The Power of Two: The Year of the Chavruta (Study Partnership)
Written by Cathy Schechter
My first chavruta and I learned together most Sunday mornings for 14 years, traversing tractates of Talmud and biblical stories like two intrepid hikers, exploring rabbit trails in search of information to help us understand inscrutable text. When she died unexpectedly, I felt surprised listening to family and friends eulogize her; so much I didn’t know about her life. I began to understand that chavruta often exists outside the boundaries of time and space of our homes, cities, or daily lives. Chavruta exists in the realm of our soul-searching.
To walk with such a friend is a rare treasure and a great privilege. In fact, many CCM students say that getting to know their Chavruta is one of the things they most value in our Foundations and Transformations programs.
The word chavruta derives from the Hebrew word “chaver,” meaning friend. While the English word “friend,” could suggest anything from a bosom buddy to a passing acquaintance, it’s not quite the same as a chaver. Tracing the word “chaver” in the Hebrew Bible, the verb form means to “unite.” A chaver was a friend or associate with whom you shared something in common, like the same society or profession. Within a few centuries BCE, the Dead Sea scrolls referred to each other as chaverim, understanding it to be the people who shared their beliefs and practices. After the Temple fell in 70 C.E., the Mishnah referred to chaverim as people with whom they shared their food and lodging without question. Even if they didn’t know each other before, when chaverim met they instantly recognized one another. Whether signaling with their dress or speech, they knew without a doubt that they shared the dietary habits, manners, traditions, and values.
That type of recognition of a chaver often happens for CCM students. As we learn to speak the language of Middot and strive together for a semipermeable nefesh; as we study together, work through our Mussar moments, we find it increasingly hard to believe how well we come to know each other. Many say that it’s hard to believe they haven’t been friends with their chavruta for much longer. Some marvel at how a chavruta can come to know you better than an old childhood friend. How does that happen?
Pirke Avot teaches that when two people exchange words of Torah the Shechina resides between them, in their connection. Essentially, chavruta is a holy relationship. When we walk with a chaver(ah) through our soul’s timeless journey, seeing and seen, in the present as we strive to become our best selves, we manifest what I think of as the Power of Two.
The Power of Two has been beautifully exemplified by the chavruta of Nancy Axelrod (East Coast), and Adie Goldberg (West Coast). For the past few years, Adie and Nancy have labored together to create our new workbook. If you’ve had the pleasure of using it, you know their significant work together represents a lot of time and a true labor of love.
Come celebrate with CCM as we honor Nancy and Adie and their amazing accomplishment. Mark your calendars for May 17, 2026 — we will celebrate this special CCM chavruta and the great service they have provided for us.