The latest B'nei Mitzvah cohort. Mazel tov! Taken by Barbara Gundle.
Mazel Tov to the Havurah Shalom community and the 5780 Adult Bnai Mitzvah group. What a wonderful service they led on Feb. 1, with thought-provoking and rich Torah learning and beautiful music. A huge thank you to all community members who supported this learning and celebration, especially the 5776 ABM group who made the community lunch possible! If you would like to learn more about the next Adult B'nei Mitzvah cohort or the process, please contact Deborah Eisenbach-Budner.
Kabbalat Shabbat Friday, Feb. 14, 7:30 pm service Please join us for our spirited and joy-filled Kabbalat Shabbat Service, which starts at 7:30 pm. Music will be provided by our talented Havurah musicians. Everyone is welcome at our 7:30 pm service, whether or not they attend the dinner at 6:30 pm. RSVPs are only required for the dinner. Childcare is available for kids age 2 to 8.
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.
Text & Torah: Yitro Saturday, Feb. 15, 10 am - 12 pm Torah study and bagel nosh followed by a shortened morning service. Facilitated by Rabbi Benjamin.
Family Tu B'Shvat Hike Saturday, Feb. 15, 10 am - 12 pm at Mt. Tabor Park
A rain or shine walk in Mt. Tabor Park to enjoy time together in nature. Songs and snacks and good company! RSVP to receive meet up location. Led by Adela Basayne.
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.
Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation Tuesday, Feb. 18, 12 pm - 1 pm
We gather on Tuesdays to find some moments of quiet and shalom. Led by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, Rabbi Benjamin, Adela Basayne, and Nancy Becker.
Morning Minyan Wednesday, Feb. 19, 8:30 am - 9:00 am
For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish.
Rabbi Benjamin at Purim in 2018.
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.
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.
Photo by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner.
Thinking About Israel/Palestine Tuesday, March 3 - May 12 (except March 24), 7 pm - 8:30 pm
Joel Beinin will once again be teaching a course on Israel/Palestine. The objective of the class is to stimulate discussion at Havurah Shalom. All points of view are welcome and will be respected. The class is limited to 20 people. There are about 50 pages of weekly reading, and participants should be willing to commit to attending at least 8 of the 10 sessions. To register, click this link.
Hineinu: Being Present for Each Other in Times of Struggle and Loss A Workshop & Training to Establish a Bikkur Ḥolim Cohort at Havurah Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19, 7 pm - 8:30 pm Facilitated by Rabbi Benjamin and Rabbinic Chaplain Tivona Reith. Havurah Shalom’s theme this year of Hineinu: Here We Are takes many forms. In this workshop, we will explore how we can say Hineinu when visiting those who are ill (bikkur ḥolim) or comforting mourners (niḥum aveylim). We will learn how to sit with each other in compassionate and caring ways. The workshop will include study of Torah and other Jewish texts, chanting and meditation, reflection and discussion, and more. This series is a first step in creating a Bikkur Ḥolim (Visiting the Sick) cohort within Havurah, and will be designed as a training for those interested in helping us support each other in this way. Everyone is welcome to participate in the workshop, though, regardless of future commitment. Please RSVP here by Feb. 20.
Kesher Tech: Explore Our Website Friday, March 6, 10 am - 12 pm
In these new workshops, Havurah's Communications & Membership Coordinator, Brad Pector, will guide you through the latest technology. We will focus on one topic per session. This session's focus is the Havurah website. We will look at all of the features it has for members, and spend time getting to know how these features can help you and your committee or cluster. Please bring your computer or tablet. Limited to 12 people. RSVP by March 1. Click here to register. You can also click the Havurah logo above to get a head start!
Havurah's Tikkun Olam Cluster
Community Conversation On Homelessness Thursday, Feb. 13, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at Beaumont Middle School Cafeteria
Tuesday, March 3, 6:30pm – 8:30pm at U. of Portland Bauccio Commons
Saturday, March 7, 9am – 12pm at Multnomah Arts Center Gymnasium
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.
Day of Remembrance, Day of Action at the NW Detention Center Sunday, Feb. 23, 9 am - 5 pm
Our partners at IMIrJ are organizing a joint caravan up to Tacoma to participate in this Day of Remembrance, Day of Action. Click here for the event link. This event commemorates the 78th anniversary of the Executive Order that incarcerated 126,000 citizens and immigrants of Japanese descent during WWII. Today, thousands of immigrants and refugees are confined and subjected to inhumane conditions, family separations, threats of deportation, and countless indignities. Carpools will leave at 9am from the parking lot of Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School at 4906 NE 6th Ave. Questions? Contact Shari Raider.
Food Delivery: Help Needed March 4, April 1, May 6
We’re looking for a few more volunteers to deliver food boxes to The Vibrant! Apartments. Pick one date, two, or three! Deliveries take about an hour, starting at 11:15 am, at 1620 NW 14th Ave (the cross street is Raleigh). Please contact Ruth Feldman via the online Havurah directory. Thanks to Susan Danielson, Joan Carples, and Adele Thompson for making the February deliveries!
Inside Havurah
Machzor Choice Revealed!
The people have spoken! A clear majority favored Kol HaNeshemah, Machzor L'yamim Noraim published by The Reconstructionist Press. In the link here, you can see some colorful pie charts and graphs along with explanations which display the results of 93 survey respondents. Thank you very much to Cindy Merrill and Sarah Wetherson for compiling, analyzing and displaying the data in such an easy to read format. Soon we'll be able to announce the next phase of the process - ordering and purchasing the books in time for this year's High Holy Days. For questions or concerns, please contact Susan Brenner, Sacha Reich, Cindy Merrill, or Sarah Wetherson from the Machzor Task Force.
Our Nametags Are Here!
The name tags are ready for Havurah members over the age of 13! Here's how to enjoy them.
1. Find your name tag in the alphabetized boxes (by last name) in the coat room.
2. Grab a magnetic back and wear your name tag at Havurah. Or, use a lanyard if you prefer to hang your name tag around your neck (available in the back hallway).
3. Return your name tag to the back hallway, by the bathrooms, under the letter of your last name. You can place the magnetic back on top of the name tag, underneath your name, to secure it.
4. If you cannot find your name tag, or if you would like a name tag for an adult child, please fill out a name tag request form here.
Wear a nametag when you are here - Hinenu!
Nominations for 2020 Steering Positions
Havurah's Nominating Committee has started work to fill positions for the 2020 - 2021 Steering Committee. We will be submitting nominations for the following positions in the spring:
• Vice-President (four-year commitment)
• Treasurer
• Tikkun Olam (Social Action) Lead
• Makom (Place) Lead
• Limud (Learning) Lead
We are looking for motivated Havurah members who want to be involved in a hands-on manner with our governance and planning. With the exception of Vice-President, new members will serve from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2022. If you have questions about Steering positions, please contact Debbi Nadell.
Confused About What Our Website Has To Offer?
This website guide should be able to help! Click here to access this how-to resource guide.
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.
Jewish Life & Learning
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.
United In Spirit Events Southern Rites Feb. 5 - May 24, 2020
An exhibition at Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education:
American photographer Gillian Laub examines the realities of racism in America.
Film: From Swastika to Jim Crow Feb. 18 at 7 pm, OJMCHE
Based on the book by Gabrielle Simon Edgcomb, tells the story of two
very different cultures, sharing a common burden of oppression.
Film: Rosenwald March 18 at 7pm OJMCHE
A documentary about how philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, son of an immigrant peddler who founded Sears, partnered with Booker T. Washington to build schools in African-American communities in the early 1900s.
For more information contact:
bob@jewishportland.org or secretary@pdxnaacp.org.
Safety Training: Stop the Bleed
Stop the Bleed is intended to cultivate grassroots efforts that encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives.
Feb. 27 at 8:30 am - 10:30 am and 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Chabad of NE Portland, 2858 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland
RSVP to Julie Alferez at julie@jewishportland.org.
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.
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.
(HYB) Shabbat Morning Shabbat, May 3rd 10:00a to 12:00p Led by community members and Rabbi Benjamin (who is on sabbatical until July 1, 2025), this service includes davening, Torah reading, and discussion. Join us afterward for a light community brunch provided by the Lunches and Noshes Committee! Free childcare is provided. For Zoom information, please email info@havurahshalom.org.
(IP) Shabbat School Shabbat, May 3rd 3:00p to 5:15p This program gives children a foundation for lifelong Jewish learning and engagement while integrating parents and children in a caring Jewish community.
(ZM) Progressive Israel Network Sessions Sunday, May 4th 11:00a to 12:00p Havurah Shalom is hosting a four-session series from the Progressive Israel Network. Come learn in collaboration with representatives from five to six of the participating Progressive Israel Network organizations, including T’ruah, New Jewish Narrative, Partners for Progressive Israel, New Israel Fund, J Street, and Reconstructing Judaism.
All perspectives on Israel-Palestine, as well as all curious people, are welcomed and encouraged. Our guests will give presentations and take questions. You can register for all sessions, below, but it's okay if you can't attend all three sessions.
(Reconstructing Judaism, the central organization of the Reconstructionist movement, of which Havurah Shalom is a part, is a member of the Progressive Israel Network.)
(IP) Writing for Peace and Reconciliation, Within and Between Us Sunday, May 4th 6:30p to 8:30p Commemorate the last day of Pesach and Yitzkor in community Passover not only invites us to retell our ancient story but to look at our current reality and ask: what is our mitzrayim today? The obstacle in our personal and communal life? Where can we break through in an act of courage and compassion? April 20th & May 4th, 6:30 PM at Havurah, join Harriet Cooke for a writing/drawing group to explore this theme along with Yitzkor, the Sephirot and Counting the Omer. (It is recommended to attend either just the first session or both sessions.)
(IP) Jewish Ethical Responses to the Problem of Racism Monday, May 5th 6:30p to 7:45p We will address topics such as countering white nationalism and antisemitism, Jewish perspectives on reparations, repairing Jewish pioneer memory, and responding to racial microaggressions. Facilitated by Karen Sherman and Adela Basayne.
(CANCELED) Collage Art with Jewish Symbols Wednesday, May 7th 6:30p to 7:45p This class has been canceled by the instructor. If you are interested in doing art at Havurah, please reach out to Adela Basayne (info@havurahshalom.org). Bring your crafts and creativity out for making collage art with Jewish symbols. We will create hamzas, stars of David, trees of life, and images for blessing the home. All ages are invited! Led by Carolina Martinez.
(IP) Hebrew as a Tool: Prayer and Torah (registration closed) Wednesday, May 7th 7:00p to 8:15p (This class will now be starting on January 8.) Using an in-depth, word-by-word approach, we discover literal meaning(s), ancient layers of understanding, and our own personal interpretations that stem from the nuances of the Hebrew text. Basic Hebrew decoding skills necessary.
