Jewish Practice & Antiracism — Scholars-in-Residence this Weekend
You can still register for our time with Yehudah Webster (in person) and Rabbi David Jaffe (online), who will be with us this coming Saturday evening and all day Sunday, teaching based on their current project/curriculum, Dismantling Racism from the Inside Out. You can learn more about the project and curriculum here, and about Rabbi David and Yehudah here.
Schedule:
All sessions will take place in-person at Havurah as well in Zoom Room Alef. Child care will be provided.
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. RSVP for Lunch by 3 pm Thursday.
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.
Please RSVP at this link. You will have the option to choose which sessions to attend.
Launching a DRIO cohort at Havurah
Our plan at Havurah is to launch a DRIO va’ad (cohort) of learning and practice beginning in January. It will be facilitated by Maria Lisa Johnson and Rabbi Benjamin, who have both been training with Rabbi David and Yehudah. If you are interested in participating in that cohort, we ask that you make every effort to participate in Sunday’s session. Contact Rabbi Benjamin with questions about the practice or the va’ad.
Gatherings
This is a reminder that Havurah asks anyone with symptoms of congestion, coughing, fever, or a sore/scratchy throat to please stay home and participate remotely if possible. As we return to in-person gatherings, it is important to remember that it is not just COVID that we need to be mindful about, but other infectious diseases as well. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is filling pediatric ICU beds (which are now in short supply here in Oregon), and influenza is expected to be on the rise as we move into winter. A negative COVID test does not mean you should attend in-person events. Participate remotely if you are experiencing any cold-like symptoms.
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
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." 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 — Zoom Room Bet
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.
Don't Miss the next Racial Justice Meeting on 12/1 7 pm, Thursday, Dec. 1 — Zoom Room Bet
The 12/1 meeting will be a continuation of the conversation we had at the last meeting. Beka Feathers will continue to facilitate this conversation. There are still questions to be answered, so if you missed the last meeting there continues to be an opportunity for your input. Our goal is to create an intention document, which will guide us in how we engage with organizations doing racial justice work.
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.
NEW CLASS! Voices and Visions 11 am, Sunday, Dec. 4 — Zoom Room Gimel
Let's explore Jewish identity and philosophy through contemporary art! The Grinspoon Foundation (of PJ Library fame) asked contemporary artists to visually interpret key quotations from great Jewish thinkers. The results are rich and thought-provoking. RSVP HERE
Tallit Class 1 pm, Sunday, Dec. 4, 1 pm — at Havurah Shalom
We will learn how the tzitzit, or fringe, of a tallit transforms a simple shawl or piece of fabric into a sacred garment. And then you will create your own tallit by tying the tzitzit, learning the meaning of the gematria, or mathematical symbolism, wound and knotted into the holy fringe. Led by Laine Barbanell Schipper. RSVP HERE
Tikkun Olam Updates
Start Saving Now for our Chanukah Swap, Dec, 18, 3:30-5:30pm
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 party on the first night of Chanukah. 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.
Climate Action Items
6 pm, Wednesday Nov. 16: Community Forum on Zenith Energy and Critical Energy Infrastructure — St. Luke Lutheran Church. 4595 SW California — A free community-driven forum to educate and activate around the threats to public health, safety and our environment stemming from the Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub and Zenith Energy’s oil-by-rail operations.
11:30 am, Thursday, Nov. 17: Pacific Northwest Rally for Forests and Climate — Terry Shrunk Plaza — An opportunity to join with community to call for lasting protections of mature and old growth forests.
6 pm, Thursday, Nov. 17 or noon, Saturday, Nov. 19 — Testify orally for strong binding climate language in our once every 10 years opportunity to amend the City Charter. Click here for guidelines. Written testimony can be submitted until Nov. 28.
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.
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
To see our 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.
