Adult Learning Committee
Adult Learning Committee
Mission
The Adult Learning Committee develops and helps implement adult learning activities at Havurah. Adult learning falls into three broad categories: Expressive (hands-on, experiential learning, like cooking or constructing ritual garments); Culture (classes in history and literature); and Spiritual Practice (prayer, Hebrew, Torah study). Members of the committee reach out and listen to the interests of the community, mindful to be responsive to changing needs and interests over time. We offer regularly scheduled foundational classes, along with other creative learning opportunities.
Do you have an idea for a class? Or a skill you'd like to share? Please contact Adult Learning Committee Chair Eve Berry or Education Director Deborah Eisenbach-Budner by April for classes that will start in the upcoming year’s programming, which begins in the autumn.
Adult Learning
Our community offers us the opportunity to learn together. Havurah's adult learning opportunities are available to all members free of charge, though a materials fee may apply. See our online calendar for details. Non-members are welcome, though tuition and materials fees may apply.
Adult Learning in 2019-20
Please check our online calendar for updates and to register.
Hashiveinu: Musical and Spiritual Preparation for the Days of Returning
We will interweave singing High Holiday melodies with reflecting upon and discussing the themes and meaning of this sacred time. Facilitated by Rabbi Benjamin and others. 7-8:30 pm, Thursdays, Sept. 12, 19, 26
Music and Meaning in the Shabbat Morning Service
A walk through the Shabbat morning service, focusing on the meaning and resonance of prayers we generally sing at Havurah. Taught by Rabbi Benjamin. 7-8:30 pm, Wednesdays, Oct. 30; Jan. 8, 15
Familiar Food That Is Full of Surprises (and usually also garlic)
Join us to learn the fascinating history behind old and new Jewish foods. We’ll discuss, cook and (best of all) eat. Taught by David Feder. 10-11:30 am, Sundays, Nov. 3; Dec. 1
Moroccan Flavors of Jewish Cooking
An introduction to the broad scope of Moroccan Jewish cooking in in its cultural and historical context. Participants will also prepare a simple salad often served on Shabbat and other festive occasions. Taught by Oren Kosansky. 3-5 pm, Sunday, Nov. 17
Tallit Class
Would you like to create your own tallit? Then please join our class as we learn to create a tallit, tie the tzitzit and learn of the meaning of the gematria wound and knotted into the holy fringe. 10:30-12 pm, Sundays, Nov. 17; Dec. 8
InterPlay Torah Study: Fun as a Spiritual Practice!
Step into the Living Torah! Beginning in text, we’ll use simple, incremental forms of “sacred play” to find and express our own meaning and connections. Facilitated by Cassandra Sagan. 7-9 pm, Tuesdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21; Feb. 4, 11, 18
Jewish Power and Powerlessness
“They tried to kill us, we survived, let’s… talk about it.” The 20th century provided examples of extreme Jewish powerlessness and unheard-of Jewish power as well. We’ll break down the longer history, from Philo to philo-Semitism. Taught by David Feder. 10-11:30 am, Sundays, Jan. 12, 19, 26
Musical Theater New Works Workshop
Join us as we workshop a new musical—Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses. This will culminate in a staged reading performance. Facilitated by Chari Smith. 7-8:30 pm, Mondays, Jan. 13, 20, 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; Mar. 2, 16, 30; Performances Sunday, Apr. 5, 2 pm and 7 pm
Reconstructing Judaism: An Exploration
What does it mean that Havurah is a member of Reconstructing Judaism? We will explore values and approaches that have inspired and guided the movement. Taught by Rabbi Benjamin. 7-8:30 pm, Wednesdays, Feb. 5, 12, 19
Writing Group
An amateur writing group exploring our interest in memoir. We’ll generate short pieces each week, culminating in a Friday Oneg for the Havurah community. Facilitated by David Kertzner. 7-9 pm, Thursdays, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27; Mar. 5, 12 and 19; Oneg and public reading Friday, Mar. 20
Extreme Parenting
A workshop/support group for parents of young adults struggling with mental or physical health conditions, disabilities, addiction or history of trauma. Facilitated by Laura Orgel, psychologist and child/family therapist, and Deborah Eisenbach-Budner. 7-8:30 pm, Mondays, Feb. 10, 24
2000 Years of Jewish Understandings of Slavery and Freedom: Preparing for Passover
We will look at themes of freedom and slavery throughout the Torah narratives, 600 years of haggadot, the construction of the seder by the rabbis, and the liberation of gender that has marked the last 40 years of creative Jewish seders. Led by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner. 7-8:30 pm, Wednesdays, Feb. 26; Mar. 4, 11, 18
Rethinking Israel/Palestine
We’ll address questions about the origins of Zionism in Eastern Europe and about confrontations between Israel and its neighbors. Taught by Prof. Joel Beinin. 7-8:30 pm, Tuesdays, Mar. 3, 10, 17, 31; Apr. 7, 14, 21, 28; May 5, 12
Intergenerational Conflict and Sexuality in Yiddish Poetry
Using sexuality as a focal point, we will see how Jewish language and culture are used in early 20th century Yiddish literature to explore themes of generational conflict, identity and cultural transition. Led by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner. 12-1 pm, Thursdays, Apr. 30; May 7, 14
Va’ani Tefilati: A Prayer Leadership Workshop
For those interested in leading tefilah (prayer), or who already lead, we will cover details of language, melody and choreography and also explore the craft of attuning to and guiding the community’s energy as a leader of prayer. Facilitated by Rabbi Benjamin. 7-8:30 pm, Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20
Israeli and Palestinian Literature
We will read four works of fiction that offer a perspective on Israel/Palestine, centering the human dimension and reminding us of the vibrancy of both modern Hebrew and Palestinian Arab culture. Taught by Prof. Joel Beinin. 7-8:30pm, Tuesdays, May 19, 26; June 2, 9, 16, 23
Mikvah Learning Sessions
While visiting the community mikvah, Rachel’s Well, we’ll learn about this ritual bath of “living waters” sourced from rain. Led by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner and community members. Dates TBD
Sat, January 16 2021
3 Shevat 5781
Upcoming Events
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Sunday ,
JanJanuary 17 , 2021
Sunday, Jan 17th 4:00p to 6:00p
The new Israel/Palestine Committee will hold its first meeting since becoming an official committee. We will begin planning future events. This is a meeting of a working committee, not an event to discuss Israel/Palestine issues. Any member of Havurah is welcome to work with us. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact one of the co-chairs: Joel Beinin, Elinor Gollay, or Lee Gordon (contact info is in the member directory). The meeting will take place in Zoom Room Bet. Members only, please. RSVP here. -
Sunday ,
JanJanuary 17 , 2021
Sunday, Jan 17th 7:00p to 9:00p
Have you ever wanted to explore stories in Torah and use the writing process to personally understand the significance of Torah stories in your life? Join a small group of Havurahniks to delve into Torah using the writing process to explore and record our journey. Each evening will include a summary of that week's Torah portion and pearls from commentary. We will then begin two free-writes from prompts from the portion. All that is required is a journal. There is an optional opportunity to choose one portion to study, summarize and use to create writing prompts. Facilitated by Harriet Cooke and Jenni Besen. Harriet trained and led groups with Portland's Write Around Portland, then led an eight-year writing group on Torah. 10-person maximum. This class takes place in Zoom Room Gimel. Please see the weekly Hineinu newsletter for the link. -
Tuesday ,
JanJanuary 19 , 2021
Tuesday, Jan 19th 7:00p to 8:30p
Through readings, writing prompts and discussion, we will deepen our understanding of how we are impacted by the intersection of Jewishness and white supremacy. Facilitated by members of the IMIrJ Countering White Nationalism cohort. Limited to 20 participants. This class takes place in Zoom Room Gimel. Please see the weekly Hineinu newsletter for the link. -
Wednesday ,
JanJanuary 20 , 2021
Wednesday, Jan 20th 5:00p to 6:30p
This meeting will be in Room Gimel. -
Wednesday ,
JanJanuary 20 , 2021
Wednesday, Jan 20th 7:00p to 8:30p
The biblical prophets left us a legacy of clarion calls opposing inequity and demanding a more just society. Their vision and poetic voice has inspired Jews and others throughout the generations. In this class we will explore the prophets’ theology and worldview, and the language they used to express them. In particular, we will consider the role of the prophetic voice and approach in our own pursuits of justice, examining tensions between truth and compassion, activism and organizing, and confrontation and relationship-building. Taught by Rabbi Benjamin. This class takes place in Zoom Room Bet. Please see the weekly Hineinu newsletter for the link. -
Thursday ,
JanJanuary 21 , 2021
Thursday, Jan 21st 7:00p to 8:00p
Would you like to improve your ability to speak conversational Hebrew? Can you already read Hebrew but don't always know what you're reading? Did you take Hebrew lessons ages ago or did you participate in an Ulpan experience in Israel but have forgotten all you learned? Would you like to laugh and learn with fellow Havurahniks? Come join Racheli Ross as she continues a beginning Hebrew class in which the focus is on functional Hebrew conversations and vocabulary development. Thursdays, 7-8:00 pm, with an optional 8-8:30 practice session, starting on January 14, and continuing until March 18. This will be in Zoom Room Heh. -
Thursday ,
JanJanuary 21 , 2021
Thursday, Jan 21st 7:00p to 9:00p
Have you thought about trying to write prose? Do you want to try with others? This year’s Havurah Adult Writers Workshop (for Non-Writers!) begins January 14 and continues for the next 7 Thursdays, through March 4. The workshop is for anyone who wants to explore prose writing – and is NOT a published writer or working on a big writing project. The focus is memoir writing generated through reflection, engaging prompts, discussion and feedback. While the Jewish experience often comes up in memoir writing in a Jewish community, our focus is the writer’s personal exploration from any perspective. Participants develop one piece from the workshop and may choose to read at a culminating Friday Oneg Reading for the Havurah community. Led by David Kertzner. Group size limited to 8. -
Friday ,
JanJanuary 22 , 2021
Friday, Jan 22nd 7:30p to 8:30p
Please join us for our spirited and joy-filled Kabbalat Shabbat Service, led by Susan Brenner. Music will be provided by our talented Havurah musicians. This service will take place in Zoom Room Aleph. Please email info@havurahshalom.org if you need Zoom join info. -
Saturday ,
JanJanuary 23 , 2021
Shabbat, Jan 23rd 10:00a to 12:00p
This upbeat, interactive service, led by Rabbi Benjamin, focuses on the structure and key themes and prayers of the morning service. For the time being, all services will take place on Zoom in Room Aleph. Please contact the office for help connecting: info@havurahshalom.org. -
Saturday ,
JanJanuary 23 , 2021
Shabbat, Jan 23rd 3:00p to 5:15p