Beyond the Count: Perspectives & Experiences of Jews of Color

The Jews of Color Initiative recently commissioned a study, “Beyond the Count: Perspectives and Lived Experiences of Jews of Color.” Gathering stories and data from Jews of color across the Jewish spectrum, including representation from Havurah Shalom, the study provides important insights for all of us who aspire to dismantle racism within our communities.

Here is the study and here is an article about it. I encourage us all to read through them and consider the significance and potential impacts for us within Havurah. One of the intentions of the Antiracism & Belonging Work Group, as we move into initial stages, is for us to gather details of experience such as these to help us reflect, envision, and work together to create community in which everyone can engage authentically, in the fullness of who they are.

Where Is Our Program Director?

Dear Havurahniks,

I will be on medical leave for surgery and recovery from Monday, Augsut 30 until early to mid-October. I will not be looking at email at all until September 27, by which time there will likely be a lot of mail to sort through. I hope you will hear back from me by the end of the first week of October.
 
During this time, please reach out to Rachel with any questions about my areas of work.  She will be able to direct you to whomever is covering in my absence.
 
May we all be written for a sweet and healthy New Year!

– Adela

Rosh Hashanah Is Around the Corner

The login there will ask for your name and email address, then send you a verification code. This is to help keep us secure in our virtual tent. Once logged in, you can browse and RSVP for programming and services using the Sessions link, edit your profile, connect with friends, access music and more. Please feel free to invite friends and family by sending them this registration link: https://cvent.me/xk9dbG

Sign Up to Pickup a Machzor
High Holiday services are online again, and we won't be scrolling the pages onscreen! We have a great digital machzor, but if you'd like to hold the book in your hands, we are lending out our beautiful new ones again! Click here to sign up.

More information on High Holidays
Take a look at our High Holiday Packet which shows everything we have to offer for the season!
 

Order a lulav and etrog
 This year we will not be selling lulavs and etrogs from Havurah. Portland Kollel has us covered though!

Need help? Email info@havurahshalom.org.

Upcoming Events & Classes

Use this link to login to our High Holidays website. You can also find the event details on our Havurah calendar. Elul events highlighted in orange below.

Sound the Shofar
Every day except Shabbat until Sept. 5, 4 pm – on the High Holidays website
It is customary to hear the sound of the Shofar every day of Elul. To observe this custom, Andrine de la Rocha, Howard Patterson and Diane Chaplin will sound the Shofar every afternoon during the month of Elul, except for Shabbos. They will use the traditional Shofar calls and give a bit of kavanot each time.

AlteRockers Happy Hour
Thursday, Aug. 26, 4:30 pm – Room Heh

Come schmooze with us. Mark your calendars for monthly schmoozes on the last Thursday of the month!

Be Antiracist: Participate in an Antiracism Journaling Group
Thursday, Aug. 26, 7-8 pm – on the High Holidays website
The daily practice of being antiracist can be supported by working through our internalized white supremacy in a small group, sharing our personal learnings. This hour will introduce a model for forming an antiracism journaling group and support for getting one started.

Bar Mitzvah of Jordan Devlin
Saturday, Aug. 28, 10 am – Room Aleph
Please join us in welcoming Jordan Devlin as a Bat Mitzvah and member of our community!

Sunrise Selichot Service
Sunday, Aug. 29, 6:30-7:45 am – Irving Park
Traditionally, Jews gather on the Saturday night before Rosh Hashanah to initiate the process of Seliḥot, Forgiveness, in preparation for the Ten Days of Teshuvah, Returning. This year we will gather early on Sunday morning instead, so that we can be together in person outside. We will spend time chanting and reflecting internally, supporting each other as we examine where and how we need to ask for forgiveness and extend forgiveness toward others. Led by Rabbi Benjamin. We'll gather at Irving Park in the lower ball field. Bring a chair and mask.

Young People's High Holiday Discussion (High School & College)
Monday, Aug. 30, 6-7:15 pm – on the High Holidays website
Following a successful peer-led Young People’s Discussion Program during Shavuot, our community will be facilitating two more 90-minute sessions for teens and the college crowd: one during Elul (Aug. 2021) and one during the High Holidays (Sept. 6-16). While many concerns remain present as we move into a new phase of the pandemic, there is also much-awaited excitement about the reopening of institutions like school and community activities. At the same time, young people who are paying attention are aware of many new challenges from the rise of bigotry and anti-Semitism to the critical need for inclusion and the fight for LGBTQ opportunities and basic dignity. As our year ends and we begin 5782, in what ways are you re-opening, personally and with your community? Why is it hard to re-open sometimes? How different are you now compared to before the pandemic? Do you feel hopeful and why or why not? Join us for a vibrant discussion.

Elul Mindfulness & Meditation
Tuesday, Aug. 31, 12 pm – on the High Holidays website
We gather to find some moments of quiet and shalom. Led by Rabbi Benjamin, Adela Basayne, or Nancy Becker.

Israel/Palestine Committee Meeting
Tuesday, Aug. 31, 7 pm – Room Bet
The Israel/Palestine Committee will meet to discuss our fall activities. Included will be an event with Hand-in-Hand and yet-to-be-determined opportunities for communal conversations about the situation in Israel/Palestine. All members of Havurah are welcome to attend the meeting. RSVP here. 

Morning Minyan
Wednesday, Sept. 1, 8:30 am – Room Aleph
For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish.

Community Minyan
Saturday, Sept. 4, 10 am – Room Aleph
Led by community members and Rabbi Benjamin, this service includes davening, Torah reading, and discussion.

Erev Rosh Hashanah
Monday, Sept. 6 – on the High Holidays website
7:30 pm - Erev Rosh Hashanah Service

Rosh Hashanah Day 1
Tuesday, Sept. 7 – on the High Holidays website
9 am - Lobby Room  
9:30 am - Rosh Hashanah Morning Service  
11 am - Torah Service, Shofar Service
12:30 pm - Lobby Room   
12:15 pm - Membership Tabling
12:30 pm - Meet Tikkun Olam
3 pm - Family Service (with children ages 0-10)

Jewish Soul for the New Year
Tuesday, Sept. 7, 6:30 pm – on YouTube
Havurah member Diane Chaplin plays a solo cello livestream performance on the evening of the first day of Rosh Hashanah. Welcome the New Year with the rich and poignant sound of the cello in music by Israeli composers, a Sephardic prayer, Klezmer and more. Program will last 40-45 minutes. Watch on the Havurah High Holiday website, or for higher quality, go to Diane’s YouTube channel.

Rosh Hashanah Day 2
Wednesday, Sept. 8 – on the High Holidays website
9:30 am - Rosh Hashanah Morning Service
10:30 am - Torah Service  
11:45 am - Shofar Service
12:15 pm - Lobby Room

To see the entire activity schedule for the month of Elul,
view the High Holiday Packet.

Art Cards by Carlos

Many of us have been following the journey of Maria and Carlos, Guatemalan asylum seekers being sponsored by Havurah. This September, as we send New Year's greetings, consider supporting high school junior Carlos, a talented artist who has created lovely, colorful notecards featuring his favorite designs. A set of 8 is $15 and can be ordered through CarlosArtCards@gmail.com.

Tikkun Olam

High Holidays Tzedakah Project
We are again supporting Portland Homeless Family Solutions and Lift UP during the High Holy Days. Check with your Havurahood captains as to whether or not they or someone in your neighborhood group will be a drop off place for items listed below. Also, items can be dropped off when picking up machzorim. Those dates below:
 

• 8/18 (12-2:10)
• 8/19 (10-12:10)
• 8/20 (12-2:10)
• 8/24 (4-6:10)
• 8/25 (12-2:10)
• 8/26 (4-6:10)
• 8/27 (10-12:10)
• 8/30 (4-6:10)
• 8/31 (12-2:10)
• 9/1 (2-4:10)
• 9/2 (10-12:10)

For PHFS:
• Full-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion (men, women and kids)
• Deodorant (men and women)
• Baby powder and baby lotion
• Dish soap, hand soap, various cleaning supplies (cleaning spray, wet wipes, etc.)
• Small and large laundry detergent (nice to have some of each)
• White, light blue or light green twin and full sheet sets
• White twin and full comforters
• White, light blue or light green hand towels, bath towels and washcloths
(Online items)

For Lift UP:
• All varieties shelf-stable milk (dairy/non-Dairy, unsweetened)
• Proteins (nut butters/tuna/shelf-stable tofu)
• Coffee/Tea
• Canned Fruit
• Canned Vegetables
• Whole Grain Pasta
• Brown Rice
• Low-Sodium Vegetables (140 mgs or less)
• Soup
• Ready-to-Eat Items (microwavable)
• Kosher Items (all are welcome)
Thank you for such incredible support of our Poverty and Homelessness Committee's decision to work with these two amazing organizations as well as the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty.

Still in Prison Campaign: Sign-on Letter and Teach-in Recording
We are collecting signatures through August 31 to urge our Attorney General to support legislation ending harm from the racist practice, with antisemitic roots, of non-unanimous jury convictions. After 86 years, the law has ended but the harm continues for those who remain in prison or living with unjust felony convictions. You can take action by signing the letter here. If you missed the August 12 teach-in with Aliza Kaplan and Terrence Hayes, here is a recording.

Interfaith Alliance on Poverty News
THe Poverty & Homelessness Committee works with the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty (IAP). Link here to their August newsletter: first half is accomplishments/where we are going, second half: Unsheltered/EDPA2 (Emanuel Displaced Person's Assessment 2). For more info on our committee's work contact Gloria Halper.

News & Events from Our Tikkun Olam Partners

Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS) | Interfaith Alliance on Poverty (IAP) | Lift UP | MACG

COVID-19 Vaccines & Assistance

Congregation Neveh Shalom COVID-19 Outreach and Services (CNSCOS)
CNSCOS can help you make sense of all there is to know about the pandemic, testing, and vaccines. CNSCOS can help with finding and applying for financial resources, running errands, accessing food assistance, finding other helpful services, or just calling to chat with folks who are feeling isolated or lonely. The CNSCOS team also provides timely information online here and via a weekly email here. Contact covid19@nevehshalom.org or call 971-990-5652 if you need COVID-19 assistance.

Do You Need Help?

Questions About Havurah?

The Transparency & Inclusivity Committee is an avenue within Havurah Shalom to help members find the answers to question they have wondered about. Please send your questions to transparency@havurahshalom.org. We will anonymously publish your question in Hakol and then answer that question. Everyone in our community benefits from this clarity!

Havurah Zoom Rooms

To see our full Zoom room instructions, click here. Member sign-in required.

Attend Our Elul Programs

The login there will ask for your name and email address, then send you a verification code. This is to help keep us secure in our virtual tent. Once logged in, you can browse and RSVP for programming and services using the Sessions link, edit your profile, connect with friends, access music and more. Please feel free to invite friends and family by sending them this registration link: https://cvent.me/xk9dbG

More information on High Holidays
Take a look at our High Holiday Packet which shows everything we have to offer for the season!
 

Sign up to pickup a Machzor
High Holiday services are online again, and we won't be scrolling the pages onscreen! We have a great digital machzor, but if you'd like to hold the book in your hands, we are lending out our beautiful new ones again!
 

Order a lulav and etrog
 This year we will not be selling lulavs and etrogs from Havurah. Portland Kollel has us covered though!

Need help? Email info@havurahshalom.org.

Updated COVID Guidelines

Due to the rise of the Delta variant, the increase in COVID infections, and changes in local and state mandates, the Core Crisis Team has updated Havurah’s COVID Safety Gathering Guidelines. The complete Guidelines are posted on the Havurah Shalom website and can be found here. The most significant changes include:
 

• Providing a definition of “mask” to make clear that it does not include a scarf, bandana, or other makeshift face covering.
• Updating the Wednesday Morning Minyan Guidelines to provide more specifics about seating and also require attendees to fill out a Contact Information Sheet.
• Extensively re-writing the Outdoor Activities section, including provisions on social distancing, eating, and singing.
• Providing for an attendance limit of 25-30 attendees at Shabbat School-related outdoor activities.
• Clarifying that there is no attendance limit for non-Shabbat School outdoor events.
• Requiring all outdoor activity attendees to fill out a Contact Information Sheet and for the event organizer to send that to Rachel Pollack in the office.

These updated Guidelines do not specifically address Shabbat School, which will look to the CDC and the RSSL for guidance on operational safety.

If you have any questions about the updated Guidelines, or if you have a comment for the CCT, please send an email to info@havurahshalom.org. Your email will be shared with the committee and one of the members will get back to you.

Steering Votes YES to Move Forward On Havurah Expansion

After two and a half years of research, needs analyses, real-estate hunting, and checking-in with all of you, the intrepid members of the “Space Jam” committee delivered a recommendation to Havurah leadership to move forward on building expansion plans. Havurah Steering took an important and consequential step on August 10 when they accepted our recommendation.
 
Space Jam’s recommendation includes staying-put in our current location and either building up (no decision yet - several options to choose from), or buying a nearby annex to expand our space. It also includes the next steps in the process: short and long-term financial analyses; additional member outreach and input; a capital campaign; and construction planning. You can read more about this here.

Upcoming Events & Classes

Use this link to login to our High Holidays website. You can also find the event details on our Havurah calendar. Elul events highlighted in orange below.

Sound the Shofar
Every day except Shabbat, Aug. 9 - Sept. 5, 4 pm – on the High Holidays website
It is customary to hear the sound of the Shofar every day of Elul. To observe this custom, Andrine de la Rocha, Howard Patterson and Diane Chaplin will sound the Shofar every afternoon during the month of Elul, except for Shabbos. They will use the traditional Shofar calls and give a bit of kavanot each time.
 

Lev Tahor Chanting Circle
Thursday, Aug. 19, 7 pm – on the High Holidays website
We gather in community for an evening of contemplative practice, chanting interspersed with silence, guided by teachings from the tradition. In the spirit of this month of Elul, we will focus on opening and directing our hearts toward teshuvah — return and renewal. Everyone is welcome, no experience or musical ability required. Facilitated by Rabbi Benjamin.

Bar Mitzvah of Harry Friedman
Saturday, Aug. 21, 10 am – Room Aleph
Please join us in welcoming Harry Friedman as a Bar Mitzvah and member of our community!

Cemetery Cleanup
Sunday, Aug. 22, 1-3 pm – Havurah Cemetery, 5656 SW Humphrey Blvd
Get together with the Cemetery Committee to keep the space beautiful. The Cemetery and Garden Committees are co-sponsoring this event for the first time; all Havurah members, their friends and families are welcome to attend. Bring your own water and snacks, scrub brushes for scrubbing the gravestones, and pruners and gloves for trimming the hedge. RSVP here.

Israel's Occupation, Jewish Tradition, and Collective Responsibility
Sunday, Aug. 22, 7-8:30 pm – on the High Holidays website
Facilitated by Rabbi Benjamin and Joel Beinin. During this season of ḥeshbon hanefesh — honest self-examination — leading up to the Days of Awe, we will spend these sessions examining aspects of Israel’s occupation of the Palestinians and reflect on what our learning asks of us as Jews. Rabbi Benjamin will present Jewish texts as a framework for us to grapple with issues such as Jewish power and our relationship to the other, and Joel will guide us in engaging with contemporary analysis from various organizations. The reading for this class can be found here.

"Why Should You Hang Onto That Old Shmita?"
Monday, Aug. 23, 7-8:15 pm – on the High Holidays website
This coming year is a shmita year, which occurs every seven years beginning at Rosh Hashanah. It is a time of rest and release for the earth and people in debt. Join us for a short program examining the shmita year, from its Biblical origins and ancient practice to modern examples of literal observance. Catch us again during the service break on Yom Kippur for a guided discussion on exploring opportunities for your own shmita observance.

Elul Mindfulness & Meditation
Tuesday, Aug. 24, 12 pm – on the High Holidays website
We gather to find some moments of quiet and shalom. Led by Rabbi Benjamin, Adela Basayne, or Nancy Becker.

Book Group
The Last Million: Europe's Displaced Persons from World War to Cold War
Tuesday, Aug. 24, 7 pm – Room Bet
The Last Million tells the gripping but until now largely hidden story of postwar displacement and statelessness. By 1952, the Last Million were scattered around the world. As they crossed from their broken past into an unknowable future, they carried with them their wounds, fears, hopes, and secrets. Nasaw illuminates their incredible history and, with profound contemporary resonance, shows us that it is our history as well. Discussion led by Stacy Hankin.

Morning Minyan   BACK TO ONLINE ONLY
Wednesday, Aug. 25, 8:30 am – Room Aleph
For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish.

AlteRockers Happy Hour
Thursday, Aug. 26, 4:30 pm – Room Heh
Come schmooze with us. Mark your calendars for monthly schmoozes on the last Thursday of the month!

Be Antiracist: Participate in an Antiracism Journaling Group
Thursday, Aug. 26, 7-8 pm – on the High Holidays website
The daily practice of being antiracist can be supported by working through our internalized white supremacy in a small group, sharing our personal learnings. This hour will introduce a model for forming an antiracism journaling group and support for getting one started.

Bar Mitzvah of Jordan Devlin
Saturday, Aug. 28, 10 am – Room Aleph
Please join us in welcoming Jordan Devlin as a Bat Mitzvah and member of our community!

Sunrise Selichot Service
Sunday, Aug. 29, 6:30-7:45 am – 707 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97212 (Irving Park)
Traditionally, Jews gather on the Saturday night before Rosh Hashanah to initiate the process of Seliḥot, Forgiveness, in preparation for the Ten Days of Teshuvah, Returning. This year we will gather early on Sunday morning instead, so that we can be together in person outside. We will spend time chanting and reflecting internally, supporting each other as we examine where and how we need to ask for forgiveness and extend forgiveness toward others. Led by Rabbi Benjamin. We'll gather at Irving Park in the lower ball field. Bring a chair and mask.

Young People's High Holiday Discussion (High School & College)
Monday, Aug. 30, 6-7:15 pm – on the High Holidays website
Following a successful peer-led Young People’s Discussion Program during Shavuot, our community will be facilitating two more 90-minute sessions for teens and the college crowd: one during Elul (Aug. 2021) and one during the High Holidays (Sept. 6-16). While many concerns remain present as we move into a new phase of the pandemic, there is also much-awaited excitement about the reopening of institutions like school and community activities. At the same time, young people who are paying attention are aware of many new challenges from the rise of bigotry and anti-Semitism to the critical need for inclusion and the fight for LGBTQ opportunities and basic dignity. As our year ends and we begin 5782, in what ways are you re-opening, personally and with your community? Why is it hard to re-open sometimes? How different are you now compared to before the pandemic? Do you feel hopeful and why or why not? Join us for a vibrant discussion.

Israel/Palestine Committee Meeting
Tuesday, Aug. 31, 7 pm – Room Bet
The Israel/Palestine Committee will meet to discuss our fall activities. Included will be an event with Hand-in-Hand and yet-to-be-determined opportunities for communal conversations about the situation in Israel/Palestine. All members of Havurah are welcome to attend the meeting. RSVP here.

To see the entire activity schedule for the month of Elul,
view the High Holiday Packet.

Art Cards by Carlos

Many of us have been following the journey of Maria and Carlos, Guatemalan asylum seekers being sponsored by Havurah. This September, as we send New Year's greetings, consider supporting high school junior Carlos, a talented artist who has created lovely, colorful notecards featuring his favorite designs. A set of 8 is $15 and can be ordered through CarlosArtCards@gmail.com.

Tikkun Olam

High Holidays Tzedakah Project
We are again supporting Portland Homeless Family Solutions and Lift UP during the High Holy Days. Check with your Havurahood captains as to whether or not they or someone in your neighborhood group will be a drop off place for items listed below. Also, items can be dropped off when picking up Machor(s). Those dates below:

• 8/18 (12-2:10)
• 8/19 (10-12:10)
• 8/20 (12-2:10)
• 8/24 (4-6:10)
• 8/25 (12-2:10)
• 8/26 (4-6:10)
• 8/27 (10-12:10)
• 8/30 (4-6:10)
• 8/31 (12-2:10)
• 9/1 (2-4:10)
• 9/2 (10-12:10)

For PHFS:
• Full-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion (men, women and kids)
• Deodorant (men and women)
• Baby powder and baby lotion
• Dish soap, hand soap, various cleaning supplies (cleaning spray, wet wipes, etc.)
• Small and large laundry detergent (nice to have some of each)
• White, light blue or light green twin and full sheet sets
• White twin and full comforters
• White, light blue or light green hand towels, bath towels and washcloths
(Online items)

For Lift UP:
• All varieties shelf-stable milk (dairy/non-Dairy, unsweetened)
• Proteins (nut butters/tuna/shelf-stable tofu)
• Coffee/Tea
• Canned Fruit
• Canned Vegetables
• Whole Grain Pasta
• Brown Rice
• Low-Sodium Vegetables (140 mgs or less)
• Soup
• Ready-to-Eat Items (microwavable)
• Kosher Items (all are welcome)
Thank you for such incredible support of our Poverty and Homelessness Committee's decision to work with these two amazing organizations as well as the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty.

Still in Prison Campaign: Sign-on Letter and Teach-in Recording
We are collecting signatures through August 31 to urge our Attorney General to support legislation ending harm from the racist practice, with antisemitic roots, of non-unanimous jury convictions. After 86 years, the law has ended but the harm continues for those who remain in prison or living with unjust felony convictions. You can take action by signing the letter here. If you missed the August 12 teach-in with Aliza Kaplan and Terrence Hayes, here is a recording.

Interfaith Alliance on Poverty News
THe Poverty & Homelessness Committee works with the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty (IAP). Link here to their August newsletter: first half is accomplishments/where we are going, second half: Unsheltered/EDPA2 (Emanuel Displaced Person's Assessment 2). For more info on our committee's work contact Gloria Halper.

News & Events from Our Tikkun Olam Partners

Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS) | Interfaith Alliance on Poverty (IAP) | Lift UP | MACG

COVID-19 Vaccines & Assistance

Congregation Neveh Shalom COVID-19 Outreach and Services (CNSCOS)
CNSCOS can help you make sense of all there is to know about the pandemic, testing, and vaccines. CNSCOS can help with finding and applying for financial resources, running errands, accessing food assistance, finding other helpful services, or just calling to chat with folks who are feeling isolated or lonely. The CNSCOS team also provides timely information online here and via a weekly email here. Contact covid19@nevehshalom.org or call 971-990-5652 if you need COVID-19 assistance.

Do You Need Help?

Questions About Havurah?

The Transparency & Inclusivity Committee is an avenue within Havurah Shalom to help members find the answers to question they have wondered about. Please send your questions to transparency@havurahshalom.org. We will anonymously publish your question in Hakol and then answer that question. Everyone in our community benefits from this clarity!

Havurah Zoom Rooms

To see our full Zoom room instructions, click here. Member sign-in required.

Havurah has so many events.

But how to attend them?

First, log in to the High Holidays Website:

Next, look for the All Sessions link.

Jewish Learning This Week

Use this link to register for access to programming taking place on the High Holidays Website. Already registered? Sign in here.

Sound the Shofar--Every day except Shabbat!
through Sept. 5, 4 pm – on the High Holidays Website
It is customary to hear the sound of the Shofar every day of Elul. To observe this custom, Andrine de la Rocha, Howard Patterson and Diane Chaplin will sound the Shofar every afternoon during the month of Elul, except for Shabbos. They will use the traditional Shofar calls and give a bit of kavanot each time.

Elul Mindfulness & Meditation
Tuesday, August 10, 12 pm – Room Bet
We gather to find some moments of quiet and shalom. Led by Rabbi Benjamin, Adela Basayne, or Nancy Becker.

Life Story Midrash: Uncovering Deeper Meaning in Our Life Stories 
Wednesdays, Aug. 11, 18, 25; Sept. 1, 7-8:30 pm – on the High Holidays Website
Led by Tivona Reith. Over a four-week period, we will study traditional examples of midrash, and then creatively explore and rewrite episodes from our own life, with an eye toward “embracing our fragmented stories as a coherent, meaningful narrative.”

Shtiebelach – Conversations and Creations
Wednesdays, Aug. 11 and 25, 6:30 pm – on the High Holidays Website
Led by Buff Neretin. The High Holy Days are fast approaching! It's time to start thinking about making private spaces into Holy Places... and preparing to invite folks to join you in worship. Don't know where to start? Come join us for informal conversation.

Israel’s Occupation, Jewish Tradition and Collective Responsibility
Wednesday, Aug. 11 and Sunday, Aug. 22, 7-8:30 pm – on the High Holidays Website
Facilitated by Rabbi Benjamin and Joel Beinin. During this season of ḥeshbon hanefesh—honest self-examination—leading up to the Days of Awe, we will spend these sessions examining aspects of Israel’s occupation of the Palestinians and reflect on what our learning asks of us as Jews. 

“40 Days of Teshuvah” Film and Discussion
Thursday, Aug. 12, 11-noon – on the High Holidays Website
Havurah joins the Inside Out Wisdom and Action Project and the Reconstructing Judaism movement in showing the film 40 Days of Teshuvah. Last summer, Yehudah Webster and Jews for Racial and Economic Justice (JFREJ) protested for 40 days, culminating with Tisha B'Av. The film offers a powerful model for integrating Jewish spiritual tools and technologies like prayer, teshuvah and Mussar into the work of social change in general and racial justice in particular.

“40 Days of Teshuvah” Film and Discussion
Thursday, Aug. 12, 11-noon – on the High Holidays Website
Havurah joins the Inside Out Wisdom and Action Project and the Reconstructing Judaism movement in showing the film 40 Days of Teshuvah. Last summer, Yehudah Webster and Jews for Racial and Economic Justice (JFREJ) protested for 40 days, culminating with Tisha B'Av. The film offers a powerful model for integrating Jewish spiritual tools and technologies like prayer, teshuvah and Mussar into the work of social change in general and racial justice in particular.

Services This Weekend

Kabbalat Shabbat for Elul
Friday, Aug. 13, 7 pm - on the High Holidays Website
Led by J.D. Kleinke and Friends. A special welcoming of Shabbat for during the month of Elul. Music and meditations on the meaning of return and renewal. 

Refa'einu Healing Service
Saturday, Aug. 14, 3 pm - on the High Holidays Website
Refa’einu Healing Services provide sacred space and time to focus on healing and wholeness. Through contemplative teachings, sacred chant, guided and silent meditations, embodied practice, and prayer, we open to healing energy—however it is needed in our lives, families, communities, planet. Co-facilitated by Karen Mitzner and Tivona Reith. Refa’einu, Yah, v’neirafei—Heal us, Source of All Healing, and we will be healed.

Looking Ahead to Next Week

• Forgiveness in Judaism and for One Another with Karen Mitzner (Monday at 2 pm)
• Jewish New Year Cooking 101 with Jenn Louis (Monday at 7 pm)
• Elul Mindfulness & Meditation (Tuesday at noon)
• “40 Days of Teshuvah” Film and Discussion with Adela Basayne (Tuesday at 7 pm)
• Life Story Midrash with Tivona Reith (Wednesday at 7 pm)
• Lev Tahor Chanting Circle with Rabbi Benjamin (Thursday at 7 pm)
• Cemetery Clean-Up (Sunday, Aug. 22, at 1 pm)

To See the Entire Activity Schedule for the Month of Elul,
view the High Holiday Packet or sign in to the High Holidays Website.

The August Hakol is here!
Click the cover above or click here to see the issue.

Core Crisis Team Forums on COVID

Havurah Shalom’s Core Crisis Team has now conducted two Community Forums on the topic of re-opening our building for services, community-wide B’nei Mitzvah, celebrations, and events. The CCT shared the three possibilities that are under consideration for returning to indoor settings:

• Level 1 – masks optional for vaccinated persons; masks mandatory for unvaccinated persons
• Level 2 – masks preferred for vaccinated persons; masks mandatory for unvaccinated persons
• Level 3 – masks mandatory for all

Many members attended the forums and shared their thoughts and feelings about re-opening under these different protocols. The events were recorded on Zoom and are available here:

July 11 Community Forum Recording | July 11 Questions & Concerns

July 19 Community Forum Recording | July 19 Questions & Concerns

If you have any questions about the choices under consideration, or have a comment for the CCT, please send an email to info@havurahshalom.org and a member of the CCT will get back to you.

Havurah Needs Consulting

Upcoming Events

Bar Mitzvah of Ezra Webb
Saturday, July 24, 10 am – Room Aleph
Please join us in welcoming Ezra Webb as a Bar Mitzvah and member of our community!

Film Screening & Discussion: "Other Side of the Hill"
Monday, July 26, 7 pm – Room Bet
"Other Side of the Hill" explores the impacts of a changing climate as seen through the eyes of local leaders on the ground in rural Oregon. The film amplifies the voices of rural communities often left unheard, and shines a light on stories of progress and hope. In a time of unprecedented cultural divide between rural and urban communities, this film finds common ground in an urgency to address a changing landscape. The film will be available for free online viewing July 10-25. Register here to view the film at home. RSVP here to attend the discussion. Contact Michael Huemann with questions. This event is put on by our Havurah Climate Action Team.

Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation
Tuesday, July 27, 12 pm – Room Bet
We gather to find some moments of quiet and shalom. Led by Rabbi Benjamin, Adela Basayne, or Nancy Becker.

Book Group
Journey From the Land of No: A Girlhood Caught in Revolutionary Iran
Tuesday, July 27, 7 pm – Room Bet
In Journey from the Land of No, Roya Hakakian recalls her childhood and adolescence in pre-revolutionary Iran with candor and verve. The result is a beautifully written coming-of-age story about one deeply intelligent and perceptive girl’s attempt to find an authentic voice of her own at a time of cultural closing and repression. Remarkably, she manages to re-create a time and place dominated by religious fanaticism, violence, and fear with an open heart and often with great humor. Discussion led by Mischa and Salome DuPont.

Morning Minyan
Wednesday, July 28, 8:30 am – Room Aleph
For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish. Led by Liz Schwartz.

AlteRockers Happy Hour
Thursday, July 29, 4:30-6 pm – Room Heh
Come schmooze with us. And mark your calendars for monthly schmoozes the last Thursday of the month!

Community Minyan
Saturday, July 31, 10 am – Room Aleph
Please join us for Shabbat morning! Led by J.D. Kleinke and Emily Simon this week. This service includes davening, Torah reading, and discussion.

Tikkun Olam

Particpate in the Racial Justice Committee
There is a group of people who have been meeting to discuss and define a Racial Justice Committee within the Tikkun Olam Cluster. We have met twice. If you are interested in participating and have not been included in the previous meetings, contact Bob Brown via email at tikkunolam@havurahshalom.org and he will include you in communications about this effort.

News & Events from Our Tikkun Olam Partners

Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS) | Interfaith Alliance on Poverty (IAP) | Lift UP | MACG

COVID-19 Vaccines & Assistance

Congregation Neveh Shalom COVID-19 Outreach and Services (CNSCOS)
CNSCOS can help you make sense of all there is to know about the pandemic, testing, and vaccines. CNSCOS can help with finding and applying for financial resources, running errands, accessing food assistance, finding other helpful services, or just calling to chat with folks who are feeling isolated or lonely. The CNSCOS team also provides timely information online here and via a weekly email here. Contact covid19@nevehshalom.org or call 971-990-5652 if you need COVID-19 assistance.

Do You Need Help?

Questions About Havurah?

The Transparency & Inclusivity Committee is an avenue within Havurah Shalom to help members find the answers to question they have wondered about. Please send your questions to transparency@havurahshalom.org. We will anonymously publish your question in Hakol and then answer that question. Everyone in our community benefits from this clarity!

Havurah Zoom Rooms

To see our full Zoom room instructions, click here. Member sign-in required.

Community Forums on Reopening

Havurah’s Core Crisis Team will be holding Community Forums on the topic of re-opening our building. We want to hear your thoughts, hopes and concerns as we move towards being together again for services, simchas, meetings, and meals. Please join us at one or both events:

•   Sunday, July 11 at 10 am in Room Aleph: RSVP here
•   Monday, July 19 at 7 pm in Room Aleph: RSVP here

If you have any questions for the Core Crisis Team about our current Guidelines, re-opening, or the upcoming Community Forum events, please email info@havurahshalom.org and a member of the committee will get back to you.

Sincerely,
Loree Devery, Ben Walters, Julia Lager-Mesulam, Miriam Reshotko, Oren Kosansky, Rabbi Benjamin Barnett, Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, Adela Basayne, Rachel Pollak, Brad Pector, Carrie Kirschner, Michael Heumann, Richard Goldenberg, Rachel Plotinsky, Joe Sullivan

Upcoming Events

Community Minyan
Saturday, July 10, 10 am – Room Aleph
Please join us for Shabbat morning! Led by community members and Rabbi Benjamin, this service includes davening, Torah reading, and discussion.

Israel/Palestine Committee Meeting
Sunday, July 11, 7 pm – Room Bet
The Israel/Palestine Committee will meet to assess our activities to date; discuss how we want to move forward – after the High Holy Days; discuss how we want the committee to operate in the future – how often we want to meet and who can be considered a ‘member’ of the comittee; and discuss what types of resources to share through the committee webpage. Meeting open to all Havurah members.

Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation
Tuesday, July 13, 12 pm – Room Bet
We gather to find some moments of quiet and shalom. Led by Rabbi Benjamin, Adela Basayne, or Nancy Becker.

Morning Minyan
Wednesday, July 14, 8:30 am – Room Aleph
For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish.

Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, July 16, 7 pm – Room Aleph
Please join us for our spirited and joy-filled Kabbalat Shabbat service led by J.D. Kleinke. Music will be provided by our talented Havurah musicians.

Bat Mitzvah of Ella Bendsneyder-Koven
Saturday, July 17, 10 am – Room Aleph
Please join us in welcoming Ella Bendsneyder-Koven as a Bat Mitzvah and member of our community.

Tisha B'Av: 40 Day of Teshuvah
film screening, panel, and discussion
Sunday, July 18, 10 am
On Tisha B’Av we commemorate the darkest moments in our Jewish history and begin to move from brokenness towards redemption. “Zion will be redeemed through justice” (Isaiah 1:27). As we emerge from the losses of the COVID pandemic, we have a fresh opportunity to reengage in the work of repair both at the level of our intimate communities and in the broader society. Havurah joins the Inside Out Wisdom and Action Project and the Reconstructing Judaism movement in showing the film, 40 Days of Teshuvah, Last summer, Yehudah Webster and Jews for Racial and Economic Justice (JFREJ) protested for 40 days culminating with Tisha B'Av. The film offers a powerful model for integrating Jewish spiritual tools and technologies like prayer, teshuvah and Mussar into the work of social change in general and racial justice in particular. RSVP here.

Maria & Carlos: Donations Needed

Tikkun Olam

Particpate in the Racial Justice Committee
There is a group of people who have been meeting to discuss and define a Racial Justice Committee within the Tikkun Olam Cluster. We have met twice. If you are interested in participating and have not been included in the previous meetings, contact Bob Brown via email at tikkunolam@havurahshalom.org and he will include you in communications about this effort.

News & Events from Our Tikkun Olam Partners

Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS) | Interfaith Alliance on Poverty (IAP) | Lift UP | MACG

COVID-19 Vaccines & Assistance

Congregation Neveh Shalom COVID-19 Outreach and Services (CNSCOS)
CNSCOS can help you make sense of all there is to know about the pandemic, testing, and vaccines. CNSCOS can help with finding and applying for financial resources, running errands, accessing food assistance, finding other helpful services, or just calling to chat with folks who are feeling isolated or lonely. The CNSCOS team also provides timely information online here and via a weekly email here. Contact covid19@nevehshalom.org or call 971-990-5652 if you need COVID-19 assistance.

Do You Need Help?

Questions About Havurah?

The Transparency & Inclusivity Committee is an avenue within Havurah Shalom to help members find the answers to question they have wondered about. Please send your questions to transparency@havurahshalom.org. We will anonymously publish your question in Hakol and then answer that question. Everyone in our community benefits from this clarity!

Havurah Zoom Rooms

To see our full Zoom room instructions, click here. Member sign-in required.

Reopening Our Building: What Next?

Oregon has lifted its COVID gathering restrictions. What does that mean for Havurah? The Core Crisis Team is meeting on July 7 to address this question and we are planning Community Forum gatherings to get input from our members. In the past month, we moved forward within the limits of OHA restrictions and expanded Havurah's “opening” guidelines for B’nei Mitzvah families and the Wednesday Morning Minyan group. The elimination of those OHA rules now gives us the opportunity to open our doors more widely – literally and figuratively.

What do we want?
•  We want to return to our building.
•  We want our community to feel safe.
•  We want to be inclusive and welcoming.

The Core Crisis Team will be trying to meet all these goals as we look to and rely on scientific research and recommendations to inform and shape our re-opening policies.

Do you have questions or comments for the Core Crisis Team? Send them to info@havurahshalom.org and someone from the committee will get back to you.

Renew Your Dues Commitment

Please try and renew by the end of the day today!
If not today, ASAP. This helps us conserve volunteer time.

If you haven’t already renewed your membership and made your dues commitment for 2021-22, please do so by completing this form. You can also send an email with a note indicating your commitment to karen.westerman@havurahshalom.org.

Upcoming Events

Kabbalat Shabbat  CANCELLED
Friday, July 2

Bar Mitzvah of Rami Mandelsberg
Saturday, July 3, 10 am – Room Aleph
Please join us in welcoming Rami Mandelsberg as a Bar Mitzvah and member of our community!

Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation
Tuesday, July 6, 12 pm – Room Bet
We gather to find some moments of quiet and shalom. Led by Rabbi Benjamin, Adela Basayne, or Nancy Becker.

Morning Minyan
Wednesday, July 7, 8:30 am – Room Aleph
For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish. Led by Ken Lerner.

Community Minyan
Saturday, July 10, 10 am – Room Aleph
Please join us for Shabbat morning! Led by community members and Rabbi Benjamin, this service includes davening, Torah reading, and discussion.

Israel/Palestine Committee Meeting
Sunday, July 11, 7 pm – Room Bet
The Israel/Palestine Committee will meet to assess our activities to date; discuss how we want to move forward – after the High Holy Days; discuss how we want the committee to operate in the future – how often we want to meet and who can be considered a ‘member’ of the comittee; and discuss what types of resources to share through the committee webpage. Meeting open to all Havurah members.

Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, July 16, 7 pm – Room Aleph
Please join us for our spirited and joy-filled Kabbalat Shabbat service led by J.D. Kleinke. Music will be provided by our talented Havurah musicians.

Maria & Carlos: Moving Week!

It's an exciting week for Maria and Carlos, Guatemalan asylum seekers being sponsored by Havurah. They move to their own apartment, and Maria starts her first job. Thanks to everyone who donated furnishings - we appreciate your generosity! Still needed: an AC unit. Also, Maria will take the bus to work and needs $100/month on her Hop Card for this expense. If you can help cover these items, please contact David Newman via the Havurah Member Directory.

Tikkun Olam

Particpate in the Racial Justice Committee
There is a group of people who have been meeting to discuss and define a Racial Justice Committee within the Tikkun Olam Cluster. We have met twice. If you are interested in participating and have not been included in the previous meetings, contact Bob Brown via email at tikkunolam@havurahshalom.org and he will include you in communications about this effort.

News & Events from Our Tikkun Olam Partners

Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS) | Interfaith Alliance on Poverty (IAP) | Lift UP | MACG

COVID-19 Vaccines & Assistance

Congregation Neveh Shalom COVID-19 Outreach and Services (CNSCOS)
CNSCOS can help you make sense of all there is to know about the pandemic, testing, and vaccines. CNSCOS can help with finding and applying for financial resources, running errands, accessing food assistance, finding other helpful services, or just calling to chat with folks who are feeling isolated or lonely. The CNSCOS team also provides timely information online here and via a weekly email here. Contact covid19@nevehshalom.org or call 971-990-5652 if you need COVID-19 assistance.

Do You Need Help?

Questions About Havurah?

The Transparency & Inclusivity Committee is an avenue within Havurah Shalom to help members find the answers to question they have wondered about. Please send your questions to transparency@havurahshalom.org. We will anonymously publish your question in Hakol and then answer that question. Everyone in our community benefits from this clarity!

Havurah Zoom Rooms

To see our full Zoom room instructions, click here. Member sign-in required.

Remember to Renew Your Dues!

If you haven’t already renewed your membership and made your dues commitment for 2021-22, please do so by June 30 by completing this form.

By taking time to fill out the Havurah Dues Renewal Form for 2021-22 or sending an e-mail with a note indicating your commitment to karenwesterman@havurahshalom.org, you will save lots of volunteer time! Havurah has 480 households now and that is a lot of renewals. Thank you!

– Karen Westerman, past Havurah President

Help Resettle A Family

Maria and Carlos are close to moving into their own apartment. We have a big need for a couple of strong people to help move the heavier pieces from storage to a truck. This will be on June 30 during the late afternoon and evening and also from the truck into the apartment on July 1. The kindness of our community has secured almost all of the needed furnishings for their apartment. As of writing this, we lack a twin-sized mattress and box springs. Please contact me if you might be able to help with either need and I’ll provide details. Thank you!

– Barbara Hershey (contact info here with login)

Core Crisis Team Update

Wednesday Morning Minyan & B'nei Mitzvah
The Core Crisis Team met on June 15 to further discuss issues around opening our space. Havurah’s COVID Safety Guidelines have been updated to reflect our decision to allow limited use of the sanctuary for B’nei Mitzvahs and the Wednesday Morning Minyan Group. A copy of the updated Guidelines can be found here. As we continue to balance various needs and values, the Core Crisis Team has solicited input from the Steering Committee and our Transparency & Inclusivity Committee. We are also planning on organizing community forums in July and August to hear directly from our members. Look for publicity and details about those events in the coming weeks!

Upcoming Events

Community Minyan
Saturday, June 19, 10 am – Room Aleph
Please join us for Shabbat morning! Led by community members and Rabbi Benjamin, this service includes davening, Torah reading, and discussion.

Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation
Tuesday, June 22, 12 pm – Room Bet
We gather to find some moments of quiet and shalom. Led by Rabbi Benjamin, Adela Basayne, or Nancy Becker.

Book Group
Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots
Tuesday, June 22, 7-8:30 pm – Room Bet
As a member of the strictly religious Satmar sect of Hasidic Judaism, Deborah Feldman grew up under a code of relentlessly enforced customs governing everything from what she could wear and to whom she could speak to what she was allowed to read. Yet in spite of her repressive upbringing, Deborah grew into an independent-minded young woman whose stolen moments reading about the empowered literary characters of Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott helped her to imagine an alternative way of life among the skyscrapers of Manhattan. Discussion led by David Newman.

Morning Minyan
Wednesday, June 23, 8:30 am – Room Aleph
For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish.

AlteRockers Happy Hour
Thursday, June 24, 4:30-6 pm – Room Heh
Come schmooze with us. And mark your calendars for monthly schmoozes - last Thursday of the month!

Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, June 25, 7 pm – Room Aleph
Please join us for our spirited and joy-filled Kabbalat Shabbat Service led by J.D. Kleinke. Music will be provided by our talented Havurah musicians.

Bat Mitzvah of RozaBess Eisenbach-Budner
Saturday, June 26, 10 am – Room Aleph
Please join us in welcoming RozaBess Eisenbach-Budner as a Bar Mitzvah and member of our community!

Fourth Israel/Palestine Film Discussion
Sunday, June 27, 7-8:30 pm – Room Heh
Film discussion of "Dancing Arabs" / "A Borrowed Identity" from 2014. The screenplay is based on the semi-autobiographical novel Dancing Arabs. An academically talented Palestinian-Israeli attends a prestigious boarding school in Jerusalem where he is the only Arab. He and a Jewish girl who is a schoolmate fall in love. The film explores Israeli identity and shows the difficulties and eventually the impossibility of them maintaining a relationship. Amazon Prime; Strand Releasing; Vudu; Apple TV. RSVP here.

Help Launch the Racial Justice Committee
Monday, June 28, 7 pm – Room Bet
Please join us as we continue to explore forming a Racial Justice Committee at Havurah. One organizing meeting was held a few weeks ago, but we are early in the process, so this is a great time to join and share your suggestions and interests. All are welcome! Contact Bob Brown with any questions, and please RSVP to Bob Brown if you plan to attend. Bob's info can be found via the Havurah Member Directory.

LGBTQIA+ Advance Care Planning
Tuesday, June 29, 7-8:30 pm – Room Bet   DATE CHANGE
The Ma'avar Committee is hosting an Advance Care Planning workshop on creating an Advance Directive with a special focus for the LGBTQI+ community. Advance care planning is a process of considering the types of healthcare decisions that may need to be made in a medical crisis or at the end-of-life then writing those decisions and preferences into an Advance Directive. Space is limited and RSVP is required. Please contact Ericka Kimball via the Havurah Member Directory with questions. RSVP here.

Juneteenth on June 19

Here are some useful resources related to Juneteenth:

Kaddish for Black Lives from Ritualwell
 
Tikkun Olam on Juneteenth from My Jewish Learning

What is Juneteenth to a Black Jew? from Reform Judaism.org

Amid a national reckoning over race, Jews are embracing Juneteenth by the Jewish Telegrahpic Agency

And considering attending Juneteenth Kabbalat Shabbat with Be'chol Lashon!

Tikkun Olam

Nicholas Kristoff's Book Discussion
If you missed the discussion of Tightrope author Nicholas Kristoff and would like to view the event, click the link below.

Nicholas Kristoff's Discussion Recording
Access Code: %pST7R44

This discussion was sponsored by the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty with whom Havurah partners through the work of the Tikkun Olam Poverty & Homelessness Committee. Please contact Havurah member Gloria Halper via the Havurah Member Directory for more info.

News & Events from Our Tikkun Olam Partners

Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS) | Interfaith Alliance on Poverty (IAP) | Lift UP | MACG

Jewish Community Events

Opportunity to Connect with Progressive Israeli Organizations
Tuesday, June 29, 9:30 am - RSVP here
The Israel/Palestine Committee wants to alert you about an exciting new initiative from the Joint Israel Commission of the Reconstructionist movement called Shutafut, a simple way for Reconstructionist communities to partner with progressive, creative Israeli organizations working for peace, justice, and pluralism. The initiative launches with a panel discussion of representatives from three Israeli organizations.

COVID-19 Vaccines & Assistance

Congregation Neveh Shalom COVID-19 Outreach and Services (CNSCOS)
CNSCOS can help you make sense of all there is to know about the pandemic, testing, and vaccines. CNSCOS can help with finding and applying for financial resources, running errands, accessing food assistance, finding other helpful services, or just calling to chat with folks who are feeling isolated or lonely. The CNSCOS team also provides timely information online here and via a weekly email here. Contact covid19@nevehshalom.org or call 971-990-5652 if you need COVID-19 assistance.