Hineinu: Welcome Our New Staff Member, Plus Seder Hosting!
Author
Date Added
Hineinu, March 22, 2023
Havurah Shalom Welcomes Participation and Publications Coordinator!
Tara Anderson started in her new position yesterday, but she has been a Havurah Shalom member since 2019. In her role as Participation and Publications Coordinator, Tara will focus on helping members old and new connect to Havurah in ways that are meaningful to them. She will also produce Hineinu and the monthly Hakol newsletter, in addition to other publications. She is looking forward to meeting everyone! If you’d like to say hello, her email is tara@havurahshalom.org.
Seder Hosts Wanted!
There are classics we expect of a seder guest: They'll bring some Manischewitz, not the best. Are they allergic to the matzah? Do they know a better haggadah? They'll always double-dip the charoset.
They may notice the kugel with "potater," And can endlessly debate food processor vs grater; They'll consume the macaroons And mix up the spoons, But they'll love to join you at your seder.
So if your chairs are not yet filled, nor your table, Don't worry if you're skilled; you are able To give us a call. It's Passover for all! A chag that's sweeter when shared, like Elijah's fable.
If you might like to be matched with a seder guest, call Adele Thompson by Sunday, April 2.
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. 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
Upcoming Events
Tot Shabbat 10:30 am, Saturday, March 25 — Havurah Shalom Young children (0-5) and parents celebrate with singing, movement, blessings, and storytelling. RSVP
Book Group: A Girl is a Body of Water by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi 7 pm, Tuesday, March 28 — Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Bet Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi sets her blazing new novel, “A Girl Is a Body of Water,” in the conflicted nation of her adolescence: 1970s Uganda, under the brutal rule of dictator Idi Amin. In her twelfth year, Kirabo, a young Ugandan girl, confronts a piercing question that has haunted her childhood: who is my mother? Discussion led by David Newman. Nonmembers welcome. RSVP
Introduction to Joint Memorial Ceremony 8:30 pm, Sunday, April 2 — Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Bet Joined by Rabbi Benjamin, we will discuss background for the Joint Israeli-Palestinian Memorial, followed by poetry readings, small group discussions, and final words and song by Rabbi Benjamin. Refreshments will be provided after the meeting. Learn more and register for the Joint Memorial livestream and recording. To read about the impact of the current Israeli government on Family Forum, a Memorial sponsor, click here. RSVP for the Joint Memorial Ceremony | RSVP for Introduction Event at Havurah
Movie Discussion: 13th 6:30 pm, Sunday, April 16 — Zoom Room Bet Join members of the Racial Justice Committee for a discussion about the movie 13th, a 2016 American documentary film by director Ava DuVernay. The film explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States. Visit this site for details. For more details and to RSVP, click here.
Tikkun Olam
Vote for Eviction Protections On May 16, Multnomah County voters will vote on Measure 26-238. The ballot measure provides attorneys at no cost for anyone facing eviction. The measure is funded by an adjustable 0.75% capital gains tax that should only impact the wealthiest in our community. It has been endorsed by Havurah’s Poverty & Homelessness Committee, as well as several other faith communities. The Multnomah Friends Meeting (Quakers) are hosting two workshops:
12 pm, Sunday, March 26 — The Meetinghouse (4312 SE Stark St, Portland) Come and listen to a speaker from the ERA campaign. Ask questions and learn about Measure 26-238. Masks and proof of vaccination required.
6:30 pm, Sunday, April 16 — Zoom There will be information about Measure 26-238 and a chance to ask questions to folks from the ERA campaign. Link to the zoom meeting to come.
Questions: Steve Goldberg or Gloria Halper
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!)
This article explains some of the implications of the Iran-Saudi deal for Israel.
Meanwhile, violence and aggression towards Palestinians continues to increase.
Community
Introduction to Israeli Dance Saturday, April 8; Saturday, April 15; and Sunday, April 23 — Southwest Portland Get a taste of Israeli dancing in a 3-week class. If all you know about Israeli dancing is doing the grapevine step to vintage dances, you will be surprised. Israeli choreographers are creating new dances for new Israeli music all the time. Who is Israeli dancing for? Anyone who loves music and enjoys dancing. Introverts, you will hardly have to make small talk at all. Extroverts, charge up your batteries with all the happy group energy. WARNING: Israeli dancing is addictive! But luckily, it’s also great exercise and a stress-reducer. Learn more and sign up.
New Parking Now Available! Legacy has generously given us permission to park in its lot at 1919 NW Lovejoy on weekdays after 5 pm and all day on weekends. We can park in any spot but 1-10. We hope this will make it easier to come for services and other programming! Please help us maintain our relationship with Legacy by honoring these guidelines.
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
Room Alef PC/Mac/Smartphone: Click here to join. Note for all devices: You can also open your Zoom app first, click “Join a Meeting” then enter meeting ID 604560503 and "call via device audio." The passcode is 5472. Cell/Landline: Dial +1 669-900-6833 and enter meeting ID 604560503.
Room Bet PC/Mac/Smartphone: Click here to join. Note for all devices: You can also open your Zoom app first, click “Join a Meeting” then enter meeting ID 291215092 and "call via device audio." The passcode is 5472. Cell/Landline: Dial +1 669-900-6833 and enter meeting ID 291215092.
Room Gimel PC/Mac/Smartphone: Click here to join. Note for all devices: You can also open your Zoom app first, click “Join a Meeting” then enter meeting ID 502586440 and "call via device audio." The passcode is 5472. Cell/Landline: Dial +1 669-900-6833 and enter meeting ID 502586440.
Room Dalet PC/Mac/Smartphone:Click here to join. Note for all devices: You can also open your Zoom app first, click “Join a Meeting” then enter meeting ID 472484392 and "call via device audio." The passcode is 5472. Cell/Landline: Dial +1 669-900-6833 and enter meeting ID 472484392.
Room Heh PC/Mac/Smartphone:Click hereto join. Note for all devices: You can also open your Zoom app first, click “Join a Meeting” then enter meeting ID 87852542099 and "call via device audio." The passcode is 5472. Cell/Landline: Dial +1 669-900-6833 and enter meeting ID 87852542099.
To see our full 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.
