Virtual Forum on the the State of Refugee Resettlement & Immigration Tonight! Wednesday, June 22, 5:30 pm – Zoom Room Aleph
The Sanctuary Committee recognizes that refugee resettlement and immigration are challenging at both the national and local level. We will hear from experts about the global refugee situation, the current status of the U.S. resettlement program, and how Jewish communities and individuals can help. Sen. Ron Wyden will deliver introductory remarks and speakers include: Naomi Steinberg, Vice President for Policy and Advocacy, HIAS; Myra Dahgaypaw, Refugee Congress Delegate and Senior Partnership Officer for Justice and International Accountability at UUSC; and Havurah members. Click here for the event flier. RSVP here. Contact: Lauren Fortgang
Weekly Parsha Study Saturdays, 9 am, Zoom Room Aleph & In Person
Join Havurah for a community-led study session of the weekly Torah reading before each Shabbat service.
Shabbat Morning Service Saturdays, 10 am, Zoom Room Aleph & In Person
All are welcome at our Shabbat services, including b'nei mitzvah services. You don't need to receive an invitation. Just come celebrate with the b'nei mitzvah, their family, and the community! Check our online calendar for details about all Shabbat services.
Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation Tuesdays, 12 pm, Zoom Room Bet & In Person
We gather to find moments of quiet and shalom. Led by Rabbi Benjamin, Adela Basayne, or Nancy Becker.
Morning Minyan Wednesdays, 8:30 am, Zoom Room Aleph & In Person
For all who want a regular prayer practice and those saying Kaddish.
Upcoming Events
Anti-Racism & Belonging Conversation for Past Presidents Sunday, June 26, 10 am– Zoom Room Bet
We invite you to embark with us on gaining a better understanding of how anti-racism and belonging shows up within the congregation through a small group conversation. This conversation is for Past Presidents of Havurah. Led by Havurah consultants Tabitha and Adam St. Bernard-Jacobs. Learn more. RSVP here.
Anti-Racism & Belonging Conversation for Current & Incoming Steering Committee Members Sunday, June 26, 11:30 am– Zoom Room Gimel
We invite you to embark with us on gaining a better understanding of how anti-racism and belonging shows up within the congregation through a small group conversation. This conversation is for Havurah's current and incoming Steering Committee members. Led by Havurah consultants Tabitha and Adam St. Bernard-Jacobs. Learn more. RSVP here.
RSVP links for the group conversations in August and September will go live about 30 days before each conversation. Find the complete schedule below.
Book Group Discussion of The Love of a Good Woman by Alice Munro Tuesday, June 28, 7 pm – Zoom Room Bet
Winner of the 2013 Nobel Prize for literature, Alice Munro is perhaps the greatest short story writer since Chekhov. What she achieves in a 30 page short story far exceeds in depth and complexity what many novelists struggle to accomplish in 500 pages. Her economy of words is breathtaking. If you have not read Munro you are in for a real treat. Discussion led by David Newman. Learn more.
AlteRocker Happy Hour Thursday, June 30, 4:30 pm – Zoom Room Heh
Come schmooze with us. And mark your calendars for monthly schmoozes– the last Thursday of the month!
B'nei Mitzvah of Megan Rose & Elijah Moss Saturday, July 2, 10 am
Please join us in welcoming Megan Rose and Elijah Moss as a b'nei mitzvah and members of our community. No invitation is required. All are welcome!
The Song Circle Monday, July 18, 7:30 pm – Zoom Room Dalet & In Person
The Song Circle is based on a program designed by Joey Weisenberg and the Rising Song Institute focusing on communal songs and niggunim, wordless melodies. It is open to all who wish to learn, share music, and grow their personal leadership techniques. The guided self-study requires access to a library of Joey’s music videos, written materials, and short instructional videos, which costs $18/month per person, but limited subsidies are available. Contact: Ken Lerner
Tikkun Olam Updates
Banking for Our Future, Investing in What Matters Sunday, June 26, 7 pm– Special Zoom Room
Join the Havurah Climate Action Team for an informal discussion, sharing our successes and challenges with moving our money and shifting our behaviors to support a livable climate. We began this Shmita year with teachings and goals. As we roll into the end of the year, join us in taking stock of where we’re at, how we’ve moved forward, and where we’ve gotten stuck, and getting inspiration and support from each other for making ongoing personal changes that contribute to a sustainable and just future. RSVP here. Contact: Harriet Cooke
News from the Streets: Volunteer Opportunities
1) Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS): If interested in attending a volunteer orientation for PHFS, contact Gloria Halper. To help with Havurah's 2nd Wednesday Dinner at PHFS shelter, no orientation is needed. Contact Len Shapiro; 2) The Common Good Project: help pass out needed items at several NE homeless camps. Other volunteer opportunities too! Contact: Jenn Louis; 3) Check out Rose Haven, a women's day shelter near Havurah. This is a new organization that Havurah is now supporting. Contact: Marcia Suttenberg
The Future of Reconstructing Judaism Thursday, June 23, 4:30 pm PDT
With the wisdom of a new strategic plan, Reconstructing Judaism is creating opportunities even as they and the world collectively face challenges. Their innovative rabbinical education, dynamic communities, inclusive ideals, and personally meaningful approach have never been more relevant. The Momentum Campaign is their effort to make their ambitious vision possible — and they want you to join them for the kickoff event on June 23.
BB Camp Hiring for Portland Day Camp
On the last day of Shabbat School BB camp counselors helped run art and sports activities with the students. We had a blast! BB Camp is currently looking to hire teens 16+ to work at the Portland day camp. If you are interested contact Abby ASAP. Abby “Cocoa” Evonuk (she/her), Associate Director of BB Day Camp Portland, 503-496-7447 WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU THIS SUMMER! – BB OVERNIGHT CAMP | BB DAY CAMPS.
Leaving on July 31
Dear Havurah friends, I have sincerely enjoyed reconnecting, meeting, and working with you over the past six months as a part-time communications staff member. Unfortunately, it has been challenging to do this work remotely, and I have decided to leave the position on July 31. Though I will miss working with you, I look forward to continuing to connect in other ways.– Teri Ruch
Resources
Do You Need Support?
If you are facing emotional, financial, or health challenges and would welcome support, please consider contacting the (a) Bikkur Holim (Visiting the Sick) Committee for spiritual support, (b) Lotsa Helping Hands for help with food, transportation, or other errands, or (c) Rabbi Benjamin, for spiritual and moral support – benjamin@havurahshalom.org or 503-248-4662 ext. 3. If you're interested in being on a list of people who support others in concrete ways, such as grocery shopping or running other errands, please contact Lotsa Helping Hands. To request that the name of a relative or Havurah member be read during the Misheberach (healing prayer) at Shabbat services, use this new Misheberach Request Form.
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.
(ZM) Seeking God’s Face: An Overview of Mystical Judaism Monday, Jan 30th 7:00p to 8:15p In this four-week introductory class, we will delve into the history of Jewish mysticism, sample ancient Kabbalistic texts and contemporary mystical writings, become acquainted with Hasidic rebbes and their enduring stories, and explore selected mystical concepts and practices. Led by Tivona Reith, Rabbinic Chaplain and Mashpiah Ruchanit.
(ZM) Wrestling with the Truth of Colonization Tuesday, Jan 31st 5:30p to 7:30p The Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good (MACG) Havurah Core Team hope you will consider registering for the 5-session virtual course “Wrestling with the Truth of Colonization.” This course has been developed and presented by local Indigenous leaders in Washington, Montana, two Canadian provinces, New Zealand and Australia. The course is very powerful and moving. Please spread the word wide and far within our community and beyond. . Since Havurah is a MACG member, there is no cost for members.
(IP) Palestinian Voices Wednesday, Feb 1st 7:00p to 8:15p A selection of Palestinian voices in their own terms—unmediated by Western or Israeli media or organizations with a political agenda—using a selection of films, poetry, prose, and music (and depending on Covid conditions, food). We will include well known figures like Edward Said, Ghassan Kanafani, and Mahmud Darwish as well as representatives of the youthful generation of feminist authors, such as Hala Alyan, Farah Chamma, and Rafeef Ziadah. The emphasis throughout is on cultural expression rather than historical narrative or political analysis. However, to provide a common point of departure, we will begin with a film that surveys the history since British Mandate Palestine (1922-1948) to about 2000. Led by Joel Beinin.
(ZM) Wrestling with the Truth of Colonization Thursday, Feb 2nd 5:30p to 7:30p The Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good (MACG) Havurah Core Team hope you will consider registering for the 5-session virtual course “Wrestling with the Truth of Colonization.” This course has been developed and presented by local Indigenous leaders in Washington, Montana, two Canadian provinces, New Zealand and Australia. The course is very powerful and moving. Please spread the word wide and far within our community and beyond. . Since Havurah is a MACG member, there is no cost for members.
HIAS Refugee Kabbalat Shabbat Friday, Feb 3rd 7:30p to 8:30p We will join congregations nationwide in dedicating our Shabbat services to honoring refugees and asylum seekers.
Adult B'nei Mitzvah Shabbat, Feb 4th 10:00a to 12:00p Please share in our joy as Havurah Shalom’s Adult B’nai Mitzvah group is called to the Torah. After services, please join us for a luncheon sponsored by the B’nai Mitzvah group, with the help of the Havurah Community and our friends and family. Please RSVP by Jan. 19.
Teen Party Night Motzei Shabbat, Feb 4th 7:00p to 9:00p Teens! Come hang out with your friends at Havurah! Activities include board games, gaga, cornhole, etc. Ice cream sundae bar for dessert, and music with DJ Saul.
(IP) Tu B'shvat Tryon Creek Family Hike and Seder Sunday, Feb 5th 1:00p to 3:00p Join us for a joyful, family-friendly hike from Tryon Creek Nature Center through trails to the Tryon Farm, about 20 minutes. A short Tu B'shvat seder (under cover of a large yurt if rainy or too cold), followed by return hike back to the nature center. The hike will be led by forest activist Brenna Bell. Seder will be led by Harriet Cooke and Karen Ballard. RSVP
