Hineinu: Todah Rabah, High Holidays Survey, Sukkot, and More
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Hineinu, September 27, 2023
Todah Rabah! Many thanks to the many, many people who made High Holidays happen at the Tiffany Center, our own building, Tashlich, and all over our community. As a side note, more than enough folks came to help pack up supplies yesterday and we are all moved back into the building—thank you for hearing the call! The sukkah is even up, thanks to additional volunteers! Come sit in it over Sukkot, and enjoy our upcoming gatherings.
Please Complete the High Holidays Survey This Week
The Havurah Shalom High Holidays Planning team is seeking feedback about your Elul and High Holidays experiences. We want to hear from all Havurah members ages 13 and older.
CLICK HEREto take the Havurah Shalom High Holidays 5784 Survey Appoximate time: 15 minutes. Skip any questions you don't want to answer.
Your feedback will give us insight into Havurahniks' different experiences and help us improve Elul programming, High Holidays events, and services next year.
Sukkot begins this Friday at sundown Havurahniks, here are more ways to join together to help out with Sukkot: RSVP for our Sukkah Decoration Party - evening of Sept. 28 Sign up to help take down the Sukkah - morning of Oct. 9
Sit in the Sukkah at Havurah Shalom
All are invited to join in the mitzvah of being in the sukkah for Sukkot. Come anytime. If staff are available, we can bring you our Havurah lulav and etrog.
(You can check the Havurah calendarto see if any large groups are already scheduled to be in the sukkah during Sukkot.)
Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah Preparations: Israeli Folk Dancing - 7:30 pm, Wednesday, Oct. 4 at Havurah Shalom - RSVP
Simchat Torah Celebration - 6:30 pm, Saturday, Oct. 7 at Havurah Shalom and in Zoom Room Neshamah - RSVP
Havurahniks, sign up here to help out at our Oct. 7 Simchat Torah Celebration.
Kabbalat Shabbat Returns on Friday, October 13! RSVPfor the dinner portion of Kabbalat Shabbat. Sign up to volunteerwith your fellow Havurahniks.
Have a good and sweet year.
General Info
Thank you for following ourCOVID safety guidelines for in-person gatherings, which were updated on June 15, 2023.
Havurah members: If a member's name is hyperlinked below, you can go directly to their contact page in the directory by clicking on their name and then logging into your Havurah account. Or search in the online Havurah member directory.
Zoom/YouTube stream links can be found near the end of this email.
Regular Happenings
Notes: Jewish Mindfulness and Meditation will meet both in person at Havurah (Sanctuary or Library) and in Zoom Room Bet beginning in October. Mah Jong Group returns in October and continues on the first and third Mondays of each month (except holidays). Shabbat Morning will include Yizkor on Saturday, October 7. Kabbalat Shabbat returns on Friday, October 13. Tot Shabbat will take place on Saturday, October 14.
Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration
6 pm, second Fridays from October to May –Havurah Shalom
A family-friendly oneg followed by a service led by Rabbi Benjamin and Havurah musicians, with dinner afterward. 6 pm Oneg, 6:30 Service, 7:30 Dinner. All are welcome! Click here to RSVP for the dinner portion of the upcoming celebration.
Havurahniks, please consider helping out at this next Kabbalat Shabbat. Many volunteer shifts are as short as ten to fifteen minutes. Click here to go to the volunteer sign-up for the October 2023 Kabbalat Shabbat.
Weekly Torah Study 9 am, Saturdays – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Bet
An in-depth look at the weekly Torah reading, led by congregants. No prior knowledge or study is necessary.
Shabbat Morning 10 am, Saturdays – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
All are welcome at our Shabbat services, including b'nei mitzvah services. Upcoming b'nei mitzvahare listed belowand in the website calendar. (On October 7, Shabbat Morning will include yizkor. On October 14, there will be a Tot Shabbat starting at 10:30 am.)
Mahjong Group 1 pm, first and third Mondays – Havurah Shalom Library
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, pleaseRSVP on the calendar. To receive Mahjong Group updates, ask Leah to add you to the email list. (On October 2, Mahjong Group returns every first and third Monday.)
Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation 12 pm, Tuesdays – Havurah Shalom (Sanctuary or Library) and Zoom Room Bet
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. (Starting in October, Jewish Mindfulness and Meditation will be both in person at Havurah Shalom and on Zoom every Tuesday.)
Morning Minyan 8:30 am, Wednesdays – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
For all who want a regular prayer practice and those saying Kaddish. All are welcome.
Upcoming Events
Sukkah Decoration Party
5:30 pm to 6:45 pm, Thursday, September 28 – Havurah Shalom Our Havurah Sukkah is a place of meditation, meals, song, and community. Get together with other Havurahniks to make it look fantastic and feel as special to be in as it is.RSVP to receive details as the date comes closer.
Come to Havurah for Sukkot: The Mitzvah of Being in the Sukkah Sukkot 5784 starts at sundown on Friday, Sept. 29 and ends at nightfall on Friday, Oct. 6 — Our Sukkah in the Havurah Shalom Courtyard
Sit and relax, have a meal, study Torah, be with friends and family—all are welcome to perform the mitzvah of being in the Sukkah. Note: You can checkour calendar during Sukkot to see if a large group of Havurahniks has already signed up to be in the sukkah.
Tuning In to Jewish Texts 7:30 pm to 8:45 pm, Tuesdays, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 31; Nov. 21, 28; Dec. 5, 12 – Havurah Shalom
Jewish text study is similar to tuning a radio. Each type of text—TaNaKH (Bible), Rabbinic Literature (Midrash and Talmud), Medieval Commentary (Rashi, ibn Ezra, Nachmanides, etc.) and Mystical (Kabbalistic and Hasidic)—operates on a different frequency. Each seeks to clarify what we are hearing about the world, following a set of rules. Each reads the world’s signals. We will spend two weeks on each genre, tuning into specific passages. Hebrew is not necessary for this overview, although we will read some of the “greatest hits” together in the original. Transistor radios preferred to digital, because we all get static - we're aiming for more resonance. Led by Rabbi Joey Wolf. RSVP
Special Israeli Folk Dance Class (Preparing for Simchat Torah) 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Wednesday, October 4 – Havurah Shalom Social Hall
Let’s get ready to dance at Simchat Torah! Join long-time Israeli folk dancers Cindy Merrill and her friends Rhona Feldman and Sue Wendel to learn basic Israeli steps and dances. This one-time class will help prepare you to dance at Simchat Torah! All ages and levels are welcome. Questions? Contact Cindy Merrill. RSVP
Alte Rockers in the Sukkah 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Thursday, October 5 – Havurah Shalom (in the Sukkah)
Each year, the Havurah Alte Rockers gather for one night at Havurah Shalom to have a potluck dinner and/or dessert in the Havurah Sukkah. We will do the usual prayers in the Sukkah. Bring your Etrog and Lulav (if you have those) and/or some beverages to share! Questions? Contact Ted Scheinman. RSVP
Reparations Workshop: A Five-Session Course
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Thursdays, Oct. 5, 19, and 26; Nov. 2 and 16 – Havurah Shalom (with virtual attendance accommodation, if needed)
The class offers an opportunity to study and reflect on the works of prominent thought leaders on reparations for Black Americans as a path to restorative justice. Limited to 12 participants, there will be small-group and full-group opportunities to learn from each other. Class materials will be distributed before the first class and will include articles, excerpts from books, and videos. Questions? Email Karen Sherman. Registering ASAP is encouraged and appreciated! Learn more and RSVP
Havurah Simchat Torah Celebration
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Saturday, October 7 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Neshamah
Join us for a family-friendly and joyous celebration featuring music and dancing with the Torah! Simchat Torah means "Rejoicing in the Torah." On Simchat Torah, we sing and dance with the Torah. As many people as possible are given the honor of carrying a Torah scroll, and as many people as possible are given the honor of an aliyah (reciting a blessing over the Torah reading). Children are called up for an aliyah, too. We will also have food and Israeli folk dancing, including a dance that will be easy enough for everyone to learn! All are welcome. RSVP
Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration 6 pm, Friday, October 13 – Havurah Shalom
A family-friendly oneg followed by a service led by Rabbi Benjamin and Havurah musicians, with dinner afterward. 6 pm Oneg, 6:30 Service, 7:30 Dinner. All are welcome! Click here to RSVP for the dinner portion of the upcoming Kabbalat Shabbat celebration. Havurahniks, click here to go to the volunteer sign-up for the October 2023 Kabbalat Shabbat.
Tot Shabbat 10:30 am to 11:30 am, Saturday, October 14 – Havurah Shalom
Young children (0-5) and parents celebrate with singing, movement, blessings, and storytelling. All are welcome.
Rosh Ḥodesh Tov! Gender-Inclusive New Moon Ritual 7 pm to 8:15 pm, Monday, October 16 – In person in North Portland or in Zoom Room Heh (Leader will announce which.)
A gender-inclusive New Moon group, learning and celebrating each Rosh Ḥodesh with ancient and contemporary ritual. Open to any and all genders, inviting each to connect with our closest heavenly body, the Moon. Attend any or all sessions. RSVPto be updated on location and other details throughout the year.
Occupation 101 7 pm to 8:30 pm, Mondays, October 16, 23, 30; November 13, 20, 27; December 4, 11 –Havurah Shalom
Israel has been engaged in a military occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip for 56 years, since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. Explore key questions in this eight-week, mainly film-based class. Course participants will watch the films at home and come together in person each week for a contextual lecture and discussion of the films. Taught by Joel Beinin. RSVP
More Tikkun Olam
Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice September 2023 Newsletter
Join with the Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice (JCIJ) in seeking a new year of solidarity and justice. Click here(or click on the Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice NW link at the bottom of this "More Tikkun Olam" section) for the most recent JCIC newsletter.
Oregon Residents Ages 65+ Can Take Classes for Free at Portland State University (A Message from PSU's Judaic Studies Department)
Did you know that Oregon residents 65 years of age or older can audit Judaic Studies courses and other PSU courses for free? The Senior Adult Learning Center (SALC) facilitates and encourages lifelong learning for Oregon residents 65 years of age or older by registering them as auditors and offering access to most of Portland State University’s classes at little to no cost.
The Harold Schnitzer Family Program in Judaic Studies at Portland State University offers these intriguing courses for Fall Term 2023:
- Yiddish Folklore & Culture (Meir) – in-person or Zoom
- Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (Spielman) – in-person
- Pagans, Christians, and Jews (Spielman) – in-person
- Museums and Memory in the US and Israel (Spiegel) – Zoom
- First-Year Hebrew (Peleg) – in-person
- Second-Year Hebrew (Rachmuth) – in-person
Learn more at thisPSU Judaic Studies websitefor their Fall 2023 courses. Classes begin September 26, so aim to register online by then, if possible.
Coming to Portland in October: theatre dybbuk
From the theatre dybbuk website: “theatre dybbuk creates provocative performances and innovative educational encounters that explore Jewish thought to illuminate universal human experience. We envision a world where people challenge themselves to revel in the complexity of our shared humanity.” There should be a wide array of opportunities for engagement with theatre dybbuk. Information about upcoming residencies with theatre dybbuk can be found here.
Oregon Jewish Voices Reading 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm, Tuesday, October 17 – Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education (724 NW Davis Street, Portland)
Come to the 24th annual reading of "Oregon Jewish Voices" at OJMCHE! Oregon Jewish Voices will be LIVE this year. Kerry Cohen, William Deresiewicz, Miriam Gershow, Marvin J. Lurie and Willa Schneberg will be reading. To learn more and register for this event, click here. Tickets cost $8 for members of OJMCHE and $10 for non-members.
Registration is required to attend this annual reading of Oregon Jewish Voices. Questions? Contact Havurahnik Willa Schneberg.
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
High Holidays Services 5784 - Special Online Access Info
Digital Machzor| Digital Songbook
Please download a copy of the machzor to use during services from home, and the songbook too when it is ready. These links will be provided on the Youtube Streaming page for your convenience, and on Zoom, they will be provided by the Zoom host in the chat. We regret that all paper machzors are needed for in-person services, and cannot be lent out. Link to Youtube Stream (for recordings of much of our High Holiday services)
All services at the Tiffany Center, except children’s programming, will be streamed on Youtube. The Youtube stream is one-way, allowing you to view the services without seeing other people who are also online. Link to Join Zoom Room Neshamah (for Simchat Torah)
The SImchat Torah service at Havurah Shalom will take place in Zoom Room Neshamah. The Zoom Room is two-way, allowing you to see those who are also joining online. Additional Information:
Meeting ID: 898 0893 5437
Passcode: 7290
Havurah Zoom Rooms
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.
