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Chavurah Eytz ChaimA Virtual Fellowship for Spiritual Living and PrayerChavurah is a Hebrew word that refers to an informal gathering of people who come together regularly to pray, to learn from one another, to celebrate the holidays and life events, and to support each others spiritual lives and growth. Typically, a chavurah meets in a private home, sometimes once a month to study, sometimes more often to pray, sometimes to celebrate the holidays or a special event like a briss. Members of a chavurah often belong to the same synagogue - but some chavurot are independent of any synagogue or affiliation. Our chavurah is different in that we can't get together in person, so we will be a virtual chavurah - an on-line fellowship connected by the internet and by our desire to strengthen some aspect of Judaism in our lives. Essentially, we will stay connected using a list-server. In simple terms, it means that you send one email and everyone in the group receives it, and when they reply, everyone gets the reply. Everyone is free to initiate conversations and to send replies. Private conversations are also possible. But what will we do? A the moment there are at least three focus areas for this chavurah: PRAYER - asking for and sharing prayers of gratitude, healing, assistance, and support. Etc. Also, questions related to the act and process of prayer. LEARNING - asking questions and sharing information, knowledge, and ideas related to Jewish religion, spirituality, practice, and the land of Israel. YAHRZEIT - Acknowledging the anniversary of the death of a loved one. We may eventually have a Yahrzeit web-page with lights... OH... What does Eytz Chayim mean? It means Tree of Life - it comes originally from a passage in the Tanach which tells us that wisdom is "a tree of life," But it is more widely known from a prayer recited in the synagogue after the Torah reading. We say, "Eytz chaim hi l'ma-chazikim bah" - the Torah is "a tree of life to those who take hold of it." The Hebrew word literally evokes drawing strength from the Torah - so this chavurah will draw strength from Torah, but also we'll draw strength from each other! If you would like to learn more about Chavurah Eytz Chaim, or want to join, please contact: |
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TESHUVAH INSTITUTE FOR LIVING JUDAISM
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