We're gathering in person to welcome Shabbat. All are welcome!
A light, pre-service oneg will be followed by a spirited, all-ages service led by Rabbi Benjamin and Havurah musicians, with dinner afterward for those who wish to stay.
6 pm Light Snack 6:30 Service (Join us remotely in Zoom Room Aleph) 7:30 Dinner
No RSVP needed for snack and service.RSVP for dinner so we can have a caterer count. Please consider a suggested donation of $15 for the meal, in recognition that the actual cost for food and preparation is $30. Thank you.
Contact Marni Glick or Sally Hersh for more information.
Scholars in Residence next Saturday night and Sunday
We are delighted to welcome Yehuda Webster (in person) and Rabbi David Jaffe (online) from the Inside Out Wisdom and Action Project (IOWA) for a weekend of learning and practice together. For years, IOWA has supported social change makers “integrate deep spiritual wisdom into their justice work in order to lead from a place that is more visionary, creative, sustainable, and grounded.”
Most recently, Rabbi David and Yehudah have developed a curriculum specifically focused on anti-racism: “Dismantling Racism from the Inside Out (DRIO) is a course and community of practice that equips participants with daily concrete Jewish spiritual tools of Mussar [applied Jewish ethical practice] to confront, subvert, and heal implicit and internalized racism within ourselves and others, supporting the collective organizing, advocacy and service-work efforts to dismantle racism systemically.”
You can learn more about the project and curriculum here, and about Rabbi David and Yehudah here.
All sessions will take place in-person at Havurah as well in Zoom Room Alef. Child care will be provided.
Schedule:
Saturday, Nov. 19 Engaging with Our Ratzon — 6-8 pm — Through sharing and engaging with real-life stories, Yehudah and Rabbi David will lead us in an evening of engaging with our Ratzon — the deep desire to dismantle racism.
Sunday, Nov. 20 Introduction to DRIO Anti-racism Framework — 9:30-12:30 pm — An introduction to and engagement with the DRIO anti-racism framework of balance of care
Lunch — 12:30-1:30 — Lunch served at Havurah. (Zoom will be off)
Mussar, IOWA and the DRIO Anti-Racism Framework — 1:30-4:30 pm — An introduction to Mussar practice through the IOWA lens, and a final hour of integrating Mussar and the DRIO anti-racism framework of balance of care.
RSVP here for all or part of this excellent opportunity to learn and grow.
Gatherings
COVID Guidelines - streamlined and simplifiedHavurah Covid Guidelines – streamlined and simplified
Havurah’s Covid Management Team (the “CMT”) met recently to review and update our Guidelines. The consensus of the CMT was that we could streamline and simplify our Guidelines into a single page of essential “rules” for our community to follow. It was agreed that we no longer needed separate, specific guidelines for different categories of activities at Havurah, but that our basic rules around vaccination, testing, and masking could be broadly applied to most Havurah events. The updated Havurah COVID Safety Guidelines can be found here.
As always, the COVID Management Team is here to answer your questions and address your concerns. Please reach out to Co-President, Loree Devery, by email or phone (in the Havurah Directory). Your communication will be shared with the entire group and a member of the CMT will get back to you.
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!
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. Join us whenever you can. For information, contact Michael Heumann, Havurah Climate Action Team. RSVP here
Upcoming Events
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
Bat Mitzvah of Aleeza Stein 10 am, Saturday, Nov. 12 -- Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Alef 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(link corrected)
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
Scholars in Residence Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20 -- Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Alef We are delighted to welcome Yehuda Webster (in person) and Rabbi David Jaffe (on line) from the Inside Out Wisdom and Action Project (IOWA) for a weekend of learning and practice together. For years IOWA has supported social change makers “integrate deep spiritual wisdom into their justice work in order to lead from a place that is more visionary, creative, sustainable, and grounded.”
Schedule:
Saturday, Nov. 19 Engaging with Our Ratzon — 6-8 pm — Through sharing and engaging with real-life stories, Yehudah and Rabbi David will lead us in an evening of engaging with our Ratzon — the deep desire to dismantle racism.
Sunday, Nov. 20 Introduction to DRIO Anti-racism Framework — 9:30-12:30 pm — An introduction to and engagement with the DRIO anti-racism framework of balance of care
Lunch — 12:30-1:30 — Lunch served at Havurah. (Zoom will be off)
Mussar, IOWA and the DRIO Anti-Racism Framework — 1:30-4:30 pm — An introduction to Mussar practice through the IOWA lens, and a final hour of integrating Mussar and the DRIO anti-racism framework of balance of care
RSVP herefor all or part of this excellent opportunity to learn and grow.
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
Bar Mitzvah of Zeke Stein 10 am, Saturday, Nov. 26 — Havurah and Zoom Room Alef Please join us in welcoming Zeke Stein as a Bar Mitzvah and member of our community.
Bar Mitzvah of Philip Elliston 10 am, Saturday, Dec. 3 — Havurah and Zoom Room Alef Please join us in welcoming Philip Elliston as a Bar Mitzvah and member of our community.
ATTENTION TEENS
Teen Havurah Bowling Day 12:30-2:30 pm, Sunday, Nov. 13 — Superplay (9300 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy) Please join us for our 2nd Havurah Teen Event for a Bowling Pizza Party at Superplay (9300 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy). Cost: $10, scholarships available. RSVP
Steering Update
As past-president Miriam Reshotko wrote in Hakol in February 2022, (“Who’s the boss? Staff supervision at Havurah”) presidents have been engaged in an effort to develop a streamlined evaluation process allowing for more regular, meaningful feedback for the program staff (the Rabbi, the Education Director, and the Program Director).
We have arrived at a survey based upon a common model used in personnel reviews which combines questions on a range of performance responsibilities with opportunities for additional comment. We will begin using this updated model in connection with reviewing the Rabbi’s performance. In the next few weeks, we’ll be sending out the survey to a sampling of the congregation across a range of Clusters.
As part of deciding on this process, we consulted with the Transparency & Inclusivity Committee to make sure the program staff evaluation process reflects Havurah’s community values. Please read more here and be in touch with Ben Walter and/or Loree Devery if you have any questions.
Tikkun Olam Updates
Start Saving Now for our Chanukah Swap to Lighten Our Impact on the Earth Do you 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. Please save them for our 2nd Chanukah swap, to be held during Havurah’s Chanukah party, Dec. 18. Look for details of the swap later in the month. If you are looking for gifts, you do not need to bring something to exchange. all items are free. Contact Elianne Lieberman for more information.
Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice Northwest TheOctober 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 (10:45 am-2 pm). 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
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
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.
Havurah Zoom Rooms
Year-long 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) Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration Friday, May 9th 5:45p to 8:00p A musical, all-ages Friday night service with family-friendly dessert and hearty nosh before and after. All are welcome! 5:45 pm Hearty Nosh, 6:30 Service, 7:30 Oneg. Free childcare is provided. Those joining on Zoom, please come at 6:30; the in-person hearty nosh portion and oneg will not be televised. For Zoom information, please email info@havurhshalom.org.
(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.
