The Ma'avar committee invites you to join us in developing our program for this year. Join us for a Discussion: Everything is Changing. What opportunities can we open to look at the transitions of life? We want to hear your stories and life experiences to guide the actions of this committee.

The conflicts between Israel its Palestinian and its other Arab neighbors is only one of the challenges that the new state of Israel faced in the wake of the Arab-Israeli War of 1948. Undoubtedly, those conflicts and the role of the military were major forces that structured Israeli society. In addition, this course considers: the post-1949 mass immigration; relations between Ashkenazi veterans of the pre-state era and newcomers (mostly Holocaust survivors, Mizrahim, and later Ethiopians); the Palestinian Arabs who became citizens of Israel; relations between the Jewish religious establishment, the state, and the Jewish people; the status of women and the feminist movement; the employment of large numbers of eastern European and Asian migrant workers since the 1990s; and how Tel-Aviv became a haven for the LGBTQI+ community. We will also examine the popular culture scene. Led by Joel Beinin.

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.

“Becoming Rooted” explores the connections we have with the land around us and the tools of nature that allow us to live sustainably and justly on this planet. The first in an ongoing book discussion group, this is an opportunity to be in touch with the spiritual events that occur each day and to be connected to the land we live on. We’ll discuss new chapters every week. Join us whenever you can. For information, reach out to Michael Heumann. We meet in Zoom Room Aleph.

Many of the “magical” elements of Judaism have dwindled post-Enlightenment and with the modernization of religion in general. However, we can still see traces in Jewish religious and cultural practices. This class touches on several, including amulets and pilgrimages to the graves of saints, as well as underlying questions about the relationship between spirituality, religion and magic. Led by Oren Kosansky, professor of Anthropology, and Deborah Eisenbach-Budner. (Please check back close to the date of this event for information on gathering. Depending on circumstances, it may take place in person, on Zoom or both. If it will be accessed via Zoom, please use Zoom Room Bet. For login info, contact info@havurahshalom.org or see Hineinu.)

Nonfiction/Memoir, 320 pages. With a profound gift for capturing the absurd in life, and a deadpan wisdom that comes from surviving a surreal childhood in the Socialist Workers Party, Saïd Sayrafiezadeh has crafted an unsentimental, funny, heartbreaking memoir. Discussion led by Mischa and Salome DuPont in Zoom Room Gimel.

For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish. We meet both in person and streaming online in Zoom Room Aleph. All are welcome. Please email info@havurahshalom.org for join info.

Using primary Jewish sources and contemporary analysis, we will analyze examples of collective apology and learn about Indigenous-led efforts for how to move forward. Participants will also have an opportunity to investigate how they personally have benefited from theft of Indigenous land. Led by Becca Clarren and Rabbi Benjamin. Click into the event for more info. (Please check back close to the date of this event for information on gathering. Depending on circumstances, it may take place in person, on Zoom or both. If it will be accessed via Zoom, please use Zoom Room Heh. For login info, contact info@havurahshalom.org or see Hineinu.)

A thorough decoding of Exodus 13:17-17:16, Song of the Sea. We continue to build vocabulary and delve into what it means to escape oppression, rejoice, receive privilege at the expense of others, and keep moving. We will refer to ancient and modern midrashim (interpretation) that stem from the nuances of the Hebrew text. Basic Hebrew decoding ability needed (even slowly). Led by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner. We will meet in person and in Zoom Room Dalet. For login info, contact info@havurahshalom.org or see Hineinu.

Explore memoir writing through reflection, engaging prompts, discussion and feedback. With support from the group, develop a short piece in more depth and share at a low-key, Friday Oneg for the Havurah community. Facilitated by David Kertzner. (Please check back close to the date of this event for information on gathering. Depending on circumstances, it may take place in person, on Zoom or both. If it will be accessed via Zoom, please use Zoom Room Heh. For login info, contact info@havurahshalom.org or see Hineinu.)

Have you ever wondered how Havurah makes decisions? Are you curious about the different clusters in Havurah? Do you want to connect with others in the synagogue but don't really know how? We hope you ALL can join us on Thursday, February 24, for an overview of how Havurah works, find out about the assortment of ways to participate in the synagogue and ask any questions you may have. Now that your teaching responsibilities are over this is your chance to start thinking about what Havurah means to you and how you would like to make Havurah a part of your life. We promise this is NOT a recruitment meeting for any committees or task forces. We, as old timers in the congregation, would like to expand our knowledge of people in other cohorts and offer you a chance to delve more into the inner workings of the congregation. We realize that you may be tired of Zoom and we can't entice you with delicious snacks, but we can share our love of this community and together continue to build a warm place to experience being Jewish.

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.

Please join us in welcoming Abraham Zapp-Meyer as a Bar Mitzvah and member of our community. This service will take place in Zoom Room Aleph. Please contact info@havurahshalom.org for access.