Community Building Fellowship
Young Jewish couples are often faced with a dilemma: on one hand, putting down their roots in large, established Jewish communities is enticing for professional and social reasons; on the other hand, the cost of living in these communities is usually much higher than they can afford. Moreover, lesser known, small and mid-size Jewish communities around the country may be hidden gems that many couples would thrive in given the opportunity. Addressing these concerns, Kochvei HaShamayim seeks to work with and connect communities of all sizes with young couples from different backgrounds. Young couples joining a given community are expected to become active members, and invest in the community by, for example,
offering classes for adults, teens or children
organizing social events for adults, teens or children
leading services and leining
organizing special holiday events
leading or supporting shul initiatives and programs
volunteer services related to the career path they are pursuing in graduate/professional school
The community would, in turn, support the young family by providing, for example,
free or subsidized housing
free or subsidized daycare services
free or subsidized car
free synagogue membership
Of course, the above lists are just examples. Communities who partner with KHS are expected to make their own lists of incentives they are willing and able to offer couples, as well as a list of responsibilities they would like incoming couples to undertake.