The Chico Havurah was formed in the summer of 2003 to give Jews in Chico an alternative to the traditional Jewish synagogue experience. Jews in this area mirror the growing diversity of Jewish communities across the nation, who come from a range of traditions and are increasingly made up of interfaith couples. What is the ideal Jewish community? How can we uniquely celebrate the power of the Shabbat? How do we-individually and collectively-know the unknowable? It is these and many other questions we are trying to answer. We will strive to do so in an atmosphere of "joyful community", study of Torah, democratic process, and enhancement of spirituality through tikkun olam by doing our part to repair the world. That is our mission statement and we are seeking congregants who share our values.

Authentic democracy

As a creative, inclusive Jewish community, we embrace "authentic democracy", which establishes that all major decisions made by the Chico Havurah will be decided by a vote of all members 13 years and older with each individual having a vote.

Spiritual leadership

Chico Havurah was formed under the spiritual guidance of Rabbi Yitzhak Nates, a Reconstructionist rabbi. This branch of Judaism honors tradition while recognizing that individuals must find personal meaning in the ways they practice the ancient wisdom of our ancestors. We continue to work collaboratively with guest rabbis to develop strong programs in learning, relationship, and social action.

YISKAH ROSENFELD has taught workshops combining Judaism and creativity in synagogues and learning centers in the San Francisco Bay
Area, Philadelphia, and Israel for over fifteen years. An award winning poet and scholar, she holds an MFA degree in poetry from Mills College and an MA degree in Jurisprudence and Social Policy from UC Berkeley. Her poems and essays appear in numerous journals and anthologies including LILITH MAGAZINE, BRIDGES, KEREM, YENTYL'S REVENGE: THE NEXT WAVE OF JEWISH FEMINISM, and JEWISH WOMEN IN AMERICA: AN HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA. She makes her home in the Bay Area and visits Chico Havurah regularly to serve as the congregation's Spiritual Leader.

Membership

Just as spirituality has no one definition, so does Judaism accept a wide variety of paths that lead to the Divine. Our Havurah members are diverse in belief and interests: Some individuals focus on Torah study, others on the divinity in human relationships, love of nature, meditation, and social action. We support each other as we search for a practice that enhances our lives.

Services

Since the fall of 2006, Chico Havurah holds Friday night services and other events at the Congregational Church of Chico, 1190 E First Ave. (the corner of Downing & East 1st Ave.)(map) . We meet on the first and third Friday of every month. We are co-sponsors (with the church) of the Shalom Free Clinic, which is open on Sundays, 1 to 4pm.

Visit us to learn more about Chico Havurah!

Children are always welcome to our services.

Chico Havurah looks forward to a positive association with our new hosts and to welcoming new members this year.

Join with us to shape a unique Jewish community!

For information about Shabbat and other upcoming meetings and events, call 530.520.3946.

Breaking News!

The Chico Havurah has received a rescued torah! Check here for info and pictures of our torah.

The Chico Havurah has a blog site. Check it out at:
http://chicohavurah.blogspot.com/

Check out our PIX page

Links:
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation
Jewish Virtual Library
Chico Area Interfaith Council
The Hip Hop Shabbat Crew