As you may have seen in local news, Shaani Mohamed, 39, was shot and killed on March 27 in NE Portland while driving for Uber. He leaves behind 8 children, ages 7 months-18 years, and a wife. Mr. Mohamed immigrated here 20 years ago to escape the violence in his home country. Moved by the scope of this tragedy, I am organizing a response for donations that may comfort this bereft family. I will also buy grief support items (books, stuffed animals, etc.) for which I can accept monetary contributions (must be to me, not Havurah). There is a GoFundMe site if you prefer to donate there.

We will read three novels that ponder the human response to severe trauma—William Styron's Sophie’s Choice, Toni Morrison's Beloved and Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things—and explore whether and how these novels illuminate how people process, integrate and adapt to traumatic events.

Please be in touch with Rachel Pollak with questions: rachel@havurahshalom.org

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.

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

Taught by Racheli Ross Let's have a party in Hebrew! We will spend 5 classes learning and practicing our conversational Hebrew while planning a party. And for the last class, we will hold a party and celebrate together. Hebrew level required: Basic reading and writing (can read and write single words and short sentences), and a vocabulary of about 50 words or more (If you're unsure, try to list the words you know including colors, simple phrases, food, animals, and some verbs). Class will meet in person at Havurah Shalom.

We’ll gather in community for an evening of contemplative practice, chanting interspersed with silence, guided by teachings from the tradition. Everyone is welcome. We will be in-person at Havurah, and broadcast through Zoom Room Bet.

This Passover we will work to free ourselves from the destruction of the fossil fuel economy and create a world where everyone can thrive. The Climate Action Team is joining Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action, we will proclaim today's fossil-fueled plagues and lift matzah as a symbol of urgency, calling on Chase Bank, which invests in oil, gas, and coal companies, to move its dough. Rabbi Benjamin will be a speaker and Beth Hamon will be leading us in song. Contact: Judi Soloway.

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.

Led by community members, this service includes davening, Torah reading and discussion. It takes place in person and in Zoom Room Aleph. Contact info@havurahshalom.org for login info.

Navigating through this pandemic continues to be a challenge. How has this experience impacted the health and well-being of our families? What have we learned about our children? What have we learned about ourselves as parents (and people)? Is there any Jewish wisdom to help us frame the losses and gains of this pandemic time? Join other parents for a facilitated interactive discussion. Facilitated by Michelle Bobowick, Psychologist. RSVP by April 13; in person and limited to 15 people.