The login will ask for your name and email address, then send you a verification code. This is to help keep us secure in our virtual tent.
Next, look for the All Sessions link.
Click into an event for more information, and when it's time for the session to start, come back the same way. A Zoom link to the event will be posted there five minutes ahead of the start time.
Sound the Shofar--Every day except Shabbat! through Sept. 5, 4 pm – on the High Holidays Website
It is customary to hear the sound of the Shofar every day of Elul. To observe this custom, Andrine de la Rocha, Howard Patterson and Diane Chaplin will sound the Shofar every afternoon during the month of Elul, except for Shabbos. They will use the traditional Shofar calls and give a bit of kavanot each time.
Elul Mindfulness & Meditation Tuesday, August 10, 12 pm – Room Bet
We gather to find some moments of quiet and shalom. Led by Rabbi Benjamin, Adela Basayne, or Nancy Becker.
Life Story Midrash: Uncovering Deeper Meaning in Our Life Stories Wednesdays, Aug. 11, 18, 25; Sept. 1, 7-8:30 pm – on the High Holidays Website
Led by Tivona Reith. Over a four-week period, we will study traditional examples of midrash, and then creatively explore and rewrite episodes from our own life, with an eye toward “embracing our fragmented stories as a coherent, meaningful narrative.”
Shtiebelach – Conversations and Creations Wednesdays, Aug. 11 and 25, 6:30 pm – on the High Holidays Website
Led by Buff Neretin. The High Holy Days are fast approaching! It's time to start thinking about making private spaces into Holy Places... and preparing to invite folks to join you in worship. Don't know where to start? Come join us for informal conversation.
Israel’s Occupation, Jewish Tradition and Collective Responsibility Wednesday, Aug. 11 and Sunday, Aug. 22, 7-8:30 pm – on the High Holidays Website
Facilitated by Rabbi Benjamin and Joel Beinin. During this season of ḥeshbon hanefesh—honest self-examination—leading up to the Days of Awe, we will spend these sessions examining aspects of Israel’s occupation of the Palestinians and reflect on what our learning asks of us as Jews.
“40 Days of Teshuvah” Film and Discussion Thursday, Aug. 12, 11-noon – on the High Holidays Website
Havurah joins the Inside Out Wisdom and Action Project and the Reconstructing Judaism movement in showing the film 40 Days of Teshuvah. Last summer, Yehudah Webster and Jews for Racial and Economic Justice (JFREJ) protested for 40 days, culminating with Tisha B'Av. The film offers a powerful model for integrating Jewish spiritual tools and technologies like prayer, teshuvah and Mussar into the work of social change in general and racial justice in particular.
“40 Days of Teshuvah” Film and Discussion Thursday, Aug. 12, 11-noon – on the High Holidays Website
Havurah joins the Inside Out Wisdom and Action Project and the Reconstructing Judaism movement in showing the film 40 Days of Teshuvah. Last summer, Yehudah Webster and Jews for Racial and Economic Justice (JFREJ) protested for 40 days, culminating with Tisha B'Av. The film offers a powerful model for integrating Jewish spiritual tools and technologies like prayer, teshuvah and Mussar into the work of social change in general and racial justice in particular.
Services This Weekend
Kabbalat Shabbat for Elul Friday, Aug. 13, 7 pm - on the High Holidays Website
Led by J.D. Kleinke and Friends. A special welcoming of Shabbat for during the month of Elul. Music and meditations on the meaning of return and renewal.
Refa'einu Healing Service Saturday, Aug. 14, 3 pm - on the High Holidays Website
Refa’einu Healing Services provide sacred space and time to focus on healing and wholeness. Through contemplative teachings, sacred chant, guided and silent meditations, embodied practice, and prayer, we open to healing energy—however it is needed in our lives, families, communities, planet. Co-facilitated by Karen Mitzner and Tivona Reith. Refa’einu, Yah, v’neirafei—Heal us, Source of All Healing, and we will be healed.
Looking Ahead to Next Week
Forgiveness in Judaism and for One Another with Karen Mitzner (Monday at 2 pm)
Jewish New Year Cooking 101 with Jenn Louis (Monday at 7 pm)
Elul Mindfulness & Meditation (Tuesday at noon)
“40 Days of Teshuvah” Film and Discussion with Adela Basayne (Tuesday at 7 pm)
Life Story Midrash with Tivona Reith (Wednesday at 7 pm)
Lev Tahor Chanting Circle with Rabbi Benjamin (Thursday at 7 pm)
(HYB) Shabbat Morning with Music Shabbaton (w/ Aly Halpert) Shabbat, May 10th 10:00a to 12:00p This community minyan will feature the musical contributions of Aly Halpert who is in residence with us this Shabbat. 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, May 10th 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) Songs for Liberation Song Circle (w/ Aly Halpert) Shabbat, May 10th 4:30p to 6:30p (Currently this event is for Havurah members only, as registrations are capped at 80 people. Havurah members, be sure to RSVP.) Rising Song Records artist Aly Halpert concludes our music shabbaton with a Song Circle, a space to enjoy our voices together as we learn new and ancient Jewish songs and niggunim together. Aly Halpert is at the epicenter of a resurgence of Jewish music-making– introducing new tunes, new words, and new ways of bringing music into davening and community-building.
Rose Haven Walk (register at their 2025 Reigning Roses Walk site) Sunday, May 11th 10:00a to 1:00p Rose Haven supporters and guests will unite to stride a beautiful route through NW Portland on Mother’s Day at the 12th Annual Reigning Roses Walk. Walk with, or in honor of, a special woman in your life – a mother, grandmother, daughter, partner, or friend. 10 am check-in, 11 am begin walking. (We've cancelled the Havurah Teen Engagement plan for this event; just go to the Rose Haven 2025 Reigning Roses Walk website to register!)
(IP) Jewish Ethical Responses to the Problem of Racism Monday, May 12th 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.
(HYB) Steering Meeting Tuesday, May 13th 6:30p to 8:30p Steering members and staff will meet to consider matters of governance. All Havurah Shalom members are invited to attend Steering Committee meetings. For Zoom join links, visit havurahshalom.org/zoom (must be logged in) or call the office in advance for assistance (503-248-4662).
(IP) Hebrew as a Tool: Prayer and Torah (registration closed) Wednesday, May 14th 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.
(IP) B’nei Mitzvah Drash and Service Workshop Thursday, May 15th 7:00p to 8:00p Students and parents are guided through responding to Torah in a drash. You will also take a walk through the Shabbat Morning service. Led by Sarah Shine.
(HYB) Text and Torah Shabbat: "Forgotten" Jewish Rituals Shabbat, May 17th 10:00a to 12:00p One hour of text study with Diane Chaplin on special topics, followed by a brief service. 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@havurhshalom.org.
