Join with us to say goodbye to Andy Gordon z"l.

A gender-inclusive New Moon group, learning and celebrating each Rosh Ḥodesh with ancient and contemporary ritual. Open to any and all genders, inviting each to connect with our closest heavenly body, the Moon. An introductory meeting will happen on the full moon of Elul on Wednesday, Aug. 30 outdoors—weather permitting—in North Portland. Subsequent meetings will be on or near the new moon of each month either in person in North Portland or on Zoom, depending on seasonal shifts in the weather. Attend any or all sessions. RSVP to be updated on location and other details throughout the year.

We are excited to bring mahjong back to Havurah. For Havurah members, this is a fun, social activity that builds community, encouraging new friendships and cementing old ones. And while some of us may play elsewhere as well, we all agreed that restoring its place as an ongoing congregational activity will be a good fit for Havurah and those of us who play or want to learn the game.

Are you interested in learning how to chant the Torah? This beautiful, ancient system is a treat to learn, and inspiring to sing. A five-session class led by Ken Lerner will teach you everything you need in order to connect with this heritage, and become a proud “leyner” (Torah chanter). Ken has been a patient teacher of beginning Torah readers for over 30 years at Havurah, and would be happy to help you feel the satisfaction of gaining this skill. There is a minimum of three interested students to make the class a reality, and there is a limit of seven people. Please RSVP soon if you are interested, but no later than Jan. 15, 2025, and Ken will be in touch about the class.

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 class has been canceled; we hope to be able to offer it again at a later date.* Learn about the mild-mannered beginnings and history of comic books from their inception in the 1930s to the modern day. We will go over the origins of the medium of comics and talk about how Jewish culture has influenced them from the beginning. We'll also deal with hard-hitting questions such as, "Has Spider-Man become bar mitzvah?" Led by Kyle Steele.

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.

For Grades 9-12.

Help bake Hamentaschen in the Havurah kitchen for Purim. We will fill these delicious cookies with yummy jam to share with our families and Havurahnik friends. When the baking is complete, we will make carnival masks.

(This class will now be starting on January 8.) Using an in-depth, word-by-word approach, we discover literal meaning(s), ancient layers of understanding, and our own personal interpretations that stem from the nuances of the Hebrew text. Basic Hebrew decoding skills necessary.

The Havurah Ma’avar Committee is offering a six-week grief process-support group for Havurah members in any stage of grief. Chaplain Candi Wuhrman will facilitate the group with a focus on the dying experience, the impact of the relationship, the things unsaid, making peace within ourselves, forgiveness, and continuing the relationship after death. (This group will be limited to eight participants. If we reach capacity, that will be indicated here on the RSVP page.)

A musical, all-ages Friday night service with family-friendly dessert and hearty nosh before and after. All are welcome! 5:45 pm Hearty Nosh, 6:30 Service, 7:30 Oneg. Free childcare is provided. Those joining on Zoom, please come at 6:30; the in-person hearty nosh portion and oneg will not be televised. For Zoom information, please email info@havurhshalom.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. Email info@havurahshalom.org for Zoom link.

Led by community members and Rabbi Benjamin (who is on sabbatical until July 1, 2025), this service includes davening, Torah reading, and discussion. Join us afterward for a light community brunch provided by the Lunches and Noshes Committee! Free childcare is provided. For Zoom information, please email info@havurahshalom.org.

Young children (0-5) and parents celebrate with singing, movement, blessings, and storytelling. All are welcome! Please RSVP when you plan to come. We provide free childcare for those staying to enjoy the full Shabbat service that ends at noon and which is followed by a light community brunch. Email info@havurahshalom.org to learn more.

This program gives children a foundation for lifelong Jewish learning and engagement while integrating parents and children in a caring Jewish community.

For all ages! As a group we’ll creatively retell the story of Queen Esther, dramatically and with live music! A secret theme, known only to the players, will be unveiled when we perform the Purim spiel on March 13. No matter what your experience in theater, all are welcome! This class has been just been rescheduled for a new day and time to include more KIDS, following Shabbat School in the sanctuary with PIZZA! Parents and other family welcome too. Led by Karen Polinsky.