Making Community 2002

Perhaps it’s the character of JewishLink’s editorial content that inspires a platform to share ideas and opinions of a spiritual nature. We receive a fair amount of email each day, mostly asking questions related to spiritual growth, but one article showed up recently attached to an email that is certainly worthy of praise and mention. That article is presented here in its entirely.

The Isaac M. Wise Center will host a program sponsored by the Jewish Spirituality Network, an inter-congregational Havurah.
A decade or two ago, most Jews had never encountered the term "Jewish spirituality." Today, however, it is used widely when referring to the core beliefs and values underlying many of Judaism’s traditions and practices.

To put it simply, Jewish spirituality is the discovery and cultivation of a sense of “connectedness” with others, or a sense of “oneness” with God. It is a uniquely Jewish approach to life that leads to a deep sense of well-being, or to a greater sense of God’s presence. Although it is often characterized as a “New Age” fad or a self-involved pursuit, genuine spirituality is timeless and naturally finds expression through selfless action – avodah, deeds of kindness –gemilut hasadim, and righteous giving – tzedakah.

Recognizing the significant benefits that Jewish spirituality has to offer, a group of about 30 people from various backgrounds met three months ago to form what has become the Jewish Spirituality Network” of Southwestern Ohio. It is the first “inter-congregational Havurah” of its kind, serving the Greater Cincinnati, Dayton and Yellow Springs communities.

Members of the JSN Havurah share information about local resources pertaining to Jewish spirituality via an Internet newsgroup and web site. They also meet monthly at local synagogues on a rotating basis to study and practice alternative approaches to Jewish spirituality that are not typically offered in mid-western congregations. Those members who have had exposure to Jewish Renewal communities elsewhere are relieved to find a Havurah like this is the Cincinnati area.

The group calls its regular monthly gathering an iyyun (ee-YOON), a Hebrew word denoting intensive study or practice. Each iyyun offers participants an opportunity to experiment with traditional and non-traditional forms of prayer as well as authentically Jewish forms of chanting, movement and meditation. Discussion is also an informative and enjoyable part of the iyyun.

The iyyunium are coordinated and facilitated by Rabbi Thomas Heyn, a Reform rabbi who currently serves as rabbi and chaplain at Cedar Village, Brookwood Retirement Community and the Drake Center. Other rabbis, teachers, and participants frequently lead sessions in their respective areas of interest and expertise.

Paula Popper of Lebanon, a member of Northern Hills Synagogue, commented on how much she’s gotten out of attending the group’s sessions. “They help me to experience the oneness I’ve always sensed intuitively,” she said,  “and they’ve helped me to bring that experience into my involvement in the synagogue and the larger community.”
Another participant, Michelle Markert, described a recent gathering as “a beautiful evening.” She added, “I really enjoyed the sense of prayer and community that developed.”

The gatherings scheduled for 2002 will be held at the Isaac M. Wise Center, Oct 17, Adath Israel Congregation, Nov 13, and Rockdale Temple, Dec 18. They begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. with a brief prayer service and end at 8:30 p.m. with light refreshments. Babysitters will be on-site to assist parents with children. There is no charge for admission, however a small donation may be requested to cover rental and babysitter costs. All members of the community, regardless of denomination or affiliation are invited to attend.

We can all learn more about building community from the JSH Havurah by visiting with them at their web site at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Jewish-Spirituality-Network
I was particularly impressed on how they draw people from every Jewish denomination or affiliation to meet and learn from one another. I can’t think of a better way to heal the split within Jewish communities throughout this country and Israel , then to share each others traditions. What do you think is the possibility of starting such a Havurah where you live?