A Havurah is a friendship circle—a small Jewish community designed for gathering, learning, growing, supporting, and celebrating together. The havurah movement is a Jewish counterculture that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s. The word "havurah" comes from the Hebrew word chaver, which means "friend". Havurah groups back then blended religious rituals with secular activities and meet ups instead of traditional temple settings.
Today there are many havurah groups that operate independently or as part of a larger Jewish institution. They often focus on a common interest and include everything from pickleball to Yiddish literature, Jewish text study, raising teenagers, etc… Havurot are as diverse as their members. These special friendship circles bring a richness of Jewish experience, personal meaning and interpersonal connection to their members.
Curious about starting a havurah but not sure how to do it? Try hosting a PJ Library Get Together as a baby-step. Simply invite two or more other Jewish families to join you for Shabbat dinner, a nature walk, some challah baking, an afternoon doing a mitzvah project – the possibilities are endless.
More
Finding Jewish Community in Everyday Places
How to Host a Shabbat Picnic
Invite Friends Over for Havdalah
October 13, 2025