Is anyone in a havurah group?

MoFree

Our rabbi suggested we join a havurah comprised of several couples of similar age where one partner either converted or is not Jewish but will raise Jewish children/have a Jewish home. It sounds like something that could be very positive for us since we don't know many Jewish couples and the study would be very interesting. I've read about long-term relationships that form from havurahs, where couples meet for 20+ years. However, I'm not sure if meeting with new parents and/or expectant couples is the best thing for me now. If you are a part of a havurah, what is your experience. TIA.

bayshale

DH and I were part of one where we used to live. It was for young couples in committed relationships (either married or at least living together) and we had some really great gatherings. After about a year and a half it kind of fell apart because we were all in different stages of life (some were having kids,some weren't, people moved away, etc.). We just went to a friend's baby's bris whose parents (i.e., the baby's grandparents) have been part of a havurah for thirty years and the relationships in that havurah are incredible. My personal opinion about your potential havurah is that you should try it out and see how the fit is for you. There will most likely be some really valuable relationships built around shared experiences of intermarrying or conversion. If being around expectant couples or young babies is too tough, you can always politely decline remaining involved. Worst case scenario, you may meet one couple that you may like to get together with in the future.

Shoshie

We were in one for about 16 months with some of my older temple friends-- but then it got to the point where we were able to attend less and less events because we started having more plans with friends closer to our age.We did enjoy it, though.

JoelsGirl07

I think it sounds like a great opportunity! They just took surveys at our shul, so I'm hoping to get involved in one too!