What Are Sheva Groups?
Kehillah’s small groups are based on the Hebrew word sheva (seven). Sheva Groups are no more than seven people meeting up to seven times. These Sheva Groups give you the opportunity to share Jewish experiences with other like-minded people based on your shared interests or life stage, without long-term commitment. Once a group meets seven times, it goes on break and can either start back up with a new leader or evolve into something else.
Sheva Groups originate from the small groups that have always existed in synagogue life (groups for prayer, study, and assembly) but with a twist that our groups have natural ends. This natural end helps create the Shabbat-like “island in time” between group participants.
What Is the Purpose of Sheva Groups?
The purpose is to inspire people spiritually, intellectually, and socially. A result of that purpose is that we are able to provide more community, to more people, in more ways. Whether it’s a Shabbat dinner group, a tikkun olam project, a one-time klezmer band, AA group, or anything else, the group must inspire.
What Can a Sheva Group Do?
Going back to spiritual, intellectual, and social . . .
- Spiritual: centered around Shabbat or holidays, tefillah (prayer), or other ritual.
- Intellectual: centered around Jewish learning, in all forms around all Jewish topics.
- Social: centered around an affinity group (age, interest, background) that wants to build up others through social action.
Some examples of this could be: Shabbat or holiday potluck dinner group, lay-led torah study or other Jewish learning topic, Jewish music and arts group that culminates in a concert or art show, recovery and mental health, demographic/affinity group (LGBTQ+, young adults, parents with kids, or retirees), and so much more!
How Do I Start a Sheva Group?
- Email Rabbi Patrick (rabbi@rabbipatrick.com) to set up a training (i.e., learning the information above). Training is no more than two hours at a Gather location. We’ll try to do trainings in groups so you are not the only one.
- At training, you’ll vision what you want your group to be. These details (name, description, meeting times, etc.) will go to our Communications & Care Coordinator (kehillahcommunications@gmail.com) to get your group on the website, social media, newsletter, and print promotion. We will want a firm start date for your group to encourage people to commit.
- We’re here to help once your group starts! Let us know what we can be doing to make your life easier.
- Once a group is over, we’ll ask for your input on how it went, if there are potential hosts for the next round of the group (or another group), and if the group will continue or end. There is no right or wrong answer to this, as groups are designed to have conclusions.
How Do I Join a Sheva Group?
- Once a group has been created, it will be listed below with the name of the host, a description, and meeting times.
- If one (or more!) interest you, sign up using the RSVP link next to the group and our Communications & Care Coordinator will forward your information to the group’s host.
Current Sheva Groups
- Dungeons & Dragons & Jews (Host: Shawn | Next Meeting: December 4): A Sheva Group for tabletop roleplaying with a Jewish flair.
- Challah Baking (Host: Judy | Next Meeting: TBD): Learn the ins and outs of making and baking challah. RSVP here.
The Importance of Showing Up
Sheva Groups, like clubs, are founded in shared values and interests, and are not standalone events. Our hosts dedicate much time and effort in preparing for their groups. When you sign up to be a part of a Sheva Group, you are committing your attendance. We do understand that “life happens”; if you find yourself running late or cannot make a meeting, please notify your group’s host as soon as possible so they can plan accordingly and possibly offer your spot to someone else who may want it.