This workshop for parents intends to launch families on the b’nai mitzvah journey. We will focus on the rite of passage itself, then families will learn about the date selection process. Led by Rabbi Benjamin, Deborah Eisenbach-Budner and the Bnai Mitzvah Committee.

Join the Climate Action Team's monthly meeting in Zoom Room Gimel: 5 pm to 6:30 pm. (For Zoom room login info, log in to your Havurah member account on the website, go to the Contact tab, and click on Zoom Meeting Rooms in the drop-down menu.)

If you consider yourself a creative actor/singer who loves musical theater and trying new things, then please join us for this first ever musical theater workshop series. We are writing a musical - Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses – and want to work with a group of passionate performers to develop a physical, spiritual, and musical language for the piece. You can be a part of bringing the script to life and pick up a few tips and tricks to musical theater performance along the way! This will culminate in a staged reading performance of the first act at Havurah Shalom. Performance dates: Sunday, April 5, 2pm and 7pm 10 spaces open to adults. Questions? Contact Chari Smith

Parenting is challenging at some points no matter what. Although each situation is unique and parenting experiences differ tremendously, mental or physical health conditions, addiction, history of trauma, and some kinds of disabilities can add another layer to parenting. Systemic social issues like stigma, marginalization, lack of services, or general lack of knowledge can add yet more layers and create further challenge. These 2 sessions aim to begin to build a safe space for parents to be heard, break down the isolation that can come with parenting with many layers, and explore how Jewish community and Judaism can be helpful. Facilitated by Laura Orgel, psychologist and child/family therapist, and Deborah Eisenbach-Budner. Max. 8 participants; commitment to confidentiality prior to attendance required. Please contact Laura at ljorgel@earthlink.net by January 20 to indicate your interest.

We gather to find some moments of quiet and shalom. Led by Rabbi Benjamin, Adela Basayne, Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, Nancy Becker, or Ria de Neeve. We will meet both in-person (Havurah Sanctuary or Library) and in Zoom Room Bet. Log in to the website and then visit havurahshalom.org/zoom or call the office for join info (503-248-4662). All are welcome.

For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish. Starting early today for Rosh Chodesh service.

Facilitated by Rabbi Benjamin In what ways can Jewish spiritual practice guide our work for healing and justice in the world? In this group we will explore this question together through learning, discussion, and practice. At each meeting we will engage in various modalities, including meditation, chanting, contemplative study, and self-reflection. Guidance will be given for continued practice and engagement between sessions. Our intention will be to form a trusting and supportive group as a foundation for this sacred work. No experience necessary, but participants should be able to commit to all or nearly all of the meetings. Please RSVP by January 15. Limited to 12 participants.

Havurah members are welcome to join in two evenings of honest and respectful dialogue about Israel and Palestine. In an intentional and supportive format, we will encounter one another’s positions regarding this important and difficult topic. No prior knowledge or experience required, simply an open mind and a willingness to meet one another with honor and curiosity amidst our differences of perspective. Participants must attend the first session to attend the second session. Limited to 40 people.

David Kertzner will be leading another Havurah adult amateur writers group for anyone who wants to explore their interest in prose writing – and is not a published writer or working on a big writing project. This group welcomes people who have never shared their own writing or worked in a group before, but would like to try! The focus will be memoir writing in the broadest sense of the word. We will strive to be a supportive, reflective community using writing prompts and discussion to generate short pieces each week. Participants will select one of their pieces to develop in more depth and then share at a culminating Friday oneg for the Havurah community. Group size is limited to 8 participants. We will meet together for 8 sessions on Thursday evenings from 7-9 pm, January 16, 23, 30; February 6, 13, 20, 27; March 5 and a public reading with an Oneg on March 6. Spot reservations do not open until the spring! Please call David Kertzner if you have questions.

An in-depth look at the weekly Torah reading, led by congregants. No prior knowledge or study is necessary. At Havurah Shalom and in Zoom Room Bet. Email info@havurahshalom.org for Zoom link.

Fabulous morning of singing, storytelling, Torah learning, and noshing. Especially for families with youth in Grades K–6 and all who want a boost of young energy. Led by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, Rabbi Benjamin, and community members. Followed by potluck lunch.