Families with Children 0-5
Havurah Shalom provides a variety of programs that address the interests and needs of people in different stages of life. Some of our programs are organized by Havurah staff, some by members, and many through a partnership between staff and members. Our participatory structure allows Havurah to be responsive and expansive.
Some programs are available to just show up at (because parents with young children are really busy!) and some engage parents in planning so that they can help create the community that they seek for themselves!
To see our upcoming events for kids, view our calendar here.
Shabbat Services Especially for Families
Tot Shabbat
Young children (0-5) and their parents celebrate Shabbat with singing, movement, blessings, and storytelling. We will touch on the main highlights of the Shabbat morning service: wonder, fun, song, listening to the world, dancing, and Torah.
Holiday Services for Families
High Holidays
Rosh Hashanah Family Service
This upbeat, brief and participatory holiday service is for the whole family! Enjoy stories and skits around the themes of the holiday, visuals, and lots of singing of prayers and contemporary songs.
Tashlich Service and Potluck
This Tashlich celebration is in addition to, not instead of, the service at Willamette Park, below. We’ll gather at the picnic tables on the east side of SW Huntington, next to the play structure. Bring a snack or finger food to share if you’d like to but it’s not necessary. RSVP through link below or to Beth Shreve (shreves5@frontier.com). In case of extreme weather, call or text (971) 212-0904 for up-to-the minute changes.
Tashlich
We’ll begin at noon with a vegetarian (and kosher fish) potluck lunch, followed by a musical Tashlich service and walk to the river. (Last names A-J bring salads, appetizers, fruit and drinks, K-Z bring main dishes.) Dessert will be provided by Havurah back at the tables after the Tashlich ritual. A Tikkun Olam fair, sponsored by the Tikkun Olam committee, will feature table displays of projects that people can get involved with in the new year.
Yom Kippur Family Service
This upbeat, brief and participatory holiday service is for the whole family! Enjoy stories and skits around the themes of the holiday, visuals, and lots of singing of prayers and contemporary songs.
Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Purim & Passover
We have holiday celebrations for families with young children and people of all ages for Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Purim and Passover. Pease check our calendar for details.
Jewish Parenting Books
Havurah’s Education Director, Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, has compiled this helpful resource list for Jewish parenting.
Jewish Play Groups
Our Jewish play groups are for parents and their 0-4 year olds. Contact Deborah Eisenbach-Budner for information.
Sat, July 12 2025
16 Tammuz 5785
Need Help? If you are a Havurah member in need of help, log in to find resources here.
Havurah Updates
Hineinu: Kabbalat Shabbat & More Musical Shabbaton, New(ish) Member Welcome Brunch, Shavuot Approaches!
Join Our Musical Shabbaton, May 9 to 10,
with Musician-in-Residence Aly Halpert
- On Friday evening, May 9, all are welcome
Upcoming Events
IP = In person only (normally at Havurah Shalom);
ZM = On Zoom/online only;
HYB = In person and online; and
ANN = In person at Havurah's Annex.
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Saturday ,
JulJuly 12 , 2025
Shabbat, Jul 12th 10:00a to 12:00p
Led by community members and Rabbi Benjamin (who is on sabbatical until July 1, 2025), this service includes davening, Torah reading, and discussion. Join us afterward for a light community brunch provided by the Lunches and Noshes Committee! Free childcare is provided. For Zoom information, please email info@havurahshalom.org. -
Monday ,
JulJuly 14 , 2025
Monday, Jul 14th 11:00a to 2:00p
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Tuesday ,
JulJuly 15 , 2025
Tuesday, Jul 15th 6:30p to 8:30p
**Our Steering Meeting this month will be held on Tuesday, July 15 instead of on the usual day (second Tuesdays).** Steering members and staff will meet to consider matters of governance. All Havurah Shalom members are invited to attend Steering Committee meetings. For Zoom join links, visit havurahshalom.org/zoom (must be logged in) or call the office in advance for assistance (503-248-4662). -
Tuesday ,
JulJuly 15 , 2025
Tuesday, Jul 15th 7:00p to 8:30p
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Wednesday ,
JulJuly 16 , 2025
Wednesday, Jul 16th 1:00p to 2:00p
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Saturday ,
JulJuly 19 , 2025
Shabbat, Jul 19th 10:00a to 12:00p
Please join us for Shabbat morning services, including welcoming Sylvia Hartman as a Bat Mitzvah and member of our community. -
Sunday ,
JulJuly 20 , 2025
Sunday, Jul 20th 10:30a to 2:00p
Havurah Shalom and Congregation Shir Tikvah are marching in the Portland Pride Parade! ***Havurah Shalom members, Shir Tikvah members, and friends, please RSVP ASAP.*** We'll meet up at our contingent's starting point (NW Davis, between NW 9th & 10th) at/by 10:45 am on Sunday, July 20. Questions? Email tara@havurahshalom.org. -
Monday ,
JulJuly 21 , 2025
Monday, Jul 21st 7:00p to 8:00p
Join us for our first meeting for the book "Not Too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility." -
Tuesday ,
JulJuly 22 , 2025
Tuesday, Jul 22nd (All day)
Click to learn how to submit your contributions to our monthly newsletter, Hakol. -
Friday ,
JulJuly 25 , 2025
Friday, Jul 25th 5:45p to 8:00p
Join Havurah members and friends for a Solidarity Shabbat service and potluck nosh. This is a spiritual space for community members working in solidarity with Palestinians - and for the liberation of all peoples - to come together to pray, build connections, and renew ourselves on Shabbat to continue our justice work. Please review Havurah's Brit Kavod for our community guidelines. Masks strongly encouraged and provided.
Address: 825 NW 18th Ave, Portland OR 97209 Phone: 503-248-4662
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