Tidewater Chavurah acquires Torah scroll
Through the efforts of its rabbi, Ellen Jaffe-Gill, Tidewater Chavurah has received a Torah scroll for use during Shabbat and holidays. Rabbi Jaffe-Gill acquired the scroll through the Jewish Community Legacy Project, an organization that helps small congregations with planning resources and solutions.
The oldest Jewish congregation in Illinois, B'nai Sholom Temple was founded in 1852 and remained in the red-brick, Moorish Revival synagogue it built in Quincy in 1869 until the dwindling Reform congregation sold the building and deconsecrated it last year. Its other Torah scrolls were donated to congregations in Indonesia, Germany, and South America, making Tidewater Chavurah the only congregation in the U.S. to be given one of B'nai Sholom's Torahs.
The sefer Torah is in good condition — "very readable," Rabbi Jaffe-Gill said — and bears a mantle and a yod, or pointer. "We are beyond thrilled and grateful for this wonderful and unexpected gift," she said.
For more information about the Torah scroll and about Tidewater Chavurah, contact the Tidewater Chavurah at www.tidewaterchavurah1@gmail.com or contact Rabbi Jaffe-Gill at rabbicantorejg@gmail.com or (215) 359-7806.
Through the efforts of its rabbi, Ellen Jaffe-Gill, Tidewater Chavurah has received a Torah scroll for use during Shabbat and holidays. Rabbi Jaffe-Gill acquired the scroll through the Jewish Community Legacy Project, an organization that helps small congregations with planning resources and solutions.
The oldest Jewish congregation in Illinois, B'nai Sholom Temple was founded in 1852 and remained in the red-brick, Moorish Revival synagogue it built in Quincy in 1869 until the dwindling Reform congregation sold the building and deconsecrated it last year. Its other Torah scrolls were donated to congregations in Indonesia, Germany, and South America, making Tidewater Chavurah the only congregation in the U.S. to be given one of B'nai Sholom's Torahs.
The sefer Torah is in good condition — "very readable," Rabbi Jaffe-Gill said — and bears a mantle and a yod, or pointer. "We are beyond thrilled and grateful for this wonderful and unexpected gift," she said.
For more information about the Torah scroll and about Tidewater Chavurah, contact the Tidewater Chavurah at www.tidewaterchavurah1@gmail.com or contact Rabbi Jaffe-Gill at rabbicantorejg@gmail.com or (215) 359-7806.
TIDEWATER CHAVURAH’S SECOND NIGHT SEDER
Tidewater Chavurah will celebrate Passover with a communal seder on the second night of Pesach, April 16, 2022, 6 p.m. at the home of Rabbi Ellen Jaffe-Gill and Spencer Gill. The seder is open to Chavurah members and prospective members. If you would like to share in Tidewater Chavurah’s seder, please notify Rabbi Ellen at rabbicantorejg@gmail.com or call her at 757-464-1950.
We ask that attendees be vaccinated against Covid-19. Masks are optional.
Tidewater Chavurah will celebrate Passover with a communal seder on the second night of Pesach, April 16, 2022, 6 p.m. at the home of Rabbi Ellen Jaffe-Gill and Spencer Gill. The seder is open to Chavurah members and prospective members. If you would like to share in Tidewater Chavurah’s seder, please notify Rabbi Ellen at rabbicantorejg@gmail.com or call her at 757-464-1950.
We ask that attendees be vaccinated against Covid-19. Masks are optional.
I am pleased that the Tidewater Chavurah has been accepted into Kroger's Community Rewards Program. At no cost to you, Kroger will donate to our Chavurah, but you do need to sign up.
"To Use the Kroger Community Rewards Program:
Please visit http://www.kroger.com. Once logged into your Kroger account search for Tidewater Chavurah either by name or EC826 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card."
"To Use the Kroger Community Rewards Program:
Please visit http://www.kroger.com. Once logged into your Kroger account search for Tidewater Chavurah either by name or EC826 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card."
Tidewater Chavurah is an independent Jewish synagogue without walls. The group is led by ordained Rabbi Ellen Jaffe. Formed in 1996, we pride ourselves on being a welcoming family. The Hebrew term chavurah means “fellowship” and generally denotes a group of like-minded people who worship and interact within a Jewish context.
Our Mission is to provide a place of Jewish worship, to encourage Jewish education, to initiate Jewish family activities, and to cultivate a love and understanding of the Jewish heritage.
We value a friendly, warm, supportive, and egalitarian community which welcomes all who wish to practice the Jewish traditions; the Torah and our Jewish heritage; G'milut Chasidim (Acts of Loving Kindness) and Tzedakah (Charity) for those who are in need; our children and families in a flexible and tolerant environment; and growth and renewal. We are open to the diversity of traditions throughout our Jewish communities.
We are . . .
a smaller group of folks than your average synagogue with a warm, welcoming, and family-friendly atmosphere.
willing to meet you where you are at in your journey with Judaism and help you establish your Jewish identity.
served by a wonderful female Reconstructionist Rabbi with progressive views who continuously proves to be outgoing and willing to provide a variety of services and programming for anyone interested in Judaism.
an independent congregation that prays in the Reform tradition.
a recognized part of the larger Jewish community without the large expense or confines of the traditional synagogue.
a safe space for intercultural families, the LGBTQIA community, and spiritual seekers from all backgrounds; Jews by birth, Jews by choice or anyone supporting Judaism is welcomed into our family with open arms.
constantly growing and planning ahead for growth.
Shabbat Services/Gatherings. Held on the 2nd & 4th Fridays of the month. Please see "Chavurah News" for details. To receive the link to join the zoom services, email Rabbi Ellen at rabbicantorejg@gmail.com.
Holiday details including High Holidays will be posted on calendar and on the Chavurah News page.