News & Events
Community Conversation, Politics in the Pulpit, Sunday, Dec. 3rd
Politics in the Pulpit
Hebrew School Chanukah Carnival, Monday, Dec. 11th
Hebrew School Chanukah Carnival

Shabbat Morning Services Saturday, December 9th
Shabbat Morning Services
Saturday, December 9th at 10am

For Kiddush this year, we now have regular volunteers to supply wine, juice, and challah, and bagels and cream cheese. Anyone is welcome to bring additional nut free food to add to this. No pressure, and no rsvp is needed. Thanks! The Oneg after services has become a nice community tradition which we hope to continue.
Please pass this message on to anyone who may be interested. We hope to see you there!
If you have any questions, please contact Mitch Pearl or Sarit Katzew.
Kabbalat Shabbat Chanukah Candlelighting, Friday, Dec. 15th
Kabbalat Shabbat and Chanukah Candlelighting

Chanukah Party, Sunday, Dec. 17th
Annual Chanukah Party
If you are interested in joining the Klezmer band please contact Ken Wolpin.
Chant Group Thursday, Dec. 21st
Chant Group

Our group meets once monthly (typically the third Thursday) to chant in the style of Rabbi Shefa Gold. You can learn more about Rabbi Shefa Gold and chanting by visiting her website.
A response to Charlottesville
Havurim,
As we watch the headlines in Charlottesville, we think: “You shall not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor.” (Leviticus 19:16)
This Biblical verse is speaking directly to us, and we cannot stand idly by. As human beings, we believe that every person is created in the divine image and, therefore, is of infinite value. As Jews, we know the heart of the stranger, having been strangers ourselves.
In order to make a difference, we refuse to be indifferent. This is not a time for equivocation. It is a time to raise our voices and take action.
We will continue to stand against bigotry, racism, hate and violence. We stand together with the Jewish community of Charlottesville, and with everyone there, and everywhere, who believe that equality, justice and love are stronger forces than fear, terror and hate.
If you would like to take action, or contribute to groups who are doing so, please click on the links, below.
The Havurah Leadership
To learn more about some of the Jewish Community’s response to Charlottesville and ways to take action, visit the sites below:
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
Showing Up for Racial Justice Middlebury Facebook Group
Havurah 2017 and beyond: A message from the Steering Committee
The past year has seen many changes at Havurah.
Our Program & Outreach Coordinator and Director of Education, Sarit Katzew, continues to work with increasing numbers of our members to implement exciting social, recreational, spiritual and educational programming to enrich our community.
We’ve had many successful events, such as our Hamilton Parody Purim Tish, our community-wide, “I See Myself In You” Refugee & Immigrant Seder, Alternative Friday Evening Service series, Young Family Potluck dinner gatherings and so much more. This positive energy continues to inspire members not only to participate, but to work collaboratively to execute programs.
As we plan for the year 5778, we remind you that we truly are a Havurah — a community-led congregation that relies on the volunteer efforts and generosity of our members. Please take a moment to consider how you can help Havurah. No offer is too small or insignificant to help us grow and thrive. Financial support is wonderful but your time is valuable, too. We encourage you to volunteer! There are so many opportunities — from Community Lunches at the Charter House, to hosting potlucks, to organizing holiday parties, fundraisers and more. If you are able to volunteer please contact Sarit Katzew.
Our Havurah is only as strong as our members, and as we look ahead, we need your help to ensure a bright future for our community. Dues this year are $575 for families and $265 for singles. However, we encourage anyone who is able to pay more by contributing to the 2017 Matching Fund.
Please complete and send your Membership Form with your dues by September 1. If you need to delay payment, please send in the form and indicate your payment plan, so we know if our membership projections are on target. Cost is never prohibitive at Havurah.
Shabbat and poetry
A small but mighty group gathered on Saturday, April 22, for a Shabbat confluence of Earth Day, National Poetry month, and Torah readings detailing prohibitions and possibilities of food and diets, from camels to pigs, pelicans and hawks. Many thanks to Margi Rogal for leading an Exquisite Corpse poetry collaborative, a poetry game that traces its roots to 1930s French Surrealists. Our poetic d’var Torah then, is shared below:
Amen.