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A Look Into February
Reconstructing Judaism: An Exploration Wednesday, Feb. 5, 12, 19; 7 pm - 8:30 pm Facilitated by Rabbi Benjamin
What does it mean that Havurah is a member of Reconstructing Judaism? We will explore values and approaches that have inspired and guided the movement, engaging with material from founder Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan as well as contemporary Reconstructionist leaders. Sign up here!
Community Minyan Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 am - 12 pm
Our Community Minyan is a welcoming and spirited service that includes davening, Torah reading and discussion. Led by Rabbi Benjamin or community members. Lunch follows. Childcare is available.
Workshop: Safer Together Saturday, Feb. 8, 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm at Havurah
This workshop will offer common sense first aid actions to take in a variety of situations while awaiting the arrival of emergency services. Please note that this is not a certificate course. Led by Adela Basayne. Register here.
Climate Action Tu B'Shvat Seder Sunday, Feb. 9, 1 pm - 2:30 pm at Havurah
From mysticism, to forest marvels, to saviors that need our protection, this year Havurah’s Climate Action Team will join with Congregation P’nai Or to host our Climate Action Tu B’shvat seder. Through song, storytelling, prayer, and activism, our seder interweaves this sacred ritual and celebration of Trees and Renewal with our modern forest and climate crisis. A children's Tu B'Shvat seder will be taking place simultaneously for youth elementary school and younger. Older children are invited to the community seder. Both will be followed by a pot luck oneg of fruit-inspired treats. Please RSVP here.
Parenting with Multiple Layers Monday, Feb. 10 & 24, 7 pm - 8:30 pm Facilitated by Laura Orgel (psychologist, therapist) & Deborah Eisenbach-Budner
Parenting is challenging. Although each situation is unique and parenting experiences differ tremendously, mental or physical health conditions, addiction, history of trauma, and some kinds of disabilities can add another layer to parenting. These 2 sessions aim to begin to build a safe space for parents to be heard, break down the isolation that can come with parenting with many layers, and explore how Jewish community and Judaism can be helpful. Max. 8 participants (members of Havurah); commitment to confidentiality prior to attendance required. Please contact Laura at ljorgel@earthlink.net to indicate your interest in addition to signing up here.
Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation Tuesday, Feb. 11, 12 pm - 1 pm
We gather on Tuesdays, from 12 pm to 1 pm, to find some moments of quiet and shalom. Led by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, Rabbi Benjamin, Adela Basayne, and Nancy Becker.
Morning Minyan Wednesday, Feb. 12, 8:30 am - 9:00 am
For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish.
Alter Rockers' Russian Lunch Wednesday, Feb. 12, 11:30 am at Kachka: 960 SE 11th Ave.
Join us for delicious food at Kachka, considered by many as the best Russian restaurant in the country. Sign up here!
See Indecent with Havurahniks March 5; contact Deborah by Feb. 13 to be seated together
If you haven't seen Indecent already, or want to see it again locally, you have another chance. And you can see the play with Havurahniks! You can buy your own ticket or contact Deborah at deborah@havurahshalom.org by Feb. 13 to join the Havurah seating area, which she will organize. You can also contact her for more information. Purchase your own ticket here. Some of the themes of Indecent will reappear in the Havurah class on Intergenerational Conflict and Sexuality in Yiddish Poetry, starting in April.
Kabbalat Shabbat Friday, Feb. 14, 6:30 pm dinner & 7:30 pm service
Our catered vegetarian Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner begins at 6:30 pm, followed by a Kabbalat Shabbat Service at 7:30 pm. This event happens with the help of many volunteers. RSVP here, and please sign up for a volunteer spot by clicking here if you're able to help.
Mah Jongg Sunday, Feb. 16, 2 pm - 5 pm at Havurah
We meet on Sundays, which are determined by the Havurah calendar, so they are not consistent at this point. If you are interested in being on the list and would like more info, contact Gloria Halper directly.
Purim Leadership Needed! Sunday, Feb. 23, 10 am - 12 pm & Sunday, March 1, 10 am - 12 pm
Calling All Actors, Musicians, Chanters, Spielers, and Planners! Don't miss being a part of this year's celebration. Join the fun as we perform a few short skits to add to the joy of Purim. Dress up, become a king, queen, bad guy, or part of the crowd. We'll meet for a first rehearsal and brainstorming session on Sunday, Feb. 23, 10 am - 12 pm, with just one more rehearsal on Sunday, March 1, 10 am - 12 pm. All ages, past performers, levels of experience welcome. Purim celebration is on Monday, March 9. Contact Ellen Regal (see online Havurah directory) to sign up! In addition to spielers, we need megillah chanters. Please email Rabbi Benjamin if you're interested. Short readings with recordings happily provided.
Family Yizkor Service: Remembering Those We Loved Sunday, Feb. 23, 1 pm - 2 pm
Has your family lost a loved one, who you continue to remember with your children? We will gather to remember, share, sing, and reflect on the lives and the loss of dear ones – in a way that gently includes children and their experience. Your family loss may have been very recent or years ago. We are focusing this experience on children ages 4-14, but older and younger are also welcome. We ask that you bring a photo or an object that reminds you of the person you are remembering, as well as something that your family wants to share about that person through words. Please RSVP here by Feb 18. Led by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner and Rabbi Benjamin.
Book Group Discusses Kickdown by Rebecca Clarren Tuesday, Feb. 25, 7 pm - 8:30 pm Kickdown, the book for February’s meeting, will be attended and led by its author (and Havurah member), Rebecca Clarren! This opens up an unusual opportunity to dialogue directly with an author, something that we have not previously done. Don’t miss this! The novel is a gritty tale about rural America. Kickdown was shortlisted for the PEN/Bellweather Prize. Discussion led by Rebecca Clarren & Marjorie Walters.
Family Shabbat Saturday, Feb. 29, 10:30 am - 12 pm
Please join us for a fabulous morning of singing, storytelling, interactive Torah, community connections, and noshing. Especially for families with youth in Grades K–6 or those who want a boost of youthful energy. There will be time for parent-child engagement. Led by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, Rabbi Benjamin, and community members. Followed by potluck lunch. Please RSVP here by February 20 so we can plan accordingly.
Tikkun Olam
Interfaith Alliance on Poverty: First Thursday Monthly Meeting Thursday, Feb. 6, 12 pm - 2 pm at Beth Israel, 1972 NW Flanders St.
Guest speakers Nan Stark of Portland Bureau of Planning & Sustainability and Rev. Andy Goebel of Portsmouth Union Church discuss zoning code changes to facilitate development of affordable housing.
Interfaith Alliance on Poverty: Planning & Sustainability Hearing Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2 pm at 1900 SW 4th Ave., 2nd Floor, Room 2500
Help persuade city leadership to change the zoning code so that community-based organizations (such as faith communities) can build affordable housing on their land. Contact Steve Rudman (in the online Havurah directory) for details.
Community Conversation On Homelessness Thursday, Feb. 13, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm at Beaumont Middle School Cafeteria
To continue the discussion at the Portland Downtown Neighborhood Association’s Educational Forum on Homelessness, Mayor Wheeler is hosting several more community conversations across Portland to share how the City is addressing homelessness and to listen to your priorities and ideas tied to the issue. Space is limited and attendance is based on first-come, first-serve. Contact Gloria Halper (in the online Havurah directory) for more information.
Inside Havurah
Office & Facilities Manager on Vacation
Rachel will be out of the office until Monday, Feb. 10.
Accidental Coat Swap! A Message from Fran Berg
"So many black coats and jackets! This Saturday, Feb. 1, I mistakenly took a black Columbia Sportswear Black rain coat belted with a silver omni-heat lining size M. Mine is the same cost but an XS. If you have the coat and you realize it fits a bit snug it’s probably mine and I have yours. Please message me so we can exchange. The size M coat is hanging back in the Havurah coat room. Please return mine. Thanks!"
– Fran Berg
February Hakol Is Out!
Wait for yours in the mail or read it online by clicking the cover above or by clicking here. The Kitchen Kvetch article "Tour with the Kvetch" will be online this month! Check it out on our blog here.
Havurah's Rosh Chodesh Group Has Two Openings
Did you know Havurah Shalom has a women's Rosh Chodesh group? We meet each month to celebrate the new moon through study and thoughtful conversations about Jewish practice, rituals, and history. We keep our membership small to encourage community building within Havurah. Currently, we have two openings available to welcome new members. You do not need any prior experience or Jewish knowledge to join, just an open mind and an interest in deepening your Havurah communal connections. All Havurah women and teens over bat mitzvah age are welcome. For more information, contact Liz Schwartz.
Contemplative Retreats with Rabbi Benjamin and Other Leaders July 21-26 & August 17-23
Rabbi Benjamin will be teaching on two contemplative retreats in Oregon this summer, and it would be wonderful to have many Havurahniks participate. July 21-26 he will be teaching in Ashland with Rabbis Yael Levy and Joshua Boettiger, and August 17-23, right outside of Portland with Rabbi Shefa Gold. These are each inspiring and generous teachers, and both retreats will be powerful opportunities for growth and connection. See description of July retreat here (pricing TBD soon) and August retreat here. No prior experience required. Scholarships available. Contact Rabbi Benjamin at benjamin.barnett@havurahshalom.org with any questions.
Lost Your Tallis?
Havurah has a growing collection of tallitot that have perhaps been left behind after services. Could one of them be yours? Contact Rachel Pollak if you suspect the answer is yes! You can arrange to come in and look at them.
Jewish Life & Learning
Fly Away, Breath Friday, Feb. 7, 9 pm & Sunday, Feb. 9, 12 pm Hipbone Studio, 1847 East Burnside, Portland Fly Away, Breath, in the Fertile Ground Festival of New Works, is a political vampire comedy written by Karen Polinsky with a live score by cellist Esme Weigand Schwall — both Havurah Shalom members! Jonavon Wolf returns home to Fallowfield, PA to reopen the family mine, only to discover: a divided town, an empty grave, a colony of threatened bats, and the ticklish question: who here is the real vampire? A family drama set in modern-day Pennsylvania, this play explores our current politic, historic anti-Semitism, anti-Romani prejudice, and leads us on a path to a better way — and yes, it’s funny! Tickets are $10 here.
The Sephardic Winter Film Series Returns! Feb. 11 & March 2 at 7 pm, 6686 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland
Sponsored by Ahavath Achim, the series will feature a film monthly on Tuesday evenings from December to March. Click here for the schedule.
The Mainstreaming of Antisemitism in America Today Sunday, Feb. 23, 1 pm - 3 pm at Neveh Shalom, preceeded by a luncheon for Portland-area Jewish educators: put on by PAJE at 12:15 pm
This is the third workshop from the Federation's Antisemitism series for Portland Area educators. Register here.
PJA Is Accepting Applications for the 2020-2021 School Year
Portland Jewish Academy is currently accepting applications for the 2020-2021 school year. PJA is an inclusive Jewish community school for grades K-8 with a diverse student body and small class sizes that help students thrive. Contact Sarah Glass, Admission Director, at 503-535-3599 if you are interested.
Reconstructing Judaism Newsletter
Interested in what’s happening in the national Reconstructing Judaism movement? Looking for some new ideas? Check out Reconstructing Judaism news here, or listen to the latest podcast.
Have a Question About Havurah?
The Transparency and Inclusivity Committee welcomes your questions! We will find the answer and publish the question (but not the questioner) and answer in an upcoming Hakol. It is our intention at Havurah that what you know and understand about our congregation should not be a function of who you know. If you find yourself wondering about something related to Havurah, or if someone shares their question with you, we hope you contact us.
Send your questions to transparency@havurahshalom.org.
Please use this formto submit stories for this weekly community email. Submissions are due by noon on Tuesday each week.
Havurah Shalom is a vibrant, diverse, participatory Jewish community steeped in Jewish values promoting spirituality, learning, and acts of social responsibility.
Find our calendar and learn more at havurahshalom.org, or call 503-248-4662.
Musical Theater New Works Workshop Monday, Feb 17th 7:00p to 8:30p If you consider yourself a creative actor/singer who loves musical theater and trying new things, then please join us for this first ever musical theater workshop series. We are writing a musical - Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses – and want to work with a group of passionate performers to develop a physical, spiritual, and musical language for the piece. You can be a part of bringing the script to life and pick up a few tips and tricks to musical theater performance along the way! This will culminate in a staged reading performance of the first act at Havurah Shalom.
Performance dates: Sunday, April 5, 2pm and 7pm
10 spaces open to adults.
Questions? Contact Chari Smith
Sacred Action: Contemplative Practice for Engaging in the World Wednesday, Feb 19th 12:00p to 1:00p Facilitated by Rabbi Benjamin
In what ways can Jewish spiritual practice guide our work for healing and justice in the world? In this group we will explore this question together through learning, discussion, and practice. At each meeting we will engage in various modalities, including meditation, chanting, contemplative study, and self-reflection. Guidance will be given for continued practice and engagement between sessions. Our intention will be to form a trusting and supportive group as a foundation for this sacred work. No experience necessary, but participants should be able to commit to all or nearly all of the meetings. Please RSVP by January 15. Limited to 12 participants.
Reconstructing Judaism: An Exploration Wednesday, Feb 19th 7:00p to 8:30p What does it mean that Havurah is a member of Reconstructing Judaism? We will explore values and approaches that have inspired and guided the movement, engaging with material from founder Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan as well as contemporary Reconstructionist leaders. Taught by Rabbi Benjamin.
Writing Group Thursday, Feb 20th 7:00p to 9:00p David Kertzner will be leading another Havurah adult amateur writers group for anyone who wants to explore their interest in prose writing – and is not a published writer or working on a big writing project.
This group welcomes people who have never shared their own writing or worked in a group before, but would like to try! The focus will be memoir writing in the broadest sense of the word. We will strive to be a supportive, reflective community using writing prompts and discussion to generate short pieces each week. Participants will select one of their pieces to develop in more depth and then share at a culminating Friday oneg for the Havurah community.
Group size is limited to 8 participants. We will meet together for 8 sessions on Thursday evenings from 7-9 pm, January 16, 23, 30; February 6, 13, 20, 27; March 5 and a public reading with an Oneg on March 6.
Spot reservations do not open until the spring!
Please call David Kertzner if you have questions.
Community Minyan Shabbat, Feb 22nd 10:00a to 12:00p Our Community Minyan is a welcoming and spirited service that includes davening, Torah reading and discussion. Led by Rabbi Benjamin or community members. Lunch follows. Childcare is available.
