Temple Adat Elohim > TAEngage

House Conversations

May 19, 2026 | TAEngage, Temple Event

Find a House Conversation >>

Creating Belonging Close to Home


What truly makes Temple Adat Elohim special is the people in our community. We’re creating more opportunities for members to strengthen connections with others who live nearby.

Imagine discovering TAE families just around the corner, where a Shabbat dinner, playdate, carpool, coffee meet up, or helping hand may be only a few houses or blocks away.

Through TAE Neighborhoods, we’re making those connections possible, beginning with House Conversations.

These small gatherings are designed to bring neighbors together, build relationships, and strengthen community close to home.

TAE Neighborhoods

We have divided our congregation into ten neighborhoods, spanning from Ventura through the San Fernando Valley, to help TAE partners connect with others who live nearby. The goal is to foster relationships and strengthen our community.

If you are a TAE partner or ECC family, you have already been assigned a TAE Neighborhood.

👉 Click here to find your neighborhood >>

What Are House Conversations?

House Conversations are small, informal gatherings hosted in homes of TAE partners or ECC families. Each gathering brings together about eight neighbors to meet and get to know each other.

These gatherings are warm, casual opportunities to:

  • Get to know nearby TAE partners/ECC families
  • Build friendships close to home
  • Strengthen our sense of belonging
  • Create new opportunities for connection beyond the synagogue walls

You do not need to know anyone before attending.  The goal is simply to meet neighbors and help create a stronger, more connected TAE community.

👉 Click here to sign up for a House Conversation.

If you have questions or would like to host a House Conversation, please reach out to our Director of Member Engagement and Programming, Susie Guldbeck, at (805) 497-7101 ext. 104.

Why It Matters

Building meaningful relationships reflects the compassion, connection, and shared responsibility at the heart of Jewish life. When we know the people who live near us, our congregation becomes more than a place we go; it becomes a community we build and belong to together.

 

TAEngage Small Groups FAQ

Jun 6, 2019 | TAEngage

What does TAEngage do? TAEngage creates lay-led small groups of congregants with shared interests that meet for a limited period of time (weeks or months). The short-term nature of TAEngage groups allows relationships to grow and one’s circle of friends to expand organically and at one’s own pace.

Is this a Havurah? No. A Havurah is often a group of families who come together to socialize and to celebrate. Havurot (plural of Havurah) often meet together for years or decades.

How is TAEngage different? TAEngage interest groups may choose to meet together for weeks or months at a time. At the end of their time together, participants may choose to continue, if they wish, or select another group. By creating groups that meet for a shorter time, people can join a TAEngage group without feeling that it is a life-long commitment. If a group wishes to continue, they are welcome to do so.

Who can participate? TAEngage is open to any TAE congregant or ECC household interested in meeting more congregants with similar interests, learning about interesting topics…the opportunities are endless; groups are going to be formed and created by members for members!

Why Now? Our congregants have long talked about their desire to connect with other members in meaningful ways. Over the past few years, congregations have been successfully using listening campaigns and programs like TAEngage develop relationships and form friendships.

What role can I play? Our skilled coaches will help interested members to facilitate a group or take notes for our initial Listening Campaign. Some people may be willing to host in their home and others may simply wish to attend.Return to the TAEngage Small Groups Homepage