Hineinu, March 29, 2023

The Mitzvah of Matzah! Making Space at Our Seders

Email Adele Thompson if you have an extra space or two at your seder table, or need one.

Have you waited to offer a seder? Have you hesitated to ask for a place? The time has come. Please email Adele Thompson by April 2; final week requests will be matched if we are able. Please act now. Contact Adele Thompson!
 
Last year, due to Covid, we fell short of the needs of our community to have a place at a seder table. This year, may we break through the Mitzrayim (Land of Egypt) of our reservations, and make some reservations! Welcome the stranger and members of our community.

The Mitzvah of Matzah
by Joni Kutner
 
Mix water and flour, do it fast not slow
Knead, roll and flatten the dough.
It makes the matzoh that we must eat
And for Passover, we cannot cheat
The mitzvah of matzah, and the meal we share
Together with prayers and extra chairs
It’s double-duty to one and all
The mitzvah of matzah and sharing
We heed the call.

The Classics We Expect
by Adele Thompson
 
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.

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.

Kabbalat Shabbat Service and Dinner
6:00 - 8:30 PM, second Fridays, 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 (Come to Havurah or join us remotely in Zoom Room Aleph.)      
7:30    Dinner (Click here to RSVP for the Friday, April 14 dinner.)

Kabbalat Shabbat volunteers are highly appreciated!
Check out the volunteer options for the April 14 Kabbalat Shabbat!

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.

Shabbat Morning Service 
10am, Saturdays, 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 .

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.

Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation
12 pm, Tuesdays, Havurah Shalom & 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.

Steering Meeting
6:30 pm, second Tuesdays — Zoom Room Gimel
All members are welcome to attend. Presently on Zoom only.

Morning Minyan
8:30 am, Wednesdays, Zoom Room Aleph & In Person at Havurah
For all who want a regular prayer practice and those saying Kaddish.

(To allow us to observe Yizkor, Passover Minyan, on Wednesday, April 12, will begin at 8:15 am.)
 

Upcoming Events

Garden Work Party
10 am, Sunday, April 2 — Havurah Shalom
All members welcome! Bring gloves, pruners, and raingear.

Introduction to Joint Memorial Ceremony
7 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  

Parenting Huddle: Mindful Jewish Parenting
3:40 pm, Saturday, April 8, 2023 – Havurah Shalom
Parenting Huddle – Concepts, Conundrums, and Conversations about Parenting in Jewish Families; explore real-life questions that we face as parents, with some guidance from our Jewish texts and values, and each other. The April 8 huddle is Mindful Jewish Parenting, with Rabbi Benjamin. RSVP.

Taking Action Lunch Bunch
12pm, Monday, April 10 — 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.

Grappling at the Intersection of Race, Anti-semitism and White Privilege as Jews
6:30 pm, alternating Mondays, April 10 and 24; May 8 and May 22 (plus partner meetings in intervening weeks) — Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Bet
Where do white-bodied Jews fit on the continuum between oppressed minority and privileged in our racialized society? This facilitated discussion will include readings and video clips. We will meet 4 times over 8 weeks with chevruta pairs meeting in the intervening weeks. For the purpose of creating a safe container for difficult work, we ask that participants commit to all 4 sessions. With Sue Danielson and Adela Basayne. RSVP.

Finding Your Way In—To Jewish Ritual & Spiritual Practice, Prayer, Torah, and Your Own Theology
7 pm, Mondays, April 10, 17, and 24 — Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Dalet
We will be riffing on tradition with the freedom that comes with Reconstructing Judaism. Sam Sirkin will share his approach to making Jewish practice accessible while allowing participants to share their experiences. We will also reflect on a few pieces by thinkers such as Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and Art Green. Led by Sam Sirkin. RSVP.

I Want a Better Catastrophe
7 pm, Tuesday, April 11 – Havurah Shalom and Special Zoom Room
Please join the Havurah Climate Action Team for a book signing and talk with environmental activist Andrew Boyd, author of I Want a Better Catastrophe: Navigating the Climate Crisis with Grief, Hope, and Gallows Humor. The book and event are about facing the situation we're in with bravery, humor, and acceptance of the myriad feelings. Learn more about the event and RSVP.

Racial Justice Committee Meeting
7 pm, Thursday, April 13 — Zoom Room Bet
Attend the Racial Justice Monthly Committee to connect with each other, hear what we are up to and be part of planning meaningful events for our community.

Discovering Shabbat Morning: Learners’ Minyan
10:30 am, Saturday, April 15 — Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph

This upbeat, interactive service focuses on the structure, key themes, and prayers of the morning service. Especially for families with youth in Grades 5-7.

Knitting Kippot Class
10 am, Sundays, April 16, 23, and 30 — Havurah Shalom

Learn to make a kippah! This class is for knitters who have intermediate knitting skills and a desire to get to know other knitters in the community. Please bring a short size 2 circular needle, size 2 double-pointed needles, and numerous stitch markers. Yarn and pattern will be provided, along with instruction regarding three skills: 1) double-pointed cast on and increase, 2) diamond lace motif, 3) i-cord bind off. Led by Marsha Green. RSVP.

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.

Conversational Hebrew Through Song
7pm, Thursdays, April 20 and 27; May 4, 11, and 18 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Gimel
Join us in learning beginner-level Hebrew through children’s and other simple songs. In class, we will practice the new vocabulary in games and conversations, and at home you’ll listen to a premade playlist to help you learn the words while singing along.  Led by Racheli Ross. For details (including Hebrew knowledge requirements) and to RSVP, click here .
 

Kabbalat Shabbat: Friday, April 14

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 (Come to Havurah or join us remotely in Zoom Room Aleph.)      
7:30    Dinner (Click here to RSVP for the Friday, April 14 dinner.)

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 the following workshop:
6:30 pm, Sunday, April 16 — Zoom (Zoom link to be announced)
There will be information about Measure 26-238 and a chance to ask questions to folks from the ERA campaign.

Questions: Steve Goldberg or Gloria Halper

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

The situation in Israel is changing hour by hour. Along with sharing news tidbits, we suggest reading Times of Israel.

The country shuts down and Netanyahu delays reform.

Defense Minister Ben Gvir gets his national guard.

This is an analysis by a left-leaning magazine about the protests.

This article points to one possible creation of a constitution for Israel, which has never had one.

Here is a helpful dossier on Netanyahu's right wing government.

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.

Passover: Havurah Shalom Office Closures

Office Closures for Pesach
Thursday, April 6; Friday, April 7; Wednesday, April 12; Thursday, April 13
Staff holiday office closure. The Havurah Shalom building will still be available for use, as usual.

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.

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