Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash. (Before COVID-19)
Hevre,
This is quite a time in which to arrive at the 4th of July. Obviously, interrogating our nation’s identity is nothing new. But perhaps more of us this year than ever feel the inconsistencies in celebrating our founding. And beyond the national to a simply human level, in the midst of this global pandemic, what does it mean for us to celebrate independence? Rather, it seems an especially fitting time to celebrate our interdependence.
A couple months ago I wrote about the Shema as a reminder of our interconnectedness, and that amidst this pandemic we can feel this so clearly. Events of recent weeks challenge us to embrace this reality even more profoundly. At the very heart of our tradition, in our most central name of the Divine, we are brought into this awareness. Generally spoken as “Adonai,” it is actually the letters Yud-Heh-Vav-Hey, meaning essentially: All that Is, Was, and Will Be. So when we speak about God’s oneness, we are acknowledging that none of us is truly separate from each other.
As we go into this holiday weekend, let us take time to celebrate that truth, and honor our interdependence. If it feels safe for you to do so, that might mean attending one of the many marches or protests happening in this moment of revolution. It might mean supporting someone who is struggling or otherwise vulnerable during this time. Or it might mean taking extra precautions this weekend as people come out in large numbers, perhaps even simply staying home, in the name of our communal well-being. However, we each do so, let us rejoice in our interdependence.
Community Minyan Saturday, July 4, 10 am – Room Aleph
Please join Barbara Slader and Maria Lisa Johnson as they lead our community minyan. Emily Simon will be drashing and leading discussion. This service will be kept a little shorter than usual.
Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation Tuesday, July 7, 12 pm – Room Bet
We gather to find some moments of quiet and shalom. Led by Rabbi Benjamin, Adela Basayne, and Nancy Becker.
Morning Minyan Wednesday, July 8, 8:30 am – Room Aleph
For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish.
Bar Mitzvah Max Symmes Saturday, July 11, 10 am
Please join us in welcoming Max Symmes as a Bar Mitzvah and member of our community.
Four Wise Biblical Women and They Aren't Who You Think They Are Monday, July 13 & 27, August 10 & 24, 3-4 pm
Over four sessions we will bring into the light four wise women from the Tanach who deserve recognition for their wisdom, courage and/or vitality. Classes are every other week to allow participants to have time to do the biblical reading about the woman we are studying prior to the class. Taught by Emily Simon. RSVP here.
Uprooting and Rooting: A Jewish Meditation Retreat with Rabbis Benjamin Barnett, Joshua Boettiger, and Yael Levy July 23-25
Honoring the reality of this time, we are shifting to a three-day retreat guided online. While our contact will be virtual, we will still build a very real community of retreat. A detailed schedule will guide us, including: sitting and walking meditation, prayer, chanting, teachings and instructions, and check-ins with teachers. Information and registration here.
Photo by Brad Pector
Updates Inside Havurah
Havurah's Zoom Rooms Will Have Passcodes Starting July 15
On July 15, Havurah’s Zoom Rooms will become password protected. That morning, you will receive an email with the passwords and the updated links we will be using for our Zoom Rooms.
If you are used to clicking one of our links to enter a Zoom Room, just make sure to only click the updated links after July 15, and you won’t notice any difference. Old links will require a password. If you are used to typing a meeting ID into an app, then you will need to enter the password after July 15. If you are used to calling by telephone, then no password will be required; nothing will change for you.
Should Havurah Buy a Building?
If you missed the meeting about whether or not we should consider buying the Bage Building property behind Havurah, contact Brad for a link!
Have You Filled Out Your Dues Commitment?
Havurah Shalom’s new fiscal year begins today, which means it’s time to renew your dues commitment. Please renew here ASAP. A heartfelt thank you for your continued support and participation in our community. We look forward to another year of financial health!
Havurah Job Opening: Music Coordinator Click here to read more about what we're looking for!
Sign Up to Be a Host or Scroller
You have probably attended a service, class, meditation, or other Havurah event on Zoom by now. Have you ever wondered how we manage to get such a great experience for everyone, or who is scrolling through the siddur? Our hosts and scrollers are volunteers, and you can join them! Just sign up on the Hosts & Scrollers tab of this form. No experience? We can train you! Please sign up today, or contact Karen Westerman for more info.
Confused by Zoom? Havurah member Yuvi Zalkow has made us a helpful new instructional video! Click here to view.
Reconstructing Judaism Resources
Visit ReconstructingJudaism.org and click on Recon Connect or the Virtual Shabbat Box. There you will find the community, innovation, spirit and depth that embody Reconstructionist Judaism. Recon Connect is an online hub updated regularly!
COVID-19 Resources Check out our COVID-19 resource pageon our website for more information.
Tikkun Olam
A Quick Fact from Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS)
In 2019, 23% of families in PHFS shelter were African American. Portland's African American population is around 5.8 %.
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
Resources for Anti-Racism Let's Inform Ourselves & Our Community
Educating Ourselves About Police Accountability & Funding
The Portland African American Leadership Forum has teamed up with Unite Oregon to articulate demands for change regarding the Portland Police Bureau. You can read an analysis from PAALF here, and see details of the campaign here.
Reconstructing Judaism: Standing Up for Racial Justice & Against Racial Violence
Read RJ's statement on the death of George Floyd and the protests here.
Let's Help Each Other Do You Need Help or Would You Like to Offer Help?
If you are facing financial hardship from a loss of employment, decrease in income, or any other impact of this crisis; or, if you would benefit from the support of community members for grocery shopping, errands, or any other concrete needs, for any reason, please contact Rabbi Benjamin at benjamin.barnett@havurahshalom.org or 503-248-4662 ext. 3.
If you would like to be on a list of people to support others in concrete ways, such as grocery shopping or running other errands, please contact Susan Lazareck or Rabbi Benjamin at the email above.
(IP) The Stories of Abraham Thursday, Oct 23rd 7:00p to 8:30p Explore the biblical figure Abraham using sources from all three Abrahamic Religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) to enrich our understanding of Judaism’s founding patriarch. After the class, take part in an optional opportunity to write a drash about Abraham to read at the Torah service! Led by former PJA Jewish Studies Teacher Benjamin Foote.
(HYB) Solidarity Kabbalat Shabbat Friday, Oct 24th 5:45p to 8:00p Join Havurah members and friends for a Solidarity Shabbat service and potluck nosh. This is a spiritual space for community members working in solidarity with Palestinians - and for the liberation of all peoples - to come together to pray, build connections, and renew ourselves on Shabbat to continue our justice work. Please review Havurah's Brit Kavod for our community guidelines. Masks strongly encouraged and provided.
(HYB) Shabbat Morning Shabbat, Oct 25th 10:00a to 12:00p Led by community members and Rabbi Benjamin, 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) Tot Shabbat Shabbat, Oct 25th 10:30a to 11:15a Young children (0-5) and parents celebrate with singing, movement, blessings, and storytelling. All are welcome! Please RSVP when you plan to come. We provide free childcare for those staying to enjoy the full Shabbat service that ends at noon and which is followed by a light community brunch. Email info@havurahshalom.org to learn more.
(IP) Shabbat School Shabbat, Oct 25th 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.
New Family Orientation and Teacher Training part 2 Shabbat, Oct 25th 3:00p to 4:30p Families new to Shabbat School are required to attend both parts of the New Family Orientation and Teacher Trainings. You will meet other parents, become more oriented to the Shabbat School program and your participation in it and gain some training in teaching Shabbat School. Your attendance and participation are integral to the success of your family’s experience and our program. Please add the names of parents/grandparents who are attending for your family in the notes below. Thanks
(IP) Tivnu Teen Building Project Sunday, Oct 26th 11:00a to 2:00p Learn how to build planter boxes that will be used by a houseless community to grow their own produce and flowers. Tivnu staff/participants will teach you how to use the tools you need to bring fresh produce and a little cheer. Tivnu will also frame the project in the context of Jewish values surrounding self-sufficiency, land use, and taking care of your body.
(HYB) Rosh Ḥodesh Tov! Gender-Inclusive New Moon Ritual Sunday, Oct 26th 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) Israel-Palestine Committee Monthly Planning Meeting Sunday, Oct 26th 7:00p to 8:30p Havurah members, you are welcome to join the Israel-Palestine Committee planning meeting. We meet monthly in Zoom Room Dalet (fourth Sundays, 7 pm to 8:30 pm). For Zoom Room info, visit havurahshalom.org/zoom (be sure you log in to your Havurah member account).
