Ten Favorite Havurah Tips

1. Decide what you want to do and what your general goals are. They will be based on a combination of social activities, Jewish issues, holiday celebrations, etc.

2. Try and reach a consensus which satisfies the majority of people. This requires patience and "give and take."

3. Plan a schedule with dates, locations and programs in advance-at least six months, preferably a year.

4. Send out a copy of the entire schedule to each member and then send out monthly meeting cards via mail or email ten days to two weeks before each meeting with RSVP requested.

5. Fulfill your commitment to each other by doing your share.

6. Attend regularly; make it a priority. Work together to make the meetings something you look forward to.

7. TALK things over if there are conflicts, but be sensitive to the feelings of others.

8. Be sure to be represented at the Havurah coordinators meetings at the Temple.

9. Recognize the dynamics of your own Havurah and be realistic about what you do. Some groups will become real extended families; others will develop some close friendships within the group but share a common bond with everyone, enjoying a variety of experiences together; others will be united in their dedication to Judaic study. Don't compare yourselves but strive for the elements which make your Havurah special to you...with the following exception: What everyone in each Havurah should have in common is a desire to strengthen your Jewish ties and those of your family, to enrich yourself Jewishly, to reach out to other Temple members, and to enjoy!

10. Remind your Havurah of coming events of interest at the Temple and in the Jewish community. Check the Jewish press for details. Some of the events may prove to be great activities for the entire Havurah to attend together. (Perhaps one member of the Havurah may choose to research this information on a monthly basis.) Use the Shabbaton and the Shalom.