Rotating Havurah

Welcome to the 2025 - 2026 Rotating Havurah!



What is Rotating Havurah? Once a month, gather with other families for Shabbat meals (generally lunch, occasionally dinner) on a rotating basis to provide an opportunity to meet new people and build on existing relationships. Families with younger children have gravitated to the program as an opportunity for their kids to play while parents can connect with peers, and others enjoy meeting new and longtime shul members! 

Our goal is to have every participating family host at least once, as we truly believe this variety is part of the Rotating Havurah "magic!"

To find out more, click here for our Rotating Havurah FAQ and guidelines.
 

Please note that you must be logged in to register.

Rotating Havurah Guidelines & FAQs for Hosts and Guests
Whether you're hosting, attending as a guest, or just want to get in touch, the FAQ below has you covered:

• For Hosts
• For Guests
• Contact
• Registration

General

Q: What is the Rotating Havurah?
A: Participants open their homes to other families for Shabbat meals (generally lunch,
occasionally dinner) on a rotating basis to provide an opportunity to meet new people
and build on existing relationships. Families with younger children have gravitated to
the program as an opportunity for their kids to play while parents can connect with
peers, and others enjoy meeting new and longtime shul members they may not have
otherwise encountered.

Q: I’ve participated in the Rotating Havurah in years past but now my kids are older. Is this
program still for me?
A: Rotating Havurah is not only for young families. Participating in Rotating Havurah helps us build our
community across generations and social groups (from retirees to those who spend
most Shabbat mornings in the basement and every microgeneration in between). Take
the opportunity to socialize with new families and pay it forward (with or without your
kids).

Q: Where does Rotating Havurah take place?
A: In participants’ homes! (All participants are strongly encouraged to host one meal per
year.) Most meals are in Teaneck, but can also be hosted outside of Teaneck. Members
who walk to shul on Shabbat will be assigned to a meal within walking distance of the
shul.

Q: When is Rotating Havurah?
A: Rotating Havurah takes place monthly, generally on the 2nd Shabbat of the month.

Q: We would love to participate, but Shabbat lunchtime is not a good time for our
family.
A: This year, Rotating Havurah will also sometimes meet for early Friday night dinner during the
winter to take advantage of the longer evenings and accommodate families who are not
able to participate on Shabbat afternoons. As a host, you are also welcome to shift the
timing of your meal(to a different week or time; during the spring months, consider
hosting a seudah shlishit instead!

Q: Who is coming to the meal?
A: Participants are assigned to a group for each month and hosts will send out
invitations in advance. Guests should respond to invitations promptly. We need
to be able to help hosts in terms of rescheduling or combining meals as needed, but can
only do so if you reply promptly to invitations.

Q: I’m not hungry after kiddush.
A: You’re welcome to come just to enjoy the company. Hosts won’t be offended if you
just sip on a drink or have a small taste. You will have two weeks notice about your
meal, so you can plan accordingly!


I’m a host!

Q: What does it mean to be a host?
A: Prior to hosting, you will receive an email from us with detailed next steps! Hosting a
meal involves contacting the other families in your assigned group at least one week in
advance to arrange who will bring which food dishes—or anything else needed—to the
meal. Hosts are not responsible for the full menu but should contribute meaningfully to
anchoring the meal; hosts have historically provided a main dish and kiddush for the
meals.

Q: How can I get in touch with my guests?
A: We’ll provide you with emails and names of your guests, but you can also check out
the ShulCloud directory to look up people’s information.

Q: How many people can I expect to host?
A: If you’re hosting families with kids you might have around 4-6 families. If it’s mostly
adults, you might have 8-12 people at your table.

Q: What if my table doesn’t fit that many people?
A: That’s okay! Kids often abandon the table quickly and adults can spread out. It’s
common for a Rotating Havurah group to split into smaller groups around the house (or outdoors
if the weather is nice)!

Q: My home isn’t set up to host young children.
A: If you’re matched with families with young kids, it’s fine to let them know in advance
that your home isn’t child-centered so that they can bring age-appropriate toys or
activities. At the same time, we expect parents to supervise their children and be
responsible for their behavior, especially in homes that may not be child-proof. Families
should be respectful of the host’s space and belongings, and we are happy to help draft
a short message to set gentle boundaries ahead of time.

Q: What should I include in my invitation email?
A: Here are a few examples of email templates for your guests. To make sure there is
enough food of every kind, it often helps for hosts to ask each family to bring two items.
Please confirm with your guests if there are any pet or food allergies everyone should be aware
of.

Q: What if nobody can come?
A: If very few families will be attending a meal, a host may want to contact another host
to combine meals; please just cc at least one of the Coordinators if you go this route.

Q: My schedule changed and I can’t host anymore on my assigned week.
A: The full Rotating Havurah schedule will be shared at the beginning of the year. As a host, you
can look ahead to future months and swap hosting duties with another family. You can
also shift to host on a different week of the month (or for dinner or seudah shlishit) if
that better fits your schedule or hosting needs.


I’m a guest!

Q: What kind of food will be served?
A: Hosts are free to organize a dairy or meat meal, but should always include vegetarian
food options. Food should be prepared in a kosher home or facility or marked with a
kosher symbol (if packaged). Additionally, please be sensitive to allergies.

Q: How and when can I get the food I’m making/buying to my host’s home?
A: Be in touch with your host to find a time that works for both of you! If you’ll be
driving, please arrange to bring the food before Shabbat.

Q: I’m worried my kids might be too little to participate.
A: Rotating Havurah is structured for the whole family. Most meals will have other children to
play with. And many hosts may even have space to stash your little one for a nap. When
in doubt, check with your host. Some homes may not be totally childproof so
supervision is important.

Q: How can I reciprocate?
A: Sign up to host next time!


I have a question!

Q: Who do I contact if I have questions?
A: If you have logistical or other questions, please contact Rafael at rafael@cbsteaneck.org.



We look forward to being part of the Rotating Havurah with you!

Sincerely,
Avram Sand and Alana Resnick