Caring Community

Caring Community is facilitated by the director of congregational services, with the assistance of congregant leadership, who are committed to making TBE an inclusive and participatory community. Caring Community groups are for TBE members only unless otherwise mentioned. For more information about any of the following groups, please call 665-4744.

The Caring Community program provides a congregation-wide opportunity to serve fellow congregants in times of joy and sorrow.

TBE Members: Sign up for Caring Community groups by printing out the
Sign Up Form (PDF) and sending it to: Attn: Caring Community/TBE/2309 Packard St./Ann Arbor/MI 48104

Chavurot (Affinity Groups):

Caregiving Support for Adult Children:
A group meets monthly to support adult children caring for an aging relative long distance.

Families With Young Children: Provides holiday-related programming for families with young children aged 0-5, such as Tot Shabbat and Tot Chanukah. Open to the community.

Generations After (formerly 2nd Generation): Children & relatives of Holocaust Survivors come together to create meaningful Yom Hashoah and Yom Kippur (afternoon) services.

Interfaith Couples Discussion Group: Couples gather for an informal discussions on the issues of intermarriage and/or social activities. Free childcare provided.

New Beginnings: Meets with Janice Gutfreund, New Beginnings Coordinator, for five sessions to discuss issues related to conversion and to share information and support. “How to” workshops and group attendance at services will be planned during the year. Open to the community.

Renaissance Group: For members in the 55+ age group as well as members in their forties without children in the religious school; monthly social, educational, religious and cultural activities coordinated by members.

Ruach (New!): For spirited and active middle-agers who feel they are in-between the TNT & Renaissance Groups. Singles & couples are welcome. TBE members only.

Single Parent Network (New!): Join us to connect with other Jewish single parents, share parenting strategies, arrange playdates (for young children) & socialize. Open to the community.

Twenties and Thirties (TNT): A group of members in their twenties and thirties, TNT offers social, cultural, and social action activities. Open to the community.
Twice Blessed: A new group committed to meeting the unique needs of the Jewish Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, and Transgender community. We will be providing educational & social opportunities focused on the experience of being both Jewish and gay. Open to the community.

Ongoing Opportunities for Service:

Bikkur Cholim: The Jewish tradition of visiting the sick or elderly. Congregants visit TBE members and/or their relatives at home, in the hospital, or the nursing home.

Caring Community Volunteer Corps (CCVC): Provides support and connection within the TBE community during times of joy and sorrow, offering meals and rides.

Mitzvah Match: A program that assists members with grocery shopping or other errands on a bi-monthly or as needed basis. Mitzvah Match goes beyond the call for occasional meals or rides. We assist members who need on-going support in many different ways.
Nachamu: Conducts shiva services for fellow congregants. Nachamu has created a comprehensive bereavement guide for the TBE community. Click here for a PDF copy of the Bereavement Guide.
Welcoming Services: A program to integrate new members into the TBE community.

Women Cancer Survivors Support Group (WCSSG): Offers support to TBE members and organizes donations for the UM Cancer Center.

Spirituality and Community:

Healing, Spirituality and Meditation: Explores Jewish spirituality and meditation and offers classes and retreats. Open to the community.

Jewish Hikers of Michigan: The mission of this newly formed hiking group is to offer spiritual, social and physical activities in nature for the Jewish community. Monthly events will be planned. Adults and children are welcome. Open to the community.

Women's Rosh Chodesh: For women; a celebration of the new month. Monthly meetings include service, study, and conversation. Open to the community.