The Worcester Havurah’s mission statement expresses our core identity as a commitment to conducting Jewish ritual decoupled from zionism. Instead, we orient around Torah, our relationships to each other, and our local context. We believe that solidarity sustains us in the collective struggle against racism, white supremacy, and capitalism.
Our commitment to Torah, each other, our local context, and collective struggle against injustice requires material investments. We must put our resources—including time, attention, and financial support—toward embodying our values in Olam HaZeh (the world that is).
What does it mean to be a member?
We believe that our sibling congregation Makom puts it best when they say:
“Membership in this community is rooted in an ethic of hiyuv. Hiyuv, a Jewish concept that loosely translates to obligation, speaks to our shared commitments to each other as a core practice of being in sacred community together. Our membership model seeks to live out the practice of hiyuv in a way that helps us live more sustainable lives, rely on each other outside of nuclear families, and build familiarity and connection with one another without placing a sharp boundary around who is inside or outside of our community. This is an invitation to reclaim obligation to its interdependent meaning and share what brings us joy.”
Membership is about naming commitment; it is not about gatekeeping. Membership helps define how we can take part in stewardship of our kehilla kedosha (sacred community). When people know they’re members, they know that they belong and that their voices and labors are essential to the life of our community.
Having a membership structure helps us move from good ideas to collective action. It supports shared ownership and communal care so that we can grow intentionally. Through a distributed framework for accountability, capacity-building, and decision-making, we’ve created a structure that seeks to motivate participation so that responsibility doesn’t, by default, fall to a small group.
What are the responsibilities & benefits of membership?
Membership also clarifies how decisions are made and who can influence the direction of the Havurah.
Members are able to:
- Play a role in shaping priorities and the direction of our shared efforts.
- Vote on major structural and/or strategic questions.
- Participate in public actions such as organizational endorsements and collective statements, as well as represent the Havurah in public settings.
- Lead initiatives and serve on committees.
Our intention is not to limit participation, but to create clarity about responsibility and shared ownership. Those who are not members are welcome to participate in gatherings and join in community activities.
How do I become a member?
Worcester Havurah membership is sustained by doing at least two out of the following three actions:
- Showing up to Havurah Shabbats, holidays, and/or other events (suggested minimum participation is four times/year)
- Playing an active/leadership role – making things happen! This can be co-leading a Shabbat or holiday, serving on a committee, planning programming for kids, running set-up/clean-up at events, creating an event you are excited about, etc.
- Contributing money on a monthly or yearly basis. Our suggested member contribution is $18/month, but any contribution is welcome! Financial contribution is but one way to participate, and should never be a barrier to inclusion in community life.
We will provide multiple opportunities throughout the year for individuals to actively declare or renew their membership.
All are welcome to join the Worcester Havurah with a nediv lev (willing/open heart). As our ancestors built the Mishkan (Tabernacle) through the work and care of their hands, so too do we make our place through relationship and interdependence today.