News

Building Your Village: Introducing the Chavurah Program at the Boulder JCC

Published Tuesday, March 24, 2026
by Claudia Metsch

In the rush of school pick-ups, extracurriculars, and the daily grind, it’s easy to feel like we’re moving through life in parallel lines rather than intersecting circles. At the Boulder JCC, we believe that a strong community isn't just about the events we attend; it’s built on the strength of our personal relationships.

That’s why we are thrilled to launch our Chavurah Program, a dedicated initiative within our JParent programming designed to help families with school-age children find their "tribe" and cultivate lasting Jewish connections.

Derived from the Hebrew word Chaver (friend), a Chavurah (plural: Chavurot) is a small, self-led friendship group. While the Chavurah movement has been a cornerstone of Jewish life since the 1960s, its purpose remains timeless: bringing people together to celebrate, learn, and support one another.

These aren't just social clubs; they are "micro-communities." Groups that truly click have the potential to grow together, celebrating B’nai Mitzvahs, holidays, and life’s milestones for decades to come.

We know that "forced" social groups can sometimes feel awkward. To ensure these groups are built on solid foundations, we are partnering with renowned Jewish educator Amy Atkins.

Amy will personally speak with every interested family to help facilitate matches based on:

  • Shared interests and hobbies
  • Family dynamics and children’s ages
  • Availability and location

Once your group is formed, you won’t be left to figure it out alone. Amy provides the guidance, training, and materials needed to make your meetings meaningful, easy to lead, and—most importantly—stress-free.

While we are always happy to help families with younger children connect, please note that our specific curriculum and resources are tailored for families with children aged 5 and older.

Whether you are new to Boulder or have lived here for years, if you are looking for a deeper sense of belonging and a way to weave Jewish values into your social life, there is a place for you here.

Ready to Find Your Tribe? The process is simple:

  1. Fill out the Interest Form: Start the matching process by sharing a bit about your family.
  2. The Intake Conversation: Amy will reach out for a brief chat to get to know you.
  3. Registration: Once your group is officially formed, we will ask each family to register and pay the annual program fee.

Curious to learn more or meet other interested parents? Join us for one of our upcoming Zoom info sessions: Wednesday, March 25, at 12 pm or Thursday, March 26, at 9 pm.

Looking for more ways to connect and engage your children while immersing yourselves in Jewish culture? Join us for Hebrew Farmside Shabbat in partnership with the IAC. Whether you say Shalom or Chatzir (Hay!), this program is a wonderful way for children and their caregivers to experience an immersive Hebrew environment. We’ll sing Hebrew songs, read stories, and explore the Milk and Honey Farm together. This program meets on the fourth Friday of the month through May, from 9:30 to 10:15 am. While the sessions are free, advance registration is required for our meetings held outdoors near the Farm Barn or in the Greenhouse (weather permitting).

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