Project Mishpacha

Be part of the family.

Please click here for the 2011-2012 Project Mishpacha Calendar.

To sign up:
click here for the intake form (MS Word format)
click here for the intake form (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What is Project Mishpacha?
Project Mishpacha is a chance for ASBI members to become part of a “Mishpacha” (family) unit, a community within the community. Each Mishpacha meets once a month for a Shabbat meal.

What can I expect my Mishpacha to be like?
Like a real family, every Mishpacha is different. Each group will develop its own style and personality as the year progresses. Some groups will include several children, while some will have few or none at all. When you sign up, you can indicate whether or not it’s important to you to have an intergenerational component in your Mishpacha.

How are the Mishpachot put together?
Participants fill out an intake form, which includes the option to request someone you know to be your Mishpacha. Our placement committee will consider your intake form and place you in a group they think will be a good fit. You can also simply sign up for a Specialty Mishpacha.

What is a Specialty Mishpacha?

A Specialty Mishpacha gives the opportunity for those who share a common interest to be placed in a Mishpacha together. Some examples of Specialty Mishpachot: Board Games, Hebrew speaking, Zemirot, and Green Mishpacha.

When do the Mishpachot meet?
Each Mishpacha meets once a month, for Shabbat lunch, as specified on the Project Mishpacha calendar. There will be one Friday night dinner during the winter, when it is not too late for families with young children.

What happens if I miss a Mishpacha event?

COME TO THE NEXT ONE ANYWAY! It is likely that most Mishpacha members will have a conflict with a Shabbat meal at some point. Please mark your calendars as far in advance as possible, so that you can attend all of the meals. However, if you miss one, please continue to join your Mishpacha on future dates. It will help the group stay strong.

How many people are in each Mishpacha?
Most Mishpachot have 15-20 individuals in the group.

What am I expected to bring to Mishpacha meals?
Anshe Sholom will cater the core parts of the Shabbat meals, and the Mishpacha members will supplement this with potluck items (ex. salad, dessert, challah, drinks). You can expect to spend about $10-20 on your potluck item for each meal. If this is a financial difficulty, ASBI can cover that cost as well. Please be in touch with Rachel K. Finegold for more information.

What if I am not able to host my Mishpacha?
You do not need to host. We will ensure that each Mishpacha has at least one home in which to gather, which is within close walking distance from the shul and is large enough to accommodate everyone. If you are willing and able to host, please indicate this on your intake form.

Will I have the opportunity to meet people from the other Mishpachot?
Yes. For one of the Shabbat meals, we will try to pair your Mishpacha with one other Mishpacha. However, for most of the time you will be at meals with only the members of your Mishpacha. At the end of the year, we will have a Shabbaton where all the Mishpachot gather together for a meal at shul.

Is there any cost?
There is no cost to register for the program. Your only expense is the monthly potluck item. However, ASBI will cover this expense if it is difficult for anyone.

How do I sign up?

Simply fill out an intake form (available at the shul or on the website) and return it to the office.