This month Havurah said shalom, but not good bye, to longtime Havurah member Andy Gordon, who moved with his wife June to Redmond, Washington.

A 25-year member of Havurah, Andy appreciates that Havurah’s members come from so many different places and connect with each other, rather than being local extended families that converse only among themselves. Over the years, Andy has supported both Havurah and the Reconstructionist movement during times of change.

At Havurah, Andy worked on a long range plan that guided the congregation as it developed its identity and served on a committee that led to Havurah’s being affiliated with the Reconstructionist movement. He chaired the logistics committee the last year Havurah held High Holiday services at the MJCC, the three years services were held at the art museum, and the first year they were held at the Tiffany Center. He also served on the Steering Committee for many years.

During his years of leadership in the organization of Reconstructionist congregations, then called the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation (JRF), Andy formed the Pacific Northwest Regional President's Council, which continues to meet, giving congregation presidents in the Pacific Northwest an opportunity to share their wisdom and concerns with each other. It is currently the only lay led group in Reconstructing Judaism, the new name for the umbrella organization of Reconstructionist congregations and rabbinical colleges.

Andy moved on from being Havurah’s JRF representative to being regional vice president, then regional president. He was instrumental in the JRF’s decision to host its 2004 convention in Portland. Though concerned about serving in two JRF positions simultaneously, after the JRF changed its bylaws in 2006 to allow dual roles within the movement, he agreed to join the JRF executive committee while continuing to serve as president of the Western Region.

As Andy steps down as Havurah’s plenum representative for Reconstructing Judaism, his tips for the next plenum representative are: be open, be curious, be gregarious, ask questions, make comments, be yourself. If you’re interested in the role of plenum representative, Andy would be happy to talk with you. His number is 503-313-6544.

At his new home in Redmond, Andy looks forward to the challenge of creating a community of friends like he has here in Portland. He will also have a chance to spend more time with his grandchildren, Asher and Alia.

Fortunately for Havurah, having recruited Havurah members and staff to take a recent Reconstructing Judaism webinar on how to plan programs for multiple generations, Andy plans to continue his membership at Havurah and to continue working with Havurah’s new Intergenerational Planning Team.