Lev Tahor Chanting Circle Thursday, Jan. 7, 7-8 pm – Room Aleph Facilitated by Rabbi Benjamin We will come together for an evening of contemplative practice, chanting interspersed with silence, guided by teachings from the tradition. While clearly different over Zoom, we will still gather in community and lift our voices as we draw strength from one another through the practice. Everyone is welcome – no experience or musical ability required!
Kabbalat Shabbat Friday, Jan. 8, 7:30 pm – Room Aleph Please join us for our spirited and joy-filled Kabbalat Shabbat Service, led by Leah Shoshanah and Rabbi Benjamin. Music will be provided by our talented Havurah musicians.
Community Minyan Saturday, Jan. 9, 10 am – Room Aleph Please join us for Shabbat morning! This service includes davening, Torah reading and discussion, led by Susan Brenner, Barbara Slader, J.D. Kleinke, and Rabbi Benjamin.
Monthly Song Share with the Havurah Musician's Collective Sunday, Jan. 10, 4:30-6 pm – Room Aleph Come singers, come musicians, come listeners, come all! At our monthly song share, members of the Havurah musician’s collective share and teach songs based on the monthly theme. This month, the theme is Tu B'shvat, environmentalism, MLK, and civil rights. Bring your ears, your voice and your instrument. This is a kid-friendly (but not kid-focused) event. Want to share a song? Email Leah, our Music Coordinator, at leah.shoshanah@havurahshalom.org.
We gather to find some moments of quiet and shalom. Led by Rabbi Benjamin, Adela Basayne, or Nancy Becker.
BIPOC Community Meetup Tuesday, Jan. 12, 7-8:30 pm – Room Bet
If you identify as Black, Indigenous, or other person of color, we hope you will join us. This will be a casual get together with the sole purpose of listening to, learning from, and supporting one another. This meeting requires no ongoing commitment. Please RSVP here, or just show up. If you're unable to make it but like this idea, or have other ideas as a BIPOC community member, please contact Yshai via the Havurah Member Directory.
Morning Minyan Wednesday, Jan. 13, 8:30 am – Room Aleph For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish.
Upcoming Classes: Register Now!
“My Word is Like Fire”: The Vision, Theology, and Voice of the Prophets Wednesdays, January 13, 20; February 3, 10, 7 pm – Room Bet The biblical prophets left us a legacy of clarion calls opposing inequity and demanding a more just society. Their vision and poetic voice has inspired Jews and others throughout the generations. In this class we will explore the prophets’ theology and worldview, and the language they used to express them. In particular, we will consider the role of the prophetic voice and approach in our own pursuits of justice, examining tensions between truth and compassion, activism and organizing, and confrontation and relationship-building. Taught by Rabbi Benjamin. Register here.
Beginning Conversational Hebrew Class Is Back!
Thursdays, Jan. 14 – March 18, 7-8 pm (optional 8-8:30 pm conversation sessions) – Zoom Room Heh
Would you like to improve your ability to speak conversational Hebrew? Can you already read Hebrew but don't always know what you are reading? Did you take Hebrew lessons ages ago or did you participate in an Ulpan experience in Israel but have forgotten all you learned? Would you like to laugh and learn with fellow Havurahniks? Come join Racheli Ross as she continues a beginning Hebrew class in which the focus is on functional Hebrew conversations and vocabulary development. Register here.
Grappling with White Supremacy & White Nationalism as Jews Tuesdays, Jan. 19; Feb. 2, 16; March 2, 7 pm – Zoom Room Gimel
We will explore and grapple with where Jews fit, as individuals and as a community, on the minority/majority and oppressed/privileged continuums. Facilitated by members of the IMIrJ Countering White Nationalism cohort. Register here.
Events Next Week
Dorot Shabbat Friday, Jan. 15, 5:30 pm – Room Aleph Musical, family focused, short and sweet service to welcome Shabbat. Led by Leah Shoshanah and Dan Reid.
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, Jan. 15, 7:30 pm – Room Aleph
Please join us for our spirited and joy-filled Kabbalat Shabbat Service, led by J.D. Kleinke. Music will be provided by our talented Havurah musicians.
Bat Mitzvah of Ariel Carroll Saturday, Jan. 16, 10 am – Room Aleph
Please join us in welcoming Ariel Carroll as a Bat Mitzvah and member of our community! Please email info@havurahshalom.org if help connecting is needed.
First Israel/Palestine Working Committee Meeting Sunday, Jan. 17, 4-6 pm– Room Bet The new Israel/Palestine Committee will hold its first meeting since becoming an official committee. We will begin planning future events. This is a meeting of a working committee, not an event to discuss Israel/Palestine issues. Any member of Havurah is welcome to work with us. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact one of the co-chairs: Joel Beinin, Elinor Gollay, or Lee Gordon (contact info is in the member directory). The meeting will take place in Zoom Room Bet. Members only, please. RSVP here.
Dancing In God’s Earthquake: Book Talk & Discussion with Rabbi Arthur Ocean Waskow Saturday, Jan. 30, 3 pm
Between climate change, COVID, great social injustice, and more, we are living in powerfully transformative times. Rabbi Arthur Ocean Waskow’s latest book, Dancing In God’s Earthquake, The Coming Transformation of Religion, will help guide us through. He will be joining Havurah & P’nai Or for a book talk and discussion, followed by Havdalah, led by Rabbi Benjamin.RSVP and order the book here if you desire. The book can be preordered through Havurah at a discount: $15 through Jan. 3.
Tikkun Olam Events
Interfaith Alliance on Poverty Learning Opportunities Thursday, Jan. 7, 12-1:30 pm & Saturday, Jan. 9, 1-3 pm Havurah's Poverty & Homelessness Committee is a member of the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty. Listed are two free opportunities to learn about their work to help reduce poverty in Portland. On Jan. 9, we will have an Annual Legislative Forum. Legislators discuss their priorities, potential bills and revenue sources. Topics will include: housing, healthcare, economic recovery, climate/environment, and police reform/judiciary.
Letter Writing Party to Protect the Tongass Forest Sunday, Jan. 10, 11-12 pm – Room Gimel In celebration of Tu b'shevat, we invite all Havurahniks, adults and kids, to join in writing personal letters to our members of Congress to ask them to protect The Tongass National Forest –the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest. In partnership with the Jewish Earth Alliance, our letters will uplift Jewish voices in protection of our climate and environment. Meet with others to schmooze and write together for a fun time and meaningful collective action.
Tikkun Olam Updates
Poverty & Homelessness Committee Update
Tikkun Olam's Poverty & Homelessness Committee agreed to redirect $100 from the work that was budgeted for another program which we can not do this fiscal year with COVID. Instead it will go to the program Jenn Louis is leading. Havurahniks are contributing food, time, and other needed items listed in Hineinu and on our FB page. The program is reaching out to 7 homeless camps in NE Portland. The goal is to fill the stomachs as well as other basic needs such as clothing, first aid items, etc.
Help Needed for Our Houseless Neighbors
Current needs include:
warm clothes for men and women (wool sweaters, thermal tops and bottoms, pants, coats)
sleeping bags
tents
sleeping pads
non-perishable food (snacks, peanut butter, tuna, canned items, hot beverages)
An Amazon wishlist has been started and will be updated regularly based on needs.
Thank you for all of your help! Contact Jenn Louis via the Havurah Member Directory if you have questions.
Br’iut and B’rachot: A Community Wellness Havdalah Saturday, Jan. 9, 6 pm
Next month Jewish Federation is delighted to invite the community to Br’iut and B’rachot—A Community Wellness Havdalah. Co-led by Community Chaplain Rabbi Barry Cohen & Cantorial Soloist Ilene Safyan (Havurah member). Start 2021 off coming together to mark the close of Shabbat and the start of a new week. Details and registration here. This is part of a community-wide effort around mental health and wellness in January. We invite you to join us by programming, promoting and encouraging awareness of the importance of mental wellbeing in these extra challenging times. We’ve curated a mental health webpage with resources and opportunities, including some shared by you, thank you!
Vaccine Q&A: Hosted by Congregation Neveh Shalom COVID-19 Outreach & Services Thursday, Jan. 14, 7 pm via Zoom
With COVID-19 vaccines being administered across the country, we’re sure you have many burning questions. Join CNSCOS to ask questions to two experts on vaccines. The expert panel consists of Sam Stampfer MD, PhD, a medical researcher at Emory University studying vaccines, and Erin Ross, the lead COVID-19 reporter for OPB who can give an Oregon-specific perspective on vaccine rollout and distribution. You can submit up to three questions ahead of the event here. Join the meeting by clicking here.
Introduction to Judaism Class Thursdays, Jan. 21 (and continuing for 18 weeks), 7-9 pm via Zoom Taught in rotation by Oregon rabbis, curriculum includes: Jewish history, lifecycle, holidays, ritual and daily practice, theology, Torah study and contemporary Jewish America. While not a conversion class, is great for students studying toward conversion, and others. This term will be held via Zoom. Register online here or contact JoAnn Bezodis, Class Facilitator, at 971-248-5465, or by email at info@oregonboardofrabbis.org.
Community COVID-19 Assistance
We are seeing surges in COVID-19 cases in the region, and public health officials expect this to continue through at least the end of December. Congregation Neveh Shalom COVID-19 Outreach and Services is here to help!
Their available services differ based on whether or not the person seeking assistance has been diagnosed with or exposed to the virus. For those who have been exposed to the virus or tested positive and need to quarantine, CNSCOS can assist with and cover costs for things like grocery shopping, finding housing, childcare, or transportation. For those who have been affected by Covid-19 in an indirect way, CNSCOS can help with finding and applying for financial resources, running errands, accessing food assistance, finding other helpful services, or just calling to chat with folks who are feeling isolated or lonely.
The CNSCOS team also provides timely information online here and via a weekly email here. Contact covid19@nevehshalom.org or call 971-990-5652 if you need COVID-19 assistance.
Havurah COVID Guidelines
In early December, Oregon experienced a significant surge in COVID cases which prompted Governor Brown to issue new guidelines on indoor and outdoor gatherings. Havurah’s Core Crisis Team met to review the updated guidance from the health authorities and revise the Havurah COVID Guidelines in light of those changes. The COVID Safety Guidelines for Havurah Shalom (as of December 15, 2020) can be found on the Havurah website under News/COVID-19 Information or by clicking here.
The primary changes in the updated Guidelines include reducing the number of persons (and pods) that can attend outdoor events (now down to six people and two pods) and clarifying that our Guidelines only cover Havurah activities and events that are in our building or in public outdoor spaces. The scope of the Guidelines explicitly excludes private homes and private outdoor spaces.
We thank you for your understanding as we navigate these difficult issues and do our best to keep our Havurah community safe. If you have any questions about our Guidelines or our process, please reach out to one or both of the co-presidents, Miriam Reshotko at miriamreshotko@comcast.net or Ben Walters at kidz2@me.com.
Adult B'nei Mitzvah Group Forming
We have a new Adult B’nei Mitzvah Group forming! Are you interested in deepening your knowledge and commitment to Torah, Tefillah (Prayer) and Kehillah (Community)? Expanding your Jewish literacy skills, confidence, and sense of connection with Judaism? Nourishing your intellect and spirit, individually and within the context of an ongoing learning community. Then consider joining the new Adult B'nei Mitzvah Group!
This group will study together from early April 2021 – February 2023, almost two years, with Havurah Education Director, Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, Rabbi Benjamin, and other teachers. If anything above sparks your interest, please contact the Havurah Education Director, Deborah Eisenbach-Budner at deborah@havurahshalom.org soon!
Questions About Havurah?
The Transparency & Inclusivity Committee is an avenue within Havurah Shalom to help members find the answers to question they have wondered about. Please send your questions to transparency@havurahshalom.org. We will publish your question in Hakol anonymously, and then answer that question. Everyone in our community benefits from this clarity!
Do You Need Help?
If you are facing financial hardship from a loss of employment, decrease in income, or any other impact of our recent crises; 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 and Rabbi Benjamin.
Havurah Zoom Rooms
To see our full Zoom room instructions, click here. Member sign-in required.
(HYB) Solidarity Shabbat Friday, May 23rd 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.
Shabbat Morning with Bat Mitzvah of Maya Rosenbaum Shabbat, May 24th 10:00a to 12:00p Please join us for Shabbat morning services, including welcoming Maya Rosenbaum as a Bat Mitzvah and member of our community.
(HYB) Rosh Ḥodesh Tov! Gender-Inclusive New Moon Ritual Sunday, May 25th 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.
CANCELED - Palestinian Justice Letter Writing Group Monday, May 26th (All day) We are taking May off for Memorial Day. See you in June! We hold monthly letter writing group Zoom gatherings to write letters to our lawmakers for Israel/Palestine justice. Questions? Email Dale Oller (member log-in required to access directory). Feel free to drop in any time! There’s no need to RSVP, but please do RSVP if you need the Zoom login. Non-Havurah-members very welcome as well.
(ZM) Book Group: A Day in the Life of Abed Salama by Nathan Thrall Tuesday, May 27th 7:00p to 8:30p The Havurah Shalom Book Group meets monthly to discuss fiction and nonfiction books voted on by Havurah members. All are welcome to any and all meetings. Copies of our upcoming books can be checked out by members in the Havurah library. *This is the last meeting for the year. We will start up again in September 2025.*
(IP) Hebrew as a Tool: Prayer and Torah (registration closed) Wednesday, May 28th 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.
(HYB) Shabbat Morning Shabbat, May 31st 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.
