Welcome to the Vilna Shul

The Vilna Shul, its beautiful sanctuary quiet for 20 years, rings out again with the sounds and songs of Jewish tradition and culture. Its social hall, worn with years and awaiting renovations, nevertheless overflows with spirit as Bostonians and visitors from other cities enjoy exhibits and programs commemorating the heritage of Boston Jewry.

Read more about the Vilna Shul »

In Hebrew, Havurah means a gathering or community of friends. Havurah on the Hill is a group of young Jewish Bostonians ages 18-39 (and the young at heart) that gather at Boston's historic Vilna Shul for communal Shabbat meals, monthly Friday night and holiday learning services, classes, and lectures. The atmosphere is warm and informal with a nice hint of tradition and the learning services are filled with songs and ruach.

Havurah on the Hill featured in
The Boston Sunday Globe Magazine

Friday night programs consist of a learning service with a rotating leader, an interesting speaker from the community, and a seated Shabbat meal or standing light dinner. All of our events seek to incorporate the best elements of the Jewish experience, including the educational, the historical, the communal, and the spiritual.

Photo by Paula Lerner

Havurah on the Hill is the young community division of the Boston's Center for Jewish Culture (BCJC). The BCJC - http://www.vilnashul.com -is a non-profit organization whose mission is to restore the Vilna Shul and rededicate it as a center for exploring the rich traditions of the American Jewish experience through exhibits and programs. The Havurah seeks to invigorate Boston's rapidly growing young Jewish community by taking advantage of the unique elements that the Vilna Shul has to offer: It is interesting and beautiful, it combines Jewish history with the history of Boston, and it evokes a certain spiritual feeling just being inside its walls.Come join us and experience for yourself what this historic building and Boston's newest Jewish community have to offer.

All ages and backgrounds are welcome. Please join us for these events.

Please add your name to our email list above.

Havurah services are at:
The Vilna Shul
18 Phillips Street
in Beacon Hill, Boston, MA
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