Hineinu, April 3, 2024

Kabbalat Shabbbat is Friday, April 12
Dinner Registation Just Opened
6 pm Oneg; 6:30 pm Service; 7:30 registration-only Dinner, Friday, April 12  – Havurah Shalom (Service both in person at Havurah and online 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; just join in! All are welcome!

Only the 7:30 pm dinner requires registration, and you can register for dinner here. Dinner often fills up, so please register for the dinner asap if you'd like to join.

Havurahniks, can you help out at our April Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration? Click here to explore available volunteer shifts, which start at just 15 minutes. Many helping hands are needed to make Kabbalat Shabbat a success each month.

Also: Prayer Flags for the Planet with Artist/Scientist Anne Nesse
Havurah will be hosting an art exhibit opening April 12 at Kabbalat Shabbat. The exhibit will consist of prayer flags that illustrate women’s role in preventing climate disaster. There will also be a reception and talk by artist and scientist Anne Nesse on Sunday, April 14 at 3 pm.

Havurahniks, can you share a seat at your seder table? Or, are you a Havurahnik looking to join a seder?
Pesach is coming soon! As you are planning your seder, please let Tara Anderson (tara@havurahshalom.org) know if you are able to host one, two or more guests at your table this year for our 5784 seder matching effort. Also, let Tara know if you are seeking a seat at a seder. Thank you!

Shabbat School Registation is Open
Shabbat School is for Havurah families with children in grades K-6. Shabbat School gives our children a basis for Jewish learning and fosters a strong sense of community amongst families.

Families must enroll their children in Shabbat School by April 26, 2024, to ensure a spot for the 2024-25 (5785) school year.

You can find the enrollment link on our Shabbat School page (under the Learning tab on Havurah’s website).

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. Upcoming b'nei mitzvah (Kai Berkson-Klaus, April 13; Beatrice Weiss Ekstrom, April 27) are listed below and in the website calendar. (There will also be a Tot Shabbat at 10:30 am on Saturday, April 20.)

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.

Help Out a Havurahnik

Would Jewish-focused programming be beneficial for parents as they navigate raising their children, who may currently or at some point identify as LGBTQ+?
Havurahnik Talia Cordova is working on an undergraduate thesis on developing culturally relevant resources for Jewish parents of LGBTQ+ youth. You are invited to help her by completing an anonymous survey for her research.

Upcoming Havurah Events

Nosh and Learn: Countering Active Threat Training
12:30 pm to 2:15 pm, Sunday, April 7 - Havurah Shalom
Come at 12:30 for bagels, stay for an engaging and informative safety training at 1 pm. We will learn best practices for how to counter an active threat at this training developed for faith-based institutions and houses of worship. RSVP

Teen Havurah: Viking Gameroom
3 pm to 5 pm, Sunday, April 7 - PSU Viking Gameroom (1825 SW Broadway, in the basement of Smith Memorial Student Union)
Havurah Teens: Join us at the Viking Gameroom at PSU for an afternoon of fun! Video games - Xbox One, billiards, popcorn & soda, foosbal, pop-a-shot. RSVP
Parent/guardian volunteers are needed. If you can chaperone, add your name in the RSVP/registration notes.

Zoom Check-in Meeting of the Palestine Justice Working Group
7 pm, Sunday, April 7 (first Sundays) – Zoom Room Bet 
We meet on Zoom halfway between our larger monthly hybrid meetings to see where we're at. Please feel free to join us. If you are interested in being added to the listserv, please email David Lewis.

Rosh Ḥodesh Tov! Gender-Inclusive New Moon Ritual
7 pm to 8:15 pm, Monday, April 8 — In Person or Zoom Room Heh (to be announced)
Our gender-inclusive New Moon group celebrates each Rosh Ḥodesh with learning and ancient and contemporary ritual. Everyone is invited to connect with our closest heavenly body, the Moon. Gatherings take place on or near the new moon of each Hebrew month. Attend any or all sessions. RSVP to be updated on location and other details throughout the year. Location details for the April 8 gathering will be announced soon.

Music Jam
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Monday, April 8 (every second Monday) — Havurah Shalom
Havurah Music Jams Rock On! Come sing and play in community! 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! Please RSVP for the April Music Jam— RSVPing for each Music Jam helps us know how many chairs we need to set up!

Steering Meeting
6:30 pm to 9 pm, Tuesday, April 9 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Gimel
All Havurah members are invited to join for Steering Meetings.

Experience the Omer: Making it Count!
7 pm to 7:30 pm (intro class is 7 pm to 8 pm), Tuesdays, April 9 to June 4 – Zoom Room Dalet
Join the Omer journey from Liberation to Revelation! Come learn about the ancient practice of counting the Omer and find your own best practice for making the transition out of the Narrow Place of Mitzrayim to the Expansive Reception at Sinai. We will learn about the mystical practice of counting each of the lower seven Sephirot — divine emanations — of the Tree of Life, each of the seven days, of each of the seven weeks, bringing us a closer, clearer understanding of this journey. Apr. 9 (Intro), April 23 (Chesed), April 30 (Gevurah); May 7 (Tiferet), May 14 (Netzach), May 21 (Hod), May 28 (Yesod); June 4 (Malchut). Led by Andrine de la Rocha. RSVP

Havurah 101
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Wednesday, April 10 – Zoom Room Gimel
Join members of the Havurah Leadership Development Committee on Zoom to learn more about our unique community and the ways we all support each other in our participatory culture. All members are welcome to join us! RSVP

Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration
6 pm Oneg; 6:30 pm Service; 7:30 registration-only Dinner, Friday, April 12 – Havurah Shalom (Service both in person at Havurah and online 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; just join in! All are welcome! Only the 7:30 pm dinner requires registration, and you can register for dinner here. Dinner often fills up, so please register for the dinner asap if you'd like to join. (Havurahniks, can you help out at our April Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration? Click here to explore available volunteer shifts, which start at just 15 minutes. Many helping hands are needed to make Kabbalat Shabbat a success each month.)

Also at Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday, April 12: Prayer Flags for the Planet with Artist/Scientist Anne Nesse
Havurah will be hosting an art exhibit opening April 12 at Kabbalat Shabbat. The exhibit will consist of prayer flags that illustrate women’s role in preventing climate disaster. There will also be a reception and talk by artist and scientist Anne Nesse on Sunday, April 14 at 3 pm.

Shabbat Morning with Bar Mitzvah of Kai Berkson-Klaus
10 am to 12 pm, Saturday, April 13 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph 
Please join us for Shabbat morning services, including welcoming Kai Berkson-Klaus as a Bar Mitzvah and member of our community.

Spring Gardening Day
10 am to 2 pm, Sunday, April 14 – Havurah Shalom
Come early, come in the middle, or come at the end; there is plenty to do. Or better yet, come for the whole thing! Bring gloves, pruners, and any other tools you can, plus water and a snack to share. RSVP

Tot Shabbat
10:30 am to 11:30 am, Saturday, April 20 – Havurah Shalom
Young children (0-5) and parents celebrate with singing, movement, blessings, and storytelling. All are welcome. RSVP

Meeting of Palestine Justice working group
7 pm to 8:30 pm, Sunday, April 21 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Bet
Join for the regular monthly meeting of the Palestine Justice working group. The agenda will be distributed in advance on the listserv. If you are interested in being added to the listserv, please email David Lewis.

Prayer Flags for the Planet Reception with Artist/Scientist Anne Nesse
3 to 5 pm, Sunday, April 14 – Havurah Shalom
Join Havurah Climate Action Team to welcome and talk with artist Anne Nesse. Her Prayer Flags for the Planet art exhibit was inspired by Paul Hawkin's Project Drawdown, the top 100 Climate Solutions that together can help reverse our climate crisis. The reception event is excellent for ages middle school and above, it includes a hands-on Climate Flag making table. (The exhibit will be up through May 10.) RSVP for the reception.

Tuesday, April 23 and Wednesday, April 24
The office will be closed for the start of Passover.

Shabbat School Enrollment Deadline is Friday, April 26
Shabbat School is for Havurah families with children in grades K-6. Shabbat School gives our children a basis for Jewish learning and fosters a strong sense of community amongst families. Families must enroll their children in Shabbat School by April 26, 2024, to ensure a spot for the 2024-25 (5785) school year. You can find the enrollment link on our Shabbat School page (under the Learning tab on Havurah’s website).

Shabbat Morning with Bat Mitzvah of Beatrice Weiss Ekstrom
10 am to 12 pm, Saturday, April 27 – Havurah Shalom and Zoom Room Aleph 
Please join us for Shabbat morning services, including welcoming Beatrice Weiss Ekstrom as a Bat Mitzvah and member of our community.

Meet Up with the Alter Rockers!

Alter Rockers at OJMCHE: ORA Jewish Artists Art Show and Sale, and The Burned Piano Exhibit Opening
11:30 am, Sunday, April 7 — Oregon Jewish Museum and Holocaust Resource Center
Meet in the new café at OJMCHE for brunch/coffee/etc., then go together around the exhibits. RSVP by April 5 to Ted Scheinman.
 
(FREE) Habitat for Humanity HopeBuilder Lunch
11:30 am, Wednesday, April 24 — Oregon Convention Center
Learn about the new Habitat for Humanity projects in Portland – probably near you! Keynote speaker Majora Carter is an urban revitalization strategist, author, and Peabody Award-winning broadcaster. Our table will have Passover-friendly foods! RSVP to Ted Scheinman.

Safety Corner

Nosh and Learn at Havurah! Countering Active Threat Training
12:30 pm, Sunday, April 7 — Havurah Shalom
Come at 12:30 for bagels, stay for an engaging and informative safety training at 1 pm. We will learn best practices for how to counter an active threat at this training developed for faith-based institutions and houses of worship. Provided by Jessica Anderson of the Secure Community Network. RSVP
 
Guardian Active Bystander Training
7 pm, Monday, April 8 — Zoom by RSVP
Secure Community Network's Jessica Anderson will teach us skillsets to help identify and respond to hazards, enabling you to become an Active Bystander--someone who helps and protects others with confidence and knowledge. RSVP

More Tikkun Olam 

Sanctuary Committee
Seeking Volunteers to Assist with the Asylum Crisis: How to Support Recently-arrived Asylum Seekers
Seeking temporary housing (3 months) for asylum seekers arriving in Portland. Do you have space you can offer to temporarily house asylum seekers? This Sunday alone, more than 20 families will be losing their access to hotel sheltering. If interested in hosting, a Host Orientation and Support Group, sponsored by IMIrJ, will be held at Havurah on Sunday, April 14, from 2 to 3 pm.

We are building a list of volunteers who can provide interpretation and transportation to support families who step up to host. You can volunteer once or many times. These efforts are connected to the work of IMIrJ and the Asylum Solidarity Collective. For background information on what IMIRJ is doing, please see page 10 of the March Hakol. This work is another way our community can live out our commitment to being a Sanctuary Congregation! Please contact Kathy Gordon with questions, or to volunteer.

Poverty and Homelessness Committee
Interfaith Alliance on Poverty First Thursday Meeting
12 pm to 1:30 pm, Thursday April 4 — Offsite Zoom
Brandy Westerman, recently appointed to the position of Emergency Humanitarian Director, will speak. She will oversee the City of Portland's alternative shelter efforts. RSVP to receive Zoom link

Havurah Shalom 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 | Oregon Food Bank

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, 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 Room links can be found near the end of this email.

Out in the Community

The Burned Piano Project: Creating Music Amidst the Noise of Hate
April 7 to June 30 — Oregon Jewish Museum and Holocaust Resource Center
Note: Exhibit opening will take place on Sunday, April 7 from 1:30 to 3 pm; free for all members and friends. Over several weeks in spring 2022, as lilacs bloomed in Portland, a mosque, a Black-owned restaurant and two synagogues were vandalized. Around that time a family’s home, which also was a Jewish organization’s mailing address, was destroyed by arson in the middle of the night. In their home stood a cherished grand piano, passed down through three generations. The family could not bear to see the piano tossed into a dumpster along with most of their belongings. Instead, bolstered by community, they resolved to face destruction, waste, and hate with creativity, art, and love. This exhibition celebrates how community can promote healing, build empathy, and grow understanding. More info

I Was a Desert: Alicia Jo Rabins & The Camas High School Choir
7:30 pm (doors open 6:30 pm), Thursday, April 11 — Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark Street, Portland
Havurahnik and Portland-based composer/musician Alicia Jo Rabins joins sonic forces with 130 singers from the award-winning Camas High School Choir (led by Havurahnik and Choir Director Ethan Chessin), a trio of top-tier rock musicians, and the vaunted Third Angle New Music string trio in this dynamic world premiere. Tickets (save $5 with code FRIENDS)

A Concert of Songs from Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses, a New Rock Musical
4 pm, Sunday, April 14 and Sunday, April 21 -  Eastside Jewish Commons (2420 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, Oregon)
Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses is a rousing rock musical revitalizes the iconic story of the prophet Moses and illuminates the experiences of those around him—from his mother’s heart-wrenching sacrifice to an aspiring Pharaoh’s arrogant ambitions. This world-premiere concert performance is a part of the Fertile Ground Festival of New Works and features a selection of songs that will take you on a journey of love, loss, and liberation. Tickets are available here. More information about the musical can be found here.

Willa Schneberg Reads at the J. Pepin Gallery
2 pm to 3:30 pm, Sunday, April 14 — J. Pepin Art Gallery, 532 12th Avenue, Portland
Havurahnik Willa Schneberg will be reading from her latest collection, "The Naked Room," at J. Pepin Art Gallery, a Pearl gallery that is “reframing the perception of mental illness to be one of mental health.” Seating is limited; email inquiry@jpepinartgallery.com to RSVP.

 

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

Havurah Zoom Rooms

To see our full Zoom room instructions, click here. Member sign-in required.