Rodef Sholom: A Reform Jewish Congregation in Marin County, California

My Rodef Sholom chavurah has just celebrated its tenth year. . . For me, the chavurah is like a life raft at sea.  Coming from a small town with an even smaller Jewish community, I'm not used to the large numbers involved in a congregation like Rodef Sholom.  Actually, I'm a bit shy.  So walking into services and religious school and tot shabbat (years ago), it is reassuring to see friendly, famliar faces.  Having no relatives in the Bay Area, I am almost giddy when I run into my chavurah "family" at the temple or anywhere else. Click here for more of Margaret's story.

What is a chavurah?
A chavurah is a small group of families, couples or individuals who gather to form a community in order to learn together, celebrate holidays together and socialize.  The word chavurah comes from chever, which means "friend" in Hebrew.  Chavurot meet in members' homes, at Rodef Sholom or at other places such as museums, restaurants or parks.  Typical chavurah acitivites include dinners, participation in Mitzvah Day, holiday parties or taking a class together - the participants choose.

Why join a chavurah?
Being a part of a chavurah can enrich your life in many ways.  In our mobile society, we often live far away from extended family and long-time friends.  Busy lives keep us from connecting with people in our neighborhoods and community.  Yet we yearn for the warmth and support of a close-knit community.  Rodef Sholom is a large congregation, and people sometimes find it hard to connect.  A chavurah can provide the vehicle to create those connections.

Who joins a chavurah?
Anyone!  Groupings are arranged based on members' common needs and interests.  These might be demographic (age, location, young children) or interest-based (Torah study, music, social action projects).

How do I sign up?
Contact Moji Javid, Director of Community Connections at Rodef Sholom, and she will send you an application.  She can be reached at 479.3441 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .