Hineinu

Photo by Saul Guardado on Unsplash

Hanukah at Havurah

We have started planning for Hanukah at Havurah! Many details will be shared in the coming weeks. Please fill out our quick two-question survey below if you'd like to participate in the fun!

We are looking forward to an online celebration with the community!

Upcoming Events & Classes

Post-Election Community Gathering
Thursday, Nov. 5, 7 - 8:30 pm – Room Aleph
There are so many unknowns about what will happen on our next election day, November 3. You are invited to a facilitated community gathering so that we can be together for mutual support at a time when there may be some answers about the election outcome. Please email Bob Brown if you have any questions. RSVP here.

Kabbalat Shabbat   Now every week at 7:30 pm on Fridays!
Friday, Nov. 6, 7:30 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.

Community Minyan
Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 am – Room Aleph
Join us for Shabbat morning! Led by community members and Rabbi Benjamin, this service includes davening, Torah reading and discussion.

Step Into the Living Torah!
Sunday, Nov. 8, 2 pm – Room Bet
We’ll begin wherever we are physically, emotionally, energetically, individually and collectively, and then step into the text where we’ll use simple storytelling practices to play with voice, movement, story, stillness, and a bissel silliness to encourage and cultivate personal midrash (Torah-based narrative). Through embodied Torah study, we will find ways to discover and express meaning, even when we can't articulate it! For newbies and Torah scholars, cultural creatives, and recovering serious people. It will also be great to be together in a new way during this stressful time! RSVP here.

Human Power & Human Dignity: A Conversation with PNW Reconstructionist Rabbis
Sunday, Nov. 8, 2 pm – Join info to be emailed to RSVPs!
On the Sunday after election day, join a Pacific Northwest Reconstructionist conversation on human power through Jewish frames of human dignity. Rabbis (including Rabbi Benjamin) from Reconstructionist communities throughout the Northwest will speak to this topic in conversation with one another and each of us in this moment of precariousness and potential. RSVP here.

Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 12 pm – Room Bet
This week we will meditate together and also have time to reflect and derive support from each other’s presence, nourishing resilience as we move across the threshold of Election Day. Rabbi Benjamin will facilitate.

BIPOC Community Meetup
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 7 pm – Room Dalet
If you identify as Black, Indigenous or other person of color, we hope you will join us. This will be a casual get together with the sole purpose of listening to, learning from, and supporting one another. This monthly meeting requires no ongoing commitment. Please RSVP here or just show up. If you're unable to make it but like this idea, or have other ideas as a BIPOC community member, please contact Yshai via the member directory.

Morning Minyan
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 8:30 am – Room Aleph
For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish.

Drop-In Grief Support Groups   NEW DATES
Thursdays, Nov. 12, Nov. 19, Dec. 3, Dec. 24, 7-8:30 pm – Room Heh
As we approach the winter holidays, especially in this time of COVID, Havurah Shalom supports members grieving a death.  Drop-in grief group sessions are facilitated by Havurah Shalom members experienced in grief support and confidential group facilitation. Pre-registration is required by Thursday noon the day of each session. Each session is limited to 10 people.  Additional details will be sent to those registered. For more information, contact Tivona Reith at bikkurholim@havurahshalom.org. RSVP via the links on the dates above.

Tikkun Olam Events

Interfaith Alliance on Poverty: The Budget as a Moral Document
Thursday, Nov. 5, 12 pm
The conclusion to our three-part series! Please contact Gloria Halper for the Zoom link.

PHFS New Volunteer Orientation
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 5:30-6:30 pm
An hour long zoom orientation with PHFS will leave you with an understanding of what PHFS does for homeless families at their Lents shelter, and what volunteer jobs are available during Covid-19. RSVP to TC Schumacher at tc@pdxhfs.org for Zoom access.

Tikkun Olam Updates

Interfaith Alliance on Poverty's November Newsletter
Read the November IAP newsletter here. Information on the Wapato prison building (now called Bybee Lakes Hope Center), Alternative Shelter and Village Forum: Learning From Seattle article, and speakers for their first Thursday meeting: November 5, 12-1:30 pm.

Update on Children's Book Donation Through Lift UP
There was a traffic issue/construction detour last week and some folks had issues donating children's books. If you are still able to donate books, please contact Leah Cooper via email (lcooper@innovativehousinginc.com) for more information.

What's Up with Lift UP?
Partner with Lift UP for the Fall Food and Fund Drive! Help us provide healthy, nutritious foods to our neighbors in need. To learn more, visit www.lifturbanportland.org or contact brett@lifturbanportland.org

Havurah's BLM Resource Page
Check out our Black Lives Matter resource page!

Jewish Community Events

Judaism for the World: Reflections on God, Life, and Love
A talk by author Rabbi Art Green
Tuesday, November 10, 8 pm – RSVP required
Rabbi Art Green, PhD, is recognized as one of the world’s preeminent authorities on Jewish thought and spirituality. He is one of the founders of IJS and is currently professor at Hebrew College and rector of the Rabbinical School, which he founded in 2004. A prolific author, Rabbi Green's most recent book, Judaism for the World: Reflections on God, Life, and Love was published in September by Yale University Press. RSVP above.

Do You Need Help?

If you are facing financial hardship from a loss of employment, decrease in income, or any other impact of our recent crises; or, if you would benefit from the support of community members for grocery shopping, errands, or any other concrete needs, for any reason, please contact Rabbi Benjamin at benjamin.barnett@havurahshalom.org or 503-248-4662 ext. 3.

If you would like to be on a list of people to support others in concrete ways, such as grocery shopping or running other errands, please contact Susan Lazareck and Rabbi Benjamin.

Havurah Zoom Rooms

For info on Zoom rooms, click here. You must sign-in after you visit the link.

B'Yachad

Havurah's Participation Pledge

It only takes 3 minutes to complete!

Havurah's mission is to provide a vibrant, diverse, participatory Jewish community steeped in spirituality, learning, and acts of social responsibility. To fulfill this mission, we rely on our congregants to come together — b'yachad — and actively participate in areas of synagogue life that speak to them.

Our emphasis on active involvement allows members to become truly engaged in Jewish community. It enriches individual experiences, deepens friendships and family relationships, and creates a strong, intertwined home for all of us, even in the current time of distancing and uncertainty.

As this year's theme states, our Neshamah, our "breath and soul, is our essence, through which we are connected to one another..." Your participation is the breath that gives life to the Havurah community. Please fill out B'Yachad and allow Havurah to remain a vital life force for all of us!

If you would like a mail-in version, you can find a PDF of the survey here.

Hineinu

Dear Hevre,
 

I voted yesterday. I imagine that many of you have already as well. If you haven’t yet, hopefully you have a plan for when you will. And I know that many of us have been working to get out the vote and to help insure fair and safe elections throughout the country. These final two weeks before election day are a period of great anticipation, and also one fraught with anxiety and concern. In this light, we wanted to share some resources to help us navigate this moment.

For one, there are organizations and teachers out there sharing vital spiritual wisdom for this precarious time. Here are a few opportunities to explore within the Jewish community, which can help us stay connected and cultivate resilience:

Spiritual Resources for the Election Season from the Institute for Jewish Spirituality

Ritual Well’s 30 Days of Harvesting Resilience
 
Ritual Well workshop on Spiritual Tools for Challenging Times
 
Resources though the IOWA Project
 
One of the most effective ways to manage anxiety is to find ways to act, especially in collaboration with others. Thankfully, there are opportunities in this realm as well.
 

Beyond the election itself, there is great uncertainty regarding its aftermath. Several groups nationally are helping us understand the various possibilities and offering time-tested strategies to uphold democratic process and structures in the wake of election day. Local coalitions are forming in this vein, and some Havurah members are involved. If you would like to join a team of us representing Havurah in these coalitions, we will be gathering tomorrow (Thursday) at 6:30pm. If you are interested, please contact Chris Coughlin at chriscoughlin60@gmail.com or Bob Brown at rebrown47@gmail.com. This group will be sharing information with the Havurah community over these weeks, with a diversity of pathways for action. So please look out for ways to engage.
 
One act we can each take right now if we are so moved is to sign this pledge with Choose Democracy. There you will also see opportunities for trainings to learn more. And this guide from Hold the Line is full of vital information and analysis.

May we draw from the essential wisdom within and among us and may we each discover the resources we need.

– Rabbi Benjamin

B'Yachad: Havurah's Participation Pledge
Havurah's mission is to provide a vibrant, diverse, participatory Jewish community steeped in spirituality, learning, and acts of social responsibility. To fulfill this mission, we rely on our congregants to come together — b'yachad — and actively participate in areas of synagogue life that speak to them.

Our emphasis on active involvement allows members to become truly engaged in Jewish community. It enriches individual experiences, deepens friendships and family relationships, and creates a strong, intertwined home for all of us, even in the current time of distancing and uncertainty.

As this year's theme states, our Neshamah, our "breath and soul, is our essence, through which we are connected to one another..." Your participation is the breath that gives life to the Havurah community. Thank you for filling out B'Yachad and allowing Havurah to remain a vital life force for all of us!

If you would like a mail-in version, you can find a PDF of the survey here.

Upcoming Events & Classes

Crochet Your Own Kippah
Wednesday, Oct. 21 & 28, 10:30 - 12 pm in Room Bet // 7:30 - 9 pm in Room Heh
Simple instructions for creating a kippah using single crochet. If you don't already know how to crochet, the first class will introduce novices to that skill, and the second class will be devoted to the kippah itself. Taught by Sarah Rosenberg. RSVP for AM ​​​​​​​ | PM

Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, Oct. 23, 7:30 pm – Room Aleph
Welcome Shabbat in together with music and tefillah! Service led by Rabbi Benjamin.

Community Minyan
Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 am – Room Aleph
Please join us for Shabbat morning! Led by community members or Rabbi Benjamin, this service includes davening, Torah reading, and discussion.

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

Book Group: Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 7 - 8:30 pm – Room Bet
Written as a series of letters to his teenage son, his memoir, Between the World and Me, Coates walks the reader through the course of his life. Coates’s writing is direct, insightful and powerful. Discussion led by Marjorie Walters.

Oneg and Kabbalat Shabbat: Welcoming Leah!

Friday, Oct. 30, 7 pm Oneg and Welcome Ritual; 7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat

Please join us as we welcome Leah Shoshanah, our new Music Coordinator, to Havurah! From 7-7:30 we will share blessings of welcome, followed by a soulful and uplifting Kabbalat Shabbat, led by Leah.

Transfers of Power in Tanach
Mondays, Nov. 2, 16, 30, and Dec. 14, 3-4 pm – Room Bet
How do they happen, who wins or loses, and why? What can our sources and sages teach us to help us navigate these times? Our class will begin with some of the transfers of power in Genesis, move on to Exodus, make a brief stop in Numbers, and finally end with Hanukkah. RSVP to receive precise references. Taught by Emily Simon. RSVP here.

Tikkun Olam Events

Mobilization Meeting for the Defend Democracy Coalition
Thursday, Oct. 22, 6:30 pm

Several groups nationally are analyzing the various possibilities in the wake of election day, and offering strategies to uphold democratic process and structures. Local coalitions are forming in this vein, and some Havurah members are involved. If you would like to join a team of us representing Havurah in these coalitions, please contact Chris Coughlin or Bob Brown via the Havurah member directory.

Reconstructing Judaism: Emotional Support During the Election

Sunday, Oct. 25, 1-2:30 pm

Please join Reconstructing Judaism congregations in its first meeting for political, spiritual and emotional support during pre-Election days, Election Day itself, and post-Election days. Join here.

Post-Election Community Gathering
Thursday, Nov. 5, 7 - 8:30 pm – Room Aleph
There are so many unknowns about what will happen on our next election day, November 3. You are invited to a facilitated community gathering so that we can be together for mutual support at a time when there may be some answers about the election outcome. Please email Bob Brown if you have any questions. RSVP here.

Havurah Updates

Havurah Shalom Media Library
Looking for service recordings, drashot from Rabbi Benjamin and other community members, music albums, videos, class recordings, Jewish ritual how-to and more? All of our On Demand content from High Holidays is now on its own page on our website. We'll add more media as it becomes available. Find it on our website under "About" too!

Havurah Shalom 2020-2021 Community Brochure
We hope you’re excited about what we have in store this year at Havurah. All of our events and classes will still be on Zoom until further notice. See the Havurah Calendar on our website for Zoom details. As we have seen over the past seven months and over High Holidays, we can make meaningful connections, even if it means meeting over Zoom. We have more possibilities in store too, so look forward to new opportunities! If you haven’t seen the community brochure yet, click here.

Tikkun Olam Updates

What's Up with Lift UP?

Partner with Lift UP for the Fall Food and Fund Drive! Help us provide healthy, nutritious foods to our neighbors in need. To learn more, visit www.lifturbanportland.org or contact brett@lifturbanportland.org

URGENT NEEDS FOR PANTRY
o   Proteins (Peanut Butters/Tuna/Canned chicken/etc)
o   Breakfast Items (Cereal, Oats, Granola)
o   Canned vegetables
o   Low sodium items (tunas/pastas/ canned beans or veggies)
o   Ensure/Protein Bars
o   Dairy/Non-dairy shelf stable milk
o   Whole grain pasta/Brown Rice
o   Gluten Free Pastas/Gluten Free breakfast items
o   Kosher items of all the items listed above (if applicable) 
o   Paper bags, egg cartons, rubber bands, sharpies

You can also drink wine and help Lift UP! Erath Vineyard’s new tasting room in the Pearl District will be donating $1 from each bottle sale to Lift UP, now through November. Visit the new location at 1439 NW Marshall Street Portland, OR 97209.

Portland Homeless Family Solutions Update
We are hosting a week-long Harvest Festival for the week leading up to Halloween for families in shelter. There has been so much disappointment this year that we are really trying to do something fun and special for the families at Family Village. Since we have such a large campus, we are able to host some socially-distanced activities. We are collecting the following in-kind items, if you are interested in participating:

- Kids Halloween Costumes (all sizes, can be used or new. One-size-fits all pieces also encouraged, such as animal ears, wings, capes, hats, etc.)
- Halloween decorations (stickers, spiderwebs, little Halloween toys, etc.)
- Halloween Candy
- Pumpkins to paint

If you are interested, we are asking that everything be donated by October 24. As always, thank you for everything you do for PHFS! We are so grateful for you.

Virtual Tutors Needed for All Grades!

The Ortiz Community Center has received many requests for tutors, from students in all grades (K-12). In response, we are organizing a "virtual" tutoring program. We are interviewing the parents and students, to verify their computer and Internet access, to establish scheduling needs/preferences, and to learn about specific homework needs (e.g., specific subjects for high school students). We will then match each student to the preferences of each tutor. We plan to start with a commitment of one session per week per student. Initially, we will be utilizing free Zoom accounts, which means a limit of 40 minutes per session. (Help with people new to Zoom will be available.) We have a growing number of student requests, so taking on more than one student (in separate sessions) would be great. These students are almost all children of immigrants, very motivated to succeed in school just like all of our own families and ancestors. Any questions? Contact Jay Moskovitz.

Havurah's BLM Resource Page
Check out our Black Lives Matter resource page!

In the Community

21st Annual Reading of Oregon Jewish Voices
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 6:30 pm, on Zoom, sponsored by OJMCHE
Started in 1999, and organized by Havurah member Willa Schneberg, this annual event features readings by prominent Oregon Jewish poets and writers. The writers in the 2020 program are Jacob Boas, Sherri Levine, Willa Schneberg, Betsy Fogelman Tighe and Leslie What. They will share selections from their work in a virtual reading on Zoom. Register here.

ReJewvenation 2020

October 23-25

ReJewvenation is BB Camp’s women’s retreat held at our beautiful lakeside location on the Oregon Coast, each fall. ReJewvenation started in 2004 through the shared vision of five BB Camp alumna wanting to rekindle the fun and magic they experienced as campers. ReJewvenation is for women of all ages and backgrounds. Thanks to this year’s virtual format, we are excited to welcome new friends to the ReJewvenation community, from all around the world! Find out more here. RSVP here.

Do You Need Help?

If you are facing financial hardship from a loss of employment, decrease in income, or any other impact of our recent crises; or, if you would benefit from the support of community members for grocery shopping, errands, or any other concrete needs, for any reason, please contact Rabbi Benjamin at benjamin.barnett@havurahshalom.org or 503-248-4662 ext. 3.

If you would like to be on a list of people to support others in concrete ways, such as grocery shopping or running other errands, please contact Susan Lazareck and Rabbi Benjamin.

Havurah Zoom Rooms

For info on Zoom, click here. You must sign-in after you visit the link.

Our 2020-2021 programming all in one place!

The Havurah Shalom Community Brochure

We hope you’re excited about what we have in store this year at Havurah. As we have seen over the past seven months and over High Holidays, we can make meaningful connections, even if it means meeting online. Take a look at our community brochure by clicking the button below — it shows everything we have planned so far. With so many possibilities, there's something for everyone!

All of our events and classes will still be on Zoom until further notice. See the Havurah calendar on our website for Zoom room details. We look forward to seeing you!

Contact the office at info@havurahshalom.org if you would like access to the Zoom rooms or if you're having trouble with access.

Hineinu

Rabbi Benjamin's Drashot

High Holidays 5781

 
Erev Rosh Hashanah Drash
 
Rosh Hashanah Day 1 Drash
 
Rosh Hashanah Day 2 Drash
 
Erev Yom Kippur Drash
 
Yom Kippur Morning Drash

More content from High Holidays coming soon!

Upcoming Events & Classes

Kabbalat Shabbat for Sukkot & Shmeini Atzeret

Friday, Oct. 9, 7:30 pm – Room Aleph
A special Erev Shabbat service, led by J.D. Kleinke, with special songs to mark Shmeini Atzeret, the eight day of Sukkot, with lots of kirtan-style singing, and some embodied meditation.

Yizkor Shimeini Atzeret

Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 am – High Holidays web portal
Join us for a Shabbat service with Yizkor observance. This event will take place on our High Holidays platform. We look forward to seeing you!

Simchat Torah
Saturday, Oct. 10, 5:30 pm – High Holidays web portal
On a traditional Simchat Torah celebration, we dance with the Torah seven times. 
This year our "dancing" will take many forms and will progress from jubilant celebration to contemplative study and discussion. Check out the program packet here. See the full schedule on the High Holidays web portal.

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

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

Machzor Return

Wednesday-Friday, Oct. 14-16, 12-6 pm

If you borrowed a machzor over the High Holidays, we are ready to start receiving returns! Bring it by Havurah at one of the listed times, or make an appointment with Rachel for a different time. If you know the door and alarm codes, bring it by any time. There is a bin in the entryway with a sign-in sheet.

The Torah of Our Lives: Havurah Spiritual Writing Group

Wednesdays, Oct. 14 - Dec. 9 (except Nov. 25), 7-9 pm

Please join Harriet Cooke and Jenni Besen for an 8 week journey into spiritual writing, weaving prompts from Torah into our lives. Each evening begins with a summary of the week's Torah portion and pearls from commentary. Two timed writes are followed by optional, but encouraged, sharing. All that is required is a journal. Facilitation by Harriet Cooke, who has led groups with Write Around Portland and P’nai Or for ten years.

Text & Torah: B'reishit & The Beginning
Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 am

We will study what the Torah says about the "beginning." Did you know that at one time it was forbidden to study what happened before creation? We'll unpack that and discuss Judaic views of creation and the beginning. If you'd like to receive the readings by email so that you can read aloud during study or follow along from a printed page, email Diane at cellochaplin@gmail.com. Service follow the study session.

Tikkun Olam Events

Discussion on White Supremacy, White Nationalism, and Anti-Semitism

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 7 pm – High Holidays web portal event

Havurah’s Countering White Nationalism cohort invites you to join us for a conversation about the differences between white supremacy and white nationalism, including the role anti-semitism plays within the white nationalist movement. We will show the first 36 minutes of a talk by Eric Ward (password: 8K?.4$f4), Executive Director of the Western States Center, as the starting place for our conversation. You might also be interested in reading this article by Eric Ward as background information. Please register on the High Holidays web portal, where you will find the questions we'll be considering. The event will go up on the web portal very soon!

Street Roots Fundraiser

Thursday, Oct. 8, 8 am
Street Roots, a "hand up" organization is having their yearly fundraiser. Join here!

Sukkat Shalom for Police Accountability

Thursday, Oct. 8, 7-8:30 pm

Please join the P'nai Or Tikkun Olam Committee and Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty for a Sukkot evening of ritual, song, and exploring the November police accountability measure, Portland Measure 26-217. We will be joined by our Rabbis who will share their experiences and our Jewish role in helping to restore justice for all lives, and particularly for Black lives in Portland. Register here.

Portland Homesless Family Solutions Reunion
Friday, Oct. 9, 5:30-7 pm

Have fun and help support our work with PHFS at their annual Family Reunion (virtual this year)! Sign up here – the entertainment is free.

Portland Homesless Family Solutions Meal Provider Training

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 5:30-6:30 pm & Thursday, Oct. 15, 12-1 pm on Zoom

PHFS is starting volunteer orientations again, for Meal Provider positions. Please see their website at pdxhfs.org to see what other volunteer activities are being offered under COVID. To become a new Meal Provider volunteer, this is their onboarding process: orientation, volunteer application, tour and training, and background check. Orientations and trainings are occurring virtually over Zoom. Please RSVP for an upcoming one-hour orientation if you would like to get started! RSVP to tc@pdxhfs.org for Zoom info.

Lift Up Book Drive

Thursday, Oct. 15, 10am - 3pm
Drop off Location: 5845 NE Hoyt St, Portland, OR 97213

Help provide books for children and youth! The Innovative Housing, Inc. team is once again collecting gently used books in an effort to support at home literacy development and make sure kids have something to read while they shelter in place. We are a local nonprofit that provides housing and other important services to low-income families. Right now, we are especially focused on supporting children in their virtual schooling and we see a growing need for books in our buildings. If you have extra books, please consider dropping off a book donation. Social distancing guidelines will be observed. Procedure: Park in the designated curbside drop off area, follow signs to book drop off. No contact needed. Book Type Requests: Books for children ages preschool to 12th grade, books in other languages (especially Spanish), and culturally diverse reading materials.

Havurah Updates

Seeking Volunteers for the Great Machzor Switch

Time by arrangement

Two volunteers needed to unshelve and box up our old machzorim and label and shelve the new ones. Volunteers can be part of the same pod and work together, or work separately alone to maintain Covid safety.

Me & White Supremacy Discussion Group

There is a discussion group going through Layla Saad’s Me and White Supremacy that still needs some participants. These discussions are about an hour and a half every other week for a total of about four months. Contact David Lewis if you are interested.

October Hakol

The October Hakol is available here!

Havurah Shalom Community Brochure for 2020-2021

We hope you’re excited about what we have in store this year at Havurah. All of our events and classes will still be on Zoom until further notice. See the Havurah Calendar on our website for Zoom details. As we have seen over the past seven months and over High Holidays, we can make meaningful connections, even if it means meeting over Zoom. We have more possibilities in store too, so look forward to new opportunities! If you haven’t seen the community brochure yet, click here.

Tikkun Olam Updates

Interfaith Alliance on Poverty

IAP's October newsletter can be found here. Their newsletters are packed with information and opportunities to pitch in to be part of the solution!

Virtual Tutors Needed for All Grades!  

The Ortiz Community Center has received many requests for tutors, from students in all grades (K-12). In response, we are organizing a "virtual" tutoring program.
We are interviewing the parents and students, to verify their computer+internet access, to establish scheduling needs/preferences, and to learn about specific homework needs (e.g., specific subjects for high school students). We will then match each student to the preferences of each tutor. We plan to start with a commitment of one session per week per student. Initially, we will be utilizing free Zoom accounts, which means a limit of 40 minutes per session. (Help with people new to Zoom will be available.) We have a growing number of student requests, so taking on more than one student (in separate sessions) would be great. These students are almost all children of immigrants, very motivated to succeed in school just like all of our own families and ancestors. Any questions? Contact Jay Moskovitz.

Havurah's BLM Resource Page
Check out our new Black Lives Matter resource page!

Do You Need Help?

If you are facing financial hardship from a loss of employment, decrease in income, or any other impact of our recent crises; or, if you would benefit from the support of community members for grocery shopping, errands, or any other concrete needs, for any reason, please contact Rabbi Benjamin at benjamin.barnett@havurahshalom.org or 503-248-4662 ext. 3.

If you would like to be on a list of people to support others in concrete ways, such as grocery shopping or running other errands, please contact Susan Lazareck and Rabbi Benjamin.

Havurah Zoom Rooms

For info on Zoom, click here. You must sign-in after you visit the link.

Hineinu

Sukkot 5781: Bring it Home!

Like everything else so far about 5781, we are being given an opportunity to learn new things, be creative, and adapt to our current reality. Sukkot, our holiday of both gratitude (harvest) and awareness of our tenuous lives (dwelling in temporary shelter…) gives us even more chances. Sukkot starts with the Full Moon of Friday night, October 2. The themes of Sukkot could not be more relevant this year! Given that Havurah Shalom won’t be putting up a community sukkah to celebrate in, this is a chance to bring it home. Here are some great starting places below. Send along any other ideas or photos of your home celebration.

• Look at www.myjewishlearning.com for a myriad of suggestions for family celebration, adult learning, themes and theology, how to build a sukkah, and recipes.
• If you don’t already build one, try building a sukkah this year. Start simply so that you can simply start! Lots of ideas on the web – don’t fuss about it – just make a temporary shelter with some view of the sky.
• You could also find a place outside or close to the outside to decorate and set aside as your sukkah – a place to eat some meals for 7 days.
• Go to the farmer’s market, or your own garden, and look at vegetables and fruits; give your mind and soul the time to ponder their magnificence and design.
• Make some fun Sukkot/Autumn/Harvest themed decorations for your home or sukkah.
• Enjoy some Sukkot poetry and creative ritual and the Reconstructing Judaism affiliate offerings.
• Enjoy these stories and activities with children.

Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, Education Director

deborah@havurahshalom.org

High Holidays Feedback

Upcoming Events

No Kabbalat Shabbat this week!

Erev Sukkot

Friday evening

Community Minyan
Saturday, Oct. 3, 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, Oct. 6, 12 pm – Room Bet
We gather on Tuesdays to find some moments of quiet and shalom. Led by Rabbi Benjamin, Adela Basayne, and Nancy Becker.

BIPOC Community Meet Up
Tuesday, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1, 7 pm – Room Gimel
If you identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a person of color, we hope you will join us. This will be a casual get-together with the sole purpose of listening to, learning from, and supporting one another. This meeting requires no ongoing commitment. RSVP here or just show up. If you're unable to make it but like this idea, or have other ideas as a BIPOC community member, please contact Yshai Boussi via the member directory.

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

Tikkun Olam Events

Confronting Hate: Uncovering the Hidden History of Discrimination in Oregon
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 7 pm – Special Zoom room
Walidah Imarisha co-edited two anthologies including Octavia's Brood: Science Fiction Stories From Social Justice Movements. Imarisha’s nonfiction book Angels with Dirty Faces: Three Stories of Crime, Prison, and Redemption won a 2017 Oregon Book Award. She is also the author of the poetry collection Scars/Stars. More info here.

Discussion on White Supremacy, White Nationalism, and Anti-Semitism

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 7 pm – High Holidays web portal event

Havurah’s Countering White Nationalism cohort invites you to join us for a conversation about the differences between white supremacy and white nationalism, including the role anti-semitism plays within the white nationalist movement. We will show the first 36 minutes of a talk by Eric Ward (password: 8K?.4$f4), Executive Director of the Western States Center, as the starting place for our conversation. You might also be interested in reading this article by Eric Ward as background information. Please register on the High Holidays web portal, where you will find the questions we'll be considering. The event will go up on the web portal very soon!

Portland Homesless Family Solutions Meal Provider Training

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 5:30 pm & Thursday, Oct. 15, 12 pm on Zoom

PHFS is starting volunteer orientations again, for Meal Provider positions. Please see their website at pdxhfs.org to see what other volunteer activities are being offered under COVID. To become a new Meal Provider volunteer, this is their onboarding process: orientation, volunteer application, tour and training, and background check. Orientations and trainings are occurring virtually over Zoom. Please RSVP for an upcoming one-hour orientation if you would like to get started! RSVP to tc@pdxhfs.org for Zoom info.

Tikkun Olam Updates

Volunteers Needed for Oregon Food Bank and Tutoring

The Ortiz Center on N. Killingsworth in the Cully Neighborhood is in need of volunteers to distribute Oregon Food Bank groceries to families on Wednesdays after 2pm and anytime on Thursdays. This involves driving to families' homes and dropping the bag of groceries off. The Ortiz Center is also seeking tutors to work with kids online; the grade levels and subjects will vary. For volunteering to deliver food, contact Virginia Salinas. For volunteering as online tutor, please contact Jay Moskovitz. Email Judi Kloper for more info.

Portland Protests: A Conversation by Transform Network
Watch community leaders, including Rabbi Benjamin, speak on the Portland protests here.


Havurah's BLM Resource Page
Check out our new Black Lives Matter resource page!

Community Offerings

Harvesting Resilience: 30 Days of Spiritual Practice Before the Election

In the month of uncertainty and stress leading up to the November election, we need to care for ourselves more than ever. Starting October 4, we're sending spiritual practice straight to your inbox or phone. Nourish your mind, body, and spirit with five-minute original practices from rabbis, teachers, activists and leaders across the country here. You can sign up directly here.

Do You Need Help?

If you are facing financial hardship from a loss of employment, decrease in income, or any other impact of our recent crises; or, if you would benefit from the support of community members for grocery shopping, errands, or any other concrete needs, for any reason, please contact Rabbi Benjamin at benjamin.barnett@havurahshalom.org or 503-248-4662 ext. 3.

If you would like to be on a list of people to support others in concrete ways, such as grocery shopping or running other errands, please contact Susan Lazareck and Rabbi Benjamin.

High Holidays Info & Registration

Click the button below to view our High Holidays packet for this year! It has a lot of valuable information, including a full schedule, on-demand content, and much more!

Sign into our High Holidays web portal now!

1. Register by filling out the form at the registration site here. (Skip this step if you've already done it.) Make sure you hit the "submit" button at the end of the form to complete your registration!

2. After registering, go to the web portal via the following link and sign in:https://event.crowdcompass.com/havurahshalom/ If this doesn't work, try a different web browser. Use your name and email, then a verification code will be sent to you by email. It make take a few minutes to receive it. A new verification code will be sent every time you log in. You can avoid being logged out by just keeping your window open.
 
3. You will receive an additional email within 48 hours with links to the web portal (same as above) and to the App Store, where you can download the app and participate on your devices. Both the web portal and app have identical content and features, but the app may be more convenient for some folks.

You can also find the app yourself after you register by searching for "CrowdCompass AttendeeHub" in the App Store. Once it's downloaded, open the app and search for "Havurah Shalom" and you will find our High Holidays app! Sign in and you're all set to go! The app will stay logged in.

Attending Events
After you’re logged in to the web portal or the app, navigate to the schedule and click on the event you want to attend. There will be a Zoom link there! If you do not see a Zoom link, make sure you're on this site.

Video Tutorial
For a thorough video tutorial on everything mentioned above, please click here!

What If Our Technology Fails?

We Have A Backup Plan!

In the event that either Zoom or our Cvent web platform goes down, Rabbi Benjamin will continue with services from the sanctuary via the Havurah Shalom YouTube channel. We will send the congregation an email at that time with a link. Feel free to subscribe beforehand!

High Holiday Zoom Rooms

High Holiday Zoom Rooms Only Accessible Via Registration!

High Holiday Zoom rooms are only accessible through Havurah's High Holidays web portal or app. Register for High Holidays here to gain access. Our regular Zoom room links (only used by Wednesday morning minyan this week) can be found at the bottom of this email.

Donate to Havurah

Every year Havurah Shalom offers free High Holiday services to all of Portland. This year is no different, despite our new online presence. If you are so moved, you can donate to us by clicking here.

Hineinu

The High Holidays are almost here! Are you ready?

None of us are ever truly ready.  Here are some things you can do right now to prepare:

Surround yourself with the music of the season!
Havurah musicians have recorded beautiful albums that are available to you any time on the High Holidays web portal. If you have registered and gained access to the platform, you will find the sounds of the chagim in the On Demand section. Instructions for getting access are below. Thank you so much: Diane Chaplin, Steven Mesulam, Rachael Duke, Ilene Safyan, Margie Rosenthal, Barbara Slader, Ken Lerner, Beth Hamon, Chaim Wolin, Rabbi Benjamin, Justin Carroll, Barry Lavine, Maria Lisa Johnson, Susan Brenner, Natalie Lerner. Editing by Megan Koler.

Come to the Selichot Service at 8:00 on Saturday night!
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/Repentance”). This year, Rabbi Benjamin and Karen St. Clair will interweave traditional Seliḥot prayers, contemplative music and reflection, as well as somatic meditation, in order to access the compassion and openness we need as we enter further into this season of Return.
 
Read your packet and get to know the schedule!
Click the button below to view our High Holidays packet for this year! It has a lot of valuable information, including a full schedule, how to pick up your machzor, a selection of Elul offerings, and an in-depth look at all that Havurah has to offer.

Registration

1. Register by filling out the form at the registration site here. (Skip this step if you've already done it.) Make sure you hit the "submit" button at the end of the form to complete your registration!

2. After registering, go to the web portal via the following link and sign in:https://event.crowdcompass.com/havurahshalom/

Use your name and email, then a verification code will be sent to you by email. It make take a few minutes to receive it. A new verification code will be sent every time you log in. You can avoid being logged out by just keeping your window open.
 
3. You will receive an additional email within 48 hours with links to the web portal (same as above) and to the App Store, where you can download the app and participate on your devices. Both the web portal and app have identical content and features, but the app may be more convenient for some folks.

You can also find the app yourself after you register by searching for "CrowdCompass AttendeeHub" in the App Store. Once it's downloaded, open the app and search for "Havurah Shalom" and you will find our High Holidays app! Sign in and you're all set to go! The app will stay logged in.

Attending Events
After you’re logged in to the web portal or the app, navigate to the schedule and click on the event you want to attend. There will be a Zoom link there! If you do not see a Zoom link, make sure you're on event.crowdcompass.com/havurahshalom/.

Video Tutorial
For a thorough video tutorial on everything mentioned above, please click here!

Machzor Pickup/Tzedakah Drop-Off

Tuesday - Friday, Sept. 8-11
Monday - Thursday, Sept. 14-17

Sign up here to to be a volunteer librarian or to pick up your hard copies of our brand new Kol Ha Neshama Days of Awe machzor. We will record your name and manage returns after the holidays end. Read more about this project in the High Holidays packet or in the Tikkun Olam section of the email below.

Elul & High Holiday Offerings
Register for High Holidays here to attend these events and see full descriptions.

 Other Elul Offerings 

Elul Mindfulness & Meditation

Tuesday, Sept. 15, 12 pm

Morning Minyan

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 8:30 am – Room Aleph
For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish.

Grief Support Group: Online Drop-In
Wednesday, Sept.  23, 12:30-2 pm
Havurah Shalom is initiating a facilitated Grief Support Group. Participants receive support and are invited to share feelings and experiences in a confidential peer-group setting. Each session also includes grief education focused on a theme, such as common grief reactions or coping with stress. Participants are asked to pre-register for each individual session they wish to attend, and may attend as many or as few sessions as needed. Limited to 10 people, age 18+. The Zoom Room will be given out with the registration confirmation email. To register, click   Sept. 23

Tikkun Olam

BIPOC Community Meet Up
Tuesday, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1, 7-8:30 pm – Room Gimel
If you identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a person of color, we hope you will join us. This will be a casual get-together with the sole purpose of listening to, learning from, and supporting one another. This meeting requires no ongoing commitment. Please RSVP here, or just show up. If you're unable to make it but like this idea, or have other ideas as a BIPOC community member, please contact Yshai Boussi via the member directory.

Me and White Supremacy group forming
Havurah’s Countering White Nationalism cohort is using Layla Saad’s ‘Me and White Supremacy’ as a tool for self-reflection to unpack our histories and roles within our white supremacy culture. The recording of the session they held about their experiences is available in the On Demand section of the High Holiday platform. There is interest in forming one or more new groups to work through the material together. Interested in joining a group? Email Chris Coughlin.

High Holidays Tzedakah Project
At High Holidays we engage in a Tzedakah Project. This year Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS), Lift UP Portland, and Jewish Family & Child Services (JFCS) Emergency Aid have been chosen. See PHFS needs here. See Lift UP needs here. Jewish Family & Child Services (JFCS) Emergency Aid needs funding for: community resources, grocery aid, and limited financial assistance to individuals, couples, and families. Checks can be mailed to: Jewish Family & Child Service 1221 SW Yamhill St., Suite 301 Portland, OR 97205. Check the Cvent web portal for machzor pick up schedule. Tzedakah Project items can be dropped off at these times. Containers are in the foyer with signs.

Interfaith Alliance on Poverty
The Interfaith Alliance on Poverty has compiled an educational packet on Poverty for its congregations, including a book list, videos, etc. A 3 minute youtube put out by the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods (NECN) is in this compilation. It's short, informative, real view of poverty in Portland presents another perspective on this issue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe9WheOXicE​​​​​​​

If you missed the Transform Network panel, featuring Rabbi Benjamin, you can watch it ​​​​​here.

Havurah's BLM Resource Page
Check out our new Black Lives Matter resource page for more info!

Jewish Community

Art in the Time of COVID: Virtual Reception
Sunday, September 13, 6:30 pm – Special Zoom room
Presented by Mittleman Jewish Community Center, in partnership with ‎ORA, this exhibit lets you participate in a reflective, thought-provoking, creative experience, ‎and you can purchase the art if you wish. Cassandra Sagan, a Havurah member, will be showcasing her work "MULTI-LAYERED MICROCOSMIC MULTIVERSE" which was ‎created completely out of tea stains, tea bags, tea strings, tags, packaging, and even a ‎bissel tea leaves.

Moishe House Is Looking for New Residents!
Moishe house is looking for two roommates who are excited about building community, planning and putting on creative events, and joining a vibrant home in Portland, OR sometime between October and November 1st. Is this you or someone you know?

The first step in applying is filling out the application. They will be following up with people on a rolling basis. Got questions? Email moishehousepdx@gmail.com or message any of the residents on Facebook!

An ideal candidate is fun-loving, welcoming, creative, a great communicator, and has the time and energy to commit (~10 hours per week). If you enjoy planning, hosting, building community, and dancing in the kitchen, then you're exactly who we want to meet.

Do You Need Help?

If you are facing financial hardship from a loss of employment, decrease in income, or any other impact of this crisis; or, if you would benefit from the support of community members for grocery shopping, errands, or any other concrete needs, for any reason, please contact Rabbi Benjamin at benjamin.barnett@havurahshalom.org or 503-248-4662 ext. 3.

If you would like to be on a list of people to support others in concrete ways, such as grocery shopping or running other errands, please contact Susan Lazareck or Rabbi Benjamin at the email above.

Hineinu

Dear Havurahniks,

Have you logged into the High Holidays web portal or app yet? All of our Elul events will be there leading up to High Holiday services. Here's how to get started:

Registration

1. Register by filling out the form at the registration site here. (Skip this step if you've already done it.) Make sure you hit the "submit" button at the end of the form to complete your registration!

2. After registering, go to the web portal via the following link and sign in:https://event.crowdcompass.com/havurahshalom/
 

Use your name and email, then a verification code will be sent to you by email. It make take a few minutes to receive it. A new verification code will be sent every time you log in. You can avoid being logged out by just keeping your window open.
 
3. You will receive an additional email within 48 hours with links to the web portal (same as above) and to the App Store, where you can download the app and participate on your devices. Both the web portal and app have identical content and features, but the app may be more convenient for some folks.

You can also find the app yourself after you register by searching for "CrowdCompass AttendeeHub" in the App Store. Once it's downloaded, open the app and search for "Havurah Shalom" and you will find our High Holidays app! Sign in and you're all set to go! The app will stay logged in.

Attending Events
After you’re logged in to the web portal or the app, navigate to the schedule and click on the event you want to attend. There will be a Zoom link there! If you do not see a Zoom link, make sure you're on this site.

Video Tutorial
For a thorough video tutorial on everything mentioned above, please click here!

Last Chance to Add Your Voice
to High Holiday Services!

Add Your Voice to High Holidays with a Mini-Drash!
As we did last year, we invite you once again to add your voice to our prayer and celebration at High Holidays by submitting a “mini-drash” or kavanah (intention). These are short reflections or sharing of life experience, 2-3 minutes long, either in response to this year’s theme (reference the theme here), or connected to the annual themes of teshuvah (returning/renewal/repentance) or forgiveness. Through your contributions we will include more voices and reflect more diversity of experience as we journey through Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur together.

Deadline for contributions is August 31. Send to Rachel at rachel.pollak@havurahshalom.org with the subject line: “Mini-drash 2020”

Upcoming Events & Classes

Alte Rockers Zoom Happy Hour
Thursday, Aug. 27, 5 pm – Room Bet
Let's have another Alte Rockers Zoom Happy Hour! Following previous events, we are arranging a happy hour each month to check in with our wonderful group. Grab your favorite drink and appetizer and join others from Alte Rockers in socializing. If you have any questions, please contact Ted Scheinman via the member directory.

Bar Mitzvah of Quinley Wise
Saturday, Aug. 29, 10 am – Room Aleph
Please join us in welcoming Quinley Wise as a Bar Mitzvah and member of our community!

Elul Offerings
Register for High Holidays here to attend these events and see descriptions.

Sound of the Shofar

Elul Mindfulness & Meditation

Tuesday, Sept. 1, 12 pm

Immigration, Refugees and Sanctuary in Word and Image
Tuesday, Sept. 1, 7 pm

Witness from the Streets of Portland: Teen Q&A w/ Rabbi Benjamin
Wednesday, Sept. 2, 4 pm

Writing into the High Holidays
Wednesday, Sept. 2, 7 pm

BIPOC Community Meet Up
Tuesday, Sept. 1, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1, 7-8:30 pm – Room Gimel
If you identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a person of color, we hope you will join us. This will be a casual get-together with the sole purpose of listening to, learning from, and supporting one another. This meeting requires no ongoing commitment. Please RSVP here, or just show up. If you're unable to make it but like this idea, or have other ideas as a BIPOC community member, please contact Yshai Boussi via the member directory.

Morning Minyan

Wednesday, Sept. 2, 8:30 am – Room Aleph
For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish.

Grief Support Group: Online Drop-In
Wednesday, Sept. 9 & 23, 12:30-2 pm
Havurah Shalom is initiating a facilitated Grief Support Group. Participants receive support and are invited to share feelings and experiences in a confidential peer-group setting. Each session also includes grief education focused on a theme, such as common grief reactions or coping with stress. Participants are asked to pre-register for each individual session they wish to attend, and may attend as many or as few sessions as needed. Limited to 10 people, age 18+. The Zoom Room will be given out with the registration confirmation email. To register, click your desired date(s):  Sept. 9  |   Sept. 23

Havurah Zoom Rooms

High Holiday Zoom rooms are only accessible through Havurah's High Holidays web portal or app. Register for High Holidays here to gain access.

For info on Zoom, click here. You must sign-in after you visit the link.

Updates Inside Havurah

Recon Connect & Virtual Shabbat Box from Reconstructing Judaism
Visit ReconstructingJudaism.org and click on Recon Connect or the Virtual Shabbat Box. There you will find the community, innovation, spirit and depth that embody Reconstructionist Judaism. Recon Connect is an online hub updated regularly!

COVID-19 Resources
Check out our COVID-19 resource page on our website for more information.

Tikkun Olam

Interfaith Alliance on Poverty Update
Maddie’s Cart/Madeleine School are proposing that nonprofits run “managed camping” or “Micro Landing” for temporary homeless shelters. See Maddie’s Cart proposal for these shelters and more info here. Maddie’s Cart has been pushing the City for 18 months to allow “sanctioned camping” on authorized city property.

Portland Homeless Family Solutions Update
PHFS families participated again in the Lullaby Project this year. Parents created the most beautiful songs for their kids! Listen to the full album here. And you can read more about the Lullaby Project and PHFS's partnership with the Oregon Symphony here.

Havurah's BLM Resource Page
Check out our new Black Lives Matter resource page for more info!

Let's Help Each Other

If you are facing financial hardship from a loss of employment, decrease in income, or any other impact of this crisis; or, if you would benefit from the support of community members for grocery shopping, errands, or any other concrete needs, for any reason, please contact Rabbi Benjamin at benjamin.barnett@havurahshalom.org or 503-248-4662 ext. 3.

If you would like to be on a list of people to support others in concrete ways, such as grocery shopping or running other errands, please contact Susan Lazareck or Rabbi Benjamin at the email above.