Sound the Shofar
Every day except Shabbat, Aug. 9 - 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.
Lev Tahor Chanting Circle
Thursday, Aug. 19, 7 pm – on the High Holidays website
We gather in community for an evening of contemplative practice, chanting interspersed with silence, guided by teachings from the tradition. In the spirit of this month of Elul, we will focus on opening and directing our hearts toward teshuvah — return and renewal. Everyone is welcome, no experience or musical ability required. Facilitated by Rabbi Benjamin.
Bar Mitzvah of Harry Friedman
Saturday, Aug. 21, 10 am – Room Aleph
Please join us in welcoming Harry Friedman as a Bar Mitzvah and member of our community!
Cemetery Cleanup
Sunday, Aug. 22, 1-3 pm – Havurah Cemetery, 5656 SW Humphrey Blvd
Get together with the Cemetery Committee to keep the space beautiful. The Cemetery and Garden Committees are co-sponsoring this event for the first time; all Havurah members, their friends and families are welcome to attend. Bring your own water and snacks, scrub brushes for scrubbing the gravestones, and pruners and gloves for trimming the hedge. RSVP here.
Israel's Occupation, Jewish Tradition, and Collective Responsibility
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. Rabbi Benjamin will present Jewish texts as a framework for us to grapple with issues such as Jewish power and our relationship to the other, and Joel will guide us in engaging with contemporary analysis from various organizations. The reading for this class can be found here.
"Why Should You Hang Onto That Old Shmita?"
Monday, Aug. 23, 7-8:15 pm – on the High Holidays website
This coming year is a shmita year, which occurs every seven years beginning at Rosh Hashanah. It is a time of rest and release for the earth and people in debt. Join us for a short program examining the shmita year, from its Biblical origins and ancient practice to modern examples of literal observance. Catch us again during the service break on Yom Kippur for a guided discussion on exploring opportunities for your own shmita observance.
Elul Mindfulness & Meditation
Tuesday, Aug. 24, 12 pm – on the High Holidays website
We gather to find some moments of quiet and shalom. Led by Rabbi Benjamin, Adela Basayne, or Nancy Becker.
Book Group
The Last Million: Europe's Displaced Persons from World War to Cold War
Tuesday, Aug. 24, 7 pm – Room Bet
The Last Million tells the gripping but until now largely hidden story of postwar displacement and statelessness. By 1952, the Last Million were scattered around the world. As they crossed from their broken past into an unknowable future, they carried with them their wounds, fears, hopes, and secrets. Nasaw illuminates their incredible history and, with profound contemporary resonance, shows us that it is our history as well. Discussion led by Stacy Hankin.
Morning Minyan BACK TO ONLINE ONLY
Wednesday, Aug. 25, 8:30 am – Room Aleph
For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish.
AlteRockers Happy Hour
Thursday, Aug. 26, 4:30 pm – Room Heh
Come schmooze with us. Mark your calendars for monthly schmoozes on the last Thursday of the month!
Be Antiracist: Participate in an Antiracism Journaling Group
Thursday, Aug. 26, 7-8 pm – on the High Holidays website
The daily practice of being antiracist can be supported by working through our internalized white supremacy in a small group, sharing our personal learnings. This hour will introduce a model for forming an antiracism journaling group and support for getting one started.
Bar Mitzvah of Jordan Devlin
Saturday, Aug. 28, 10 am – Room Aleph
Please join us in welcoming Jordan Devlin as a Bat Mitzvah and member of our community!
Sunrise Selichot Service
Sunday, Aug. 29, 6:30-7:45 am – 707 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97212 (Irving Park)
Traditionally, Jews gather on the Saturday night before Rosh Hashanah to initiate the process of Seliḥot, Forgiveness, in preparation for the Ten Days of Teshuvah, Returning. This year we will gather early on Sunday morning instead, so that we can be together in person outside. We will spend time chanting and reflecting internally, supporting each other as we examine where and how we need to ask for forgiveness and extend forgiveness toward others. Led by Rabbi Benjamin. We'll gather at Irving Park in the lower ball field. Bring a chair and mask.
Young People's High Holiday Discussion (High School & College)
Monday, Aug. 30, 6-7:15 pm – on the High Holidays website
Following a successful peer-led Young People’s Discussion Program during Shavuot, our community will be facilitating two more 90-minute sessions for teens and the college crowd: one during Elul (Aug. 2021) and one during the High Holidays (Sept. 6-16). While many concerns remain present as we move into a new phase of the pandemic, there is also much-awaited excitement about the reopening of institutions like school and community activities. At the same time, young people who are paying attention are aware of many new challenges from the rise of bigotry and anti-Semitism to the critical need for inclusion and the fight for LGBTQ opportunities and basic dignity. As our year ends and we begin 5782, in what ways are you re-opening, personally and with your community? Why is it hard to re-open sometimes? How different are you now compared to before the pandemic? Do you feel hopeful and why or why not? Join us for a vibrant discussion.
Israel/Palestine Committee Meeting
Tuesday, Aug. 31, 7 pm – Room Bet
The Israel/Palestine Committee will meet to discuss our fall activities. Included will be an event with Hand-in-Hand and yet-to-be-determined opportunities for communal conversations about the situation in Israel/Palestine. All members of Havurah are welcome to attend the meeting. RSVP here.
