About Us : Our Story
We began our program in the late spring of 2001 with house meetings that we conducted with unaffiliated Jews living in the neighborhoods in which we have now established circles. At these meetings we asked participants about their connections to Judaism, their reluctance to become affiliated with a synagogue, what of Judaism they would like to try, where they would like to try it, what we could do to help, and similar questions.
Participants responded that they were seeking Shabbat meals and services in an intimate setting, serious learning about Judaism, and social action projects. They wanted to start with activities in their own neighborhoods, and they sought a mix of ages and types (e.g. married and single; gay and straight; older and younger; interfaith couples). Additionally, participants wanted any social connections to flow from these activities, rather than focusing on the social or dating aspect. Many found it awkward to go to events with the goal of meeting partners, and many found it off-putting to go "cold" into a large synagogue. Based on these stated needs and desires, we began to develop the programs that we now have today...
In the spring of 2006, we not only celebrated our fifth anniversary but also organized house meetings similar to those held in 2001. We used these meetings to check in with our participants to make sure that we are continuing to meet their needs and serve their interests.
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