We’re looking for passionate individuals who are ready to take the initiative and create vibrant religious experiences. This is someone who can gather at least 8 -20 people to dedicate themselves 8 or more times to sing or study together. This opportunity is open to Jews of diverse backgrounds, ages, and life stages.

Financial Support

• $500 Stipend: Group leaders are eligible for a $500 stipend in recognition of their time and dedication. 
• Up to $1,000 in Reimbursements: Cover programming costs such as books, food, transportation, access to Joey Weisenberg's Courses in Jewish Song and Prayer, or honoraria for guest speakers.

Facilitator Training
Our training will equip you with skills, confidence and practical tools for creating an inclusive, welcoming space where participants can engage meaningfully with Jewish texts, ideas, and one another.

Ongoing Support
You won’t be alone on this journey! Our Director of Community Groups, Jaime Drucker ([email protected]), will regularly check in via email to track your progress, offer troubleshooting advice, and celebrate your successes. Additionally, there are opportunities for  one-on-one conversation with a member of Hadar staff or faculty  for personalized support or guidance.

Access to Hadar’s Resources
As part of our support, we will offer specific guidance to Hadar’s extensive library of educational materials and resources, including Jewish texts, study guides, and tools for creating engaging group experiences. We also have a collection of Rising Song resources made specifically for Community Groups (see below).

Joey Weisenberg’s Courses in Jewish Song and Prayer: 1,000 instructional videos on communal song (nigun) and prayer-leading (nusach), to musical wisdom (Torah), composition, and playing of instruments, and more. We are offering special Community Group rates to subscribe, and a portion of the grant can be used for this purpose: 

• Individual Memberships - $18/month - Group members sign up as individuals, and the group leader offers reimbursements as financial need arises
• Group Subscription - $180/month - Facilitator uses funds  to set up monthly access to the site for group members
• Group Discount for Longer Term Learning - $900/half year - Groups sign up for access to Joey’s site for a term of six months and get a discounted rate

Rising Song Quick-Start Guide: learn best practices, suggested melodies for groups to sing together, as well as “Nigun as a Spiritual Practice”  curriculum on Jewish song and prayer.

Sha”tz Community Group Facilitator Guide: Deborah Sacks Mintz’s methodology and materials for peer-led skill-building and toolkit-sharing.

Hadar Community Groups, which include at least 8 people and no more than 20, are designed to help participants deepen their connection to Jewish life by engaging with at least one of Hadar’s core values: Torah, Avodah, and Hesed. 

Rising Song groups primarily engage in musical work in the realm of Avodah, whether it’s singing, davening, playing instruments, or all of the above. Here are some ideas for the kinds of groups you can create:

• Rising Song Circles
• Shat”z Community Group
• Monthly Musical Minyan
• Hadar Chazones Hang

Rising Song Circle

Small groups of Jews who gather to sing and create beautiful music together! Imagine harmonizing with friends on Thursday evening in preparation for Shabbat, or celebrating Rosh Chodesh with a joyous communal chorus. Whether you're a budding musician or simply love to sing, these intimate gatherings are your chance to create lasting musical connections.

Shat”z Community Group

Convene a cohort of prayer leaders to cultivate best practices!
Using R. Deborah Sacks Mintz’s methodology in peer-led skill-building and toolkit-sharing - combined with Hadar’s multi-media resources - sheilhei tzibbur (prayer leaders) can grow in supportive learning community through text study, peer feedback, skills support, and a healthy dose of communal song.

At Hadar, we are committed to the beauty of the breadth of Jewish community, alongside a commitment to Jewish observance. We expect that the main purpose and core activities of a Hadar Community Group will not directly conflict with Hadar’s religious vision, including traditional halakhic observance. We are invested in working with group leaders to make sure programs are robust, creative, and dynamic, while maintaining this ethos.  

We’d love to tell you more about this program! Please reach out to Jaime Drucker, Director of Hadar Community Groups, at [email protected] with questions.

Learn more about Community Groups on Hadar’s site.

At this time, all Hadar Community Groups are expected to meet in person.

Currently, groups outside the US are not eligible for funding. We encourage those who want to start groups abroad to apply, and receive full access to facilitator training, Hadar resources, and ongoing support.