Time for the Chanukah Party! 3:30-5:30, Sunday, Dec. 18
at Havurah Shalom and (starting at 4:30 pm) Zoom Room Aleph
Plan to come with friends and family, and join the fun.
• Arts & crafts tables (kids/adults)
• Dreidel game tables
• Chanukah swap meet – get or give used stuff for free! Makes great gifts!
• Tikkun Olam display on community solar
• Sweet donut treats
• Candle lighting at 4:30 pm*
• Storytelling*
• Sing-along
RSVP to ensure we get enough donut holes and gelt!
Volunteering makes a difference! Please check out the sign-up and see what sounds fun to you!
Participation and Publications Coordinator at Havurah Shalom
Salary range $40,000-45,000
Havurah Shalom is a vibrant, diverse, participatory Jewish community steeped in spirituality, learning, and acts of social responsibility. If you enjoy working with an amazing dedicated and collaborative team, this is the opportunity for you. The Coordinator helps facilitate Havurah’s participatory, communal, and spiritual ethos among prospective, new, and longstanding members. This position also creates, edits, and manages internal and external communications and databases.
Qualifications: BA in a related field + 2 years of experience in non-profit or membership organization or 3 years of experience in non-profit or membership organization.
Full-time, benefited position including: Medical, dental, generous PTO, retirement benefits when eligible. Hybrid after onboarding.
Zoom Room links can be found near the end of this email.
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 Alef & 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 and In Person
We gather 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, Nancy Becker, or Deborah Eisenbach-Budner.
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 — 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
Ma'avar Educational Event: Ethical Wills Throughout Your Life 7 pm, Thursday, Dec. 15 — Zoom Room Bet
Creating an ethical will is not just for end-of-life preparation. They are useful tools for any stage of life. For a young family it can help you identify your family values. Later in life, it can guide your will and advanced directive. What is an ethical will? Why do I want one? What's included in an ethical will? How do I create one? How do I get started? Come to have all these questions answered. RSVP
Remembering Ari Goldschmidt 7:30 pm, Saturday, Dec. 17 at Susan Brenner and Ed Kraus’ home
A community shiva minyan will be hosted by Susan Brenner and Ed Kraus to remember Ari Goldschmidt, who died Oct. 28. Michele and Robert will be present. This will be in-person only. Susan and Ed's address can be found in the member directory (sign-in required).
Bat Mitzvah of Evana Lindemann 10 am, Saturday, Dec. 17 — Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Alef
Please join us in welcoming Evana Lindemann as a Bat Mitzvah and member of our community.
Chanukah Donations for People In Need 3:30-5:30 pm, Sunday, Dec. 18 — Havurah Shalom
While swapping gifts for your loved ones, think about donating needed items for others. We are collecting new and gently used items for the Common Good Project, Rose Haven, and Path Home (formerly Portland Homeless Family Solutions) during the Chanukah Swap/Chanukah Party. See list of needed items. Not planning on coming to Havurah? See the bottom of the list for items you can purchase on Amazon for these organizations.
Alterockers: Christmas Ships and Chanukah Celebration 6 pm, Tuesday, Dec. 20 — Home of Sandy and Fred Ramirez
Drop in at the home of Sandy and Fred Ramirez to watch the colorful ships go by on the Willamette River. There will be some beverages and goodies and you can bring things, too, including menorahs. Masks are encouraged for the indoor time and warm clothing and good footwear for the outdoor time. We have a big, friendly dog so be prepared. Please expect to observe Havurah's Covid safety recommendations. RSVP
Book Group: The Overstory by Richard Powers 7 pm, Tuesday, Dec. 27 — Zoom Room Bet
This novel is about nine Americans whose unique life experiences with trees bring them together to address the destruction of forests. Join the Book Group for a discussion of this compelling work. Nonmembers welcome. Please note date correction from that briefly shown in Hakol. RSVP
Teen Engagement Committee Meeting 7 pm, Tuesday, Jan. 3 (first Tuesdays monthly) — Zoom Room Heh
The Teen Engagement Committee has a standing meeting on the first Tuesday of the month. We are looking for adults and for teens in Grades 7-12 who want to help plan and participate in social events with other teens in the Havurah community. Participation in the Havurah Middle/High School programs is not required.
Antisemitism and Israel-Related Speech 11 am, Sunday, Jan. 8 — Offsite Zoom
The Joint Israel Commission of the Reconstructionist Movement will present a webinar on “Antisemitism and Israel-Related Speech.” The speakers include authors of two essays expressing contrasting views on an April 2021 public statement of Reconstructing Judaism on the International Holocaust Remembrance Association’s definition of antisemitism and Prof. Amos Goldberg (Hebrew University), a co-author of the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism. RSVP
Palestinian Voices
7 pm, Wednesdays, beginning on Jan. 11 — Havurah Shalom
Joel Beinin will offer an eight-week class on “Palestinian Voices.” We will read, view, and experience films, poetry, prose, music, and (Covid conditions, permitting) food. You are invited to be open to hearing things that may make us uncomfortable in a spirit of respectful and open-hearted engagement – with the materials and with each other. This is an in-person course only. RSVP
Tikkun Olam Updates
Seeking a Men's Medium Frame Bicycle
Seeking a bicycle for Carlos, Maria's son. Havurah is helping to support this Guatemalan family as they work their way through the asylum process. Carlos needs a medium frame men's bike in decent condition. Carlos uses a bike for both work and school. Fenders and a pannier rack would be welcome additions. Please contact Michael Heumann.
News from the Streets — Poverty and Homelessness Committee
Havurah has been an very active partner with Path Home (formerly Portland Homeless Family Solutions). See the link at the bottom of this section for our monthly meal volunteering info. And this time of year there are many extra volunteer opportunities
FOOD, FOOD, FOOD! Lift Up has provided food boxes throughout NW PDX for many years and is another P&H Committee-supported organization. Check them out — there are many volunteer opportunities here too.
Interested in P&H work? Please contact Gloria Halper.
The Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice NW believes another world is possible. In our vision, all immigrants deserve to be treated with respect and care under laws that are just and humane. In our vision, we live in safety, peace and power together. And we welcome the stranger because we have been strangers ourselves.
Since 2017, the Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice NW has been a powerful voice for immigrant justice in the Jewish communities statewide, inspiring activism and supporting and moving forward the work of immigrant justice organizations. We build relationships and community in taking our lead from those directly impacted by immigration policy.
Please join us in any way that works for your busy life: Take actions suggested in the newsletter.
Join our advocacy, accompaniment and community engagement work. Donate to enable our work to go on. Subscribe to the JCIJ Newsletter. Read the latest newsletter here. Keep In touch with the Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice NW at jcij.nw@gmail.com and follow by liking us on Facebook.
Join Portland's Jewish Community for Chanukah: First Night in Portland's Pioneer Square 4:30 pm, Sunday, Dec. 18 — Pioneer Square
This year's event is dedicated to refugees from Ukraine who will be honored with lighting the first candle. Live Klezmer music by a Ukrainian Music Group! Fire Show! Menorah Lighting! Fresh latkes for all! More Info
Reckoning Together Information Session 10 am, Sunday, Dec. 18 — Offsite Zoom
Reconstructing Judaism's Thriving Communities invites you to a Zoom information session to go over the details of the Pilgrimage (see below) and have ample time for your questions. RSVP for the Information Session
Reckoning Together: A Reconstructionist Pilgrimage Towards Racial Justice March 16-19, 2023, Montgomery, Selma & Birmingham, AL and Atlanta, GA
Registration Deadline 12/31. This spring, join Reconstructionists from all across the movement on a pilgrimage trip to the American South. Together we will visit the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama, and iconic sites of the Civil Rights Movement. The memorial and museum are powerful and sacred spaces for truth-telling and reflection about racial violence in America and its ongoing legacy today. We will meet with leaders of the historic Civil Rights Movement to gain insight and inspiration for the ongoing fight for racial justice in our day.
Contact Bob Brown or Shari Raider with any questions. Scholarships are available through Reconstructing Judaism. Scholarship deadline is 12/15. We are also working on scholarships through Havurah because we do not want cost to be a barrier to participation. More Info
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.
(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.
