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.

One solution to reversing climate change is to change the way our economy prioritizes short-term economic values above all other values. Join us for an interactive, thought-provoking and practical guide to how we can elevate and enact changes in our individual and collective decision-making through elevating the Jewish values of being stewards of creation, commitment to social justice, and investing in the well-being of future generations. Hosted by the Havurah Climate Action Team.

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.

This International Women’s Day, Rose Haven Day Shelter and Community Center will be holding an open house to celebrate moving into a new expanded location. They are our neighbors, and the Havurah Poverty and Homeless Committee is developing an active ongoing relationship with their program. We invite anyone at Havurah to attend this open house and learn more about Rose Haven. Rose Haven 1740 NW Glisan St Portland, OR 97209

“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.

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.

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.

We gather in person to remember and honor the life of Eric Flamm, husband of Robin, father of Olivia and Jonah.

Havurah members, join the Racial Justice Committee for our monthly meeting (2nd Thursdays, 7 pm to 8:30 pm, Zoom Room Bet). We will make plans to create learning opportunities for our community and engage in learning together during the meeting. Questions? Contact Julia Lager Mesulam. *Log in to your Havurah member account on our website and look under the Contact tab for the Member Directory and Zoom Room login info.*

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.)

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 Isla Pomerantz-Roll as a Bat Mitzvah and member of our community.