Hineinu, November 8, 2023

Join Our Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration Friday, Nov. 10

A family-friendly oneg followed by a service led by Rabbi Benjamin and Havurah musicians. All are welcome. While the dinner portion (7:30 pm) of the Nov. 10 Kabbalat Shabbat event is currently full, everyone is encouraged to join for our Kabbalat Shabbat oneg (6 pm) and service (6:30 pm)! Note: If you signed up for the Nov. 10 dinner portion and want to cancel or if you couldn't sign up for dinner and want to be on a waitlist, please contact Tara Anderson (tara@havurahshalom.org).

Celebration of Life: Barry Sutton
4:30 pm, Thursday, November 16 – First Unitarian Church, in Eliot Chapel (1011 SW 12th Avenue, Portland, Oregon)
An interfaith service celebrating the life of Barry Sutton is being organized by Havurah members and people from other faith communities that he was connected to, including Quaker, Unitarian, Buddhist and Lutheran. Rabbi Benjamin and Barbara Slader will contribute Jewish prayers. Barry was an active attendee at Havurah events for over 25 years. Potluck hors d'oeuvre dishes welcome. Contact Sam Sirkin if are you a Havurahnik who would like to serve as a greeter/usher at this interfaith service. Click here to go to an obituary for Barry Sutton.

Hanukkah at Havurah Shalom - Save the Date!
Sunday, December 10 - 4:30 to 6:30 pm
Join us for an evening of Chanukah fun for everyone! All are welcome! Please RSVP

New Adult B'nei Mitzvah Cohort Forming Now!
A new Havurah Shalom Adult B’nei Mitzvah group is forming! Are you interested in: Deepening your knowledge and commitment to Torah, Tefillah (Prayer), and Kehillah (Community)? Expanding your Jewish literacy skills, confidence, and sense of connection with Judaism? Going through this process in community and celebrating your Jewish learning in Havurah? Then…consider joining the new Adult B’nei Mitzvah cohort.  This group will study together from January 2024 to February 2026 with Havurah Education Director Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, Rabbi Benjamin, Program Director Adela Basayne, and other teachers. The group is forming now. Be in touch with Deborah Eisenbach-Budner (deborah@havurahshalom.org) by November 30 to learn more. 

The Adult B’nei Mitzvah process is for people who want to nourish their intellectual and spiritual selves, individually and within the context of an ongoing learning community. One might have never become a B’nei Mitzvah or they might have had a Bar/Bat Mitzvah – in form but not in substance. There are some things that you can go back and do again (but better this time)! You will learn how to read Hebrew (or increase your knowledge), translate sections of prayers – while grappling with their spiritual and other meanings, engage a section of Torah through close translation and commentary, chant from the Torah, and navigate Shabbat services. The pre-requisites are: 1) the willingness to learn and grow, maybe in surprising ways, 2) the ability to participate on Wednesday evenings during the school year as well as participate in monthly Shabbat morning services. 

General Info

Thank you for following our COVID safety guidelines for in-person gatherings, which were updated on June 15, 2023. Contacting your fellow 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

Kabbalat Shabbat is Friday, November 10.

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 mitzvah (Sidney Epstein, November 11; Matan Carroll, November 25) are listed below and in the website calendar.

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, please RSVP on the calendar. To receive Mahjong Group updates, ask Leah to add you to the email list.

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.

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.

Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration
6 pm Oneg; 6:30 pm Service; and a 7:30 pm Dinner (which is presently full), Friday, November 10 – Havurah Shalom (and also Zoom Room Aleph for the 6:30 pm service)
We hold Kabbalat Shabbat celebrations on the second Friday evening of each month from October through May: A family-friendly oneg followed by a service led by Rabbi Benjamin and Havurah musicians, with dinner afterward. Free childcare is provided. No RSVP is needed to come to the oneg or service. All are welcome! While the dinner portion (7:30 pm) of the Nov. 10 Kabbalat Shabbat event is currently full, everyone is encouraged to join for our Kabbalat Shabbat oneg (6 pm) and service (6:30 pm)! Note: If you signed up for the Nov. 10 dinner portion and want to cancel or if you couldn't sign up for dinner and want to be on a waitlist, please contact Tara Anderson at tara@havurahshalom.org.

Upcoming Events

Havurah 101: You're a Havurah Member - Now What?
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Thursday, November 9 – Havurah Shalom
Do you have questions about how Havurah's committee structure works?  What makes our participatory model different?  How can you connect with areas you may be interested in?  Join members of the Leadership Development Committee for a discussion to learn more about the inner works of Havurah and how you can find your place in the community.  All members welcome. RSVP here.

Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration
6 pm Oneg; 6:30 pm Service; and a 7:30 pm Dinner (which is presently full), Friday, November 10 – Havurah Shalom (and also Zoom Room Aleph for the 6:30 pm service)
We hold Kabbalat Shabbat celebrations on the second Friday evening of each month from October through May: A family-friendly oneg followed by a service led by Rabbi Benjamin and Havurah musicians, with dinner afterward. Free childcare is provided. No RSVP is needed to come to the oneg or service. All are welcome! While the dinner portion (7:30 pm) of the Nov. 10 Kabbalat Shabbat event is currently full, everyone is encouraged to join for our Kabbalat Shabbat oneg (6 pm) and service (6:30 pm)! Note: If you signed up for the Nov. 10 dinner portion and want to cancel or if you couldn't sign up for dinner and want to be on a waitlist, please contact Tara Anderson at tara@havurahshalom.org.

Shabbat Morning with Bat Mitzvah of Sidney Epstein
10 am, Saturday, November 11 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
Please join us for Shabbat morning services, including welcoming Sidney Epstein as a Bat Mitzvah and member of our community. All are welcome.

Havurah Racial Justice Committee's Book Group Discussion: How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Sunday, November 12 – Havurah Shalom
Please come for a lively discussion! How the Word is Passed illustrates how some of our country's most essential stories are hidden in plain view—like in downtown Manhattan, in which the brutal history of the trade of enslaved peoples has been deeply imprinted. Clint Smith's book is a landmark work of reflection and insight that offers a new understanding of the hopeful role that memory and history can play in understanding our country. Aim to read the book (How the Word is Passed) beforehand for this book group discussion. Questions? Contact Kathy Gordon or Barbara Gundle with questions. Please RSVP/sign-up as soon as possible!

Havurah Climate Action Team Book Group: Under the Sky We Make (Chapters 8 to 10)
5 pm to 6:30 pm, Monday, November 13 – Havurah Shalom (subsequent meetings set to be on Zoom)
All Havurah members are welcome to become part of the HCAT Book Group as we go through each chapter of our next book addressing the climate crisis, Under the Sky We Make, by climate scientist Kimberly Nicholas, PhD. In this best-selling book, Dr. Nicholas offers a hopeful, clear-eyed, and sometimes hilarious guide to affecting real change. Questions? Contact  Michael Heumann. Click to RSVP for the November 13 meeting and learn about subsequent meetings.

Havurah Music Jam Begins Again
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Monday, November 13 (and every second Monday of the month) – Havurah Shalom (in Pardes, a room to the left of the Havurah entrance)
Come play together in community! Bring your enthusiasm, and your instrument! Jams will be held the Second Monday of the month, starting Monday, November 13th. Song sheets will be provided and include a mix of folk, Jewish and popular music. RSVP for the November 13 jam session.

Steering Committee Meeting
6:30 pm, Tuesday, November 14 – Zoom Room Gimel
All Havurah members are invited to attend the monthly meetings of the Havurah Steering Committee.

Rosh Ḥodesh Tov! Gender-Inclusive New Moon Ritual
7 pm to 8:15 pm, Tuesday, November 14 (and monthly with new moon) – RSVP for location updates and details throughout the year
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. Gatherings take place monthly on or near the new moon of each Hebrew month at 7 pm, either on Zoom or in person—outdoors in inner North/East Portland—depending on seasonal shifts in the weather. Attend any or all sessions. RSVP to be updated on location and other details throughout the year.

Workshop: Discussing and Writing Poems of Strong Emotional States
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Tuesday, November 14 – Havurah Shalom
We will read and discuss poems by masters who have written about strong emotional states, such as Anne Sexton, Robert Lowell, Hannah Bloch, Edward Hirsch, Yehuda Amichai and Ross Gay. Handout will be provided. We will write first drafts, and share what we have written or discuss our process. Led by Willa Schneberg. RSVP

Rumble on the River Community Forum Panel and Action Night #10: Stop Zenith Energy
6:30 pm to 8 pm (doors open for tabling at 6 pm; program begins at 6:30 pm), Thursday, November 16 – Havurah Shalom and Special Zoom Room
The Havurah Climate Action Team (HCAT) is hosting another Rumble on the River Community Forum. This Rumble’s panel discussion is on the upcoming DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality) decision regarding Zenith Energy’s Air Quality Permit. Without the permit Zenith will not be able to operate and pollute our air. Afterwards, we’ll be guided in a Writing Effective Comments Workshop, and write a letter to Governor Kotek. Panelists are Bob Sallinger - Urban Conservation Director with Willamette Riverkeeper, Kate Murphy - Community Organizer with Columbia Riverkeeper, Nick Caleb - Climate and Energy Attorney with Breach Collective. Click here for the event flyer. Feel free to come to the event in person at Havurah without RSVPing--all are welcome--but if you want to be emailed Zoom login details before the event, please RSVP.

Hakol Submission Deadline: Tuesday, November 21
Havurahniks, click here to learn more on submitting short articles for the next issue of our monthly synagogue newsletter, Hakol.

Office Closed/Staff Out During Thanksgiving Holiday (Thursday & Friday)
Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24
Our Havurah Shalom offices will be closed and staff will be unavailable during the Thursday and Friday of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Shabbat Morning with Bar Mitzvah of Matan Carroll
10 am, Saturday, November 25 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
Please join us for Shabbat morning services, including welcoming Matan Carroll as a Bar Mitzvah and member of our community. All are welcome.

Havurah Book Group to Discuss The Dark Queens by Shelley Puhak
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Thursday, November 28 – Zoom Room Bet
Brunhild was a foreign princess, raised to be married off for the sake of building an alliance. Her sister-in-law Fredegund started out as a lowly palace slave. And yet in sixth-century Merovingian France, where women were excluded from noble succession and royal politics was a blood sport, these two iron-willed strategists reigned over vast realms, changing the face of Europe. After the queens' deaths—one gentle, the other  horrific—their stories were rewritten, their names consigned to slander and legend. In The Dark Queens, award-winning writer Shelley Puhak sets the record straight. The Dark Queens offers proof that the relationships between women can transform the world. (Non-Fiction, 384 pages.) Discussion led by Maud Naroll. Nonmembers welcome. RSVP for Zoom info.

More Tikkun Olam 

Rumble on the River Community Forum Panel and Action Night #10: Stop Zenith Energy
6:30 pm to 8 pm (doors open for tabling at 6 pm; program begins at 6:30 pm), Thursday, November 16 – Havurah Shalom and Special Zoom Room
The Havurah Climate Action Team (HCAT) is hosting another Rumble on the River Community Forum. This Rumble’s panel discussion is on the upcoming DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality) decision regarding Zenith Energy’s Air Quality Permit. Click here for the event flyer. Feel free to come to the event in person at Havurah without RSVPing--all are welcome--but if you want to be emailed Zoom login details before the event, please RSVP.

News & Events from Our Tikkun Olam Partners

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

Out in the Community

Jewish Community Orchestra: Fall Concert
3 pm, Sunday, November 12 – Mittelman Jewish Community Center (6651 SW Capitol Highway, Portland, Oregon)
See the Jewish Community Orchestra perform their 2023 Fall Concert. Click hereto learn more about this upcoming performance. Tickets are available at the door (General Admission: $15; Senior Citizens: $10; Students: $8).

Drawing Upon What is Hidden: An Evening of Stories with Maggidahs

7 pm to 8:30 pm, Saturday, November 18 – Eastside Jewish Commons (2420 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland, Oregon)
This evening of stories features two Havurahniks, Cassandra Sagan and David Fuks. This event is part of the Eastside Jewish Commons' Crypto-Judaism Storytelling week. Maggidahs (Jewish Storytellers), Cassandra Sagan and Gail Pasternack along with improviser and stand-up comedian David Fuks present an evening of storytelling on the theme of What is Hidden. And afterwards YOU get to tell your stories! Sign up to deliver a personal story or even a traditional/folk tale on the theme (5 minute limit). All Ages $6-$18/Person Sliding Scale. Click here to learn more and get tickets. (Or visit the Nov. 18 event page on the EJC calendar.)

An Hour of Jewish Stories: Laughter and Tears Encore (for adults)
3 pm to 4 pm, Sunday, November 19 – Eastside Jewish Commons (2420 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland, Oregon)
Havurahnik Sarah Stein is a professional storyteller and founder of the Portland Storytellers Guild. Born in New York City in 1944, Sarah Stein loves telling Jewish stories filled with irony and the special Jewish sense of humor. She said this about Laughter and Tears Encore: "There will be lots of new exciting stories from Chelm, King Solomon and a longer tale of a trickster and a miser. Plus many more stories from the wealth of Jewish folklore. There will also be music between the stories." Note that this show is for adults only. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors pre-sale; $17 and $12 at the door. Click here to register and get tickets in advance. (Or visit the Nov. 19 event page on the EJC calendar.)

Jewish Poetry Book Club (instigated by Havurahnik Betsy Fogelman Tighe)
12:30 pm to 2 pm, Wednesday, December 6 – Eastside Jewish Commons (2420 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, Oregon)
Join for the December 6 gathering of the Jewish Poetry Book Club, instigated by but not under the tutelage of Havurahnik Betsy Fogelman Tighe. Love to read poetry? Drawn to Jewish poets writing in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish in translation? Let's lift the poetry right off the page with some communal meaning-making. The December 6 poetry selection is Avrom Sutzkever's The Full Pomegranate. Please come prepared with comments. Feel free to bring your lunch, and plan on making a small donation to EJC at each meeting. $3-10 is suggested. No one turned away for lack of funds.

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.