A Reminder and an Update Regarding Our COVID Guidelines
Reminder: As we announced last week, Havurah has new COVID Gathering Guidelines that allow for more people to gather in the building for more purposes while wearing higher-quality masks. Due to current Omicron conditions, this “opening” will likely be a bit slow. Think of it as a “soft opening,” – like a restaurant that starts by only opening to friends and family as it works out its recipes and routines. Over the next weeks, it will be up to each service leader, group, and organizer to decide how and when to gather in person again. We anticipate that it will take a while for services, committee meetings, activities, and events to fully return to Havurah. Click here for a longer explanation of the updated Guidelines, along with a Q&A.
Update: Since last week, we have added KF94 masks as an allowable mask choice for adults ages 18 and over.
Summary of new vaccination, testing, and masking requirements: Vaccination and testing. Individuals ages five and over who are participating in an indoor Havurah event or activity must be fully vaccinated or (if medically ineligible for vaccination) have a negative COVID test. ~ A negative COVID test means a negative antigen test within 24 hours of being in the building, or a negative PCR test within 48 hours. ~ Honor system - this vaccination and testing requirement is to be administered on an honor system. ~ Shabbat School exception - Children ages 5 to 11 are not required to be vaccinated or tested prior to attending Shabbat School classes or Shabbat School sponsored activities. Note: for any other indoor Havurah-sponsored activity, event, or service, children ages 5 to 11 are required to be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID test. See the explanation for this here in the longer article Q&A.
Masking. Adults aged 18 and over must wear KN95, a KF94 (new!) or N95 masks during indoor activities; individuals under the age of 18 may wear a well-fitted cloth or disposable mask. ~ Until February 25, 2022, this mandatory masking rule shall also apply to all individuals on the bima during services. ~ Masking requirements (bima and otherwise) will be reassessed in mid-February 2022 and periodically thereafter. Note: KN95 masks have been purchased for the synagogue and will be available to those who are in the building who did not bring their own N95, KN95, or KF94 mask.
If you have questions, comments, or concerns about any COVID policy issues, please send an email to info@havurahshalom.org. Your email will be shared with the COVID Management Team and one of the members will get back to you.
Support Legislation Focused on Racial Justice
The Social Action Working Group of the Havurah Racial Justice Committee has a time-sensitive opportunity for you to be involved in two important legislative actions happening now in the short session, so time is of the essence. Click here to see actions to take today!
Upcoming Classes and Events
Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation Tuesdays, 12 pm – Zoom Room Bet We gather to find some moments of quiet and shalom. Led by Rabbi Benjamin, Adela Basayne or Nancy Becker.
Community of Support Meeting with Maria and Carlos Friday, Feb 4, 1 pm – Zoom Room Bet In Their Own Words: An update from Maria & Carlos. This Guatemalan family has been sponsored by the Havurah Community as they seek asylum in this country. Maria and Carlos will describe what their lives are like here, as they navigate work and school. Please join us! Questions, please contact Kathy Gordon or Shari Raider.
Community Minyan Saturday, Feb. 5, 10 am – Zoom Room Aleph Led by community members, this service includes davening, Torah reading and discussion.
Shmita Living Lightly: Adinkra Patterned Design Art Piece Class Sunday, Feb. 6, 7 pm – Zoom Room Bet This class, taught by Carolina Martinez, is geared toward making an Adinkra and Kente symbolic design picture. Coming from Ghana, Adinkra symbols represent character traits, and the colors of the designs in Kente woven textiles also have symbolic meaning. You can combine them in a pattern or use them as a focal point. No art experience necessary. RSVP
Becoming Rooted Book Group Tuesday, Feb. 8, 5:15 pm – Zoom Room Aleph “Becoming Rooted” explores the connections we have with the land and the tools of nature that allow us to live sustainably and justly on this planet. This book discussion group is an opportunity to be in touch with the spiritual events that occur each day and to be connected to the land we live on. We’ll discuss new chapters every week. Join us whenever you can. For information, reach out to Michael Heumann.
Morning Minyan Wednesday, Feb. 9, 8:30 am – Zoom Room Aleph For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee has started work to nominate candidates for the 2022-2023 Steering Committee. This spring, we will be submitting nominations for the following positions:
• Vice-President (four-year commitment) • Treasurer • Limud (Learning) Cluster Lead • Makom (Building) Cluster Lead • Tikkun Olam (Social Action) Cluster Lead
Attend the IAP First Thursday Meeting: Noon on Thursday, Feb. 3, with County Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson, discussing Multnomah County’s Early Childhood Education Program and the relationship between education and poverty. Offsite Zoom Link
Portland Homeless Family Solutions has received a $2.5 million grant from the Bezos Day One Fund! Learn more in this OPB interview with the Executive director and a mom who was helped by PHFS, one of our Tikkun Olam partner organizations.
Our national blood supply is at an all-time shortage. Please consider donating.
Now open for registration, the program will be presented virtually, in Zoom format, over the course of two days, honoring the program’s roots as a Shabbaton Study Weekend.
Lectures include: Hammer and Pickle: How Soviet Jews Joked—And Were Joked About Rooted and Rootless: History, Memory and Cultural Mythology Scenes of Encounter: How American Jews Imagined Soviet Jews—and Vice Versa See more about our program at the Jewish Review
Havdalah service will be led by Cantor Barbara Slader
This is the second year Weekend in Quest is held under the auspices of the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education. The program was arranged by the Weekend in Quest planning committee, chaired by Mimi Epstein.
We will come together, both in-person and virtually, from March 23 to 27, for B'Yachad: Reconstructing Judaism Together in the Washington, D.C. metro area. During the convention, we will learn from and with experts, scholars and lay leaders. We will engage in conversations, ask questions and listen. We will pray together, sing together, dance together and celebrate all that we do every day in our communities to reconstruct Judaism.
Our convention will take place in the versatile spaces of the beautiful Hilton McLean Tysons Corner hotel, located in the Chesapeake region. The hotel is five minutes from the Metro Silver Line, putting D.C. destinations within reach. A free shuttle stops at Tysons Galleria and other locations within a mile. Reserve a hotel room for our convention at a special rate. Learn more
Community Happenings
Understanding Jewish Disabled Experiences Thursday, Feb. 3, 4 pm – RSVP Offsite February is Jewish Disability Advocacy Month. Join Jewish Family & Child Service and JPro PDX on Zoom as we bring together members of the disability community to share their lived experiences. This panel will provide insights into creating a more accessible Jewish community. JWRT/Rose Schnitzer Manor Community Havdalah Saturday, Feb. 5, 7 pm – Offsite Zoom, passcode 116185 The 22nd Annual Community Havdalah sponsored by Jewish Women's Round Table and Rose Schnitzer Manor is open to the community via Zoom. Kim Schneiderman will lead. Residents will be in person, all others on Zoom.
Experience the NEW Museum of the Jewish People (ANU) Wednesday, Feb. 9, 9 am – RSVP Offsite Come join AZM for a virtual visit to the new, largest and most comprehensive Jewish museum in the world, displaying state of the arts exhibits in various technologies. National Discussions About Israel/Palestine Ongoing – RSVP Offsite The Israel/Palestine Committee is encouraging Havurah members to register for and attend all or some of the nine 1½ hour national sessions of Reconstructionists Expanding Our Conversation about Israel/Palestine being offered by Reconstructionist rabbis with a range of perspectives.
17th Annual Solomon Memorial Lecture: "American Jews in 2022: Who Counts? And Why That's Important" with Dr. Mijal Bitton Thursday, Feb. 10, 5:30 pm – RSVP Offsite In recent years, American Jews have become much more aware of the diversity of their community. American Jews are not only Ashkenazi Jews whose ancestors immigrated to the U.S. from Eastern Europe, but also Sephardic Jews, Mizrahi Jews, Jews of color, and Jews of many other backgrounds. In this talk, sociologist and thought leader Mijal Bitton explains why understanding this diversity and its implications is so crucial for the future of American Jewry.
Special Trip To Israel With Reconstructionist Congregations! April 24 to May 6, 2022 Join travelers from other Reconstructionist congregations on this Israel trip geared towards people who want a thorough first introduction to Israel and its complexities. The trip is organized in conjunction with Regarding Israel, a dynamic and reputable tour company, and will introduce participants to key sites and important themes connected to Israeli civil society and conflict and co-existence that will allow people to gain a deeper understanding of some of the key issues affecting Israelis today. Participants must have received their booster shot by March 15. More details and itinerary coming soon. More Info
Reconstructing Judaism is Marking an Historic Event – 100 years since the founding of the first RJ synagogue! Read all about it here.
Resources
COVID-19 Vaccines & Assistance Congregation Neveh Shalom COVID-19 Outreach and Services (CNSCOS) provides information about the pandemic, testing, and vaccines, and helps 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. Contact cnscos@nevehshalom.org or call (971) 990-5652.
How can we support each other during the pandemic? 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 or concerns they have wondered about. Please send your questions to transparency@havurahshalom.org. We will anonymously answer your question in Hakol. Everyone in our community benefits from this clarity!
Havurah Zoom Rooms
Room Aleph PC/Mac/Smartphone:Click here to join. Note for all devices: You can also open your Zoom app first, click “Join a Meeting” then enter meeting ID 604560503 and "call via device audio." The passcode is 5472. Cell/Landline: Dial +1 669-900-6833 and enter meeting ID 604560503.
Room Bet PC/Mac/Smartphone:Click here to join. Note for all devices: You can also open your Zoom app first, click “Join a Meeting” then enter meeting ID 291215092 and "call via device audio." The passcode is 5472. Cell/Landline: Dial +1 669-900-6833 and enter meeting ID 291215092.
Room Gimel PC/Mac/Smartphone:Click here to join. Note for all devices: You can also open your Zoom app first, click “Join a Meeting” then enter meeting ID 502586440 and "call via device audio." The passcode is 5472. Cell/Landline: Dial +1 669-900-6833 and enter meeting ID 502586440.
Room Dalet PC/Mac/Smartphone:Click here to join. Note for all devices: You can also open your Zoom app first, click “Join a Meeting” then enter meeting ID 472484392 and "call via device audio." The passcode is 5472. Cell/Landline: Dial +1 669-900-6833 and enter meeting ID 472484392.
Room Heh PC/Mac/Smartphone:Click hereto join. Note for all devices: You can also open your Zoom app first, click “Join a Meeting” then enter meeting ID 87852542099 and "call via device audio." The passcode is 5472. Cell/Landline: Dial +1 669-900-6833 and enter meeting ID 87852542099.
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.
