Sh’ma Groups 2023-2024

shma

We’re excited to announce the next generation of Sh’ma Groups!

Looking to connect with fellow Beth David members and create meaningful relationships? 

Join a Sh’ma Group!

What are Sh’ma Groups?  Cohorts of 6-14 people that connect over a shared interest or life stage with a goal of building deep relationships.  We are now focusing on our Year Long Groups that meet about once a month and occasionally gather for Jewish holidays throughout the year. Some groups are continuing from previous years and some are starting new this season.  Here are our group topics –

  • Suburban Singles Dining out – led by Sandy Portnoy
  • Art: A Jewish Point of View – led by Lisa Miller & Lisa Prince
  • Communal Table – Empty Nester “Happy Hour” Group – led by Lisa Miller & Deb Kaufman
  • Dinner and Short Story Discussion Sh’ma Group – led by Susan Hoffman
  • Dungeons & Dragons Sh’ma Group – led by Cat Clason
  • Playground Fun – Parents of Young Children Sh’ma group – led by Adam Podowitz-Thomas
  • Sabbath Meal Sh’ma Groups –  (Two Groups – led by Judy Meyer and Susan and Louis Bricklin)

click here to sign up for a sh’ma group

Suburban Singles Dining out – led by Sandy Portnoy

This Sh’ma group is open to self-described singles who are members of Beth David, no matter where they live, who like to have Sunday lunch at restaurants in the suburbs.

Art: A Jewish Point of View – led by Lisa Miller & Lisa Prince

If you would like to explore the Jewish perspective in the visual arts with others who share the same interest, then this is your group. We’ll visit one or two local art exhibits together during the year and also gather to discuss an artist or art movement together. There will likely be fees for this kind of event, such as an entry fee, transportation costs, and perhaps a snack.

Communal Table – Empty Nester Happy Hour Group – led by Lisa Miller & Deb Kaufman

Pull up a seat (or barstool) for a singular, shared conversation among fellow parents adapting to life as “empty nesters”. We’ll meet in person at a local restaurant/bar for casual, low key “Happy Hour” and get to know one another while talking about our mutual concerns involving kids no longer living at home or the concern and care of aging parents.

Dinner and Short Story Discussion Sh’ma Group – led by Susan Hoffman

Gather downtown for good food and good discussion, usually a Tuesday dinner. We often meet for a short story or streamed film and then discuss.

Dungeons & Dragons – led by Cat Clason

A Sh’ma Group built around playing the Dungeons & Dragons campaign “Lost Mine of Phandelver” online or in-person. Appropriate for players with no experience or lots of experience.

Playground Fun – Parents of Young Children Sh’ma group – led by Adam Podowitz-Thomas

This Sh’ma group is for parents of children who are not yet religious school age, to share community and connect over parenting our youngest Beth David members. We’ll meet once a month during religious school (so parents with kids who bridge the age gap can focus on their littlest ones!) at Gladwyne Park Playground, or another location based on weather and group interest.

Sabbath Meal – 2 groups led by: Judy Meyer, and Susan & Louis Bricklin

Join once a month for Sabbath dinner with friends in each other’s homes. We’ll welcome in Shabbat with blessings, then enjoy food and company together!

Questions? Want to start your own Sh’ma Group? email Cantor Goodlev