What stops people from starting Havurah groups?

[kenwilsker]

#8112

Hello out there,

As the AHC coordinators we are curious about what you think stops people from starting Havurah groups? Over the years we have been asked many times about groups in different areas and we have offered to help them get them started. But we have found that to be a daunting task for most. Would you think that starting an online Havurah might be easier than starting one in person? And if so we would be willing to help get that off the ground and help develop leaders for groups. Your thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Shalom, Ken and Flora

[Brother Gilbert Joseph]

#8114

People are too self-involved and don’t want to commit to anything, We are seeing this today in all kinds of groups and charities that people want others to provide services for them but they don’t want to volunteer or do it themselves. They love to give advice to others about what they should do but not do anything themselves. Look how you have provided this forum but most people can’t even be bothered to get off facebook and join the group or post anything here. Very disappointing but not unexpected.

[Angela Costley]

#8119

Hi Ken and Flora,

Sorry, wanted to reply to this sooner but had an issue logging in.

I think the major problem for me is that there are no Jews in the area. Setting up a Havurah becomes really hard to do because in some areas, there is also a bit of anti-Semitism with which to contend, or at the least, people don’t understand the point of having a group discussing the Jewish roots of the faith. I think a way forward might be to start up localised Zoom versions in these instances, or to start “fellowship” type groups or bible studies with a Jewish slant.

All best,

Angela

[Brother Gilbert Joseph]

#8121

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Dear Angela,

You might be surprised with who has Jewish ancestry. I didn’t think I would find many Catholics of Jewish ancestry in Tasmania. I have since met a number of them that probably wouldn’t have revealed their Jewish origins if I hadn’t been visible about being a Hebrew Catholic. When I was visiting Cavan in Ireland one of the librarians at the Cavan Library who was a Protestant told me in a whisper that his grandmother had been Jewish and was thrilled when I gave him my Siddur as a gift. When I was at Waterville at the Ring of Kerry two ladies hopped off a bus and approached me who were Jewish and we had a marvellous chat.

cheers Br Gilbert Joseph

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[Angela Costley]

#8221

That’s partly true. However, I still think it’s a bit hard where I live.

[Andres M]

#9501

In my country the formation of havurot has thus far been difficult as many within the Church are still somewhat wary of things connected to Jews and Judaism, and associate it with “Judaizing”.

More generally, though, matters are compounded even further as exploration of Jewish culture and languages is seen as going against VII insofar as it is believed all spiritual activities, be them prayer or study, must be carried out in the vernacular and be reflective of the present/local culture.

Therefore any attempts to pray in Hebrew/Aramaic or explore Jewish traditions/sources are understood as a sort of form of traditionalism, except with Hebrew instead of Latin.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 1 month ago by Andres M.

[Brother Gilbert Joseph]

#9802

That is rather sad-I think in general things are a bit better in the English speaking countries.

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