Havurah

Tonight will be special (lacking a better word), of that I am sure.  We have been invited to participate in the very first meeting of a Havurah, a word and an idea I had never heard of a year ago. It's "official" meaning is: "A chavurah or havurah (חבורה Hebrew: "fellowship") is a small group of like-minded Jews who assemble for the purposes of facilitating Shabbat and holiday prayer services, sharing communal experiences such as lifecycle events, or Jewish learning."  There is even a website for these groups, a whole "Institute"!  Who knew?

I am thinking our little group of ten couples, specially selected by a terrific lady (she would definitely be voted "most popular" if we were all in high school) will be most interested in cementing friendships and shmoozing than in any of the more lofty pursuits mentioned in articles I've read, like pursuing tikkun olam (social justice). I am, of course, hoping for lively dialog on current topics and world events. Every one of the couples is fun and interesting and friendly. I'm thrilled to be included on the invitation list! 

Her Excel spreadsheet of the invitees was headed by this happy banner:

Extraordinaire! That's the word!

;-)