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.

Fiction/Novel, 321 pages. The God of Small Things is equal parts a perfectly paced mystery story, family saga, forbidden love story, and piercing political drama. Set in 1969 in Kerela, India, against a background of sexual, racial and caste conflict that seethes around it like a threatening ocean, it centers on a dysfunctional family. What is different about this novel is that it is largely told from the perspective of the children who witness and experience the events unfolding around them. Children see the details that adults have forgotten to notice and at the same time overlook and misinterpret what seems so obvious to us grownups. Through the eyes of the seven year old twins, Esta and Rachel, we see the fragilities, contradictions, pettiness, and cruelty of the adult world. It is a testament to Roy’s artistry that she so convincingly creates the inner life of her child characters. Infused with wisdom, the children’s view is never oversimplified or romanticized. Discussion led by David Newman in Zoom Room Bet.

To book or for more info, visit Reconvention2022.org.

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.

To book or for more info, visit Reconvention2022.org.

To book or for more info, visit Reconvention2022.org.

To book or for more info, visit Reconvention2022.org.

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. Nonmembers needing the Zoom link, please email info@havurahshalom.org.

Torah study and bagel nosh followed by a shortened morning service. Led by Diane Chaplin or Rabbi Benjamin. This service will take place in person and Zoom Room Aleph. Please contact info@havurahshalom.org for login info.