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, March 7 2026
18 Adar 5786
Need Help? If you are a Havurah member in need of help, log in to find resources here.
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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Sunday ,
MarMarch 8 , 2026(IP) Immigration Class
Sunday, Mar 8th 1:00p to 3:00p
We are all seeing horrific news and images about the current situation for immigrants and refugees, both locally and around the country. How did we get to this situation? What is happening in Oregon and what can we do about it? Why is this important for us as Jews? Havurah's Sanctuary Committee is presenting a three-session class for Havurah members to dive into these topics. We will have presentations on the History of Immigration, the Current Situation, along with the Jewish perspective. Members are welcome to join us. Please RSVP below. If you can't make all classes, no problem. If childcare is needed, please send a quick email to info@havurahshalom.org. -
Sunday ,
MarMarch 8 , 2026(IP) Community Conversation on Homelessness
Sunday, Mar 8th 3:30p to 5:00p
You’re Invited to a Community Conversation on Homelessness Join us for a Community Conversation on Homelessness on March 8. This gathering will be led by Havuranik Rachael Duke, a trained Conversation Leader with HereTogether, who will guide an honest discussion about what’s working and what’s not in addressing homelessness in our region. No expertise needed, just bring your curiosity and an open mind. You’ll get a brief presentation, space to ask questions, and a chance to hear from others in a respectful, welcoming setting. Whether you’re frustrated, hopeful, confused, or just want to know more, this is a space for you. Your voice matters-join the conversation and help shape a better path forward. RSVPs are appreciated. All are welcome to attend! -
Monday ,
MarMarch 9 , 2026(ZM) Teen Engagement Committee Meeting
Monday, Mar 9th 7:00p to 8:30p
Monthly meeting for the Teen Engagement Committee leadership. Havurah teens and their parents are welcome. -
Monday ,
MarMarch 9 , 2026(IP) Monthly Music Jam
Monday, Mar 9th 7:00p to 8:30p
All singers and instrumentalists welcome! Please join fellow Havurah musicians for an evening of music-making in community. Participants have the opportunity to choose and lead songs from our collection of Jewish and secular songs. Please RSVP here so we know how many chairs to set up. Thank you! Music Jams Committee: Nancy Chesler, Barbara Gundle, Patty Magid-Volk, Sandy Ramirez, Margie Rosenthal, Barb Ruben, and Joel Schipper. Questions? Please contact Sharon Klin -
Tuesday ,
MarMarch 10 , 2026(HYB) Steering Meeting
Tuesday, Mar 10th 6:30p to 8:30p
Steering members and staff will meet to consider matters of governance. All Havurah Shalom members are invited to attend Steering Committee meetings. A link to a draft agenda, accessible only to logged-in members, will be posted here in advance of the meeting. -
Wednesday ,
MarMarch 11 , 2026(HYB) WOTD Meeting
Wednesday, Mar 11th 4:00p to 5:30p
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Wednesday ,
MarMarch 11 , 2026(IP) High School
Wednesday, Mar 11th 6:30p to 8:30p
For grades 9-12. -
Wednesday ,
MarMarch 11 , 2026(IP) Exploring Jewish Practices for Your Spiritual Journey
Wednesday, Mar 11th 7:00p to 8:30p
Deborah Eisenbach-Budner and Adela Basayne, both recently certified in Spiritual Direction, will facilitate a supportive, experiential community of learners who are interested in developing or deepening their Jewish/spiritual practice. -
Thursday ,
MarMarch 12 , 2026(IP) Foundations of Judaism
Thursday, Mar 12th 6:30p to 8:00p
This class offers an accessible entry point into core elements of Jewish knowledge and practice. Together, we’ll explore sacred texts, how we mark holidays and life cycle moments, and the development of practices such as mitzvot (sacred obligations) and halacha (Jewish legal and ethical frameworks). We’ll also look at how Judaism continues to evolve in contemporary communities, including how the Reconstructionist movement shapes the way many of us engage with tradition today. Open to all learners. Led by Rabbinic Intern Noah Lind. -
Friday ,
MarMarch 13 , 2026(IP) Kabbalat Shabbat Rehearsal
Friday, Mar 13th 4:00p to 6:00p
Address: 825 NW 18th Ave, Portland OR 97209 Phone: 503-248-4662
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