If you haven't filled out the B'Yachad please do so now! This is your last chance to do your part to fulfill Havurah's mission of being a vibrant and participatory community. There is a place for everyone. Check out the possibilities and find the way you can participate in the coming year!
If you borrowed a machzor this year and have been wondering when to return it, wonder no more! Here are dates and times when someone will be at the building to receive your machzorim.
Thursday, Oct. 7, 9-3 pm
Friday, Oct. 8, 12-5 pm
Monday, Oct. 11, 1-7 pm
Tuesday, Oct. 12, 1-7 pm
Thursday, Oct. 14, 1-7 pm
If you're at the building for an activity such as Shabbat School or Havurah High, you can also drop off your machzor then! Just drop it in one of the containers in the entryway. No need to sign it in, since we'll use the number in the cover for tracking purposes. Questions? Ask Rachel at rachel@havurahshalom.org.
Maria Needs a Phone
Maria, an asylum seeker that Havurah is supporting, needs a new phone. A Havurah member has generously offered to put Maria and Carlos on his phone plan. Two other members have done so since their arrival in early 2020. Maria is in need of a new phone. Here is what we are seeking: an iPhone 7 or newer in good condition. If you have one you are willing to donate, please contact Kathy Gordon via the Havurah Member Directory.
Program Director Absence
Adela will be out on medical leave until November 15. Please be in touch with Rachel Pollak (at rachel.pollak@havurahshalom.org), who can direct you to the appropriate person for questions regarding Adela's usual duties.
Upcoming Classes: Sign Up Now!
Personal Cyber Security Thursday, Oct. 7, 7-8:15 pm– Room Bet
Thinking about your safety online can be intimidating, but it does not have to be! Meet with the Safety Committee to learn how to secure your sensitive online accounts. We’ll show you how to install and use a free and simple password manager and how to handle multi-factor authentication. No matter your comfort level with computers, we will walk you through this process so your personal cyber security will be greatly improved by the end of the session. Led by Joel Bettridge and Curtis Shipley. Register here.
A Bird Eye's View of Jewish History Tuesday, Oct. 12, 19, 26; 7-8:15 pm– Room Heh
Do you have a vague sense that a lot happened between the Jews' presumed exodus from Egypt and our modern era–but you aren't sure what actually happened or where? Have you ever wondered how and why Jewish people dispersed from one small piece of real estate in the Middle East and came to live in every part of the globe? Do you want to know more but don't have the time or patience to read books on Jewish history? Using illustrations and maps, we will enjoyably learn the themes, geography and journey of the Jewish people. We will learn key events, where Jews lived and why, what languages Jews spoke, key contributions Jews have made to the world and key ways that Jews responded to events and ideas in world history. We'll learn where the ancestors of American Jews came from. Please obtain Barnavi's A Historical Atlas of the Jewish People from the Time of the Patriarchs to the Present, in advance. Led by Roger Brewer. Register here.
A Shmita for Hearts and Minds: Building Our Mental Health Resilience While Doing Climate and Social Justice Work, and Our Personal Healing Sunday, Oct. 17, 7-9 pm – Room Gimel
The Shmita year has foundational teachings to nourish our mental health. Please join Harriet Cooke, and others for a presentation and discussion on how we can build mental~emotional resilience inspired by shmita and other teachings. We will explore the four kabbalistic worlds to better understand and practice what contributes to our mental health. Register here.
Tikkun Middot, Tikkun Olam: Refining the Self for the Sake of the World Tuesdays, Oct. 19 - Dec. 14 (skipping Nov. 23), 4-5:30 pm– Zoom link with registration only (with potential for some in person)
In this cohort we will engage with Jewish spiritual practice in the name of building a more just and loving world. Our primary lens will be Mussar, an approach to living centered around middot, “soul traits.” In trusted community, we will explore middot vital to justice-seeking and examine how they manifest in our relationships and actions. We will meet every week, with direction for ongoing practice in between sessions. RSVP directly to Rabbi Benjamin at benjamin.barnett@havurahshalom.org.
Lev Tahor Chanting Circle Thursday, Oct. 28, 7-8 pm– Room Bet
Facilitated by Rabbi Benjamin. We gather in community for an evening of contemplative practice, chanting interspersed with silence, guided by teachings from the tradition. Everyone is welcome, no experience or musical ability required. Register here.
Upcoming Events
Community Minyan Saturday, Oct. 9, 10 am– Room Aleph
Led by community members and Rabbi Benjamin, this service includes davening, Torah reading, and discussion.
Refugee Volunteer Training with Catholic Charities Monday, Oct. 11, 7-8:30 pm– Register here
This is a reminder that Havurah has arranged to have a virtual training session with Catholic Charities for anyone interested in volunteering with them. This is supported by Havurah's Sanctuary Committee.
Israel/Palestine Committee Meeting Tuesday, Oct. 12, 7 pm – Room Bet
We will continue our discussion of Fall activities, including our Dec. 5 event with Hand-in-Hand and a potential follow-up discussion. All members of Havurah who are interested are welcome to attend.
Morning Minyan Wednesday, Oct. 13, 8:30 am – Room Aleph
We are getting an early start for Rosh Ḥodesh today. For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish.
Bat Mitzvah of Leyah Boussi Saturday, Oct. 16, 10 am – Room Aleph
Please join us in welcoming Leyah Boussi as a Bat Mitzvah and member of our community.
Tikkun Olam Events & Updates
Interfaith Alliance on Poverty: First Thursday Meeting Thursday, Oct. 7, 12 pm
FEATURED SPEAKER: SAM ADAMS, PORTLAND'S DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC INNOVATIONS. Adams believes in public-private partnerships as the key to our city’s success. Five partnership groups, which Adams calls “action tables,” focus on promoting public safety, addressing homelessness, cleaning up trash across the city, and helping businesses reopen. Register in advance for this meeting here. After registering, you receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting. Contact Steve Rudman or Gloria Halper via the Havurah Member Directory if you have questions.
Havurah's Winter Shmita Collection Drive for Homeless
One of Havurah's first Smita events is a collection drive of clothing and housing necessities for NE homeless camps. Drop off info will be in our October Hakol.
Tikkun Olam's Poverty & Homelessness Committee member, Jenn Louis, has been supplying food, and more to those on the streets. Jenn posts regularly on Havurah's Facebook page "News from the Streets." Also, Havurah volunteers are needed on Tuesdays to hand out items, along with Jenn. For more info contact Jenn Louis. Info list here.
Congregation Neveh Shalom COVID-19 Outreach and Services (CNSCOS)
CNSCOS can help you make sense of all there is to know about the pandemic, testing, and vaccines. 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.
Do You Need Help?
If you are facing emotional or 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 or emotional 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 who support others in concrete ways, such as grocery shopping or running other errands, please contact Rabbi Benjamin.
Questions About Havurah?
The Transparency & Inclusivity Committee is an avenue within Havurah Shalom to help members find the answers to questions they have wondered about. Please send your questions to transparency@havurahshalom.org. We will anonymously publish your question in Hakol and then answer that question. Everyone in our community benefits from this clarity!
Havurah Zoom Rooms
To see our full Zoom room instructions, click here. Member sign-in required.
(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.
