BOLD. COURAGEOUS. TRANSFORMATIVE.
Nafshenu Welcome from Rabbi Larry Sernovitz on Vimeo.
WELCOME
Nafshenu was born out of the realization that Judaism needs to be bold, courageous, and transformative to meet the diversity of needs in the Jewish community today.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Nafshenu recognizes that the world is a changing place and to be indifferent to these changes would be to forsake our tradition, both Biblically and Rabbinically. Each individual has an obligation to do acts of Tikkun Olam, repair of the world. We will not be indifferent and will be involved and engaged in making this world a better place, responding to the issues of the day. Judaism has been, and will always be, relevant to the world in which we live.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Nafshenu is a special and sacred community, one where everyone has a role to play and is valued for their contributions. We don't have volunteers (see this article on volunteerism vs. service), but rather we have individuals and families who choose to serve the community to make us the vibrant community that we are.
We don't have a traditional membership model or membership dues. When you are a part of Nafshenu, you are not a member but a nefesh, a soul, within our community. Each soul is nurtured and taken care of. Becoming a nefesh is a two step process: (1) fill out and sign our Community Brit (Covenant of Community); (2) make an initial financial donation of the heart. As there are no dues, we are a tzedakah (righteous giving) based Jewish community. This means that our community is supported by the tzedakah of each individual or family. Each nefesh is encouraged to give to our community gifts of the heart. We don't ask that you give until it hurts, but give until you are proud of your donation, knowing that you have supported this sacred work of our community.
Once you have become a nefesh, there is an orientation program which includes three (1 hour) sessions:
- Foundations of Judaism
- Mission, Vision, and Core Values
- Serving the Community (Finding your place)
These sessions help to connect you to other like minded individuals and families. They also help you to find your place. With Nafshenu, you will never find yourself alone.