The Torah of Our Lives: Havurah Spiritual Writing Group
Wednesdays, Oct. 14 - Dec. 9 (except Nov. 25), 7-9 pm – Room Gimel
Please join Harriet Cooke and Jenni Besen for an 8-week journey into spiritual writing, weaving prompts from Torah into our lives. All that is required is a journal. Facilitation by Harriet Cooke, who has led groups with Write Around Portland and P’nai Or for ten years. RSVP here
Beginning Conversational Hebrew Class
Thursdays, Oct. 15 - Dec. 7, (except Nov 26), 7-8 pm – Room Bet
This class is for those of you who can already read Hebrew and have a very beginning knowledge of the language but want to expand your vocabulary to hold a conversation in Hebrew. We will spend time each week practicing new vocabulary in a fun, casual environment. Led by Racheli Karlinsky Ross. RSVP here
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, Oct. 16, 7:30 pm – Room Aleph
Welcome Shabbat together with music and tefillah! Service led by Susan Brenner and Sarah Shine.
Text & Torah: B'reishit & The Beginning
Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 am – Room Aleph
We will study what the Torah says about the "beginning." Did you know that at one time it was forbidden to study what happened before creation? We'll unpack that and discuss Judaic views of creation and the beginning. If you'd like to receive the readings by email so that you can read aloud during study or follow along from a printed page, email Diane at cellochaplin@gmail.com. Service to follow the study session.
Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 12 pm – Room Bet
We gather on Tuesdays to find some moments of quiet and shalom. Led by Rabbi Benjamin, Adela Basayne, and Nancy Becker.
Crochet Your Own Kippah
Wednesdays, Oct. 21 and 28, choose am or pm session: 10:30 - noon or 7:30 - 9 pm – Room Heh (new room will be linked next week)
Simple instructions for creating a kippah using single crochet. If you don't already know how to crochet, the first class will introduce novices to that skill, and the second class will be devoted to the kippah itself. Taught by Sarah Rosenberg. RSVP for AM | PM
Book Group: Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 7 - 8:30 pm – Room Bet
Written as a series of letters to his teenage son, his memoir, Between the World and Me, Coates walks the reader through the course of his life. Coates’s writing is direct, insightful and powerful. Discussion led by Marjorie Walters.
Transfers of Power in Tanach: How do they happen, who wins or loses, and why
Mondays, Nov. 2, 16, 30, and Dec. 14, 3-4 pm – Room Bet
What can our sources and sages teach us to help us navigate these times??? Our class will begin with some of the transfers of power in Genesis, move on to Exodus, make a brief stop in Numbers, and finally end with Hanukkah. RSVP to receive precise references. Taught by Emily Simon. RSVP here
Tikkun Olam Events
Portland Homesless Family Solutions Meal Provider Training
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 5:30-6:30 pm & Thursday, Oct. 15, 12-1 pm on Zoom
Using Zoom, PHFS is starting orientations again for Meal Provider volunteer positions. The onboarding process includes orientation, volunteer application, tour and training, and background check. Please RSVP to tc@pdxhfs.org for an upcoming one-hour orientation if you would like to get started! Additional volunteer positions can be found at at pdxhfs.org .
Lift Up Book Drive
Thursday, Oct. 15, 10am - 3pm
Drop off Location: 5845 NE Hoyt St, Portland, OR 97213
If you have extra books, please consider dropping off a book donation to support at-home literacy development and make sure kids have something to read while they shelter in place. Innovative Housing, Inc. is a local nonprofit that provides housing and other important services to low-income families, and they see a growing need for books in their buildings. Social distancing guidelines will be observed. Procedure: Park in the designated curbside drop-off area and follow signs to the book drop-off. No contact needed. Book Type Requests: Books for children ages preschool to 12th grade, books in other languages (especially Spanish), and culturally diverse reading materials.