Hineinu, March 8, 2023

A Statement from Reconstructing Judaism

Responding to Current Violence in Israel and Palestine
Shootings, Raids, Killings, and a Pogrom

The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association and Reconstructing Judaism condemn the killings of Hallel and Yagel Yamiv and Elan Ganeles by terrorists in the West Bank. We also condemn those who used these tragedies as an excuse to rampage through the Palestinian town of Hawara, burning homes and cars and killing at least one Palestinian man, Samah Hamdallah Aktas, in what can only be described as a pogrom. These vigilante revenge attacks, amounting to collective punishment, are indefensible and are contrary to Jewish values, Israeli and international law, and basic human decency. 

We believe these episodes and other outbursts of violence in recent days are largely the result of the Israeli government’s failure to prevent unacceptable violence and, indeed, the rhetoric of some members of the governing coalition that can only be seen as spurring it on. While hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens go out into the streets to protest the anti-democratic laws being proposed by the new government, the blood spilled in recent weeks in Jerusalem and other places in the West Bank reminds us all that there can be no democracy while there is an occupation and systemic inequality. All of us who believe in the dignity of all human beings—Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs alike—must condemn these acts of violence and redouble our efforts to support those striving to defend democracy and justice in the region.

Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association Sign On to Call to Shun New Israeli Finance Minister

For Purim — Supporting Those in Need 
One of the mitzvot—sacred instructions—of Purim is Matanot La’evyonim—giving to those who are in need. This year we invited folks to give to one of Havurah’s partner organizations working to address homelessness and poverty in Portland. Even if you missed our Purim celebration, you can still fulfill this mitzvah by donating to one of these groups:

Path Home 
The Common Good Project (click donate and there is a scroll down to indicate Common Good Project)
Rose Haven 

Regular Happenings

Thank you for following our safety requirements at in-person gatherings. 

Zoom Room links can be found near the end of this email.

Weekly Torah Study​ 
9 am, Saturdays — Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Bet
An in-depth look at the weekly parsha, led by congregants. No prior knowledge or study is necessary. Join Havurah for a community-led study session of the weekly Torah reading at 9 am before each Community Minyan 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, In Person & Zoom Room Bet with some exceptions (check the calendar)
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.

Kabbalat Shabbat Service and Dinner
Second Fridays, 6:00 - 8:30 PM, Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
 All are welcome as we gather to bring in Shabbat.
These monthly celebrations are held on the second Friday, from October through May. 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. RSVP on the calendar.
6 pm   Light Snack     
6:30    Service (Join us remotely in Zoom Room Aleph)      
7:30    Dinner

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 Library (to receive updates and changes, contact Leah Hershey to be put on the email list)
Mahjong is a fun, social activity that builds community, encouraging new friendships and cementing old ones. If you want to learn how to play, please contact Leah Hershey for teaching resources. If you are ready to join a game, please RSVP on the calendar .

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

Help Wanted for an Adar Photo Treat
Havurahniks have certainly been busy the last few months! The office has received so many photos that we need help putting them together to share with the community. Do you know a little Publisher, InDesign, or another layout program and have a little time on your hands? Volunteers can come in and use a computer if you don’t have the software. We are excited to put out a post-Purim Mishloach Manot treat for everybody! Please contact Rachel.

Upcoming Events

Racial Justice Committee Meeting
8 pm, Thursday, March 9 — Zoom Room Bet
Join our monthly meeting to learn what we are up to, bring your ideas and see how you can support our work. Please note this meeting will be a bit shorter to accommodate other events happening.

Kabbalat Shabbat Service and Dinner
6-8:30 pm, Friday, March 10 — Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
All are welcome as we gather to bring in Shabbat. These monthly celebrations are held on the second Friday, from October through May. 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. RSVP for the dinner portion (no RSVP needed for oneg and service)

6 pm   Light Snack     
6:30    Service (Join us remotely in Zoom Room Aleph)      
7:30    Dinner

Please consider volunteering! Sign up here  

Aging in Portland: Resources, Continuum of Care and Housing Options for Seniors
2 pm, Sunday, March 12 — Zoom Room Bet
Sponsored by the Alter Rockers, Aging in Portland will be a 2.5-hour interactive presentation with a focus on practical resources, continuum of care and housing options for seniors in the greater Portland area. This event will feature two presenters, Lyn Trainer, co-chair of RiverWest Villages, and Dan Torrence, Eldercare specialist/assisted living administrator and dementia care consultant.  RSVP 

Teen Paint Party
5 pm, Sunday, March 12 — Havurah Annex
We are making a space in the Annex just for teens and we need your help. Join us this Sunday at the Annex where we will paint some walls, move in some of the Kehilla couches, hang lights, plan a mural, and eat pizza. 

Taking Action Lunch Bunch
12 pm, Monday, March 13 — Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Heh
Do you get emails asking you to contact your elected official, but don’t find the few minutes it takes to call or email them? Looking to connect with other Havurahniks? We have the solution. Together, by Zoom or at Havurah, we’ll eat lunch, chat, and spend a few minutes taking our political action. From climate change to social justice, we’ll have info on who to call or write. Bring your suggestions too. RSVP  

Havurah 101
7 pm, Monday, March 13, in person at Havurah (RSVP); or 7 pm, Tuesday, March 21 in Zoom Room Bet (RSVP)
Join members of the Leadership Development Committee for a chance to learn about Havurah's governance structure and history. We look forward to helping you better understand our unique community and the ways we are all able to support each other in our participatory culture. All members are welcome to join us!

Book Group Annual Meeting
7 pm, Tuesday, March 14 — Zoom Room Bet
The Havurah Book Group will be holding its annual meeting. Anyone is welcome to attend as we consider possible changes in choosing books, scheduling discussions, and anything else Book Group related (including, of course, snacks if we start meeting in person). Please RSVP to Stacy Hankin.

Unveiling for Bob Epstein z"l
2 pm, Wednesday, March 15 — Havurah Cemetery
Havurah members are invited to attend the unveiling ceremony to honor the memory of Robert (Bob) Epstein z”l at the Havurah Cemetery.

Temporary Housing Needed for Asylum Seekers
7 pm, Thursday, March 16 — Zoom Room Dalet
Members Natalie Lerner and KellyAnn Cameron have been hosting asylum-seekers in need of temporary housing in their spare bedroom for the last two years—a need that has recently increased with the arrival of hundreds of asylum-seekers to Portland. They will share about their experience, the escalating need, and opportunities for Havurah members to get involved. You can learn more by emailing Natalie.

The Conversation Project and Advanced Directives
7 pm, Thursday, March 16 — Havurah Shalom
The Conversation Project focuses on learning and considering the types of healthcare decisions that may need to be made in a medical crisis and/or at the end-of-life, and most importantly having conversations with your loved ones and your healthcare provider about your preferences. Our first meeting will focus on types of health decisions and preparing to have a conversation with your loved ones. The second meeting will focus on writing your own Advance Directive. RSVP

Family Shabbat
10:30 am, Saturday, March 18 — Havurah and Zoom Room Aleph
Fabulous morning of singing, storytelling, and Torah learning. Especially for families with youth in Grades K-6. All are welcome.

Tikkun Olam

Think immigrant justice as spring approaches
Read the Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice NW February newsletter and learn new ways to advocate for immigrants.

Havurah Members to Participate in the Pilgrimage to Selma, Birmingham, and Montgomery
March 16 to 19, Havurah members Bob Brown, Barbara Gundle, Dennis Karas, Kiel Moses and Karen Sherman will be journeying to the South as part of Reckoning Together, A Reconstructionist Pilgrimage Towards Racial Justice. We will visit historic sites from the Civil Rights Era such as the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma and Dr. King’s church and neighborhood, and newer sites such as the Memorial for Peace and Justice (Lynching Memorial) and the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum. The Reconstructionist Movement has deliberately planned this as a true pilgrimage, a reverential visit to sacred sites with intention, reflection and reckoning built into the journey. Upon our return we hope you’ll join us at a discussion and reflection of our four days together. Stay tuned for an invitation to our post-trip discussion.

Volunteer ESL Teachers Needed!
For more than three years, Havurah members volunteered teaching English at the Ortiz Center in the Cully Neighborhood; we taught people who are immigrants and refugees and we were just as excited as they were for this opportunity. Then Covid shut the class down. We'd like to start up again but we need at least three volunteers. We will likely meet weekly on Thursdays, possibly morning, for two hours. Please contact Judi Kloper for more information. (And you don't have to be a teacher to volunteer!)

News & Events From Our Tikkun Olam Partners

Path Home (formerly PHFS): volunteer for our monthly PHFS dinner | Interfaith Alliance on Poverty (IAP) | Lift UP | MACG | Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice NW ​​​​​​ | Rose Haven

Israel/Palestine in the News

Our first posting is introductory for those who don’t follow Israel/Palestine closely:

Israel’s new Government has been formed and new ministerial appointments have been made. Statements about the Government's priorities and some appointments can be found here and here. 

Meanwhile, on February 26, Jewish settlers brutally attacked the Palestinian town of Hawara, with a top general calling it a pogrom, while the Finance Minister called for more aggression.

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 full Zoom room instructions, click here. Member sign-in required.