WHAT ARE SHIRGROUPS?

ShirGroups are small groups based on common interests, hobbies, and/or demographics. Members gather together in these groups to share in a range of activities and experiences. This is a wonderful way to meet new people within the Shir Ami community based on your shared interests and connect in a meaningful way.

Groups will be between 3-20 people. Each group has a group leader (a member of Shir Ami!) who helps either facilitate or oversee the group.

HOW DO I JOIN A SHIRGROUP?

You can complete the registration form here by March 1, 2024!

HOW OFTEN DO SHIRGROUPS MEET?

The 2024-2025 ShirGroup enrollment period is from Spring 2024 – June 2025. ShirGroups meet on average once every month or two. Therefore, ShirGroups will meet about 6-8 times within the upcoming timeframe.

The dates, location(s), and number of ShirGroup meetings is based on the individual group and its members. Dates will be provided to the members in advance so you can mark your calendar! We do ask ShirGroup members to try to attend as many group meetings as possible, as we want everyone to have the opportunity to get to know one another and connect.

WHERE DO SHIRGROUPS MEET?

Meeting location will depend on your group! Some ShirGroups meet at various locations in the community, such as vineyards, museums, or other business locations. Others will meet in different community members homes. The ShirGroup locations will depend on each specific group. This will be decided by the group leader and its members.

WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW ANYONE IN MY SHIRGROUP?

Joining a ShirGroup is a wonderful way to develop deeper relationships within the Shir Ami community and meet new people! The ShirGroups initiative allows our members to gather in close-knit settings. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect around similar interests and come together in smaller groups.

WHAT IF I DON'T SEE A SHIRGROUP I AM INTERESTED IN?

You can start your own group as well! Contact Natalie Standig / nstandig@shiramipa.org to discuss starting a new ShirGroup!

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LIST OF SHIR GROUPS

BORN IN THE 1950s

The Born in the 1950s (give or take) ShirGroup is for just that - those born in the 1940s and 1950s. We get together about every other month. Typically, the host provides dinner - either prepared or take out. Following dinner, we spend time together and connect through an engaging group event or activity. Some examples of past activities include going to a show (such as at The Langhorne Players) or staying in to play games, like trivia.

Any Questions? Group Lead: Margie Kopins / pugiwug@msn.com

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BOURBON APPRECIATION

Bourbon Appreciation

The Bourbon ShirGroup tries to meet once every other month at different members' homes, usually on a Sunday afternoon. Each member brings a bottle of bourbon to share with some light noshes. Our friendly group gets together to socialize and have fun. Members also share their knowledge and recommendations about various bourbons.

Any Questions? Group Lead: Adam Dienstman / adam613@verizon.net

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EMPTY NESTERS

Have your kids recently flown the coop? Are you missing spending hours at the ball field or in a high school auditorium? Are you looking at your partner thinking, “what do we do now?” Join Shir Ami’s Empty Nester ShirGroup!

Gather with your fellow congregants who are also transitioning to this new phase of life. We will meet at friends’ houses, go on a hike, or grab a nosh. Our ShirGroup will bring us together to connect with each other on our experiences reorienting our lives as our children leave home, as well as the challenges faced as we, our children, and our parents age.

Any Questions? Group Lead: Robin Firestone / grfirestone@comcast.net

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INTERFAITH FAMILIES

The Interfaith Families ShirGroup is designed to connect our interfaith members in a smaller group setting. These gatherings allow you to celebrate and share your experiences in connection to Judaism, as well as your personal experiences as being part of an interfaith family. Together as a community we are here to celebrate our members’ diverse
experiences, backgrounds, and foster an inclusive space for everyone. This ShirGroup is a place where our interfaith members can come together and discuss holidays, traditions, blending families, challenges, and celebrations. As a new ShirGroup, we are open to suggestions of topics and activities, and welcome our interfaith couples to this discussion.
Some meetings may be parents only and others may include children. The group members will decide what works best based on the meeting, topic, and location.

Any Questions? Group Leads: Dana Levy/dapfender@gmail.com, Sarah Kleiman/sarah.e.kleiman@gmail.com and Evan Kleiman/ekleiman1@gmail.com

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JEWISH RELIEF AGENCY

The Jewish Relief Agency (JRA) packs and distributes kosher food and other essential items to low-income residents throughout Philadelphia. As a volunteer, you will assist with packing boxes (done assembly-line style), during the monthly Food Distribution Program at the JRA Warehouse in Philadelphia. This takes place at 10:00 AM.

You can also help with making deliveries to recipients if interested. The JRA warehouse is located in Northeast Philadelphia. After the volunteer session, we’ll meet up at an area restaurant for brunch/lunch. This will give the group a chance to connect and socialize with each other.

Any Questions? Group Lead: Columbo Sosky / (267) 566-0152

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LIFE IS HOW YOU BAKE IT

Each time the Baking ShirGroup meets, each member will bring an item to share, along with copies of the recipe and an empty container to take home shared goodies. Our Baking ShirGroup will meet approximately 6 times over the course of the year, at different members’ homes. As a group, we will decide our baking theme for each gathering (i.e.: cookies, cakes, pies, pastries) and/or a technique or ingredient to use. We will teach each other tips and tricks, and may even do some live demonstrations!

Any Questions? Group Lead: Karen Briskin / kbriskin429@gmail.com

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MUSEUMS & CULTURE

The Museums & Culture ShirGroup comes together to explore museums and cultural activities through organized visits to area museums. When possible, a group tour is pre-arranged. There are about 4-5 trips arranged a year to local destinations. A great example would be our tour of Pennsbury Manor in Morrisville, PA. We discuss the exhibits, what we learned, and our shared activities and experiences. These tours are great ways to come together and learn about our local history and area. Future trips may include Penn Museum of Archaeology, Mutter Museum, Woodmere Museum, Morris Arboretum, and Pearl Buck House. We’d love to hear your suggestions as well!

Any Questions? Group Lead: Bob Wolk / mirob80@gmail.com

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SHABBAT DINNER

Shabbat Dinner ShirGroup is a fun way to deepen your Shir Ami relationships with members we know well, or not so well. Our dinners are simple, welcoming, and informal Shabbat celebrations. Our dinner tables seat up to 10 (we'll have as many as we have hosts,) so everyone can participate and hosting isn't overwhelming. Shabbat dinners are preceded with table blessings and we all contribute to the shared meal experience. We'd love for your kids to join us; there's space for everyone. We understand there may be dinners you cannot attend. That's fine and we're flexible- we'll see you next time.

Any Questions? Group Lead: Jon Stevens / Jonhittstevens@me.com

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WINE APPRECIATION

Old friends, New friends, snacks and great wines. We meet every other month on a Sunday afternoon. Members volunteer to host and participants bring the wine and snacks. Each gathering features a specific grape, such as Pinot Noir, or a general region, such as wines from France. Snacks can include cheese & crackers, appetizers, chocolate or whatever you think would pair well with the wine. Cheers!

Any Questions? Group Lead: Deb Gates-Maten / dlgmaten@gmail.com

REGISTER FOR A SHIR GROUP HERE