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‹ Weekly
Schedule ‹ Chavarah
Groups
Ezra, Nehemiah, and many Prophets
of old, saw first-hand and were part of individual
and corporate renewal when they witnessed people of
their day returning to God and to the study, practice,
and teachings of Torah. Ezra 7:10 states,
“For Ezra had set his heart to study
the Torah of Adonai and to practice it, and to teach
His statutes and ordinances in Israel.” – Ezra
7:10
A similar revival is taking place today in the hearts
and minds of many in the Body of Messiah as Adonai
is calling His people to return to an understanding
and application of His timeless Torah Truths — in
the fullness of Messiah.
True revival and restoration of God’s bride exists
in the context of His people returning to a relationship
with the Land, the People, and the Scriptures of Israel.
Why? Primarily because the Scriptures of Israel contain
an ethical and moral path of “high ground” unparalleled
by that of any man-made system or religion. God’s
life and blessings are all found, spoken of, proclaimed
and established in the covenant of Torah.
B'nei Avraham’s design for Chavarah groups
is two-fold, the first aspect of which is to facilitate
a time of discussion, study, and prayer for illumination
in the understanding of the Torah. These groups are
intended to give forum to questions, observations,
and new realizations of the role the Torah plays in
our lives as redeemed individuals.
Chavarah is a Hebrew word that means “a group
of friends” or “fellowship of friends”;
it comes from the root Havair meaning “friend.” This
is the second facet of our Chavarah Groups: to facilitate
the development and strengthening of community relationships
and friendships.
While the purpose of Chavarah groups is not “outreach,” an
atmosphere conducive to reaching out to our neighbors,
business colleagues and family members is a benefit
created by the establishment of these fellowships.
We see the small group setting as a perfect opportunity
to encourage love, support within the community, and
strong networks of growing relationships.
B'nei Avraham families and friends, about 3 to
8 families (no more than about 20 people). Once a group
reaches a size that is no longer conducive to “in-home” study,
plans can be made to start another group to facilitate
an “overflow” of people. It is strongly
recommended that all participants in the Chavarah groups
have completed the HaYesod course. The following table
represents a brief explanation of the make-up of the
group and the various responsibilities.
Regionally, in homes throughout the community; mid-week,
most likely evenings, Sundays through Thursdays.
Participants should come to their mid-week meetings
having already read and studied the weekly Torah portion
(traditional yearly cycle, download
the Torah Reading Schedule here).
This will prepare the group for in-depth discussion
of the Torah in a detailed, systematic, organized method.
Discussion will be enhanced by an atmosphere conducive
to group intimacy created by a time of worship before
the discussion, and prayer at the end of the meeting.
Extended fellowship time may be available depending
on the nature of each unique group and the availability
of the hosts.
It is ultimately preferred that the children participate
and/or learn to participate in these meetings. These
meetings (being informal) should focus on total family
participation and health. If this is not possible then
please designate an area of the home where a responsible
teen(s) may watch the smaller children. Arrangements
should be made for children under-5.
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