Hinenu expands outreach to post-college, pre-kid crowd

By DEBORAH MOON

article created on: 2008-10-15T00:00:00

Just two years after its inception, Hinenu has grown from a group of young adults telling Neveh Shalom about their wants and desires to an active reality that has helped create a sense of community for the approximately 500 people on its listserv.
 
Hinenu (Here we are, in Hebrew) was the cry of those young adults when the approached the Conservative congregation and said they were seeking a connection. The synagogue embraced the concept under the direction of Rabbi Bradley Greenstein and his wife Sarah. When the Greenstein’s daughter was born last year, the couple stepped back to an advisory role since Hinenu is directed at those who are post-college and pre-kids.
 
“Until recently, we were the only synagogue affiliated group for the age group,” said Hinenu President Helene Wren. “We have the support of the synagogue and the resources the synagogue can offer us.”

Formerly Sarah Martel, Wren began using her middle name after her marriage to Jaime. The daughter of Cheryl Martel, Wren said she has spent her life except for her college years in a three mile radius near the synagogue where she attended Sunday school, became a bat mitzvah and was married.
 
Hinenu participants do not need to be members of Neveh Shalom.
“When it’s time for them to choose a synagogue, we hope they will choose Neveh,” Wren said. “Neveh Shalom wanted young adults feel there is a place for them.”
 
This year Hinenu offered a buddy program during the High Holidays so those unfamiliar with Neveh Shalom would have someone to share services with.
 
“The focus of our events is always Jewishly oriented,” said Wren. “We want to be a resource and a community for our members, so we ask them what events they want. We celebrate life cycle and holiday events together.”
 
Hinenu regularly attracts 40 to 60 people at its monthly “Shabbat Lucks,” which are held on rotating Fridays so those with a conflict will be able to attend occasionally. She said the flyer for each month’s dinner is sent out to everyone on the listserv.
 
“We light candles, celebrate Shabbat and meet new people,” she said. “I’ve expanded my social network. It’s a great way to develop a sense of community with people your own age.”
 
For details, visit www.hinenu.org. To be added to the listserv, email info@hinenu.org.