Ahavat Olam Community, 'Social Activities'

Congregation Ahavat Olam believes strongly that organized community activities help to strengthen our bond with each other, and within the Jewish Community and beyond. But it is not limited to worship services. We believe that FUN gatherings, also help to foster an environment of warmth, family, love, and laughter. These activities create a more relaxed environment for getting to know each other better’, and strengthen our connections to each other. So, let’s have some fun! Below are our upcoming SOCIAL ACTIVITIES.

2026

A Bar with a Mitzvah

A Bar With a Mitzvah — Event Highlights
Live music with the Ahavat Olam Ensemble • Open mic • A joyful night out together.

Our community gathered for A Bar With a Mitzvah — a night filled with music, laughter, and connection. When the power went out and the room was lit by candlelight, the moment took on new meaning, reminding us of something Shabbat teaches us time and again: that presence, warmth, and togetherness matter most. 💙

Our community gathered for A Bar With a We invite you to enjoy these highlights — a beautiful reflection of community, shared light, and joy.

Introduction to Jewish Genealogy - Recap

Have you ever wondered where your family’s story began?

Our recent Introduction to Jewish Genealogy program proved to be both fascinating and deeply enriching for those who attended.

Led by Carol Clingan, the session offered a thoughtful and accessible introduction to Jewish genealogy, along with an abundance of tools and ideas to help participants begin—or continue—their family research journeys. Attendees shared that the program was “very, very interesting,” “so informative,” and filled with “lots of great ideas regarding research.”

Introduction to Jewish Genealogy — Free Online Program, Feb 5, 2026

Carol’s depth of knowledge, warmth, and generosity as a teacher were widely praised. As one participant shared, “She is delightful and so knowledgeable!” Another noted that there was “so much to take in—my brain was on overload!”

We are grateful to Carol for sharing her wisdom and passion so generously with our community, and we appreciate everyone who joined us for this meaningful evening of learning.

Next Chapter Social

Connection, conversation, and community — in the next chapter.

Next Chapter Social is a members-only social group for CAO congregants who self-identify as seniors and are interested in relaxed, meaningful connection with others in a similar life chapter—first gathering 3/15/26.

Gatherings are held on the 3rd Sunday of each month, 2 – 5 PM, Andover, MA.

CAO Next Chapter Social; Next Chapter Social brings together CAO members who self-identify as seniors for relaxed, meaningful connection — fostering friendship, laughter, and community in this vibrant chapter of life.

Next Chapter Social is a members-only social group for CAO congregants who self-identify as seniors and are interested in relaxed, meaningful connection with others in a similar life chapter.

This is not a program and not a support group — it’s a welcoming, low-pressure space to gather, socialize, share stories, enjoy good company, and build community at your own pace.

Gatherings may include casual Sunday afternoons, small group get-togethers, or special outings offered through our Second Act Sunday series.

What to expect:

  • – Warm, informal conversation
  • – Laughter, connection, and community
  • – BYOF / potluck-style gatherings
  • – Occasional themed outings and activities

Who it’s for:

CAO members who consider themselves seniors and are looking for social connection in a welcoming, unstructured environment.

Membership note:

This is a members-only group. CAO members are welcome to invite a guest to attend with them; registration is required for all attendees.

👉 Click to register

(The address will be sent upon registration.)

2025 'Socials'

5/30/25: ‘Music of Freedom’, the Andover Baptist Church joined Ahavat Olam

4/05/25: SHA’ATNEZ Duo Concert at Congregation Ahavat Olam, North Andover MA

1/20/25: MLK Jr. Day, Rabbi Idan Irelander at Andover Baptist Church

2024 'Socials'

** The 60th Anniversary Production **
JUNE, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Musical at the North Shore Music Theater, Beverly
'TO LIFE, L'CHAIM!'

The North Shore Music Theater staff took great care of us, and we are most grateful. THANK YOU NSMT!

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF follows Tevye, a poor milkman who is searching for husbands for his daughters to uphold his family’s religious and cultural traditions in their small pre-revolutionary Russian village. Featuring the classic Tony® and Oscar®-winning score including “Tradition,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is a generational musical tradition for the whole family.

6/6/2024, Congregation Ahavat Olam at the 'Fiddler on the Roof' performance
APRIL

Day 2 Passover Seder, hosted by Rabbi Idan and Einat Irelander

Congregation Ahavat Olam had such a beautiful family community gathering to celebrate the 2nd night Passover Seder, filled with the feeling of new beginnings and inclusivity. It was great coming together as a community to celebrate the Jewish Holiday of Freedom. Speaking of freedom, we included an empty table with two chairs for the hostages still kept in captivity in Gaza and added a fifth cup of wine for their safe and quick release.

#JewishCommunity #BetterTogether #FestivalOfFreedom 💙🇮🇱🎼🍽 Thank you Rabbi Idan Irelander and Einat for all of the love. 🫶

MARCH
PAINT PARTY Community FUN at 'Painting with a Twist', North Andover MA

Picasso Has Nothing On Us! Wednesday night’s Ahavat Olam ‘Paint Party’ at North Andover’s Painting with a Twist was a colorful and fun-filled ‘Rembrandt success’! Thank you to all who participated!

Our collective masterpieces are displayed at the ‘Shul@1600’. Stop by and check them out!
Ahavat Olam Paint Party
FEBRUARY
On TUESDAY, 02/27/24, Congregation Ahavat Olam members, friends and family got together for a fun-filled, Hands-On Pizza-Making Class, at Tuscan Kitchen in Salem New Hampshire.

Click on the album below to see our member chefs in action.

Other Temple Activities

Keep on top of all upcoming temple events including worship services, holiday celebrations, life cycle events, musical guest appearances, and more.

High Holidays

Congregation Ahavat Olam’s 2024 HIGH HOLIDAY SEASON was nothing short of an awe-inspiring journey through this exceptionally special time of year for the Jewish Community.  To re-experience some of these exceptional services, click on the button below.

Temple Calendar

Our temple calendar covers our weekly worship services, adult education classes, Hebrew school schedule, social activities, and much more. Click on the button below and bookmark it for easy access.

Lifecycle Events

Details covering B’nai Mitzvahs, weddings, funerals, unveilings, shivah minyanim, brit milah, simchat bat, Zoom links for weekly services, and more are shared in our weekly newsletter.  To ensure you’re ‘in the know’, sign up for our weekly newsletter, delivered every Friday to your email inbox.