounding this ancient holiday. We also celebrated the culmination of our fund raising efforts for a water project for a small town in Nicaragua, and honored four Havurah members who have shown leadership in social action within our community.
We’re hoping Sukkot will become an annual time when our community will honor those members who have shown leadership in social action. This year’s event honored Bob Brown who has chaired the social action committee for the past 8 years, along with three B’nai Mitzvot, Natalie Lerner, Mira Reichman, and Eliana Sullivan, who raised funds for Green Empowerment in support of the El Jocote water project in Nicaragua. Havurah had committed to raise $40,000 for this project and we were close to having achieved that goal before the dinner event. At the end of the evening, thanks to the great attendance, generous donations, and the raffle for a cedar rain barrel (won by Bill Kwitman), we raised almost $6000! Once we have the final accounting complete for the total project, we will announce the amount raised in the community email.
