The term “cultural or spiritual jew” (yehudi shel eretz yisrael) describes many who don’t belong to a temple or routinely practice Judaism but are proud of their heritage and connected, even if at arm’s length.  Through lower birth rates and a downward trajectory in intergenerational transmission of Judaism, the diaspora continues to dimmish in population.  Judaism needs its spiritual and cultural jews to be more communally engaged and Havurah Yehudim provides an approachable, enjoyable, meaningful, and impactful way. 

We are not a temple.  We do not conduct regular services or provide any other function a staff would else way perform.  There is no membership or dues.  The word Havurah comes from the Hebrew, haver, meaning friend.  We just want you on our mailing list and hope you will be in community on holidays for discussion oriented celebrations sprinkled with some fun… in a home, a restaurant, a park, the beach…anywhere easy, warm and welcoming.  Likewise on a Shabbat and other Lifecycle times.

Yehudim (יְהוּדִים) is the Hebrew plural for "Jews," deriving from Jacob’s son Yehudah (Judah), the namesake of Israel.  It embodies the principles of Hodah, which means gratitude, Arevut, which means responsibility, particularly Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh BaZeh, every Jew is a guarantor for every other Jew, and Kehillah, which means community.  Havurah Yehudim is more than a name.  It’s an appreciation for being chosen to help repair a broken world - tikkun olam – and an understanding of how important the simplest act of being in community means to this and the future of the Jewish people.

Havurah Yehudim was born of a few blocks’ radius in Laguna Niguel with an unusual number of Jewish people, disconnected as they were.  Our time together the past five years has shown there is a need for Havurah in this area…

  • "Our gatherings help recall my upbringing and roots in the Jewish faith."

  • "I went through a period of disillusionment with organized religion. With this group, I was still able to be involved, participating without the struggle of formal services."

  • “The service on the beach was awesome! Truly an amazing experience.”

  • "I was always so impressed by the work you put into the presentation. You did an amazing job and brought a community together."

  • "With family being so spread out, our gatherings have meant the world to me."

  • “The service was not only spiritually uplifting, but also deeply grounding. It was a special and memorable experience, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it.”

  • “Thank you for being such a wonderful and gracious ambassador of our faith.”

  • "Your words added depth and richness to the experience. I learned a great deal and truly appreciated the insight, thoughtfulness, and meaning you brought to each occasion."

  • “The spirit of togetherness made the evening so special.”

  • “It was truly a beautiful way to welcome the new year — surrounded by the natural beauty of the ocean, the sound of the waves, and the warmth of community.”

  • "My emotions are summed up by these words: Belonging, Connection, Gratitude, Heritage, Warmth, Friendship."

  • "With our community of unaffiliated Jews, you went the extra mile to get us together to experience our holidays and feel a camaraderie among fellow Jews."

  • “We are so appreciative of your heart and your efforts to bring our community together.”

  • “You have an artful way of expressing your care, love, and community spirit. I feel blessed to be part of it.”

  • “I deeply value the harmonious bond and natural connection we share...it makes every moment together feel special.”

  • “Thank you so much for all you do to bring our community together. Your services are thoughtful, thought provoking and perfect!”

  • “The start of the New Year was so special tonight.”

  • "Being together as a group, sharing a common thread, gives me a deep sense of community and connection."

  • "If I never told you before how much it meant to me, please let me express it now. You did a wonderful thing - for all of us and especially me. Thank you."

  • “I am both humbled and in awe of your ability to bring people together at times of great need.”

Leadership

We don’t have a Rabbi per se. The organizer of the neighborhood group, and now of Havurah Yehudim, has a passion for understanding Judaism and has developed and led uplifting out-of-the-ordinary services as well as created fun and meaningful ways to celebrate holidays, shabbats and otherwise.  Anyone who feels inspired can jump in and construct or lead a holiday event, shabbat get-together, discussion group, or anything else that comes to mind.

Ways to engage

Holidays

Learn more

Shabbat

Learn more

Lifecycle

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Join our community, endless possibilities

If you’re not from South Orange County CA and interested in starting a Havurah Yehudim, contact us.