Hineinu, November 29, 2023

The Cost of Free Land: Jews, Lakota, and an American Inheritance by Havurahnik Rebecca Clarren
5:30 to 7 pm, Wednesday, December 6 – on Zoom, register to attend here
From Seeding Justice: Join Seeding Justice, Temple Beth Israel of Portland, Havurah Shalom of Portland, and the Jewish Federation of Lane County as we welcome Portland-based, award-winning journalist Rebecca Clarren and Seeding Justice Executive Director Se-ah-dom Edmo (Shoshone-Bannock, Nez Perce and Yakama) in a conversation around Clarren’s new book, The Cost of Free Land.

Clarren’s book combines investigative reporting with Clarren’s own family history “to reveal the intertwined stories of her family and the Lakota, and the devastating cycle of loss of Indigenous land, culture, and resources that continues today. With deep empathy and clarity of purpose, Clarren grapples with the personal and national consequences of this legacy of violence and dispossession. What does it mean to survive oppression only to perpetuate and benefit from the oppression of others? By shining a light on the people and families tangled up in this country’s difficult history, The Cost of Free Land invites readers to consider their own culpability and what, now, can be done.”

Click here to learn more about this Zoom-based book discussion. There is no cost to attend; you can go directly to the registration link here.

New Adult B'nei Mitzvah Cohort Forming Now - Nov. 30 Due Date (Contact Deborah Eisenbach-Budner)!
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. Click herefor more information.

The group is forming now. Be in touch with Deborah Eisenbach-Budner (deborah@havurahshalom.org) by Thursday, November 30, 2023 to learn more.

Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration on Friday, December 8
6 pm Oneg; 6:30 pm Service; 7:30 pm Dinner, Friday, December 8 – 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 (dinner will require registration and may fill up). Free childcare is provided. All are welcome! The 7:30 pm dinner portion requires registration, however, and slots may fill up quickly. No RSVP/registration is needed to join for the 6 pm oneg and 6:30 pm service.
- Click here to register for the 7:30 dinner on the Dec. 8 Kabbalat Shabbat event page (while space is still available). 
- Havurahniks, click here to learn how to help out during the Dec. 8 celebration–volunteer shifts start at 15 minutes.

Hanukkah at Havurah Shalom - RSVP once you know you'll be joining our Chanukah celebration!
Sunday, December 10 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Havurah
Juin us for an evening of Chanukah fun for everyone! All are welcome! Please RSVP. (Part of our Chanukah festivities will also be shared via Zoom. RSVP to be sent Zoom details when they are ready. And if you plan to only join via Zoom, please note that when you RSVP/register.)

Tzedakah Opportunity: Helping Israelis and Palestinians
While not a comprehensive list of all organizations worthy of your consideration, here is a list (reviewed by Havurah program staff) of a number of charitable organizations helping Israelis and Palestinians.

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 (log into the website and go to the Contact tab). Zoom/YouTube stream links can be found near the end of this email.

Regular Happenings

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 (Bennet Aliyar, December 16) are listed below and in the website calendar. (On December 9, there will be a Tot Shabbat at Havurah Shalom from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. RSVP for that Tot Shabbat.)

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.

Upcoming Events

Racial Justice Movie Discussion Night: Selma
6:30 pm to 8 pm, Sunday, December 3 – Zoom Room Bet
Please join the Racial Justice Committee for a discussion of the movie Selma. (Please watch the film ahead of time; it's available on several platforms.) This is the third film in our series. Film summary: Although the Civil Rights Act of 1964 legally desegregated the South, discrimination was still rampant in certain areas, making it very difficult for Black people to register to vote. In 1965, an Alabama city became the battleground in the fight for suffrage. Despite violent opposition, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his followers pressed forward on an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, and their efforts culminated with President Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965.  Rated PG-13, although note there are several scenes with graphic violence. Contact Kathy Gordon if you have questions. RSVPing is helpful but not required.

Havurah 101: You're a Havurah Member - Now What?
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Tuesday, December 5 – Zoom Room Bet
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

Sacred Music of Moroccan Jews
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Tuesday, December 5 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Gimel
Eyal Bitton is the cantor at Portland's Neveh Shalom and was raised in the Moroccan Jewish community in Montreal. Through lecture and song, he will examine various elements of Moroccan sacred music—synagogue song, cantillation of sacred texts, the piyyut (liturgical poetry), and life cycle songs. Moroccan Jews have a very rich and proud religious culture, and a varied and ancient musical tradition, reflecting its Moroccan milieu, its Andalusian heritage, and more. RSVP

Winter Clothing Drive for Rose Haven: Two Contribution Opportunities 
5 pm to 6 pm, Friday, December 8 (just before the December Kabbalat Shabbat) and 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Sunday, December 10 (during our Chanukah Celebration) – Havurah Shalom
The Havurah Poverty and Homelessness Committee will collect winter coats and other needed items for the women and non-binary folks served by the Rose Haven day shelter. There is a substantial need for community donations this winter. Thank you. Items most needed: adult women's clothing, with a particular need for larger sizes - winter coats, raincoats, waterproof pants, durable pants, waterproof shoes/ boots, hats, gloves, hand warmers, socks, BRAND NEW underwear, and blankets. Questions? Contact Gloria Halper or  Marcia Suttenberg.

Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration
6 pm Oneg; 6:30 pm Service; 7:30 pm Dinner, Friday, December 8 – 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 (dinner will require registration and may fill up). Free childcare is provided. All are welcome! The 7:30 pm dinner portion requires registration, however, and slots may fill up quickly. No RSVP/registration is needed to join for the 6 pm oneg and 6:30 pm service. Click here to register for the 7:30 dinner (while space is still available). Havurahniks, click here to learn how to help out during the Dec. 8 celebration--volunteer shifts start at 15 minutes.

Havurah Hanukkah Celebration
4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Sunday, December 10 – Havurah Shalom (with the last 20-30 minutes, approximately, to be joinable online as well) - Please RSVP 
All are invited to celebrate the lights of Chanukah at Havurah Shalom! Fun for adults, teens, and children alike. Bring family, friends, or just yourself! Our Chanukah celebration will include live Hanukkah music, a potluck (and a latke tasting contest!), dreidel playing, gelt, arts and crafts, gaga, storytelling, candle lighting and more! Additionally, some Hanukkah Tikkun Olam activities you may wish to participate in include a Living Lightly Gifts Table, to take and/or leave previously loved items in good condition that would be nice for someone to have as a gift (hosted by the Havurah Climate Action Team) and the Winter Clothing Donation Drive for the Rose Haven day center (hosted by the Havurah Poverty and Homelessness Committee). Click here to RSVP, as well as to learn more about our Chanukah Celebration, including the two Tikkun Olam activities.

Havurah Instrumental Music Jam
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Monday, December 11 (second Mondays) –  Havurah Shalom (Pardes Room, near the courtyard)
Come play together in community! Bring your enthusiasm, your instrument and voice! The jams will continue monthly on the second Monday of the month. Song sheets will be provided and include a mix of Hanukkah songs, folk, Jewish and popular music. Questions? Contact Julie Walcer. RSVP

Steering Committee Meeting
6:30 pm, Tuesday, December 12 – 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, Wednesday, December 13 (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.

Shabbat Morning with Bar Mitzvah of Bennet Aliyar
10 am, Saturday, December 16 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
Please join us for Shabbat morning services, including welcoming Bennet Aliyar as a Bar Mitzvah and member of our community. All are welcome.

More Tikkun Olam 

Join Metropolitan Alliance for Public Good (MACG) for a Leadership Training: Leadership Institute for Public Life!
1 pm to 5 pm, Sundays, December 3 and December 10 - Bethel Lutheran (5658 N Denver Avenue, Portland, Oregon)
This leadership training (MACG Leadership Institute for Public Life) is available cost-free to any member of Havurah, as we are a MACG member. It is a unique opportunity designed to empower and cultivate leaders like you by equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to create a positive impact within your institutions and the broader community. We are committed to fostering a dynamic school of public life where leaders can flourish. Click here to register for the MACG Leadership Institute for Public Life. Contact Bob Brown with any questions.

Interfaith Alliance on Poverty First Thursday: Presentation from Three Faith Leaders
12 pm to 1:30 pm, Thursday, December 7 – Zoom hosted by the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty (RSVP for this event at this link - After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.)
Interfaith Alliance on Poverty First Thursday presentation will be from three of IAP faith leaders, Father Dave Zegar of St. Andrews Catholic Church, Reverend Alison Miller of First Unitarian Universalist Church and Reverend Beth Neel of Westminster Presbyterian Church will speak to us about how we can find and offer hope in our times. There will be time for Q&A following their presentations. Questions? Contact Sue Abrams.

Winter Clothing Drive for Rose Haven: Two Contribution Opportunities
5 pm to 6 pm, Friday, December 8 (just before the December Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration) and 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Sunday, December 10 (during Havurah's Hanukkah celebration) – Havurah Shalom
The Havurah Poverty and Homelessness Committee will collect winter coats and other needed items for the women and non-binary folks served by the Rose Haven day shelter. There is a substantial need for community donations this winter. Thank you. Items most needed: adult women's clothing, with a particular need for larger sizes - winter coats, raincoats, waterproof pants, durable pants, waterproof shoes/ boots, hats, gloves, hand warmers, socks, BRAND NEW underwear, and blankets. Questions? Contact Gloria Halper or Marcia Suttenberg.

Living Lightly Gifts Table at the Havurah Chanukah Celebration, Hosted by the Havurah Climate Action Team (HCAT)
4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Sunday, December 10 (during Havurah's Hanukkah celebration) – Havurah Shalom
Do you have toys, games, puzzles, jewelry, books, woven baskets, blank journals, or other items in your house that you no longer use/need, and are in good shape, that someone – child, teen or adult - might like to receive as a gift? Then bring them to the Chanukah party, and put them on one of the swap tables. Are you looking for a little gift to appreciate yourself or to give to someone else? Then come check out the swap tables at the Chanukah party. You do not have to bring an item(s) to take an item(s). All items are free for the taking! Any items left on the tables at the end of the evening will be packed up donated.

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 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.

Reconstructing Judaism

From Reconstructing Judaism: "As Israel Affairs Specialist at Reconstructing Judaism, I’d like to call your attention to a unique and timely webinar set for this Thursday, November 30, 2023, at ... 9 am US Pacific Time. Reconstructionists are invited to join a special one-hour online conversation on pain, hope and a shared political vision with the leaders of A Land for All.
 
The webinar will feature a conversation with Dr. Ameer Fakhoury & Avi Dabush, members of the leadership of A Land for All, a movement of Palestinians and Israelis who are working together on a shared political vision for a better and peaceful future. A Land for All envisions two states sharing one homeland and co-existing within a confederation that is based on equality, cooperation, independence, and interdependence and provides both peoples with freedom and national self-determination. The conversation will be hosted by May Pundak, the movement’s Israeli executive director. The registration page for this webinar is at https://tinyurl.com/7uu6udd6.
 
Reconstructing Judaism does not officially endorse or oppose confederation models for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but we value hearing from Israelis and Palestinians who are committed to a shared future of co-existence and who are working together on possible creative political and diplomatic solutions to the ongoing conflict. This webinar, being held during this time of war and tremendous uncertainty, offers us an opportunity to learn more about one version of the two-state-solution that has been gaining attention in political and diplomatic arenas as well as among a number of grassroots organizations in Israel and the Palestinian Territories."

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.