Hineinu: Learn About Shmita Events, Our Teachers, and the New CMT
Author
Date Added
Update from the
COVID Management Team
After implementing updated guidelines for High Holidays and Shabbat School in September, the COVID Management Team (our new name!) looked at our outdoor gathering guidelines for Shabbat School-related events and made some changes in order to allow outdoor Havdalah gatherings. We are now looking at increasing the indoor attendance limits at B’nei Mitzvah, and also identifying a framework for the Steering Committee to make future decisions on re-opening. To read the details on these issues, click here.
As noted above, we have updated our name from “Core Crisis Team” (which was adopted in spring 2020) to “COVID Management Team” (or “CMT”) to better reflect the work we are doing during this phase of the pandemic. Which isn’t to say that we are “managing” COVID (ha!), but that we are attempting to manage Havurah’s response to the COVID pandemic.
As always, if you have any questions or comments for the CMT, send an email to info@havurahshalom.org. Your email will be shared with the committee and one of the members will get back to you.
Upcoming Classes
Learn Something New About Our Teachers!
You probably know that Havurah offers a rich program of adult learning. In addition to classes taught by Education Director Deborah Eisenbach-Budner and Rabbi Benjamin, many are led by our own members. Who are our current teachers? Whether you are already signed up or think you may do so another time, meet the people who are sharing their talents and perspectives with our community. We deeply appreciate their contributions.
Psalms: A Deep Dive Into the Five Books of David Thursday, Nov. 4, 6:30 pm – Room Dalet
We will explore the Book of Psalms through historical, theological, structural and poetic lenses. Focusing then on selected psalms, we will compare translations, examine them as stories of emotional journey, and try our hand at writing our own psalms. Led by Tivona Reith. RSVP
Be Anti-Racist Journaling Group Wednesday, Nov. 10, 7 pm – Room Bet
The first meeting of this journaling group, which will use prompts from Ibram X. Kendi's book Be Anti-Racists: A Journal for Awareness, Reflection, and Action, will focus on organizing future meetings. Facilitated by Adela Basayne. RSVP
What Is Israeli Food? Sunday, Nov. 14, 2 pm – Room Bet
Jenn Louis will teach you about the rich and savory collection of Israeli food, how it came to be and what are some of her favorites. This class, a combination of demonstration, lecture and Q&A, will focus on what Israelis eat and how modern Israeli cuisine developed. RSVP
Shmita Living Lightly: Chanukah Card Making for Adults and Children Sunday, Nov. 21, 2 pm – RSVP for Zoom link
Please join us at this event geared towards adults and children, making illustrated and collaged cards to send or hand deliver to friends and family. We will use supplies you can purchase, upcycle, or have at home already. Materials list at RSVP link.
Featured below: Partial artwork by Carolina Martinez.
Upcoming Events
Poverty and Homeless Event Interfaith Alliance on Poverty Monthly Meeting Thursday, Nov. 4, 12 pm – RSVP at IAP
Havurah is a member of the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty. Join their monthly meeting, where Rachael Hoy and Michelle DePass of the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability will share Portland's history of racist planning, such as local implementation of All-American zoning, banking, and other regulatory means of systemically “structuring” our neighborhoods with racial bias as a theme. Suggested: Segregated By Design, a 17-minute online video of the forgotten history of federal, state and local governments unconstitutionally segregating major metropolitan areas. Contact: Gloria Halper
Come to Community Minyan this Saturday! All Are Welcome Saturday, Nov. 6, 10 am – Room Aleph
A creative Service that features Torah study, led by Andrine de la Rocha, Howard Patterson and J.D. Kleinke.
Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation Tuesday, Nov. 9, 12 pm – Room Bet
We gather to find some moments of quiet and shalom. Led by Rabbi Benjamin or Nancy Becker.
Morning Minyan Wednesday, Nov. 10, 8:30 am – Room Aleph
For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish.
Tikkun Olam Cluster Event – Note corrected date below Shmita Year: Pre-Chanukah Swap Meet to Lighten Our Impact on the Earth Saturday, Nov. 13, 2-4:30 pm – Wallace Park Shelter, NW 25th Ave. and Raleigh St.
Looking for Chanukah gifts? Have toys, books, games, jewelry, stuffed animals, or other items in good repair that you no longer use/need but would make a good gift? The Tikkun Olam Cluster is sponsoring this Covid-safe (masks required) Chanukah swap meet. Join us even if you have nothing to swap! The playground and grassy area are available to socialize. If you do have items, bring them to the shelter between 1:30-2 or at your neighborhood drop off site if you have one. Questions? Want to help? Email shmita@havurahshalom.org. RSVP
Welcome Tea Sunday, Nov. 14, 4:30 pm – Room Aleph
The Welcome Committee invites new and newish faces to the New & Prospective Member Welcome Tea—an informal Zoom gathering. Come and meet other new and prospective members and some long-time members too! Ask questions about Havurah and be ready to have some fun! BYOT! (Bring Your Own Tea!) RSVP
Climate Action Team Event Shmita Economics: Transforming Our Relationship to Money Sunday, Nov. 14, 7 pm – Room Bet
The Shmita year has ancient teachings to release debts and care for each other and the earth. Please join Marianna Grossman and Dr. Harriet Cooke as we spring from these Torah teachings into understanding our modern economy and money systems. How can we participate in transforming our economic system and our own financial lives in a way that upholds our core Shmita values? RSVP
Lev Tahor Chanting Circle Tuesday, Nov. 16, 7 pm – Zoom 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.
Please mark your calendars: Headstone Unveiling Ceremony for Dick Mastbrook z”l Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2 pm – Havurah Cemetery
Gather in memory at the Havurah cemetery. Covid precautions will be observed.
Lift Urban Portland is seeking volunteers for the following: Twice monthly help with free “shopping” at Preston's Pantry; the Wednesday monthly Free Food Market; and the annual Christmas Dinner. Contact Abby Morris.
The Homeless Relief Initiative is very active! There are needs as well as volunteer opportunities. Thank you to all who participated in Havurah's Shmita Winter Clothing Drive supporting this Initiative! Contact: Gloria Halper.
Racial Justice Committee Update Opportunities for Involvement with The Racial Justice Committee
The Racial Justice Committee is moving forward by launching two workgroups, one focused on individual and personal education/reckoning, the other on education and political action about criminal justice reform and policing. Contact Bob Brown if you are interested in learning more contributing to either or both these working groups as they get started.
Changes in Invoicing
Havurah will be sending invoices for dues now entirely by email! Those with balances and not paying by ACH will receive email invoices quarterly–July, October, January and April. Other collectibles such as tuition or fees will be billed at the same time. To see whether you have an open balance, log in to your account on the website and navigate to the My Transactions option. You’ll have the option to pay online, or you can send a check. Questions? Reach out to Rachel Pollak or Karen Westerman.
Creative Project Help Needed
A short (20-second) video about Havurah Shalom is needed. Reconstructing Judaism is asking all congregations to submit a video that best depicts our members B’Yachad – engaged in Reconstructing Judaism Together. It will be shown at the opening of the RJ Convention in March. Later the assembled videos will be used to create an interactive directory of congregations. Can you help? If so, please contact Evan King.
Please Complete the Havurah Survey
Recently, every adult member of your household received an invitation to complete the Havurah survey. The results of the survey will guide the congregation for the near future as we tackle a variety of issues that affect us individually and as a community. Your input is crucial. The survey will take about 30 minutes to complete. But–you can start it, save your answers, and come back at another time to complete it. Thank you for contributing to the future of Havurah!
Nominating Committee Looking for Members
Havurah's Nominating Committee recruits candidates annually to serve in all Steering positions, and also helps with preparing the election slate and with onboarding of new Steering members. We are beginning our work for the 2022 Steering slate and are looking for a few new committee members. If you would like to know more or join us for a meeting, please contact Debbi Nadell.
COVID-19 Vaccines & Assistance
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 or info.
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 question 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
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.
