To the ‘outside’ world, Judaism is Judaism. But to those in the community, there is an awareness that Judaism covers a wide spectrum of ideas and beliefs. Labels abound: Orthodox, Conservative and Reform are joined by Renewal, Humanistic, Reconstructionist and so on. Each denomination has its own interpretation of Torah and tradition, and each manifests its beliefs in unique ways.
The National Havurah Committee is a relatively new movement, having begun just over 30 years ago. The NHC is a network of diverse individuals and communities dedicated to Jewish living and learning, community building and tikkun olam (repairing the world). According to its website, the NHC has helped Jews across North America envision a joyful grassroots Judaism and has provided the tools to help people create empowered Jewish lives and communities. The NHC is nondenominational, multigenerational, egalitarian and volunteer-run.
Locally, NefeshSoul was formed in the East Valley in October 2013, with the Havurah model in mind. According to Rabbi Susan Schanerman, “A small group of friends wanted to create a welcoming, nonbureaucratic, spiritually oriented Jewish community. We felt there was an unfilled niche we might fill.”
She and her good friend, Robin Manelis, set about creating a website, incorporated as a charitable organization, designed a siddur, rented space and started to spread the word. With a group of 30 attending their first service, they realized they had indeed created something whose time had come. “We had no idea what would develop,” says Rabbi Susan, “but we knew that not trying was not acceptable to either of us.”
Rabbi Susan’s father, Irv Fellner z”l, had fought in the Haganah, so Jewish identity and support for Israel were always important in their home. They didn’t attend synagogue often, but her father held regular Sunday evening Hebrew classes for Susan and her siblings. Later, Susan was active at Hillel.
“Rabbi Barton Lee inspired me to sing at Hillel services and become involved in committee work,” she recalls. But Judaism actually became central to her life when her son was born. She traveled to Israel and joined Temple Emanuel of Tempe, where she enrolled her son in Sunday school once he was old enough. At the temple, Susan served on committees, became the religious school music teacher, then cantorial soloist and finally director of education.
Her thirst for knowledge and understanding continued. Rabbi Susan enrolled at Spertus College, where she spent eight years earning both master’s and doctoral degrees in Jewish studies. Along the way, she studied for ordination through a program for midcareer individuals with synagogue experience and a strong Judaic educational background.
“I found that my soul resonated in the history, theology and practice of Judaism – that my personal and professional needs finally melded once I came to serve the Jewish community.” In addition to her role with NefeshSoul, Susan is a chaplain for Hospice of the Valley and performs weddings (Jewish and interfaith) as well as funerals and baby-namings for the general Jewish community.
Creating NefeshSoul was the natural outreach of Susan’s training and beliefs. The group defines itself as a warm and welcoming Jewish community, staffed and supported completely by volunteers, that engages in worship, holiday and lifecycle celebrations, learning, social justice and social activities. They are one of hundreds of nonsynagogue- affiliated havurot around the country that invites Jews and their families to re-envision
what Jewish community and practice mean. NefeshSoul does not have membership dues but relies on contributions. They meet at Valley Unitarian Universalist, 6400 W Del Rio St., in Chandler.
Rabbi Susan is looking forward to the upcoming High Holy Day Services. “I cannot imagine not being involved in a Jewish community. I feel a responsibility to teach, to inspire and to do what I can to provide a Jewish connection to those who seek, as I do, a fully Jewish life. NefeshSoul is the vehicle through which I hope to make a difference. It has been a true gift.”
Nefeshsoul offers all High Holiday services for just $50 per adult. There is no charge for children through college students to age 25. information is available at nefeshsoul.com
