About the Narberth Havurah


Since the Narberth Havurah began in 2005, we've had many opportunities to gather together, and each time we've been left with appreciation for and excitement about our growing community. We've met in participants' homes, in Narberth church halls, and in neighborhood parks. We've had countless potluck dinners, homemade hamantashen and wonderful camaraderie.

Whatever we've done, it's been fueled by hard work, generosity, creativity and the inspiration of Rabbi Yitzhak Nates.

* Shabbat - We typically meet twice each month for Shabbat services. We have services for families with younger children with songs and stories that capture the kids' hearts and minds. We also have services for the entire community and reserve some time for adults and young adults to come together for prayer and thoughtful discussion. Past topics have included "The Challenges of Being an Interfaith Couple", "God and Evolution", and The Holocaust in a New Light. We are open to new ideas and welcome your input for Shabbat topics.

*Holidays - We gather for High Holidays, including services for children/families and for adults, discussions of topics relevant to the holidays, and a tashlich ceremony at Shortridge Park. We have community celebrations of Sukkot and Simchat Torah (with a sukkah-burning firepit) as well.

At Hanukkah parties, we eat latkes, light candles, play dreidel and dance to music provided by our informal Havurah band.We have held Tu B'Shevat seders -- Kabbalah-inspired evenings during which we savored fruits, nuts and wine that represent the journey of our souls. And at Purim parties, we've watched different Megillah interpretations created by our community, and made masks, groggers, hammentashen and gift bags to share with others.

We've organized first-night Passover seders with Reconstructionist haggadot and potluck dishes. On Yom HaShoah, we've reflected on the Holocaust and welcomed survivors to describe their stories of survival, growth and courage.

*Community - For both community and treasury building, we have held events such as an annual spring dinner along with a silent auction of goods and services offered by members and local businesses. Other events have included evenings of Israeli dancing, book discussions and periodic movie nights.

*Service for Others - We focus on helping others in need through food and toy drives, by teaming with other community groups to clean up the Narberth Park area, and by joining larger events, such as the Peace walk in Philadelphia.