Welcome to Our Community!

by Michalee Merritt

What is the definition of  Community?

1. A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
2. A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals.

From the Oxford language dictionary

I began to think about all the communities that I have been a part of. How did I become a part of them? What did I have to do to become a “member”? Was it automatic or did I have to initiate something? Did I ever start a community of my own? 

As a child I moved around a lot. I realized in my teens that in order to become a member of the community I had to initiate contact with people. Once you do it once or twice it becomes pretty easy. When you become an adult and have your first job your co-workers become your community, the people you meet in your neighborhood (so much easier when you have a dog!) 

When I had kids, community came easy! You meet people at play groups, the park, and pre-school drop off. Then it is school and sports teams or whatever activity that they do. My kids are older now and I am still joining new communities at their colleges. (Those sports teams really bond parents!)

I am heading off to Israel at the end of the month with a new community of people. We have been chosen from various Jewish organizations in our area that we all have leadership roles in.  Some people I have known and most are brand new to me. We have met monthly and have quickly become a community. We come from different and diverse backgrounds.

I started a Chai Mitzvah group at my synagogue because I wanted to learn and share with my synagogue members. I met people I might never have met and we connected on a different level.

And yes I did start my own community! I started a Chai Mitzvah group at my synagogue because I wanted to learn and share with my synagogue members. I met people I might never have met and we connected on a different level. 

We welcome everyone to join our community, whether you start your own group or join our online community! You are always welcome to our community.

1 response to “Welcome to Our Community!”

1. Laurie Brown says:

   January 12, 2023 at 8:37 pm

   I love the Chai Mitzvah community. A great group of participants I get the honor of studying with.

   Reply