Havurot are small, self-organized groups built around shared interests, experiences, and stages of life. More than 500 members have participated over the years—putting the values of our BJ Community Covenant into practice by showing up for one another, learning together, and building meaningful relationships.

Ready to find your havurah? Explore this year’s groups below and fill out this form by Tuesday, October 6. Havurot will be finalized in October.

Come for a shared interest. Stay for the community.

All of the following havurot are welcoming new members—those with an asterisk are existing havurot that are continuing from last year. Explore havurot focused on Jewish Wisdom for Meaningful Living, Fun, Food, and Friends, and Special-Interest Havurot to find the place that’s right for you.

Through Jewish text, music, prayer, and literature, these havurot will draw on the wisdom of our tradition and apply it to our lives. Explore ancient and modern sources and how they speak to pressing contemporary questions, make meaning of significant life transitions and new stages, let poetry and music open your heart—all while building community and lasting relationships with other BJ members.

Al Tashlikheinu/Do Not Cast Us Away As We Grow Old*

Our havurah takes its name from a prayer said on Yom Kippur: Do not throw us away when we are old. We are all BJ members over 70 who continue to have active lives and wisdom to offer. We use this space to discuss the gifts as well as the burdens of being a Zakeyn (elder).

Virtual, meets monthly on Rosh Hodesh
Leaders: Amy and Robert Pollack

Applying the Ancient Wisdom of Torah Stories to our Contemporary Lives

Our tradition has blessed us with remarkable stories. In this havurah, we will be exploring how Torah stories can illuminate and help us negotiate salient emotional, psychological and spiritual issues in our contemporary lives. 

Virtual and in person, meets once or twice a month
Leader: Neal Aponte

BJ Music Ensemble*

For BJ members who play instruments, this havurah offers a chance to come together to learn and play the beautiful melodies that are part of our services. Drawing upon diverse music from eastern and western Jewish traditions, BJ Music Director Dan Nadel leads the sessions, provides the sheet music, and guides participants according to their musical experience, instrument, and role in the ensemble. Players with different levels of experience are welcome, but participants should be comfortable playing their instrument, able to read music, and familiar with chords. This is an established, ongoing ensemble that has been together for the past year. To hear an example of what this group is working on together, click here. Note: There is a fee associated with this group.

In person, meets once or twice a month
Leader: Wendy Levine

Covenant and Conversation

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks wrote a nine-volume Torah commentary in 2013 called Covenant and Conversation which he explains “is the essence of what Torah learning is.” The treatise is said to draw deeply on “philosophy, sociology, psychology, and fields as wide-ranging as game theory, economics, and political thought, [and] brings Jewish wisdom into dialogue with the best of human knowledge.” Let’s study this treatise together in weekly sessions to begin to get an understanding of what the conversation, and the covenant, is all about.

In person and virtual, meets weekly on Sundays
Leader: Marcy Einhorn

Jewish American History: America @250

We will explore the rich and often overlooked history of Jewish Americans, examining key figures, sociological shifts, and cultural contributions across different eras. Through thoughtful reading and open discussion, we aim to deepen our understanding of this vital American narrative.

In person and virtual, meets monthly
Leader: Michael Rand

The Magic and Medicine of the Psalms

We invite you to join us as we dive into the psalms to discover how these ancient treasures can be read closely, interpreted, and can speak to contemporary challenges. Together we will explore the eight themes embedded in the psalms that can help us face those challenges: gratefulness, praise, lament, supplication, exaltation, revelation, comfort and encouragement. Our exploration will be guided by Rabbi Shefa Gold’s profound teachings and the chants she created using psalm texts. 

Virtual, meets monthly on Monday evenings
Leaders: Lisa Machlin and Cheri Zeldis Kolber

The Poems of Yehuda Amichai

Yehuda Amichai might well have been Israel’s greatest poet. His works are lyric, complex, and provocative. Most of them have been faithfully translated into English, so while knowledge of Hebrew is useful, it is not necessary.

In person, meets monthly
Leader: Paul Golomb

Reflections on Israel, the Diaspora, and Jewish Identity* 

This havurah is a self-directed and shared learning group. Over the past three years, this group has examined and discussed the work of various thinkers and authors, including, among others, Rabbi Samuel Tamares, Shaul Magid, David Kraemer, Josh Leifer, Peter Beinart, and Omer Bartov. In addition to written texts, we use other media. The havurah will continue to explore what it means to be a Jew living in the diaspora today and how we understand our relationship to Israel. We will engage in this learning by providing different perspectives on these questions through selected readings, videos, and podcasts. Group members will take turns leading discussions and selecting materials as we learn and reflect together. New members are welcome and we advise that before joining the group, they acquaint themselves with a few of the authors listed above.

Virtual, meeting time TBD
Leaders: Susan Miller and Zvi Rosen

Retirement Realities: Opportunities, Challenges, Fears, Hopes and Jewish Wisdom

For those considering, semi-retired, or retired, we will explore the transition into retirement through a Jewish lens. Together, we will navigate the unique challenges, fears, and hopes of this next life stage while uncovering the new opportunities it presents for purpose and renewal. Using Jewish text and thought, participants will reframe aging not as a withdrawal, but as a new and sacred chapter in life.

In person and virtual, meets monthly on Tuesdays
Leader: Gary Wartels

Shame! Stories from the Talmud*

Along with colorful characters and unexpected plot twists, the provocative stories of the Babylonian Talmud grapple with deep psychological and ethical questions—and never in a simplistic way. This havurah explores stories about shame. Some tell of the public humiliation of a colleague or family member, which the rabbis compare to murder; others of secret, private mortification. When and why do people humiliate each other? When is profound personal shame a barrier and when is it a path to spiritual growth? What insights can rabbinic storytelling offer into our own inclinations and actions, toward others and toward ourselves?

In person, meets monthly
Leaders: Susan Reimer-Torn and Max Rudin

Jewish Wisdom for Meaningful Living ↑   Fun, Food, and Friends ↓   Special-Interest Havurot ↓

These havurot bring members together based on shared interests and geographic proximity to connect over meals, local outings, holiday celebrations, and fun.

Central NJ Havurah*

Calling all BJ members in Central New Jersey—let’s get to know each other! Gather with fellow BJ members in the area to celebrate Shabbat, share meals, and connect around Jewish life and other shared interests. Together, we’ll build a local BJ community a little closer to home.

In person, meets approximately every other month
Leader: Sandy Cheiten

Downtown Havurah*

This havurah offers an opportunity for downtown members to gather for Shabbat dinners in members’ homes from time to time and to occasionally honor the holidays together. Members of this havurah gather together to stay connected to the BJ community despite the hurdle of living farther away from the synagogue. 

In person, meets monthly
Leader: Marcy Einhorn

Let’s Laugh

Does your mood need a lift? Come equipped with a joke to tell. If you don’t have a joke, just be prepared to laugh! 

In person and virtual, meets every six weeks
Leader: Sara Ruderman

Niggun Circle Havurah

Building on B’nai Jeshurun’s rich musical tradition, this havurah will offer a welcoming space to deepen spiritual connection through communal singing. The circle will learn and share both traditional and newly composed niggunim, exploring the richness of this living musical tradition. Open to participants of all musical backgrounds, the havurah will foster friendship, reflection, joy, and connection within the BJ community.

In person, meets monthly on Sunday afternoons
Leaders: Shira Bodnar, Bryan Daves, and Debbie Rand

Northwest Bronx Havurah*

BJ members are in the Bronx! This havurah is for BJ members who live in Riverdale, Spuyten Duyvil, Kingsbridge, and surrounding areas. We get together socially for BJ Shabbat Community dinners, visits to museums and parks, or just to see each other and schmooze. We are looking forward to visiting Ellis Island in the spring! 

In person, no regular meeting time—gatherings to be scheduled based on availability
Leaders: Les and Pam Judd

Philadelphia & Vicinity: Let’s Gather at the Table

Connect with fellow BJ members in the Philadelphia area over monthly Shabbat dinners in one another’s homes. Each gathering will be hosted by a different member of the havurah and will include Shabbat dinner, time to connect, and a short d’var Torah inspired by the week’s Torah portion. Come celebrate Shabbat, meet other BJ members nearby, and help build a vibrant BJ community in Philly!

In person, meets monthly
Leader: Rochelle Ostroff-Weinberg

Plant-Based Eating Havurah*

This havurah will bring together people who enjoy plant-based cuisine and would like to explore the connections between food, health, animals, the environment, and Jewish values. Havurah members will decide together on our activities, which could include learning and discussion groups; guest speakers; potlucks, cooking demos, Shabbat gatherings, restaurant visits, and/or food justice projects. All this will happen in a warm, non-non-judgmental, and delicious setting!

In person and occasionally virtual, meets approximately every six weeks
Leader: Diana Goldman

Scrabble

Love Scrabble—or just looking for a fun, low-key way to connect with fellow BJ members? Join us for friendly games, good company, and a little healthy competition (someone has to lose!). We’ll have multiple games going at once, with the emphasis on having fun, meeting new people, and enjoying the game together.

In person, meets monthly on Sunday late afternoon or early evening
Leader: Micki Reiss

Shabbat Dinner Havurah*

Connect with other members of the BJ community to celebrate Shabbat and enjoy Shabbat dinner together. We will gather approximately every six weeks, rotating hosts among the havurah members. Hosts can cook dinner or order in the meal. We will have a short service with traditional prayers, then enjoy good food and conversation together.

In person, meets every six weeks on Friday evenings
Leaders: Marsha and Bruce Noble 

Jewish Wisdom for Meaningful Living ↑   Fun, Food, and Friends ↑   Special-Interest Havurot ↓

These havurot will bring members together through various interest areas, such as professional connections, skill-building, and learning about specific topics.

Antisemitism Then and Now*

This havurah explores both contemporary and historical origins and applications of antisemitism through a variety of monthly readings and engaged discussion.

In person, meets monthly
Leaders: Alice Nakhimovsky and Stephanie Weiner

Genealogy 101

Many people listening to the reading of the names on Yom HaShoah say, “I don’t know the names of my relatives who perished in the Holocaust.” Have you ever wondered where your family came from, when they immigrated to the United States, or what their lives were like before and after they arrived? Join us for an introduction to genealogical research, where you’ll learn how to use Jewish and non-Jewish websites to uncover your family’s records and your history. Whether you’re just beginning your genealogy journey—no experience necessary—or you’re trying to break through a long-standing “brick wall” in your research, this havurah program will provide practical guidance and resources to help you discover your family’s story.

In person and virtual, meets monthly
Leader: Rachel Park

Haredi New York*

More than 50% of all Jewish children under the age of 18 in NYC are Haredi. Explore the dynamics of the ever-growing Hasidic and Yeshivish communities that make up Haredi NY. Each havurah participant may help research a topic of interest, whether through online research, printed material or personal connections. 

In person, monthly on weekday evenings or Sunday mornings
Leader: Ilene Richman

Helpers’ Havurah: A Space for Jewish Mental Health Professionals*

Participants will connect, share experiences, and explore the intersection of clinical work and Jewish identity. Through Zoom meetings, resource sharing, and mutual support, the group aims to foster both personal and professional growth. It’s a place to build community, process challenges, and celebrate the richness of Jewish culture within therapeutic practice. All levels of experience and backgrounds are welcome.

Virtual, meets monthly (dates TBD by the group)
Leaders: Jenny Mariaschin-Rudin and Susan Bodner

How to Have Difficult Conversations

No one has a friction-free life. Everyone, to one degree or another, has issues that need to be resolved, whether it’s with friends, family members, or business or professional associates. Often, we avoid confronting these issues because we fear that we won’t be able to resolve the issue and might even make it worse. Join us as we explore the how-to of having these conversations in a way that will increase the chances of a good outcome and decrease the chances of making bad situations worse.

Virtual, meets twice a month on Wednesday evenings
Leader: Laurie Spear

Memoirs of Love and Loss

We will read and discuss memoirs or parts of memoirs, like Left on Tenth, by Delia Ephron, or Kitchen Confidential, by Anthony Bourdain—then transfer what we have learned to our own writing. As a New York Times reporter for nearly 30 years, I have written many stories about others. This is a chance to experiment with the perhaps more fraught task of writing about ourselves and the people who are close to us. 

In person, meets monthly
Leader: Anemona Hartocollis

Jewish Wisdom for Meaningful Living ↑   Fun, Food, and Friends ↑   Special-Interest Havurot ↑