We wanted to remind you of a holiday coming up very soon! Shavuot, which begins at sunset on May 28, commemorates the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai after the Exodus from Egypt. Also originating in an ancient pilgrimage holiday celebrating the grain harvest, today it’s a community observance, with Jews coming together to read the Book of Ruth, eat blintzes, and participate in Tikkun Leil Shavuot, study sessions lasting into the night. Those who attended Havurah’s Shavuot celebration last year will remember the festive spring greenery decorating the sanctuary and the poetry readings and late-night learning we enjoyed together. Although we can’t be together panim el panim (face to face) this year, we can come together as a community, virtually, to commemorate and celebrate!
Sincerely,
Havurah Staff
Celebrating Shavuot Thursday & Friday, May 28 & 29
Tikkun Leil Shavuot with Emek Shalom of Ashland
Through the Gate of Praise: Love and Fear, Intimacy and Retreat Thursday, May 28, 10 pm onward – RSVP for Zoom link With Rabbi Benjamin and Rabbi Joshua Boettiger of Emek Shalom
We often understand praise to mean heaping accolades upon a Divine being. But perhaps praise in the deepest sense is a singing from the heart, whether in grief or joy. We will explore texts ancient and contemporary expressing praise and inviting us into reimagining its relevance in our lives. RSVP here to receive Zoom info.
Shavuot Shabbat Service & Poetry Reading Friday, May 29, 7 pm onward – Room Aleph
Havurah Shalom celebrates Shavuot during this extraordinary time, when we need our community more than ever. We’ll begin with a short and sweet Shabbat service at 7 pm, led by Rabbi Benjamin. Then stick around for a poetry reading and discussion featuring poems on this year’s congregational theme, Hineinu: we are here. RSVP here. Following your registration, you'll receive copies of the poems and a link to sign up for the discussion of your choice.
Additional opportunities for learning on Shavuot…
Celebrating at Sinai: A Virtual Shavuot Celebration for Reconstructing Judaism Thursday, May 28, 4:30 pm through Friday, May 29, 7:30 am
RJ's celebration will begin with Kabbalat Hag Song Fest and Candlelighting and continuing with a Tikkun Leyl Shavuot of teaching, learning, movement, and musical offerings through Friday morning. Reconstructionist communities and individuals will be welcome to join RJ's Zoom webinar or view on RJ's Facebook live stream for as much or as little as they would like. Registration and further details here. Watch on Facebook here.
Oregon Board of Rabbis Tikkun Leyl Shavuot Thursday, May 28, 6 pm - 11:30 pm
All are welcome to learn from Rabbis across the denominational spectrum, and from other students of Judaism from throughout Oregon and SW Washington. Registration and further info here.
(HYB) Rosh Ḥodesh Tov! Gender-Inclusive New Moon Ritual Thursday, May 9th 7:00p to 8:15p A gender-inclusive New Moon group, learning and celebrating each Rosh Ḥodesh with ancient and contemporary ritual. Open to any and all genders, inviting each to connect with our closest heavenly body, the Moon. An introductory meeting will happen on the full moon of Elul on Wednesday, Aug. 30 outdoors—weather permitting—in North Portland. Subsequent meetings will be on or near the new moon of each month either in person in North Portland or on Zoom, depending on seasonal shifts in the weather. Attend any or all sessions. RSVP to be updated on location and other details throughout the year.
(ZM) Kabbalah and Hasidism Through the Life of Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav Thursday, May 9th 7:00p to 8:15p Using Buber's The Tales of Rabbi Nachman, we will look at the life of Rabbi Nachman, his teachings, and his profound stories. The class will involve some meditation and journaling to help us reflect. Led by Harriet Cooke.
(HYB) Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration Friday, May 10th 6:00p to 8:30p A family-friendly oneg followed by a service led by Rabbi Benjamin and Havurah musicians, with dinner afterward. 6 pm Oneg, 6:30 Service, 7:30 Dinner. The dinner portion of the celebration is by registration-only and may fill up to capacity in advance.
(IP) Joint Memorial Ceremony Sunday, May 12th 10:30a to 12:00p We are, once again, coming up to the dates when Palestine and Israel each has a national day of remembrance to mourn the consequences of the ongoing violence. Israelis mourn on Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day) and Palestinians on Nakba Day (Day of Catastrophe). As an alternative, Combatants for Peace and The Parents Circle Families Forum organize the Joint Memorial and Joint Nakba Remembrance ceremonies, through which they can grieve together, catalyze transformation, and strengthen their shared resolve to create a just peace. We will gather at Havurah Shalom to view the ceremonies together when they air.
(IP) Music Jam Monday, May 13th 7:00p to 8:30p Havurah Music Jams Rock On! On the second Monday of the month, come sing and play in community! We will be in the Pardes classroom at Havurah. Songsheets will be provided and include a mix of country, folk, Jewish folk, liturgical and popular songs. Bring your instrument, your voice and your enthusiasm! Please RSVP for the May Music Jam.
Experience the Omer: Making it Count! Tuesday, May 14th 7:00p to 7:30p [RSVP to be emailed a recording of the April 9 intro session.] The Omer is an ancient tradition marking time between the Exodus from the Narrow Place to the Expanse at Sinai. Explore tools and practices to facilitate your own learning and experience from Liberation to Revelation. We will have an intro class followed by half-hour check-ins, one for each Sephira. Led by Andrine de la Rocha. 7 pm, Tuesdays, Apr. 9 (Intro), 23 (Chesed), 30 (Gevurah); May 7 (Tiferet), 14 (Netzach), 21 (Hod), 28 (Yesod); Jun. 4 (Malchut) Led by Andrine de la Rocha.
(IP) Joint Nakba Remembrance Ceremony Wednesday, May 15th 10:00a to 12:00p We are, once again, coming up to the dates when Palestine and Israel each has a national day of remembrance to mourn the consequences of the ongoing violence. Israelis mourn on Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day) and Palestinians on Nakba Day (Day of Catastrophe). As an alternative, Combatants for Peace and The Parents Circle Families Forum organize the Joint Memorial and Joint Nakba Remembrance ceremonies, through which they can grieve together, catalyze transformation, and strengthen their shared resolve to create a just peace. We will gather at Havurah Shalom to view the ceremonies together when they air.
