Interfaith Alliance on Poverty: First Thursdays
12 pm, Thursday, April 6, 2023 – Off-site Zoom (see key details, below)
The Interfaith Alliance on Poverty invites you to join the April “First Thursday” meeting with the Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt. Mike Schmidt will discuss the ways his office works toward Restorative Justice for All. See the April 6 Havurah calendar event post for additional details. Note: This is an off-site Zoom event hosted by the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty. To receive the Zoom log-in link, register for this Zoom event in advance with IAP.
Parenting Huddle: Mindful Jewish Parenting
3:40 pm, Saturday, April 8 – 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
7 pm, 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. See more details (including Hebrew knowledge requirements) and RSVP.
Electrify Everything & Everyone
3 pm, April 23 – Havurah Shalom and Special Zoom Room
Learn how to have a healthier home, lower your utility bills and reduce carbon! You’ll hear about: how to electrify your home and your ride; the role of electric heat pumps for heating and cooling; the benefits of induction cooktops and electric ovens; newly-available incentives and rebates; electric vehicles; and community solar. Contact Michael Heumann for further information. See the Havurah calendar for more info and to RSVP.
Israel Palestine Sponsored Event: Joint Memorial Ceremony
10:30 am, April 24 – Off-site Livestream (The Havurah Israel/Palestine Committee will hold a follow-up event on May 7; details to come.)
The Joint Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Ceremony will be live-streamed from Israel, April 24, 2023 at 10:30 AM Pacific Time. The recording will be available soon thereafter. The Ceremony, organized by Combatants for Peace and The Parents Circle Families Forum, is the largest Israeli-Palestinian jointly organized peace event. Learn more and register to watch the live-stream or recorded Ceremony.
Reparations Class this Spring: An Opportunity to Learn, Discuss, and Act
6:30 pm, Wednesdays, April 26; May 10, 17, 24, and 31 -- Havurah Shalom
After a very successful reparations class last fall, Havurah Shalom is organizing another class on reparations this Spring! The 5-session class offers an opportunity to study and reflect on some of the writings of prominent thought leaders on the topic of reparations for Black Americans as a path to restorative justice. Class materials will include articles and videos. The class size is limited to 12 people to allow for active participation. The classes will be in-person to allow for deeper interaction with each other and the material, but accommodations will be made for people to attend virtually if needed. Class registration is required. RSVP/register.
For more information on the reparations class, contact Kiel Moses. (For registration help or for help contacting Kiel, please email info@havurahshalom.org and include 'Reparations Class' in the subject line of your email.)