The annual Congregational Meeting is scheduled to take place Sunday, June 7, from 1 to 3 pm, in Zoom Room Aleph, at which time we will present the budget and other topics of importance to the congregation. While we will be meeting virtually, we are working to plan a meeting that includes a way for us to connect with each other through music, brief study as well as updates and opportunities for discussion with each other.
Our bylaws state that "participation in congregational meetings shall be limited to members in good standing,” meaning those who are current with their dues commitment, or have made other arrangements for payment. It is important to us that all members are able attend. If you have any questions regarding your dues or other financial commitments, please contact Karen Westerman.
As mentioned in prior notices, we will have to hold this year’s meeting electronically via Zoom. This Zoom meeting will be different from other Zoom events you have become used to and will require your understanding of and adherence to some specific instructions being provided. We ask for your patience as we work through the many details to make this first virtual Congregational Meeting one that allows us to be together, share important information, ask questions and have them answered. Click here for more information on attending the meeting via Zoom.
Due to the virtual platform, we ask that questions be written in the chat box. Someone will be monitoring the chat and they will provide the facilitators with the questions.
The budget will be presented for the 2020-21 Fiscal Year. Members may email info@havurahshalom.org for a copy of the draft budget.
As you may recall, last year the budget was reformatted by cluster. We have continued this organization this year. As a reminder, the following image depicts our different clusters and committees that occur with them.
For ease of reading, the circles are separated to show the committees within each cluster, but the reality is that all clusters are connected, as almost every committee activity impacts, strengthens, and informs the others. This is the continued goal of Gesher, that all of the parts of Havurah connect, support and engage with the others. This only makes us a stronger and more vibrant community.
While there are many unknowns about the impact of COVID-19 on our fiscal health, we have prepared a budget that takes into account a conservative growth of our membership as well as the reality that more members may need to temporarily pay less towards dues. Steering also made the decision to not increase dues this year. Even with those unknowns, we are presenting a budget that supports our core programming and acknowledges the incredible work of our hardworking and talented staff.
Our goal is to make the information shared meaningful. With that in mind, please let us know what questions you have about Havurah’s operations, programming, membership, etc. It will be our goal to address your questions during the meeting and if time does not allow, we will answer your questions through email or Hakol. If you have questions prior to the meeting you can send them to Julia at lagermes@gmail.com or Miriam at miriamreshotko@comcast.net.
We look forward to spending this time with you, hearing your questions and thoughts about what our future will look like.
B’shalom,
Julia Lager-Mesulam and Miriam Reshotko
Havurah Shalom Co-Presidents
Join Info for the Meeting
Room Aleph
Members may email info@havurahshalom.org for meeting join info, or find it in Hineinu.
(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.
