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) 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.
