HAVURAH HAPPENINGS - (1) Upcoming Shabbat (2) Purim Celebration (3) Jewish Parenting: What is Going on in There Anyway? (4) Last Thursday IMIrJ I.C.E. Vigil (5) Music MeetUp - A Time to Play (6) Book Discussion Group (7) Portland Homeless Family Solutions (8) Kabbalat Shabbat (9) Discovering Shabbat Morning (10) Save the Date for Havurah's Premiere Fundraising Party

ANNOUNCEMENTS - (1) Share Your Hopes for the Coming Year (2) Shabbat Morning Service-Maker Volunteers (3) Rosh Chodesh Openings

(1) Upcoming Shabbat

Community Minyan, Saturday, Feb. 24, 10:00 am-12:00 pm - This Saturday, Maria Lisa Johnson, Roger Brewer, Michele Goldschmidt, Laura Orgel, Arleen Slive, and Sam Sirkin will lead, drash, and read Torah as we explore the parsha Tetzaveh ("You Shall Command"). In addition to reading about the priestly garments and the mysterious urim and thummim in the parsha, we will read a passage in Devarim describing the defeat of Amalek. We read this each year just before Purim, as Haman is thought to be a descendent of Amalek. "Purim" means "lots," and some have speculated that the urim and thummim might have been used to cast lots. (Above photo is from the We Are In Israel website.)

Kiddush Lunch after Community Minyan - After a morning of tefillah (prayer) and Torah, the body gets hungry! The Spiritual Life Committee invites you to please stay for a Kiddush lunch or nosh after services this Shabbat. Come eat, schmooze, and connect. All are welcome.

Purim for Grownups, Saturday, Feb. 24, 3:00 pm - This adult education class will be facilitated by Rabbi Benjamin, and it is open to everyone. In certain circles, Purim is thought of primarily as a children’s holiday. And while there is ample fun to be had for kids on that day, the themes of Purim are quite adult. The Scroll of Esther tells of a terrifyingly precarious chapter in the history of our people, and the name of the festival itself means “lots” or chance. In this way, Purim begs us to encounter life’s uncertain and precarious nature. In this session, we will engage with texts and themes connected to Purim, and reflect together upon the ways in which it asks us to engage with our lives.

(2) Purim 2018: Live the Chai Life!, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 6:00-8:30 pm - Come one, come all, for a night of joy, masquerade, and retelling the story of some courageous individuals from long ago whose valor saved the Jewish People. We will interweave some chanting of the Megillah with dramatic narration and off-the-wall spieling. Get ready to make some noise as we recount the fateful events that led to the spoiling of the wicked plot of you-know-who! Followed by dancing, revelry, pomp, circumstance and l'chaiims. Havurah will provide pizza, and people with last names starting with A-L are asked to bring a salad or side dish to share. People with last names starting with M-Z are asked to bring a dessert. All food should be on plates or in bowls ready to be served. RSVP here!

All are encouraged to bring hamantaschen and adult beverages to share!

Tzedakah - Please consider making a cash donation for Portland Homeless Family Solutions to support family homeless shelters or bring a book for children ages 1-10 to read at a local community center. Spanish or bilingual English/Spanish books are preferred. These books do not have to be new; well-loved books will also be treasured.

(3) Jewish Parenting: What is Going on in There Anyway? Windows into Adolescent Development, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 7:00-8:30 pm - Laura Orgel will help us clean some shmutz off the windows so that we can see more clearly. What is the work of adolescence? What physiological, mental, emotional, and behavioral changes might accompany that work? How do we, as parents, know when to sit tight (or loose) and when to worry? Deborah Eisenbach-Budner will provide a Jewish values and community framework for our learning about adolescent development. All parents and grandparents are welcome to participate in this frank and non-judgmental workshop. Led by Laura Orgel, Child & Family Therapist and Havurahnik, and Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, Education Director. Please RSVP here.

(4) Last Thursday IMIrJ I.C.E. Vigil - Thursday, Feb. 22, 10:00 am, Portland I.C.E. Building/Headquarters, 4310 SW Macadam Ave - All are welcome to gather in vigil as we express our support and love for families affected by I.C.E. detentions in Oregon. Join this monthly gathering to lift up the reality of what happens every day at the Portland I.C.E. facility - and participate in various, interfaith expressions and ritual in solidarity. Carpooling is encouraged as parking is very limited.

(5) Music MeetUp - A Time to Play, Sunday, Feb. 25, 4:00-7:00 pm, Havurah -  A great way to end the weekend!  And a great way to meet fellow Havurah folks who love making music. Any kind of music. Bring your voices, an instrument or two, a favorite song or two to share, and perhaps a nosh or beverage to share. Please RSVP to Ilene at ilene.safyan@havurahshalom.org with your name and how many people are coming ... and if you might be bringing something for potluck. (The above photo from Wikimedia is of a painting by Gerard van Honthorst.)

(6) Book Discussion Group, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 7:00-8:30 pm - Please join us for a discussion of The Yiddish Policeman’s Union by Michael Chabon. After 60 years of prosperity for Jewish refugees and their descendants in the "temporary" safe haven of Sitka, created in the wake of the Holocaust, their home is set to revert to Alaskan control. Homicide detective Meyer Landsman has enough problems in his life, his marriage, and his career. But as he investigates a murder that is committed in the hotel where he lives, Landsman contends with all the powerful forces of faith, obsession, evil, and salvation that are his heritage. The discussion will be led by Maud Naroll, who says “One of my favorites, this is an alternative reality, detective, love story, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny page turner.” RSVP here.

(7) Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS) Goose Hollow Shelter, Havurah Volunteer Night - Havurah's next monthly Adopt-a-Night volunteering at Goose Hollow Shelter, 1838 SW Jefferson will be on Thursday, March 1. For information about PHFS, contact Gloria Halper, losninos6@gmail.com, or John Devlin, john.t.devlin@gmail.com.

(8) Kabbalat Shabbat, Friday, March 9, 7:30-8:30 pm - Join one of Portland’s most musical and spirited Shabbat gatherings, led by Rabbi Benjamin and our talented Havurah musicians. Childcare is available. The service is preceded by a catered dinner at 6:30 pm, which requires advance registration. Due to space limitations, we must limit seats for the dinner, so please sign up as soon as possible to be assured of a seat.  Registration will close when seats are filled; however, RSVP no later than noon on Wednesday, March 7. If your RSVP is being mailed, please let the office know. RSVP for the dinner here. All are welcome to attend the service at 7:30 pm - no RSVP required. If you are unable to attend the dinner, we hope you will join us for services starting at 7:30 pm.

(9) Discovering Shabbat Morning, Saturday, March 10, 10:00-11:30 am - Join this upbeat workshop/minyan where we will walk through the Shabbat morning service, learn about the general structure of the service, the key themes and prayers, and some of the choreography. We will practice some prayers together and answer questions. This service is especially for families with youth in grades 5 and up who are in the B’nai Mitzvah process, all adults who are curious or perplexed, and anybody else. Childcare is available every Saturday morning for children 0-9. Please RSVP in advance for childcare.

(10) Save the Date, May 6, for Havurah's Premier Fundraising Party! - Make connections, meet old and new friends, and have a good time! Join us in shaping/creating this event. We welcome you to join the planning committee to help create a beautiful, fun and community building event at our building. We’ll need your energy and input to make this a success! Please contact Nancy Becker at nancyjbecker@gmail.com or Fran Berg at bergfr@gmail.com to tell us how you’d like to participate in the planning. We welcome everyone, no matter how big or small your efforts may be. It’s gonna be fun!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(1) Sharing Your Hopes - Thank you to the 65 people who already completed our annual survey! For those of you who didn't see the "Share Your Hopes" email last Friday, here's a summary of it and a link to the survey: As Passover and Spring approach, Havurah members are invited to share their hopes for the coming year to help in planning upcoming programs and activities. This year’s survey reflects a wide range of activities – some old, some new, some just being formed. Inspiring plans are underway!  Please take a moment to share your ideas and interests with us.

(2) Shabbat Morning Service-Maker Volunteers – Our community Shabbat services are lay-led and rely on a core of volunteers with Rabbi Benjamin. We want to make sure everyone is aware of the opportunity to contribute and learn. We want to expand and diversify the cohort who make Shabbat morning community services happen. If you are interested in learning more about how to plug-in click here.

(3) Havurah Shalom Rosh Chodesh Group, Meets once a month on Rosh Chodesh (Jewish new moon), Location rotates among different members' homes - Calling all Havurah female-identified teens and women! Did you know Havurah Shalom has a Rosh Chodesh group? Every month we gather to celebrate the new moon, learn about the events/holidays/history of each Jewish month, and enjoy a nosh. Our group has openings for two new members. Contact Liz Schwartz at schwartzelizabeth@yahoo.com for more information.

Please use this form to submit stories for this weekly community email. Submissions are due by noon on Tuesday each week.

Havurah Shalom is a vibrant, egalitarian, and diverse Jewish Reconstructionist community. Steeped in Jewish values, Havurah promotes spirituality, learning, and acts of social responsibility.

Find our calendar and learn more at www.havurahshalom.org.

825 NW 18th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
503-248-4662

HAVURAH HAPPENINGS - (1) Upcoming Shabbat (2) Live the Chai Life!: A Purim Celebration (3) Call for Actors, Writers, Chanters & Musicians! (4) Fundraiser Planning Meeting (5) Lev Tahor (Pure Heart) Chanting (6) Portland Homeless Family Solutions (7) February Book Discussion

ANNOUNCEMENTS - (1) Shabbat Morning Service-Maker Volunteers (2) After School Tutoring (3) English Conversation Hour (4) Rising Voices Fellowship (5) Community Concert-Neshama Carlebach

(2) Purim 2018: Live the Chai Life!, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 6:00-8:30 pm - Come one, come all, for a night of joy, masquerade, and retelling the story of some courageous individuals from long ago whose valor saved the Jewish People. We will interweave some chanting of the Megillah with dramatic narration and off-the-wall spieling. Get ready to make some noise as we recount the fateful events that led to the spoiling of the wicked plot of you-know-who! Followed by dancing, revelry, pomp, circumstance and l'chaiims. Havurah will provide pizza, and people with last names starting with A-L are asked to bring a salad or side dish to share. People with last names starting with M-Z are asked to bring a dessert. All food should be on plates or in bowls ready to be served. RSVP here!

Tzedakah - Please consider making a cash donation for Portland Homeless Family Solutions to support family homeless shelters, or bring a book for children ages 1-10 to read at a local community center. Spanish or bilingual English/Spanish books are preferred. These books do not have to be new; well-loved books will also be treasured.

(3) Calling All Actors, Writers, Chanters & Musicians for PURIM!

This year we will do a few short skits and musical numbers. Be a part of a group that rehearses in advance or one that just meets earlier on Feb. 28 for an improv performance. Screenwriter? Great! Write a script! Rehearsal dates TBD. Everyone welcome! Questions? Contact Ellen Regal, ellenregal@yahoo.com, 503-288-5042.

If you are interested in learning to chant a few verses of the Megillah, please contact Rabbi Benjamin at benjamin.barnett@havurahshalom.org.

(4) Planning Meeting for Havurah Fundraiser, Thursday, Feb. 8, 7:00-8:30 pm - Join us to help plan for our fundraising event on May 6. We have the basic framework set up and need your ideas to flesh out the picture. Fran Berg and Nancy Becker are coordinating. We love to plan parties and raise money and want to share the joy! Questions? Contact Nancy at nancyjbecker@gmail.com or Fran at bergfr@gmail.com. RSVP here if you can come to the meeting. And Save the Date! May 6, 4:00-8:00 pm - Let's celebrate! and raise some money! We've come a long way and have lots more to do. Come enjoy the company of your fellow Havurahniks, eat, drink and be merry, and help raise a bunch of money so we can continue to be the great community that we all love so much.

(5) Lev Tahor (Pure Heart) Chanting, Monday, Feb. 12, 7:00 pm - We will gather to lift sacred phrases through melody, harmony, and rhythm in order to open our hearts, clarify our minds, and cultivate qualities such as gratefulness and compassion. Interspersed with periods of silent meditation, the chanting will be guided by teachings and intentions from Rabbi Benjamin. Each of these gatherings on the second Monday of the month is open to anyone – no experience, musical ability, or commitment necessary. Lev Tahor chanting is free for members; non-members are asked to make a small donation to Havurah.

(6) Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS), Volunteers Needed at Three Sites - A New Temporary Family Winter Shelter (FWS) at Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) is open nightly, 6:00-9:00 pm, through April. Orientations required before volunteering are Feb. 7 & 15, 4:30-5:30 pm. The 75-space capacity shelter is for families with children and is starting with only adult volunteers (18 years and older). Daily 25 people from the FWS are invited to the 13 Salmon Day Shelter, 1010 SW 13th Ave, so more volunteers are needed there, too. Next orientation at 13 Salmon is Feb. 8, 6:15 pm. Havurah also is continuing our Adopt-a-Night volunteering at Goose Hollow Shelter, 1838 SW Jefferson. Orientations are required, and will be held at 1838 SW Jefferson on Feb. 12 & 15, at 5:00 pm. RSVP to Bethany@pdxhfs.org with name of shelter and date of orientation. For general information about PHFS, contact Gloria Halper, losninos6@gmail.com, or John Devlin, john.t.devlin@gmail.com.

(7) Havurah Book Discussion Group, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 7:00-8:30 pm - Please join us for a discussion of The Yiddish Policeman’s Union by Michael Chabon. After 60 years of prosperity for Jewish refugees and their descendants in the "temporary" safe haven of Sitka, created in the wake of the Holocaust, their home is set to revert to Alaskan control. Homicide detective Meyer Landsman has enough problems in his life, his marriage, and his career. But as he investigates a murder that is committed in the hotel where he lives, Landsman contends with all the powerful forces of faith, obsession, evil, and salvation that are his heritage. The discussion will be led by Maud Naroll, who says “One of my favorites, this is an alternative reality, detective, love story, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny page turner.” RSVP here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(1) Shabbat Morning Service-Maker Volunteers – Our community Shabbat services are lay-led and rely on a core of volunteers with Rabbi Benjamin. We want to make sure everyone is aware of the opportunity to contribute and learn. We want to expand and diversify the cohort who make Shabbat morning community services happen. If you are interested in learning more about how to plug-in click here.

(2) After School Tutoring, Wednesday & Thursdays, 3:00-4:15 pm, Baltazar Ortiz Community Center, 6736 NE Killingsworth - Can you devote an hour or two once a week to tutor some of the city’s most disadvantaged children? You'll enjoy every minute with these great kids. As a Sanctuary congregation, Havurah partners with the Ortiz Center, a Multnomah County health facility working with Latino and East African refugees and immigrants. No teaching experience is needed, just a knowledge of basic math and reading. We know you can't be there every week. We will work with you on scheduling. RSVP to rosenthalpdx@comcast.net or moskovitzj@gmail.com with your name and dates you are available. The county asks people to complete a background check form and provide a copy of their driver's license.

(3) English Conversation Hour, Tuesdays, Noon-1:00 pm - Our Sanctuary work is growing at the Ortiz Community Center. When we began with this diverse immigrant group, we stepped in to keep their ELL program going. During class the issue of practicing English arose, which has led to another volunteer opportunity! Come join a group of animated, enthused people as they work their way through our complicated language during an hour of conversational activities. Tuesdays, Noon-1:00 pm, 6736 NE Killingsworth. Please RSVP to Julie Hastings at julie.hastings64@gmail.com to let her know which Tuesday you are coming.

(4) Rising Voices Fellowship for Female-Identified 10th-12th Graders - Calling all female-identified teens in grades 10-12 who are passionate about feminism, Judaism, social justice, and writing! Jewish Women's Archives is now accepting applications for the 2018-19 Rising Voices Fellowship. Applications, FAQ and more information about the fellowship can be found at jwa.org/risingvoices. Applications are due by March 28.

(5) PDX Community Concert with Neshama, Sunday, Feb. 11, 4:30 pm, Congregation Neveh Shalom - Join Neshama Carlebach and her full band at Congregation Neveh Shalom for a soulful concert that will raise the spirits of Portlanders of all ages. Neshama Carlebach, a leading superstar in Jewish entertainment, is continuing the legacy established by her father, Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. Questions? Contact Saul Korin at skorin@oregonjcc.org. Buy tickets online here. 

Please use this form to submit stories for this weekly community email. Submissions are due by noon on Tuesday each week.

Havurah Shalom is a vibrant, egalitarian, and diverse Jewish Reconstructionist community. Steeped in Jewish values, Havurah promotes spirituality, learning, and acts of social responsibility.

Find our calendar and learn more at www.havurahshalom.org.

825 NW 18th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
503-248-4662

HAVURAH HAPPENINGS - (1) Tu B'Shevat (2) Upcoming Shabbat (3) Papers: Stories of Undocumented Youth (4) PHFS Adopt-A-Night + CBI Shelter (5) B'nai Mitzvah Planning Basics + B'nai Mitzvah: Why, When, How? (6) Kabbalat Shabbat (7) Calling All Purim Writers, Actors & Musicians (8) Fundraiser Planning Meeting & Save the Date! (9) Family Shabbat (10) Lev Tahor (Pure Heart) Chanting

ANNOUNCEMENTS - (1) After School Tutoring (2) English Conversation Hour (3) Awaken Your Inner Keyboard (4) Rising Voices Fellowship (5) Community Concert - Neshama Carlebach (6) Guides for Rachel's Well

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(1) Today is Tu B'Shevat, the Jewish holiday celebrating trees. Following months of gray skies, the days have begun to lengthen, sap is rising, and buds are forming on trees and shrubs. It's an opportunity to feel hope and gratitude! Below is a photo of The Lawrence Tree, by Georgia O'Keeffe, from the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. (The painting isn't upside down. The artist saw this scene while on her back, looking up.)

(3) Papers: Stories of Undocumented Youth - Screening and Panel Discussion, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 6:30-8:30 pm - Join Havurah's middle and high school students for a special screening of an important and timely documentary.  "Papers: Stories of Undocumented Youth" highlights the challenges faced by young people without legal status. A panel discussion will follow the film, led by producer Rebecca Shine of Graham Street Productions and joined by two youths deeply affected by these issues. Every day 122 Dreamers may lose their DACA status, making them undocumented in the only country they have known. Come be part of this vital discussion, hosted by the Havurah Sanctuary Committee. No RSVP is required. Questions? Contact shari.raider@gmail.com.

(4) Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS), Volunteers Needed at Three Sites - A New Temporary Family Winter Shelter (FWS) at Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) is open nightly, 6:00-9:00 pm, through April. Orientations required before volunteering are Feb. 7 and 15, 4:30-5:30 pm. The 75-space capacity shelter is for families with children, and is starting with only adult volunteers (18 years and older). Daily 25 people from the FWS are invited to the 13 Salmon Day Shelter, 1010 SW 13th Ave, so more volunteers are needed there, too. Next orientation at 13 Salmon is Feb. 8, 6:15 pm. Havurah also is continuing our Adopt-a-Night volunteering at Goose Hollow Shelter, 1838 SW Jefferson. Orientations are required, and will be held at 1838 SW Jefferson on Feb. 12 and Feb. 15, at 5:00 pm. RSVP to Bethany@pdxhfs.org with name of shelter and date of orientation. For general information about PHFS, contact Gloria Halper, losninos6@gmail.com, or John Devlin, john.t.devlin@gmail.com. The next Adopt-a-Night is Thursday, Feb. 1, 6:30 pm, at Goose Hollow Shelter.

(5) B'nai Mitzvah Planning Basics, Saturday, Feb. 3, 3:15 pm - The logistics of B’nai Mitzvah planning and set up at Havurah is the focus of this workshop. Parents will learn about reserving and using Havurah’s spaces and the items in them (like tables, plates, etc.) from Havurah Office & Facilities Manager Rachel Pollak. A new addition to this workshop is a deeper dive into “event planning,” led by Havurah member, Chari Smith. RSVP here.

The B'nai Mitzvah: Why, When, How? on Sunday, Feb. 4, 10:00 am - This workshop was formerly known as Date Selection Meeting, and it is specifically for families in the 2019-20 cohort and families who do not yet have a B'nai Mitzvah date. This workshop intends to launch families on the B’nai Mitzvah journey. Rabbi Benjamin will begin with a focus on the rite of passage itself, and then families will learn about the date selection process. Rabbi Benjamin, David Newman, and Michael Evans will lead this workshop. RSVP here.

(6) Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner & Service, Friday, Feb. 9, 6:30 pm Dinner, 7:30 pm Service - Our next Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner & Service will be Friday, Feb. 9, 6:30 pm (dinner) and 7:30 pm (service). Join us for an evening of music and celebration with Rabbi Benjamin and Havurah musicians. The catered vegetarian dinner begins at 6:30 pm, with nut-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free options, followed by the service at 7:30 pm. Registration is required for the dinner. PLEASE RSVP BY THE DEADLINE to help our Kabbalat Shabbat planners prepare for the evening. If you miss the deadline, your name can be added to a wait list, so you can be notified if we have cancellations. Register here! No RSVP is required for the 7:30 pm service; all are welcome! Questions? Email rachel@havurahshalom.org.

(7) Purim 2018: Live the Chai Life!, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 6:00-8:30 pm - Come one, come all, for a night of joy, masquerade, and retelling the story of some courageous individuals from long ago whose valor saved the Jewish People. We will interweave some chanting of the Megillah with dramatic narration and off-the-wall spieling. Get ready to make some noise as we recount the fateful events that led to the spoiling of the wicked plot of you-know-who! Followed by dancing, revelry, pomp, circumstance and l'chaims. Havurah will provide pizza, and people with last names starting with A-L are asked to bring a salad or side dish to share. People with last names starting with M-Z are asked to bring a dessert. All food should be on plates or in bowls ready to be served. RSVP here!

Calling All Actors, Writers, Chanters & Musicians for PURIM!

This year we will do a few short skits and musical numbers. Be a part of a group that rehearses in advance or one that just meets earlier on Feb. 28 for an improv performance. Screenwriter? Great! Write a script! Rehearsal dates TBD. Everyone welcome! Questions? Contact Ellen Regal, ellenregal@yahoo.com, 503-288-5042.

If you are interested in learning to chant a few verses of the Megillah, please contact Rabbi Benjamin at benjamin.barnett@havurahshalom.org.

(8) Planning Meeting for Havurah Fundraiser, Thursday, Feb. 8, 7:00-8:30 pm - Join us to help plan for our fundraising event on May 6. We have the basic framework set up, and need your ideas to flesh out the picture. Fran Berg and Nancy Becker are coordinating. We love to plan parties and raise money and want to share the joy! Questions? Contact Nancy at nancyjbecker@gmail.com or Fran at bergfr@gmail.com. RSVP here to let us know if you are coming.

Save the Date! May 6, 4:00-8:00 pm - Let's celebrate! and raise some money!
We've come a long way and have lots more to do. Come enjoy the company of your fellow Havurahniks, eat, drink and be merry, and help raise a bunch of money so we can continue to be the great community that we all love so much. Details forthcoming.

(9) Family Shabbat Morning, Saturday, Feb. 10, 10:30 am-12:00 noon - Especially for families with children in grades K-6. Our community will gather together for an uplifting morning of family activities including Torah exploration, singing, and celebration - and a little nosh, too! RSVP here.

(10) Lev Tahor (Pure Heart) Chanting, Monday, Feb. 12, 7:00 pm - We will gather to lift sacred phrases through melody, harmony, and rhythm in order to open our hearts, clarify our minds, and cultivate qualities such as gratefulness and compassion. Interspersed with periods of silent meditation, the chanting will be guided by teachings and intentions from Rabbi Benjamin. Each of these gatherings is open to anyone – no experience, musical ability, or commitment necessary. Second Monday of each month. Lev Tahor Chanting is free for members; non-members are asked to make a small donation.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(1) After School Tutoring, Wednesday & Thursdays, 3:00-4:15 pm, Baltazar Ortiz Community Center, 6736 NE Killingsworth - Can you devote an hour or two once a week to tutor some of the city’s most disadvantaged children? You'll enjoy every minute with these great kids. As a Sanctuary congregation, Havurah partners with the Ortiz Center, a Multnomah County health facility working with Latino and East African refugees and immigrants. No teaching experience is needed, just a knowledge of basic math and reading. We know you can't be there every week. We will work with you on scheduling. RSVP to rosenthalpdx@comcast.net or moskovitzj@gmail.com with your name and dates you are available. The county asks people to complete a background check form and provide a copy of their driver's license.

(2) English Conversation Hour, Tuesdays, Noon-1:00 pm - Our Sanctuary work is growing at the Ortiz Community Center. When we began with this diverse immigrant group, we stepped in to keep their ELL program going. During class the issue of practicing English arose, which has led to another volunteer opportunity! Come join a group of animated, enthused people as they work their way through our complicated language during an hour of conversational activities. Tuesdays, Noon-1:00 pm, 6736 NE Killingsworth. Please RSVP to Julie Hastings at julie.hastings64@gmail.com to let her know which Tuesday you are coming.

(3) Writing Group - Awaken Your Inner Keyboard - Do you like to write? David Kertzner and Sharon Reyes are organizing a Havurah adult writers workshop for anyone who wants to explore writing from any level. They want to bring people together for eight sessions culminating in a Friday night reading and oneg in June. Dates TBD, but they expect to meet every other week for two-hour sessions, starting mid-late February or March, at Havurah and/or willing participants’ homes. David has offered to lead the sessions which will include a warm-up activity, followed by sharing of writing and supportive feedback. Writers may continue meeting after the reading. They’d like to cap the group at eight. Questions? Email (or RSVP to) David, dkertzner@proactive-english.com, or email Sharon, adelmanreyes12@yahoo.com.

(4) Rising Voices Fellowship for Female-Identified 10th-12th Graders - Calling all female-identified teens in grades 10-12 who are passionate about feminism, Judaism, social justice, and writing! Jewish Women's Archives is now accepting applications for the 2018-19 Rising Voices Fellowship. Applications, FAQ and more information about the fellowship can be found at jwa.org/risingvoices. Applications are due by March 28.

(5) PDX Community Concert with Neshama, Sunday, Feb. 11, 4:30 pm, Congregation Neveh Shalom - Join Neshama Carlebach and her full band at Congregation Neveh Shalom for a soulful concert that will raise the spirits of Portlanders of all ages. Neshama Carlebach, a leading superstar in Jewish entertainment, is continuing the legacy established by her father, Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. Questions? Contact Saul Korin at skorin@oregonjcc.org. Buy tickets online here. 

(6) Guides Needed for Rachel's Well - We were excited to celebrate the Grand Opening of Rachel’s Well Community Mikvah a week ago Sunday. This was the culmination of a great deal of planning and the input and efforts of many in our community to bring to life a mikvah that is open and accessible for traditional and contemporary use. The mikvah has been in operation for nearly three months, and we’ve learned many things along the way to better serve our community’s mikvah needs. One of the most important: WE NEED MORE GUIDES! To learn more, call 503-245-6449.

Please use this form to submit stories for this weekly community email. Submissions are due by noon on Tuesday each week.

Havurah Shalom is a vibrant, egalitarian, and diverse Jewish Reconstructionist community. Steeped in Jewish values, Havurah promotes spirituality, learning, and acts of social responsibility.

Find our calendar and learn more at www.havurahshalom.org.

825 NW 18th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
503-248-4662

HAVURAH HAPPENINGS - (1) Upcoming Shabbat & Installation of Rabbi Benjamin (2) Music Rehearsal (3) PHFS Volunteering (4) Parents, Let's Talk Race (5) Book Discussion (6) Dorot: Short & Sweet Shabbat (7) Discovering Shabbat Morning Learners' Minyan (8) "Papers: Stories of Undocumented Youth" (9) How to Love with All Your Heart, Soul & Might

ANNOUNCEMENTS - (1) Rachel's Well Mikvah Grand Opening (2) Lotsa Helping Hands Leads Needed (3) Awaken Your Inner Keyboard (4) Creative Energy Abounding! (5) Steering Committee Minutes (6) Never Again: A Jewish Response to the Rohingya Crisis (7) Weekend In Quest

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Installation of Rabbi Benjamin, 5:15 pm, Pizza and Veggies; 6:00 pm, Ceremony- This Saturday, Havurah will officially welcome Rabbi Benjamin and his family in an installation ceremony, and we want you to join the festivities! This will be a participatory, multigenerational event, inclusive of all ages and abilities.

The celebration will begin after Shabbat School, around 5:15 pm, with pizza and veggies. This event is BYOB--bring your own beer or wine. The installation ceremony, centered on the Havdalah ritual, will include music (of course!) and a passing of the Torah through generations to Benjamin.

PLEASE BRING FOOD: 1. Veggies must be cut and plated. 2. No dips are needed because Havurah will provide dairy and non-dairy dips. 3. All desserts must be easy to pick up with fingers (cut into small sizes), ready to serve, and labeled if they contain nuts or are gluten free or vegan. 4. BYOB - We will have an adult beverage table and Havurah will provide water and La Criox soft drinks. Contact Fran Berg for food-related needs at bergfr@gmail.com.

(2) Music Rehearsal for Installation, Thursday, Jan. 18, 7:00 pm - If you didn't attend the installation rehearsal on Monday, please plan on attending on Thursday. No RSVP is necessary, though Ilene would like to know who wants to participate. You can email her at ilene.safyan@havurahshalom.org.

(3) Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS) Every Night, 6:00-9:00 pm, Beth Israel - A new temporary winter night shelter is operated by PHFS at Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) through April 30. The 75 space capacity is for families with children.The shelter is starting with only adult volunteers (18 years and older). Volunteers are needed! Orientations at CBI: Jan.18 at 1:00 pm and Jan. 24 at 4:30 pm.There will be more orientations. If you are interested in attending an orientation, email losninos6@gmail.com with orientation date.

Direct Service Project, One Thursday a Month, 1838 SW Jefferson - Havurah is continuing our Adopt-a-Night volunteering at Goose Hollow Shelter. To volunteer, an hour-long orientation is required. On Jan. 22, 5:00-6:00 pm, an orientation is offered at Goose Hollow, 1838 SW Jefferson.Please RSVP to Bethany@pdxhfs.org. For more info about PHFS, contact Gloria Halper or John Devlin.

(4) Parents - Let's Talk Race, Sunday, Jan. 21, 1:00-4:00 pm - This is an anti-racism workshop for parents and caregivers of young children, facilitated by and for parents who benefit from white privilege. It is organized by the Portland Chapter of Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ), Family Action. SURJ is a national group of individuals and groups organizing white people for racial justice. Learn more about the objectives and expectations of the workshop, and RSVP here.

(5) January Book Group Discussion, Tuesday, Jan. 23, 7:00-8:30 pm - Please join us for discussion of The Mathematician’s Shiva by Stuart Rojstaczer. A prominent Russian mathematician dies. The story is written from the point of view of her son, who tries to understand his brilliant mother. The 400 eminent mathematicians who show up to honor her want to see if she left clues to solve an important math enigma. The book includes pieces written by the mother as well as interactions among the family and the mathematicians. This discussion will be led by Carolina Martinez. Please RSVP here.

(6) Dorot: Short & Sweet Shabbat, Friday, Jan. 26, 6:00 pm - Join us for this casual, family-friendly, and music-filled service. Beginning with candle lighting, Kiddush and challah, the service continues with prayers and music, followed by a vegetarian potluck dinner. Led by Jacob Mandelsberg, Sarah Shine, Gabe Adoff, Tanja Lux, and Ilene Moss. 6:00 pm Service, 6:45 pm Potluck. Please RSVP here.

(7) Discovering Shabbat Morning Learners’ Minyan, Saturday, Jan. 27, 10:00-11:30 am - Join this upbeat workshop/minyan, led by Rabbi Benjamin, where we will walk through the Shabbat morning service, learn about the general structure of the service, the key themes and prayers, and some of the choreography. We will practice some prayers together and answer questions. This service is especially for families with youth in grades 5 and up who are in the B’nai Mitzvah process, all adults who are curious or perplexed, and anybody else. Childcare is available every Saturday morning for children 0-9. Please RSVP in advance for childcare.

(8) Papers: Stories of Undocumented Youth - Screening and Panel Discussion, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 6:30-8:30 pm - Join Havurah's middle and high school students for a special screening of an important and timely documentary.  "Papers: Stories of Undocumented Youth" highlights the challenges faced by young people without legal status. A panel discussion will follow the film, led by producer Rebecca Shine of Graham Street Productions and joined by two youths deeply affected by these issues. Every day 122 Dreamers may lose their DACA status, making them undocumented in the only country they have known. Come be part of this vital discussion, hosted by the Havurah Sanctuary Committee. Questions? Contact shari.raider@gmail.com.  No RSVP necessary.

(9) How to Love with All Your Heart, Soul, and Might: Listening to the Shema, Wednesdays, March 7, 14, 21; April 11, 18, 25; May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 - The words of the Shema, and the prayers surrounding it in every service, are about love—how to give love, how to receive love, how to live with love at the center of our personal and cosmic universes. There is no Hallmark fluff, here, though! These prayers are pragmatic and visionary, affirming and aggravating. Word-by-word, we will study these few prayers to understand their complex meanings as well as our own sensibilities. Participants need to be able to sound out Hebrew words. (See our Hebrew class taught in January-February.) Taught by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner. Register here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS - (1) Grand Opening of Rachel's Well Community Mikvah (ritual immersion bathhouse), Sunday, Jan. 21, 3:00 pm, 6655 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland – Friends and supporters and those just curious are invited to the grand opening of Rachel’s Well. Short tours are available by reservation only from 2:00-3:00 pm at mikvah@jewishportland.org; Ribbon cutting, speakers and refreshments at 3:00 pm; "A Conversation About Mikvah" panel discussion, with Havurah's Deborah Eisenbach-Budner as facilitator, at 4:00 pm. Learn more about Rachel’s Well at tinyurl.com/yaqk487s. Questions? Contact Deborah at deborah@havurahshalom.org. Photo below is from Oregon Jewish Life.

(2) EXTRA: Pastoral Care/Lotsa Helping Hands- The Pastoral Care Team is taking Lotsa Helping Hands under our wing and we're looking for a couple of people to manage and expand the website. Time commitment is less than an hour per community need and the technology is fairly easy. We'd love at least two people representing more than one age cohort. This is a perfect opportunity for someone skilled in social outreach who can assess needs and communicate them to our helping community. If you're interested, please email Sandy at sandylou29@yahoo.com.

(3) Writing Group - Awaken Your Inner Keyboard - Do you like to write? David Kertzner and Sharon Reyes are organizing a Havurah adult writers workshop for anyone who wants to explore writing from any level. They want to bring people together for eight sessions culminating in a Friday night reading and oneg in June. Dates TBD, but they expect to meet every other week for two-hour sessions, starting mid-late February or March, at Havurah and/or willing participants’ homes. David has offered to lead the sessions which will include a warm-up activity, followed by sharing of writing and supportive feedback. Writers may continue meeting after the reading. They’d like to cap the group at eight. Questions? Email (or RSVP to) David, dkertzner@proactive-english.com, or email Sharon, adelmanreyes12@yahoo.com.

(4) Creative Energy Abounding! - Let’s meet for two hours (come late/leave early) to work on individual art or arts & crafts projects. Time/ frequency to be determined. If interested, contact Eileen Deerdock by email or text: Deerdock@aol.com or 503-928-1910 (I'm a new member, but my photo is in the directory.)

(5) Steering Committee Meeting Minutes, Dec. 2017 - You can read the minutes from our Steering Committee Meeting in December here. 

(6) Never Again: A Jewish Response to the Rohingya Crisis, Monday, Jan. 29, 6:30-8:30 pm, Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, 724 NW Davis St, Portland - The Royingya are a majority Muslim ethnic minority who have been ruthlessly oppressed by the Myanmar military, suffering indiscriminate killings, forced evacuations, rape and other forms of violence. Approximately 700,000 Royingya have been forced to flee their homes since August and only about 400,000 Rohingya remain in Myanmar. 120,000 of those are kept in concentration camps. Learn more about the evening here.

(7) Weekend in Quest, March 2-4, Holiday Inn Express, Astoria - The 12th annual Shabbaton of study and community. This year's Topic: Jewish Masculinity & Femininity in the Premodern World. Scholars: Rena Lauer & Yiftach Osterloh of OSU. Register and pay at www.weekendinquest.org or pick up a brochure at Havurah use the form to mail in your check. For more information, email mimiepstein42@comcast.net. REGISTRATION IS NOW FULL, BUT YOU CAN ADD YOUR NAME TO THE WAITLIST BY CONTACTING MIMI.

Please use this form to submit stories for this weekly community email. Submissions are due by noon on Tuesday each week.

Havurah Shalom is a vibrant, egalitarian, and diverse Jewish Reconstructionist community. Steeped in Jewish values, Havurah promotes spirituality, learning, and acts of social responsibility.

Find our calendar and learn more at www.havurahshalom.org.

825 NW 18th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
503-248-4662

(1) Upcoming Shabbat (2) RSVP for Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner by Monday! (3) Volunteers Needed for Measure 101 Telethon (4) Exploring Our Assumptions: How Do We Live in a Diverse World? (5) Orientations for PHFS Shelters (6) Volunteering with Tikkun Olam Adelante (7) Installation of Rabbi Benjamin (8) Parents, Let's Talk Race (9) January Book Group Discussion (10) Never Again: A Jewish Response to the Rohingya Crisis (11) Creative Energy Abounding (12) Goose Hollow Kid Time Host Training

Community Minyan Kiddush Lunch Is Back - After we feed our souls, it’s time to feed our bellies! What’s for lunch? The Spiritual Life Committee will provide a veggie lasagna and tossed greens. We welcome you to contribute side salads, fruit, cookies, etc. We’re also looking for some people to help with set up and clean up. Let’s eat!

Shabbat School and Hebrew classes start up again this Saturday.

(2) Kabbalat Shabbat, Friday, Jan. 12, 6:30 pm Dinner & 7:30 pm Service - Join us on Jan. 12 for our next Kabbalat Shabbat dinner and service. The service will be led by Rabbi Benjamin and an array of talented musicians: Beth Hamon, guitar and vocals; Scott Snyder, mandolin; Steven Sandberg-Lewis, mandolin or guitar; Jacob Mandelsberg, guitar; Tanja Lux, violin; Karen Stolzberg, cajon; Barry Lavine, melodica; Chava Wolin, ukulele; Chaim Wolin, clarinet. The vegetarian Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner begins at 6:30 pm, followed by the service at 7:30 pm. We offer dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free choices, and all are invited to bring wine or juice to celebrate Shabbat. Childcare is available for kids age 2 to 8. Please RSVP here by Jan. 8.  Cost adjustments are available by calling 503-248-4662.

(3) Yes on Measure 101 Telethon, Sunday, Jan. 7, 12:00-3:00 pm - YOUR HELP IS NEEDED. On Jan. 23, Oregon voters will decide whether to ensure that the state’s most vulnerable citizens continue to have access to health care. Voting YES on Measure 101 will enable Oregon to continue insuring low-income Oregonians. Measure 101 protects health care coverage for one in four Oregonians, including 400,000 kids. Havurah has joined over 100 groups in endorsing Measure 101. Your help is needed to ensure it passes. Please come and help call your fellow Havurah members to ask them to vote for Measure 101. A good time is guaranteed. Pizza and snacks provided. If you are able to volunteer, please contact David Newman at davnew2@earthlink.net to be put on the list.

(4) Exploring Our Assumptions: How Do We Live in a Diverse World?, Tuesdays, Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30 and Feb. 6, 13, 7:00-9:00 pm - The first step in embracing diversity is acknowledging that we all carry assumptions and experiences that influence the way we interpret and interact with people we perceive as “not like us” or “the other." We will explore our personal and collective perspectives about diversity within an accepting and open format, using the book Waking Up White: And Finding Myself in the Story of Race, by Debby Irving, to provide an initial structure for discussion. Participants will read sections of the book prior to each class. We will use the ideas to prompt participants to explore their own assumptions and biases and discuss how our collective biases impact our interactions in a diverse world. Please RSVP here. Questions? Contact Susan Lazareck or Judy Steinberger.

(5) Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS) New Temporary Winter Shelter at Beth Israel - A new temporary winter shelter operated by PHFS at Congregation Beth Israel offers overnight shelter to our homeless neighbors until April 30. The shelter will start with only adult volunteers (18 years and older). Volunteers are needed! If you are interested in attending an orientation, email Bethany Rocci.

Adopt-a-Night at PHFS Goose Hollow Shelter - Havurah is continuing our Adopt-a-Night volunteering at Goose Hollow Shelter. To volunteer, an hour-long orientation is required. On Jan. 8, 6:15-7:15 pm, an orientation will be offered at 13 Salmon (the PHFS day shelter receiving 25 more people each day from the new winter shelter at Beth Israel). On Jan. 18, 5:00-6:00 pm, an orientation is offered at Goose Hollow, 1838 SW Jefferson. Please RSVP to Bethany@pdxhfs.org with your name and the date and location of the orientation you're interested in attending. For more info about PHFS, contact Gloria Halper or John Devlin.

(6) Volunteering with Tikkun Olam Adelante, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:00-4:00 pm (volunteering with a group of Latino women and men once or twice a month) - The group Tikkun Olam Adelante grew out of Havurah's Sanctuary work. We wanted to work with Latinos who were and continue to be targeted. We meet our clients on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00-4:00 pm, who come in with a variety of issues: U visa help, job seeking, desire to start a small business, etc. You can sign up for once a month or more. If you are interested, please note that there is also the expectation of some time spent outside of a Tues./Thurs. shift. Please contact Gloria Halper. Pictured above are members of Havurah's Adelante group.

(7) Save This Date! Rabbi Benjamin Installation Ceremony, Saturday, Jan. 20, 5:15 pm - Havurah will officially welcome Rabbi Benjamin and his family in an installation ceremony, and we want you to join the festivities! This will be a participatory, multigenerational event, inclusive of all ages and abilities. The intention is for us to come together as a community and officially mark our transition and growth, as well as formally install Benjamin as our rabbi.
The celebration will begin after Shabbat School around 5:15 pm with pizza and veggies. The installation ceremony, centered on the Havdallah ritual, will include music (of course!), a passing of the Torah through generations to Rabbi Benjamin, and a few other components. EVERYONE is welcome and encouraged to attend this important moment in Havurah's past, present and future. More details will follow in the Havurah weekly emails. RSVP HERE. Questions? Email Fran Berg at bergfr@gmail.com. Remember to mark your calendars and join us on JANUARY 20!! —The Rabbi Transition Team

(8) Parents - Let's Talk Race, Sunday, Jan. 21, 1:00-4:00 pm - This is an anti-racism workshop for parents and caregivers of young children, facilitated by and for parents who benefit from white privilege. It is organized by the Portland Chapter of Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ), Family Action. SURJ is a national group of individuals and groups organizing white people for racial justice. Learn more about the objectives and expectations of the workshop, and RSVP HERE.

(9) January Book Group Discussion, Tuesday, Jan. 23, 7:00-8:30 pm - Please join us for discussion of The Mathematician’s Shiva by Stuart Rojstaczer. A prominent mathematician dies. She is a Russian woman, one of the most eminent brilliant mathematicians ever. The story is written from the point of view of her son who tries to understand his brilliant mother. There are 400 eminent mathematicians who show up to honor her, who also want to see if she left clues to solve a brilliant math enigma. The book includes pieces written by the mother herself as well as interactions among the family and the mathematicians. This discussion will be led by Carolina Martinez. Please RSVP here.

(10) Never Again: A Jewish Response to the Rohingya Crisis, Monday, Jan. 29, 6:30-8:30 pm, Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, 724 NW Davis St, Portland - The Royingya are a majority Muslim ethnic minority who have been ruthlessly oppressed by the Myanmar military, suffering indiscriminate killings, forced evacuations, rape and other forms of violence. Approximately 700,000 Royingya have been forced to flee their homes since August and only about 400,000 Rohingya remain in Myanmar. 120,000 of those are kept in concentration camps. Learn more about the evening here. The above photo of a Rohingya family is from VOA News.

(11) Creative Energy Abounding! - Let’s meet for two hours (come late/leave early) to work on individual art or arts and crafts projects. Time/ frequency to be determined. If interested, contact Eileen Deerdock by email or text: Deerdock@aol.com or 503-928-1910 (I'm a new member, but my photo is in the directory.)

(12) New Volunteer Resource: Goose Hollow Kid Time Host Training - This article from the July-August issue of Hakol, by Stefanie Hausman, gives great advice on providing effective support for parents and kids at the Goose Hollow Shelter. It is a must-read for anyone interested in volunteering with Portland Homeless Family Solutions at Goose Hollow. Questions? Contact Gloria Halper at losninos6@gmail.com or Rachel Pollak at rachel@havurahshalom.org.

Please use this form to submit stories for this weekly community email. Submissions are due by noon on Tuesday each week.

Havurah Shalom is a vibrant, egalitarian, and diverse Jewish Reconstructionist community. Steeped in Jewish values, Havurah promotes spirituality, learning, and acts of social responsibility.

Find our calendar and learn more at www.havurahshalom.org.

825 NW 18th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
503-248-4662