Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chabura all about?
The Chabura is a personal development workshop that meets weekly for one hour on the telephone via conference call. The topics covered are general themes about Jewish personal development culled from classic Torah works. Workshops consist of modules that last for 2 or 3 classes. The course leads to greater vitality, joy, and energy in life - and the ability to transcend life’s challenges.

What will I gain from the Chabura?
Participants will explore the concept of their life’s purpose (“Yeud”) and discover ways to incorporate this purpose into their daily life. Many of the tools gained from the chabura will give participants practical techniques that allow them to work on overcoming obstacles to growth and improving general self knowledge. The course leads to greater vitality, joy, and energy in life - and the ability to transcend life’s challenges. See below for examples of the Chabura Curriculum.

How do I listen to the Chabura?
The individual participants and Rabbi Nivin (or the Chabura host) call into a US based conference line - everyone is together in a virtual conference room. Currently, we support Skype for calling into the live call, and recordings can be listened to via local phone numbers in the USA, Eretz Yisrael, England, South Africa, Australia, and other countries. Everyone can hear each other, and Rabbi Nivin (or the Chabura host) moderates the session.

When is the next new group starting?
We have two new groups for women starting the week of January 14th, 2013. One will be held on Tuesdays @ 12pm EST - 11am CST - 7pm IST (Israel). The second will be held in the evening time for North Americans on the East Coast - the day of this second class is yet to be determined. There are a few exceptions of day changes due to the Jeiwsh Holidays. These 2 new classes are for women only, at this time we are not starting new Men's Chaburas.

What if I can't listen live to the calls?
Recordings are available to listen to, either by phone or through our online info center. Over half of the nearly 300 women currently call through our online info center (note that you cannot download the calls). Many women succesfully benefit from the classes in a meaningful way by listening to the recordings.

How do I sign up?
If you are ready to join the Chabura please Click Here, or contact us as soon as possible to register and secure your spot in the next Chabura. We can be reached by phone (US) 646-863-4123, (Israel) 02-5806-406, or by email at NewChabura@gmail.com

What is the cost of the Chabura?
Registration cost for each session is $150 USD, with an option of spreading that out into 3 installments of $50.

Can I try out the Chabura without paying up front?
For a limited time, we are offering new participants the opportunity to sign up for the Chabura without paying in advance. Through this offer, one will not be charged until after the 3rd class. If a new participant decides not to continue in the Chabura immediately after the 3rd class, they will be able to drop out with no financial obligation. All participants applying for this special offer must submit their contact details and credit card information before registering. Credit cards will only be charged following the third class unless a new participant contacts our staff to inform us that they are dropping out. Further details can be found in our Terms and Conditions

What is my commitment if I decide to join the Chaburas?
Registration is for a minimum of one session. Sessions typically include 12 one-hour weekly workshops. A typical session lasts 3 months. Due to changes in the Jewish calendar, some sessions may include 13 or 11 classes – in either case the charge for the chaburas will still be $150 USD. Each Chabura session runs for approximately 3 months / 12 sessions. Participants can inform us of their desire to discontinue from future sessions at any time leading up to 10 days before the next session, at which point particpiants are registered for the next session.

What if I miss a class?
Recordings of the classes are available on our online info center (via streaming, not downloading) and via a special call-in number which currently allows for local dial-in numbers for the USA, Israel, Canada, England, South Africa, Australia, and others. Participants will be able to access all the classes from their session at any time via this call-in number. Participants can call in and listen to former classes as often as they would like. Sharing of the chaburas access code with anyone is not permitted as stated in our terms and conditions.

Can I download these classes to my computer, mp3 player?
In order to protect the confidentiality of the individuals and the integrity of the Chabura, the classes are not available for download.  

What is the online info center?
The online info center is a resource for our active participants where they can login and listen to recordings of current and past chaburas, confirm call-in phone numbers and access codes, view the schedule, request a chevrusa, view notes on the classes, and see a syllabus of the chabura curriculum.  

Are notes of the classes available?
Notes for the classes are available online through our info center.  

What is the role of ‘chevrusas’ in the workshops?
An important part of the Chabura experience is working together with a chevrusa (study partner). Chevrusas meet for a few minutes at times fitting for both of their schedules. Many of our participants find that their chevrusa becomes a dear friend and key element in their own growth and self development. The chevrusa element adds a workshop-type experience to the Chabura. Furthermore, one of our goals is to build a community atmosphere between all the participants through workshops on the actual conference call - having a chevrusa helps to facilitate this atmosphere.

Do I need a chevrusa to sign up?
No. Although we recommend joining with a chevusa, we will be happy to find a chevrusa that matches your time availability and appears to be a good fit based on our chevrusa questionnaire. If you know someone joining the Chabura that you would like to be chevrusas with, be sure to let us know.

Will I get to ask questions during the Chabura?
Rabbi Nivin (or the Chabura host) takes time to answer questions during each class. If your question was not answered during the class, you can send him a direct email and either he or his assistant will quickly be in touch with you. Please note: any question you ask during the live call is recorded for the benefit of chabura participants and may be listened to by ANY chabura participant, not limited to those in your chabura.

Is there an opportunity to get to know or ‘meet’ other people in the Chabura?
Many participants have forged life-long friendships through their participation in the Chabura. Communication with other participants is not required, and individuals can choose whether or not to share their contact information with other participants.

What was the impetus behind the creation of these Chaburas?
Five years ago a group of women leaders involved in Jewish Education asked Rabbi Aryeh Nivin to host a weekly conference call to give over the Personal Development Curriculum that he had spent more than two decades developing. The classes were very well received - to the point that many of the women from that original Chabura are still taking part in their weekly Chabura 5 years later! This initial group also broke new ground, with tens of other men’s and women’s Chaburas having sprung up since then.

What is the Chabura curriculum?
The initial curriculum includes: Defining our Yeud (what is my life's purpose?) and Tikun (what are the things that I need to fix within myself). The second stage focuses on choosing a yearly direction (what are the one or two things that I will be working on this year that will bring me to the great me that I can be). Next, the Chabura defines the twelve areas of life balance. Then the Chabura begins to explore essential life tools which will allow us to live our life's purpose.

The Chabura curriculum continues with additional life tools as well as other life-changing modules such as Yishuv HaDaas, Living in the World of the Higher Soul, Jewish Time Management, Emotional Intelligence, Great Expectations, How to Be a Loving Educator, How to Get Anything You Want Out of Life, and many more.

What level of knowledge do I need?  Do I need textual skills?
Basic Jewish knowledge will help you achieve the maximum desired results from The Chabura. Textual skills are not a prerequisite. You just need to have a desire to learn and grow.

Can I switch back and forth between the two new Chaburas?
Due to our privacy policy, we do not allow for participants to switch back and forth between our 2 new Chaburas. You must select the day/time that works best for you. If you ever miss a class, you will be able to call-in and listen to the recording at your convenience.

Are handouts given at the end of each class?
Handouts are distributed for many of the classes. Rabbi Nivin will let you know when to expect these handouts in your email inbox.