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.
Fri, November 28 2025
8 Kislev 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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Saturday ,
NovNovember 29 , 2025(HYB) Shabbat Morning
Shabbat, Nov 29th 10:00a to 12:00p
Led by community members and Rabbi Benjamin, 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. -
Sunday ,
NovNovember 30 , 2025(IP) Solidarity Kabbalat Shabbat Planning Meeting
Sunday, Nov 30th 6:30p to 8:30p
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Monday ,
DecDecember 1 , 2025Havurahnik Mahjong Group
Monday, Dec 1st 1:00p to 4:00p
Just for Havurah members, our Mahjong Group is a fun, social activity that builds community, encouraging new friendships and cementing old ones. And while some of us may play elsewhere as well, we all agreed that restoring its place as an ongoing congregational activity will be a good fit for Havurah and those of us who play or want to learn the game. -
Monday ,
DecDecember 1 , 2025(IP) Hebrew Brush-Up
Monday, Dec 1st 7:00p to 8:15p
Let's brush up on vocabulary and write bad "poetry" in Hebrew together! Our focus will be on learning words and putting them together into fun combinations. For early-intermediate learners. Led by Rachel Pollak. -
Tuesday ,
DecDecember 2 , 2025(IP) ABM Make-up Session
Tuesday, Dec 2nd 6:00p to 8:30p
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Tuesday ,
DecDecember 2 , 2025(IP) Advanced Torah Trope
Tuesday, Dec 2nd 7:00p to 8:30p
Calling all Torah chanters who have learned from Ken Lerner! Ken is offering a refresher class for those who would like to re-visit their skills, whether they have languished for years, or you are a regular leyner considering how to chant at a more fluid and advanced level. We will take on a Shabbat parsha and learn together. -
Wednesday ,
DecDecember 3 , 2025(IP) Middle School
Wednesday, Dec 3rd 6:30p to 8:30p
For grades 7 and 8. -
Wednesday ,
DecDecember 3 , 2025(IP) High School
Wednesday, Dec 3rd 6:30p to 8:30p
For grades 9-12. -
Wednesday ,
DecDecember 3 , 2025(IP) Wings of the Dove Teens/Family Night
Wednesday, Dec 3rd 6:30p to 8:30p
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Wednesday ,
DecDecember 3 , 2025(IP) Adult B'nei Mitzvah
Wednesday, Dec 3rd 7:00p to 8:15p
Address: 825 NW 18th Ave, Portland OR 97209 Phone: 503-248-4662
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