Community Groups

Chavurah

Chavurah means “fellowship,” based on the Hebrew root meaning “friend” or “friendship.”

At Temple Beth Shalom, chavurot (plural) provide small groups of fellowship where people can share their lives. Individuals and families gather based on shared interests and life experiences. For example, there may be ‘married couples’ chavurot or ‘young families’ chavurot.

Shared activities are based on whatever the groups find enjoyable, whether it’s eating together, going to the movies, enjoying the outdoors, or something else. In the commitment to become friends to one another, people who are part of chavurot strive to support each other in times of difficulty and to celebrate in times of joy.

JVillage

Are you a parent with kids ages 0 to 5? Excited to help your child learn and love their Jewish identity? JVillage is the place to gather with other parents and kids in our community. After all, it takes a village to raise a child.

Meet with other moms and dads, and bring your kids along. You’ll get to know each other and discuss the joys and challenges of Jewish parenting, while kids play and get to know the synagogue. Each JVillage meeting includes a playful parents’ and kids’ activity, followed by a discussion among the adults on some aspect of the joys and challenges of Jewish parenting, while kids’ playtime continues.

JVillage is open to everyone—Jewish moms and dads, non-Jewish parents, and interfaith families of all kinds. Whether you are a member of Temple Beth Shalom or Congregation Emanu-El or not, don’t hesitate. If you have Jewish kids in your life, you are welcome to join us.

Interested in finding out more about JVillage? Check our calendar for upcoming meetings, and contact the Temple office with any other questions.

Have kids who are 3 and older? Check out additional education opportunities through Gan Rachel and other programs.

Tot Shabbat – Five times throughout the year we have a service on Friday evenings that is specially created for our youngest members. The Tot Shabbat service is hands-on and playful to encourage our littlest ones to join in the joy of celebrating Shabbat with our community.    

Wondering how our community celebrates Jewish milestones in the lives of our children? Learn more on our Life Celebrations page.

SpoKehilla

SpoKehilla is Spokane’s Jewish young adult group for those in their 20s and 30s. Young adults are in the midst of many choices and changes, but whether you’re single, married, or have a family, whether you’re a professional in your field or still seeking to discover your passion, whether you’re completing your next graduate degree or you’ve never attended college—if you’re in the ‘young adult’ age range, this group is for you!

SpoKehilla gets together for Jewish holidays, Shabbat dinners, and any other time the mood strikes. Our outings have included potlucks at members’ homes, arts and culture happenings around town, or the occasional Jewish event with drinks afterwards. Interested? Join us!

Contact the Temple office to get connected.