Please note: We have made a change in date for the March 2012 Shabbat observance. It will now be held March 9 and we will combine it with a Purim celebration. See Calendar of Events page
Havurat Shalom - Introduction
Who are we?
Havurat Shalom is a community of families committed to providing a Jewish identity and education for
its members, in a manner that is relevant to our contemporary lives.
How can you reach us?
You can contact us by email, info@havuratshalom.org or by phone: 978-494-2042
What do we offer?
We provide an open and inclusive community for adults with and without children. We welcome families
of mixed heritage. Families who have been, or are members of any other Jewish congregation, or have not
recently or, in fact, ever, practiced Judaism in a structured way are also welcome. Havurat Shalom is able
to offer a warm, extended family to single parents, as well as single adults. Since the group functions on a
cooperative basis, the active participation of every member is necessary. A wide variety of activities is offered,
reflecting the varied interests of the members of the group. These include monthly shabbat services,
discussions (havurah), tzedakeh activities, social get-togethers, excursions to cultural events and
children's workshops.
A Cooperative – Members are key
Every member is asked to contribute their individual perspectives and background, creating a constantly
evolving expression of Judaism. This rich diversity is manifested in the composition of holiday services
and celebrations, some of which are written by members. Traditional Jewish practices are observed
with modern interpretations and forms of expression.
Music
Music is an important part of our Havurat Shalom traditions. Elliott Jacobowitz, pianist, leads an ensemble
including flautist Esther Taylor and acoustic guitarist, Jonathan Weiss. They offer accompaniment at Shabbat
and High Holy Day services.
Spiritual Style
Our Shabbat and holiday observances are led by Rabbi Karen Landy, a Reconstructionist Rabbi. On the
High Holy Days Rabbi Karen is joined by our long time Chazzan, David Hastings, in leading our services.
This year our congregation adopted the siddur, Mishkan Tefilah, a wonderful prayerbook including
Hebrew, English and transliteration of all prayers, in addition to thoughtful and inspirational additional
readings. For the High Holy Days, we use a text that has been developed by the congregation over thirty
years, including some original contributions by our religious school children, some of whom now have
children of their own.
Religious School
The Religious School of Havurat Shalom provides a curriculum which includes Hebrew language training,
cultural and ethnic education and holiday celebrations. Classes are taught by experienced teachers with
small groups of 8-12 children per class. Grades 3-6 meet once a week for 90 minutes. Our early-entry
program, Grades K-2, “Jumping Into Judaism”, meets once per month. For information on the Religious
school program, please follow this link. Click here and our lead teacher, Morah Sue Stein will contact you.
Havurat Shalom is a community of families committed to providing a Jewish identity and education for
its members, in a manner that is relevant to our contemporary lives.
How can you reach us?
You can contact us by email, info@havuratshalom.org or by phone: 978-494-2042
What do we offer?
We provide an open and inclusive community for adults with and without children. We welcome families
of mixed heritage. Families who have been, or are members of any other Jewish congregation, or have not
recently or, in fact, ever, practiced Judaism in a structured way are also welcome. Havurat Shalom is able
to offer a warm, extended family to single parents, as well as single adults. Since the group functions on a
cooperative basis, the active participation of every member is necessary. A wide variety of activities is offered,
reflecting the varied interests of the members of the group. These include monthly shabbat services,
discussions (havurah), tzedakeh activities, social get-togethers, excursions to cultural events and
children's workshops.
A Cooperative – Members are key
Every member is asked to contribute their individual perspectives and background, creating a constantly
evolving expression of Judaism. This rich diversity is manifested in the composition of holiday services
and celebrations, some of which are written by members. Traditional Jewish practices are observed
with modern interpretations and forms of expression.
Music
Music is an important part of our Havurat Shalom traditions. Elliott Jacobowitz, pianist, leads an ensemble
including flautist Esther Taylor and acoustic guitarist, Jonathan Weiss. They offer accompaniment at Shabbat
and High Holy Day services.
Spiritual Style
Our Shabbat and holiday observances are led by Rabbi Karen Landy, a Reconstructionist Rabbi. On the
High Holy Days Rabbi Karen is joined by our long time Chazzan, David Hastings, in leading our services.
This year our congregation adopted the siddur, Mishkan Tefilah, a wonderful prayerbook including
Hebrew, English and transliteration of all prayers, in addition to thoughtful and inspirational additional
readings. For the High Holy Days, we use a text that has been developed by the congregation over thirty
years, including some original contributions by our religious school children, some of whom now have
children of their own.
Religious School
The Religious School of Havurat Shalom provides a curriculum which includes Hebrew language training,
cultural and ethnic education and holiday celebrations. Classes are taught by experienced teachers with
small groups of 8-12 children per class. Grades 3-6 meet once a week for 90 minutes. Our early-entry
program, Grades K-2, “Jumping Into Judaism”, meets once per month. For information on the Religious
school program, please follow this link. Click here and our lead teacher, Morah Sue Stein will contact you.
