How Jewish Congregations And Community Organizations Can Invest in a Just, Livable Future
5:30 - 6:30 pm, Thursday, Jan. 19, outside Zoom link
HCAT invites you to learn how we can leverage the power of our communities, congregations, and organizations to lead the way to a clean, just energy future. If your, your congregation or organization has a bank account or investments, this event is for you. Sponsored by Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action. Register here for the zoom link.
Living Well Jewishly with Chronic Illness: Virtual Panel and Discussion
7 pm, Thursday, Jan. 19 — Zoom Room Bet
- Have you, or someone close to you experienced chronic conditions of any sort?
- Have there been struggles, challenges and disappointments along the way, not only medically, emotionally but also spiritually?
- What about the weariness, and burnout and from seeking and trying different types of treatments? To say nothing of physical pain?
If these questions speak to you, or a loved one’s experience, then come join the Ma’avar Committee’s panel for a deep dive into this salient and important topic. Discuss and learn along with us how approaching these issues from a Jewish perspective may allow for us to live more fully. Panelists will include Keren McCord, Julia Lager-Mesulam, Rabbi Mel Young, Adela Basayne. RSVP
Art of the Hamsa
3:30 pm, Sunday, Jan. 22 — Zoom Room Bet
We will study the history and meaning of the hamsa symbol and its part in Jewish life and culture. Then we will design a piece for our homes. You may choose to make it from clay, mixed media, drawing, painting, or fabric. You will see examples of hamsa designs, how they are decorated, and their crucial elements. Led by Carolina Martinez. RSVP
“Out in the Dark” Film Discussion
7 pm, Sunday, Jan. 22 — Zoom Room Bet
The Havurah Israel/Palestine Committee’s next Zoom film discussion will be Out in the Dark, an award-winning 2012 Israeli romantic drama that explores an illicit gay relationship between a Palestinian student and an Jewish Israeli attorney. The discussion will be led by two members of the I/P Committee. Please watch the film in advance, available through Kanopy, the free streaming channel available through public libraries, and Amazon Prime. Here is the trailer. Open to all Havurah members. RSVP
INFO SESSION about TEEN SHABBATON MARCH 17-19
7-7:45 pm, Monday, Jan. 23 — Zoom Room Heh
Havurah teens Grades 8-12 are invited to join thirty peers from two Reconstructionist congregations in NY/NJ who are coming to Portland for a social justice weekend run by local non-profit Tivnu: Building Justice. Come learn about the weekend, which will include hands-on volunteer work, spirited discussions about the roots and solutions of houselessness and other injustices, a closer look at how some Portland organizations are addressing the needs of unhoused folks, and some time to relax and have fun together. Find more details here and look for registration to open up soon. Contact Andy Waxman for more information.
Seeking God’s Face: An Overview of Mystical Judaism
7 pm, Mondays, Jan. 23, 30; Feb. 6, 13 — Zoom Room Dalet
In this four-week introductory class, we will delve into the history of Jewish mysticism, sample ancient Kabbalistic texts and contemporary mystical writings, become acquainted with Hasidic rebbes and their enduring stories, and explore selected mystical concepts and practices. In addition to formal presented material, the class will include readings, interactive discussions, and some experiential content. RSVP
Book Group: Paradise by Abdulrazak Gumah
7 pm, Tuesday, Jan. 24 — Zoom Room Bet
Fiction: 247 Pages. Published in 1994, Paradise tells the story of a boy growing up in Tanzania in the early twentieth century. The story is told through the eyes of Yusuf, a gentle boy taken at the age of 12 as an indentured servant to pay off his father’s debt. From the simple life of rural Africa, Yusuf is thrown into the complexities of precolonial urban East Africa. Join the Book Group for a discussion of this compelling work. Nonmembers welcome. RSVP
Judaism And The Wilderness: A Brief Escape With Northern Exposure
2 pm, Sunday, Jan. 29 — Havurah Shalom
This will be a two-hour “class” in which we will watch one of the episodes from Northern Exposure’s fourth season—“Kaddish for Uncle Manny”—and explore together some of these themes. In this episode, Fleischman’s uncle in New York has died, and Fleischman goes on a journey to find ten male Jews in Alaska to say Kaddish. RSVP
Refugee and Immigrant Shabbat
7:30 pm, Friday, Feb. 3 — at Havurah Shalom and in Zoom Room Aleph
We will celebrate our 4th Refugee and Immigrant Shabbat. Rabbi Benjamin will lead the service, where the week's reading will be Be-Shallah, the flight from Egypt, parting of the Red Sea and the Song of the Sea. As in Exodus, refugees and immigrants today face challenges, and have times for celebration. Margie Rosenthal will lead the music. This Shabbat is sponsored by HIAS, who provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world. Along with themes provided by HIAS, we will hear teachings and stories about Havurah’s own engagement with refugees and immigrants. Contact Michael Rice for more information.
Adult B'nei Mitzvah
10 am, Saturday, Feb. 4 — Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
Please share in our joy as Havurah Shalom’s Adult B’nei Mitzvah group is called to the Torah. After services, please join us for a luncheon sponsored by the B’nei Mitzvah group, with the help of the Havurah Community and our friends and family. Please RSVP by Jan. 19
Called to the Torah will be:
Alexis Nasdor-Jones Baghdadi • Fran Berg • Amanda Elliston • Lesley Isenstein •
Ericka Kimball • Megan Koler • Michelle Lamanet • Matthew Nelkin • Karen Polinsky• Ellen Regal • Jennifer Rousseau • Beth Segal • Rachel Shimshak • Brady Snyder •Liza Springgate • Sharon Stern • Justin David Strom • Susan Ungar • Mara Zusman
Havurah Teen Night
7 pm, Saturday, Feb. 4 — Havurah Shalom
Teens! Come hang out with your friends at Havurah! Activities include board games, gaga, cornhole, etc. Ice cream sundae bar for dessert, and music with DJ Saul. RSVP
Tu B'shvat Tryon Creek Family Hike and Seder
1-3 pm, Sunday Feb. 5 — Tryon Creek Nature Center, 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd.
Join us for a joyful, family-friendly hike from Tryon Creek Nature Center through trails to the Tryon Farm, about 20 minutes. A short Tu B'shvat seder (under cover of a large yurt if rainy or too cold), followed by return hike back to the nature center. The hike will be led by forest activist Brenna Bell. Seder will be led by Harriet Cooke and Karen Ballard. RSVP
Leadership Retreat
10:30-2:30, Sunday, Feb. 12 — Havurah Shalom
Havurah's annual leadership retreat is a chance for all committee co-chairs, staff and Steering to come together to look at the big picture of what is happening in Havurah. It is also a place for connections to happen across areas of interest with the hope of having a more diverse group of participants from the congregation at all events and activities. Attendance at the retreat is not restricted to co-chairs. If you have any interest in participating in this upcoming retreat, please contact Shelley Sobel or Debbi Nadell to receive an invitation.
