So–you got a personal invitation, and now you’re here on a website. You probably have a few questions. Like: what exactly is this?

Havdalah Club is a monthly gathering for Jewish Angelenos who are craving more meaningful, grounded opportunities to engage in Jewish life.

If you’re here, it’s because we thought you might be looking for that too—and might want to explore it with us.

Who We Are

We’re Sara Wilson and Ashley Paige Oliver—two Jewish friends in Los Angeles who are drawn to questions of Jewish identity and meaning, even when we don't have the answers. We’re launching Havdalah Club out of a shared sense that when it comes to Jewish community today, something is missing—and a curiosity about what might happen if we tried to build it ourselves.

What's Havdalah Club?

Havdalah Club is rooted in the ancient ritual of Havdalah, which marks the transition from Shabbat into the week ahead. 

That ritual is the backbone of the series, but we're also expanding what it can hold: conversation, reflection, food, connection, and a bit of room to breathe.

At its core, this series is about the boundary Havdalah is designed to mark: between the sacred and the mundane, between holy time and ordinary time, between elevation and return.

Rather than prioritizing one over the other, Havdalah reminds us that both matter. Sacred moments matter. So does everyday life. The practice teaches us how to move between them with intention — not by escaping real life, but by stepping back into it with grounding and care.

Across the series, we'll explore that boundary together: through ritual, conversation, shared meals, and the simple act of showing up at the same moment each month.

This inaugural Havdalah Club series will meet once a month, over four months, from January through April. (Specific dates below.)

How It Works

Each gathering follows a simple rhythm:

• Time for adults to talk and think together, with curated programming designed to spark reflection and connection.

• Time to reconvene for Havdalah — candles, spices, food, and a shared pause before the week begins.

The Commitment

Because this series is designed to unfold over time, we’re asking participants to commit to attending at least three of the four gatherings for this inaugural series.

All gatherings will take place on Saturday afternoons from approximately 4:00–6:30 PM at one of our homes (Sara will host the first gathering at her home in Baldwin Hills; full details will be shared after RSVP.)

These are the dates:

• January 24

• February 21

• March 21

• April 18

We know life happens. But part of what makes Havdalah Club work is showing up together, over time. 

Childcare

During the adult portion of each gathering, children will be thoughtfully cared for through gentle, creative programming — not just babysitting — so adults can be fully present.

Membership & Cost

Havdalah Club is a four-month membership experience.

We’re asking for a contribution of $50 per family.

Any funds collected will be used to cover shared costs (childcare, food, materials).  If there is any excess, the group will collectively choose a Jewish philanthropic organization to support.

Final details will be shared once participation is confirmed.

RSVP

Please let us know if you’re able to take part in this inaugural series by January 1, 2026 by submitting the form below.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Sara or Ashley.

We can’t wait for you to join us,

XOX Sara & Ashley