Adult Learning

For us, community is not just a vehicle for study, but also  a result of learning together.

Check out our upcoming and ongoing Adult Learning opportunities below. All are available to Havurah Shalom members free of charge (a materials fee may apply) except where noted, and all will be held at Havurah Shalom. See our online calendar for last minute changes. Non-members are welcome – tuition and materials fees may apply. Non-members should register by email or call 503-248-4662.

Photo above was taken by Barbara Gundle.

Please check  our online calendar for updates and register.

Touchstones of Judaism

Taught by Rabbi Benjamin Barnett, this six-session course will cover the following topics as viewed through a Reconstructionist lens: Lifecycle Events, Holidays, Prayer, Torah, Community, and Tikkun Olam. Wednesdays, Oct. 18, 25; Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29; 7:00 – 8:30 pm.

Energy Efficiency in Times of Darkness

How can we remain positive, productive, and resilient given what’s happened since our presidential election? How do we cultivate our resources and marshal our energies for the long haul? Why bother? In the first of two sessions, we’ll examine the toll recent months have had on many of us personally and as members of a community. Members of the Lifelong Learning Committee will lead a discussion of these philosophical and psychological questions. In the second session, we’ll celebrate Chanukah and explore practical, spiritual, and political ways to increase the light for ourselves our families, our community and, ultimately, the world. Led by Lifelong Learning Committee members on Wednesdays, Dec. 6 and 13, 7:00 – 8:30 pm.

Hebrew

Taught by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, these Hebrew classes are for adults, both those who are enrolled in our two-year Adult B'nai Mitzvah program and others who are interested in learning Hebrew. Wednesdays, Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 7:00 – 8:30 pm.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah

Our Adult B'nai Mitzvah class topics will be posted on our online calendar, and will be taught by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner. Wednesdays, Feb. 14, 21; June 3, 7:00 – 8:30 pm.

Prayer

Deborah Eisenbach-Budner will teach these classes on prayer for Adult B'nai Mitzvah students and others who are interested. Wednesdays, March 7, 14, 21; April 11, 18, 25; May 2, 9, 16, 22, 29; from 7:00 – 8:30 pm.

Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation

We will gather on Tuesdays, from 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm, to find some moments of quiet. We’ll start with a brief teaching or song, then sit and walk together in silence. This is for folks with experience in meditation and those with curiosity but no experience.

Book Discussion Group

This group discusses both fiction and non-fiction by Jewish authors. We are interested in reading a variety of genres encompassing both historic and contemporary themes and spanning national and international settings. We meet at Havurah from 7:00 – 8:30 pm on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Avid readers whose diverse interests can enhance our discussions are welcome. Please join us for lively and informative conversations – and snacks, of course. First two dates are Oct. 24 (The Best Place on Earth by Ayelet Tsabri) and Nov. 28 (Saving the Jews, FDR and the Holocaust by Robert Rosen). Check online calendar for additional dates and themes.