Reproductive Justice: A Message from Rabbi Benjamin
Friends,
The Supreme Court’s decision last Friday was an assault upon our collective freedom and safety. As with other recent decisions, in overturning Roe the court’s majority is disregarding the views of our country’s majority and abusing their power to do so. It is devastating and enraging. This decision is part of a frightening backlash against the expansions of dignity and humanity in our country, and emotions like despair and fear are understandable right now. In responding to this moment, I urge us to remember that we are each part of a larger movement of individuals and institutions committed to building a society in which all people who need an abortion have access to one. That movement is strong and resilient, and it needs us. So let’s channel our despair and fear toward action.
We live in a state in which abortion will remain legal. But we know that legal doesn’t necessarily mean accessible. Even before last Friday, abortion has for decades been increasingly inaccessible for many Black, Brown, Indigenous, and poor people. And with this decision, as abortion becomes illegal in as many as half our states, we must organize and fight more than ever for reproductive freedom and justice for everyone.
As a progressive religious community, our moral voice is vital in this movement. And for those of us with abundant access to healthcare and other rights, as well as ample resources, there are many pathways to act in solidarity with those most impacted by this decision. Here are just a few:
The National Council of Jewish Women is a leader in the Jewish movement for abortion access. Their website is full of resources, including opportunities to learn, advocate, and donate.
Sister Song is a women of color led reproductive justice collective which does essential work in training and advocacy.
However we each engage, may we harness the capacity and resources we have to continue building a world — together — centered around dignity, equity, freedom and well-being for all.
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
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!
Office Closure Monday, July 4
The office will be closed on Monday, July 4, for the holiday.
Bar Mitzvah of August Springgate Saturday, July 16, 10 am
Please join us in welcoming August Springgate as a bar mitzvah and member 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
Book Group – Palestinian Walks: Forays into a Vanishing Landscape Tuesday, July 26, 7 pm – Zoom Room Bet
Author Raja Shehadeh enjoys heading out into the countryside that surrounds his home. We accompany Raja on six walks taken between 1978 and 2006. The earlier forays are peaceful affairs, allowing our guide to meditate at length on the character of his native land. But recently his hikes have become less than bucolic and sometimes downright dangerous because his home is Ramallah, in the West Bank. In this book, Raja Shehadeh's elegy for his lost footpaths becomes a heartbreaking metaphor for the deprivations of an entire people estranged from their land. Led by Joel Beinin. Learn more.
Tikkun Olam Updates
Learn How You Can Help Save the Wild Fish of the Lower Snake River Thursday, July 7, 6:30 pm – Zoom Room Bet
Wild fish populations in the Snake River Basin, historically the most productive region in the Columbia River system, are nearing extinction. Urgent breaching of the four Lower Snake River dams is the only viable option to prevent the demise of these iconic species, to honor treaties and responsibilities to the Northwest tribes, to support recreational and commercial fisheries throughout the Columbia Basin, and to help keep the Orca populations in the Puget Sound viable. Join the Havurah Climate Action Team for a discussion about the crisis facing these wild fish and learn what we can do about this together. Register here. Contact: Michael Heumann
How You Can Help the Darmani Family
Fran Berg and Lauren Fortgang, as part of the Afghan Family Support Group, met with the Darmanis on June 22 at the family’s temporary housing in Clackamas and learned about the family’s path from Afghanistan to Pakistan and Qatar to the U.S. The family is eager to settle in Portland, learn how to get around, and become more independent. Right now, the family has specific needs: Diapers, size 3 and 4 (only two days supply left); Formula - Similac Sensitive; Two adult bicycles and helmets; Infant bike carrier; Laptop computer. If you have these items to donate, please contact Fran Berg. The Afghan Family Support Group thanks you deeply for your generosity in making the family welcome. You may also donate to the Afghan Family Support Fund. (Note these donations are not tax-deductible.) Contact: Beka Feathers or Jane Rice
Gathering School Supplies to Donate
Margot Kirshbaum and Naomi Granek Brown’s mitzvah project is raising money and gathering supplies for Schoolhouse Supplies, so low income students in Portland get the supplies they need to thrive at school. Will you please help by donating money to Schoolhouse Supplies in honor of Margot and Naomi’s bat mitzvah, or by bringing physical donations (backpacks, notebooks, pens etc.) to the porch at 2279 SE 35th Place, Portland 97214? Thank you so much for your generosity!
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.
(HYB) Solidarity Shabbat Friday, Jun 27th 5:45p to 8:30p Join Havurah members and friends for a Solidarity Shabbat service and potluck nosh. This is a spiritual space for community members working in solidarity with Palestinians - and for the liberation of all peoples - to come together to pray, build connections, and renew ourselves on Shabbat to continue our justice work. Please review Havurah's Brit Kavod for our community guidelines. Masks strongly encouraged and provided.
(HYB) Climate Change Shabbat Morning Shabbat, Jun 28th 10:00a to 12:00p Led by community members and Rabbi Benjamin (who is on sabbatical until July 1, 2025), this service includes davening, Torah reading, and discussion. 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.
(HYB) Rosh Ḥodesh Tov! Gender-Inclusive New Moon Ritual Sunday, Jun 29th 7:00p to 8:15p A gender-inclusive New Moon group, learning and celebrating each Rosh Ḥodesh with ancient and contemporary ritual. Open to any and all genders, inviting each to connect with our closest heavenly body, the Moon. An introductory meeting will happen on the full moon of Elul on Wednesday, Aug. 30 outdoors—weather permitting—in North Portland. Subsequent meetings will be on or near the new moon of each month either in person in North Portland or on Zoom, depending on seasonal shifts in the weather. Attend any or all sessions. RSVP to be updated on location and other details throughout the year.
(ZM) Palestinian Justice Letter Writing Group Monday, Jun 30th 6:00p to 7:30p We hold monthly letter writing group Zoom gatherings to write letters to our lawmakers for Israel/Palestine justice. Questions? Email Dale Oller (member log-in required to access directory). Feel free to drop in any time! There’s no need to RSVP, but please do RSVP if you need the Zoom login. Non-Havurah-members very welcome as well.
(IP) Pride Kabbalat Shabbat in the Park Friday, Jul 11th 6:30p to 8:30p Celebrate queer and Jewish joy with a special Kabbalat Shabbat service at Columbia Park! We’ll enjoy a potluck dinner together afterward. Beverages will be provided. BYOB. All are welcome.
(HYB) Shabbat Morning Shabbat, Jul 12th 10:00a to 12:00p Led by community members and Rabbi Benjamin (who is on sabbatical until July 1, 2025), this service includes davening, Torah reading, and discussion. 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.
