Hineinu, November 2, 2022

The month of Cheshvan, which started 8 days ago, is often called bitter because there are no holidays this month. At Havurah Shalom, so much is happening in November, there's sure to be something to catch your interest. 

Also, good news abounds: Childcare is back for Saturday morning services, we're opening the hiring process for the Participation and Publications Co-ordinator, and the annex is painted and carpeted.  

And don't forget... Fall back Saturday night and VOTE next week!

Hear from Our Anti-Racism Consultants Nov. 6

Presentation from our Antiracism Consultants
10 am to noon, Sunday, Nov. 6 — Zoom Room Aleph only
Our consultant team, Tabitha and Adam St. Bernard-Jacobs, facilitated 10 small groups between April and September, and in total heard from 114 Havurah members. We now all have the opportunity to hear from them, as they present their report to the congregation. What we glean from this listening phase will guide us into the next phase of our antiracism efforts, so please come to Zoom Room Aleph on Nov. 6 to learn and be part of it.

Rabbi David Jaffe and Yehuda Webster
will be here Nov. 19 and 20

By happy circumstance, we invited our scholars in residence this year, Rabbi David Jaffe (virtually) and Yehuda Webster (in person) from the Inside Out Wisdom and Action Project (IOWA)*, before we knew the date of the consultants' report. What good fortune for us. Havurah is seeking to become a truly antiracist organization, through classes, committee work, the Anti-Racism and Belonging discussion groups, and the upcoming (Nov. 6, 10 am, Zoom Room Aleph) report from the facilitators of those groups, which will lead us into next steps.  

Yehuda and Rabbi David will bring us integrating teaching and practice directly related to two things Havurahniks have been learning about since 2020: anti-racism and Mussar.   

Mussar is the method of studying and strengthening character traits, called middot, through Jewish texts, self reflection, meditation, hevruta (partners), and va'ad (small group) support. You may have encountered Mussar through one of Rabbi Benjamin's Sacred Action classes, through reading R. Jaffe's book (Changing the World from the Inside Out) or the work of Alan Moranis.  

Yehuda Webster and David Jaffe will be with us for Havdalah, Saturday night, and then all day Sunday. We'll do Mussar practices and learn about Dismantling Racism from the Inside Out, with time for meeting together panim el panim (face to face), and lunch. 

Watch your email Monday for more program details and RSVP for sessions and meals.

*The IOWA Project work helps social changemakers develop Jewish spiritual practices and connect to Jewish spiritual wisdom. More about Inside Out

Gatherings

Thank you for following our safety requirements at in-person gatherings. 

Zoom Room links can be found near the end of this email.

Regular Happenings

Weekly Torah Study​
Saturdays, 9 am, Zoom Room Bet & 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. Upcoming b'nei mitzvah are listed below and on the website calendar.

Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation
Tuesdays, 12 pm, Zoom Room Bet & In Person
We gather mostly via Zoom to find moments of quiet and shalom in a welcoming space. Various styles of Jewish meditation are explored. No meditation experience necessary. All are welcome to drop in. 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.

Mahjong Group
1 pm, first and third Mondays — Havurah Shalom
Mahjong is a fun, social activity that builds community, encouraging new friendships and cementing old ones. Please don't hesitate to join us!

Upcoming Events

Intermediate Hebrew
7 pm Thursdays,  Nov. 3, 10, 17; Dec. 1 — Havurah Shalom
Join us in practicing Hebrew and learning new vocabulary through listening to Israeli songs and watching short video clips.

Music of Jews of the Middle East and North Africa
2 pm, Sundays,  Nov. 6, 13 — Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Gimel
A maqam is an Arabic and Ottoman Turkish musical mode. Mizraḥi and Sephardic Jewish communities traditionally made religious and secular music using these modes. The instructor will demonstrate some of the music on the oud and there will be opportunities for singing, and musicians who want to join in are encouraged to bring an instrument. Led by Channing Dodson. RSVP here

What is Reconstructionism?
5 pm, Wednesdays, Nov. 2, and Nov. 9 — Zoom Room Gimel
A three-part series on the history, beliefs, and practices of the Reconstructing Judaism movement with which Havurah Shalom is affiliated. Led by Rabbi Maurice Harris, Associate Director for Thriving Communities and Israel Affairs Specialist at Reconstructing Judaism. RSVP here

Discussion on Medicare Insurance — with expertise provided
5 pm, Monday, Nov. 7 — Zoom Room Bet
Are you struggling deciding about whether you should change your Medicare Insurance? We are being bombarded with all sorts of information, but perhaps we can share our experiences with different policies to make better decisions.
We will meet to share our experiences on Zoom at Havurah. Hopefully, we will have an insurance broker joining us to clarify the issues. Contact Ted Scheinman for more information. Brought to you by the Alte Rockers. RSVP here

Book Study: Finding The Mother Tree, Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest
5:30 pm, first and third Mondays, beginning Nov. 7 — Zoom Room Bet
We’ll meet the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, until we finish Suzanne Simard's inspiring and illuminating exploration of the complex, interdependent world of trees. We’ll start by reading the first 44 pages. Join us whenever you can. For information, contact Michael Heumann, Havurah Climate Action Team. RSVP here

Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration and Dinner
Friday, Nov. 11, 6 pm Light Snack — 6:30 Service — 7:30 Dinner

A family-friendly oneg followed by a spirited, all-ages service led by Rabbi Benjamin and Havurah musicians, with dinner afterward for those who wish to stay. All are welcome! RSVP here

Bat Mitzvah of Aleeza Stein
10 am, Saturday, Nov. 12
Please join us in welcoming Aleeza Stein as a Bat Mitzvah and member of our community.

The Journey to Die For: Improving Quality of Your Life
7 pm, Thursday, Nov. 17  — Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Bet
The Ma'Avar Committee will be hosting an education series on The Journey ie For: Improving Quality of Your Life about the different stages of life, from health to illness, aging and end of life monthly through July. Rabbi Benjamin will open the series with a talk on rituals in death and dying on Nov. 17. Contact Ericka Kimball with questions. RSVP

Tot Shabbat
10:30 am, Saturday, Nov. 19 — Havurah Shalom
Especially for young children (0-5) and parents.  We celebrate with singing, moving, blessings, and storytelling, followed by a nosh and play.  RSVP here.

Book Group: Beyond a Two State Solution by Jonathan Kuttab
7 pm, Tuesday, Nov. 22 — Location (Zoom/Havurah) TBD
Nonfiction: 110 pages. Several members of the Portland Jewish community met and were impressed by Jonathan Kuttab last year (even if they did not necessarily agree with him). Kuttab explains that the two-state solution (that he supported) is no longer viable. He suggests that any solution be predicated on the basic existential needs of the two peoples, which he discusses in exceptional detail. He formulates a one-state solution that challenges both Zionism and Palestinian nationalism. This book invites readers to begin a new conversation based on reality: two peoples will need to live together. Separation is no longer possible or (for some) desirable. Discussion led by Joel Beinin. Nonmembers welcome. RSVP for Zoom info.
 

Tikkun Olam Updates

How Do We Build Economic Justice in Oregon?
12 pm, Thursday, Nov. 3 — Offsite Zoom Link
A plan is a must to achieve dignity and economic justice for all. You are invited to hear Alejandro Queral, Executive Director of the Oregon Center for Public Policy, discuss poverty issues and tax policies. Tis is an Interfatith Alliance on Poverty event. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Then learn more about the work of the Oregon Center for Public Policy here.

Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice Northwest
The October JCIJ Newsletter is out! Read simple ways to support immigrants, Migrants might arrive by busload from Texas, JCIJ Book club reads Streets of Gold, and a few songs for pure joy.

News from the streets:
What a great fall! Here’s the latest from the Common Good Project:

• Since January CGP has collected and disposed of 50,000 pounds of refuse from Portland streets. (Note: we have had inconsistent funding, what could we do with consistent funding?!)
• We are now 2 employees and a bunch of great volunteers!
• And, we are looking for volunteers to help distribute items on Tuesdays (10:45am-2pm), reach out to Jenn Louis if you are available! 
• Current needs: hand warmers, men’s jeans and sweats (30-38), women’s jeans and leggings (4-16), hoodies, jackets, sleeping bags and blankets

News & Events From Our Tikkun Olam Partners

Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS): volunteer for our monthly PHFS dinner | Interfaith Alliance on Poverty (IAP) | Lift UP | MACG | Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice NW ​​​​​​ | Rose Haven

Community Announcements

Psalms in Search of Home: Three poets on new expressions of Jewish identity and meaning - in their work and our world
7 pm, Saturday, Nov. 12 — Soma Space, 4050 NE Broadway
Three outstanding poets will read from new works and reflect on how Judaism informs their world. Rabbi Josh Rose, Dan Alter, Daniela Molnar and Alicia Jo Rabins will go deep into how their work as contemporary poets is shaped by the Jewish past. The conversation will enlighten us not only about the value of Jewish creativity in this moment, but also about what it means for each of us to weave our Jewish identities into the fabric of our lives. Before and after the discussion we will enjoy music with Rabbi Benjamin Barnett, Steve Mesulam, Daniel Raider, Chaim Lev and Scott Snyder. This is a free event, pre-registration is requested.

Israeli Folk Dancing — NEW TIMES
1:30-4 pm and 7:30-10:30 pm, Sundays; 7-10:30 pm, Mondays; 7-10 pm, Thursdays
Whether you haven't danced in a while, or want to try something new in the new year, there's beginner and intermediate Israeli dance instruction and lots of circle, line, and couples dances. Please join us to dance for part or all of any session! For details including cost and locations, look here. (Link corrected from last week.)  For more information, contact Cindy Merrill.

B'Yachad Participation Pledge - Please Complete Yours Today!
"At Havurah, wide participation is nothing out of the ordinary—it's the lifeblood of our community." —Oren Kosansky, Havurah Co-President at Kol Nidre Services

Every year, following the High Holidays, we ask members to complete the B'Yachad (Together) Participation Pledge and consider how they can help to fulfill Havurah's mission of being a vibrant, diverse and participatory community. As Oren said, there is a place at Havurah for everyone. Check out the possibilities at the link below and find out how you can participate in the coming year.

 — Havurah Staff, Leadership and Leadership Development Committee

Help with a video!

Would you like to help create a short video capturing Havurah Shalom’s essence?
The Gesher Committee is collecting brief video interviews, music, and photographs from which to create a video to orient and remind members of Havurah’s unique culture and what a member-driven participatory congregation entails.

We will conduct interviews illuminating Havurah’s values of community, education, spiritual practice, and tikkun olam.

Want to help gathering interviews, recordings, or images?
Call or email: Herman Asarnow or Shelley Sobel
Youth and adults welcome.

 

We have provided our membership list to the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University, which is conducting a study of the Greater Portland Jewish Community on behalf of the Jewish Federations of Greater Portland and Lane County, beginning in late October. Because this is a scientific survey with a defined sample frame, not everyone will be contacted. However, if you are, please know the study is valid. 

You may be contacted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center on the phone or via text or receive emails from the Cohen Center at Brandeis University. 

Calls will be coming from 603-397-0660. 
Texts will be coming from 603-397-0765. 
Emails from Cohen Center will be from noreply@qemailserver.com.

Some households will also get letters in the mail from Brandeis University. These will look like any ordinary letter. They'll just have Brandeis University stamped on the envelope and will be addressed to "The ________ household." 

For more information about this study, please visit this webpage.  

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, please use this 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.​​​​​​​