Interested in Joining a Chavurah?
Here are two great ways to find out more and apply to join a Chavurah:
Congregation Beth Israel is very fortunate to have so many great chavurot and will celebrate this wonderful community at Chavurah Shabbat. Whether you are in a chavurah or not, meet new friends at the Shabbat dinner preceding the service when our chavurot will be honored. After the service, chavurah members will be at the Shalom Table to meet those interested in joining a chavurah.
Please note that reservations for the dinner are finalized and we cannot accept any new rsvps.
What is a Chavurah?
 A chavurah is a small group of CBI members who join together to celebrate Jewish life. Chavurot consist of adults, families, couples and singles who meet monthly in an extended family setting. For 30 years these CBI groups have provided a wonderful way to get to know others and build lasting friendship with fellow synagogue members, enhancing your experience as a CBI member.
What does a Chavurah do?
Each Chavurah decides on its own blend of Jewish learning, through programs of study, observances of holidays and festivals, socializing and sharing of simchas. Members personalize and vitalize their Jewish experience and participate together in temple life and community concerns.
When does a Chavurah meet?
Each Chavurah usually meets once a month. The group will decide on the most convenient dates and times based on the schedules of all its members.
How large is a Chavurah?
Each group should have approximately twenty members. However, there are no "rules" about the group size. Chavurot exists for individuals and families.
Why should I join a Chavurah?
The Chavurah program is designed to bring congregants with similar interests together who might otherwise not have an opportunity to meet. It is a chance for congregation members to get to know each other outside the synagogue, yet it is designed to build relationships within the synagogue.
How do I join a Chavurah?
 Because we want to find just the right group for you and insure your Chavurah will be a perfect fit, the process may take some time. Take the first step by completing our Online Chavurah Application. If you have any questions or require additional information, please call and schedule an appointment with Program Director, Bonnie Graff at 858 535-1111 ext. 3800.
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It's true that we live in a time that prizes individuality, the centrality of the self and the pursuit of one's own happiness. We live in a place where people often find themselves uprooted and unrooted, having left the large families and neighborhoods of the East for the free wheeling, do your own thing, culture of Southern California. In addition, we are a large congregation and our members often do not live near each other. But the truth is that people do want to connect: they want to connect to significant community; to other people united by something larger than themselves. Many at CBI have found that connection in a chavurah. If you're still searching, a chavurah may be the answer for you too. 
Congregation Beth Israel proudly accepted the distinguished Belin award on behalf of our dynamic chavurah program. The Belin Outreach Awards have been designed to encourage and honor Reform synagogues with outstanding Outreach programs that actively welcome and integrate those new to Judaism. Funded through the generosity of David Belin, the first chairman of the URJ - CCAR Commission on Reform Jewish Outreach, awards are made to ten congregations at the URJ Biennial.