Why join the Elementary School Families Chavura?
The primary reason to join this chavura is to develop deep and meaningful relationships with a small group of people who have children around the same age. It is difficult to make true friendships by occasionally attending events, or dropping children off for a kid-only program. For many people, joining a chavura is the best way to find “your people” to live a Jewish life with as your family grows.
In addition to finding your people, this chavura is a great fit for families looking for an educational program that will cover the basics of Judaism. This chavura has an educational focus and over the course of the year families will walk away with a deeper understanding of the most important aspects of Jewish tradition. The curriculum is designed for folks looking for introductory level content.
What makes this chavura with YourJewish unique?
Historically, the chavura movement was entirely lay-led, meaning no paid professional staff were involved. This model relieves the pressure of organizing and facilitating from the members, many of whom are already over-committed. It also professionalizes the experience and enables participants to receive the high-quality educational programming you may find in a synagogue but in a more intimate environment.
We are really busy. What level of commitment is required?
One benefit of this model is that it is a much lower time commitment than traditional programs. We meet two times a month, as opposed to two or three times a week. We ask that all members of the family attend the Friday/Saturday evening events to the extent that they are able. For the Sunday sessions, we ask for at least one parent or loving adult to attend with your child. This could be a parent, grandparent, or other special person in the child's life.
Session Dates:
Oct 19: 6:00-8:00 pm - Sukkot
Oct 27: 2:00-3:30 pm
Nov 10: 2:00-3:30 pm
Nov 16: 6:00-8:00 pm
Dec 7: 6:00-8:00 pm
Dec 15: 2:00-3:30 pm
Dec 28: 6:00-8:00 pm - Chanukah
Jan 12: 2:00-3:30 pm
Jan 24: 6:00-8:00 pm
Feb 2: 2:00-3:30 pm
Feb 8: 6:00-8:00 pm
Mar 2: 2:00-3:30 pm
Mar 14: 6:00-8:00 pm - Purim
Apr 13: 6:00-8:00 - Passover
Apr 27: 2:00-3:30 pm
May 4: 2:00-3:30 pm
May 16: 6:00-8:00 pm
What will we do during the sessions?
These sessions will include age appropriate educational activities for families to explore Judaism and Jewish tradition in fun ways. We'll primarily focus on themes related to Jewish holidays, Torah stories, and significant Jewish rituals and traditions. At least two sessions will have a volunteering component. In addition to hands-on learning activities, art projects, stories, and games, we'll also emphasize relationship building and give space for casual socializing.
Where do we meet?
The sessions will occur across the Twin Cities metro, in spaces that invite the integration of educational themes and promote hands-on learning. Sessions may be at museums, parks, restaurants, malls, recreational venues, people’s homes, nursing homes, food shelves, venues that celebrate the arts, or other unique and creative venues. Exact locations will be shared closer to the start of the program.
Is there a cost?
Yes. We operate on a pay what you can model and ask participants to contribute to the professional costs associated with running the chavura. Click on the attached form to see the suggested fees for this chavura. We trust our participants to pay what they can and we do not ask for any additional information from families as they decide what is the best fit for them. There are options to pay all at once or over multiple installments throughout the year.