Hineinu, February 28, 2024

Naming the Unnameable: Exploring Theology and Practice through Rabbi Toba Spitzer’s God is Here.
RSVP by March 1.
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Wednesdays, March 20 to April 17 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Dalet
Facilitated by Rabbi Benjamin. In this class, we’ll be exploring various ways in which the Divine is represented and imagined in Jewish tradition. Beyond simply the intellectual, our lens will be more one of spiritual reflection and practice. In other words: As we encounter and interact with the metaphors that the tradition offers for experiencing and connecting with God/Spirit/Life, what do we notice within our hearts and minds? How do particular images shape our consciousness and perception? As a guide for this exploration we will read Rabbi Toba Spitzer’s book, God is Here, which should be purchased for the class (contact Rabbi Benjamin for a free copy, if needed). RSVP by Friday, March 1.

Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration: Friday, March 8

Now with a Zoom Option: Want to Stage a Purim Spiel at Havurah? RSVP for this All-Ages Opportunity: Purim Playtime!
7 pm to 8:15 pm, Mondays, February 26 to March 18 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
For all ages! This class is for anyone who has ever wanted to stage a play. As a group we’ll figure out how to retell the story of Queen Esther dramatically in a way that’s relevant for our times, and then perform that play on Purim for the Havurah Shalom congregation. Over four sessions, we’ll explore what makes good theater, how to write a script and a song, and then turn our crazy ideas into a fully staged production. Actors, writers, artists, and musicians, no matter what your age or experience, this is your chance to show off your talents, create a captivating theater experience for your community, and have fun! Taught by Karen Polinsky. Questions? Contact Karen Polinsky.  You're welcome to join in anytime, even if you've missed some sessions! RSVP

Havurahnik Help Wanted
Community is an enduring value of Havurah. These are just some of the ways to be engaged in building our community—what ways are right for you? Click here.

Save the Date: Havurah's Purim Celebration is on March 23!

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 Havurah 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 (Maya Oh, February 17; Samuel Pomerantz-Roll. March 2). Upcoming b'nei mitzvah 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.

Upcoming Havurah Events

Purim Playtime!
7 pm to 8:15 pm, Mondays, February 26 to March 18 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
For all ages! This class is for anyone who has ever wanted to stage a play. As a group we’ll figure out how to retell the story of Queen Esther dramatically in a way that’s relevant for our times, and then perform that play on Purim for the Havurah Shalom congregation. Over four sessions, we’ll explore what makes good theater, how to write a script and a song, and then turn our crazy ideas into a fully staged production. Actors, writers, artists, and musicians, no matter what your age or experience, this is your chance to show off your talents, create a captivating theater experience for your community, and have fun! Taught by Karen Polinsky. Questions? Contact Karen Polinsky. Join in anytime, even if you've missed earlier sessions. RSVP

Shabbat Morning with Bat Mitvah of Samuel Pomerantz-Roll
10 am to 12 pm, Saturday, March 2 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph 
Please join us for Shabbat morning services, including welcoming Samuel Pomerantz-Roll as a Bar Mitzvah and member of our community.

Teen Engagement/Bar Mitzvah Project
1 pm to 3 pm, Sunday, March 3 – Havurah Shalom (Please aim to RSVP by February 29 or just ASAP)
For Havurah Teens: Join us as we help prepare food for P:EAR, a youth homeless mentor program. This event is co-sponsored by the Teen Engagement Committee & Kai's Bar Mitzvah Project. Parents are welcome to stay and schmooze, help prepare the meal, or drop off their teens. Aim to RSVP by February 29 or just ASAP. Questions? Contact Lorissa Klaus.

BYOCB: Bring Your Own Climate Book
5:30 pm to 7 pm, Monday, March 4 – Zoom Room Dalet
All are welcome! Please join! The HCAT (Havurah Climate Action Team) Book Group will be meeting in a one-time Bring Your Own Climate Book format. This will be a group for each person to have a little time to share out something relevant to climate protection that we have read. We will meet in Zoom Room Dalet. All are welcome to join. Questions? Contact Steve Katz and/or Michael Heumann. RSVP

Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration
6 pm Oneg; 6:30 pm Service; 7:30 registration-only Dinner, Friday, March 8 – Havurah Shalom (Service both in person at Havurah and in Zoom Room Aleph)
A family-friendly oneg followed by a service led by Rabbi Benjamin and Havurah musicians, with dinner afterward. No RSVP or registration is needed to join for the oneg and service. The dinner does require RSVPing/registration in advance and may fill up to capacity. RSVP for the dinner. Also, Havurahniks, can you help out at the March 8 Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration? Shifts start at 15 minutes. Sign up to volunteer.

Rosh Ḥodesh Tov! Gender-Inclusive New Moon Ritual
7 pm to 8:15 pm, Monday, March 11 – In Person or 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. 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. The location (in-person or Zoom) for the March 11 gathering will be announced.

Music Jam
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Monday, March 11 – Havurah Shalom (in the Pardes Classroom)
Havurah Music Jams Rock On! On the second Monday of the month, come sing and play in community! We will be in the Pardes classroom at Havurah. Songsheets will be provided and include a mix of country, folk, Jewish folk, liturgical and popular songs. Bring your instrument, your voice and your enthusiasm! RSVP for the March Music Jam.

Steering Meeting
6:30 pm to 9 pm, Tuesday, March 12 – Zoom Room Gimel
All Havurah Shalom members are invited to join for Steering Committee meetings.

Havurah Book Group Annual Meeting
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Tuesday, March 12 – Zoom Room Bet
The Havurah Book Group will be holding its annual meeting. Anyone is welcome to attend as we consider possible changes in choosing books, scheduling discussions, and anything else book group related. Please RSVP by emailing  Stacy Hankin.

Understanding October 7, 2023
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Thursday, March 14; 3 pm to 4:30 pm, Sunday, March 17; and 7 pm to 8:30 pm,Thursday, April 4 – Havurah Shalom
Rabbi Benjamin and Joel Beinin will offer three sessions on “Understanding October 7, 2023” – the Hamas attack on Israel and Israel’s response. The class will offer space for people to express their personal feelings about the events. We will have the opportunity to read and respond to testimonies from Israelis and Palestinians about their experience of the events. Integrated into our examination of this moment, we will engage with a variety of Jewish texts: on grief and loss, on holding multiple truths, and on questions of fundamentalism and fixed views. RSVP

Discovering Shabbat Morning: Learners' Minyan
10 am to 11:30 am, Saturday, March 16  – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph
This interactive service focuses on the structure, key themes, and prayers of the morning service. Especially for families with youth in Grades 5-7.

Naming the Unnameable: Exploring Theology and Practice through Rabbi Toba Spitzer’s God is Here. RSVP by March 1.
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Wednesdays, March 20 to April 17 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Dalet
Facilitated by Rabbi Benjamin. In this class, we’ll be exploring various ways in which the Divine is represented and imagined in Jewish tradition. Beyond simply the intellectual, our lens will be more one of spiritual reflection and practice. In other words: As we encounter and interact with the metaphors that the tradition offers for experiencing and connecting with God/Spirit/Life, what do we notice within our hearts and minds? How do particular images shape our consciousness and perception? As a guide for this exploration we will read Rabbi Toba Spitzer’s book, God is Here, which should be purchased for the class (contact Rabbi Benjamin for a free copy, if needed). RSVP by Friday, March 1.

Racial Justice Monthly Meeting
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Thursday, March 21 (but normally on second Thursdays) – Zoom Room Bet
Join the monthly meeting of the Racial Justice Committee to learn what we are up to and how you can be involved. Join us even if you haven't joined in the past. New members always welcome! If you have questions about what the Racial Justice Committee does, feel free to reach out to Julia Lager-Mesulam, Bob Brown, Kathy Gordon or Jennifer Bruml.

Safety Corner

BeAware: Introduction to Situational Awareness
7 pm, Monday, March 4 – Zoom by RSVP
Build observation skills and learn to recognize and react to various situations in your everyday life – from going to synagogue and dropping off children at school, to going to the gas station or an ATM. The course will cover the basics of situational awareness and how to help protect yourself, your family, and your community. Taught by Jessica Anderson, Secure Community Network Regional Security Director.

More Tikkun Olam 

Interfaith Alliance on Poverty First Thursday Meeting
12 pm, Thursday, March 7 – RSVP for Zoom info
The guest speaker for March is Dr. Jessica Gregg, Chief Medical Officer of Fora Health. Fora Health is one of Oregon's largest treatment centers for individuals with drug and alcohol addiction. Dr. Gregg will speak on the specifics of the local problems of substance abuse, the intersection with poverty and homelessness, treatment gaps, and updates on Measure 110. Questions? Contact Havurahnik Sue Abrams.

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

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.